sidebar | life and training 1.13 – 1.19

My best friend gets married this week!

I’ve been to one wedding in my lifetime – actually, perhaps two, but I was really young for the first one and remember absolutely nothing aside from a vague image of eating cake. The recent event I attended wasn’t anyone I’m friends with, and while it was nice and all, I felt quite out of place and practically Irish Goodbye’d everyone by 10pm. Heh.

This time around, not only am I attending the ceremony, but I’m actually part of the groomsfolk squad. Yesterday he gave me a ring and we hashed out some little details, and as the weekend approaches I’m becoming quite aware of how BUSY it’s going to be! Between rehearsal, readying, photographs, the wedding itself, more photographs, and baking their slicing cake (not for the whole gathering, just for them to cut into for pics), it’s going to be an eventful couple days.

I can’t wait. We’ve been friends for about 12 years, one of those rare bonds that might vary in its immediacy but remains knotted firmly into my soul. I’m beyond thrilled to see him happy and with someone so wondrously funny, intelligent, and loving. Dude deserves it. They both do.

Hence, a lot of this week will be woven around packing up and getting prepped for the weekend, and trying to fit life in between that and work. Challenge accepted.

Last week was pretty tame but at the same time busy. Our weather hasn’t been the nicest – cold, dreary, and at some points rainy and near always overcast – which isn’t very inspiring as far as getting shit done goes. I’m also in a bit of a money spending lockdown since I have my car payment coming up, and the wedding expenses, so I’m trying not to be a dumbass about my finances.

I am proud of myself, however, for being a bit thrifty yet effective with my everyday cooking. Peep this “beef” and rice soup I mixed up Wednesday night. So cozy, warming, and flavorful, and quite inexpensive to boot.

Friday, Little Miss Ba convinced me that a coffee and cookie did me well during the previous week’s long run, so I might as well enjoy one before this weekend’s foray. We visited Shortwave for a bit, enjoying the late afternoon and a bit of sun that managed to peek out from behind the haze. I don’t usually love Shortwave’s baked goods but their massive chocolate chip cookies are divine, especially warmed up with that sprinkle of flaky salt atop. Dead.

Saturday I met up with a coworker and her man at Willa’s, intending to sit at their coffee shop but having to pivot to the restaurant since the former was closed for a baby shower or some shit. They were serving brunch at the time so it worked out quite well: I got an oat flat white and two of us shared a crueller basket – the vanilla was my favorite – while the third got the focaccia, which was served with the best rosemary butter. Holy shit it was good. We sat long enough for the menu to spill into happy hour so I tried a tequila-based espresso martini. Decent, but I’ve definitely had better ‘spro martinis and the tequila was a tad too strong.

What’s funny is my coworker and I see each other almost every day, but since I was training someone all week we hadn’t gotten to talk. Staring at one another from across the room isn’t exactly the same, so it was nice to catch up and nerd out.

Sunday the weather was shite and very demotivating, but I managed to get myself out to bum at my friend’s house for a bit. Hadn’t seen him since Christmas so we caught up for a bit before he basically left me to watch Arcane while his neurotic ass cleaned the house. Still a pleasant, casual afternoon.

I also gave Roly Poly her first bath! I need to buy wax to keep that exterior nice and shiny (any recs? I’m leaning towards just buying some Turtle Wax), but I’m trying to get myself into the habit of monthly spa dates and since she’s so small it took me about 15 minutes to wipe her down. Plus, she’s not all that filthy anyway.

I don’t know how I’m going to get everything done with this week, but I guess today, Monday, is a good time to make my best attempt since I’m off work. I need to buzz my undercut one of these days before I ride down to the wedding; thankfully, that shit only takes the barber like 5 minutes.

Exciting crap! Despite the black tone of this week in general, I’m trying to focus on the aspects I am able to control and the folks closest to me to whom I can offer love and support. Take care of yourselves today, and every day, fellas.

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…Beautiful and unique cookies for Valentine’s Day.

…A ridiculously cheesy Super Bowl appetizer.

A Few Things I’m Digging

“Everything Shower”…This coming from someone who kinda hates on showering (yes, I do it daily, don’t get your knickers in a twist). The full shower/everything shower is a prolonged routine that involves pre-shower care, in-shower pampering, and post-shower unwinding. I’ll write a bit more about it at another time but it felt quite nice to actually put some attention into my whole body rather than just hopping in and out with a quick rinse and wash wedged in there.

Mug…This little heart mug is an ample size (15 oz) and surprisingly feels great to hold. Not to mention super cute and durable.

Reese’s…I picked up the red velvet Reese’s minis the other week and despite the mixed reviews, I really like them. The cake flavor is subtle but definitely there.

Heart sweater…This Grayson Threads cherry heart sweater is SO cozy! I’m afraid to wash it because I don’t want the soft to come out, but I wore this three days in a row because it’s soft, warm, and comforting.

Shops & Wish List

Fashion

Target…I guess I’m into cutesy styles because this gingham heart sweater really appeals to me, and I’m going back and forth with this pink hearts cardigan. Might pick up these pink sweats to pair with my aforementioned cherry sweater.

Kitchen & Dining

Crate & Barrel…I am obsessed with the new Cielo collection. Their scalloped salad plates (wish they had white) and pedestal cake stand are gorgeous options for late winter/spring cakes.

Pottery Barn…So many cute Valentine’s/Galentine’s options for the table. My must-haves: this scalloped serving platter and appetizer plates, confetti flute glasses, marble heart cheeseboard,

Week in Training

Monday, 1.13: 7 miles, 9:41 pace + 19 minute legs

First day of the cutback week: lower volume but keep intensity. Shortened my tempo run to 3 miles and this was the first session during which I felt like I hit the correct effort! 8:24 average with splits at 8:32, 8:26, and 8:14.

Strength:

• 2 x 10 deadlift 110#
• 2 x 12 hip thrust 55#
• 2 x 12 sumo squat 70#
• 3 x 6 ea. split squat 40#
• 2 x 10 ea. single leg press 90#
• Core work

Tuesday, 1.14: 4.65 miles, 10:41 pace + 15 minute back & bis

Chill miles except my GPS took me water-walking over the bay during mile 2 so it clocked that mile at an inaccurate time.

Strength:

• 2 x 10 row 35#
• 2 x 8 biceps curl 20#
• 2 x 9 lat pulldown 60#
• 3 x 6 hammer curl 20#
• 3 x 6 press up 40#
• Core work

Wednesday, 1.15: 4.5 miles, 10:37 pace + 18 minute legs

A brisk and chilly morning – the wind was not ideal. Ran 5 strides during the last mile clocking a 4:51 pace as my top speed.

Strength:

• 2 x 10 squat 100#
• 3 x 12 reverse lunge 60#
• 3 x 6 ea. pistol squat 15#
• 3 x 12 walking lunge 20#
• Leg burnout

Thursday, 1.16: 5 miles, 11:01 pace + 2 miles, 10:15 pace

Not mad that I skipped the little speed session I planned because I kinda felt like hooey during the first run. Second run was uneventful and nice, very gloomy and chilly though!

Friday, 1.17: 3.5 miles, 10:52 pace + 16 minute chest & tris.

I’ve been having some weird chest tightness when I run – sort of like what happens during allergy season – though my heart rate is fine. Weird. Uneventful easy miles this morning.

Strength:

• 2 x 8 shoulder press 20#
• 2 x 11 bench press 25#
• 3 x 6 skullcrusher 20#
• 2 x 8 lateral raise 20#
• 2 x 10 triceps pushdown
• Core work

Saturday, 1.18: 10.05 miles, 10:39 pace

Pretty solid long run though I kinda overdressed for the conditions: our constant 40s/50s in the morning left me clueless on what I needed for the 60s! I was mostly comfy in a light long sleeve and headband, albeit slightly warm by the end.

Sunday, 1.19: 4 mile walk (1:01:37)

Total running mileage: 37.6