sidebar | life and training 1.2 – 1.8

Congrats! One full week of 2023 traversed! Give yourself a slap on the ass.

I’m not oft privy to the hullabaloo of a new year, but this time around it feels truly like a reset for me. 2022 did not end well from a mental standpoint, and I determined early on that I’d work hard to break old mindsets/habits and create new ones as I saw fit. This first week showed a lot of progress, though I know we’ve a long way to go this year and in life beyond. I’m encouraged by my determination and can feel that I’m willing and able to crawl out from the hole into which I burrowed.

One goal of mine is to get out more and enjoy more experiences, even if they’re small or simple. I visited mom on Friday for coffee and croissants. It was a gentle afternoon, quiet around town (until I got on 275 to go home, blurgh), a bluebird day – the kind of weather during which I can’t be in a bad mood because it’s just so pretty and the light hits everything so potently that nothing escapes a golden sheen. We chatted ’round the table and my heart felt warm when I left. She forgot to take one Christmas garland down, so I determined that no, Christmas is not over yet!

Sunday J and I had a lovely date night, starting with dinner at Wine Exchange (the petit sirah was excellent) before heading to see Hamilton. We watched the Disney+ version a couple times during the pandemic’s longest days and loved it – after I prior had a prejudice against the whole thing due to the obsession a few coworkers I disliked boasted – and the company performing at the theater was incredible. The sound engineers could’ve lowered the volume on some of the musical scores at points since the performers were hard to hear, but otherwise the show was smooth and the story beautifully adapted. I really recommend anyone see this, if not for the historical significance many of us probably don’t realize regarding Alexander Hamilton, but for the artistry itself.

So, Monday, today, I’m pooped and ready for a nap, and it’s only 8 am. Aside from my usual Monday work I plan to take it easy and give myself some permission to rest. Maybe I’ll do a face mask and take out the trash with it on to really spook my neighbors. Sounds like a fun pasttime for a new week, eh?

The Fuck We Eating This Week?

A warm and cozy vegetarian ramen…

An easy Greek chickpea soup…

Some easy and healthier baked doughnuts…

A comforting breakfast…

A non-alcoholic hot drink to enjoy on cold days…

A Few Things I’m Digging

Roasted veggies…I’ve been buying a lot of frozen roasted veg lately and am enjoying using them, or whatever array I already have in my fridge, for big dinner salads. I usually add canned tuna or salmon, or boiled eggs for my protein.

Espresso machine…J spoiled me with a Breville Bambino for Christmas, and this little guy is so fun! I’ve only tested it a couple times and its functions aren’t complex, but it makes a damn good crema.

Bullet Journal Starter Kit

Many of ya’ll don’t know this, but I have avidly bullet journaled for about 7 years now! What is bullet journaling? To me, it’s a meditative and creative method of using a planner: you create your own layouts with whatever topics you need daily, monthly, and yearly. Bullet journals are typically very organized and can range from minimalistic to extremely colorful and elaborate. I find the practice very effective for managing anxiety, since I have full control over what goes on which page, and where.

As I said, you can get as crazy about your journal as you wish, but below I’ve provided some of the basics I use to have fun within my own notebook.

Shops & Wish List

Fashion

Target…Activewear deal this week so I picked up this cropped tank and this racerback tank for tops and these woven cargo pants more for casual wear than for working out. Really like these ribbed tanks, too, though they’re sold out in several sizes.

Skincare & Wellness

Peach & Lily…I’m not really sure what’s going to be on deal when Target runs their 50% off campaign with the brand, but I browsed the site and am curious about a few of their products. The Glass Skin Refining Serum is apparently one of their best sellers and can also be bought as part of a trial collection too.

IT Cosmetics…Swiped the Confidence in an Eye Cream when it was 50% off at Target and so far I love it. Rich and thick but light and actually feels like it’s hydrating that delicate area. The description claims to be great for aging skin and to reduce dark circles, but I’m mostly using it as a preventative measure.

Joon X Moon…Thinking their bath salts and bubble bath would be great for my self-care kit. Lavender is usually pretty safe a scent and always seems to sooth me.

Week in Training

Monday, 1.2: 7.15 miles, 11:12 pace + 24 minute back and biceps

Nice morning and very foggy. I love watching the misty walls drift in; I find it rather calming.

Strength:

• 3 x 14 ea. balanced rotating curl 15#
• 4 x 12 wide row 25#
• 3 x 10 zottman curl 15#
• 3 x 12 reverse fly 25#
• Core work

Tuesday, 1.3: 5.92 miles, 10:59 pace + 22 minute chest & tris

Another nice little run, with a (barely) sub-11 average, woohoo!

Strength:

• 3 x 15 ea. balanced triceps ext 15#
• 3 x 12 ea. underhand front raise 15#
• 3 x 10 ea. skullcrusher 15#
• 3 x 12 svend press 25#

Wednesday, 1.4: 8.51 miles, 11:10 pace + 30 minute legs & shoulders

Little warmer today but tolerable. Felt more tired but got into a groove after a few miles.

Strength:

• 3 x 15 plie squat 50#
• 3 x 12 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
• 3 x 12 ea. seated shoulder press 15#
• 3 x 10 ea. single leg squat 50#
• 3 x 15 ea. balanced side raise 15#
• Core work

Thursday, 1.5: 4.05 mile walk (1:04:00)

Friday, 1.6: 8.01 miles, 11:22 pace

Wasn’t too excited to run and it showed in my pacing. Nice morning, though I overdressed.

Saturday, 1.7: 9.01 miles, 11:35 pace + 35 minute full body

Very toasty on my run and my legs wouldn’t cooperate much, but oh well. Little breezy and much cooler today around 48-49 degrees, so quite pleasant from a weather standpoint.

Strength:

• 3 x 12 ea. balanced military press 15#
• 3 x 12 ea. kickstand deadlift 50#
• 3 x 15 narrow press 60#
• 3 x 20 deadbug 25#
• 3 x 10 ea. balanced front raise 15#
• 3 x 15 sumo squat 50#

Total running mileage: 38.6