sidebar | life and training 1.30 – 2.5

Now I can say it: Happy Super Bowl Week!

Got a little ahead of myself last week, but now I think I’m caught up. These first few days of February (love that alliteration game) have felt a little more in-routine, which is both good and detrimental in some ways. I think in January I maintained a bit of a holiday hangover, which also means my heart housed some leftover festive warmth that brought my mood up significantly. Now that’s worn off, I’m finding, unfortunately, that much of my anxiety is returning.

I chalk it up to me getting too comfy in my daily habits, which creates a bifold weakness: on one hand, wanting to break loose and do different things on a daily basis, but on the other being nervous to do so for whatever reason. That constant teeter totter of trying to find the perfect balance, which maybe doesn’t exist, but can be inched closer to, I think.

At any rate, last week was not my brightest, but I’m hoping since today (Monday) started out on a nice note, I’m heading into a better mindset. I’m actually really excited about my concepts this week. AND, Sunday, I finally washed my tablecloth. A small victory, but the mess was starting to really irk me and stress me out when we eat at the table. Sometimes a nice little clean sweep can really shift the tone of a space.

I’m really hoping to prioritize quality time with folks I love this week. J and I will probably spend the Super Bowl snacking and enjoying the occasion. I’m thinking I’ll make my buffalo snack mix and probably some variety of crispy taco. We tried to go out spontaneously on Saturday night but clearly it’s not a great idea to waltz into a restaurant hoping to find a random seat open. Blah. I’m also trying to meet up with a friend for a neighborhood happy hour. I really need a nice epsom bath, too. My legs feel like rotten fish.

As always, self care is priority. I really need to do more mobility work, my hips are cranky and I ain’t getting any younger. My toenails also need some pampering since I’ve been wearing the same nail polish shade since Christmas. I know you don’t care about any of this, but hey, these Sidebars are my chance to just babble at you. Maybe one or two of y’all can relate to some of my bullshit.

What are you prioritizing this week? Were do you want to put your energy? Cheers to only doing things to nourish our souls!

Also – this sums up my feels about Valentine’s Day.

The Fuck We Eating This Week?

A saucy, spicy Italian meatball skillet…

The cutest Valentine’s Dessert…

A simple, refreshing cocktail for Super Bowl Sunday…

A big picnic-style sandwich even meat lovers will enjoy…

A decadent dip to enjoy during the Big Game…

A Few Things I’m Digging

Graze platters… Lately for lunch or lazy dinners I’ve enjoyed throwing together a random mishmosh of food. I usually include crackers, tuna or salmon, hummus or avocado, and grapes. Nice, low-key, yet nutritious meal.

Cocktail glasses…These tasting glasses are some of my favorite right now. They’re the perfect size for my own preference, since I don’t like huge drinks when I enjoy an adult beverage. Used them most recently in my Spicy Strawberry Paloma!

Coffee…New zing of choice is Trader Joes’ Coffee á Cocoa. It tastes like unsweetened hot chocolate, so it’s really lovely with my favorite protein oats or my midmorning cookie.

Shops and Wish List

Fashion

Target…Eyeing this cropped button down, probably the pink or white shades. Thinking it’d be really nice for a date night with jeans and heels. These soft taper pants look really cozy for lounging around or anything at home. Adore all the colorways of these ribbed leggings, especially the olive and light pink, and really like the length and cut of these midi shorts, perhaps to upgrade my current black pair that’s a bit wonky around my thighs.

Kitchen & Dining

Crate & Barrel…Love their new Craft speckled collection. Especially eyeing the salad plates and coupe dinner plates. These fluted acrylic glasses would be really nice for spring cocktails (Easter maybe?) and the jade double old fashioned glasses are gorgeous as well.

Target…This flatware set with a case is cute for on-the-go lunches. Beats using plastic all the time! I own a similar water bottle but this bamboo lid bottle with straw would be nice for keeping at home (the other one I use on-the-go)

Week in Training

Monday, 1.30: 7.32 miles, 10:56 pace + 20 minute full body

I don’t remember what I did for my strength workout, but the run was okay.

Tuesday, 1.31: 7.82 miles, 10:52 pace

Bit warm and sweaty out, but not intolerable.

Wednesday, 2.1: 7.28 miles, 10:59 pace + 30 minute full body

Finally got some 20# dumbbells so I can begin to advance in my upper body sessions. I’ve actually gained a lot more strength than I thought with my high-rep exercises!

Strength:

• 3 x 10 side raise 20#
• 3 x 10 oh triceps ext 40#
• 3 x 10 pullover 40#
• 3 x 10 ea. static lunge 40#
• 3 x 10 ea. shoulder press 20#
• 3 x 20 banded knee-outs 40#
• Core work

Thursday, 2.2: 4.11 mile walk (1:04:00)

Friday 2.3: 6.52 miles, 10:44 pace + 21 minute full body

Well, the pace and mileage were off by around .1 miles or so thanks to a big ole fuckup during mile 2. My GPS thinks I pulled a Jesus and ran across water. Flattering, but not exactly accurate.

Strength:

• 3 x 12 ea. pull apart 20#
• 3 x 12 ea. calf raise 50#
• 3 x 8 ea. OH triceps extension 20#
• 3 x 10 bent arm reverse fly SS row 20#

Saturday, 2.4: 9.37 miles, 11:14 pace + 31 minute full body

Restarted my watch instead of saving it, so an extra minute was added to destroy my preciously clean 1 hour 45 minute exactly run. Oh well. My legs were stiff and didn’t really like the cold, but I wanted to get a 15K in just to prove to myself that I could. Clunky, not exactly comfy, but I did it.

Strength:

• 3 x 8 pressup 40#
• 3 x 12 ea. balance cross hammer curl 15#
• 3 x 12 OH squat 30#
• 4 x 10 double pulse sumo squat 50#
• 3 x 12 ea. single arm chest press 25#
• Core work

Sunday, 2.5: 4.09 mile walk (1:04:00)

Total running mileage: 38.3