sidebar | life and training 1.9 – 1.15
January is weird because it simultaneously buzzes by and stands still.
I think I’ve noticed that trend the past few years. January is the longest month of the year, yet probably isn’t paced any differently than the remaining 11. Maybe because the prior two months swept by in a flurry of festivities, food, and family, while January remains busy but the overall pace slows up since there aren’t really any holidays to speak of. Unless you count our local trash parade (Gasparilla).
This week was presentably alright. I feel like I’ve made a lot of photography progress lately – I’m learning how to effortlessly compose my shots and work with what lighting is granted to me on a given day. We’ve had some gorgeous sunshiney afternoons lately, which probably helps. Ask me again how even-keeled I am about my photos come summer , when the air is hazy and oft unpredictable.
I’ve been talking a lot about my Breville Bambino espresso machine over on Instagram, because I am in love with that little guy. Afternoon coffee hits different when it’s creamy espresso and frothy steamed soy milk. As I’ve said, he’s a very beginner mechanism, but perfectly suitable for the everyday at-home barista.
What else happened this week? Oh! I launched a giveaway on IG to celebrate 5K followers for my favorite Lodge 6 QT Dutch oven and announced the winner Sunday! I had so much fun reading all y’alls responses to my “what’s your favorite soup” inquiry. Many classics, from chicken noodle to tomato bisque, but also some interesting ones like matzoh ball, unstuffed pepper, cabbage soup, Tom Yum, and so many more. Thank you all sincerely for entering and for slow running with me on all outlets of FMG. I’m honored to have you here.
Today I’m perusing Target on my usual Monday run, and possibly fighting foot traffic since ESPN’s First Take is filming at the Convention Center. Kinda neat that some sports personalities are occupying a space only a few blocks from me. If Mondays weren’t so hectic for me I’d probably try to go spectate, though getting in is a different story. People were lined up before 5 am, huddled in blankets and carrying mugs of coffee. Wild.
Have you ever camped out for a popular event? I honestly don’t think I have. Closest I’ve come to is going Black Friday shopping with a high school friend several years ago, and a couple movie midnight premiers.
Take care, kids. I’ll see you tomorrow to kick off a week of yum! Probably including lots of soup…
The Fuck We Eating This Week?
An easy sheetpan salmon dinner…
A cozy pot of vegan pasta…
Rich but healthier brownies…
Bright and colorful shrimp bowls…
Crispy tacos for your next tailgate…
A Few Things I’m Digging
Hot chocolate…Just loving every hot cocoa. I buy this sea salt caramel hot chocolate mix and pour a spoonful into my oatmeal bowl, and this week’s Hot Chocolate Oatmeal Latte is a wonderful cold weather breakfast.
Hummus…Making a lot of bowl-type dishes for lunch with cauliflower rice, whatever veggies I have on hand, and either egg whites or canned salmon/tuna. Always throw some hummus atop and I especially love roasted garlic flavor right now. I’ve been buying this one or Trader Joes’ iteration.
Espresso…I’ve been grabbing Starbucks’ Blonde Espresso to use in Lil Bambino. It’s actually a pretty good bean considering that I dislike most of Starbucks’ standard roasts.
Shops and Wish List
Skincare & Wellness
Dr. Teal’s…Love their epsom salts and lavender bath bombs so I picked up the lavender foaming bubble bath to try out whenever I feel like another soak.
Pacifica…Giving their Glow Baby Vitamin C Booster Serum a go. The only other skincare product I’ve tried by them was the eye cream, which I was not impressed with, but the reviews on this were encouraging and I have yet to find a C serum I absolutely adore. A little intrigued by their rosemary & mint scalp serum as well.
Versed…I’m not great about exfoliating, so I might pick up the microcrystal exfoliator as a 1-2x per week treatment.
Home
Target…I kind of hate Valentine’s Day but some of the cutest accessories popped up and I couldn’t resist. Picked up the red velvet cupcake candle and this heart throw pillow, as well as this reversible throw that’s SO soft and cozy.
Week in Training
Monday, 1.9: 8.03 miles, 11:13 pace + 25 minute full body
Running off 5 hours of sleep after a late evening out at a Hamilton show. Worth it. Run felt really crisp and refreshing, strength went well, but I definitely crashed later in the day when I had time to slow down!
Strength:
- 3 x 12 front squat 50#
- 3 x 12 press up 30#
- 3 x 12 ea. calf raise 50#
- 3 x 15 skullcrusher 30#
- 3 x 12 ea. bird dog 12#
Tuesday, 1.10: 7.29 miles, 10:59 pace
Super lovely run this morning, just got into a flow and enjoyed the ride!
Wednesday, 1.11: 7.48 miles, 11:22 pace + 35 minute full body
Chillier this morning and it showed, felt a little clunky throughout. I was glad there wasn’t a breeze with which to contend, though it made me a bit too toasty since I overdressed a bit.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 ea. balanced around the world curl 15#
- 3 x 15 slow stiff leg deadlift 50#
- 3 x 12 sumo squat 50#
- 3 x 15 ea. balanced OH triceps ext 15#
- 3 x 12 ea. balanced underhand row 25#
- Core work
Thursday, 1.12: 4.03 mile walk (1:04:00)
Friday, 1.13: 6.59 miles, 10:39 pace + 20 minute full body
Hustled my ass out the door this morning to beat the squall line looming from the west. Thankfully I just witnessed some cool flashes and a light drizzle, but in my rush I accidentally wore two different pairs of shoes. Luckily the same model, but one was MUCH older than the other. Oops.
Strength:
- 3 x 12 ea. underhand front raise 15#
- 2 x 10 ea. side lunge 50#
- 3 x 16 deadbug 30#
- 3 x 12 boat extension 30#
- 3 x 15 plie squat 50#
Saturday, 1.14: 8.34 miles, 11:24 pace + 30 minute full body
Very cold, windy, and randomly rainy morning at parts. My legs were not having it, but my heart rate was low so at least my ticker wasn’t pissed about the trot.
Strength:
- 3 x 12 narrow squat 50#
- 3 x 15 sumo deadlift 50#
- 3 x 12 ea. balanced wide curl 15#
- 3 x 12 close grip row 50#
- 3 x 12 ea. balanced arnold 15#
- Core work
Sunday, 1.15: 4.03 mile walk (1:03:00)
Total running mileage: 37.7
