sidebar | life and training 11.13 – 11.19 + 11.20 – 11.26
Two weeks condensed into one post lets gooooo.
I’m letting myself be a full-fledged human being, which meant putting FMG a little on the backburner as Thanksgiving rolled in and, very abruptly, rolled out. I needed to practice care, I needed to allow myself space to deviate from my normal routine and form different habits that suited my mental state a little better. And I’ll tell you what, it’s been refreshing.
I don’t really remember much notable about the week prior to Thanksgiving. I think I was caught in a pretty rough space. I slept a lot, didn’t eat much (except a shit ton of fries. So many fries), worked an assload, and tried to hype myself up for Thanksgiving even though some of the holly jolly was lost upon me. I held tight to folks who cared about me. I think I ran one day and called my mom all the while, choking back tears while trying not to literally choke because I was running. Crying and running is not a great combo, but the movement itself was extremely cathartic.
I also started embracing midday runs. Our weather’s been much more tolerable, so trotting in the afternoon is not as impractical as during the summer months. I’ve used a lot of my runs to stop at the grocery store for snacks and dinner – I’ve been cooking very piecemeal and by craving, so large shops at once haven’t been practical – and it’s been lovely getting a meal going while I clean up post-run and take time to relax.
What do I do in the mornings instead of run? I wake up still at 4, prep my coffee pot, walk a couple very brisk miles, then I go back to sleep for an hour or so depending on how much time I have. I still like to get some movement in just in case the day catches up to me and I don’t feel like exercising much (hasn’t happened yet, but you never know). Then, I enjoy my coffee and a stroopwafel before I go to work.
Alright, let’s chat Thanksgiving. I had a lovely day, as I always do with mom. I ran 8 miles in the dead quiet of early morning, packed up a few supplies, then drove over to mom’s while the sun yawned from its overnight slumber. We walked a very relaxed mile and came back to make pumpkin pancakes and eggs, watched the Macy’s parade, and just talked. I started drinking wine by 11 am and we blazed through two bottles of rose. Amazing.
Snack wise, I prepped a small cheeseboard and we laid out various crudites, hummus, homemade guac (my mom’s is seriously the fucken best), and my mom killed me by revealing a batch of kettle corn. Fucken evil. I think I nibbled all throughout the day. That’s the nature of the holiday, though, isn’t it?
When dinnertime rolled around I think we were both already stuffed, but no qualms about it. Just means we treated our tummies well. I baked a tray of pumpkin sage lasagna for our main, she provided a salad, her fucken dopeass stuffing, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie – which I enjoyed later, I didn’t have any room left in my stomach once the main event was done.
Yup, I’m ever grateful for another holiday with my momma. Regardless of what mistakes I make, what hard places I’m squished within, what phase of life I traverse, mom is there with nothing but love and forgiveness in her heart. I am honored by every moment I get to spend with her, every new year we see together, every trial and tribulation she has to hear about from my stupid existence but bears it with grace and kindness.
Thanks for being here, mom.
Now, we’re rolling into Christmas season, and I’m glad the weather has sort of gotten the memo. We’ve had some chilly days, including a few 40s creeping in this week!
On Sunday I semi-spontaneously drove out to St. Petersburg to hang out at Intermezzo with a friend. Definitely not the best weather for wandering around a city, at least for the first couple hours – it intermittently rained, sometimes drizzling and other times downpouring, and parking was a total bitch to find. Regardless, a good time. Intermezzo decorates aggressively for Christmas and rolls out a spectacular cocktail menu; I wish I would’ve taken more photos. They ain’t cheap, but they’re creative, and delish. I had three old fashioneds and was smoked for a couple hours, so we wandered around near Tropicana Field (where the Enchant Christmas festival was happening, actually) and sat outside until I sobered up and could get myself home. Yes, I enjoy my drinks, but I know my limit and know when I can drive and when I can’t and how to be safe all the while.
When I got home I devoured a ton of snacks at once, which isn’t the wisest thing at 11 at night, but here we are. With that in mind, here’s a quote that I think sums up how one could live their life while recognizing its abundant imperfections:
Friends, hurt is inevitable, but how would we learn if we don’t take *reasonable* risks?
I’ll leave you with that. I work every day this week, and hope it’s a good one. Forgive my quiet around this space, but don’t worry – I’m never really too far away, and my door is always open to listen, to help, and to do so sans judgement. Big hugs. If you’re going through it right now, I’m with you all the way.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A hearty quinoa and kale salad.
…Brownies!
…Our first Christmas cookie of the year!
…A buffalo meatball bowl.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Welcome to Night Vale…This podcast is old as balls but I go back to this quote from episode 2 whenever I’m going through a rough time. I’ve needed a quirky escape from life so I’m starting from the top and listening all the way to the present.
Salad…During my little two-day cold I got a random craving for Greek salad, and have been eating it all through the weekend. If you’re feeling a big bowl of crisp, fresh veggies, this chopped Greek salad is perfect to make.
Frozen pizza…Told you it’s been a weird week devoid of a lot of cooking. Love this cauliflower crust vegie pizza and the Montelli roasted vegetable pizza when I need my quick fix. Check below for some of my favorite homemade pizzas a la moi.
Fries…Obsessed with Ore Ida fries lately, especially the extra crispy fast food fries. I dunno, guess I just need the comfort of potatoes right now.
Pizza Night Ideas
Finally out of Thanksgiving leftovers? Pizza is a dope way to keep up some seasonal festivity, entertain guests during gameday, or enjoy a casual night of comfort food.
Roasted BBQ Butternut Squash Harvest Pizza
Sweet and Savory Cheddar, Apple, and Caramelized Onion Pizza
Fig, Brie, and Caramelized Shallot Pizza
Olive Cheese Pizza with Feta Stuffed Crust
Shops and Wish List
Fashion
Anthropologie…Man, if only their clothing was within my budget. Love this mock neck sequin minidress, mock neck sweater dress, and this long sleeve cutout tunic minidress. Wouldn’t mind any of them for my 30th birthday next month.
Beauty & Wellness
K18: My stylist used the leave-in repair mask after she cut and washed my hair and I felt glorious for days after. Might pick some up to use at home.
Kitchen & Dining
Target…All their Christmas mugs are so cute! The gingerbread house, snowman, and Christmas tree are my favorites. This textured table runner is lovely for your holiday setup as well.
Home
Target…Need this shearling Christmas tree pillow for my couch. Like this plaid throw, sweater knit throw, woven tree pillow, ceramic snowman taper candle holder (lovely if you have a mantle)
Week in Training: 11.13 – 11.19
Monday, 11.13: 8.03 miles, 11:13 pace
Nice, breezy morning. My energy wasn’t quite there probably because I’ve been eating like a moron lately, but that’s okay. I tried.
Tuesday, 11.14: 7 miles, 10:30 pace
Rainy afternoon run. Not in the mood to get up and trot in the morning, and honestly I’m glad I waited because drizzly workouts always cleanse my emotions quite effectively.
Wednesday, 11.15: 6.2 miles, 10:26 pace
I seriously cannot slow down on afternoon runs; my heart rate always explodes. Nonetheless, I’ve actually enjoyed some daylight runs, especially since the past couple days have been drizzly.
Thursday, 11.16: 6 miles, 10:15 pace + 10 minute mobility
Another drizzly day – apparently there’s some tropical systems lurking out there. Who knew? Makes midday runs rather pleasant, though, so I’m not complaining.
Friday, 11.17: 5.68 miles, 10:38 pace
Running while chatting with mom. Apparently one of my customers at The Day Job saw me while I was running and recognized me basically by my socks. Humorous.
Saturday, 11.18: 5.77 miles, 10:24 pace
Just a nice after work run before dropping by the store for a few groceries.
Sunday, 11.19: 4.25 miles, 10:35 pace
Really hoping next week I get into a more structured workout routine, but this week has been so wack I needed to just exercise to whatever my heart desired – which was running in the midday sun.
Total running mileage: 42.9
Week in Training: 11.20 – 11.26
Monday, 11.20: 45 minute full body strength
Felt like gyming instead of running, so gym it was. Did get my 10k steps in though via lots of walking, so it wasn’t like I was stagnant otherwise.
Strength:
- 4 x 12 alt. lunge 70#
- 4 x 8 ea. triceps pressdown 15#
- 2 x 8/2 x 10 ea. upright row 30/25#
- 4 x 16 alt. curtsy lunge 60#
- 4 x 12 ea. front raise 15#
- 4 x 12 hammer curl 15#
- 4 x 10 superman 30#
- Core and mobility work
Tuesday, 11.21: 7.01 miles, 10:32 pace
Started my morning with a 2 mile walk before going back to sleep, worked 8 hours, then came home for a long early evening trot in the sunshine. Don’t care that my heart rate is through the roof – I don’t need the technicalities of the runnerly population. I just need the movement right now.
Wednesday, 11.22: 5.68 miles, 10:34 pace
Peaceful midday run in the rain while I waited for a batch of brownies to cool. I had a very strongly dysregulated day so getting outside felt nice.
Thursday, 11.23 (HAPPY THANKSGIVING!): 8 miles, 11:19 pace
My own lil Turkey Trot before heading to mom’s and stuffing my face! Lovely cool morning.
Friday, 11.24: 7.36 miles, 10:11 pace
Chilly, drizzly midday run that felt absolutely freeing and wonderful. Gonna stick to this after-work run schedule for awhile, methinks. I also saw a dolphin playing around in the bay!
Saturday, 11.25 6.04 miles, 9:56 pace
Left work after 20 minutes basically, came home and immediately launched into this unintentionally brisk run. It was a gorgeous morning, bright and sunny and really lifted my mood.
Sunday, 11.26: 6.02 miles, 10:02 pace
Lil bit of rain makes for a happy little me. Felt super cozy after a warm shower and a big plate of fries. Mmmm.
Total running mileage: 40.1
