sidebar | life and training 11.7 – 11.13

En route back to the hell hole of Florida as I write. Wah.

Well, I’m probably still in our hotel near Philly International, but still. It finally got cold our last day here after a day and a half of wet, sticky, southern-like weather.

It was a short burst up here but a really nice one. Friday night we met my sister and her boyfriend for dinner at Austin’s; I had a really nice merlot and the grilled shrimp and scallops were excellent. I had a huge headache and grogginess from flying though, and my ass hurt thanks to the bike seat-esque Frontier seats. I did not enjoy that flight one bit, it was uncomfortable and the attendants were rather unpleasant compared to most I witness. I guess I’d be surly if I worked for Frontier, too.

Saturday was our big feast, and yep, I did feast. My biggest pitfall was all the yummy snacks we scrounged up. I made guac and probably consumed half the bag of tortilla chips myself (total weakness), and we also had some hummus and veggies, grapes, this really nasty popcorn, and the always dope Caramel Pumpkin Sangria. I went hard on the apps so I didn’t really have much of a stomach for dinner, but I took little bits here and there. I cooked up a pesto alla vodka pasta I really need to christen for FMG because it was amazing, and a sort of winged apple salad with candied nuts and an apple butter vinaigrette that turned out pretty swell also. My sister made a chicken, some mashed potatoes, and stuffing. Everything was wonderful. This is our second year running having a feast at her place, and it’s a tradition I hope we keep in some respect, regardless of whether we’re there or elsewhere.

Sunday we ventured over to Folino Estate winery after checking out of our hotel (which was fucken weird and full of old people for some reason). I was still rather puffed from the meal the prior day so I didn’t really feel like drinking, but I enjoyed their veggie sandwich and a glass of sparkling red (very unique) and the venue was lovely. We sat right by the fire and at one point an employee added more logs and such emitted a cozy, smoky aroma.

I do enjoy travel, but I think I’ve mellowed into a true homebody so I kind of like being at my base more. There’s a big part of me that blames my day job for my self-imposed seclusion. I’d imagine I’d be far more adventurous if I didn’t have this cloistering element sucking up part of my days. I shouldn’t complain, I’m working and comfortable and have the flexibility to hopefully watch FMG grow into something of which I’m doubtlessly proud, but I am not a patient man, and waiting is hard.

Kind of went on a tangent there, oops.

This week, once we’re home, I’m swinging back into rhythm with lots of new Thanksgiving content and staring up some Christmas goodies as well. Hehe. If you didn’t notice, I popped my first gift guide earlier in the week: Kitchen & Dining Gifts. Take a peak and see if it helps inspire you for your shopping!

My Thanksgiving Tablescape

The pieces I used (or similar ones) for my Thanksgiving table shoot!

The Fuck We Eating This Week?

A sweet and tart tequila punch…

A rich stuffing for Thanksgiving…

A cute, fully vegetarian cheeseboard…

A savory mushroom stew…

A nourishing Caesar salad…

A delectable Thanksgiving appetizer tart…

A Few Things I’m Digging

Pullover…Wore this quilted sweatshirt on the flight to Philly, so comfy and warm for a stuffy, chilly cabin.

Salad…My Harvest Fig and Kale Crunch Salad has been on repeat for all of my Thanksgiving gatherings. Huge hit on Friendsgiving and whipped it up with a different vinaigrette while in Penn. Probably going to make it for actual Thanksgiving too!

Kettle corn…Trader Joe’s recently released a cinnamon bun kettle corn and ya’ll, it is out of control. I mix it up with a bowl of regular popcorn as a midday snack. Amazing.

Protein bar…The One Pumpkin Pie protein bars are a favorite now. They don’t taste too heavy on nutmeg (a problem with a lot of pumpkin products in my view. I sniff out nutmeg like a bloodhound) and aren’t too sweet either, plus they boast 20 grams of protein.

Shops and Wish List

Fashion

Target…Picked up the ribbed crop tank I mentioned last week, it’s really nice and flattering but also comfortable. Also got this gorgeous burgundy satin button-down specifically for our trip over the weekend. Pairing it with a black skirt, hose (it’s gonna be cold in PA!) and my favorite crossbody bag for dinner. During their 30% off sale (those are so deadly) I picked up the polo sweater dress and these black tall boots – if the latter fit me, those plus the aforementioned dress would make a slamming outfit. Also got the matching feather yarn sweater for the cardigan I already own, and the v-neck cropped sports bra in orange. Loving those with jeans or leggings for days in the kitchen.

Kitchen & Dining

Magnolia…Currently running their warehouse sale, love these copper measuring cups that are slashed down 50%. Could use a complete set since all of ours are mismatched.

Crate and Barrel…These snowman double old fashioned glasses are precious and perfect for festive cocktails.

Home

West Elm…Wanted a little refresh on Christmas ornaments and loved these warm sugar dipped ball ones.

Target…Hunting down holiday decor. These two-wick figural tree candles are so cute, will have to give them a whif to make sure I like the scent. Perfect for my bookshelf edit.

Week in Training

Monday, 11.7: 11.23 miles, 11:08 pace

Think I’m going to revert back to running by time again, seems to simplify my sessions and make me less inclined to go too far for what I actually feel like doing. This run was nice, very breezy. Thought through a lot of plans for the day so my anxiety went down quite a bit once I finished.

Tuesday, 11.8: 7.35 miles, 10:53 pace + 20 minute upper body

Nice little run, very windy but refreshing.

Strength:

• 3 x 12 zottman curl 15#
• 3 x 15 skullcrusher 15#
• 3 x 12 T raise 15#
• 3 x 12 bent over front raise 25#
• 2 x 12 pullapart 15#

Wednesday, 11.9: 10.77 miles, 11:09 pace + 30 minute lower body

Holy wind. Nicole is blowing around the east coast right now and the resulting gusts were pretty fierce this morning. Most of the breeze was pleasant but down a couple stretches of my route I wobbled side to side and felt my cheek skin dimple. Kind of an uninspired run but managed to get my two hours in.

Strength:

• 3 x 15 ea. single leg press 100#
• 3 x 15 machine calf raise 180#
• 3 x 18 ea. lateral leg raise 30#
• 3 x 12 plie squat 60#
• Core work

Thursday, 11.10: 4.05 mile walk (1:02:00)

Tropical Storm Nicole threw in some squally weather in the morning, but when I started this walk it wasn’t too bad outside. The last mile, though, a big gust of wind blew my Big Sur visor into the channel. Really sad. Coffee tasted especially wonderful after this jaunt.

Friday, 11.11 (make a wish?): 10 miles, 11:08 pace

Pre-departure miles. VERY sweaty morning and a big contrast to yesterday’s relatively pleasant climes – minus the storm-forced winds.

Saturday 11.12: 6.31 miles, 11:09 pace + 45 minute full body

Did not know where the thermostat was in the gym so I was basically running in a sauna. Later we ventured in and I realized it was in a window unit and not attached to the wall. Dumby. Run sucked and the lift was okay, but at least I know better for my next session.

Strength:

• 3 x 10 ea. triceps extension 20#
• 3 x 12 ea. row 30#
• 3 x 10 skullcrusher 40#
• 3 x 15 fly 20#
• 3 x 15 ea. dip dip 25#
• 3 x 10 hammer front raise 35#
• 4 x 15 diamond squat 40#

Sunday, 11.13: 8.14 miles, 11:03 pace

I found the AC control in the gym so instead of usual Walking Sunday opted for a redemption run from yesterday. Blasted that shit Arctic cold and it was glorious. Toggled between 5.3-5.6 mph the whole way and felt really good. Big mileage this week!

Total running mileage: 53.8