sidebar | life and training 12.16 – 12.22

Potential Christmas present to myself? A new car.

There exists some sticky facets to adulthood that aren’t really pressed into mind until they happen. One of them is car buying. Except in a few circumstances, negotiating payments and applying for loans isn’t relevant to younger folk: often, the true adults (parents) do most of the legwork. I speak as someone who did have that privilege when I was in college. My mom bought my Cruze outright and I didn’t have to finagle anything other than my insurance and the MANY repairs down the road.

Gawd. So many repairs. Which leads us here: unlocking a new evolution of Being Old.

These past couple weeks I’ve grown utterly fed up with the back-to-back issues my lil car has exhibited. My mental health is deteriorating, made even worse by the oncoming holidays and that dichotomy of wanting to ignore the compiling stresses to enjoy the festivities and knowing that I can’t any longer. I finally broke on Friday and decided that I couldn’t continue to put money into maintenance and that prolonging the inevitable was just going to heighten my frustration levels.

So here we are. Appointment made, loan quote received…rock and roll, folks.

But also came many tears. My lil car has been my companion since 2014. We’ve been through trauma and victory, fear and triumph; I almost lost her during Helene, but as the trooper she is we navigated through hell and literal high water to safety. I never really understood how folks get so attached to their vehicles until I’m now on the fringe of giving her up. I’ve looked at her several times and cried, thinking my grocery trip today may be our last spin together.

Wow. That shit is painful. But I’m trying to think: she’s ready for retirement, a quiet life. Nothing wrong with that.

Anywho, before I start bawling again, let’s talk about this past week. I’ve been so busy that casual outings have been few and far between, but my sister flew in on Saturday and we were able to enjoy a nice weekend together (despite my unbearable stress levels).

Peep my little succulent dude above. The main plant in there died (RIP) but the other day a piece of moss flew right on top of the planter and sort of arranged itself like a head of hair. I moved it around a bit and thought he kinda looked like a founding father. I named him Alexander Plantmilton, and he makes me smile every time I walk by.

Beforehand, on Monday, I did manage to pop over to Edition for a flat white and one of my Frosted Cranberry Cookie Bars. It was nice to enjoy the afternoon and fuckin stop moving for an hour or so.

Saturday, after retrieving my sis from the airport, we ventured over to Tampa Bay Brewing for appetizers and a beer. I hadn’t visited my haunt for quite awhile so it was nice to reunite with the space. We shared a pretzel and an order of fish tacos. Not the most nutritionally sound dinner but hey, I’ll take it; it was delish.

Sunday I had a wild morning and was in a pretty awful mood, and totally ready to cancel our plans for the evening. However, once I got home and was able to reorganize my brain (e.g. lock in an appointment at the dealership and get a quote for a car loan) a little I felt good enough to try to do some of what we discussed prior. We had some pizza at my mom’s and then boogied over to Largo Central Park to look at the pretty light display.

And guys…I rode my first Ferris wheel! So fun! I don’t really know why I hadn’t done so before, I’m not especially afraid of heights or anything. Today was the day, though, and while the ride was way too brief in my view it was still highly enjoyable. 10/10 would do again.

We’ve got just a couple more days left before Christmas! Below you’ll find my 2024 menu (with one more recipe to be posted tomorrow) if you need a push in the right direction. They’re all delicious noms and I’m certain you’ll love this year’s cinnamon roll offering.

I’m happy to report that I’ve finished my Christmas shopping…except for impending car. I don’t know what I’m doing but I have to pretend I do. At the very least I figure I’ll stare at the salesman and make him uncomfortable if I don’t like what he’s saying.

Wish me luck, folks.

A Merry Christmas to all. And a Happy Hanukkah, too! I’ll see you on the other side of the holiday.

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…My birthday cake! It’ll be THREE layers this time around.

…One more little Christmas appetizer before the big day!

…A festive bubbly cocktail for your New Years celebrations.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Waffle fries…Target’s brand waffle cut fries are the bomb. They’re seasoned really nicely and get wonderfully crisp in the oven. I served them with salmon burgers this week. 10/10.

Hot chocolate…I like this sea salt caramel mix when I’m feeling lazy (which is a lot lately) but nothing beats a good homemade cocoa. My favorites right now? Peppermint and salted caramel – big surprise there.

2024 Christmas Menu

Having some trouble curating a Christmas menu? I got yo back, folks. Below is a thorough compilation of good eats and good treats to tide you through all the holly jolly festivities of the big day. Ho Ho Ho, hoes!

Breakfast

Easy Fluffy Eggnog Chai Cinnamon Rolls

Smothered Potato Breakfast Enchiladas

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Main Course

Cranberry Brie Crostini…coming tomorrow!

Salmon Diane

Salted Rosemary Dinner Rolls

Christmas Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Orange Vinaigrette

Dessert

2024 Christmas Cookie Box

Spiked Eggnog Layer Cake

Cocktails

Winter Bourbon Sour

Eggnog Espresso Martini

Gingerbread House Old Fashioned

Shops & Wish List

Fashion

Target…This hooded sweatshirt looks so cozy and comfortable, perhaps good for chilly runs. Very intrigued by this fuzzy cardigan (love me some fuzzy) and cropped holiday sweater.

Skincare & Wellness

Tree Hut…I buy the body scrubs and washes all the time but would like to try some of their other offerings. Might pick up this peppermint lip butter since I love the body gel so much.

Week in Training

Monday, 12.16: 7 miles, 10:57 pace + 20 minute lift

Switching gears to half marathon training mode! This week I’m focusing on gaining mileage and creating a routine of strength training – I’m tired of being a pipe cleaner from all the running and few weight sessions. Since I’m still recovering from the 5K my speedwork will be very minimal the next 7 days. Felt good this morning, albeit tired, so that’s a quality start to this shebang.

Strength:

  • 3 x 10 hip thrust 50#
  • 3 x 10 deadlift 90#
  • 3 x 12 sumo squat 65#
  • 3 x 6 ea. split squat 40#
  • Core work

Tuesday, 12.17: 5 miles, 10:40 pace + 18 minute back & biceps

Easy miles felt pretty nice despite the higher temperature (68), plus a solid lift after work!

Strength:

  • 3 x 10 row 30#
  • 3 x 10 biceps curl 15#
  • 3 x 10 lat pulldown 50#
  • 3 x 10 hammer curl 15#
  • 3 x 8 press up 35#

Wednesday, 12.18: 5 miles, 10:45 pace + 20 minute legs & stability

GPS majorly goofed during mile 2 and took me on a loopdyloop I definitely didn’t embark on. Nonetheless, a decent run, then finished with 5 x stride clocking a 5:06 as my max pace. Not too bad!

Strength:

  • 3 x 10 squat 90#
  • 3 x 12 ea. standing clamshell 20#
  • 3 x 10 ea. pistol squat 10#
  • 3 x 8 ea. step up 15#
  • 2 x 12 ea. around the world lunge (continuous)

Thursday, 12.19: 5.5 miles, 10:00 pace + 2.47 miles, 10:15 pace

Morning tempo run, afternoon easy run. Really missed my mark on the workout since I honestly do not know what half marathon pace should feel like, so I took my work miles a bit too slow. Ran an 8:49 and an 8:37, when I’d like to be between 8:20-8:30. I know it’s not a lack of ability, just a lack of aerobic awareness. Will try again next week! Midday run was nice and relaxed to boost up the day’s mileage.

Friday, 12.20: 3.5 miles, 10:49 pace + 20 minute chest & tris

Decent little recovery run, but VERY windy.

Strength:

  • 3 x 10 shoulder press 15#
  • 3 x 10 chest press 50#
  • 3 x 10 skullcrusher 15#
  • 3 x 12 lateral raise 15#
  • 3 x 10 triceps pushdown 24#

Saturday, 12.21: 9.35 miles, 10:54 pace

Felt more asthmatic than usual so this was a bit more of a struggle than expected. Got colder as the run progressed too and the breeze picked up.

Sunday, 12.22: 4 mile walk (1:01:42)

Total running mileage: 38

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