sidebar | life and training 12.5 – 12.11
Welp, Christmas is next weekend. What the fuck.
You know what really demoralizes me? The fact that retailers strip their holiday inventory during what I think would be the brunt of holiday preparation. Target is already putting some of their decor on clearance, and all of the gift boxes are practically wiped out. The world of marketing really pushes holidays earlier and earlier, to the point where the day itself seems obsolete. Granted, I don’t mind a little festivity in November as Thanksgiving starts to creep up, but when Christmas is in October and everyone’s over it by the middle of December, well, I find that sad.
Trying not to get wrapped up (heh) in preliminary sadness about the close of the holidays. On Saturday J and I built our cookie houses. So adorable. I loved the accuracy and thought he put into his football stadium; he was actively googling plays and picked a USF-UCF game to emulate on the scoreboard. Precious. I was enamored by the Target Dog in my kit and had lots of fun fucking up the bullseye symbol because my hands are not steady enough.
This week, I’m finished up my Christmas shopping, testing lots of appetizers (as you’ll see below!) and relishing in the cooler weather we’re supposed to have. Woohoo! The city holds a boat parade every year, so we’ll be waltzing around the river watching the pretty crafts sparkling and singing away down the water. Should be really nice.
Tis about it for now. Until later, ya’ll.
The Fuck We Eating This Week?
It’s appetizer time on FMG in preparation for the Christmas Eve & Day Menu, coming v soon!
…A delicious, cheesy snack mix.
…An adorable Christmas-themed cheeseboard.
…A simple and delicious whipped feta.
…Crispy vegetarian tacos.
…A nightcap for Mrs. Clause
A Few Things I’m Digging
Cookie houses…Target’s cookie house kits are wonderful, very user-friendly and their attention to detail was on point! Last week I built the hot cocoa stand with my mom and the other day the Target store while J made the stadium. The results are PRECIOUS, definitely a new tradition to keep!
Soup…I’ve had a difficult time mentally lately and turning to cozy soup is one of my standbys to help calm myself. Last week’s Easy Spicy Chickpea Noodle Soup is a current favorite.
Christmas tree…We put the lights and ornaments on our balsam the other day and I love it! Basically stays on so long as one of us is awake.
Shops and Wishlist
Fashion
Target…Really eyeing their New Years dresses since I always like to buy a new piece for my birthday (which is this month, yikes). Like this metallic slip dress and the velour jumpsuit I mentioned a week or so ago. Realistically I’m not even sure I could pull either of them off, but who knows.
The Christmas pajama sets are also really cute and on sale right now! The gnomes would be perfect for my mom and I love the sequined Santa slippers too.
Skincare/Wellness
Harry’s…J buys their products all the time and I’m curious about their “hearth” candle and body wash. Will give a whif next time I see it. Their shave and shower gift set is also a great idea for the dude in your life, I bought J the daily face lotion last year and he liked it.
Home
Target…Everything is 30% off right now in their holiday decor area, which is helpful but also sad because it means Christmas is coming and going. Bough this snowy little flocked tree and eyeing these little gnome figurines for a concept I’m dreaming up for this week.
Kitchen & Dining
Williams-Sonoma…Came across their various gift crates and think they’d make amazing presents. Really love their peppermint bark set and the holiday cocktail box or Moscow mule crate is a wonderful idea especially if you’re stumped on what to buy a guy. I wouldn’t bitch about receiving the espresso crate myself.
Dellalo…I was obsessed with their shellbow pasta the minute I saw it online so I bought a couple bags, and the long fusilli because they’re both unique cuts I’ve never seen before. Their pizza gift basket also caught my eye, good for someone diving into homemade pizza!
Week in Training
Monday, 12.5: 10.42 miles, 11:29 pace
Oof. Lots of buttered stollen and hot chocolate made me feel like a slug today, but the morning was refreshing enough and I’m glad I dragged my ass out there.
Tuesday, 12.6: 6.33 miles, 11:04 pace
Sweaty but a decent run. Haven’t mentally been into my runs but try to keep doing them for some semblance of routine and to get outside, since my morning sessions are often the only time I get some prolonged fresh air during the day.
Wednesday, 12.7: 7.02 miles, 10:07 pace + 40 minute full body
Felt totally fluffy this morning so kicked it up a notch and went for some speedwork! Did an informal fartlek workout for 3 miles with intervals ranging from 45 seconds to around 4 minutes. Unplanned segments, unplanned rest, just did what I wanted and kinda enjoyed it! My face was beet red at the end. Been awhile since that has happened.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 overhead press 20#
- 3 x 10 triceps extension 40#
- 3 x 10 sumo squat 60#
- 3 x 10 deadlift 100#
- 3 x 12 wide row 20#
- 3 x 10 ea. side lunge 30#
- Core work
Thursday, 12.8: 4.05 mile walk (1:03:00)
Friday, 12.9: 6.25 miles, 11:11 pace + 20 minute full body
I’ve lost a lot of strength since I increased my running, and it kinda makes me sad. Think from now forth I’m going to put some focus back into strength training, just 5 20-40 minute sessions a week, and see if I can get myself back to a similar level before I started these long trots!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 plie squat SS swing 60#
- 3 x 10 ea. leaning side raise 20#
- 3 x 12 squat to upright row 25#
- 3 x 10 curl 20#
- 3 x 15 skullcrusher 15#
Saturday, 12.10: 9.35 miles, 11:20 pace + 30 minute full body
Felt pretty yucky on the run, legs were unhappy, and I was just distracted by a lot of thought. Gym was okay though despite being fairly sore from the past few days of lifting I’ve had!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 ea. lunge SS 10 SLDL 35#
- 3 x 20 alt gorilla row 25#
- 3 x 10 ea. triceps extension SS bent arm balanced side raise 15#
- 2 x 15 ea. single leg squat 35#
- Core work
Total running mileage: 39.4
