sidebar | life and training 2.17 – 2.23

This cold just won’t quit, damn it!

You might remember in last week’s Sidebar, I bitched and moaned a bit about coming down with a cold. Well, later that Monday, my body flipped the fuck out (after a morning of regular activities, chores etc.) and spiked a 103 fever. That was not pleasant. I don’t get sick often but the illnesses often do come with high temperatures, and the resulting thought of “Welp, this is how I die.”

I watched The Princess Bride while all that was going on, took some Tylenol, and thankfully woke up the next morning with the fever having broke and feeling relatively okay. I think my immune system simply went into overdrive after I effectively pushed myself a bit too hard by not moderating my daily pace of life.

Now, over a week later, my congestion still hasn’t let up even though I feel relatively normal otherwise. It might be combining with my typical allergy congestion too. Who knows. All I do know is being sick is annoying and inconvenient, and we’d all be better off if viruses would just not.

So, that shit occupied a lot of my week. Not much excitement otherwise, really. I spent a lot of time spring cleaning cabinets and organizing my bookshelf, which is still too full but at least largely coordinated now. My pantry was long overdue for a haul-out, and I’m finding that I boast a lot of mishmash ingredients that would make a fun kitchen sink cookie or brownie eventually. Not really a recipe to develop, but leastwise a fun and random project to undergo.

Saturday was gloomy. My Roku broke, so instead of sitting in awkward silence all morning I whisked up Little Miss Ba for a treat outing at Willa’s Provisions. I’d been trying for weeks to visit this spot but there always seemed to be some event going on that’d shut it down early. I lucked out that day, but the vibe wasn’t what I expected. They’d run out of treats already (it was 12p) and I sat waiting for my drink for awhile before realizing they’d placed it on the counter without calling it out. The space is small and dark, cute but a little drab. Not sure I’ll go out of my way to return.

In the evening my best friend and his wife (gotta get used to calling her his wife, instead of fiancee) drove up to join me for dinner. I made baked gnocchi and Caesar salad with crispy chickpeas, and they brought this RIDICULOUS blueberry cheesecake from a market near them. A lovely few hours of chatting and catching up.

Sunday was quiet. I took Nyquil the night prior to help me sleep, and wandered about work in the morning feeling really drowsy and zombie-like. Took a lot of rest when I got home after my daily walk. I watched The Hobbit since Roku is still busted and the DVD happened to be in the player, made a caramel cappuccino to sip on (so good), and eventually settled down for some reading.

Random note: peep how satisfying this ODO reading was on my car the other day. Ignore the gas gauge. Don’t worry, I got Roly Poly a good meal later the next day.

This week will likely look about the same. I plan to finally renew my passport at some point this week and do my taxes. Good fun. I’m sure the weekend will bring about some manner of adventure – I’d like to go out to St. Pete one day and treat myself and Ba to a coffee and treat – and I’m hoping to throw down three recipes that I’m excited to test and share.

Take care, peeps! Drink your OJ and don’t let assholes cough on you!

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…Spicy and EASY tuna tostadas.

…A refreshing, bubbly spring cocktail.

…Doughnuts! Been awhile since we’ve enjoyed those around here.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Caesar salad…Back into my Caesar kick after last week’s sheetpan salmon shindig. I’lladd almost anything to it for a protein: my favorites are Morningstar Farms chickens or a can of tuna.

Eye cream…Trying the new-to-me Bubble Morning Rays eye cream and so far I really like it. Has a nice moisturizing but not greasy consistency and a little goes a long way.

No makeup makeup… I’d like to dabble in a nude everyday makeup look. I’m not huge on wearing shit on my face but I don’t know, I feel inspired to freshen up my skin since I’m getting older and would like to enjoy it’s vitality while I can. I’m looking to buy a satin finish foundation, a golden eyeshadow, blush, and maybe a highlighter. Probably won’t get it all right away but I plan to plug away at it.

Shops & Wish List

Kitchen & Dining

Target…I have no use for this cabbage mug and saucer set but it’d be lovely for an earthy Easter tablescape (there’s also a matching teapot and dessert bowl). This carrot tumbler is cute, especially for kids. Love the bunny detail on this Easter mug and saucer set. Adore this blush pink scalloped cake stand, especially the fact that has a glass dome lid.

Home

Target…I NEED these carrot taper candles for my dining table. This bunny wreath or floral wreath would be a cute accessory for above a mantle, and I’m liking this simple floral garland for over my bookshelf. Easter egg blanket is a must for the couch.

Week in Training

Monday, 2.17: 6 miles, 10:46 pace + 25 minute legs

The Sickies made this a bit challenging during the last three miles. I felt good at the beginning despite some sniffling, but at the turnaround I got kinda tired and more or less slogged my way home. Least that’s how it felt. My general rule of thumb for running with a cold: if I feel okay and the symptoms are above the neck, running actually can help with the congestion. If I’m coughing, exhibiting even a slight fever, or have any body ache symptoms/chest issues, I will absolutely not run.

Strength:

• 3 x 10 ea. single leg deadlift 50#
• 3 x 12 hip thrust 60#
• 3 x 12 diamond squat 50#
• 2 x 12 alt. front lunge 50#
• 3 x 10 ea. single leg press 100#
• Core work

Tuesday, 2.18: 4 miles, 10:42 pace + 25 minute back & bis

My cold went totally apeshit yesterday and I wound up couchbound all day with a fever and general malaise. Thankfully a couple Tylenols wiped out the temperature spike and I slept A LOT overnight, and so felt much better come morning. Definitely not up to running speed yet but this felt okay, especially with the temps being so lovely and cool!

Strength:

• 3 x 8 ea. single arm row 35#
• 3 x 10 waiter curl 35#
• 4 x 6 mid row 70#
• 4 x 8 ea. incline curl 15#
• 4 x 10 upright row 20#
• Forearm stand practice!

Wednesday, 2.19: 4.05 mile walk (1:03:43)

Thursday, 2.20: 4.05 miles, 11:10 pace + 24 minute legs

Pace wasn’t quite accurate since Garmy had me waterwalking again during the second mile, but still a pretty slow, easy run. Still felt more tired than usual which I’d imagine is the last of the cold eeking out of my system (and maybe the beginning of some more aggressive allergies).

Strength:

• 3 x 10 squat 100#
• 3 x 8 ea. split squat 40#
• 3 x 10 ea. donkey kick 25#
• 4 x 8 leg press 190#
• 3 x 15 calf raise 150#
• Forearm stand practice

Friday, 2.21: 3.5 miles, 11:11 pace + 20 minute chest & tris

Another messed up second mile, so I probably averaged closer to 11-11:02. Whatevs. Still feeling buggy so not the most pleasant outing, and it was CHILLY, about 44 degrees with a 39 real feel!

Strength:

• 2 x 8/1 x 6 chest press 60#
• 1 x 6/2 x 8 Arnold 20#/15#
• 3 x 6 incline press 25#
• 3 x 10 triceps pushdown 32#
• 3 x 15 triceps dip
• 3 x 15 stir the pot
• Forearm stand practice

Saturday, 2.22: 7.5 miles, 11:01 pace

Cold and windy, and I’m definitely still fighting The Sniffles. SO many snot rockets blown this morning. Hoping this cold passes over the weekend and my running starts to feel more regular – I’m tired of the congestion and grogginess!

Sunday, 2.23: 4.05 mile walk (1:05:05)

Total running mileage: 25.1