sidebar | life and training 2.21 – 2.27

We’ve some sunny, pleasant days this week. The afternoons have proven a bit less conducive to walks, but the trade-off is lounging by the pool reading and dipping in the still-chilly water for a few quick laps. I might be getting the urge to swim proper again, but I’m not fully committed, so I’m sticking to my little complex puddle instead of the big boy lap pool.

I wonder if my Chicago training cycle also scraped away my desire to swim, as well as my temporary enjoyment of super duper high mileage. I haven’t visited my community pool since November, and for most of this stretch had 0 desire to do so. Now on the scale, I might be at 4/10, which is an improvement, but I’m not quite there yet. Has intense training poisoned your enjoyment of sport before?

It seems I’m slowly regaining my running mojo. I experience fewer blah or worse sessions and actually am upgrading to “good” for many of my workouts. Though, this past week was a downer mostly, except my 17 miler. I’m not sure whether I took longer to adapt again to Florida’s 0 altitude and 90% humidity, or I was just simply off, or a combo of both – but until Saturday I really struggled through my trots. I’ve been hanging tight around 30-35 miles per week and will probably have a few weeks ramped up closer to 50 during March and early April. I know I’m capable of that height, but it’s not necessary right now, hence I’m enjoying a more manageable workload.

More or less, I’ve witnessed a decent mental week. I’ve given myself more time to slow down, and am trying to be a bit more creative to how J and I pass time together. We semi-spontaneously headed to the patio Sunday night to grill burgers and picnic at one of the tables. I dipped in the water for a quick splash and, sopping wet, sat down to a big thick brioche bun with a veggie patty shoved between, some pickled jalapenos, tomato, caramelized onion, and a small kale salad with grated parmesan. Felt like a little date night, and actually, eating out by the pool is a new one for us.

See? No matter how long you’ve been with someone, or been friends with, there’s always some small tweak to routine you can make to rustle up the leaves.

5 Dream Travel Destinations

Whenever I flee town, I always have a period upon returning home where I daydream about everywhere I’d rather be than this conflagrated mess of a state. Below, in no particular order, are my top travel sites that one day I’ll be blessed enough to visit.

1. Iceland

Actually, this might be my legitimate #1. I’ve tried (and failed) many times to stir up an excuse to get me there. Even when I lived in Sweden I wasn’t able to fly to the island despite the cheaper fare and closer proximity. One day I’ll laze in the hot springs, view the geysers, and tool around the Ring Road seeing everything I’m able to absorb in whatever span of time I have.

2. Bergen, Norway

I visited Bergen on my study abroad over Easter weekend, so my experiences were rather limited since everything was closed. Scandinavia takes Easter very seriously and often businesses shut down for the whole week leading up. Either way, I was able to ride up the Fløibanen funicular and eye the city from the very peak of a mountain, got lost wandering back down the mountain in search of the main city, drank some solid coffee at Kaffemisjonen, and overall enjoyed a beautiful solo trip – though I’d love to see more.

3. Portland, Oregon

Pretty sure if I make it to Portland, I’ll pass the whole trip drinking coffee.

4. Isle of Skye, Scotland

I’m open to all parts of Scotland, but Isle of Skye really captured my attention with its sweeping landscapes. J’s been before, and loves it, so perhaps a tour isn’t so far fetched.

5. Copenhagen Denmark

I was supposed to study abroad here, but the school decided they were full straight after accepting me. Rude.

Honorable mentions: Slovenia, Switzerland, Berlin, Toronto, and Santorini.

What I’m Up To This Week

Reading…The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towels. I adore this novel. The events span over 10 days and while the book is very thick, the story is easy to follow, the characters at once all charming, relatable, and utterly annoying, and the writing simple yet just descriptive enough. I’m near done with it and already have book #6 of the year lined up!

Testing…A pasta re-test, a super green pizza, a simple springtime dessert, and a quick and light fruity cocktail.

Researching…CPT programs and *gasp* a Bachelor of Science! I hold a BA currently but when I was 18-21 years old I didn’t know shit about my interests. A lot of thought still is going into what program I want (online is my only big caveat) but I really think pursuing this path aligns with what industries I really enjoy, and honestly, I’ve desired to dip my toes into academia again and leave retail once and for all.

Buying…Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness by Dawn Clifford. A recommendation I was sent while conversing with my friend (who is in the wellness/health industry) about my BS aspirations. Bachelor of Science, not bullshit, you hog.

Celebrating…J’s birthday! We’re enjoying a weekend staycation in a camping spot not too far from home for a couple days of grilling, kayaking, and relaxing.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Soffritto blend… Around this time of year, Trader Joe’s usually releases their soffritto seasoning blend. It’s heaven for any sort of Italian or Mediterranean cooking! When I’m lazy and not feeling like creating my own spice witchcraft, I turn to this one for lots of flavor and simplicity. Keep your eyes on the shelves!

Sunflower seed butter…I chanced upon this Healthy Crunch Salted Caramel Sunflower Butter on a trip to Sprouts, and holy shit is it incredible. I drizzled lots over a frozen waffle and some berries for a snack. Perfection!

Raisin toast…Dave’s Killer Raisin’ The Roof is my new breakfast carb of choice. A smear of butter, some egg whites, maybe veggie bacon if I’m feeling it, and fruit comprises my starting lineup.

Millionaire Bars…These Salty Peanut Butter Millionaire Bars are one of my top treats of late. I’m baking up a batch for a friend this week and might just make a double to enjoy myself.

Crackers…Sundried Tomato & Basil Wheat Thins dipped in hummus? Don’t mind me if I eat the whole box at once…

Week in Training

Monday, 2.21: 5.68 miles, 10:34 pace + 54 minute shoulders & triceps

I expected this sea-level run to feel like a dream compared to 6000 feet of altitude, but I actually was a bit disoriented and out of whack. Multiple factors may have been at play, but regardless, not my favorite trot of late.

Strength:

• 4 x 9 seated shoulder press 25#
• 4 x 6 OH triceps extension 40#
• 3 x 6 chest press 70#
• 4 x 10 lateral raise 20#
• 4 x 8 press down 42#
• 2 x 12/2 x 10 weighted pushup 10/15#
• 4 x 8 face pull 54#
• 4 x 10 skullcrusher 30#
• 4 x 8 push press 45#
• 3 x 10 weighted situp 10#
• 3 x 20 Russian twist 25#
• 3 x 15 stir the pot

Tuesday, 2.22: 5.14 miles, 10:42 pace + 52 minute back & biceps

Took a random winding route to hit as many bridges as I could. None of the inclines are very impressive but I felt somewhat productive for having tried at least.

Strength:

• 2 x 10/2 x 6 lat pulldown 70/80#
• 4 x 8 precher curl 65#
• 3 x 10/1 x 8 crossbody straight arm pulldown 37#
• 4 x 8 cable hammer curl 32#
• 4 x 8 back extension 40#
• 4 x 10 wide curl 20#
• 4 x 8 mid row 80#
• 3 x 8 ea. windmill 20#
• 3 x 16 hover dumbbell drags 20#
• 3 x 15 knee tuck (10# held overhead)

Wednesday, 2.23: 6.67, 9:45 pace + 57 minute legs

This felt all sorts of awful. I seemed to have undergone a brief stomach ailment the night before that carried vaguely into the morning, though strangely my tummy was the least of my worries on this run. My lungs, heart, and hamstrings wanted nothing to do with this run and my breathing was chokingly stifled. 99% humidity and a very clogged nose probably didn’t help. Managed 28 minutes, around 3.2 miles at 8:48 average, which shocked me. I truly thought I was closer to a 9:30 and maxing out my heart rate.

Strength:

• 4 x 10 elevated plie squat 100#
• 4 x 10 leg press 170#
• 2 x 12/2 x 10 single leg calf raise 80/90#
• 2 x 9/2 x 7 single leg extension 60#/70#
• 4 x 10 alt. sit squat 40#
• 4 x 12 cable crunch 54#
• 4 x 10 deficit deadlift 100#
• 3 x 15 stability ball hamstring curl
• 4 x 12 ea. single leg cable extension 15#
• 4 x 30 hip swivels

Thursday, 2.25: 30 minute elliptical + 53 minute shoulders & triceps

Very sluggish and congested morning, moved really slowly the whole day, but the sunshine after work while I walked helped bring me back to life somewhat!

Strength:

• 4 x 10 shrug 45#
• 4 x 10 bench press 25#
• 4 x 10 lying triceps extension 35#
• 4 x 8 Arnold 20#
• 4 x 8 press down 37#
• 4 x 10 weighted pushup 15#
• 1 x 10/3 x 9 around the world 15#
• 3 x 10 triceps kickback 15#
• 3 x 30 plank knee taps
• 3 x 16 bear dog (?)
• 3 x 40 ab bike
• :25 hollow rock

Friday, 2.25: 5.15 miles, 10:53 pace + 52 minute back & biceps

Sticky, muggy, suffocating morning, though the air temp was ok and a nice breeze broke up the moisture. Went for a 2 mile post-work walk as well to get that watch tan back!

Strength:

• 4 x 9 biceps curl 25#
• 4 x 10 kneeling face pull 41#
• 1 x 12/3 x 10 reverse curl 35/40#
• 4 x 9 ea. bird dog row 30#
• 4 x 9 narrow lat pulldown 70#
• 4 x 5 concentration curl 20#
• 3 x 20 plank lateral tap
• 3 x 15 leg drop
• 3 x 20 ea. side crunch SS 20 bosu ball bridge march

Saturday, 2.6: 17 miles, 10:54 pace + 35 minute legs & core

Fabulous run. I followed a very odd and loopy route on the big island to avoid race traffic from the Gasparilla 15k, and aside from dodging a bit on my return trip and nearly bowling someone over who decided it was a great idea to camp out in the middle of the walkway, I didn’t have too much trouble. I credit the owl I heard and saw – first since moving downtown almost 4 years ago! – for boosting my mood early. I fueled with two new-to-me Cafe Mocha Huma gels and found them quite palatable. I should probably mix up the flavors a bit since these do contain caffeine and I don’t want to overload my systems during Big Sur.

Strength:

• 4 x 8 single leg press 110#
• 4 x 10 ea. side lunge 70#
• 4 x 10 ea. hover donkey kick 20#
• 4 x 12 calf raise 160#
• 4 x 10 jump lunge 40#
• Some core work I didn’t write down

Sunday, 2.27: 3.13 mile walk (48 minutes)

Total running mileage: 39.7