sidebar | life and training 3.27 – 4.2
I am a sucker for a good morning ritual.
I’m sitting here now, Monday morning, wrapping up this Sidebar with a hot coffee and a stroopwafel at my right hand. The sun is barely up, just a little blueish glow against the buildings as it fights against the remaining splinters of evening. On the mornings I have time for all this, my mind feels most settled. I really do thrive in the morning, the quiet, and knowing whoever else is up either seeks peace like I do or is relatively functional, like I am.
Yesterday, Sunday, we took the ferry, probably for the last time until the fall (it spends the summer up in Boston, it’s original home) to St. Petersburg to catch the afternoon Rays game. I tell you what, people, the quicker games are so much easier to spectate, and make me want to go to more now. Varying opinions float around the baseball world, and perhaps there’s still tweaks to be done, but I am one who enjoys the pared down game that emphasizes the ACTION, not the empty space.
Really, it’s just a reality of today’s world. People can’t sit still for too long without some sort of stimulation. I honestly was weary of the 3.5-4 hour games – for anyone of any age group, I’d imagine that’s a long time to focus on something that only has spurts of excitement. Other sports constantly move to and fro, but baseball is a bit more finesse – unless it’s a blowout, with comes with its own challenges.
I also never enjoyed pitching changes after one pitch is thrown, and the extreme infield shifts became quite absurd and a waste of time. The Rays manager was wont to move a pitcher to first base for an at-bat in an extreme version of the shift, and to prevent having to take said pitcher out of the game entirely whilst playing matchups against whoever was at the plate. It was tiring, and confusing.
I see both sides of the argument, and anything in between. For those blowing a ton of money for a 2 hour game, that might feel like a waste. The pitch clock is quick for some and I’d imagine there’ll be some inconsistency among umpires calling the violations or not, and already we’ve seen a few instances that no one really knew what the right answer was. But it’s season one, I’m sure there’ll be conflict and compromise. Well, hopefully the latter. These baseball folks are a stubborn bunch.
The game was a lot of fun. I grabbed a huge soft pretzel, as usual, and a beer and enjoyed a Randy Arozarena homerun (with his now-trademark arm crossing to seal the deal) and a 6 inning no-hit bid by starter Jeffrey Springs. Which was ruined by a bad play at first place when relief took over. Meh. Then the Rays decided to create a two-man sob fest by playing the late Dave Wills’ famous “Rays win! Rays win! Rays win!” call over the speakers. Gives me chills just thinking about it.
In case you don’t know, Dave Wills was their radio broadcaster for a long, long time. He died a few weeks ago. One of the saddest bits of news I’d heard in awhile.
That was my big adventure this week. A lot of the usual shit to report, some shopping and lots of cooking and a continuing HUGE itch to bake. I’m really excited to make this week’s treat, and I hope you love it, too. It’s been nice to break out of my baking rut because the process is so satisfying once the recipe comes together.
Running is still rough, though today I tried a 2 minute run/1 minute walk split and while it wasn’t totally “easy,” the walk breaks made it more palatable. Perhaps this’ll be my strategy for awhile, at least for a mental reprieve more than anything.
How was your week, friends? I hope it was nice, and this first full week of April treats you kindly. And if you pulled a big and classless April Fools’ prank on someone, you’re an asshole.
The Fuck We Cookin’ This Week?
Changed the title a little bit cos I always list what I’m testing, not what I’m necessarily sharing.
Crispy, cheesy, spicy tacos…
A flavorful and simple vegetarian wrap for lunch…
A luscious creamy white lasagna…
A delish and simple pizza…
My favorite lunchtime tuna salad…
A Few Things I’m Digging
Walking…Since running hasn’t been great lately, I’ve been enjoying longer morning walks, which has been a refreshing change of pace! Definitely focusing more on calming the ego down and giving my body rest when it asks for it.
Smoothies…I love this week’s Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Shake. Little break from Saturday cocktails and a nice option for on-the-go breakfast during the upcoming week. Give it a try, yo!
Shops and Wish List
Fashion
Target…Bought this cute 3/4 sleeve eyelet dress, puff sleeves are sometimes a bit weird on me but we’ll see how it looks. Since they’re running a sale I snagged this short sleeve dress (in two colors, the olive and the orange, since I couldn’t decide) and the knotted bag I’ve been eyeing for weeks now, probably to replace a similar one I have now that’s not very structured.
Home
Pottery Barn…I am obsessed with this sherpa bunny pillow. It’s soooo cute and tempting because it’s on clearance right now…The pom pom bunny pillow is also adorable!
Week in Training
Monday, 3.27: 4 miles, 11:13 pace + 25 minute full body
Yucky run, yucky morning, just yucky, so we’re cutting down mileage significantly this week. Real bummer but if I’m not enjoying my miles then what’s the point? Clearly need some healing and to let my body chill out for awhile!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 ea. curl 20#
- 3 x 12 pullover 40#
- 4 x 12 sumo squat to calf raise 50#
- 4 x 8 ea. front raise 20#
- Core work
Tuesday, 3.28: 4.53 mile walk (1:12:00) + 20 minute full body
Nice stroll and a good breeze. Got some very productive thinking done! I actually had a few long walks during the day so my overall mileage was pretty swell and I got over 20k steps. Woo!
Strength:
- 3 x 12 ea. oh extension 20#
- 4 x 8 pull apart press 15#
- 4 x 15 ea. lateral leg extension 25#
- 3 x 12 ea. balanced chest press 25#
Wednesday, 3.29: 5.02 miles, 11:09 pace + 25 minute lower body
Felt okayer though the numbers didn’t necessarily agree. I’ll just consider this my long run before a couple days hiatus!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 ea. lateral lunge to knee up 25#
- 3 x 15 deadlift 50#
- 3 x 20 ea. OH march 20#
- 3 x 10 ea. sldl with knee lift 40#
- Core work
Thursday, 3.30: 4.04 mile walk (1:06:00)
Friday, 3.31: 5.02 mile walk (1:21:00) + 20 minute full body
Nice little stroll, went longer to sort of resemble the length of time I’d dedicate to running. Had some good thinking and the weather was pretty good overall.
Strength:
- 3 x 8 ea. balanced thruster 15#
- 3 x 12 ea. row 25#
- 4 x 8 ea. bent arm side raise 20#
- Core work
Saturday, 4.1: 5.42 miles, 11:04 pace + 2 mile walk
Really don’t know why I ran a whole hour, but here we are. Wasn’t in the mood to lift after the run so I settled for a nice little 2 mile walk while chatting with my mom.
Sunday, 4.2: 5.03 mile walk (1:21:00)
Total running mileage: 14.4
Total walking mileage: 23.3
