sidebar | life and training 5.1 – 5.7

Fourth Wings for Life World Run is in the bag!

The WFL World Run is a very special race, and unlike anything you’d experience in the running world. The layout on race day, which for most of the 200,000+ runners is done virtually, involves a finish line that effectively chases you. If you run a flagship race that’s organized in-person, the “Catcher Car” is a literal car that, after a 30 minute head start, slowly increases speed as time goes along; and once it passes by you, your race is considered over. For those in-person races finishers catch shuttles back to the start area. If you’re doing an app run, the narrated Catcher Car will encourage you on as the distance between you and it decreases.

All this is to say, the competition during Wings for Life is simply you against yourself. You can go as far or as not far as you want, and you still completed the race. The glory is in participating, in hearing the triumphant stories of SCI sufferers who sometimes take their first steps during a WFL race. Aside from some talented ultrarunners who compete for the world record, most everyone doing the race is in it for the experience and for the charity, rather than seeking some kind of validation from the running world.

I love this race because I feel like it brings out the best in people. It’s really not about finish times or medals or trophies, but about celebrating the sport in its purest form. And, more specifically, celebrating movement. Celebrating health. I think the real message of running gets lost among InstaRunners and in the general racing community.

Over this young year I’ve come to embrace running as a measure of wellness and comfort rather than a justification for existing, or as a sole personality trait. WLF touches my heart because it does not overcomplicate running. When the Catcher Car approaches, beeping its little horn, almost everyone is joyful at this ending. People cheer, high five the drivers. The environment is heartwarming.

Florida used to have the US’s only flagship run, down in Sunrise (near Miami), but they took it away in 2020. All of the current flagship runs are in Europe. I was able to run the route in 2019 with J, so I’m happy for the one live experience. Ever since then, we’ve mapped a route in a nearby neighborhood and, along with one of our friends, ran our own virtual race. Always with beer and treats afterwards.

That was Sunday, yesterday, also the day I drove J to the airport for the week (*sniff*) so now I’ve the house to myself until I depart on Friday for my adventure in San Diego. I’m quite ready for a break. Way too much stress has permeated my day-to-day life and a snap out of routine feels correct for the time being.

Otherwise, I’ve been focusing on my Wellness Challenge this week. After the trip to the airport I settled down for a soothing bath, which felt amazing because my legs were shot from the WFL run and from walking earlier that morning. Doing all I can to reduce my muscular fatigue, since that also contributes to high stress.

Also loving on Pineapple Mint Juleps. Mmm.

What have ya’ll been up to? The Internet sphere seems rather quiet (or maybe I’ve got my head up my ass, I dunno). Come say hello if you’re feeling lonely! I’m always here with hugs to spare.

By the way, I’ve got a sweet-ass discount for you! If your bar cart is missing a bottle o’ vodka, introduce yoself to Nightbloøm – it’s the perfect mixer for the Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Fizz and the London Fog Martini, and for spiking the Fresh Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade! Use the code FOULMOUTHGOURMET15 for 15% off your cart. Check out their bottles here and start shopping!

The Fuck We Cookin’ This Week?

…A decadent sweet treat for mom.

…Hehe. More doughnuts.

…A creamy and refreshing sip for hot afternoons.

…An EASY and delicious pasta salad.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Teddy grahams…Been eating a lot of these lately. Probably doesn’t help that I’ve kept the box on my coffee table of late and it’s easy to just reach for a fingerful every so often. Oops. I love the chocolate chip flavor best!

Mint julep…Enjoying these Pineapple Mint Juleps as the weather warms up a lot. They’re easy to make and quite refreshing, plus I get to use my custom bottle from Oak & Eden as the mixer!

Shops and Wish List

Fashion

Target…This ruffle active minidress is super cute, though I’d probably wear it more for a casual lunch or coffee date rather than for working out. It might work well if you play tennis or pickleball. I’m really into the cross waistband bike short trend, they’re SO flattering and comfy, and these ribbed versions come in a lot of lovely colors. I’d wear these twist front tank tops more casually rather than for working out, while cooking or perhaps just on a relaxed day – same with these boxy athletic shirts.

Kitchen & Dining

Delallo…I’m all about a fun gift basket for holidays, and Mother’s Day is no exception. Their selection is wonderful and I’m sure anyone could find a good fit for their mom. I’m especially partial to the pizza gift basket and the Best of Italy basket, but you can even build your own!

Honey Stinger…Morning stroops are my favorite ritual currently and it’s about time I stock up on my favorite cookies & cream flavor. The salted caramel is also really nice.

Anthropologie…I’m not always into Anthro’s kinda quirky style, but some of their floral-themed pieces are catching my eye. Love the floral coupe glasses… and floral crackers?! I wonder if they taste any good… This mug is a nice addition to any coffee bar, perhaps for the tea tasting collection? Sounds classy and fun!

Week in Training

Monday, 5.1: 6.2 miles, 11:31 pace + 21 minute push

Lower humidity this morning and much calmer wind-wise, so a very pleasant run.

Strength:

• 4 x 11 ea. front raise 15#
• 4 x 13 skullcrusher 40#
• 4 x 10 as two sets regular bench press/two sets single-arm press 50#
• Core work

Tuesday, 5.2: 5.35 mile walk (1:25:00)

Quiet but nice, a good little breeze kept me comfy on this stroll.

Wednesday, 5.3: 6.2 miles, 11:27 pace + 22 minute push day

Another day, another 10k. Felt nice outside except during maybe the final mile when I suddenly felt really sweaty and stifled.

Strength:

• 4 x 13 ea. row, 2 underhand 2 overhand 25#
• 4 x 12 ea. hammer curl 15#
• 4 x 13 bent front raise 30#
• Core work

Thursday, 5.4: 4.06 mile walk (1:06:00)

Friday, 5.5: 5.45 mile walk (1:25:00)

Refreshing morning. Have a lot on my mind lately so this was a nice little distraction from the noise.

Saturday, 5.6: 5.25ish miles, 11:2x pace + 20 minute legs

So my GPS simply did not work for the first two miles of this run: it told me I went 5K in 22 minutes! Wrong, sir. Had to stop and reset my watch for the remainder of the run, making sure the GPS set itself right. Thankfully, it did. My legs felt stiff and rotten so my session wasn’t exactly enjoyable, but at least I got to see a ship!

Strength:

• 4 x 10 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
• 4 x 12 sumo deadlift 50#
• 4 x 22 calf raise 50#
• Core work

Sunday, 5.7: 3.17 mile walk (50:00) + 7.62 miles, 10:41 pace (WINGS FOR LIFE)

A trio of us have participated in a virtual Wings for Life World Run for the past three years (J and I did a flagship run in 2019) and today was the day! I planned to run 5K straight then run/walk, but I felt okay enough to go 8K (5 miles) before reverting to a run/walk until the virtual “catcher car” rode up and ended my foray. It was a really nice morning, probably the best weather we’ve had for a WFL since I started doing them. Definitely pooped by the end and the AC at home felt GLORIOUS. Later I had to drive J to the airport for his weeklong trip to California. Sniff.

Total running mileage: 25.1

Total walking mileage: 22