sidebar | life and training 5.15 – 5.22
Home again, home again.
We left California this past Tuesday, and as always by the time I packed up and we were en route to the airport, I was ready to be home. No delays and no hitches, which was welcome. We landed around 5 or so and returned to our abode closer to 6 after wrestling with traffic for an inane amount of time. To be expected on a weekday after most folks are finished with work.
Overall, while I certainly liked our vacation, I’m less than impressed with San Diego. I’ve visited thrice, my most recent time in 2019 I believe, and since then the city has become far dirtier and more chaotic. Apparently the homeless population has exploded, street drugs are more potent and common, and therefore the environment has deteriorated. We encountered pockets of flies on various walkways. I wouldn’t feel safe running even in daylight. One of our Lyft drivers said San Diego is becoming more like LA, and at least in cleanliness, I can see that being the case.
A bit of a shame, since I considered San Diego one of my soul cities before, and now I probably would pass up another visit given the chance. The experience lent me a bit of gratitude towards Tampa: while I despise Florida in general, I always feel safe and at home in my city. Running predawn isn’t a big deal. The vast majority of the homeless folk I encounter are either cordial or don’t say anything to you at all. In the mornings, I hear birds – nothing chirped in the early hours in San Diego.
Of course, I feel quite sad for those forced, by whatever circumstance, to reside on the streets. But it does lessen the welcome of exploring a new place.
This week I made it a goal to slow down my mornings, given how chaotic my internal status has been for awhile. The more mindful practices really have helped. I’m running a bit more, albeit usually shorter sessions, and the compact exercise routine leaves enough minutes to tidy up a little corner of my house each morning. I never feel like cleaning by the end of the day, so a few moments before my energy collapses makes a huge difference in how I perceive my environment.
I’ve incorporated little treats into my day, too, just to have something nice to look forward to whether I have a good time of things, or a rotten. I’ve taken to pulling an afternoon cortado on my Bambino, or arranging a light cheeseboard with a glass of rose before dinner. Nothing huge or earthshattering, but I don’t usually need huge and earthshattering – just something to accommodate my ever-changing emotional landscape.
Sunday, to round out the weekend, I visited mom for a belated Mother’s Day lunch. Our feast was so simple, yet so delightful, and that couple hours of connection were really needed for both of us. I find it funny that our moods seem to parallel each other – when one of us is down, the other one usually feel similarly, though out of sheer coincidence and not because we particularly influenced the other. Being together melted some of our angst away for a bit. I brought a baguette loaf to enjoy with herbed olive oil, then made a simple salad, pizza, and finished with a macaron taste test. Of course, wine was poured, too. An elaborate spread but not complex.
A lesson stamped, folks. Find your loved ones and squeeze ’em hard when you find yourself pulling away.
How do you care for yourself when things get rough? More of us, I’m betting, could use more rest in our lives. And more candles.
The Fuck We Cookin’ This Week?
…A simple skillet shrimp dinner.
…An easy as fuck salad that does with everything.
…A sumptuous brunch treat that I didn’t get to make last week.
…A boozy, decadent summer latte.
…Fresh and light skewers perfect for your summer barbecues.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Bread…I’ve been buying bakery bread lately and let me tell you, I do not want to go back to the pre-made ish. Can’t go wrong with a big slice with butter and jam on a cozy morning.
Pool days…Our pool is finally warming up enough to hang out in the water, so J and I are planning some type of BBQ or gathering next weekend. Hoping to get to see some friends I haven’t hung out with since Thanksgiving!
Candle…This Lemon Pie ceramic candle is so wonderful to burn in the evenings. It’s sweet and citrusy and the smell permeates all the rooms in the house.
Shops and Wish List
Fashion
Target…Liking these new pajama sets from Stars Above. Really into linen right now, so the tank and matching bottom would be nice for warm summer evenings. They’ve also released more adorable swimwear. Liking this twist top one (wish they had more colors, though) and this keyhole bikini top, probably the “teal” color for my tastes. I’m fascinated by these pink high rise wide-leg jeans – the color is pretty and they look comfy.
Upwest…These Anytime cotton tanks look so comfy and I love the colorways, especially the pink quartz and sunburn. The soft terry polo would be a great swim coverup or a casual wear with a skirt, and these floral hair clips are really cute for summer.
Skincare & Wellness
Pacifica…10% off at Target means a refresh on my faves and a few new tries. Picking up the Glow Baby enzyme face scrub, my favorite Stress Rehab mask and the Glow Baby Vitamin C serum.
Byoma…Lots of folk talking about the De-Puff and Brightening Eye Gel, so gonna give that a swing and see if it’s a homer. Supposedly the brand itself has a lot of good dupes for much more expensive products.
Kitchen & Dining
Magnolia…This mesh food cover is perfect for outdoor dining and food prep. Stylish but keeps the bugs out. The blue striped drink dispenser is on sale right now and a must for summer gatherings.
Home
Target…To make my living space more inviting and hygge-friendly, I’ve been shopping around for new pieces of decor to add to the mix. For throw pillows, I love this sherpa pillow (sherpa is always a winner with me) and like this textural one, or this round velvet pillow for a pop of color. This oblong diamond pillow is nice too to switch up shapes and size. In the market for a new rug, and digging this fringed ivory rug to replace the blue one we currently have. Love a good faux fur throw and this one looks super cozy. Bought this Hearth & Hand Lemon Pie candle because it smelled so nice and think it’ll look really nice on my coffee table!
Amazon…Bought this big ole rope basket to store all the prop shit on my floor. About time I find a good storage method for it, so hopefully this will do.
Week in Training
Monday, 5.15: 5.46 miles, 10:59 pace + 25 minute push
Treadmill trot and a quick lift in the wonderful Pendry gym. Very well stocked, nice and cold, and the fridges had a dried fruit mix that I nibbled on before my proper breakfast of yogurt, granola, and pastries. Yumbo.
Strength:
- 4 x 10 triceps ext 40#
- 2 x 11/2 x 10 ea. underhand front raise 15#
- 4 x 10 pressup 40#
- 3 x 12/1 x 10 triceps pressdown 22.5/27.5
- Core work
Tuesday, 5.16: Travel Day
No time pre-flight for any workout, unless I wanted to get up at 3 am (spoiler alert: I didn’t). Went for a short walk to the grocery store later but wouldn’t count that as a session.
Wednesday, 5.17: 6.2 miles, 11:21 pace + 25 minute pull
Back to hot-ass Florida environs. Had a nice little tomato face going after this run and the good ole allergies sure are up and kicking. I missed running outside, but did not miss the sweltering ridiculousness.
Strength:
- 4 x 10 straight arm pulldown 32#
- 4 x 10 ea. curl 20#
- 4 x 13 ea. row (2 underhand, 2 overhand) 30#
- 4 x 13 waiter curl 30#
- Core work
Thursday, 5.18: 4.43 miles, 11:06 pace
Slept like shit and drank a lot of wine the night before, so very curious that my run ended up feeling pretty good. I’m kind of off-sync with my workouts, Thursday is usually a rest day but after a full unplanned rest day Tuesday I kinda just felt like moving.
Friday, 5.19: 4 miles, 11:17 pace
Woke up in a haze today and felt like that all day. These warm evenings have gotten our AC running in overdrive and it usually isn’t caught up by the time I head to bed, making for a difficult time of things regarding sleep. Felt very meh during the miles, but got through alright.
Saturday, 5.20: 7 miles, 11:28 pace + 20 minute legs
Was surprised my heart rate wasn’t over the edge this morning – so fucken hot and sweat out and my allergies were quite angry. Didn’t intend to go this long but I saw a ship pulling into port so I had to double back and watch it arrive. One of the little joys in a morning.
Strength:
- 4 x 12 leg press 160#
- 4 x 15 calf raise 150#
- 4 x 13 plie squat 60#
- Core work
Sunday, 5.21: 3.4 miles, 11:23 pace
I’ve felt a little more energetic and inspired in the mornings lately, and craving quicker sessions so I can enjoy more cozy time afterwards. Very quiet, still, warm morning, but decent enough.
Total running mileage: 31.5
