sidebar | life and training 5.20 – 5.26
I am shit tired of summer and it’s only May.
We’re in for a swelter this year – well, that’s the case every year, but I like to look back and compare to the summer I trained for the Chicago Marathon (’21 I believe). While obviously not the most fun I’ve ever had running, I did manage pretty well considering. If I were to undergo a summer marathon training cycle now, however, I don’t think I could do it without a heavy influence of the treadmill.
I’ve read that our water temperatures currently hover around 90 and up. So much for a refreshing dip in the pool.
Anywho, I had a very lively and adventurous week. A good one, really. As per, I’m trying to feel okay about spending money on myself since I’ve been experiencing new places/things and not so much throwing my funds on material objects. Though I did just buy a pair of lemon stud earrings…
Monday I saw The Fall Guy, which was actually a much better movie than I anticipated. For once, the ads actually dumbed down the film and made it look lamer than it actually was; granted, it was pretty stupid, but also funny and fairly smooth plot-wise. We wandered over to Pal Campo afterwards, a Puerto Rican fixture that happened to be right there. Outside they have this giant chair that I had to sit in. I found that rather amusing. I got a crab empanadilla and a curiously strong margarita that came with a pretty flower, both amazing. The effect that drink had on me warranted us hanging out in the chair afterwards for about an hour, which was kinda nice since good conversations were had.
Tuesday I WENT BOWLING! First time in a decade. I grew up bowling since my dad owned an alley back in my hometown, but in adulthood I largely fell away from the sport. I got the itch again after my couple bouts shooting pool at the local bowling alley – listening to the ball crack against the pins and, oddly, the smell of the facility inspired me to rip off the bandaid and see what I still had in me. Turns out, quite a lot! My first ball thrown was a gutter (expected) and my first game a 117. After that I found a really awesome groove despite a too-heavy ball.
I told myself I’d bowl 2, maybe 3 games. I bowled 8. Oops. Highest score was a 185, with several 130s, a 177, 170, and 166 sprinkled in, and my forearm was shockingly not that sore the next day. I am so impressed with myself and am definitely returning this week for another round.
Thursday I ventured out to St. Pete for the afternoon since my friend wanted to explore a bit. Not the most pleasant day to be outside, but still a nice time was had. Started at Cassis, I got calamari and a really dope blood orange margarita. Then a wander to the St. Pete pier: climbed up to Pier Teaki (the drinks aren’t that fabulous but the view is splendid, especially with a breeze) then walked to Doc Ford’s. Had a pretty nice sweet n’ spicy margarita and an order of the Yucutan shrimp, which was fabulous – perfectly garlicky and buttery and a bit of spice to boot – with the crusty bread it comes with. Their bloody Mary isn’t so bad either.
Finished off at The Yard for ice cream. I got a scoop of cookie dough and the Cookie Monster flavor, which turned my whole mouth a very electric blue. No regrets. The place is known for their insane milkshakes and ice cream bowls, but I wasn’t feeling excessive so a couple scoops were appropriate.
Saturday I had a nice lazy morning and afternoon, then later moseyed out for dinner at Tampa Bay Brewing – and by dinner I mean I ordered a beer and a giant pretzel. Two of my favorite bartenders were there, which was nice, one of them ran right up to me and gave me a big hug. Afterwards went and saw Furiosa. I respected the acting and visuals of the movie, but I don’t think that portrayal of the apocalypse is really my favorite. Not sure how to explain it.
And finally, Sunday, my least favorite day of the week. After work and lunch I visited my mom for a bit and dropped off a couple goodies, had a solid and uplifting chat and enjoyed her company for an hour or so. Dinner and beer at Wild Rover followed. Fucking love that place, I just wish it wasn’t in such a random area. I got a hefeweizen, side salad, and the margherita flatbread.
Yup, pretty full week over here. Seems like I packed my schedule pretty thoroughly and I guess I did, but the reality is there’s a lot of mundane boring shit that I don’t report, which probably eats up 80% of my time. Life ain’t all the snapshots people portray online, folks. Much of it is chores, errands, sitting on one’s ass, and the occasional mental breakdown. Don’t be fooled.
Did ya’ll see the days of the full moon? So gorgeous.
Oh, and enjoy the last tidbits of your Memorial Day weekend. Some of ya’ll probably don’t work, and some of ya’ll probably do. I don’t, just because Mondays are always an off day for me, but I’ll probably just do my usual derping around today. Nothing wrong with being a derp.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A spicy-sweet margarita.
…Some type of summery salad.
…A lemony layer cake.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Margaritas…I’ve been exploring a lot of new-to-me eateries lately, and during the summer I tend to gravitate towards tequila based drinks. Some of my favorite at-home renditions are listed below!
Potato chip sandwiches…Yo, hearkening back to childhood. I’ve been using my favorite veggie turkey, Colby jack cheese, and kettle potato chips wedged in soft bread for lunches lately. Very nostalgic and o-so tasty.
Derry Girls…This show is entertaining as shit. On Netflix, it’s a sitcom that follows a group of Irish girls at a Catholic school going through the usual teenage growing pains with the Troubles carrying on in the background. The nun is my favorite character since she’s candid and obviously tired of everyone’s shit. Highly recommend as a relaxed, lighthearted viewing.
Wasting Away in Margaritaville
As mentioned prior, I’m enjoying a good margarita or two as the weather heats up. Here are a few options if you’re getting your mixology on in the comfort of your house.
Italian Strawberry Basil Margarita
Week in Training
Monday, 5.20: 8 miles, 10:44 pace + 14 minute lift
A little less sweltering this morning, but I’m fighting a random shin splint in my right leg – likely from walking around the other day in sandals – so some of this run was uncomfortable. Not awful, however.
Strength:
- 3 x 7 reverse squat 50#
- 3 x 6 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
- 3 x 9 ea. single leg press 120#
- 1:30 core work
Tuesday, 5.21: 5.74 miles, 10:27 pace + 11 minute lift
A really lovely drier morning, heart rate of 154. The moon also looked gorgeous once again!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 triceps kickback 15#
- 3 x 10 upright row 20#
- 3 x 7 lat pulldown 70#
- :30 hang/1:00 core
Wednesday, 5.22: 6.58 miles, 10:38 pace
Not a bad run really, my body just felt really weird – perhaps due to those 8 gams of bowling the night before?
Thursday, 5.23: 5.54 miles, 10:51 pace + 11 minute lift
Switched off my lower body and upper body days since my butt is so damn sore for some reason? Plus, I didn’t have much time before I whisked off for an afternoon adventure, so this worked out quite well.
Strength:
- 3 x 6 triceps kickback 20#
- 3 x 6 upright row 25#
- 3 x 7 lat pulldown 70#
- 1:30 core work
Friday, 5.24: 5.6 miles, 10:43 pace + 15 minute lift
Nondescript run (pretty moon, though) and a quick leg lift. Got it done without much ceremony.
Strength:
- 3 x 8 reverse squat 50#
- 3 x 7 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
- 3 x 10 ea. single leg press 120#
- 1:30 core work
Saturday, 5.25: 8.37 miles, 10:59 pace + 11 minute core
Felt pretty shitty this morning, kinda like my legs refused to turn over. Very still and sticky out.
Sunday, 5.26: 6.54 miles, 10:42 pace
Starting to be a real struggle when there’s no breeze to break up the humidity. It’s gonna be a loooooong summer, folks.
Total running mileage: 46.4
