sidebar | life and training 5.27 – 6.2
Dear bowling: how I missed you so.
Second week back at the alley and I’m just as mediocre as last week’s first bout – albeit, I did notice that I threw the ball a bit harder so perhaps my right forearm is quickly hardening into Popeye mode.
I tell you what, it’s so satisfying to see that despite my inconsistency, I do still have a groove with the game. I bowled on Sunday solo – invited a friend but he bailed, so it was just me and the lane with an hour of disco lighting to boot. Didn’t really love that to be honest. Over nearly two hours I threw down 10 games (I bowl really quickly and don’t dilly dally much so I’m able to get my money’s worth) ranging from 107 to 191 with a few 170s sprinkled in. Not bad, eh?
People quite underestimate how physical bowling is. I consider it a finesse sport that relies more on accuracy and technique than pure strength, but there is a certain level of power and exertion expected. Particularly if you bowl with any semblance of proper form. I actually found myself slightly winded after a few games. ‘Twas a nice feeling.
Then I walked over to Jeni’s for a scoop of birthday cake and a scoop of peanut butter ice cream. I was in a piss poor mood most of the day and a little treat post-bowling felt like a good thing to do. And so it was.
Overall, this week was really tough. I dealt with a trio of challenging situations that by Sunday left me cranky, helpless, and unable to navigate the whirlpool without sinking a bit more than I wanted. I didn’t sleep well from Thursday to Saturday evenings, which compounded my stress levels I’m sure. I’m one of those folks that tends to handle individual scenarios with some measure of grace, especially in the moment, but once the aftermath hits the emotions gurgle up to the surface and boil into my psyche, and I morph rather quickly into an exhausted and frustrated shell.
Thankfully, this morning (Monday), I feel rested and more able to handle whatever’s ahead.
Friday was a nice day, at least. In the evening a friend and I went for sushi – and a shockingly good house cabernet that cost $4 since it was happy hour. Score! Then saw In a Violent Nature, which from a narrative perspective was really interesting despite my lack of interest in the slasher genre. I avoid horror movies but the unique filming style convinced me to give it a go. Still brutal, but somehow less frightening, particularly because there was no music and it was filmed almost as if someone wore a GoPro while capturing the scenes. I was invited out for another escapade after but bailed and went to sleep instead.
Saturday was a simple but lovely off day from work. I randomly baked some buttermilk biscuits (the recipe will pop up in the next couple weeks!) and wandered to the pool for a bit. It was a surprisingly pleasant day with lower humidity and overcast skies, so the water felt deliciously refreshing instead of like a bathtub. I visited mom for a bit, and while we chatted ate an obscene amount of chocolate ganache she made.
Finished off the day by spontaneously inviting my neighbor pal (we share a name so naturally we bonded) to Lona for chips and guac, then to Bright Ice for ice creams. My go-to there is the espresso kahlua. I also pawned off a bunch of baked goods to her. Lightened up my kitchen load a touch.
I’m really shooting for an easier week to start off June. Aside from another bowling attempt one day, I’m not quite sure what’s in store. I would like to paint my toenails since they’re looking pretty gnarly at the moment. I guess you can call that a goal.
Take care, fellas! If life threw your lemons, I’d recommend making some tequila lemonade.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A spicy and easy pasta salad or chopped salad, depending on what I’m feeling.
…A fun and fruity cookie.
…Maybe an ice cream?
A Few Things I’m Digging
Animal crackers…For some reason I got a WILD craving for animal crackers during the week, so I bought a bag of the nostalgic cookie to munch on (sadly, my store didn’t have the little suitcase box, but these sufficed). Hey, I’m all about listening to your yearnings – within reason, of course!
Eye cream…Trying out the Beyou. Brightening Caffeine Eye Cream. Love it so far – I kinda like a thicker formulation for eye creams since it feels more productive.
Earrings…Finally caved and bought some lemon slice stud earrings. I think they’re adorable. Not sure why I’m into fruit paraphernalia right now but it’s a harmless phase and I’m just going with it.
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Target…Digging this babydoll mini dress or linen minidress – I’m really in the market for a dress or two since I always dress like a slug otherwise. Or, this jumpsuit. This strawberry hair clip is cute as hell too.
Kitchen & Dining
Williams-Sonoma…These limone tiny taper holders are precious, and really like this camellia cotton tea towel and camellia mug.
Week in Training
Monday, 5.27: 8 miles, 11:11 pace + 15 minute lift
Ah yes. Back to summertime paces. It was incredibly still and gunky outside, and my legs weren’t having a great time in general. Might be time to take some runs to the treadmill.
Strength:
- 3 x 8 reverse squat 50#
- 3 x 8 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
- 3 x 10 ea. single leg press 120#
- 1:30 core work
Tuesday, 5.28: 5.44 miles, 11:01 pace + 11 minute lift
Muggy, still, and quiet. I woke up really agitated and felt it all throughout my run – I didn’t feel worse once I finished, but I didn’t feel particularly better either.
Strength:
- 3 x 7 triceps kickback 20#
- 3 x 8 upright row 25#
- 3 x 10 row 35#
- 2:00 core work
Wednesday, 5.29: 5.54 miles, 10:51 pace
A little better morning overall, and run was okay too.
Thursday, 5.30: 5.49 miles, 10:56 pace + 14 minute lift
Somewhat drier out, still not fantastic but okay.
Strength:
- 3 x 8 reverse squat 50#
- 3 x 9 ea. weighted donkey kick 25#
- 4 x 12 dumbbell swing 50#
- 2:00 core work
Friday, 5.31: 5.56 miles, 10:48 pace + 12 minute lift
Really rough, draining evening prior so I didn’t sleep so well, but the air was again less humid and this run felt pretty good.
Strength:
- 3 x 8 triceps kickback 20#
- 3 x 8 upright row 25#
- 3 x 8 lat pulldown 70#
- :30 hang/1:00 core
Saturday, 6.1: 8.43 miles, 10:40 pace + 11 minute core
GPS was wonky this morning and I think my distance was overestimated by about .05 miles. Regardless, it was a surprisingly pleasant morning and I enjoyed being out despite sleeping only 6 very fitful hours the night prior.
Sunday, 6.2: 6.37 miles, 11:00 pace
Pretty nice out, lower humidity again. I did not sleep well once more and it showed, but still a good session overall.
Total running mileage: 44.8
