sidebar | life and training 7.1 – 7.7

First week of July was heat advisory central.

And that, my friends, is why raspberry lemonade exists. This shit is BOMB, I tell ya.

If I weren’t lazy, I’d weave back into my Sidebar archives and figure out if I was bitching about heat advisories this early in the summer (do recall summer only *officially* began 2 weeks ago) or if they were mostly an August conundrum. Whatever the case, this whole past week we were in the heat stroke danger zone. Just this morning we’re talking an 81 degree temp and a 76 dew point at 4am.

I ask this every year: do ya’ll really think you want to move to Florida? I don’t think you do.

I’m struggling quite a bit lately. I don’t like ranting on my soap box re: my mental problems every damn week, but at present my biggest qualm is one I don’t think many in my life understand. I don’t even understand it fully. Such makes the topic much more difficult to approach, and thus inspires me to withdraw into my own bubble since I deem trying discussion is rather fruitless. So, I’ve been residing in my bubble quite a lot. Getting out on adventures, sure, but all in all in a reclusive manner.

On Monday, a quick pivot in plans took me back to Shaker & Peel for tacos, and then on a whim to Dairy Queen for a blizzard. Ya’ll know how long it’s been since I’ve had a blizzard? Probably 13 years. I initially wanted a red velvet but they weren’t selling that flavor anymore (boo), so I went with the brownie batter. I think that was a go-to when I was younger, and it really didn’t disappoint.

Wednesday I had a friend over; we made blackened shrimp tacos and watched this stupid ass movie whose name escapes me. But, it was nice to have discussions and share dinner and time with one another. Right after they left, the skies opened and rain swooped down, which made for a rather peaceful sleep environment. Straight before that the whole area was covered in a sepia filter – seriously, it was like someone placed a khaki hue over a camera lens. Crazy shit.

July 4th, Thursday, I really didn’t do shit. I grilled some hot dogs, made my Caesar Potato Salad, and watched HIMYM most of the evening until I passed out asleep.

Friday I was off for some reason, so I took to St. Pete for a little afternoon outing. Started at Book + Bottle to find a new read (chose Crazy Rich Asians, we’ll see how it goes) then walked to The Lure for sushi. Really interesting place – almost has the feel of a sports bar with the pool tables and a couple arcade games nestled in the corner. I ordered some edamame to start and the “Jasmine from The Block” roll, which was phenomenal. Right next door is Mayday Ice Cream. That bourbon pecan flavor is bomb, and the variety in general is great.

On Saturday I shot a few games of pool at Brewlands. Really cool spot, massive, with a nice long bar, plenty of TVs, and a fairly standard menu of grub and drinks that I think is appropriate for a billiards hall.

I don’t know how to proceed with the week. Self care is priority right now as I ride out the fast-approaching deluge. I always come up with ideas for what I’d like to do to gently occupy my time: rock climbing, kayaking, and yoga are at the top of my list. And, of course, cooking and baking. Realistically, though, partaking in these activities is quite the effort, especially when all you want is to sit and stare into the void while things around you muss up and, hopefully, resettle. I suppose part of sitting still is keeping up a forward pace, though.

Big hugs if you’re struggling. Big hugs even if you’re at an equilibrium – good on you, hold onto that.

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…A fun variety of the “brookie”.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Potato chips…The obsession is real. Any variety of ridged potato chip is my kryptonite at the moment. I love stuffing them into “turkey” sandwiches or nibbling alongside burgers. Or munching randomly when I’m bored…

Veggie burgers…Been getting these Morningstar Farms Grillers for a couple weeks after my mom handed over a package of English muffins for me to finish.

Air freshener…Spiffed up my house with a Febreeze plug and the Japanese cherry blossom cartridges. Quite pleasant to walk into a nicely-scented environment every day.

Week in Training

Monday, 7.1: 8 miles, 11:03 pace + 15 minute lift

Got back into the gym (begrudgingly) after practically a whole week off. Think I’m going to make workouts based on what moves I feel like doing. Maybe not the best strategy, but it’s better than resigning myself to doing nothing at all.

Strength:

• 3 x 10 ea. standing hydrant 25#
• 3 x 12 elevated squat 40#
• 4 x 10 sumo squat 65#
• Core work

Tuesday, 7.2: 4.16 miles, 10:46 pace

Another midday melt. I actually haven’t minded these balls hot afternoon runs – kinda a cathartic reset from the day, especially after a rough, rough night of sleep.

Wednesday, 7.3: 5 miles, 10:50 pace

Not a bad run. My hamstring has been a bit tight lately so I need to keep an eye on that.

Thursday, 7.4: 6.2 miles, 10:58 pace

Decent trot. Not much else to say.

Friday, 7.5: 7 miles, 11:02 pace + 18 minute lift

Finally got back into the gym! Felt okay, really. I think I need to revamp my gym splits a bit and maybe that’ll help motivate me to be consistent again. Still proud that I yanked myself to the weight room.

Strength:

• 3 x 8 ea. balanced biceps curl 20#
• 3 x 10 ea. balanced overhead triceps ext. 15#
• 4 x 10 row 30#
• Core work

Saturday, 7.6: 8 miles, 10:55 pace + 10 minute core

Sticky and still out. Right groin area is still giving me some grief – more uncomfortable than outright painful.

Sunday, 7.7: 4.19 miles, 10:44 pace

Distressing morning so I mentally could not jive with running when I woke up. Went in the midday instead and while it was monstrously awful out – 91, real feel 104, 76 dew – the run itself was cathartic.

Total running mileage: 42.6