sidebar | life and training 7.10 – 7.16
Not sure who sweats more nowadays: me or my windows at 4 am.
Summer worsens and worsens by the year here in ole Florida. While running (read: slogging and grogging) this morning I thought back to somewhere around 2018-2019. At the time I lived in my city’s actual swamplands – usually the dew points were 2-3 degrees higher in my part of town than in downtown – and I recall prepping for my first 10K race sometimes with workouts landing in the middle of the day. Don’t get me wrong, running fast at 1 pm was not an easy feat, nor did I enjoy it, but it was possible. So long as a cold shower awaited when I got home. Which it did.
Now, though, it’s troublesome enough to try and run slowly at 5 am without cooking. Even two years ago when I trained for Chicago I don’t remember most days being this bad. Aside from a rainy day or two, most of our lows hover around 80-82. My AC never catches up to our 70 degree setting overnight, unless it’s been cloudy. I’m not the only one to observe this pattern, either.
I feel like most of my Sidebar posts involve me bitching one way or another about the weather, but honestly, it puts a huge damper on my mood. Hot weather makes me feel cloistered, stuffy, and constantly shiny. They say people get more violent in the summertime. I believe it. There’s a reason for the expression “hot and bothered” though that’s typically in a different context.
I am, however, trying to boost my spirits somewhat by hosting a pool party next weekend. I took Sunday off on a whim, mostly as a mental health day, and figured a get together would do me some spiritual good. One of my best friends also got engaged this past weekend, so what better way to celebrate? I plan to pull from my recipe archives for some of my favorite recipes to make, and hopefully can swindle others to bring dishes/booze to enjoy as well.
This week I wrote in some self-care ideas to hopefully work towards balancing my days even more. Friday I have a doctor’s appointment a bit of a drive away, but in the area there’s plenty of craft coffee shops and I’ll probably haul my laptop along and do some work there after I get done at the office. I’d like to squeeze out a visit to my favorite haunt one day this week and would like to get a couple face masks in as well. Little things, really, can make a big difference.
Saturday, for instance, I pulled myself out of a frantic midmorning burst of anxiety with a walk over to Boulon for coffee and pastries. J was at his parents’ house so, left to my own devices, I immediately started questioning whether I was worth the outing or not. Eventually I pried myself from the dining table, put on a nice outfit, and strolled over. Wound up having an excellent little half hour or so with my tiny sheep friend. I think she enjoyed herself, too.
Sometimes, you just gotta say yes to being nice to yourself. Allow a little treat to sneak in here and there. Tell yourself you’re worthwhile, because you are. Can level up your day significantly.
I broke my 34 day run streak on Sunday because I woke up and just didn’t fucking want to brave the heat. I ended up jogging a little bit during my walk but not enough to qualify the sessions as a proper “run.” It was a nice break for my legs, I think, though I’m quite sure I’m due for some new shoes. My knees are starting to feel it.
How was your week? What are you doing to take care of yourself? I’m always curious about what folks do to destress and unwind. Drop some of your habits below! Maybe we can feed off one another’s good vibes when things get hectic.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A veggie take on the popular smash taco!
…A fun little cookie.
…A simple happy hour cocktail.
…A fresh and bright summer salad.
…More indulgent and easy ice creams!
A Few Things I’m Digging
Sandwiches…Summertime sandwiches are excellent for when I want to snag something quick out the fridge and not think too hard about it. These Garden Veggie Havarti Sandwiches are a current mainstay. Who can say no to a huge slab of ciabatta?
Limoncello…Finally got my hands on a bottle of this pert Italian liqueur and am really liking a little spritz or margarita in the evenings to wind down.
Coffee…I’ve probably named this roast before, but I picked up another bag of the double chocolate coffee from Good & Gather and was reminded how much I like it! It tastes like unsweetened hot chocolate, with a roasty undertone.
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Target…Liking these high rise chino pants, they look really comfy and flattering. Always on the hunt for cozies so might pick up another pair of the beautifully soft pajama shorts, and the other week grabbed a second of the boxy shirt because they’re really easy to wear and inexpensive – I own the Rust and Black colors. Highly recommend anyone who’s active try out the light support v-neck sports bra, it’s apparently a Lululemon dupe and very soft, doesn’t ride up on me either.
The oversized blazer I’ve been eyeing WENT ON SALE so I picked it up as well as these high rise everyday shorts, for comfy wear while I photograph.
Quince…Love some of the new looks that dropped in their Summer Playbook. This jersey minidress would be great for a lunch date or coffee break, and I adore this leather envelope clutch. Love the knit blazer, especially the heather brown and beige colors.
Home
Target…Not sure a lunchbox qualifies as a home find, but this strawberry pattern is so cute, and still pining over this strawberry pillow. Apparently I like strawberries. This lamp would be really lovely on a desk or accent table, like the spherical accent.
Week in Training
Monday, 7.10: 6.2 miles, 11:35 pace + 26 minute push
Pretty miserable outside and the ships I saw were too far away for me to get a good pic of them, but I did see them at least! Some dude also accosted me while I was taking a breather on the bridge, watching for the boats, and asked if he’d get attacked my alligators if he went onto one of the docks. If that was a pickup line, that’s one of the weirdest. Don’t think it was, though.
Strength:
- 4 x 12 triceps pushdown 28#
- 4 x 12 incline press 20#
- 4 x 12 ea. front raise 15#
- 4 x 10 triceps ext. 35#
- Core work + 40 second deadhang
Tuesday, 7.11: 3.28 miles, 11:16 pace
Quick pre-work run. Didn’t feel terrible, really.
Wednesday, 7.12: 5.64 miles, 11:32 pace + 23 minute pull
I sliced my finger on Tuesday night while washing my food processor blade, so lifting wasn’t exactly an easy feat. But I managed. I was surprised that my run felt so good since I neglected to take Xyzal the night before, accumulated bout 5 hours of sleep due to the MLB All Star Game, and we enjoyed a 78 dew point. Not a great combination but maybe my resignation to the less than ideal circumstances worked in my favor?
Strength:
- 4 x 12 bent pull down 37#
- 4 x 10 cable curl 32#
- 4 x 10 ea. row 35#
- Core work + 40 second deadhang
Thursday, 7.13: 3.28 miles, 11:35 pace
Easy morning miles. So tired from wack sleep the past couple nights, but the run felt okay considering.
Friday, 7.14: 4.2 miles, 11:39 pace
Legs were fast asleep on this run but I felt alright, a strange amount of folks out today.
Saturday, 7.15: 7.19 miles, 11:42 pace + 25 minute legs
What a slog this morning. Invigorated by Mr. Ship at the end, but it was hot and barely any breeze. Hopefully only a couple more months of this?
Strength:
- 4 x 12 ea. leg press 110#
- 4 x 18 calf raise 170#
- 4 x 12 deadlift 80#
- Core work + 35 second deadhang
Sunday, 7.16: 4 mile run/walk (51 minutes)
A bit of a yog this morning since I didn’t want to fully run but didn’t want to fully walk either, so settled for an in-between.
Total running mileage: 29.8
