sidebar | life and training 7.25 – 7.31
What’s up, fellas? Happy August. It’s mom’s birthday month, which is the most notable thing about August since back to school doesn’t mean anything to me (hooray being graduated!) aside from the pool clearing out from all the gremlins and swims becoming more peaceful. Aaaand, we begin the slow transition into autumn, though Florida autumn is nonexistent. The sentiment remains, though.
Had a good week, not a lot out of the ordinary. J and I visited m.bird on Sunday for drinks and tapas. I was rather underwhelmed by the food, aside from the baba ghanouj which was A+. I liked his drinks better than the one I ordered. Yeah, I just kinda sucked with my selections. But it was nice to dine al fresco and enjoy the vibes of a new place.
Saturday, we set up the toolbox grill and smoked a bunch of hatch chiles. We buy them every year so J can make green chili when he’s in the mood for a big meal prep. Also marinated and grilled some zucchini, halibut, and baguette I had left over from a recipe early in the week. When the sun went down the air was actually quite tolerable, a nice breeze lifted the humidity away somewhat. Felt like a properly spent summer evening.
We’re likely getting our AC units replaced this week which means I’ll have to flee whichever day they come, so I’ll probably go bother my mom and/or pick up a couple extra hours at work. The repairs are a long time coming since the system was pretty much shit when J bought the place however long ago. We’re noticing the upstairs unit is growing quite sluggish, so all this is coming at a good time. The downstairs unit already shat out. Just in time for the deadening heat of August. Yippee.
What did you get up to this week? Any fun travels or adventures or foods you enjoyed? If it was something from here, share it on Instagram! I wanna see!
What I’m Up To This Week
Testing…Keeping it a bit more simple this week. Greek-style meatballs, salmon bowls, popovers (SO excited), a fun gnocchi skillet, an indulgent brunch, and a crisp and light summer cocktail.
Eyeing…Transitional autumn clothing. Bought these super comfy pintuck ankle pants in green. They’re the perfect length for my short ass legs. My favorite basic tees were on deal so I snagged a gray and burgundy one. The latter hue I’m really excited to assign to my autumn capsule. Definitely into the idea of pairing with casual wide leg pants for home or the coveted brown version of the above linked pants and a pair of black ankle booties for a date night.
Trying…Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying Eye Serum. Haven’t found an eye treatment I love yet and this one had rave reviews alongside its tag as a cruelty-free brand. Score. Much of their skincare is aimed towards anti-aging or for menopausal women, but I’m curious about their hyaluronic line. Thinking about the Aqualia Thermal Water Gel and the LiftActiv Serum 10 which is also used on the lashes.
Loving…All of Pottery Barn’s new Sienna Terracotta collection. Thinking of getting the serving bowl for fall salads.
Wanting…A large tote or messenger type bag. I love my straw themed assortment (by assortment I mean 2) but really feeling a sturdier style for the autumn. Love the look of this work tote (and on sale. Tempting…)
Brainstorming…Halloween goodies. On my run Monday I thought up a couple loose concepts, and one of them might involve these spooky skeleton champagne glasses. I’ve a lot of time to steep over the ideas but hey, not too early to get the cogs turning. I don’t love Halloween as an occasion, but the treats can be fun. And I’m a fun guy.
Trying…Being Frenshe, a new line that launched at Target I’m guessing recently. Never seen it before. Bought the lavender cloud glow on perfume oil and really interested in solar fleur body and radiance hair oil.
Wanting…All the bike shorts. Loving the soft luxe look of these flowknit shorts from Quince. Thinking of ordering the heather oatmeal and heather charcoal. I wear bike shorts mostly at home when cooking because they’re comfortable and bendy enough that I can roundhouse a wall if I fuck up one of my recipes badly enough.
Feeling Peachy?
Clearly I’ve been having way too much fun with these butt-resembling fruits, so here’s a roundup of some of my favorites before the season winds down.
Cinnamon Sugar Peach Dutch Baby
Whipped Feta Peach Garlic Bread
Blackened Peach Bruschetta Salmon
Brown Sugar Peaches and Cream Puffs
Sticky Basil Peach Meatball Bowls
Peach Ricotta Tarts with Lemon Thyme Honey
Peach Melba Ice Cream Loaf Cake
Smoky Peach Thyme Bourbon Twist
A Few Things I’m Digging
Zucchini…Been having some fun with zucchini recipes this week. The Chocolate Chunk Rye Zucchini Bread is still a favorite amongst my quick baked goods, and soon we’ll have a new addition to the family. Stay tuned. Tehe.
Cereal o’ the week…Cookie Crisp. Haven’t had in YEARS but it was bogo so I picked up a box along with my trusty Golden Grahams.
Board…The Magnolia Ceramic Serving Board is one of my favorite purchases this year, and it’s on deal right now! I own the square one but wouldn’t mind grabbing the rectangular version if budget allows.
Mindset shifts…Allowing space for growth, and failure, is key when you’re trying to build yourself up. Love this quote to encapsulate that.
Ceviche…Whenever we go out and there’s ceviche on the menu, you bet I’m ordering it. My Avocado Peach Ceviche is a pretty wonderful vegan version that’s simple to whip up at home. #cepeache
Week in Training
Monday, 7.25: 7.15 miles, 10:55 pace + 55 minute full body
An okay run, legs were stubborn after a rest day. I find that Monday workouts can either be fully energetic or sluggish upon the return from a day off.
Strength:
- 3 x 12 alt. lunge 50#
- 3 x 12 press up 45#
- 3 x 10 around the world bicep curl 20#
- 3 x 12 ea. supported sldl 50#
- 3 x 10 ea. single arm skullcrusher 15#
- 3 x 7 ea. shoulder press 30#
- 3 x 10 sumo deadlift 100#
- 3 x 10 ea. oblique raise 20#
- 3 x 12 v-up 20#
Tuesday, 7.26: 5 miles, 10:52 pace + 30 minute shoulders & tris
Did a big think during my run so let it go longer than I intended, which meant a very short gym workout. Had a thought to go finish up later but that clearly didn’t happen – ho well.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 hammer front raise 35#
- 3 x 10 ea. single arm extension 20#
- 2 x 8 military press to regular press 20#
- 4 x 8 push down level 9
- 3 x 10 ea. side raise 20#
- 3 x 10 OH extension 45#
Wednesday, 7.27: 10.02 miles, 10:53 pace + 43 minute legs
This was the best run I’ve had since last summer. I felt so relaxed, calm, and my heart rate didn’t even spike. I averaged 159 which is normal for me! First double digit adventure since Big Sur, and I was riding a big happy cloud afterwards. Not to mention there was an autumnal breeze in the air, which was odd but wonderful.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 front squat 70#
- 3 x 10 ea. Jefferson lunge 50#
- 3 x 12 ea. single leg press 100#
- 4 x 8 ea. single leg deadlift 70#
- 4 x 10 sumo squat 100#
- 3 x :60 wall sit 25#
- 3 x 8 ea. donkey kick 35#
Thursday, 7.28: 4.02 mile walk (1:02:00) + 20 minute swim
After a rough evening I didn’t feel like formal lap swimming at the community pool so I wandered to our complex pool to derp around. Ended up with a straight 20 minute swim that felt wonderful. Needed some sunshine after being inside half the day.
Friday, 7.29: 6.23 miles, 11:00 pace+ 40 minute back/bis/chest
Ran out of time in the morning and man, I really hate going to the gym in the midday. I feel sluggish and like I have 0 energy, not to mention the room is even more scalding once the sun has blared through the windows for several hours.
Strength:
- 3 x 9 bench press 40#
- 3 x 10 waiter curl 45#
- 3 x 10 row 40#
- 3 x 8 ea. single arm bench press 35#
- 3 x 6 half to full curl 20#
- 3 x 8 ea bent front raise 20#
- 3 x 10 elevated curl 10#
- 3 x 10 narrow row 40#
Saturday, 7.30: 9.33 miles, 11:09 pace + 50 minute legs
Heavy legs but a good run, the breeze picked up on the return trip which is always a pleasant thing. I should probably start carrying fuel again since my distances are picking up and I oft get carried away now!
Strength:
- 3 x 8 ea. box squat 30#
- 3 x 10 elevated front squat 70#
- 3 x 15 hip thrust 70#
- 3 x 12 machine calf raise 180#
- 3 x 15 elevated good mornings 50#
- 3 x 8 ea. sldl 80#
- 3 x 10 ea. single leg pass 20#
- Core work
Sunday, 7.31: 4.01 mile walk (1:01:00)
Total running mileage: 37.78
