sidebar | life and training 7.31 – 8.6

I can’t see out my windows right now.

Won’t bore you with weather narratives, so I’ll leave it at this: when I ran this morning, it was 84, real feel of 97, 80 dew point. Horrendous. I’m glad to see, though, that most of us around my webspace have come to our senses and are equally as tired of summer.

One of us. One of us…

I’m becoming more aware of my approaching marathon training cycle, and in some ways am actually looking forward to it. This coming week I’m starting a more intentional running schedule that involves a bit less, but more structured, mileage as well as a greater emphasis on strength and prehab. My hamstring still hasn’t quite healed from the strain I endured a couple months ago, and I’d imagine much of it has to do with a weakness somewhere in my hips/glutes.

My goal, then, is 4 days of running, with one longer run of 6-9 miles (realistically, probably 6-7, but I’ll keep my mind open) on Saturdays so I can say hello to the Mr. Ships, and 3 days of strength training broken down as full body/upper body/lower body, with some accessory work a couple days a week (bands, mobility, core). This will likely land me around 20-25 miles, which might climb up to around 30 once November rolls around.

So, that’s that. Looking forward. To look behind, I had a good week last week overall. Friday I took myself out for coffee and a cookie on National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, and discovered my cappuccino haunt has my website blocked on their WiFI for some reason. That wasn’t cool. On the return walk home I subjected myself to a massive deluge and approached my front door sopping wet. The shower afterwards felt glorious.

Saturday date night took J and I to Predalina, a new spot in the Water Street district owned by the same folks that run Oxford Exchange. I was impressed with the whole dining experience. Both the patio and the dining room are beautifully curated, the wait staff knowledgeable, and the food delectable. To start, we shared saganaki (no flames, though, sadly) and a horiatiki salad tossed in vinaigrette tableside. I ordered the snapper, nestled in a saffron broth with crisp chickpeas, artichokes, and fennel, and J got a tomato-scented sea bream, and we split the roasted zucchini side. For dessert, Greek-style doughnuts (kinda like beignets) with a trio of dipping sauces. So good. I also sipped down a wonderfully bold sparkling rose and a nice red with the main course.

Sunday, my sister, her fiance, and my mom came over for a cookout and a nice splash in the pool. It rained earlier in the day so the water was actually quite refreshing. I prepped our favorite Layered Street Corn Taco Dip – which was also well-loved amongst my fam – and J grilled up some burgers, salmon burgers, and brats my mom brought. A nice, relaxing afternoon.

I tell you what, a full weekend really does rejuvenate me for the new week. I feel motivated, pampered, and fulfilled on this Monday, and ready to tackle what I have in store. I’m trying to embrace the idea of slowing down, not overworking myself, and finding enjoyment again in building, rebuilding, and improving. These little shifts, I hope, revamp my love for my passions once again and make them feel less like stressors.

And today, I’m going to Target, and hopefully finding some fall decor to stash so I can switch my house into an autumn wonderland immediately when September hits. Teehee.

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…A cheesy, olive-y appetizer.

…A soup to give you all the cozy feels.

…A cheerful summer pasta salad.

…Cookies to get you hyped about fall (no, they aren’t pumpkin).

A Few Things I’m Digging

Pitcher drinks…I’m enjoying the big-batch cocktail style lately since it’s nice to just open the fridge and pull out a glass whenever I’m feeling it. This week’s Summer Peach Paloma Sangria is a new favorite, while the Fresh Basil Peach Lemonade or Fresh Strawberry Green Tea Lemonade are perfect when I don’t want any booze.

Peaches…I don’t think this needs any explanation. I will say, though, that these Bourbon Honey Peach Shortcakes are my favorite treat of late.

Candle…Making way for fall candles but right now burning the last batch of sunkissed ginger candles. Such a lovely scent, and a strong one, too, that lingers even after your allotted burn time.

Shops and Wish List

Fashion

Target…Will be residing in these linen joggers all summer: they’re cute and keep cool thanks to the breathable material. Hyped for the autumn selections rolling in. I own one of these open front cardigans already, super cozy in the early morning when I’m slowly waking up, and really love the brown and light brown colorways. Also eyeing his cropped hooded sweatshirt, sweater vest, and, for casual wear and perhaps running, these pocketed bike shorts.

Kitchen & Dining

Pottery Barn…Okay, okay, it’s too early, but I love these pumpkin icon glasses for fall cocktails and all of the skeleton collection.

Beauty & Wellness

Colourpop: Picked up the hyaluronic acid tinted moisturizer, so far love it except I wish it had SPF.

Week in Training

Monday, 7.31: 5.25 miles, 11:25 pace + 30 minute push

Not a horrible morning, really. Certainly better than yesterday.

Strength:

• 4 x 10 ea. triceps ext. 20#
• 4 x 12 incline press 20#
• 3 x 10 ea. side raise SS double side raise 15#
• 4 x 8 press down 37#
• Core work + 40 second deadhang

Tuesday, 8.1: 3.1 mile walk (49 minutes)

Felt very placid when I got up in the morning so I decided to keep the calm mood and go for a stroll, with a little jazz music. The heat is really making motivation wear thin and this was a lovely change of pace.

Wednesday, 8.2: 5 miles, 11:06 pace + 28 minute pull

Whew. Tried my first stride workout during my run to get a little turnover going in my feets. Jesus, did it wind me. Did like 6 of them and my lowest pace was a 6:58, which is incredibly slow, but at least I know where I’m at fitness wise.

Strength:

• 2 x 10/2 x 8 ea. balanced row 25/30#
• 4 x 10 ea. cable hammer curl 15#
• 2 x 8/2 x10 mid row 70/60#
• 4 x 10 barbell curl 20#
• Core work + 40 second deadhang

Thursday, 8.3: 3.1 mile walk (49 minutes)

I am so burnt out of this heat. No desire to run and felt anxious, so put on my jazz and strolled. I figure I’m in good shape if I manage to get some sort of movement in during my day. Which I did!

Friday, 8.4: 4 miles, 11:16 pace

This was alright. Legs were protesting, but I didn’t feel totally trashed.

Saturday, 8.5: 7.21 miles, 11:48 pace + 27 minute legs

What a horrid morning. 78 dew point, 82 degrees, absolutely no relief in any direction. Least I got to see Mr. Ship, though, and another guy was also watching him roll in to his parking spot.

Strength:

• 4 x 12 ea. leg press 120#
• 4 x 12 ea. calf raise 130#
• 4 x 12 elevated squat 50#
• Core work + 40 second deadhang

Sunday, 8.6: 4.13 mile walk (1:05:00)

Total running mileage: 21.46