sidebar | life and training 9.11 – 9.17
This week was not great.
I value any virtual space of mine has being one of transparency. I struggle with mental health, and I know many folks look up and around for people with which they relate. Awareness of others’ similar emotions can help. So no, this week was not great, and I feel no shame for admitting it.
I think I’ve wound my sidebars lately, with increasing frequency, around the concept of rebalancing, or refocusing. I’ve passed most of 2023 wishing to be further along than I am, and with that single-minded drive I threw a lot of my energy into a single egg basket while leaving the others empty. So, with that one thing beginning to overwhelm and disappoint me, I’m whirling around in circles trying to find where I even put the other baskets, and how to fill them.
With the year winding down, I’d imagine many of you are starting on that cycle of looking backwards and evaluating where you are and where you came from. I’m trying not to do that too much – that only serves to weaken my sense of accomplishment. And I have accomplished some things, no doubt. Instead, I’m asking myself where should I be emotionally by January 1? What do I need to change in order to get there? I’ve mulled over those inquiries often, especially on my morning runs. I spend several miles, after brainstorming what recipe I might want to tackle that given day, letting any negative thoughts mellow into something more bonded and whole.
See, this is why I hate when people say they “run away from their problems.” Nah dude. Run with them. Consciously let them become less important rather than pretending they don’t exist. They ain’t going to go away just because you will them to via distraction.
So, a new week is here. We finished off the weekend with a little hop around a couple bars: after work I didn’t want to be at home, so we wandered around seeking a couple watering holes at which to watch the Bucs game. We landed first at Driftlight, a little bar in the JW Marriot downtown, then Lona again for happy hour chips and guac. Was a good little sequence of spontaneous outings. Sometimes home is comfort, and sometimes home is cloistering.
I don’t really recall what else happened last week. I have a project to complete these next few days that was sprang on me very suddenly. While I’m flattered that I was selected for this particular campaign, I was also a bit blindsided and have to crunch in order to complete everything well and on time. But hey. I’ve always worked incredibly well under pressure and my brain seems to really get moving when I have a looming deadline. How else do you think I managed to write essays in high school and college the night before and get a nice little “I can tell you spent SO much time on this” note on the paper?
I think today I’ll wander over to a coffee shop and find myself a good ole PSL. Sounds like a good Monday pasttime, don’t you think?
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…An apple-y dessert!
…An easy chickpea curry.
…Some fun and cheesy stuffed spaghetti squashes.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Pumpkin butter…Trader Joes released all their fall goodies and I had to stock up on their pumpkin butter. It’s incredible as a spread (it’s intended purpose) but also when mixed into cookie dough to make this week’s Pumpkin Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies, or as a big tasting note in the Harvest Pumpkin Margarita.
Barware…The Viski admiral glasses are quickly becoming a favorite. Perfect size for many a drink, and the pattern is just gorgeous.
KT Tape…I’ve been wrapping my hamstring with the KT Pro Extreme tape and its made quite a difference in both my everyday comfort and when I run. I’m working to also rehab the area but this is a nice buffer and helps take the strain out of movement.
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Linjer…Since I stupidly lost my moon ring, we took advantage of the BOGO 40% off sale to get a couple cute new pieces. Bought the Ilse blue topaz ring (my birthstone) and the Ada open leaf ring. Still hoping moon ring comes back into stock in my size, I’m hoping to replace the one I had prior.
Kitchen & Dining
Pottery Barn…I guess since it’s September we gotta get into holiday entertaining mode, huh? Really like this pumpkin tureen, perfect for soups, and the lidded pumpkin bowls for divvying up the portions. Still into these pumpkin icon drinking glasses, maple leaf appetizer plates, and skeleton old fashioned glasses.
Week in Training
Monday, 9.11: 8.07 miles, 11:31 pace
Quiet, peaceful morning. Had a lot to hash out mentally, including an agenda for the day, and this length helped me sift through those topics quite handily. I’ve been taking a different route lately and the change of scenery and stimulus has been a good switchup.
Tuesday, 9.12: 4 miles, 11:23 pace + 10 minute mobility
Didn’t feel 80 degrees but I guess it was – the breeze was nice and I felt relatively relaxed.
Wednesday, 9/13: 4.06 miles, 11:21 pace
Threw in 4 little hill sprints during the final mile of the run just to get some turnover. I hit 200 spm which felt satisfying, even though my paces weren’t super strong.
Thursday, 9.14: 1 mile run, 10:04 pace + 40 minute full body
That mile cooldown run felt so damn hard. I’m guessing because the oxygen demands switched suddenly from anabolic (lifting) to…bolic? Aerobic? Whatever. Either way I felt like I couldn’t breathe and my legs were rather juicy. Ah well.
Strength:
- 4 x 10 triceps press down 37#
- 4 x 10 incline press 25#
- 4 x 8 mid row 70#
- 4 x 10 ea. full side raise 15#
- 1 x 8/3 x 8 preacher curl 50/45#
- 4 x 12 sumo deadlift 70#
- 4 x 10 narrow squat 70#
- Core work
Friday, 9.15: 5.29 miles, 11:20 pace
Strangely okay run, wasn’t pleasant out but I felt comfortably at any rate.
Saturday, 9.16: 10.15 miles, 11:55 pace + 10 minute mobility
Total slog. Wasn’t really surprised at the 12 minute miles in there: it was sticky, still, and hot, 77 dew point at the start. Body and mind weren’t into it, and my cruise ship friend was late to the party so I didn’t really get to see him pull in. But, got it done.
Sunday, 9.17: 4.08 mile walk (1:03:00)
Total running mileage: 32.6
