sidebar | life and trainin 2.12 – 2.18

Much-needed best friend time made this week worthwhile.

First: check out this cute lil setup my mom had waiting for me on Valentine’s Day! Precious. The cookies were delicious to boot.

Do ya’ll have friends that have survived the test of many years, life cycles, and happenings? I’m completely honored to call one human my friend for more than a decade, and Sunday I was able to see him and his wonderful fiance for an enlightening and soul-nourishing afternoon out and about in St. Pete.

We’ve been steadfast pals since our days working at Books-A-Million back in our late teen years. Yup, Books-A-Million – what a fucken throwback, and I just learned that our location closed for good within the past month. Sad. I can’t even remember how our friendship progressed, but it did, along with another girl who we’ve both kinda fallen out of contact with.

He and I went I think 2 years without talking, not because of any animosity but because of life. After Hurricane Ian, though, I sent him a text to make sure he and his then-girlfriend now-future-wife were okay since the storm hit very close to where they live – and we both then realized how fucking long it had been since we texted. Very humorous. Ever since then we re-upped our friendship like it never took a lapse at all and we’ve made more of an effort to get together whenever our schedules align.

That, folks, is a valuable camaraderie, and one that, if you’re lucky enough to experience it, is worth holding onto to for life.

I remember a period 7 years ago or so where we were both going through some serious shit – he a breakup with his then-fiance and I a very tricky situation of my own – and he drove up to visit randomly one weekend. We went to Steak and Shake, I’m pretty sure we also got beers, then aimlessly wheeled about the interstate and ended up somewhere in Town n’ Country blasting “My Demons” by Starset and singing along terribly to the lyrics. I asked if he remembered that little outing and he just bust out laughing. I’m pretty sure we ended the evening at my apartment with two gallons of ice cream and gelato and just fucken went at that shit like it was the apocalypse.

That Saturday (Friday?) may have cemented our friendship.

This is very much a lemme tell ya ’bout my best friend narrative, but hey, I’m a woman with a very small circle and those who eek their way into it have a very special place in my heart.

So, all this is to say that Sunday the dynamic duo came up to visit me and we drove out to 3 Daughters in St. Pete. The weather was ass and it was slammed at the brewery. We managed to snag a table and practically chugged our beers since it was so loud and boisterous in there that talking was near impossible. I’d imagine if it wasn’t raining the crowd would’ve been more dispersed – the outdoor seating was soaked so no one could use the benches. I got the red velvet ale. It was aight.

We scrambled out and got dinner at Red Mesa a little ways away. I’ve been there a few times and it’s always a pretty solid choice. We shared the nachos and I ordered two shrimp tacos. Very tasty.

My friend is somewhat of an ice cream savant and always manages to find the most dope shops (in fact, whenever we park somewhere with limited parking it always seems to be in front of an ice cream shop). We landed at The Yard Milkshake Bar, a location of which was apparently on Shark Tank at one point. That place is over the fucking top: you basically receive three or four full-on dessert items in one. Mine was actually the least extravagant of the trio we ordered – a bowl with birthday cake ice cream, a ton of whipped cream, and a little funfetti cupcake. So good, and so excessive.

While we were in there I had a very spooky moment seeing two folks I sorta knew (we went to their wedding last year) walk by the shop. They don’t even live in town anymore. Very strange chance, and I was kinda glad they didn’t see me because awkward public encounters aren’t really my forte.

Yes, it was a good weekend. Friday I popped over to Crooked Thumb for a bit to pet Vader, sample their Girl Scout cookie-inspired beers (honestly wasn’t blown away by them) and buy some boxes of cookies (always blown away by those).

Saturday I visited Mezzo Market, which I’ve been trying to get to for months but never seem to catch the date it happens. Basically just a big street market with 100+ vendors. I bought a $12 loaf of sourdough. Worth it. Then huddled down at Intermezzo for an oat cappuccino and a slice of banana bread. Good shit.

I’ve quite enjoyed my weekends lately. And, in a few weeks, I’ll be dipping out of the country for a few days and moseying to Pennsylvania for a trip with my sister. Can’t wait. The life burnout is real and I really hope a break from the everyday grind of reality will help soothe my weary mind. Escape is much needed, folks.

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…A springy layer cake. HYPED.

…A sheetpan or skillet salmon dish.

…PizzaaAAAA.

A Few Things I’m Digging

Girl Scout cookies…Oh yes, tis the season. Bought me a box of Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and S’mores cookies when I visited Crooked Thumb for their Girl Scout stout launch.

Cinnamon rolls…If you haven’t already, check out my Easy Overnight Cinnamon Rolls. They are dope. And, if you have serious Monday blues, work as a little treat you can enjoy all week for breakfasts or midday snacks.

Shops & Wish List

Home

Target…This faux marble mini lamp would be real cute on an end table. Love the look of this rose glow reed diffuser and for absolutely no reason I adore this fluted trinket dish. Might be a good prop.

Week in Training

Monday, 2.12: 8 miles, 10:19 pace + 12 minute lift

Blustery morning, but a pleasant run.

Strength:

• 3 x 8 chest press 30#
• 3 x 8 shoulder press 30#
• 3 x 8 row 40#
• 1:30 planks

Tuesday, 2.13: 7.19 miles, 9:44 pace + 14 minute lift

Windy afternoon miles. I was so lethargic and demotivated all day, but the weather was lovely and I couldn’t resist a little extra mileage.

Strength:

• 3 x 8 goblet squat 80#
• 3 x 8 side lunge 70#
• 3 x 8 deadlift 100#
• 3 x 8 leg press 190#

Wednesday, 2.14 (HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!): 8.01 miles, 10:41 pace + 10 minute core

Lil cold front made for a brisk morning. My legs didn’t feel great, but the crisp air and quiet surroundings made for a good peaceful session.

Thursday, 2.15: 7 miles, 9:41 pace + 12 minute lift

Kinda felt crummy all day, just extremely tired and unmotivated. Run wasn’t too bad, though, and the breeze was lovely.

Strength:

• 3 x 9 chest press 30#
• 3 x 9 shoulder press 20#
• 3 x 9 row 40#
• 1:30 planks

Friday, 2.16: 7 miles, 9:46 pace

Alternatively gloomy and warm-sunny afternoon. Legs were a little tired but the thought of enjoying some beer later got me through.

Saturday, 2.17: 8 miles, 10:20 pace + 15 minute lift

A few spits of rain here and there but not a bad morning overall. Little clammy. Definitely fueled by tacos and French fries from the night before!

Strength:

• 3 x 9 goblet squat 80#
• 3 x 10 side lunge 70#
• 3 x 9 deadlift 100#
• 3 x 9 leg press 190#

Sunday, 2.18: 5.65 miles, 10:37 pace + 10 minute core

The weather was ass so I took my run to the treadmill – very comfy run overall, and I honestly think I might take my Sunday runs in general to the mill to give my legs a little break from the pavement.

Total running mileage: 50.9