sidebar | life and training 2.23 – 3.1
My voice went bye-bye yesterday.
My first thought as I got ready for my run this morning was Gee, I hope I don’t have to scream for help during this session because my voicebox sure as shit ain’t working. I really don’t get laryngitis often when I’m sick so I’m pretty thrown off when I open my mouth and I sound like a wounded cow.
I guess I could just moo if I needed help.
So yes, last week I came down with my annual illness, this time seemingly just a bizarre rendition of rhinovirus. My symptoms came on with a wallop Thursday afternoon, culminating in a slight fever/chills session overnight Thursday, and continuing forth with general malaise Friday and a seesaw of symptoms up to now. My body roundhouse kicked the majority of the virus Friday but I’m still dealing with cough, ear inflammation, and now, no voice.
At least my tastebuds are still working!
Last week I hit 18 miles running, which is nothing to cough at considering my 70+ mile weeks in December and January, but it felt like an accomplishment. My knee is better managed now but still not there yet. I’ve found several trigger points in my upper quad that are definitely contributing to the lock-up, and am working them out daily as much as I can. The gym is my second home 5x per week: lots of resistance band work and quad/glute strengthening. I’ve found those exercises quite satisfying and it’s nice to build some strength again after so many months of minimal resistance training!
It was a fairly chill week here, though it seems like every appliance of ours is breaking at once. Real cute. Our dishwasher pooped out which is NOT ideal considering the volume of dirty dishes I accumulate on the daily. I’m trying to be proactive in washing up as I go, and it honestly isn’t too bad. My biggest hitch is that I can’t fucking see what I’m doing when I’m scrubbing because myopia.
J’s truck is also a little under the weather himself. We suspect spark plugs or ignition coils. Easy fixes, hopefully. He’s a 21 year old Tundra at 200k, so barely in his young adult years. Just good ole standard maintenance.
Monday I visited Shortwave for a typical afternoon treat. The barista was so hyped about his latte art that he showed his boss before calling out my name for the drink: the latter said “Sorry he was really excited about his art.” As he should be! I complimented the symmetry and found the entire exchange delightful. The latte was excellent as well!
When I was feeling a bit better Saturday we visited the Gasparilla Arts Festival, though I didn’t take any photos because I was enjoying the art, it was balls hot, and I was focused on not slipping and sliding on the muddy grounds (it rained pretty substantially the night before). We also wandered to Armature Works so J could grab lunch, and from the entire affair I returned home with a gnarly little sunburn.
Lots of enjoyable, casual eats to share! A banana mug cake on National Banana Bread Day, some hot cocoa, a sheetpan sausage situation with carrots, potatoes, and asparagus, PIZZA BAGEL (not a shard of a lie when I say I was so excited about this meal all day), oat pancakes for National Pancake Day, a homemade cappuccino and pistachio loaf for National Pistachio Day (need to recreate this doodad), a giant glass of cloud smoothie, and garlic butter ramen noodles. Oh, and a turkey avocado sandwich I’m loving right now (lots of pickles) and a tater tot breakfast bowl. Yum yum!
That’s all for today. Lots of fun planned for this week with regards to recipes and J’s BIRTHDAY! YAY!
Stay healthy, peeps!
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A cozy meatball skillet.
…The most fun, celebratory cinnamon rolls!
…Some kind of latte, either inspired by Irish charm or on par with the theme presented by the aforementioned cinnamon buns.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Banana oatmeal…While I was sick this past weekend this was a big item I craved. Slice up one whole banana into a portion of oats, add cinnamon and 1/2 cup or so of water. Microwave 2 minutes, stir, and top with peanut butter and honey. So comforting and soothing!
Smoothie…Seriously, ya’ll need to try my Strawberry Coconut Cloud Smoothie. It’s sweet, nourishing, and perfect for sick days.
Notable Food Holidays
Wednesday, 3.4: National Pound Cake Day (think: Iced Lemon Loaf Cake)
Saturday, 3.7: National Cereal Day (how about some of Lucky’s Charmed Vanilla Doughnuts?)
This Week’s Menu
Meatless Monday…Chipotle Queso White Bean Chili
Taco Tuesday…Crispy Teriyaki Cauliflower Tacos
Wednesday…Sesame Crusted Salmon Salad Bowls
Thursday…Old Bay Avocado Shrimp Rolls
Friday Healthy Hour…Strawberry Coconut Cloud Smoothie
Saturday Baking…Chewy Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Sunday Brunch…Asparagus Gruyere Tart with Pesto
Shops & Wish List
Fashion
Target…This tulip bag charm is really cute for spring accessorizing…Love how comfy this keyhole peasant top + matching linen shorts looks for spring and summer…Adore the bow detail on this pink plaid midi dress...Think I need to get this sock set mostly for the strawberry printed fellas…
5 Sweet Strawberry Recipes to Try
3. Strawberry Crunch Layer Cake
4. Baked Strawberry Glazed Doughnuts
5. Strawberry Jam Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies
Week in Training
Monday, 2.23: 3.5 miles, 11:53 pace + 21 minute upper body + PT
Second run attempt since the marathon. I’m pretty sure my hip flexor is the reason for my knee: the motion of lifting my knee upwards triggers discomfort in the tightened-up muscles of my upper thigh. This run was fine until about mile 2 when the knee once again grabbed up. I managed it for the final mile and it actually didn’t get worse, and afterwards wasn’t nearly as painful as last week. Honestly, I think that’s a good sign and now I have a more specific goal of strengthening that hip flexor area in the gym.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 shoulder press 15#
- 3 x 12 row 25#
- 3 x 11 OH triceps extension 20#
- 2 x 20 ea. banded clamshell
- 2 x 15 ea. single leg squat
- 2 x 20 ea. banded standing hydrants
- 2 x 20 ea. banded knee thrusts
Tuesday, 2.24: 40 minute elliptical + 20 minute upper body & mobility
Easy spin, chill strength, the usual.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 biceps curl 15#
- 3 x 10 chest press 20#
- 2 x 15 ea. banded lunge abductions
- 3 x 15 ea. banded bridge leg drops
- 3 x 12 ea. single leg extensions 20#
- 2 x :30 heel elevated wall sits
Wednesday, 2.25: 4.25 miles, 11:31 pace + 12 minute core & mobility
I RAN! 2 minute run/:30 walk intervals seemed to make my knee happy, I had no trouble whatsoever on this run. I think this will be my approach for the next week. The run itself did feel really hard, I have no stamina and my hamstrings are SO locked up, but I’m grateful at any rate that my body is letting me get out there as I continue to recover. Excited to try again on Thursday!
Thursday, 2.26: 3.55 miles, 11:28 pace + 20 minute legs & mobility
Another successful run walk! Same 2:00/:30 split, felt a little easier than yesterday but still so hard. I’m so pleased I strung two in a row together and am hopeful about increasing mileage this weekend and next week!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 ea. leg press 70#
- 3 x 10 plie squat 45#
- 3 x 10 deadlift 70#
- 2 x 15 ea. standing banded hydrants
- 2 x 15 ea. banded single leg squat
- :20 ea. single leg wall sit
Friday, 2.27: 33 minute elliptical
Aaaaaand I’m sick. I seem to come down with something this time of year, every year, and honestly I’m just grateful it didn’t hit before my marathon! Spun a little on the hamster wheel but it didn’t feel great. Rest and oatmeal was the protocol the remainder of the day!
Saturday, 2.28: 6.7 miles, 11:38 pace + 15 minute full body strength
Weirdest illness ever. Felt mostly okay this morning though definitely still recovering (and my throat feels pretty awful). Run/walk again and this time my knee started acting up at mile 4ish, which didn’t please me, though it was much less intrusive than last time. Still overall good with how this run went!
Strength:
- 3 x 12 thruster 10#
- 3 x 10 front raise 20#
- 4 x 12 alt. curtsy lunge press 5#
- 3 x 20 calf raise 50#
- :30 ea. Copenhagen
Sunday, 3.1: 25 minute elliptical
Total running mileage: 18
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