sidebar | life and training 4.13 – 4.19

5K training has commenced!

Happy Monday, everyone! Man, I sure did have the case of the Sunday Scaries yesterday. Not because I dread Monday – it’s my favorite day of the week, actually – but because I dreaded Sunday itself. Something always seems to go askew.

And, welp, I started off the morning with a palmetto sighting. He scrambled into a drawer and I hope to goodness died somewhere out of sight. I swept and mopped my bathroom once I got home and redid my barrier spray. I might squeeze some of the gel bait around, too, since my last layer dried up.

Work actually wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t super inspired. What got me through it was promising myself a huge hunk of zucchini bread and a hot mug of cocoa once I got home and settled in the afternoon. That was worth all the tumult of the day.

Speaking of, Saturday this week is National Zucchini Bread Day, so keep on the lookout for a wonderful new recipe on Thursday!

Honestly, this past week was one of the hardest I’ve had at work since joining the company 7 years ago. I won’t dive too far into logistics, but what I will say is whenever one of these types of periods pops up, I get to brooding over my present and my future. Do I want to stay in this industry for the discernible years upcoming? Is there something better for me out there?

Of course, all the cutesy Pinterest posts will say “CHASE YOUR DREAMS!” or “HARD WORK PAYS OFF” or “DON’T STAY COMFORTABLE TAKE RISKS.” Honestly, though? There’s merit in standing pat somewhere that provides you stability. I’m 32, and while not old, the further removed from my college years I become, the harder it feels to slide back into schooling, from a monetary standpoint and from a commitment standpoint. I have a 401K, I have PTO, I have rapport, my job lets me pursue what I really love in my non-work life.

So, is there really a problem? Or am I falling victim to my own internal bully that tells me I’m not enough?

I think the conclusion I always draw is that as long as I’m stable, relatively happy, and improving in my everyday life, I can clock in and out of work and feel okay with where I am. I’m open to new opportunities. I’m open to changing my mind. But sometimes change isn’t for the best in the immediate. Comfort and stability are valid.

Just thoughts for the morning.

Monday I took Little Miss Ba for her first pool day of the year! It was a hot but gorgeous afternoon, relatively dry, and Ba enjoyed sitting in a little floatie while I stuck my legs in the pool or laid out on the chair reading my book. Of course, I was mindful not to let her blow into the center of the water. I gotta take advantage of these nice days before the humidity cranks up and it gets too hot to even think of going outside past 10 am.

Both J and my mom skipped town over the weekend, so my Saturday off I had entirely to myself. I did my long run (featuring a selfie with Mr. Ship!) and baked cookies in the morning (not at the same time), the cookie recipe being a bit of a flop and one I’m determined to improve this week.

After lunch I threw on a cute outfit, including this adorable bralette I snagged the other week, and headed first to Sugar Baby for a latte. Last time I tried to go it was slammed with no seating available at all, but this time I managed to grab a table right after some folks vacated and hung out for a spell with a whole milk latte. The place is small but bright and cute, with coastal decor and floral arrangements for sale too. One day I’ll try their brunch selections because they look AMAZING.

I dropped by my mom’s after to pet Snowbell, her 14 year old ragdoll, and give her some food. Mom came back Sunday but always likes for me to check in on the kitty to make sure she is well. I heard her meowing as soon as I started unlocking the door – it was precious. I really miss owning cats and it’s always a treat to visit the Big Poof and say hi whenever I get to see mom.

I ate a lot of leftovers this week but, as usual, had some notable noshes. I made pot roast again on Crockpot Wednesday, and some kielbasa with piergies on Thursday. I went traditional Girl Dinner with fries and Caesar salad over the weekend, and of course had to enjoy a cone on Friday after an arduous, long, annoying workday.

This week is looking more settled and ordinary. We’re under a fire weather watch today, which is unreal, due to the high winds and dry conditions. Just this morning when I wandered out for my workout I thought I smelled smoke lingering in the air. Crazy shit.

Hope you had and have a good week! Talk next Monday!

The Fuck We Cooking This Week?

…An easy, classic Southern cheese spread with a protein-packed twist.

…Summery sliders for picnics and pool parties!

…Some real pretty cupcakes for Derby Day.

…Cute and nostalgic cookies I’m redoing from last week.

…A refreshing non-alcoholic tropical pitcher drink!

A Few Things I’m Digging

Veggies and mustard…Okay, this is a REALLY weird combo and some of ya’ll will likely think I’m a lobotomized loony…but cucumbers and carrots with dijon mustard? Surprisingly delicious. If you think about it, pickles and mustard is an excellent combo so why not cucumbers, since they’re just non-dilly pickles. The carrots I can’t explain but I dunno man, it works.

Electrolytes…Ok, the other week I talked about Magna electrolytes and their Blue Ice Flavor. Bomb. My coworker gave me their Iced Tea Lemonade to try and holy BALLS it tastes exactly as the name suggests! I definitely will be mixing up a portion for summer pool days. So refreshing.

Notable Food Holidays

Tuesday, April 21: National Chickpea Day

Saturday, April 25: National Zucchini Bread Day (you definitely need to make some Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread!)

Sunday, April 26: National Pretzel Day (Caesar Pretzels and Crackers? Hell yeah.)

This Week’s Menu

Meatless Monday…25 Minute Ginger Peanut Tempeh

Taco Tuesday…Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp Poblano Tacos

Wednesday…Sheet Pan Pecan Crusted Hot Honey Mustard Salmon

Thursday…Feta Caesar Pasta Salad

Friday Happy Hour…Sweet Green Tea Mint Julep

Saturday Baking…Coffeehouse Cinnamon Crumb Cake

Sunday Picnic…Garden Veggie Havarti Sandwich with Pesto Aioli

Five Winner Winner Shrimp Dinners

1. Sheet Pan Sesame Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls

2. Creamy Shrimp Salad Tostadas

3. One Skillet Greek Olive Shrimp and Rice with Marinated Tomatoes

4. Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp Poblano Tacos

5. 15 Minute Brown Butter Shrimp Scampi

Shops & Wish List

Target…Love this linen embroidered floral top + matching shorts, or this cutwork tank + shorts set; this lace button-front minidress (blush).

The Feed…Really want to try the Fly Carb bicarb system during my 5K training cycle. Bicarb has popped up recently for me as a *safe and legal* performance enhancer that’s literally based off baking soda (sodium bicarbonate); it acts as a lactate buffer and helps with fatigue resistance. Think I’ll try the peach + caffeine single serve and grab one of their little pink mixing bowls too.

Just Ingredients…Curious about their electrolyte powders and protein selections. Thinking about picking up their lemon lime mix and some single serve chocolate protein.

Week in Training

Monday, 4.13: 9.1 miles, 9:45 pace + 30 minute upper body & PT

My legs wanted to go faster than my planned paces so I adjusted on the fly to perform LT intervals instead of half marathon intervals. I think I did well for early season! 6 x 1k at 8:04 average, with splits of 8:08, 8:03, 8:00, 8:05, 8:04, and 8:06 (last was against a stiff wind) with 75 second recovery. Not too shabby! I took a Honeystinger Salted Caramel gel at the end of my warmup for a lil zing.

Strength:

• 2 x 8/1 x 7 shoulder press 20# (still plateaued here! So annoyed.)
• 1 x 12/3 x 10 triceps press down 24#
• 3 x 8 mid row 50#
• 2 x 8/1 x 7 triceps extension 30#
• 3 x 10 ea. split squat 10#
• 2 x 15 ea. single leg squat
• 2 x 20 ea. banded standing hydrants
• 2 x 15 ea. single leg bridge
• :35 plank

Tuesday, 4.14: 4.5 miles, 11:17 pace + 30 minute upper body & PT

Man do I need new shoes. Achy legs during a run usually means my shoes are losing their bounce, and I think it’s time to retire the ole Kinvaras. Nonetheless, a peaceful and low heart rate run (148 bpm!).

Strength:

• 3 x 8 biceps curl 20#
• 3 x 10 chest press 25#
• 3 x 15 narrow lat pulldown 50#
• 3 x 10 narrow press 20#
• 3 x 10/1 x 8 ea. leg extension 40#
• 2 x 15 ea. banded lunge hydrants
• 2 x 10 ea. kneeling lateral leg lifts
• 2 x 12/1 x 10 hamstring ball curls

Wednesday, 4.15: 7.76 miles, 10:37 pace + 30 minute mobility

I’m wigging out a little that my watch stopped at 7.76 miles but IT’S FINE. Testing out my legs with a second, albeit short, workout this week and they responded very nicely. 8 x 200m at mile effort. Averaged 6:36 with my lowest split at 6:31 and my slowest at 6:42, against a headwind, all with 90 seconds recovery. Felt strong and I think I’m ready to start 5k training!

Thursday, 4.16: 65 minute elliptical + 31 minute legs

Nice chill spin this morning, felt really good!

Strength:

• 3 x 10 diamond squat 40# SS 10 ass to grass narrow squat 20#
• 2 x 12/2 x 8 ea. single leg deadlift 25/30#
• 4 x 8 ea. single leg pres 90#
• 4 x 10 elevated deadlift 60#
• 2 x 20 ea. banded standing hydrants
• :30 ea. pistol wall sit

Friday, 4.17: 6.55 miles, 11:35 pace + 32 minute fully body

Very nice snaily trot, 149 bpm, really eager for my next credit card statement so I can buy new shoes!

Strength:

• 4 x 6 thruster 20#
• 3 x 10 ea. single leg deadlift row 20#
• 3 x 12 ea. reverse lunge with curl 10#
• 4 x 8 curtsy lunge press 15#
• 3 x 10 front raise 25#
• 3 x 8 ea. single leg squat 10#
• :35 ea. Copenhagen plank

Saturday, 4.18: 11 miles, 11:16 pace

Very still, humid, and kinda warm morning, apparently part of a heatwave currently drifting through the country. Aside from my very worn shoes making themselves known, I enjoyed this run. Took a Honeystinger as usual around mile 2.5 and felt my energy increase and my stride relax the rest of the way.

Sunday, 4.19: 25 minute elliptical

Total running mileage: 38.9 (bruh)