Polly, is that you?!
Over a week removed from the car accident, a week and a half from the last speed workout I did pre-race-that-didn’t-happen. I suppose my body is still readjusting from the trauma since my session felt AWFUL today. No pop in my legs, lungs weren’t working, head wasn’t in the game.
Somewhere in the midst of my session, though, I decided that I’m going to just base build back to my 38-40 miles, no speedwork, and next week start from scratch with my 5K goal paces. Whether I complete a 5K race this summer or not is in the air: I’m still holding a lot of resentment towards the series I signed up for and, quite frankly, a good deal of fear towards that driving route. Which I suppose is justified.
This week was a lot. On Monday the soreness from my crash injuries was pretty loud, particularly in my calves, which sustained the worst bruising. I went for a 2 mile walk in the morning, a slow one, to loosen up, and did a light strength workout. My muscles felt okay, and by the end of the stroll my calves were less angry.
Some of the day was normal. I took Mazy (my rental) out to Trader Joes, I cooked, wrote up my recipe, did some site maintenance.
Then, much of the day wasn’t. I fielded a half dozen phone calls to adjusters, a lawyer (who I didn’t hire because I don’t find it necessary); J drove me to Roly’s tow yard so I could take off the license plate, gather the few belongings left inside, and release her to my insurance company for the assessment. I cried. It was a proper goodbye. Seeing her smashed up in the daylight, sans the distractedness of post-accident haze, was jarring. My relative wellness after the impact she sustained was no short of a miracle.
I tried to rest this week. A few midafternoon swims in my pool, I think, helped the soreness clear up more quickly. I napped in the sunshine. Visited Elevenses on Wednesday for a midday coffee with Little Miss Ba. Out of the blue, though, I’d recall some memory of Roly Poly, her startup sound or the thudding of her wheels against a smooth road, and would break into tears. I miss my baby dearly.
But, along came Polly.
I decided I’d name a new Corolla after my guardian car sheep, Polly. I shopped around for a good part of the week, and came a cross a sharp little 2022 with most of Roly Poly’s features, but 20k fewer miles at the time of listing and painted a silvery-blue color. Her bill of health is clean, no accidents, one owner, regular oil changes and services.
Then, J noticed on her Carfax that we share a birthday! This car was initially listed on 12/30/2021 at her Miami-area dealership.
Fate? I think so.
Now, I await this little car’s transfer to Tampa so I can drive, inspect, and hopefully snatch her up. I’ve settled with my insurance company and the driver of the other car’s for the medical claim (FYI, the other girl’s insurance accepted 100% liability) so I’m using those dividends for a down payment on this potential Polly. So long as nothing goes amiss, she should be mine by the end of the week.
I still mourn Roly Poly. I love her dearly. It’s nice, however, to feel like I’m able to move forward, and smile at her memories instead of drowning beneath the surge. I can’t wait to meet Polly, and will adore her just as much.
Onward to the week. We celebrated National Lobster Day on Monday will rolls at Anchor and Brine. Delicious. I also ordered a glass of bubbles to toast to Roly Poly, the legend, the Greatest Car Ever.
Over the weekend we’d already booked a beach staycation at Skybeach Resort in St. Pete. I had a very difficult time wanting to partake, especially since right before departure my adjuster called me with the proposed settlement on Roly Poly. But, with a little help from a friend of a friend, I was assured that I wasn’t getting duped.
J and I drove out to Pass-A-Grille beach for an afternoon in the sand and saltwater. It was windy as hell and the waves were actually cresting and frothing white. I couldn’t much go into the Gulf since my bruises protested against the impact of the waves, but I dipped a few times and was overall glad to be outside in the sunshine. As was Little Miss Ba, who got lots of vitamin D this weekend!
After check-in, we explored the grounds and grabbed a casual dinner at Skybar. Ceviche, fries, and Caesar salad for me, nice and simple.
Friday we drove out to pick up my settlement check and officially sign away Roly Poly to my insurance. After a quick pit stop home and to our hotel, we grabbed sandwiches from Uncle Funz and parked at St. Pete Beach for a couple hours. I’m pretty sure I slept the majority of the time, while J played in the waves on his surfboard. The wind was my saving grace that afternoon, else it would’ve proven way too hot to tolerate the outdoors for that duration.
That night we got snazzy and grabbed dinner from the onsite restaurant, Luma. The concept is Mediterranean share plates, and everything was phenomenal. It being National Martini Day I had to indulge in an extra dirty martini, of which I think I’ve become a great fan. We shared the garlic hummus, snapper Milanese, short rib kebabs, and blistered shishitos. I got the one flaming hot shishito and spent a good ten minutes hacking. Worth it.
Saturday, I dropped by Paradeco after my morning parking lot trot – oh yeah, the treadmill in the gym was broken. Apparently on Friday, my first parking lot run, I spooked the desk worker and she called security on me; they just went “Oh she’s on a run” and left it at that. Funny.
We derped by the pools most of the afternoon, and went to the Rays game that evening. J’s friend works for the team and got us bracelets for the fancy buffet. Awesome stuff. I had wings with ranch dressing, veggies, salad, and a pretzel stick.
Skybeach was a decent resort, if you can call it that. The grounds and amenities were wonderful; the pools were large, the jacuzzi refreshing, and the onsite restaurants boasted wonderful menus and good service. My final morning, Sunday, I took advantage of the large pool and went for a proper swim. We estimated the distance at about 25 meters, maybe more, so I stroked gently for 1050. Took me about 30 minutes. The sun was climbing up and the beach was so quiet. Totally zen.
On the flipside of our experience…The desk worker wasn’t particularly helpful, and housekeeping one night was very inconsiderate towards my belongings. He or she chucked Mr. Flurries underneath the throw pillow! The first day whoever came in the room tucked him nicely into the covers, which was adorable. The second time? Nope.
Show an old man some respect, damn it.
Our last morning, after my aforementioned swim, we were also visited by a massive cockroach. Fucking disgusting. I brought this up at the desk when we checked out and the lady decidedly didn’t give a shit.
En route home on Sunday we stopped by Flatbread and Butter for second breakfast, lox bagels and lattes. Lovely way to end our weekend.
This week will hopefully start some semblance of true settling. I return to work, will attend a very important doctor’s appointment, and, like I said, have a new car on my radar. I just want normalcy.
Hope your weeks were gentler, and continue to be gentle. Summer is officially here, though it’s felt that way since early May. Hey, that rhymed.
Take care, friends.
The Fuck We Cooking This Week?
…A briny and savory crostini.
…A beachy peachy punch.
…A citrusy no-churn ice cream.
A Few Things I’m Digging
Swimming…When I couldn’t run earlier in the week I worked on staying active in other ways. I love the water and getting 30-40 laps in my pool felt soothing and I think helped my injuries. A post-swim protein shake doesn’t hurt either!
Peaches…Peach season always makes me so happy. I LOVE photographing and eating these juicy summer stone fruits. My favorite recipes right now are the BBQ Salmon Bowls with Tequila Peach Salsa and my Tomato, Peach, and Cucumber Feta Salad. Aaaand some newbies that’ll be cropping up in the next few weeks!
Dirty martinis…Ya’ll, I did not expect to get into this type of cocktail, but I’m a new convert. Extra dirty, blue cheese olives, always vodka. J said it reminds him of the aftermath of a beach day, when you taste a bit of lingering salt on your tongue. Love that metaphor.
Notable Food Holidays
Sunday, June 28: National Ceviche Day (get kicky with Mango Serrano Shrimp Ceviche, or my vegan Avocado Peach Ceviche!)
This Week’s Menu
Meatless Monday…Charred Corn Salad with Tomatoes and Chickpeas
Taco Tuesday…Crispy Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Coconut Pineapple Salsa
Wednesday…Hot Honey Pomodoro Pizza
Thursday…One Skillet Blistered Tomato Basil Marsala Salmon
Friday Happy Hour…Hot Peach Martini
Saturday Baking…Homestyle Strawberry Bourbon Crisp
Poolside Sunday…Hot Bacon BLT Caprese Pasta Salad
One Tomato, Two Tomato, Three Tomato…Five…
2. One Pan Baked Tomato Feta Shrimp
3. Warm Burrata and Herb Tomato Bruschetta
4. Lemon Chickpea, Tomato, and Avocado Pasta Salad
5. Whipped Goat Cheese Dip with Chili Marinated Tomatoes
Summer Sundress Edit
Week in Training
Monday, 6.15: 2 mile walk (36:40) + 18 minute legs
Increased my walk a bit and added in a short, low-weight leg workout. I’m so out of sorts still and woke up very late for me, but getting to the gym was helpful and didn’t aggravate any of my bruises.
Strength:
- 3 x 10 narrow squat 50#
- 3 x 15 ea. calf raise 10#
- 3 x 12 sumo squat 40#
- 3 x 10 ea. single leg squat
- 3 x 15 Superman
- :60 plank
Tuesday, 6.16: 35 minute elliptical + 21 minute back & bis
Felt good to spin this morning. My legs were fine, no issues in my neck, and I kept my lift light enough and felt no aggravation anywhere. Progress!
Strength:
- 3 x 10 biceps curl 15#
- 3 x 10 mid row 50#
- 3 x 12 hammer curl 15#
- 3 x 10 face pull 32#
- 2 x 15 ea. banded standing hydrant
- 2 x 15 ea. lunge matrix
- 50 crunches
Wednesday, 6.17: 4.5 miles, 11:42 pace + 25 minute legs
Tester run this morning – everything felt pretty good, just sluggish, and my socks were chafing my calf bruises a bit. Ouch. Nonetheless I’m encouraged by this and had no unusual pains. Hoping to resume regular training next week, if not with a little lower mileage.
Strength:
- 3 x 12 walking lunge 20#
- 4 x 6 ea. single leg deadlift 40#
- 3 x 15 ea. calf press 100#
- 3 x 10 ea. split squat 10#
- 3 x 10 ea. ball hamstring curl
Thursday, 6.18: 6.5 miles, 11:51 pace + 23 minute chest & tris
Soupy, pretty miserable run, it as 81 degrees with a 90+ real feel. My legs were sore and sluggish and I just wasn’t feeling it, and my heart rate was miserably high (perhaps from the heat and from my healing bruises).
Strength:
- 3 x 8 shoulder press 20#
- 3 x 12 triceps pushdown 28#
- 3 x 10 incline chest press 20#
- 3 x 10 triceps extension 25#
- 3 x 10 front raise 25#
- 3 x 15 ea. banded lunge hydrants
- 2 x 20 banded hamstring frogs
- :60 plank
Friday, 6.19: 4 miles, 11:32 pace + 17 minute mobility
Welp the treadmill at the resort was busted so Parking Lot Trot it was! It was SWELTERING and apparently the desk lady got spooked and called security on me, but they were like “nah she’s just out for a run.” Went into the gym again to do a quick stretch and mobility session, just whatever I felt like doing.
Saturday, 6.20: 7.5 miles, 11:41 pace
Another parking lot trot, honestly didn’t go too badly! The sunrise was lovely to end the run with, too. Looking forward to building back up next week.
Sunday, 6.21: 1050 meter swim (30:32)
Estimating the resort pool distance but it seemed to be around 25 meters! Very relaxing early morning strokes, watching the sunrise.
Total running mileage: 22.5
