We all have them. Within ourselves, with others, with our everyday interactions, and possibly with inanimate objects. I had more then my share last week when my wisdom teeth were removed on Tuesday, started holiday shopping on Thursday (because my fitness was held to a minimum) and I’ve been thrown out of my routine, which I hate.
Ok, I also love. See the issue? Of course you do.
Let’s not forget that it’s Thanksgiving week and I’m up to my eyeballs in gratitude. Or, at least I should be.
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2015
RUNNING
Well, Monday was good. I went long on a sunny November day in my Spandits and loved every footfall. I didn’t look at my watch and just enjoyed myself and the two Moth podcasts I downloaded just for the occasion. I knew my oral surgery on Tuesday was going to slow my fitness to a crawl so I did as much as I could the day before.
The surgery went much better then expected, I was on the elliptical by Thursday, and couldn’t have been happier to be there. Usually I would have rather ran on my fingertips outside then be on the elliptical but, even the weather cooperated and it was awful out. Gone are the gorgeous leaves and, in their place for the better part of six months are leafless, naked, hungry, sad looking trees. *sigh*
I rounded out the weekend with a 5,000 meter rowing machine session (I know, weird but hey, I was desperate) and then a glorious 6 miles outside on Sunday.
Total miles (including elliptical) = 25.1
BARRE
Yep, I tried my very first class. It was two weeks ago but whatever. A great friend of mine started teaching it at a dance studio right down the street from me! As you know, there is NOTHING right down the street from me so this is nothing short of a Christmas miracle.
The class is everything I need for strength training – adduction, abduction, leg work, abs, upper body – all of it in one great class with fantastic music. Sold!
Of course my instructor friend has those fancy foot things…so obviously, I need them!
Bonus: at the first class my long time friend and instructor made one girl cry and another puke in the bathroom afterward. I’m not sure they’re coming back…and I’m guessing that result is unusual?
CYCLING
I opted for spin class on Friday rather then a solo bike trainer ride in my basement. I just can’t bring myself to do it yet and, the weather was nasty again, so no venturing out either. I guess I need to get used to this new normal. Blah.
One hour class – 24.6 miles
HIKING
Despite everyone telling me their horrific stories about how painful and life-inturrepting the removal of their wisdom teeth was, (and thank you for inducing my mini-panic attack the night before) I was fine in about three hours. I guess everyone should wait until they’re 40. Instead of a planned rest day on Wednesday, I was itching to go outside. I consulted my coach (CRS) and she told me to take a hike. I do as I’m told…
This is my attempt to not run on the trail. I was mostly successful.
Total hike: 2.55 miles/46:23/18:12 pace < – – this is hilarious!
FUEL
This was the hardest part of not having teeth. As you know, I love to eat. As you may also know, I hate smoothies. I especially hate them in November when it’s freezing. I made exactly one, pretty much hated it and then ate a steady diet of scrambled eggs, avocado, Orgain protein shakes and soup. And no, Orgain protein shakes are not the same as a smoothie.
The one smoothie I made to get my anti-inflammatory drugs down with. I also have a full bottle of oxycodone if anyone wants it.
As long as I can stuff my face on Thanksgiving, I will be happy. Until then, I’m dying to just open my mouth wide enough to eat a burger.
The other issue is that it takes about an hour to eat anything. I usually start breakfast at 5:30am and then have a second breakfast with the boys around 7:30. Now, at 7:30, I’m still “eating” my first breakfast. At least coffee is still part of breakfast.
GEAR
Oh wear to begin? < – – see what I did there?
November has come bearing gifts in the name of KUHL!
I absolutely love these pants – – > Destroyer! And this pullover fits perfectly in size small. It’s like wearing a blanket you can sweat in! The Lea Pullover will be a staple this winter for sure.
Yes, we already decorated for Christmas. I like to take holidays two at a time.
This is the Isla Long coat/sweater. It’s perfect for this time of year and goes great with that waspy/New Englander look of high boots and skinny jeans. Photo credit: Vaughn Burdick
[Tweet “Need outdoor outfits that go from hiking to holiday shopping? Check @KUHL_USA #winterwardrobe”]
THINGS I LOVE
Alexa. Yes, I’ve finally found a woman who has everything I need. Obviously she is a robot with amazing technological capabilities. I’m talking about the Amazon ECHO! I actually bought it for my husband for his birthday in October and we finally got around to setting it up. I’m planning on featuring it in my holiday gift guide so I’ll just give you the facts here.
Get it. It’s awesome and is teaching my kids how to spell so I can sneak off and read in peace and quiet. And, when they are not around? It plays my podcasts, audible books and news flash update. #NewBestie
More on that later…
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Women hating on other women. As I was waiting for my face to be altered at the oral surgeon’s office, my husband showed me this article:
Laila Ali on Ronda Rousey’s Loss: ‘It’s Obvious Who the Better Fighter Was” | Yes, it was painfully obvious, especially to Rousey, but you didn’t have to go on and say this: “In order to be the best in the world, you definitely don’t ever get beat up like that in your prime. Period.”
Hey Laila! Are you the only woman on the planet to have not seen this?
Looks like it’s time for you to grow up!
I love strong women, but I hate SHADE!
READING
I thought I would get a lot more reading done last week but, things rarely go as planned this time of year, right? What I did do (mostly because of Alexa, but also because of Dana’s reading list) was download my first Audible book!
The Martian | By Andy Weir – Like most books made into movies, I always want to read them first. I will admit it’s a little odd to have them read to you but, I love that I can listen in my car! So far, the book is fascinating but there is TONS of math. OMG, so much calculating. Astronauting is hard.
Finally! Math I actually understand.
Luckiest Girl Alive | Jessica Knoll – Last week when I read Reese Witherspoon’s empowering speech, I noted that her production company had selected this book as a next project. Sold! It’s very dark, overly dramatic and the main character is dreadful. Naturally, I love it. It weaves an intriguing story from past to present and back again that keeps the reader literally dying to know what the hell happened…or is going to happen? Read it before it’s in theaters.
RANDOM TWEET OF THE WEEK
I will be serving this all week:
This is my final post for the week because I have to get prepared for my huge holiday feast! Just kidding. I don’t host Thanksgiving but I’m taking the week off anyway. #slacker
Have a great holiday!
What do you currently have a love/hate relationship with?
What burning question would you ask Alexa?
Reading (or listing to) anything good?
Is it odd that I really wish your friend was my local barre teacher? Puking after barre? It sounds like she was running a track workout. I’m sold!! Love te KUHL gear. You rock the WASPY look.
LOL – not odd at all and, I don’t think I would have liked the class nearly as much if she wasn’t the instructor. She makes everything painfully fun..if that makes sense?
OH I LOVE YOU IN THAT OUTFIT!!!!
Would it not make you laugh if I went out and replicated the whole thing and walked around like a YOU WANNA BE?
Just me? 🙂 Ok it makes me laugh to think about but this Jew might JUST be able to rock the waspy look!
Maybe 🙂
OMG you must do that and video it!!! That is hilarious and you could totally pull it off! 🙂
Ha, I loled about Thanksgiving because I am the same way. As long as I can have a ton of food I’ll be good to go. I have a love/hate relationship with running right now. After having a pretty poor race, I would prefer to just start over. LOL
I read that and I’m sorry. Obviously I know all too well about having a bad race! I hope stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving will bring you some solace 🙂 And then – go race again!!
What a great outfit!!! I didn’t even hear Laila say all of that…I think she might need a nap cuz that was not nice. Did someone really puke after barre?! Hardcore!! Also are you selling drugs on the blog now? Just checking. 🙂 I have yet to listen to an audio book. Heck. I’ve yet to let go of physical books so an audio book is a complete stretch for me!!
Enjoy your thanksgiving. See you next week!!
LOLOLOL – you caught me! I’m totally selling my drugs online 🙂
I still love the occasional “real” book but, out here in the country I’m driving around a lot and I just love the option of listening while I drive!!
Thanks so much Nellie and have a great holiday!
So glad you’re trying Audible! I may have to get Alexa, if only to listen to my books while I make dinner. Luckiest Girl Alive sounds good…maybe my next listen?
Have a wonderful holiday, Allie – I’m thankful to count you as a friend!
I’m so thankful for your friendship as well Dana! I still think about the conversation you had with your daughter after my NYC marathon and it makes me smile 🙂
You should totally get the ECHO!! I also enjoy folding laundry a lot more when I can listen to a book!
So glad your recovery was so smooth! I still have not tried Barre… I really need a class taught by a friend right down the road!!
It seriously could not be better. This week I think I’m going to run there, take the class and run back. Heaven.
Have a great week Laura! Keep working on that strength training!
Alexa may be my next purchase…you’ve peaked my interest! Barre class, I need to know more about this class…although you are not down the road from me, you are nearby and I’m always looking for a new class. Come join our book club…we’ve read some great books. Good Girl is on tap for January (cuz let’s face it we are all too busy to read in December…but we are having a holiday get together (i.e. Wine) at Market Grille in lieu of actually reading a book. We read good books and then meet at good restaurants to drink good wine and discuss them…sounds good, right!?
Sounds awesome!! Message me on that!!
As for Barre – Nikki is teaching it at Laurie Nash Dance Studio – Wednesdays at 9:30am and Thursdays at 7pm. You should do it!!
I love that you noted your pace on your hike and that Vaughn gets photo credit on that picture! I don’t think that I’ve ever know anyone to puke after barre? I mean, it can be intense and I don’t think that I want to take your friend’s class 🙂 I love your Kuhl picks! They looks so comfy. Can’t wait to receive mine. Happy Thanksgiving Allie!
I just had to share that “pace!” I think I sleep faster. And yes, Vaughn was very proud of his work although I had to Snapseed the hell out of it 🙂
The Kuhl stuff is seriously amazing. I’m wearing the Lea sweater today and it’s just so comfy!! Can’t wait to hear your reviews.
Have a great Thanksgiving!!! I know at least one of your family members will be cheering the PACK!
I’m so happy you are trying barre! I LOVE it–I am there at least once/week and sometimes two. Painful but awesome and I am so much stronger for it.
Have a fabulous Thanksgiving, Allie!
I am too!! As you know, I hate strength training and this just makes it that much more tolerable. Plus, it could not be more convenient.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I did not love Luckiest Girl Alive, but I bet it is going to be a great movie. She was so unlikeable.
I’m having a love hate relationship with all the snow we got. Love because yes, it’s pretty and running in the snow is fun, but hate because its cold olut!
She is SO unlikeable but I think that’s why I like it. I haven’t finished it yet so I’m hoping for a really bad ending for her… I’m guessing by what you wrote that is not the case but, in any event, it will make a great movie.
I feel the exact same about the snow – dreading it but also want it to happen.
Have a great holiday!
That tweet….love…. I have tried so many barre classes and I just can’t get into it… I’ve tried different studios, different instructors, made myself go 3 times a week for a month to see if I eventually will like it, and nope! I get bored every time. Have a great thanksgiving:)
I’m wondering if it was the class or instructor that made the class so good. You said she’s a great friend of yours. I’ve always wanted to try but the class seem ao quiet and repetitive…vs fun. If that makes any sense.
It does. My friend’s instructor had everything to do with making it a great class. The instructor is usually key which is why it can be so hard to find a good one!! Good luck!
Wow, really? I must be very lucky then! And, I know most of it is the instructor – she is so good!!
Happy Thanksgiving!!
I love your outfit! I’m so excited you’re their ambassador because you’re rocking it. I’ve been thinking of trying barre, it’s the one workout I haven’t done. Your friend’s class sounds kind of awesome! I have the Martian on my reading list, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things. Oh and the diabetes math made me spit my coffee. Happy Thanksgiving ladycake!! xo
Thanks Carly! That outfit screams Vermont!! 🙂
You should totally try Barre. I bet they have some great classes up there.
So glad the same things make us laugh THAT hard. I loved it too!
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy your first one in your new home!
oh man that Laila Ali comment really disappointed me. I guess that’s my love hate issue – I love female athletes and strong women, but I HATE when these strong women tear each other down. It’s just never ok. Be an example, Leila!!! Smack talking sucks. Oh well.
Exactly!!! It really had me fired up – just no reason for it and all it does is make her look bad. She can support Holly Holm without tearing Ronda down. *sheesh*
yeah! don’t get me wrong, i respect Laila and think she’s a badass, but there is a difference between confidence and ‘smugness’ and arrogance. i saw her on an episode of Chopped and she won, more based on her confidence. honestly it says a lot about people – her food didn’t look that great at all, but she acted as if she was unstoppable. i guess i admire that but i know i am not that type of person. humility is a nice thing 🙂
I’m so interested in hearing about the barre class. Do you need to have a dance background or know Zumba to do it? Ive heard most instructors usually teach both. Nost barre classes I’ve seen online and auch are not to music so this intrigues me!
As always…love your blog!
No pre-Zumba or dance required! This class was so basic as far as the moves went BUT very hard with lots of repetitions and holds.I’m not sure if the music was pre selected by my instructor or canned for the program, but it was great. The hour (mostly) flew by and I was appropriately sore the next day.
Ohhh I have to read the Martian! I loved that movie so much and I know the book is going to be even better. I just renewed Audible for holiday travel, so it’s good to know it’s on there.
Right now I have a love-hate relationship with upcoming holiday travel. I am SO excited to see my family for the first time in months but I am already dreading having to calm down a hyperactive puggle for a 5 hour flight plus connections.
Have a happy Thanksgiving, Allie!
Oh no! Poor little guy! Years ago I would travel with my dog from L.A. to Connecticut and it was awful!! Good luck 🙂 And yes, the book ‘The Martian’ is amazing!!
Oh I love Barre!!! I found it when I was pregnant and couldn’t run, and since being back to running I’ve found it’s super great for keeping me strong for running. I despise lifting weights and strength training so I’ve found Barre is perfect for me 🙂 Hope you continue to love it!
Exactly!!…without being pregnant luckily 🙂 LOL. Thanks Nikki!
I am in a ton of LOVE/HATE relationships! 😉
I HATE that I LOVE: sugar-free chewing gum (lol)
I LOVE that I HATE: SUGAR & CHOCOLATE
….. I could go on for days but I won’t bore you with such things!
PREACH!!!
Lucky you and those wisdom teeth! It took me a few days… but I do love a smoothie.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy some popsicles just for fun. 😉
Oh I know you do! But you also live in sunny San Diego! I’m sure I would love them there too 🙂
Wisdom teeth removal is no fun! But you made the best of it for sure! Hope you didn’t have to gum down the Thanksgiving turkey! The Echo sounds cool. We may need to check that out!
I’ve been recovering nicely and was able to eat all.the.things on Thanksgiving no problem!
I also got to brag to my SIL that I knew you when she commented on my Pete and Gerry’s eggs, saying she buys them all the time 🙂
Hope you and your family had a great holiday Sandra!
So glad the oral surgery went well! I guess that is definitely a lesson, save it til you are 40!! Not the experience I had! Ok, and barre…you really think it is sufficient for a strength training plan for a runner? I’ve done it a few times, and I’m not sure I’m convinced. I do like it, but darn it’s so expensive!! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
It’s definitely not good for the only strength training you do – not by a long shot. I actually do it as a third day and, I do it in between an actual run since I live so close to where it’s held. I wouldn’t spend a ton of money on it either. I have a perfect set-up – cheap and taught by a friend close by. If that wasn’t the case, I wouldn’t consider it a good option for strength training. You’re definitely better off doing a more weight based class or by yourself at the gym.