Back to school, back to fall

Yesterday was the first day of school for many and Fall has definitely been in the air. There's still something magical about the back to school feeling and the way the air smells.

So even though I'm not "back to school" I can still enjoy my own September-based nostalgia.

The weekend was a busy one for sure. We saw lots of friends and family and had some great times. One of my friends really outdid herself with an amazing BBQ - the food was unreal. She's one of the few people who can make pinterest-inspired food actually turn out the way its intended. So delish!

Everything was gluten free, including the croutons on the salad. Homemade croutons!

We also did some more packing and storage. I'm always amazed at how much I can fit into my little car. The hatchback is ugly but it definitely has more space (I only got a hatchback so my bike would fit - priorities!)

My dad is coming over next weekend to help with the finishing touches and then we should be ready to go. It's just small stuff now - we've finally got the bulk of the stuff out. I set up the second bedroom bed yesterday and you can't even tell that it's an air mattress instead of a real one. Just need to steam those curtains out now and add some bulk. Our windows are just ridiculously wide -- I don't understand who thought those were a good idea. So standard curtains just looks sad and sparse (as you can see). I'm going to buy sheer panels to add in the middle and it should look nice and full. I have hope that one day I will have a week where I do not have to go to bed bath and beyond and curtains and packing are only a distant memory.

Yesterday was go-go-go with a day full of meetings, a new haircut and colour (bye bye greys) and dinner with a friend who is going to be several hours away for a few weeks. It was also a day where I didn't have time for a workout and I ate two meals out (ick! Always try to avoid that). Tonight I have a run on the schedule and tomorrow the gym. The weather is cooling down enough that I'm willing to consider hot yoga again, but I just don't like the location I'm at right now. Unfortunately, my whole reasoning behind my membership was the fact that I was getting the gym, pool and hot yoga in one membership for less than I was paying for all three separate. Sigh. I'll have to suffer in silence for now #firstworldproblems

My last open water swim was this past Saturday and IT.WAS.COLD! We have been fortunate to have lovely water temperatures this whole season, but Saturday it was windy and the water was freezing and wavy. Every time I lifted my face to breath, I got a mouthful of water. So gross. While I was standing outside, freezing my butt off and trying to wiggle into my wetsuit, I definitely wondered why I do this to myself. Of course, afterwards it's a different story. It's true what they say about the only workout you'll ever regret is the one you didn't do. So I'm glad I went, cold as it was. Oddly enough, I stopped dreading the OWS after the breathing thing was sorted and actually enjoyed myself. I'm sure next season will start with some anxiety around getting back into the open water, but who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself after swimming all fall and winter. Now it's time to patch up all the holes I put in my wetsuit this year and pack it away for next year. Now husband can stop complaining about finding it in the shower. Unfortunately the goggles and swimcaps in the sink aren't going anywhere anytime soon ;)

It's the perfect time of year for running, so I'm really looking forward to tonight. I'm feeling a slight burning in my throat so hopefully I'm not getting sick.

Hope all of your Wednesdays were splendid! The weekend is almost upon us again!

Welcome back to actually working out

 Last night was just full of fitness. I'm exhausted! Today will be a much needed rest day (aside from getting in my 8300 steps for the Carrot App).

Yesterday after work I headed straight to the gym for a quick 45 minute strength training session. I tried a different technique today and went for time rather than reps. Bottom line -- it hurt. It's so much easier to do 10-15 reps rather than crank out a full minutes worth. It was definitely a good switch up. Depending on the exertion I took anywhere from between 30s-60s rest between sets, but kept it consistent. 

Here's what I did:
Back Press (? I don't know what that machine is called. The one where you lean back) 3x60 seconds (70 lbs, 90 lbs, 100lbs) I really felt this one on the run after!
Chest Press 3x60 seconds (I used 10 lbs for this as I am working through an injury)
Pullover (triceps) 3x60 (10 lbs -- and it was brutal)
Lat Pulldowns 3x60 (60lbs)
Bent over Rows 3x60 (2x15lbs)
Then, because I was running out of time, I did a few quick core exercises
Heel touches x50
Head to knee crunches x50
Leg Raises x30

That was all I had time for, so I packed it in and headed out on a 6.6k run with some great people! I haven't run that long since ... I'm guessing around March? It was great! I had zero pain in my knee and the kilometres flew by with all of the good vibes and good conversation. I've really missed running with a group so it was great to get out there. I may be losing my "sleep in and do nothing Monday" to fitness this long weekend, but I think I'm okay with that :) I'd love to get my distance back up. I don't care as much for speed right now, but I'm sure in time that will come.

I used skratch electrolyte powder for my run and a couple of pink lemonade honey bee stingers (left over from an open package from my tri) that I took right before the run with some water. While I was tired I was still feeling fairly energetic. The three gels did the trick and gave me the little boost in energy that I needed to power though the run.

I definitely have some goals percolating in my mind - but there will be a lot of factors at play in what is determined. For now, the only 100% is the Ragnar relay next year which I am so excited about and Iron Girl. Iron Girl was such a great experience that I definitely want to take part again and hopefully some of my non-triathlon friends take the plunge and give it a shot. Iron Girl is the perfect venue to try out triathlon.

Tonight is another CSA day! I'm amped to pick up our produce and see what goodies we get this week. I also REALLY need to do something with the patty pan squash. It's starting to pile up and I'm too nervous to cook it. Need to get over that ASAP. I think I'll try roasting it first and if that doesn't taste good, maybe I'll aim for the stuffed ones. I just don't generally like stuffed foods.

Happy Thursday. It's a good week to get out there and crush some fitness goals!!

What's up Wednesday!

 Wednesday - we have arrived! Linking into What's up Wednesday

 

What we're eating this week:

 

Well, I've been going a little pasta crazy. So far we've had shrimp pad thai and an old fave - hamburger casserole. Tonight I'm thinking something light like fish or chicken. Choices choices choices

 

What I'm reminiscing about:

 

Honestly, I'm still thinking about my Irongirl.

It. Was. Awesome!

 

Sometimes a good race experience will just carry you along for ages. This one will have to carry me right into next season, but while I'm still doing at least one last OWS, tri season is finito for me. Next year I'll probably register for more than one :)

What I'm Loving:

I am digging these cooler temperatures. I love that I can still run in shorts and be warm, but not be pouring sweat and wishing I could lay down in the grass somewhere. I sweat enough on a regular day. I really don't like the heat or summer making it worse! I'm also loving the faint scent of Fall in the air. I'm just waiting eagerly for September 1st so that people stop giving me cut-eye when I say it smells like Fall.

 

What we've been up to:

Well, it's no secret that we've been getting our place ready to go up for sale. It's been tough accepting that our weekends and evenings are basically dedicated to working on the condo. We still have things to do, but the list is shrinking and I think *fingers crossed* it should be ready to go up in about a week and a half.

 

What I'm dreading:

Figuring out what to do with our cats while the place is up for sale. Seriously.

 

 

 

 

What I'm working on:

See -- What we've been up to. Let's face it. Getting the condo ready has taken over our lives. Now I just need to figure out how to paint behind a toilet without actually having to remove it.

 

What I'm excited about:

All things fall! Pumpkins, hot chocolate, pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, pea coats, tall boots, scarves, the first light snow fall.

Picture found here

I'm also excited for all of the great friends we will be seeing this weekend!

 

What I'm watching/reading:

We are just finishing up season 10 of the original 90210. Last time we watched the series, I got so irritated by Gina in season 9 that I just ditched it. Didn't even buy season 10. A few months ago the nostalgia hit and this time I was able to keep my gina-anger under wraps so I can see how this series unfolded. My parents wouldn't let me watch this when I was younger, so I am seeing this all through fresh eyes!

 

 

 

I am currently re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Yes. I have a problem with re-watching and re-reading things.

 

A great book that I recently finished was "The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan" by Whitney Dineen. The main character annoyed me for a few pages and then I couldn't put it down. It's a quick fun beach read and definitely has some laugh out loud moments. There is a second book, but it's not quite as funny. I have so many books waiting to be read and there are a ton of books that I've had recommended to me for September that I'm looking forward to!

 

What I'm listening to:

Friends, I'm old. I listen to talk radio while I drive.

I have been really loving the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis google play station while I run though. I went for a short 3k yesterday (yep -- that's me easing into things) and it basically just went back and forth between Eminem and Macklemore. It was awesome!

 

 

Picture found here

 

What I'm wearing:

I'm already in Fall colours and warm sweaters. I bought this sweater back in August and I love it. I bought it a bit big because I like to be cozy but I'd say it's relatively true to size. It's called the Cocoon sweater from RW&CO

I've got my eye on some tall boots now that just need to happen for this fall!

 

What I'm doing this weekend:

With the wonderful long weekend ahead (almost there!!) we have lots of things going on. Let's just say there's going to be friends, family, bbqs, fire pits, and continuing to fill my parents basement with our stuff!

 

What I'm looking forward to next month:

 

 

It being socially acceptable to be excited about fall and finally getting my cheer essential oil!

 

Happy Wednesday!