Books, Books! (And More Books.)
Last week Lisa mentioned the book she was reading, Vita Nostra by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko. It sounded so interesting that I immediately went to my library website, only to discover they don’t have it. So I decided to splurge, and on Wednesday went to Barnes and Noble. I LOVE the bookstore! I don’t go often these days, because I get most books from the library. But I love going in, getting a cup of tea, and browsing all around. It’s lucky I like browsing, because I can never, ever find a specific book easily. This trip was no exception. Despite my track record, I thought THIS time I would be able to find the book. It’s fantasy, right? But no- I couldn’t find it in fantasy. I looked all through the D’s and also the C’s and E’s in case it was mis-shelved. Nope. Okay… science fiction? No. I tried fiction, mystery, and even young adult, with no luck. Finally, I gave up (as I always do, eventually) and asked a bookseller for help. She couldn’t find it either, although on their website it said there were copies available at that store. She said she would ask her manager, and disappeared for about five minutes, during which I despaired of getting this book. And then! She returned holding one single, precious copy! She explained that it was in a special category called “dark fantasy” and gestured to a vague corner of the store. Um…. okay? That seemed odd to me- some books are so dark they need their own category? I’m intrigued! But first, I had to finish the book I was already reading: People seem to LOVE this book. I liked it just fine. Molly had a fascinating and odd childhood, and it was interesting to see how it shaped her as a performer. I didn’t even really watch Saturday Night Live during those years, and yet I realized I still knew her most iconic characters, like Mary Katherine Gallagher, which is a testament to what she accomplished. I would say this is a must-read if you’re an aspiring performer, or if you’re a fan of her work. Otherwise, to me it was an “I’m glad I read it but my life would have been complete even if I hadn’t” kind of book. I also recently reread two Agatha Christie mysteries. During my middle school, high school and college years I LOVED Agatha Christie. Sadly, I’ve read them all but every once in a while I’ll reread one, if I can’t remember the plot. I read these books the way I imagine people read romance novels- just for the fun of it, but not expecting great literature. I did have fun reading these; I love when Hercule Poirot gathers everyone together and reveals the murderer. Then there was Des’s book! This was a fun, quick read. I’m starting to feel like an a-hole here, because once again I didn’t love this book. I can’t even imagine the work it takes to write a memoir, and I know it’s a huge accomplishment to complete one and have it published. But I guess I’m comparing it to Deena Kastor’s Let Your Mind Run, which was an extraordinary book that I could read over and over again. Des’s book was good, and the behind-the-scenes look at her Boston win was interesting, but I can’t imagine wanting to reread it. Next up! I’m excited to read this… I’ll report back! What are you reading now? Do you ever buy books from the bookstore?
Race Decisions, and the Snack With Consequences
First of all, thanks to Engie for this awesome postcard! I think she was just trying to brighten up my day with some fun mail, but I love the quote. I often feel like I’m living on the fringe of society. So I have a few races I’m trying to decide between… but first, let me tell you about the Popcorn Incident. Last week I was happily scarfing down some Lesser Evil popcorn, when I felt something lodge between one of my teeth and the gum- arrrrg! Can I EVER eat popcorn without getting a kernel stuck somewhere??? The next day that gum was very irritated, and as the days went by it got more and more swollen. I tried to probe around with my tongue, but couldn’t feel the kernel, or anything but very inflamed tissue. I really thought I was going to have to go to the dentist, and then of course my thoughts went something like this: “Maybe the dentist can’t even fix it. Maybe I need an oral surgeon. I don’t want to take antibiotics! What if it’s so infected that I lose the tooth???” I decided to try one last thing before calling the dentist. I rinsed my mouth with salt water several times over the course of a day… and voila! The next day the swelling was almost gone. It was a miracle cure- who knew? Now I can’t wait to eat the rest of the popcorn. Now, on to race decisions! There are so many races I want to do, and I have to pick one. For the summer, I’m limiting myself to a 4th of July 5k, and I really want to work on strength and speed. Here are the longer races I’m considering for next winter: Jupiter Ridge Sand Spur 50k This is the SANDY 4.5 mile loop race. It sounds horrible… except that people who have done it say it’s a really beautiful, fun race. It’s close to me- about an hour away, which means I could simply drive there race morning. It’s at the end of December, which might not be ideal, timing- wise. But it’s early enough that I could do this one, and also do the Dunes 50k in April (the race I ran this year.) Forgotten Florida From the website: “Get ready for a memorable adventure through Florida’s wild and scenic trails! This run is sure to be unlike any other trail adventure you’ve ever had, as this race is meant to take you to places even locals have not been to! Explore 99% of the trails in Tosohatchee, Charles Bronson State Forest, Seminole Ranch, Little Big Econ State Forest and then some. This is old Florida…The Forgotten Florida!” SIGN ME UP IMMEDIATELY! This race is a 2 1/2 hour drive from me- not close, but not too, too far. It sounds like a no-brainer, right? But…there’s no 50K option. I would have to do the 50 mile, and I’m not sure if I’m up for that (yet.) This race is February 3rd, so I would be doing some very long runs in December… possibly not ideal, since that month is so crazy already. Long Play Trail Run From the website: “The best single loop trail race in Florida…The Long Play is a 33 1/3 mile single track, single loop, trail run through the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. If the 33 1/3 isn’t in your plans, we also have a beautiful 1/2 marathon and a 10K. All races start and finish at the Ridge Manor Trailhead and wind along the Withlacoochee River before diving into Croom Forest. The races bring you into seldom-traveled parts of the area. It is a race not to be missed!” Hmmm! The distance- 33.3 miles, is good. It sounds adventurous and scenic. The date is March 2nd, which means I would be doing my longest long runs in January and February- I like that! The only real drawback is that it’s the farthest of the three- about four hours away. It would be a long drive there, overnight stay, and then a long drive back after the race. I want to do them all! But I have to choose one. I don’t think my body can take an ultra every month; additionally, all these races are on Saturdays, and I work Saturdays. I can get a Saturday off here and there, but not all the time. Which one should I choose? Who wants to come down to Florida and run a race with me next winter?
Weekly Rundown- Back to the Gym (and the Gym Won)
Well, it was a busy week! But I also started to get back to normal again after my race, and that felt good. Yes, life goes on! Thanks as always to Kim and Deborah for hosting the Weekly Rundown. Let’s get right into it. Monday A 3 mile run followed by planks and dead bugs. I’m going to do core after every run! Tuesday Ah, this was interesting. It was my usual after-work gym day. I did bench press and lat pulldowns, but I was also itching to get back to lower body strength- it’s been three weeks since I had a hard leg day. I did Bulgarian split squats with body weight only, and squats with just the bar. I also did calf raises, something I want to incorporate into my routine. I thought I eased into it sensibly, but… Wednesday GAAAH! My legs are SO SORE. After just three weeks off, it was as if I had never done a squat before in my life. Sigh. I did a 3 mile run and threw in some strides, but my legs just felt like lead. Thursday This was a crazy day, starting with errands before work and ending with us getting home at 10 pm after spending the evening at my daughter’s band rehearsal. In the morning I did a 20 minute Caroline Girvan abs and core workout (from the Advent Series.) It was a good choice for today, especially since my legs were still hella-sore. Friday 4 mile run. This was the first run since my race, almost two weeks ago, where I actually felt normal. Hooray! Of course I completely forgot about my plan to do core after every run- well, next week is another week. Friday night was another late night with a band concert at the performing arts center in West Palm Beach. I always grumble about these things beforehand, but once I’m there I enjoy it, and totally appreciate the opportunity for my daughter to play on an incredible stage in a beautiful hall. Saturday Off! After working all morning, I came home and had a lazy afternoon on the couch. I took a nap with my cat and watched the Heat/Knicks game. I’m definitely not one of those people who don’t know how to relax- I’m very good at it. In the evening I had an emergency trip to Target to buy a new waffle maker, since my old one basically exploded last weekend. Everyone knows Sunday is waffle day! Sunday On tap for today- the gym. The soreness in my legs has finally subsided, and I’m ready to go back for another leg day. I’m excited to do more strength training now. My plan for May is to get to the gym twice a week, for both upper and lower body each day. And, core after each run (ahem.) As usual I’m having trouble figuring out how to put this all together with speed work and (eventually) long runs, but I’ll figure it out- the classic runner’s conundrum. Have you experienced that intense soreness after leg day?- I seriously could hardly sit down (or get back up) for two days. Is Sunday waffle day at your house? – I like making protein waffles after the gym!
May-cember Coffee Date!
I know people refer to this month as “Mayhem,” but I like “May-cember”- when May is busier than December but there aren’t any presents (courtesy of Hungry Runner Girl. ) Yep, it’s a crazy month. Thanks to Coco and Deborah for kicking off the month with their Ultimate Coffee Date! Why is this month so busy, you ask? WELL, my daughter has all sorts of end-of-year concerts, some of which are inconveniently located at the other end of the county. This involves a lot of extra driving for the parents. Once again, I don’t remember my parents driving me all over the place for extra rehearsals and concerts. I mean, they had jobs. Oh wait! So do I. I love it when the start time for a rehearsal an hour away is at 5 pm on a Thursday. What… how… sigh. Anyway, some of the concerts of course are at our school, or at the high school which is close by. Then there’s also the eighth grade dance, and graduation! Yes, we have a lot coming up. In the middle of it all, my son will be arriving home with his college roommate. The roommate has generously agreed to help Paul drive his car back to Florida. He’ll stay with us for a bit and then fly back to Texas. Don’t get me wrong- I’m grateful. I didn’t want my son to make the twenty hour drive by himself. But I’m a little stressed at the thought of hosting a houseguest in the middle of all the other craziness. I’m trying to remind myself that these are all things I WANT. I want my daughter to be involved in activities, and I want my son to come home! I just wish all these things weren’t happening at the same time. Meanwhile… I’ve been lurking on Ultra Signup, looking for something to get me out of the post-race slump. There are several possibilities, but nothing jumps out at me. If I want another race that seems like an adventure and gets me really excited, it looks like I’ll have to travel to a different part of Florida. I can do that, but it involves checking my family’s schedule and getting off work. It’s complicated. If I want to stay in the area, the options are similar to the race I just ran, but not as fun. Like a 50k that’s multiple loops of a sandy 4 mile trail. Um… I think I may be sand-ed out for a while. I’m sure I’ll figure it out, but right now I can’t settle on anything. MEANWHILE, I haven’t forgotten that I want to work on my speed. My husband and I have decided to run a 5k on Mother’s Day and another on July 4th. For the Mother’s Day race, I expect my pace to be somewhere in the vicinity of “I’d rather not discuss it.” Then I’ll do speed work and hope to better that time on July 4th. I know that’s not a lot of time in between, but I would hope to see a little improvement. Any way you look at it, it will be a fun project, and I need a running project right now. How does May look for you? Is it a normal month or super busy? Do you have any races coming up?