Currently… A post on “things of the moment” for me (#11). [Inspired by Marcia and other bloggers.]
State of things: I am on a plane. Well, I am writing from a plane. I will get off before I post this. It is the 17th of the month and I have been on 7 flights so far. I have 2 more next week. So, collecting lots of frequent flier miles and a crick in my neck is my current state. This is my second trip to the West Coast this year and my friends can tell you that a week over the holidays and the first week of the year in Pacific Time Zone while trying to wake up in Central Time has left me pretty discombobulated. I keep forgetting things – like words and to-dos. It is bad. I am happy to report that I will be in one time zone for a few weeks (as far as I know) and that should help. I am very happy to report that my hamstring pull/tear is nearly completely healed. I really thought I would have to skip training in January but I have been OK so far. Yay!
Books: I read the first four books in the Martin Beck mystery series by Maj Stowall and Per Wahloo. I randomly came across this series in the bookstore by my house and though it is from the 60s, it holds up. The translation is very formal, but there is something captivating to me about it. I read The Girl with All The Gifts (sci-fi/post apocalyptic but I liked it), Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (historical fiction with LOTS of doublecrossing – not usually my thing but I liked it, too) and a few non-fiction books. Have you read anything I should check out lately?
Movies: We saw Spotlight on Christmas Eve to continue our tradition with The Husband’s mom and stepdad of heavy movies on Christmas Eve. It was great. My one complaint was that I found some of the ensemble cast distracting. I kept expecting John Slattery to make snarky comments and get sauced. We also saw the new Star Wars movie and I found it highly entertaining despite not having seen any of those movies since the 70s/early 80s. I have to say to the Carrie Fisher haters – for shame! We should all look so good after 40 years. Have you seen anything good lately?
TV: The Husband and I are up to date on Homeland and really enjoyed this last season which was super topical. We are still enjoying Downton Abbey. We are one full season behind current. Everyone and his brother recommended The Knick for us to watch next, and Narcos, and The Making of a Murderer. Anything else good for us to put on our list?
Website/Podcast: I have been loving Jessica Murnane’s “Things That Freaked my Week.” This week, I listened to 99% Invisible’s episode on food labeling called “Best Enjoyed By.” I hate to admit it but The Husband was right. The genesis of food labeling has nothing to do with food safety and most of it is pretty arbitrary. I have also been enjoying Gimlet Media’s Surprisingly Awesome. Who would have known that Broccoli could be interesting? Have you heard anything good lately?
Run: Since my last Currently post in November, I have only run two races! That is very little for me. Kristin, Michelle, Lizbeth and I did the Schaumberg Half Marathon Turkey trot. Kristin and I ran with the 1:40 pace group and helped several people break 1:40 for the first time and run big PRs. It was so fun to be a part of that group! I started doing speedwork with Nike Running Chicago but sadly pulled a hamstring in my third workout! I ran the Rudolph Ramble 8K with Kelli anyway and hurt my leg worse. I did come in 2nd in my age group despite running about the same pace as the half! Luckily, some rest over the holidays and lots of walking instead of running helped my leg to heal. Kristin and I are headed out to Carlsbad to run the half marathon this weekend. We get to see Smitha and Carlee! Yay! I thought I would be cheer squad but since I am feeling a lot better, I will run marathon pace and decide if I will run or spectate at the LA Marathon on 2/14. We are also watching the Olympic Trials. Woot woot!
Non-Run Workouts: I have been hitting pilates, made my 200 workout goal on the J & J 7 minute work out last year and am thinking about doing some additional lifting with Erin. Have you seen the guns on Erin recently?! And her running has been awesome, too. Have you tried anything new?
Food/Drink: I just wrote a post on Friday about 5 Food Finds including Goodbites raw cookies and crackers, Kennocha Tea, Noka Superfood Blends, Love Beets Bars and Ona Cookies and Bars. I am trying to limited added sugar and believe it or not many of these goodies are Paleo friendly. I also tried Art of Raw bars and an amazing snack mix from Bubba’s Fine Foods. I just got a sampler of the new flavors of Coffeebars from New Grounds Foods, too. As usual, I have more than I can use so expect some great giveaways soon! Have you tried anything awesome lately?
Excitement: I found out that I will be a San Francisco Marathon Ambassador! I applied because this will be the 20th anniversary of my first marathon which was the SF Marathon in 1996. I will have a discount code soon so you all can join me. I will also be an Esprit de She race ambassador again! Get $5 off any Gildan Esprit de She race with the code GEDS16AMB000. These races are super reasonably priced and have great perks. We had a blast the last few years. What are you excited about?
Pet Peeve: All of my pet peeves at the moment seem to be travel related. One last week was finding that getting Premier on United means they still want me to pay to fly standby. What? What is irking you lately?
Wish(es): I am hoping that my hamstring holds up and that I have a fun and healthy run in Carlsbad so that I can run LA in February. What are you wishing for?
What is keeping you busy these days? Please share in the comments!
PS. Don’t forget to enter my great giveaways.