30-Something Summer Plans

- Mel

I’ll be honest, summer is not one of my favorite seasons. While it’s awesome to be outdoors a lot more often than other times of the year, the above-80 heat makes me miserable. Great time to be training for a fall full marathon, eh? As with a lot of my life focus recently, I’m facing all the things I hate to be more at peace with things, like: humidity and sunburns within 7 minutes and OMG CAN’T STOP SWEATING.

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I’m a little jealous at the boyfriend that he has a lot more free time and flex time (and vacation time) than I do, so it’s not really at all like my last few summers have been (now that I have a full-time job AND attending school full-time) where we can jet away wherever and whenever. We have a couple weekend trips planned for back home. We’re going to Toronto in August. School ends in August. But otherwise, I’m looking at a number of fun weekends in Pittsburgh. Alas, here are some of my plans:

I plan to use my courtyard A LOT. More coffees outside in the morning. Feeding the birds when I feed the cats in the AM. Maybe I’ll allow the cats some patio time with me. LOTS of hammock time to unwind from work. And probably a LOT of Claritin, if yesterday’s pollen index is representative of how summer will be.

I plan to do much outdoor yoga this summer too. Starting this weekend, I’m going to a yoga retreat on the lake, and then I’ll be looking for weekly weekend sessions in the city, in the park, on the mount, in a barrel house, by myself, with instructors, with friends. Wherever.

I’m probably going to eat a lot of ice cream. Just saying.

I plan to make good use of our membership at the club too. I will probably take some golf lessons. I will definitely be in that pool on the warmest days of the year. Above all, I’m looking forward to the time I can hang out together with the boyfriend on those days. I truly think there’s much to be said — and gained — about doing active things together.

Blogger, May I? pals: what’s on your summer schedule?

Accountability Week: Post-half marathon workouts

- Mel

Since I’m not currently training for anything (at least for a couple more weeks), and posting my workout weeks helps keep my motivation in check, this is my accountability week(s) post. I’m currently starting to look at training programs for running the full in October, with about 18-20 weeks of training, so I welcome any references! I’m familiar with Higdon’s model, but I’d like to know what else is out there. Update to my race schedule: I now have another half on the schedule in August (The Rock Hall half in Cleveland) and I’m running the Akron relay in September with some friends.

The week directly post-half marathon I DID NOTHING (in the form of exercise). It was kind of glorious, and it left me a good span of time to focus on finishing out my winter semester. My recovery from running the half was pretty seamless into my regular life; I was able to walk to work the next day (and the next!), with very little soreness. Must be that post-race chocolate milk!

My intention last week was to get a couple runs in to shake everything out, return to CrossFit workouts, and do some YOGA.

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Week May 11-17:

MONDAY: Rest Day, duh. While I generally don’t like working out on Mondays (I don’t know, I’m grumpy or something), my friend returned to spinning class on Monday evenings at the Y, so I’ll start that up again once a week starting next week.

TUESDAY: CrossFit. Naturally, we started off with a 500m run warm-up, and I was happy about all the mobility work. The WOD was a quickie 3RFT for stair climbs (3 stories), snatches, and box jumps. I stayed easy today, with only the bar, since I haven’t been going regularly.

WEDNESDAY: Run//yoga club at Urban Elements. We had a small group today, so we held a pretty quick pace (for me) of 9:30/mi for 4 miles. First run back, and it pushed me a bit, but I was able to keep up. And maybe I should stop running at 10:30/mi so much. Following up the run was a 75-minute yoga session, where we did a lot of Warrior work. It was intense! And we have a new instructor, but I loved how she taught for different skill levels. I’m hyper-mobile, so she also suggested some great adaptations for me to enhance my practice and how to stretch my hamstrings.

THURSDAY: Rest.

FRIDAY: Rest. Wine.

SATURDAY: Did another CrossFit session that was book-ended by running TO the box and then back home. In the rain, no less. We did a couple sprints before the WOD and a 500m run, then it was Elizabeth. I’m still hanging out in the Bronze category, so it was 55# for me and three miserable rounds of push-ups at 15-12-9. For time: 6:21 minutes.

SUNDAY: Another day of rest

Week May 18-24:

This was another week where I had a lot of motivation going into the week, yet quickly lost it because of stressing out about school work. I need to learn that taking a break to do something active will help alleviate that feeling, but I get SO blind-sided by the onslaught.

MONDAY: My return to spinning! This session reminded me why I love spinning so much — it’s such a great, low impact workout (I barely sweat, but that doesn’t mean I’m not trying) that hits you with that good soreness a day later.

TUESDAY: Rest day.

WEDNESDAY: Lunchtime yoga started today, courtesy of work. We get some wellness “points” that contribute to a program that gives us some money back for our health premiums by participating. Plus, I get away from my desk for an hour a week. This session was a great restorative and slow practice, and she actually went well over an hour (oops). I enjoyed every minute of it.

After work, I had a hair appointment near home, which I planned to run to. I took a long route through the Point, which was a nice 1.90 miles to add to the log this week.

THURSDAY: STRESS DAY. Because let’s be honest, while I wasn’t necessarily working out, my body and mind were not at rest. BLARGH.

FRIDAY: This was a rest day.

SATURDAY: Does cleaning my patio count? Because I feel like it was a workout.

SUNDAY: My return to golfing! Oh man, I am still terrible, but I had one really great drive out of 9 holes of play. Now, how can I do that all the time?

It was absolutely wonderful to be out in the sun, and as I mentioned before, my boyfriend is super relaxed when playing so I really had fun despite my annoyances of not being able to get much lift on the ball. It felt like vacation in a way; we had lunch outside at the club and then hung out at the pool for a couple hours.

How is everyone else doing in their “off season”? Have you planned your next races?

An inspirational quote for now and for later.

- Mel

I hope you’re all enjoying a lovely holiday weekend, today’s Blogger, May I? post will be a quick one.

There’s a quote that has held some recent importance for me, as I continue to do things that, to be honest, still amaze me: going back to school in my 30s and completing a degree, and finishing a half marathon for the big highlights. I’ve even written it on my chalkboard in my medicine cabinet to keep myself focused and proud of the journey:

believed and did quote

“Heck yeah, I did!” is usually what I say in return because this quote is as much as for during as it is for after your accomplishments.

SUNDAY LATELY: Planning, Loving, Reading, Wishing, Feeling

- Mel

I’m joining in today’s Sunday Lately as part Blogger, May I? month of prompts.

Planning:
Oh, I’m planning to be outdoors for most of today and tomorrow. The weather here in Pittsburgh has been downright beautiful, and what a way to start the summer season. See also: POOL TIME!

Loving:
We spent a good bit of time out in our courtyard yesterday cleaning. I also had a gift card to spend at HomeGoods, so I picked up a few decor items for outside — candles, lanterns, some new seat cushions for our bistro chairs. Sadly, could not find the right size, right color free-standing umbrella. I even spray-painted an old IKEA iron table that’s been hanging out in our basement for a couple years. I absolutely adore our courtyard and love that we can have this type of outdoor space while living in the city.

A photo posted by Melinda (@melliesmel) on

Reading:
I’ve loaded up a few books to my iPad’s Kindle app to enjoy poolside today. I’m only 4 books behind pace to finish 52 books this year, so I plan to catch up by at least 1. By tomorrow, I’d really like to be up to only 2 behind. I know that I’ll be able to catch up completely once my semester is over in August. Anyways, lazy days of reading really make me feel happy.

Wishing:
I haven’t golfed in a couple years, so I’m wishing for a moderately-painless game today (I’m pretty bad). I never devoted enough time to get my golf game up to par (HAR!), but since the boyfriend started going more regularly I’ll be out a lot more this summer practicing. He’s the complete opposite golfer than me and so relaxed, where I am incredibly frustrated. Hoping some of that will rub off on me.

Feeling:
So, this is a bit embarrassing to admit, but we recently joined a country club and my first time visiting is today. I’m feeling really anxious about “fitting in” and making sure I “follow” appropriately all the social cues of being a member. Again, I realize how ridiculous this sounds, but I am terribly awkward at these sorts of social functions and at making small talk and feel a little out of my element. I’m trying to focus on that pool and pretending that I’m on vacation.

Makeup Must-Haves

- Mel

I am obsessed with make-up, Blogger, May I? followers, so I’m excited to post about my favorite daily products for today’s prompt.

I’m a subscriber to ipsy and PopSugar MustHave, and I used to regularly get Birchbox and Julep. I like to sample and try new things, but I generally wear make-up to look like I’m not wearing any. That’s the 30-something secret. WINK. Many of my MUST HAVE, CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT products are things that I’ve discovered within the last couple years because of these subscriptions.

So much lip stuff in the background there!
So much lip stuff in the background there!

In any event: I start with the AGE SMART skinperfect primer from Dermologica. I fell in love with Dermologica during a facial last year at the spa at Nemacolin and use several of their skin care products. Then, I follow up with a BB cream from Tarte (it’s the PERFECT color for my skintone, feels light but still covers) and an undereye concealer from It Cosmetics (Bye-Bye Under Eye is so amazing that I even wear while I run; I’ll pretend it’s because of the sunscreen benefit). I then brighten my lids and eye area with Well Rested powder from Bare Minerals. I seriously rarely leave the house without applying this on/around my eyes. I don’t typically wear foundation since my face is pretty oily, but if I do, I opt for LORAC Natural Performance; otherwise, I use a brush to set my BB-prepped face with a powder from Napolean Perdis (since ULTA stopped carrying it, I have to now buy from Bergdorf, which makes me feel fancy).

My lids then get a quickie sweep of color from Pacifica — it’s very neutral but a tiny bit frosty — and blush from Tarte. I’m positively obsessed with the waterproof formula from Bare Minerals: Flawless Definition. It stayed on during a 5K in a rainstorm and the Pittsburgh Half Marathon in the sweaty heat (because, yep, I do prefer to have a little make-up on when I workout). I recently noticed that I received more compliments when NOT wearing eyeliner (weird), so that’s been removed from my daily routine and I feel A-OK about it; I’ll pull out a fun bold eye for a party or something and will also draw in my eyebrows then. I haven’t mastered contouring like some of those fab youtubers (it’s so fascinating!), but I will use bronzer and highlighter for nights out.

All-in-all, my make-up routine takes less than 10 minutes. Throughout the day, I use green tea blotting linens from Boscia to blot my shiny areas and opt for Burt’s Bees lip balm when my lips are feeling dry. And that’s basically my make-up routine.

Have you discovered any fun products from monthly subscription boxes? Do you use any of the same brands?

Weekly Therapy: Pick Your Therapy

- Mel

the week:
I barely made it through my first week back to school without having a serious breakdown from stress. (I almost typed “breadown” so maybe I need a sandwich.) One assignment took me TWO HOURS LONGER than I expected, and both classes have major assignments of the week due on Thursdays instead of Sundays. Anyway, it just screws up my schedule a little bit, and I have to readjust. But I had to cancel on my fun Thursday night event, and I’m still reeling from how crazy, out-of-control I felt.

weekend:
While it was only in the 40s early Friday morning, THE POOL OPENS THIS WEEKEND! I have a lot of being lazy on the veranda happening. And I’m going to play some golf with the boyfriend.

Also, TEDxPGH is Saturday at the Byham.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#16: Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink. This book covers a new category of interest, food psychology! I highlighted a LOT, as there a lot of realistic ways to change your eating habits by being mindful of portions and labeling (they trick us!), and taking the role of gatekeeper for your household more seriously.

The irony is that the day after I finished this book, I was walking behind two women conversing about eating habits. One of them BLAMED HER CHILDREN for having bad food in the house. Pretty sure they’re not doing the shopping, and this is where these healthy eating habits can be learned. Although, it’s important to note that the foods we take comfort in can be realized at any point in adulthood — it’s not only a trigger from childhood.

Pet Therapy Booth: Best thing to happen to your lunch break, ever
Pet Therapy Booth: Best thing to happen to your lunch break, ever

seven things, seven days:
1. Went super blonde for summer!
2. Sooooo… where my Bachelorette-watching friends at? (Watching it with my boyfriend, by the way, is a hilarious experience.)
3. Trying to stay away from all these email deals for the holiday weekend… never mind, too late.
4. There are so many options for outdoor yoga in Pittsburgh this summer — Saturdays in the park by my neighborhood too!
4. Speaking of yoga: Yoga & meditation in detention centers.
5. OMG There was a therapy booth set up in Market Square at lunch today, and I got to hang out with some little kittens. I was very SQUEE.
6. Oooh, the myths of self-development. {via a daring adventure}
7. I’m seriously considering this Foodist Kitchen program to finally get over my inability (or unwillingness) to cook for myself.

Knowing Your 30-something Style

- Mel

Today’s Blogger, May I? prompt: Describe Your Style.

If I could sum up my clothing style in one word, it would be: comfort. Now, I’m not always running around in yoga pants or pajamas (although I did that quite often in my freelancing days), but if something doesn’t fit or sit right on my body I feel really uncomfortable.

But if we’re completely honest, I do feel most comfortable and powerful in my workout clothes.

I tend to err on the side of classic; trendy things generally make me feel out of place. I mean, I’ll try some hot pink lipstick when I’m feeling like making a stylish entrance and having some fun with fashion. I like to dress up for events, but most times it leaves me feeling exposed and anxious — quite the opposite of comfort. Oh, speaking of comfort, this 30-something is basically all flats, all the time now. I love colors. I love prints. Most times I have zero clue how to put them together. I experience decision fatigue on a nearly daily basis, and Pinterest helps me get out the door looking somewhat-presentable. Otherwise, I’ll buy entire outfits because I know they’re pieces that work well together.

I think most importantly: I know what looks good on my body shape, I’ve had my colors done (I’m a Winter!), and as I’ve mentioned in another post this month, I have a great tailor to make sure things FIT properly.

Blogs You Will Love

- Mel

Admittedly, I follow a LOT of blogs via my Feedly (RIP, Google Reader, you were the best). Most posts I scan briefly and quickly mark as read. Others I have lost interest from over the years and immediately delete, and OMG I need to clean up my feed. Still others I get COMPLETELY ANNOYED BECAUSE I HAVE A READER FOR A REASON! My biggest blog peeve are those who only post the first sentence or paragraph, forcing you to click through. Anyways. I have categories for house stuff, more for food stuff; I read gluten-free blogs, running blogs, and keep in touch via blog to my friends in Cleveland. I geek out over a lot of psychology and science blogs. And then I get inspired over in my “Fuzzy Feelings” folder.

For today’s Blogger, May I? prompt I’m going to tell you about just a couple blogs that I LOVE, love.

The Financial Diet: Some of the stuff can get monotonous, but there is a LOT of good information here, especially for young 30-something ladies like yourself. Plus, the confessionals help put into perspective all your money problems. Unless you’re the person who just wrote it, then you very obviously learned your lesson.

Mark Manson: Oh, he of “subtle art of not giving a fuck” fame. Everything he writes — and I literally mean everything — is raw and insightful and straight from his soul. His soul is brilliant, btw. He really has an astute knack for posting something right when I’m feeling something similar too. tl;dr: He gets me.

Emily Cassel: Her web space is pretty. Her writing is pretty. Shit, she’s pretty. She has a way of making you feel as though you can get through every barrier holding you back — and that dreams don’t have to be just imaginary.

Life Less Bullshit: As the title of her post suggests, Nicole redirects the bullshit by using her life stories as a catalyst to connect humanly and honestly with her readers. Plus, like me, she has the history of killing a blog that no longer represented the person she is now. Lady’s got some real-deal balls and isn’t afraid to put out there that IT’S OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR MIND. It’s become something of my mantra lately, and she embodies what it means to be authentic to the self first.

Tell me about your favorite blogs in the comments!

Maybe not so creative…

- Mel

For today’s Blogger, May I? the ladies want me to Show Off Something [I’ve] Created… and, well, I got nothing. To be honest, I just finished a late-night class session. I have three assignments already due tomorrow (ack!), and I’m feeling like that week completely got away from me. But, I’ll get this post done today, dammit.

I envy other’s DIY projects and artistic abilities. I tried to paint a bathroom once — only one wall — and ended up with paint on the ceiling, the tile floor, my slippers (and subsequently everything else I walked through afterward). I can’t cook creatively (or even from a recipe, for that matter). The closest I got to actually DIY’ing something is making a Pinterest board. If you want to call it creation: I can write a 12-page paper in just a few hours, with several citations and a 100% grade. That’s my true talent.

And I created this space here — that’s something, right?

At the end of last year, I took part in The Happiness Conspiracy, and it was an opportunity to do something creative while meeting wonderful women and plotting our revenge on unhappiness. I loved those sessions because it forced me to do things that I wasn’t very good at. We painted, we colored, we did decoupage collages (is that the right word?), and even some black-out poetry. I miss the opportunity to be creative-provoked.

And seriously, isn’t coloring the best?

How Do You Define Beauty?

- Mel

I could have put today’s post under yesterday’s Blogger, May I? prompt about struggles. How someone defines beauty is so subjective that it feels insensitive to project how or what I think it is. Like art, beauty is open to interpretation. It’s one of those things you know it when you see it.

Sleep is beautiful for some people.

Nature is beautiful to others.

Being able to spell “beautiful” without Googling it could be your definition of beauty. Or beauty simply in just the words.

There is beauty in many things and within people or about people. People, though, is how most would start to define the meaning of beauty. Looking in and up are ways to expand the definition of beauty.

To be honest, I feel pretty wordless right now about this topic, as it is difficult to personally define. I guess that I know beauty when I feel something “light up” within me. I’m inspired, I’m moved, I’m affected. I love.