Pittsburgh events

Pittsburgh Half Marathon: Training Week 13

- Mel

Have you made your own motivational post for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon? Tell UPMC what keeps you going for a chance to win the Reasons to Run 2.0 sweepstakes. Contest ends on April 24!

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This week proved to me a lot of what I am capable of — physically and especially mentally. Game On, Pittsburgh!

Monday: Much-needed day of rest (and cleaning my house). My foot really, really hurts from the Cherry Blossom race, but I’m also dealing with some knee soreness. No visible swelling, from what I can tell, but I’ve been icing both. Since both are on my left leg, I’m beginning to think something is up on that side — shoes? IT band? Tight glutes? Shut up and get a massage? (OK).

Need all three of these guys tonight. #recovery #cucb2015 #gameonpgh #foamrolling

A photo posted by Melinda (@melliesmel) on

I foam rolled for about an hour with all three of my apparatuses (apperati?), really focusing on my hips, IT band, and quads.

Tuesday: Emergency massage appointment activated! What’s that? My calves and hamstrings are super tight. Oh. This session felt and hurt so good. And, err… guess I’ll spend some additional time stretching and rolling my calves and hamstrings.

Wednesday: Still a little sore, so I decided to take another day to really stretch everything and ice my knee and foot. I feel mighty bruised from that massage too. Woof.

Thursday: 2 mile run… and I feel good again. I followed up that “good” with a couple sets of body strength workouts found in Runner’s World, push-ups, and a killer ab workout.

2.0 miles outside, 10:00/pace

Friday: Took a rest day, and went to an amazing Pittsburgh Ballet performance of La Bayadere (and I cheated and ate some tomato sauce on my gluten-free pizza).

Saturday: What a beautiful day! Left the house without my water bottle, so I ran to 7-Eleven and thank the lord because it was a LOT warmer than I anticipated! I accomplished the West End Bridge (both directions) and ran around the Point to get a nice mist of fountain water. More importantly, I. Felt. Good. First time that I felt really confident about running this half in a couple weeks. So, I’ll make sure that I eat an egg sandwich on race day. 🙂

First time running over the West End Bridge!
First time running over the West End Bridge!

They were setting up for Pirates fireworks on the Sixth Street Bridge when I ran over, and that was terrifying. Holy moly, that’s a lot of explosives for one bridge. I ran back on the Seventh Street Bridge — and look what I saw:

Game on!
Game on!

6.48 outside at 10:30 pace

Sunday: REST. A paper due, and group project assignment to compile (which I did outside on the patio and can all weekends in Pittsburgh be like this?!). I also played in my closet a bit — spring cleaning was necessary on this day of rest. And you know, since running is changing my former derby body, a clean-out was imminent.

Bonus about this Spring weather: walked to-from work four times this week for a total of 8 miles! 🙂

Total runs this week: 2
Weekly mileage: 8.48
Total training mileage: 87.47 miles!

Weekly Therapy: “Everyday we have the opportunity to create a living masterpiece.”

- Mel

the week:
I had big plans for my week… but I cannot get over this stupid cold/sickness thing. Then I started having some weird mouth inflammation (I don’t know how to describe it) that I’m unsure if it’s illness-related or a food allergy (oh, god help me) or something else weirdly related to my getting two old silver cavities replaced a few weeks ago (mercury poisoning?).

In any event, I’d like some of feeling normal back, please.

weekend:
Off to Ohio for family and holiday things. And apparently some more winter-like temperatures. *groan* I’m also planning to run around Columbus for a couple short runs (maybe a portion of the Hot Chocolate 15k route?).

seven things, seven days:
1. The first Arts & Drafts event was AMAZING — and I wrote about it for Pittsburgh Happy Hour!
2. It was fun to get away from my desk at lunch one day this week too, even if Six Penn took away their daily pizza special (they have a great gluten-crust, be-tee-dubs).
3. So I officially submitted my derby retirement paperwork. Felt weird to make it “official,” but at least I don’t have to stress about being in some weird purgatory. And I can still attend practices and do contact if I want. And I can always go back full-speed if that’s what I decide to do. So… That’s that.
4. Placed an order with Bake Me Happy for some gluten-free goodies (and a full-size carrot cake) on my return to Ohio this weekend.
5. I had to find a new team already (in just Week #1) for group project in this HRM course; two people in my first selected group have already dropped the class (Imma guess it’s the phonebook-sized book).
6. I’m listening to this Rich Roll podcast with Michael Gervais (again) because it just has me stopped in my tracks. There is no doubt that performance psychology is where I want to go, in terms of education path.
7. How to stop buying crap you don’t need (like a box full of gluten-free sweets? NAH.). {via lifehacker}

Weekly therapy: peaceful dreams and hangovers imminent

- Mel

the week:
Man, it’s been HOT and swampy in Pittsburgh this week. I started off the week skating in the Pride march for the third year (yay!) — this, the afternoon after a HUGE win, which coincidentally, might be my last home bout (more feels on that later). And now I’m prepping for finals week in two of my classes (already had one final presentation Tuesday night in my Psychology of Personal Development Course).

I’m just crazy enough to think I can handle one more course this summer (but mostly because it’s Social Psychology, and I’m all GiMME ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVES).

weekend:
Urban Garden Party: one of my favorite events in the ‘Burgh is tonight. The theme is Wild West, and I am a sucker for a theme party. Plus, the event is in our neighborhood, supporting the Mattress Factory museum, and you can’t beat parties that you can walk to-and-from! It’s also JazzFest all weekend, which we intend to enjoy on Sunday because I’m ALL HOMEWORKED OUT. And I really need a bike ride and some outdoor sangria.

seven things, seven days:
1. Received my first Cuisine Cube. Not only can I not eat half of the box (because of potato flour in ingredients), an item was missing. And customer service took nearly 5 days to respond. So frustrating. Although: gluten-free pancake mix from Shortstacks (as seen on: Shark Tank!).
2. Finally was able to attend a Pittsburgh Power game this season! They are blowing this season OUT, and actually have a chance of making the playoffs. Disappointed I couldn’t be more a part of this season, but here’s hoping they go post-season, and I can attend another game.
3. Personal dilemmas SUCK. That’s all you get from me, vague status update.
4. I’m going to be part of the APA Twitter Team during the annual convention in August! (!!!). You can follow along with the #APA2014 hashtag August 7-10 (I’ll be tweeting from my personal account).
5. From {tinybuddha}: How to create a happy future by accepting the present. So important.
6. From {brainblogger}: Facebook “Likes” and Twitter Followers Predict Personality Traits and More I’d recommend following the references and reading more too. Very interesting topics presented!
7. The new bed is getting put together this weekend!

{date night} Root Beer Tasting

- Mel

Saturday night was fun. Since it was such a nice day (which I spent mostly indoors, working), I hurried to change after my shift ended, so we could walk around Sewickley: the location of our later plans. This was also our first time in Sewickley, but I knew there were cute little boutiques to pop in-and-out (LOVED the House store!), while we enjoyed the weather. A pop-up store even gave us a to-go glass of champagne! And then we found the fun DIY yogurt place. Yes, please, dessert before dinner.

yogurt and champagne

That said, it was difficult to “kill” a half hour of time between all the shops closing and the start of our event at Village Candy, but we managed on account of just finally being outside.

ON TO THE ROOT BEER TASTING!

root beer, village candy, pittsburgh, sewickley

In its fifth year, Village Candy introduced the crowd to seven root beers:
Barrel Brothers Creamy Vanilla
Dang Butterscotch
Capt’n Eli’s
Olde Rhode Island Molasses
Red Ribbon
Johnnie Ryan
Saranac
Sprecher Fire-brewed

(I was able to confirm that all, but one, were gluten free; that remaining sample was Barrel Brothers — I couldn’t confirm one way or another — but I didn’t seem to have a reaction to it.)

I am a sucker for root beer and sweets. Circling around the dizzying selection of CANDY, proprietor Doug Alpern and his employees were in really good spirits (sugar high?), which really added to atmosphere of the tasting event for the all-ages crowd. Village Candy has an assorted mix of old-school sweets, candy-related merchandise, sodas and unique chocolate bars. And a Jelly Belly filling station, natch, which I also noticed they carried the new Draft Beer flavor. My favorite root brews were the Saranac, Johnnie Ryan and the Olde Rhode Island Molasses (and if I’m remembering my ballot correctly, in that order). We really enjoyed the event, and look forward to visiting the candy shop — and Sewickley — again. Note: Village Candy is also doing a cream soda tasting soon. Sign up for their newsletter!

We even took home a 4-pack of ginger and root beers — Village Candy has an impressive selection of bottled sodas! Something fun, something different, something tasty.

Something… kitty piddle.

kitty piddle

Wut.

Weekly Therapy: it’s the holiday season, so whoop-dee-do!

- Mel

the week:
Is it odd that, last Friday, for the first in the longest of times that I felt “pretty”? Maybe it was just my new eye makeup, or that the boyfriend and I had a really good date night, or maybe-just-maybe I am finally coming out of this stupid depressive, apathetic hole. I’m getting excited about coming back to derby within the next couple weeks too (hopefully this dang foot cooperates).

weekend:
Light Up Night! One of my favorite nights out in Pittsburgh. Also, one of the worst hangovers every year, so working ALL WEEKEND will be interesting. And then there’s Friendsgiving on Saturday…

There will be the usual carriage rides and gingerbread houses and the opening of the Christkindlmarkt in Market Square (People’s Gas Holiday Market) and fireworks (natch, it’s Pittsburgh), but this year’s celebrations also include FOOD TRUCKS. Get your nom on.

seven things, seven days:
1. I won a free piece of jewelry from local shop Jupe Boutique in a twitter contest — how nice is that?!
2. Trying not to think about my half birthday passing recently. How does this keep happening?! Age: What a bitch. The title of my memoir.
3. Ordered new skate boots for roller derby. And yes, they will be hot pink.
4. And then I had to order new boots from Splendid to offset my bank account being used solely for derby.
5. We spent three HOURS with an architect talking about possible renovations/gut job in our house (the second level needs help; and we need a real guest room).
6. My transcripts are complete, my transcripts are complete! Now if I could only get my advisor to return my emails.
7. It’s time to get Christmas Crazy! {via BurghBaby}

Don’t forget to hang up your sock!

Weekly Therapy: if it ain’t broke… it’s probably ligament damage.

- Mel

the week:
How did this week go by so fast?

I had my first follow-up dermatology appointment since my MOHs surgery. Everyone keeps telling me the scar “looks really good!” or “they did a good job!” And why do I still feel, like, HAVE YOU SEEN MY FACE?! I know, I need to get that looked at… I did get a referral for another dermatologist in the area who can treat some of my other face “issues” — procedures they don’t do in my doc’s office (microderm, deep peels, laser). So, yay?

MOHs scar, circa four months ago
MOHs scar, circa four months ago

I also openly admitted that I’m all for Botox, just “not yet.” How you know you’re a 30-something.

weekend:
Date night at the Three Rivers Film Festival. We’re going to see the Lance Armstrong documentary, and then probably get some more bourbon and snacks at Butcher & the Rye. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been dreaming about that cauliflower dish since last weekend. Yes, CAULIFLOWER.

Saturday, my team is hosting a derby training camp. Which, meh, I’m off skates because my foot started bothering me again this week (I was actually starting to get excited about skating again). Scheduling an MRI as we speak.
Sigh.

seven things, seven days:
1. Took my few days off this week to binge-watch the first two seasons of Scandal. OBSESSED!
2. A day spa is opening in my neighborhood — I’m so freaking excited!
3. Also back on the Sprig box bandwagon.
4. Now that I know we’re hosting some family for Thanksgiving, I’m starting some Holiday Meal Planning Pinning. Leave me some ideas, please!
5. The coffee table I wanted from West Elm is DISCONTINUED. I’m so mad. SO MAD.
6. Running outside in the cold. Nope. Can’t get used to it.
7. We all have people like this in our lives. Energy vampires: how to avoid being drained (and a quiz!). {via Psych Central}

Weekly Therapy: she sits alone at the lamp post… trying to find a thought that’s escaped her mind.

- Mel

the week:
What is it about summer that brings about a full schedule of activities? Last weekend saw a double win from our travel teams, an after-after after party that was so much fun, and an awesome weather Sunday on bikes around the city (with patio sangria at Seviche and Jazz festival). My sister came to hang out with me in the middle of the week, and we went over to the Arts Festival to see Glen Hansard. Electric lemonade! And all of the terrible-but-awesome festival food.

three rivers arts festival

The week was a span of really, really good days with friends and family. Reminds me how I need to hang with those people more often and not get so caught up in the social anxiety aspect of being too busy.

pittsburgh fountain

weekend:
It’s the last weekend of the Arts Festival (Airborne Toxic Event is performing tonight) and Pride in Pittsburgh! Saturday morning, a few of us are scrimmaging at the Miner’s Festival in Johnstown (a place I haven’t been to since I was a kid). We’re taking the scenic route (and I’m taking the Dramamine). Sunday, I’m skating in the Pride march with my leaguemates.

Sadder, bittersweet news: my family is having a house sale at my grandparents (and more sad news, my grandma fell and broke her hip this week). Although I don’t think I can fit “go home to Ohio” in my plans this weekend, I will be seeing all my sisters and nieces before the end of the month.

52 books in 52 weeks:
Started yet another book that was incredibly dumb; thankfully, only got 17% in before I cut it out of my life. And then another one — this, only 10% through. More dumb. But that set back my reading goal for the week. again. Grrrr.

seven things, seven days:
1. Team Magenta! (that’s for my roller derby ladies out there)
2. We have a new privacy fence! And topsoil is laid in our soon-to-be greenspace on our courtyard. Sod gets laid next week.
3. Dumb sore knee – is it because of the weather or because of bike riding? Because it’s dumb.
4. Can you believe I already received my renewed passport? Expedited service seriously took, like, 10 days.
5. Finally found a BB Cream that I LOVE.
6. These (supposedly dissolvable) internal stitches are starting to poke out of my face. It’s so weird… and so annoying.
7. Seemed appropriate: Good-bye Weekend — How Our Connected World is Ruining Them from Psych Central

Weekly Therapy: recovery… in small doses.

- Mel

the week:
Stitches are out (well, dissolved). Steri-strips are IN… err, on. One more week of bandages and of not getting my “wound” wet. ANNOYING. I just want to take a shower like a normal person.

weekend:
Friday is 21+ night at the Carnegie Science Center — wine & cheese science, I’m all about that. Saturday, we’re meeting up with a couple friends for our favorite brunch place. We also have another home Power game!

Sunday, is the Comic Arts Festival, hosted by the Toonseum. Our roller derby league is a vendor during the event — a full block closed downtown on Liberty for pedestrians to walk and bike… and skate — and share the love of the comic arts and meet their favorite cartoon characters. I’m excited for us to be a part of this inaugural event.

52 books in 52 weeks:
What Do We Do Now? by Keith Malley and Chemda — prompted by my new-found love of podcasts, this couple (and their comedic podcast) was introduced to me via twitter. That same friend brought me their book to last weekend’s tailgate. I read it front-to-back in one day. While I could do without the generalized, misogynistic tone that the male counterpart frequently “advises,” overall it was a fun and easy read.

seven things, seven days:
1. More to read: PsychCentral gives 3 Tips to Find a Couples Therapist
2. And the Art of Manliness tells you how to communicate your needs in a relationship.
3. Finally used my sample of TONX. Quite good, this Caranavi Bolivian coffee.
4. I had a helluva time trying to figure out all these greens in my CSA.
5. So excited that I got these cute printed LOFT shorts for 40% off. Not-so-excited that the sizing is ALL WRONG. Not even close to the size chart. I’ll be spending what I saved on tailoring. Lame.
6. Weekend Therapy: this apple flower cocktail from A Beautiful Mess. Mmmm, Benedictine.
7. I have klout in ice cream, apparently: received coupons for two free Blue Bunny products and a new scooper.

Happy Summer!

My 30-something Singles: Create a Match.com Summer Singles Event and Win

- Mel

match stir party contest

Online Dating for 30-somethings is something else… am I right, or am I right? While I’m not in the dating pool, I’ve BEEN THERE. I’ve also heard the stories — oh, SO many stories — about online dating. True story though: I know two couples (who have openly admitted to it anyways) that met and live, now, happily ever after because of internet dating sites. So, it’s not all catfish.

But are you ready for something different? Stir is Match.com’s answer to online dating. 30-somethings (among others) can meet potential suitors by participating in a wide range of offline dating activities to Match.com — members around the country come together for unique events ranging from large-scale happy hours to more intimate affairs.

Match.com Stir is celebrating its one-year anniversary! In just one year, Match has hosted 2,850 events and collaborated with over 1,200 venues and partners, including House of Blues, Banana Republic, Sur la Table and Warrior Dash. They also play well with the local gems in each city (Pittsburgh too!). Over 225,000 singles have attended Stir Singles Events to date! That sounds like a lot of happy daters.

In celebration of the anniversary, Match.com is offering the opportunity for singles to create their own Stir event. If your event is chosen, you get to work with Stir event planners to bring that idea to life.

Visit Match.com’s “What Stirs You?” Contest Page now through Tuesday May 28th, 2013 — and tell Match.com what you think would make for the perfect singles event. That’s all you need to do to be entered to win. Entries will be judged based on quality, creativity, uniqueness and geographical relevance. The selected winner will have their idea recreated by the Events by Match.com team in their city and will receive an invitation to attend the event along with ten of their singles friends (no charge!). Bonus: the winner will also receive a free six-month Match.com subscription.

So, tell me 30-somethings: What Stirs you?

Disclaimer: I received compensation for publishing this post about Match.com and Stir events. All opinions are my own.

Weekly Therapy: cookies for my troubles

- Mel

the week:
Woah, boy. We learned way too much about zoning, permits and the pains of living in a historical neighborhood. Found out the hard way upon applying for a permit because we wanted to have the deck resurfaced next week — a deck that is a) not to city code and b) never approved in the first place and c) also butts up to a property line of an abandoned house (the one we’ve been trying to find an heir to purchase). What. A. Mess. But also, basically, since we have this lovely courtyard that is technically the side of our house and not the “back” we need historical review for everything.

The deck project will happen, even if it means just tearing the damn thing down. It’s just going to be delayed a few weeks.

weekend:
Headed on a short road trip to Bloomington, Indiana for a derby tournament. Our last travel game until post season. Definitely not the last of travel though for summer.

This Sunday is the Pittsburgh Marathon. Fun day to go into town and give some support to these runners. Take the T or ride your bike because driving a car in/near downtown, east end or north side will be basically a lesson in detours.

seven things, seven days:
1. My review for Benjamin’s (a burger joint in Pittsburgh) made Yelp review of the day this week!
2. Wake up to an iPhone? You should change your alarm to a theme song from your playlist. Mornings are so much more fun now!
3. I celebrated one year at my part-time job. Time flies. Like the birds. *chuckle*
4. Signed up to do the Tough Mudder in August. I’m equal parts terrified and excited. And so ready to challenge myself.
5. Speaking of which, I finally went back to our team trainer this week. And the soreness feels GOOD.
6. Check out this Kickstarter campaign for Cherry Bombe Magazine: a beautiful publication celebrating women and food. I like!
7. Counting down the days until my birthday next week. How I feel about that. TLDR: Not great.