It’s February. It’s cold. Blahbiddyblah.
I don’t mind the cold too much when it comes to running — I don’t belong to a gym so I have no treadmill access, nor do I have treadmill patience, and there’s something so special about coming home after a very cold run and taking a very hot shower.
But I’ve been having this really intense craving lately.
I really want to put on my best sweatpants (the zebra ones) and my favorite sweatshirt (“I’m Just Here for the Savasana”) and my coziest slippers (rainbow-print; this outfit is hideous), and do a puzzle.
But I don’t own any puzzles. So instead I’ve been politely asking Brian to play Yahtzee with me on the weekends because I’m awesome at it and I always win (don’t tell me it doesn’t require skills), but really what I want to do is a puzzle. I haven’t done a puzzle in at least a decade.
On that completely irrelevant and probably boring note, this is a post of all the random thoughts going through my semi-frozen brain at this time. Play along. Thanks.
That phrase “all the feels.” Please make it stop. I hate it. And when people say it, I think it makes them sound dumb.
Peeing in the shower: yay or nay? (No judgments.)
Nose blowing in the shower: yay or nay? (I know this is gross, but have you tried it? Try it.)
Sometimes I wonder: Will the world ever fully grasp the difference between “famous” and “infamous?” I dream of living in a place where people do not just throw around the word infamous when they want to describe something or someone “really really famous.” That’s not what it means.
I think my body doesn’t do so well with hummus, and I’m wondering if that’s a thing. I’ve had it twice recently, and both times I felt sick the entire rest of the day. Kind of…bloated. And just generally in pain and feeling awful. It’s not Crohn’s-related because that’s different and very specific. I think it’s a ground-up chickpeas situation. So again, I ask—nay, beg—of you…is this a thing? Dr. Google wasn’t helpful. Do I need to quit hummus?! And also, is Nutella an appropriate substitute for any place I would have previously put hummus? LMK. (Mom, that means “let me know.”)
Never have I ever…not been the first person to arrive at a fitness class. Why do I always, no matter what time I leave my apartment, arrive 25–30 minutes early? Isn’t that a colossal waste of my time? And yet, I can’t quit this habit.
Speaking of fitness classes: Mile High Run Club. I’m guessing you’ve heard of it by now. It’s a group fitness treadmill studio. Think spin class, but with treadmills instead of spin bikes.
Nike invited me to a class at Mile High Run Club the other night, and I was super hesitant (running fast is hard, wahhhh!) but also excited because I love Nike and hey, free class, cool!
The workout consisted of 12 sets of 90-second intervals: the first at marathon pace, the second and third at 10K pace, and the fourth at 5K pace. Repeat three times. Sweat. Die. We got short recoveries in between, and the inclines varied between 0.5 and 2.0. I didn’t even notice the incline, but the 5K intervals at a 2.0 incline were tough as hell.
In fact, all of the intervals were tough as hell, because when I got there they asked me my “5K PR, or my 5K pace” and I had nooooooo clue, so I gave them my super ambitious pace (“7:30s would be nice, give or take?”) and they gave me a pace bracelet with suggested paces for the workout (mine were 7.8 for marathon pace, 8.5 for 10K pace, and 8.8 for 5K pace — sorry I forget what those translate to in non-treadmill terms). But I’m pretty sure my “marathon pace” was a 7:40 pace and LOL.
During the final interval, they turned the lights all the way down, blasted the music, and told us to go as hard as we could. I got my treadmill up to 9.4 and was afraid I might fall off, but I didn’t. I just stared myself down very aggressively in the mirror while track superstar English Gardner stood right next to me egging me on and definitely not letting me slow down. I loved her. She was like, “Yeah girl, just do it,” and I was like “NIKE.”
I loved the class and got a really amazing workout. I’m not so good at pushing myself to exhaustion during speed workouts on my own, so I appreciate the way this class forces you to do it but makes it really fun. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and want to share the Mile High Run Club love! The studio is only in NYC right now, so if you’re local and want to try it out, let me hook you up. Go to the website, create an account, and then use the code RUNFORIT at checkout to get a free class!
Here are my current thoughts on television.
- Who are all these people on Grey’s Anatomy? I hardly know any of the characters.
- Scandal is batshit insane and I’m not into it but I won’t quit it. I think that “Iran” is actually Papa Pope, but I hope it’s not because I’m so over that guy and his Jedi mind tricks.
- I miss Parenthood so much already.
- I am ashamed to admit that I watched all of Girls from start to current in, like…a week. I hated every single episode and I find every character gratingly annoying. Well, Adam is pretty funny, and Elijah is pure gold. Shoshanna is hysterically if completely unrealistic, and I did like the episode where she accidentally did crack and was obsessed with moving up tot he front row in kickboxing class. Preach, girl. But Hannah (the worrrrrrrst), Marnie, and Jessa are terrible. And yet, I watched every episode in tiny fits of rage. I’m hopeless.
There is something so horribly cheesy that I want to do before Brian and I get married. I want to spend a day watching all my favorite TV wedding episodes. Here is my list. Note: I am not including Monica and Chandler’s wedding because I have it memorized and I just don’t need to see it again. “James, James Brolin, are you sure?” Classic.
- Ben + Leslie Knope, Parks & Recreation
- Dwight + Angela, The Office
- Jim + Pam, The Office (my favorite wedding episode ever)
- Zack + Kelly, Saved by the Bell
- April + Andy, Parks & Recreation
- Burt + Carole, Glee
- Crosby + Jasmine, Parenthood (teeeear-jerker!)
- David + Donna Martin, Beverly Hills 90210
- Phoebe + Mike, Friends
- Charlotte + Harry, Sex and the City
- Steve + Miranda, Sex and the City
Do you want to come to my TV Wedding Viewing Party? Please RSVP in the comments and let me know which animal onesie you plan to wear and what toppings you want for your pancakes or which fillings you like in your quesadillas.
The other day, Brian asked if I was going to invite “my guy” to our wedding. I thought Brian was “my guy,” but apparently not, so I was confused. “Uh, who’s my guy?” “You know…your guy! From the show!” WTF? Ten minutes later, I realize Brian is talking about AC Slater AKA Mario Lopez. I still don’t know why he’s “my guy.” I think it has to do with those two times (yeah two times) I invited him to my birthday party. Once in fifth grade, then again at the 2011 New York City Marathon Expo and I invited him in person. AC AKA MARIO IF YOU ARE READING THIS WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU AT OUR NUPTIAL CELEBRATION.
I see people doing pull-ups like it ain’t no thaaaang. Fun fact about me: I can’t even hang. Put me on a monkey bar or pull-up bar, and I literally cannot even hold my body weight. How do I become able to do a pull-up without practicing (and failing) doing pull-ups? What’s the easy shortcut way? Surely there is one…I own a Shake Weight, so maybe something with that?
One last thing…
Lyons Den Power Yoga is hosting a 40-Day Challenge, and you should do it. I’m doing it. It’s going to be life-changing and inspiring and amazing, and I’m so on board with that. This post is already very long and rambley, so I will just direct you here to read more about the challenge and what it entails (unlimited yoga, Baron Baptiste’s book, and weekly group sessions that will be fantastic) and how you can sign up. It starts Tuesday, so commit now and get amped! We can practice our handstands together!
Hey, Happy Galentine’s Day and then Happy Valentine’s Day!
Players gonna play play play play play.
32 Responses
Hi Ali! Late comment on this post but I wanted to let you know that I used your promo code (thank you!) to try Mile High Run Club over the weekend– it was fantastic!! I am NOT a treadmill runner at all (literally cannot get beyond 4 miles without dying of boredom/wanting to quit every second) and I felt like the hour at Mile High flew by! I also definitely would not have forced myself to pick up the pace for all those intervals, so it was nice to switch it up a bit. I’m not sure I’ll go back too frequently, only because $34/class is more than I usually spend on exercise, but I’m going to try to go a few more times while it’s still freezing outside!
I’ve recently discovered jigsaw puzzle apps on my tablet (I saw someone doing one on an airplane and was curious). It’s sort of pointless, but also really addictive and fun. Just a thought.
Hi Ali! I’ve been (lurking in the shadows of the internet while) reading your blog since I was diagnosed with Crohn’s in May of last year. First, thank you so much for this tremendously wonderful corner of the internet. Seriously. It means more than you know. Second, hummus absolutely DESTROYS me as well! I noticed it both before and confirmed it after the diagnosis with the big C. I want to love it and bathe it and eat it, but, alas, it’s now an unrequited love.
I must confess I have never left a comment on a blog before…and had no intention of popping that cherry until you mentioned puzzles…and well puzzles are AMAZING. It is such a relaxing activity. And IF you are contemplating committing to a puzzle, I would recommend The New Yorker cover puzzles (puzzle + NYC + literature = a great thing).
So since I made this confession, I will make a couple of others:
1. I stumbled upon your blog a couple of months ago and started reading from the beginning (does that sound creepy? really hope not…sorry about that). It was such a treat reading your story
2. You were part of the inspiration for starting my own about running
3. I am running my first marathon this year (the NYCM) and I am absolutely terrified
4. I keep meaning to #justshowup to a November Project run but thus far intimidation has shown victorious. But I’m confident fear of NYCM > fear of potentially looking like a fool in front of a group of people I don’t know (…maybe)
5. I too unplug electronic devices when not in use for fear of burning down my apartment
6. Peeing in the shower is a given
7. Shower nose blowing was not a thing in my life until this winter when I discovered long runs + my nose are not BFFs
8. This is an embarrassingly long comment for which I sincerely apologize…I’m just apparently that excited about puzzles…and running
Ali – We like many of the same tv shows (BH 90210 and Friends are 2 of my all-timers, although FNL is my number 1 all-time), so trust me when I tell you – you HAVE to watch Brothers and Sisters. It is amazing. I have a huge family crush on the Walkers. It’s basically like the original Parenthood (and better, in my opinion). I’m bringing this up now because one of the brothers, Matthew Rhys, gets married to his partner in Sally Fields’ home in like season 2 or 3 and it is the best TV wedding episode of all time. I’m literally tearing up just writing this comment. Please watch – I can’t imagine you’ll be disappointed.
…I was the weirdo who said HI to you last Saturday in the park on East Drive. Saw some pink leg warmers and I was sure that it was you 😉 Mentioning this since you [understandably] gave me the “and who are you?” face 😛
I once read one of those buzzfeed type articles that peeing in the shower, not washing your hair everyday, etc were 20 disgusting things that girls do that their guys don’t know about…had to break it to my boyfriend that I pee in the shower.
And I agree that Nutella is a great substitute for hummus!
But what about Chandler and Monica!? PLUS the honeymoon episode. I refuse to watch Girls because I know I would throw something at the screen. Have you seen the SNL sketch? I DIED. And watched THAT a few times! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZwsozPPSqg
I pee and blow my nose in the shower. It all goes to the same drains. (Except in public gym showers of course, I’m no monster)
Thank you for the free class! I’ve been wanting to check this out despite all the “just run outside!” negativity around it … it’s too cold right now. I’ll take what I can get!
That treadmill club sounds so fun! I would love love love to try that!
I am the same way about Girls. I hate them, but I can’t not watch. And not in a hate-watching way, I just need. to. know. what. happens. Even though nothing happens. Also, I love your Tv wedding choices. I think April and Andy’s wedding is quite possibly the most realistic wedding ceremony/relationship ever on tv ever. no Wait, Ben and Leslie. No Jim and Pam. No… all of them. But Andy and April are SOO great.
Yay for run class! Jealous (though it’s sunny here, so I’ll shut up now). Jim and Pam are probably my fave of all time. Hummus comment: I have UC and can NOT do hummus- no clue why! FIgured it out awhile back that it just kiiiilllls my belly. Maybe it’s the little shells on the outside of the chickpeas? Garlic? I tend to try to stay away from all beans/chickpeas/garlic/onions (not all the time, but as much as possible). Take gas-x as a preventative… it saved me as I was “healing.”
Um….YES! The Jim and Pam wedding episode is, for sure, the best wedding episode of any series of all time. I’m all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.
Ps. Can spring come around already, so I can go back to wearing shorts on my runs??
Haha! I hardly ever wear long pants either. And everybody else at stuff like yoga are all bundled up. Weirdos.
(I’m def not the weirdo! :p )
A big ole YES to peeing in the shower. One of life’s small pleasures. In terms of pull-ups, start with banded pull-ups. The bands can be expensive but they are clutch for those of us with not much upper body strength.
Thank you for the Saturday morning laughs, so much in this post! I keep wanting to try Mile High but I also have a deep fear of falling off the treadmill there sprinting.
“All the feels” makes me lose a little faith in humanity. Why? Just, why or how is that a thing?
For the pancakes I will bring maple cream from my neighbors (Vermont of course). I too think Papa Pope is Iran. He’s so scary!!
And please can we have some a job update or are you going to be a stay at home wife?? I’ve been trying for years to do that!!
Haha yes, will update soon! Still getting settled — not trying to be secretive or waiting for some big reveal, just in the adjustment phase. Also I would be a terrible Stay at Home Wife. I don’t cook, hate to grocery shop, and won’t even share my food with Brian. And I <3 working — a good thing for both of us! Hehe.
Yes to nose-blowing in the shower, but peeing in the shower is just gross. I don’t know why they’re that different, especially since pee is sterile and … nose fluid is not, but whatever.
Also, for Valentine’s Day I just watched the episode where Chandler gets back together and breaks up with Janice in the same episode, and it was awesome. That show is perfect for all occasions.
I really want to know more about the job situation! I’m in so much suspense, I can’t stand it!
Update coming soon! Waiting for the proverbial dust to settle during the adjustment phase and then will share what I’ve been up to for sure!
From the bottom of my Girls-hating heart thank you! I watched the first season, each time coming away feeling like “Ok what am I missing here?” Finally I was like you know what it’s not me, it’s you. Can’t relate to anything or anyone in the show and dislike all the characters. I’m a 20-something girl, a New Yorker, but when I watched I felt like it was a doc on some foreign land. I always loved Mirada and Steve’s wedding- the park, that they then had the breast cancer talk. The honey moon was also great because that would so be me- nature, no TV, no phone for days…help! (Not so proud of that but it is what it is.)
I have such extreme rage-fits too while watching Girls! Boyfriend is perpetually mystified as to why I ever watch it since I hate it so much. can’t stop. I think you’d like Broad City if you haven’t seen it yet.
& I always blow my nose in the shower- so does my sister, maybe it’s genetic.
YES YES YES to your TV Wedding Viewing Party. I like chicken in my quesadillas & Nutella in my pancakes. “It’s my lover, James Brolin.” And when Chandler is scratching at his shoes with a fork. The absolute best.
I, too, would like to live in a world where “infamous” is not perceived as the superlative form of “famous.” See also: enormity. No, it is not simply the nominative form of “enormous.”
YES. Also that.
Jim and Pam’s wedding is my favorite too! So cute. I’m sure AC would love to come to your wedding!!
This post made me smile so many times, so thank you for that. Also, thanks for the free class!
Happy Galentine’s Day!
Nutella is a great substitute for both hummus AND the things you usually put hummus on. Nutella on nutella. I promise it won’t disappoint.
Soooo yeah I totally peeing in the shower, but always pre-body wash (not sure if that needed to be clarified LOL). It’s just so handy! And you use a lot less toilet paper!
Nose blowing in the shower, however, I have not tried – although I thought about it Tuesday night as I have horrible congestion right now from a cold. Now you have me curious and even though it seems like it could go horribly wrong and be super gross I want to try 🙂
Your posts never ever fail to make me laugh. I LOVE IT. I want to watch all of those wedding episodes and also no matter how many times I’ve watched the Jim/Pam episode (honestly over 100 times at this point) I ALWAYS CRY. IT’S SO GOOD.
Anyway the hummus thing – which is the whole point of me bothering to comment! Look into FODMAPS if you don’t know what those are. Because I think it’s totally a thing (the hummus thing. Being legit and all). It might also be the copious amounts of garlic usually in hummus (FODMAPS!!!! Seriously Google it). Ever since I cut most high FODMAP stuff out I realize that certain random things make me feel like garbage and that’s the common thread. Totally varies depending on the person though.