18 Miles of Solitude

It’s Monday.  Back to the daily grind.  I really think we need to take on a more European approach to working.  We need siestas and more vacation time.  This whole 40 hour work week just seems like a silly way to spend our precious days.  Life is too short!

Sorry—I have this talk with myself every Monday after I drag myself out of bed and force myself back into business attire after a weekend of yoga pants and going bra-less.

I did my 18 miler this weekend all by my lonesome self.  Angela had to work so I was solo.  It wasn’t as bad as I anticipated but it was hotter than I expected.  Usually the marine layer hangs around until noon but I had no such luck this Sunday.  It was bright and sunny by 9 am.  I was melting.  In an effort to not have to carry anything, I did the first 7 ½ miles right in my neighborhood.  When I eventually tired of Balboa Park I returned home and grabbed my handheld water bottle and some Gatorade.  I finished the run by heading downtown, to the harbor and back.

Ending an 18 miler on several uphills is killer on the legs, as I’m sure you know.  I was just barely dragging myself along by the end.  But I made it all in one piece!  I was soaking wet and my feet were throbbing but I did it.

I decided to try something new and I listened to an audio book for 2.5+ hours.  It was actually pretty nice! For one, I didn’t have to change the song or create a playlist. It also made it comparable to running with a friend. I like chatting and hearing stories along the way so this was the way to go. I was entertained! I highly recommend it if you are into that sort of thing. If you know me, I’m a huge book worm so I seize any opportunity to devour a book.

I met up with my friend Ashley for lunch at a place called Rancho's in North Park.  We shared a burrito and vegan pancakes.  It was the perfect combination of food after a long run.  I think it may become our regular post-run breakfast spot.

Ranchos is a funky little spot that displays an assortment of

mexican art & an array of Frida Kahlo portraits

The rest of the weekend was rather uneventful but in a good way.  I babysat my favorite 2 year old on Saturday.  She makes me want to have a kid!  When I am babysitting her I feel like we’re just hanging out.  We go for walks, go out for breakfast and we talk.  It might not be the most intellectual conversation but it’s fun!  I say “I love you!” and she says it back. T hat feels awesome.  I tell her she’s pretty and she tells me I am pretty.  It’s great for my ego.

For my readers out there – if you’ve read Sarah’s Key you must see the movie.  MUST.  Bring a huge supply of tissues or else you'll have make-up smeared down your face like I did after hours of crying.  I went to the theatre on Saturday and I absolutely loved it.  Many parts of this film were in French (which made me love it even more) and Kristin Scott Thomas is the lead actress.  I think she is brilliant and I recommend ALL of her movies.  I recently watched two French films starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Leaving and I’ve Loved You So Long. Both of these are fantastic.  If you like foreign films, check them out. 

tres magnifique!

I am starting to get a little antsy waiting for my treadmill to arrive. It takes 2 whole weeks to be delivered and I have a very small amount of patience. I want that sucker in my living room right now. I am way too excited to wait another week and a half.  Send a prayer to the running gods that it miraculously shows up on my doorstep tomorrow – okay?  Thank you!