Juliana Moves

Good morning and happy Monday! Last week was a busy week. I started my new job, and I got back to running after being sick. Between the two, I was mentally and physically exhausted by the time Friday rolled around. Fortunately, this weekend was extremely fun and restorative (+ we’re getting massages tonight), so I can’t complain! 

Earlier this morning, Patrick and I sat outside with our coffees and I wore flannel pajama pants AND a sweatshirt! I think it was 52 degrees. Absolutely stunning. I am looking forward to another great week ahead. I hope you are too! Here’s what I’ve been up to over the last week or so…

…Reading: I finished Run by Ann Patchett and Packing for Mars by Mary Roach. I enjoyed both of them! According to the reviews on Goodreads, folks have some strong feelings about Run… I thought it was beautifully written and was an interesting story. After reading Packing for Mars, I’ve decided I have no desire to go to space. So, if you were planning to ask me to go, save it. 

I just started Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir because I miraculously came off the very long waitlist at the library! My friend Adina recommended this to me ages ago (I think), and now they’re making it into a movie so I want to read it first. Today I’m going to start On the Line: A Story of Class, Solidarity, and Two Women’s Epic Fight to Build a Union by Daisy Pitkin.

…Eating: I am currently fixated on breakfast tacos. I try to limit my egg consumption because my cholesterol was a little high at my last physical (sad), but I can’t get enough of breakfast tacos right now. We had HEB tortillas in the freezer that we used up, and they were the best. This week I’m hoping to make some homemade tortillas!

…Wearing: Nail polish! I painted my nails a few weeks back, added a clear top coat, and I was pleasantly surprised by how long the paint lasted. I like having my nails painted, but can’t stand watching it chip off. Right now I have on a deep red wine color, though it is chipping much earlier. That might be because I bought this nail polish for PROM IN 2013. 

…Listening to: Patrick’s Teen Angst playlist – LOL. The other morning I was at the gym listening to some angsty early naughts music and I invited Patrick to join my Spotify jam (he was at home). At first he complained that the music wasn’t matching his early morning chill vibe, but all the sudden he was queueing up songs and feeling nostalgic. I started a collaborative playlist for him to add songs to and, I have to say, it’s pretty great for the gym!

…Trying: To go to the gym in the morning again. With training picking up, I don’t have the time (or energy) to run and lift in the evening. As much as I would like to become a consistent morning runner, I know myself. I am far more likely to lift early and run later than the opposite. And it’s just so satisfying to get your lift done early in the day and then move on with your life!

…Thinking About: How much easier it is for me to “lock in” in the fall. Summer is always a pretty loosey goosey time for me, especially this year. The heat and humidity melt my brain and I can’t focus on anything. However, when it starts to cool down and get dark earlier, all the sudden I can become a lot more committed and focused to my goals. It’s always sad to see summer come to an end, but I am pretty psyched for finding my groove again this fall.

…Excited For: Trail running! On Saturday we went on a group trail run and I kept thinking, “sheesh, this is difficult… I guess it’s been a while since I’ve been on a trail run but geez!” Well, it turns out that that was my first trail run since early July. I felt validated! Again, this summer was whack. As I get into my marathon training block, I plan to do my shorter weekend run on trail and my long weekend run on the road. I can’t wait to be back on trail consistently! Coffee at the car after a cool trail run?! Nothing better.

May your Monday be gentle and your week be fun! I will leave you with this from my Pinterest.

Love,

JN