I underestimated how I’d feel coming back from Italy. I returned last Friday evening and the weekend was everything I could have wanted and more…my sister was home from school, we carved pumpkins, saw a movie (Girl on the Train!), spent time outside, ate good food, etc. All of my favorite simple things. Then Monday hit and I felt the pressures that I had “escaped” the week prior.
I knew this would happen. Hell, I even wrote about it! But none of that makes it any better or easier.
I feel like I’m on the brink of excitement in a few ways, which is, yes, exciting. However, because there is so much room for “error,” I still need to cover my bases. Does that make any sense? Kind of vague (and confusing), but take it as you will. It’s Thinking Out Loud Thursday so I don’t need to explain myself too much. In fact, a dose randomness is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks for hosting the link-up, Amanda!
On my mind today…
1. My body is 50% pumpkin seeds, 50% sweet potatoes at this point. I made two flavors of pumpkin seeds this weekend (cinnamon and turmeric) and am contemplating carving another pumpkin just to make more.
2. Speaking of pumpkins, choosing a carving design is always a difficult task. It ranks up there with choosing a nail polish color (a major first world problem). Some years I get extra creative and want to be a Pinterest superstar, other years I just want carve my average pumpkin in peace. I went with the latter this time.
3. Right before I left for Italy my mom and I went to a very unique yoga event in town. Silent Disco Yoga. The theme was “tribe,” referring to a yoga tribe (community) and tribal war paint.
Every participant had headphones with two stations of (very upbeat) music. The instructor spoke through a microphone so you could hear her cues through the headphones too.
Turns out, this should have been called Silent Disco Dance Party because the yoga part was very minimal. We danced so much…more than I have in years. I’m not a dancer so it felt a bit weird at first (and we didn’t know anyone) but it ended up being a really fun and spirit-lifiting night. Chalk (another) one up for leaving my comfort zone.
4. On my way to and from Italy I had a layover in Frankfurt. When my mom realized I would be flying through Germany she (pretty much) screamed “It’s October! You’re going to be in Germany for Oktoberfest!” No, mom, I’ll be in the airport during Oktoberfest, not as cool. Although the airport did make a big deal out of it.
I also bought my dad a German beer, which – fun fact- was actually the first beer I’ve every purchased. My excuse: beer isn’t gluten-free (made from barley), I’m not a big drinker and I’ve only been 21 for 10 months. I have time.
5. Lastly, while I was in Italy, something magical happened. I went running. 4 miles. No pain.
I’ve been in physical therapy for a few weeks and while I’ve seen great progress, I’m still no where near 100%. Lingering pain, mainly, but an extreme loss of fitness too. My uncle asked me if I wanted to go running with him and I figured, even if it sets me back, I want to run in Italy.
So I went…and felt incredible.
A few things came to mind: 1) It was 45 degrees so my feet were numb, 2) It’s all mental and, 3) The terrain was soft (this is likely the biggest factor, as my PT explained). I usually run on pavement/sidewalk and this was all dirt trails. I came back to Florida thinking I’d feel just as good but that wasn’t the case. I’m not necessarily back to the drawing board, but I’m also not ready for 4 miles of running in America. Maybe I need to move to another country? Fitness/running update next week.
Regardless, I’m thankful my sneakers got in some international mileage. It’s the little things…
I loooove running while travelling! It is the best way to explore new places and a fun (to me) way to stay active while travelling. I don’t make a big deal of it if I can’t run while travelling, but if I get the chance to I always jump on it.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…The Do’s and Don’ts of Half Marathon Training
I agree! I don’t make it a huge priority, but it’s a great way to see the area!
We haven’t carved our pumpkins yet. Soon though!
I always say I’ll run when we travel but it almost never happens!
Kristin recently posted…Is #StrollerSelfie A Thing? Weekly Workouts
I should have waited until closer to Halloween! We had to throw them out already.
You know I love running while traveling!
So silent discos are this huge thing all around the world, and when I went to that terrible music festival, they actually had an area for it. IT WAS SO WEIRD TO WATCH. Totally silent, and people just rocking out.
Kind of amazing though.
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I seriously laughed when I took off my headphones and watched everyone else dance. It was both amazing and entertaining.
I love that you actually carve pumpkins! I think I maybe have…once….One of those things my mom always said was too difficult and never wanted to have my brother and I do :P
And that looks like a FUN yoga event! Haha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…9 Simple Ways To Find More Balance & Flow In Life
Oh no! Not too hard at all. We carve them every year :) But I always make the mistake of carving too soon in the season…already had to get rid of them because they got moldy.
I’m so glad you were able to run and enjoy it! I do love running when travelling. I ran when I was in Rome and Florence last year and I loved doing it in the early morning because the streets are almost empty and you just feel like you have the city to yourself. It’s a great way to explore and see things you may not otherwise.
Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales recently posted…A week in Oregon (Part 1): Exploring Portland
I would have loved to run in a city! I agree, it’s the best way to explore and learn the area.
Yay for pain free running!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU, GIRL!! And if you’re made of sweet potatoes and pumpkin seeds, I am made of kabocha and trail mix! LOL Obsessed.
Kaila @ Healthy Helper Blog recently posted…Chocolate Tamarind Cupcakes [gluten-free + high protein]
It might have been a fluke but I was so happy in the moment! Haha all the best this time of year :)
The Oktoberfest decorations are so fun! It seems like every time I travel to Europe we have a layover in Frankfurt and it’s one of my favorite airports :)
Gretchen recently posted…Tasty Tuesday : Pumpkin Crazy
I wish I had more time there! And I never say that about airports.
Ahhh just to say that you ran in Italy is such a cool thing by itself! Haha. I like to run when traveling but I don’t beat myself up if I can’t. I want to hear all about Italy so much, I’d love to go there one day:) And I have yet to carve any pumpkins.. I’m such a fall-slacker haha.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…My First OrangeTheory Class
Don’t worry- we had to throw the pumpkins away already because they got moldy. The closer to Halloween the better :)
Haha, well, your pumpkin-carving is wayyy fancier than I usually get so I think it’s pretty Pinterest-worthy :P We’re not doing one this year since we’re still in school (and college kids would smash a pumpkin the instant I put it outside) but I can’t wait to do one next year!
Claire at My Pink & Green Life recently posted…Why do I still have imposter syndrome?
I carved one during college but kept it inside away from the annoying kids ;)
Em, SO excited that your run was pain free! God’s mercies are incredible! That trail in Italy looks absolutely beautiful, and I love that running outfit you have.
I am totally loving all the orange foods here too; I just bought another pumpkin, and a neighbor gave us a small pumpkin. :D Maybe it will turn my pale skin from pale to orange? :D I think it’s so awesome that God made these different seasons and different delicious veggies and fruits for each season.
Emily recently posted…Christianity is MORE wonderful than the Best Fairy Tale
If only the orange foods could make us tan! But they are truly the best this time of year :)
Getting our pumpkin this Saturday. We tend to go the traditional route in carving. I had to do a double take when I saw yours because it looked so much like our pumpkin 2 years ago that I thought it WAS our pumpkin from two years ago. Glad you had such a nice trip!
AmberLynn recently posted…Funga Alafia Ashe Ashe – TOLT
Haha I took a design off Pinterest! The classic look never fails.
Carving a pumpkin next week! They never last and I like to light it for Halloween :) I’m so glad you went for the run in Italy and it felt good, but sucky that America is hard and not soft for running. Can’t wait for your update! Remember one day at a time :) Don’t get overwhelmed with the what ifs! Keep doing you :)
Heather @Lunging Through Life recently posted…Sometimes, Life Happens and Fitness Doesn’t
We already had to throw our out because they got so moldy :( I might be carving another one this week just to have for Halloween haha. Thanks for the good vibes- needed it xoxo
I’ve never craved a pumpkin in my life. It sounds like a lot of fun though…but really difficult too if it is anything like cutting pumpkin to roast. Also roasted pumpkin seeds sound absolutely wonderful. Did your house smell amazing when you made them?
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Yes, the house smelled amazing! It’s not too difficult…they sell packets with carving tools to help :)
Running miracles are some of the best type of miracles! We”ll get there soon enough :) Pumpkin carving is on the agenda for this weekend and I can’t wait! I love Halloween but it is definitely not celebrated as much in the UK.
I’m excited for your excitement!
xx
How’d yours turn out?! We had to throw away our pumpkins already because they got so moldy.
Yay for a good 4 mile run! When I travel overseas it seems to take me several weeks to get my groove back! Good luck!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…Fashion Friday- Maroon Swing Dress
It took me much longer than I expected to get back into my routine!
Your pumpkin looks awesome! Mine’s face always ends up looking like one big hole, lol!
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Thanks :) I always print out a design and trace it. Otherwise it would be a big mess!
50% sweet potato, 50% pumpkin seed sounds like a pretty good composition to me :) And even if coming back was a bit rough, I’m so glad you had a fabulous time in Italy and were able to run there!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins