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Pumpkins, Yoga and an Italian Miracle (Thinking Out Loud)

10/20/16 | Life, Thoughts

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.

Thinking Out Loud

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.

Thinking Out Loud

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.

Thinking Out Loud

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. 

Thinking Out Loud

Thinking Out Loud

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.

Thinking Out Loud

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.

Thinking Out Loud

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…

Tell me:
Did you carve a pumpkin this year?
Do you run when you travel? Typically yes!
« Reframing Fear (Plus Other Lessons From Italy)
A Healthyish Guide to Acupuncture »

Comments

  1. Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says

    October 20, 2016 at 6:08 am

    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 TrainingMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:34 pm

      I agree! I don’t make it a huge priority, but it’s a great way to see the area!

  2. Kristin says

    October 20, 2016 at 6:39 am

    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 WorkoutsMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:33 pm

      I should have waited until closer to Halloween! We had to throw them out already.

  3. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    October 20, 2016 at 6:39 am

    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.
    Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Getting my “Payback” (Parenting Ridley)My Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:29 pm

      I seriously laughed when I took off my headphones and watched everyone else dance. It was both amazing and entertaining.

  4. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    October 20, 2016 at 7:14 am

    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 LifeMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:28 pm

      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.

  5. Danielle @ Wild Coast Tales says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:29 am

    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 PortlandMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:24 pm

      I would have loved to run in a city! I agree, it’s the best way to explore and learn the area.

  6. Kaila @ Healthy Helper Blog says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:31 am

    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]My Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:16 pm

      It might have been a fluke but I was so happy in the moment! Haha all the best this time of year :)

  7. Gretchen says

    October 20, 2016 at 8:32 am

    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 CrazyMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 12:14 pm

      I wish I had more time there! And I never say that about airports.

  8. Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings says

    October 20, 2016 at 10:19 am

    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 ClassMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:50 am

      Don’t worry- we had to throw the pumpkins away already because they got moldy. The closer to Halloween the better :)

  9. Claire at My Pink & Green Life says

    October 20, 2016 at 10:42 am

    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?My Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:42 am

      I carved one during college but kept it inside away from the annoying kids ;)

  10. Emily says

    October 20, 2016 at 10:47 am

    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 TaleMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:41 am

      If only the orange foods could make us tan! But they are truly the best this time of year :)

  11. AmberLynn says

    October 20, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    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 – TOLTMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:25 am

      Haha I took a design off Pinterest! The classic look never fails.

  12. Heather @Lunging Through Life says

    October 20, 2016 at 3:39 pm

    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’tMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:24 am

      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

  13. Megan says

    October 20, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    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?
    Megan recently posted…The week in reviewMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:22 am

      Yes, the house smelled amazing! It’s not too difficult…they sell packets with carving tools to help :)

  14. Charlotte says

    October 21, 2016 at 3:54 pm

    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

    • Emily says

      October 24, 2016 at 11:21 am

      How’d yours turn out?! We had to throw away our pumpkins already because they got so moldy.

  15. Julie @ Running in a Skirt says

    October 22, 2016 at 5:03 pm

    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 DressMy Profile

    • Emily says

      October 23, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      It took me much longer than I expected to get back into my routine!

  16. Edye says

    October 22, 2016 at 10:40 pm

    Your pumpkin looks awesome! Mine’s face always ends up looking like one big hole, lol!
    Edye recently posted…Why it’s important to be kind.My Profile

    • Emily says

      October 23, 2016 at 2:04 pm

      Thanks :) I always print out a design and trace it. Otherwise it would be a big mess!

  17. Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says

    October 31, 2016 at 2:29 pm

    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 MuffinsMy Profile

Hi, I’m Emily!

A twenty-something lover of long runs, home cooked meals and my dogs. Join me on my journey to find a mostly healthy balance in food, fitness and life.

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