Stop to Smell the Whatever Those Are

Yesterday was a weird one for me. I woke up feeling sick, then as I was just about to lay down and take it easy I started getting bursts of energy.

I ended up spending the day at the computer, and even took Roadie out for another long walk around the neighborhood. I wasn’t looking to overdo it, so I settled on a slow pace and put on a slow playlist to keep us at a power walk at most.

It was kind of nice to slow down and notice my surroundings instead of running through them in a hurry.

Backing up to lunch, I wanted to share a better-for-you choice if you’re like me and only crave Ramen noodles when you’re not feeling well.

There’s still some questionable ingredients on the all natural label, but I do like the fact that they don’t include MSG and preservatives.

Since the sodium levels are through the roof, I tried to leave out a decent portion of the flavored sauce and didn’t miss it all that much.

I also enjoyed my soup with a side of vitamin gummies and a nectarine.

Scott returned from work just after 6 p.m. and asked me to join him at his work league softball game. I was starting to feel like myself again and since that sounded more fun than studying, I agreed to go for support. (Whoops.)

His games started later than usual, so I had about an hour to kill before we needed to be out the door. I took advantage of the sunshine and hooked Roadie up for another stroll around the neighborhood.

I think we have both been enjoying the fresh air and walking loops!

While I snapped this photo, I couldn’t help but notice the flowers next to us in the grass. Or are those weeds?

Whatever they are, the sight of them brought me right back to my pre-school days when I used to play in the grass and catch (and smoosh) frogs outside with my friends. (Disgusting.) Clearly, that was a trillion years ago!

Throughout the duration of our walk, I started thinking about life and how fast we can all become guilty of speeding through it. Between logging in the miles or speeding in and out of the gym doors, I think it’s important to slow down and enjoy a leisurely walk every now and again.

Stop and smell the roses, if you will. Or… whatever the heck this thing is.

Obviously, I’m no Floriculturist, and those of you who know what types of flowers these are might be cringing at my descriptions of nature.

I’m okay with that.

The point is that I have never really stopped to notice the natural (as in unplanted by humans) beauty lining our running path before.

While I wasn’t too keen on coughing up my lungs or feeling less than awesome over the past couple of days, I think this unwanted sickness of mine came at a great time to remind me to slow it down a little.

There’s a time to push yourself and there’s a time to slow down and go through the motions to enjoy the ride. Take advantage of those slow days, look up, and open your eyes to see something new!

Both Roadie and I came in from our two miles ready for dinner. In a hurry, I threw together whatever veggies we had available into a monster salad and enjoyed it all with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on top.

Fresh spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, banana peppers, and feta cheese (with balsamic vinegar).

I loved the colors and complimenting flavors of this combo!

I also heated up a spicy quinoa burger – topped in salsa and shredded cheese – to eat on the side.

Yeah, I’d say my appetite is slowly working it’s way back to normal!

I grabbed my books and left for the softball field with Scott around 8 p.m. On the way, he wanted to stop and get a double shot from Starbucks, so I also treated myself to a Skinny Vanilla Latte.

I realize we are almost to mid-July, but the last time I sat on the bleachers for over two hours I was freezing. I came prepared this go around wearing a sweatshirt, with a warm beverage and a blanket to layer with!

As it turns out, I ended up needed both to fight the chill once the sun set, but soon realized I forgot the most important thing… bug spray.

Currently, I am trying my hardest not to scratch all over. Womp Womp. Next time I’ll just become a bag lady and bring everything possible.

You live you learn, right?

Have a great rest of your Tuesday!

Questions of the Day

• When was the last time you slowed down your workout to soak in your surroundings?

• Do you listen to music on your walks or just enjoy the sounds of nature?

I’ll almost always have music with me, but every once and a while I will intentionally leave my ear buds at home. When Scott and I run together, I actually play music through my phone but don’t wear my ear buds so we can both listen to the music and engage in the occasional conversation. Sometimes people look at us funny when we run by them on the trail, but to be honest, that almost makes it even greater.

😉