Thursday Things + Life Lately {October 15}

Happy Thursday, everyone! How has your week been so far?

Last weekend Ryan, Charlie, and I packed our bags and headed south for another weekend in Portland. I signed up for an RRCA coaching seminar, which involved two 8 AM to 5 PM days of lectures and learning. Our course covered everything from physiology and nutrition to sports psychology and business strategies. I probably could have attended a whole week long seminar and still wanted to learn more. Actually, it would probably take a Ph.D. in physiology or sports nutrition to satiate my desire for learning, but I have done enough school for my lifetime. Instead, I’m reading every single book about running that I can get my hands on: currently, I’m perusing Jack Daniel’s Daniel’s Running Formula. The charts in it made my math-brain so, so happy. 

Malcolm Gladwell articulated the claim that it takes 10,000 hours of learning and experience until you can be considered an expert in something. Granted, this theory has its critics, but I love how this notion speaks to the value of both learned and practical knowledge. Technically, some people may consider me an expert in some areas of history based on my master’s degree, although I would be hesitant to say that I dedicated 10,000 hours towards my studies (although that master’s thesis sure felt like it took 10,000 hours!). As for running, I feel that I could work slowly there for time: through racing, through miles logged, through this coaching seminar, and through reading the piles of literature, magazines, and scientific studies on running. 

I’m such a geek, aren’t I? Since the seminar was mentally exhausting, we didn’t do much in Portland during the hours I had off. We did find a brewery near our hotel in Beaverton, because it is not possible for us to travel somewhere without trying a brewery. We went to Golden Valley Brewery both nights we were there and enjoyed their fantastic beers (I had an Oktoberfest one night, pictured below, and an IPA the other night.) 

While I was in the seminar, Ryan and Charlie explored some of Portland’s finest parks until the weather turned from pleasant to downpour. Charlie has a flair for the dramatic (as do all puggles) and was not pleased with getting wet.

After ten days of rest from running, I went on my first post-marathon run. I ran 5 easy miles on my favorite multi-use trail at an average of an 8:30/mile. I whole-heartedly embrace the recovery and base-building period, especially in fall. There is such contentment to be found in the beauty of the autumnal foliage, the ducks splashing in the river, the crisp and cool temperatures, and the simple joy of easy runs.

Ryan and I are making strong progress on the Brew Pup shop (mostly, Ryan, he’s doing all the hard work and I’m just writing tiny bits of copy). BrewPup will feature wearables (T-shirts and sweatshirts for men, women, and dogs) with beer-themed graphics. 25% of the proceeds will go to animal shelters (so far, Lakeshore Paws in Valparaiso, Indiana and Stray Rescue in St. Louis) to help support rescue dogs and the amazing places that bring those sweet animals off the street and into our homes. I told Ryan that he better order some test samples because I want to wear every shirt we’re making. 

My mom generously sent Ryan and I some goodies from Thrive Market (not an affiliate link—just sharing with you because I think it’s cool!), which is an online health foods grocery site. You pay a small membership fee for a year and then get discounts off of everything, including Bob’s Red Mill, Newman’s Own, Justin’s Nut Butter, Primal Jerky, and Annie’s Organics. We haven’t purchased our own membership yet, but I’m super tempted to after receiving the order, mostly because anything I buy at the grocery store that isn’t produce, fresh meat, bulk grains and nuts, or cheese is from one of these brands. A lot of these will make good meals and snacks for hiking and camping.

I’d just like to note that whenever we get a package, Charlie has to investigate everything. He’s a nosy puggle.

Speaking of which, we’re heading out on our first camping trip this weekend (weather permitting)!

Questions of the Day:
What do you think it takes to become an expert on a particular subject?
Would you consider yourself an expert on anything?
Have you tried a grocery service such as Thrive or Amazon Fresh?