I always get excited when I start my Thinking Out Loud posts because it means the weekend is in sight!
-It reminds me of college when I used to go out on Thursday nights and convinced myself that it was the start of the weekend. It always made for a struggle on Friday but it was something to look forward to each week. However, now I’m an adult and don’t go out binge drinking 3+ nights a week. Instead I sit on my couch and drink wine several nights a week- much more acceptable. Plus there is no hangover involved and I can wear sweatpants (and compression socks).
-As I talked about on Tuesday the peak weeks in training can be time consuming. Life has been pretty busy lately plus I’m working longer hours at work so I think I’ll be cutting back on blogging for a bit. While I could probably keep posting every day, I know I won’t have the time respond to comments and read other blogs, or put any real thought into what I’m doing.
-I ordered the new PRO Compression Elite marathon socks a few days ago and I can’t wait to try them! I have heard great things already.
-Speaking of socks, I’ve been wearing my new Injinji socks over the past week. I know a lot of people asked how I like them, and so far they are comfortable. I’ll probably need to wear them a few more times before I can give a solid report though!
-Rob and I are trying to plan a weekend in DC to celebrate our 3 year anniversary in November. Let me know if you have any recommendations of places to stay, places to run, things to do, etc!
-I’ve been in total denial about the fact that I turn 32 on Monday. As I said last year, I don’t really like my birthday but I’m trying to make the best of it. I think it just scares me each time another year goes by faster than the one before. By the way, it’s really interesting how many people enter search terms that send them to that post (“What does turning 31 mean to me?“). Apparently other people are confused about what it means to turn 31.
What are some habits that make you feel like an adult?
What are you favorite running socks?
How do you feel about your birthday?
I like my birthday & I’m 53 – actually getting more towards 54 now.
I’ve tried injinji, but I like more padding in my socks. My favorites are Balega. I also like Feetures.
I like to run in calf sleeves & wear compression socks for recovery (the padding thing again). I thought I’d scored at the running store yesterday when they had calf sleeves on sale, but they were too small.
I’v heard good things about both Balego and Features! I’ll have to look into those. I got blisters last year when I ran a marathon in my compression socks, so this time I might go with other socks and compression sleeves (unless the new elite PRO compression socks are better for avoiding blisters while running!)
Habits that make me feel like an adult.
Nope, got nothing. I’m pretty much still useless.
Let me know how the elite socks are–I’ve been curious. If I go back to Newtons on a regular basis I might get some for the calf support.
I feel like there are some birthdays that totally hit you and others where you are like, eh, what’s another year. That was this year for me!
I think 32 is one of those years that doesn’t feel like a big deal. It helps that Rob is a year and half older so I have a chance to get used to him being a certain age before I have to deal with it!
I’m really hoping/expecting to love the new elite socks. I was hoping they would come before my 20 miler this weekend but I’m still waiting….
I’m 35 and I still don’t feel like an adult most days! I think the fact that my husband and I are talking baby in the immediate future has been quite humbling. Also, I LOVE drinking wine in my sweatpants. I actually contemplated naming my blog that, but then talked myself out of it. I sort of regret that! 🙂
I think that drinking wine at home in sweatpants is one of the best parts of being “older”. It’s one of those things that no one told you that people in their 30s do!
I used to think I’d feel “all grown up” one day. I’m only 24 but I’ve already realized that one day is never going to happen – and it shouldn’t – because we should all be young at heart, and none of us will ever be totally certain as to if we are doing life correctly (since there is no “right” way!)
Very true!
I always loved bday – has something to do with the cake I think lol. I have zero patience for Thursday nights out, I must be old! I have to order the new marathon elite socks too!
I don’t really have patience for any nights out. I’d much rather do a happy hour if anything and be home by 7 or 8.
I’d like to say being in full on mom mode makes me feel like an adult, yet it doesn’t! The only thing that really makes me feel grown up is yelling stereotypical things at my kids as in “because I said so” and the like 🙂
Haha, I feel like when I have to start saying that to kids I’m gonna have a hard time not laughing at myself:)
Paying bills makes me feel like an adult! I recently paid off my car and that made me feel like an accomplished adult, haha.
I try to convince myself that Thursday is the start of the weekend too. Usually at work things tend to get a bit slower by Thursday so that’s always something to look forward to!
Ugh paying bills and for big items is the worst! And yes, Fridays at work seem a bit slower/more relaxing so it’s a nice way to finish off the week.
I don’t always do a great job of behaving like an adult. Altho I couldn’t drink like I used to even if I wanted to! Alcohol is a lot harder to metabolize when you get “older”. In general tho, I think getting older is a state of mind. I don’t want to act my age, and so far I’ve fooled everyone that finds out I’m in my 50s!
It definitely is a state of mind! And I am already noticing I can’t drink like I used to be able to…and I don’t want to either, which is the biggest sign of getting older (or more mature?) I think!
oooh you should stay in Georgetown and eat at Thunderburger (get the bison burger & fries).. there are also about 4 different cupcake places –the best of which is Baked & Wired (not DC Cupcakes). And the C & O towpath is along the georgetown canal which runs through georgetown and goes for miles & miles. lots of shopping, eating & all in walking distance!
We were thinking about staying in Georgetown- my friend recommended that because it’s close to that trail! It doesn’t seem like their are too many hotels there though, but we are definitely going to look for something in that area. And that burger place sounds great! Thanks!!
I would have a hard time figuring out what turning 31 means as well because I don’t really think it means anything! I think bdays are always a good time to just look back and say, okay, if this is my last year on the Earth, am I doing that I would WANT to be doing? AKA: enjoy my job, go for a goal, spending enough time doing things you love. Stuff like that.
That is a good way to think of it! I will need to do some reflecting on those things today and tomorrow…
I don’t love my birthday either. I just turned 33 this year and just wanted to pretend that it wasn’t happening.
I think the mountains of laundry I do every day make me feel like an adult. That and all the cooking.
Yep those are things I didn’t care/worry about 10 years ago!!
Ha, I was the same way in college–thirsty Thursday was the start of the weekend! Now I do the same as you and have a glass of wine (or twoish) and relax at home with my sweats on. I live in D.C. and love running in the city–the Mt. Vernon trail is always fun, since you can run up to the monuments. Obviously running on Independence Ave around the Smithsonian is pretty, and I love running on East Capitol Street in the Capitol Hill area (where I live). If you’re looking for a fancy dinner, Fiola is always a great choice, but it is $$$.
Thanks so much for the suggestions! I will keep all those ideas in mind and hopefully check some of them out!
Lisa, I love my Injinji socks! I wore them during my first marathon (last December) and it rained the entire time; when I finished blister-free, I was sold – ha! Um, I like birthdays; my husband and I celebrate them with lots of fanfare and, now that I’m 40, I’m much less concerned about the actual number – ha! I think my “adult” habits are the result of training, not my age – ha! I’d never go to bed on time if it weren’t for the fact that I have to get up early and run the next day! I hope you have a fantastic birthday weekend!!
That is such a good point- maybe it’s my training that has led to my “adult” habits more-so that my age:) Glad to hear the socks worked out so well for you- I am definitely liking them so far!
Having just turned 30 there are times I very much feel like and adult and times I do not. Being in Madison last weekend in the college scene took me back but after a couple nights out, I was definitely ready to get back to my quieter nights in with a glass of wine with my husband! I love Feetures socks and of course my Pro Compression Marathon socks! I hope you have a great birthday weekend!
I think that after one night of going out I am reminded that I prefer my quieter nights:) I keep hearing good things about Features and will need to check them out!
I turned 30 earlier this year and I had no idea how I was supposed to feel about it. Hell… I -still- don’t. It’s not freaking me out in that “omg I’m getting so old” way, but I’m still waiting for that adult feeling to kick in. Like I definitely can’t party the way that I used to (I don’t think), but there’s definitely that side of me that isn’t ready to settle down into adult life either. Maybe 31 will be the year 😆
That is exactly how I felt about 30!! And I think that was whats made 31 harder for me…not in a bad way, but it finally hit me that I was “in my 30s”. I don’t know if the adult feeling ever kicks in, but is more of a gradual process where you all of a sudden realize how different you are then you were in your early 20s.
When I saw the title of your post I was like, oh crap. She’s going to talk about the fallouts of (my) adult drinking habits but then I was delighted to read that you were promoting wine-consumption. PHEW. Lol… kidding. Anyway, habits that make me feel like an adult? Meeting my kids’ teachers and talking to them about my kids’ struggles in school. It’s sobering, and hard for a mama to hear. Thus, the drinking. Ha ha ha… not funny. I’m not a huge fan of birthdays either, but I decided to just let it go. If we can’t beat ’em, join ’em.
Oh you know I am all about the wine-consumption:) and I am realizing it serves a different purpose as I get older than it did when I was in my early 20s.
Drinking at home versus going out to a bar is a habit I’ve developed since becoming an adult. I accidentally age myself too much on birthdays, since Ryan and most of our friends are two years older than me. I still love birthdays but mostly for the cake/donuts.
I’ve really enjoyed the transition to drinking at home instead of going out:) And I feel like I have more time to prepare for turning a new age because Rob is a year and half older than me.
You know I’m a HUGE fan of the new pro compression socks. Huge fan. I can’t wait to put them on Sunday morning. So so comfy. I’ve been having trouble blogging lately too with peak weeks of running (well, now taper) combined with an extremely busy work life right now. It’s just not my priority anymore and while I love reading blogs, I don’t have time to comment/respond to comments all the time anymore. The good news is, blogging will always be there for you when you do have time!
I hope you are currently having an AMAZING marathon in your elite socks!!
I think I feel torn about blogging because I would have time to write posts, but not do all the other stuff. I need to figure out a balance that isn’t as overwhelming but still allows me to feel connected to the blogging world!
happy early birthday! i love birthday, the celebration sometimes the party being with friends and family. your right though its also a scary way to mark the passing of time. i dont focus on that though, i focus on delicious dessert 🙂
Thanks! I think that is what I will be focusing on:)
Happy Birthday!
It’s so funny, just last night I was enjoying a glass of wine and a crossword on the couch and I remember first thinking “wow, this is great!” and then thinking “wow, I must be old if I think this is great”. You know what though? It really was great. I felt really relaxed, the wine was delicious (not the cheapest thing on the shelf) and I woke up this morning ready to have a productive day. I guess that is adulthood.
Haha EXACTLY!! Its all about doing what you enjoy and what makes you feel good and happy, right?:)
It seems only a short time ago that I was partying hard in University and stuffing my face with bagels to cure my hangovers… Now I drink wine at home by the candlelight and drink electrolytes before going to bed when i’ve been drinking… oh how things change!! haha. Love your little socks with your toes. too funny!!
Isn’t it crazy when you realize how much your life has changed like that?! For me it was a nice feeling as I realized I was enjoying myself but feeling better than I ever did back in college:)
I’ve been rocking the compression like a boss this week. I’m neutral on birthdays. I’ve not struggled with milestone ones because it is what it is. Time marches on. I’m still not an alcohol drinker. My grown-up habit is coffee.
Coffee has become more and more of a habit for me as I have gotten older! I think in my 20s I drank it because I thought it was something I should do. I didn’t really enjoy it until I started drinking it black, and now I look forward to 1-2 cups every morning!
Well since I have more birthday experience than you do, I can tell you one thing without a shadow of a doubt: They come a lot faster the older you get!
I can also say age is just a number and I feel better physically and mentally now than I did in my 20 or 30’s!
Enjoy your birthday weekend!
Thank you and I definitely believe what you said! I hope I continue to feel even better mentally and physically as I get older!
Hmm not many habits make me feel like adult….I had to buy curtains a few months ago and that made me feel like an adult. I have some Darn Tough socks I like, but I think Smart Wool are my favorite. 🙂 I like birthdays, but I haven’t hit 30 yet, so maybe that will change eventually. 🙂
Doing anything for my house definitely makes me feel like an adult- like trips to Home Depot! I have a pair of smart wool socks that I like too!
Folding my laundry totally makes me feel like an adult. It’s something I never did in college but now I find it soothing!
My favorite running socks are Feetures, but Darn Tough are a close second.
Ok I definitely need to try Feetures- so many people have commented about them!
I’ve really been loving Injinji socks lately, and I just ordered a pair for trail running that’s a little thicker and goes up a higher on the ankle! Big fan so far. I’m usually pretty okay about my birthday, but I agree…each year seems to go by faster than the next one.
I think the socks are working out well and I’ll need to think about getting another pair!
Do you like Indian food? If so you have got to go to Rasika in DC, the most amazing food!! Make a reservation in advance though. Let me know if you have any questions about where to run, eat, etc!! I can’t wait to hear what you think about the new Pro Compression socks either!
Unfortunately I don’t really like Indian food. I wish I did but I’m really picky about certain foods like that and can’t handle anything even a little bit spicy!
Once we figure out where we are staying maybe I will reach out for more ideas!
Oh and duh….HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Thank you!:)
Happy Early Birthday!!! Hmmm recommendations for food – so many!! There are tons of restaurants on 14th street that are on the Washingtonian’s Best 100 list (I’m biased…since I live in that neighborhood haha) – French, Seafood, Belgium, Italian. Brunch-wise , Bitches who Brunch is a good website to use. Feel free to email if you would like any suggestions. As for hotels – not sure if there is a particular brand you like – Chinatown has Hotel Monaco (Kimpton Property), downtown there is a newish Hyatt Place. I think one of my high school classmates stayed at the W Hotel (close to Penn Ave) for her 10 Year Anniversary – it has views of the White House. As for running, you may enjoy going over the Key Bridge and connecting to the Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia. There you will get a beautiful view of the DC skyline 🙂
Thanks so much!! I am going to write all that down as we are planning! If I have questions I will definitely E-mail you- thanks!!
Um grocery shopping totally makes me feel like an adult. And dry cleaning. Ugh. Haha all expensive things. I live for Balega running socks. I love how cushioned they are! But I do love my compression socks for long runs and recovery. The extra arch support is very welcomed 🙂 Hope you have a fabulous time celebrating your birthday!!!!
Spending money on expensive/boring things definitely makes me feel like and adult too. Maybe I will need to try the Balega socks- I keep hearing good things about them!
My best friend and I were just discussing this. I am currently visiting her in Nashville and she got a sitter for the night so we can go out. But it’s not like we are going clubbing. We are not 21 anymore. Guess we will have a nice relaxing dinner w no interruptions from little ones.
Exactly! It’s amazing how things like that can change over the years:)
I feel like an adult all the time- tonight for example, I left the bar at 10 pm (we got an early start), went home, and now am perusing other blogs and working on some posts myself! Cheers to another year & being an “adult”.
Whenever I compare how I spend my free time now to how I spent it 10 years ago I am definitely reminded that I am an adult:)
Happy belated birthday! Hope it was a great one.
On the topic of blogging less frequently, probably a year ago I decided to cut down to blogging 3x a week instead of 4 or 5, and it was a great decision. I have more time to actually write my posts and put more thought into them, more time to respond to emails and set up collaborations with brands, and more time to read other blogs!
Geez I’m so far behind in the blogging world! I had to stop by and check out this post after seeing it on your October recap (it may or may not be because you mentioned adult drinking habits, lol).
#1 – Drinking wine several nights a week = infinitely better than binge drinking 3 nights a week. I went out for Halloween last weekend, and that 1 night was more than enough. Plus wine in the comfort of your home means you can drink in your PJs 🙂
#2 – I seriously laughed out loud at the thought of so many people wondering what it means to turn 31. It makes me think of an E-card I saw a while back that said something along the lines of “I wish I was that age when I thought I’d have all my shit together by the age I am now”