After a decent bike ride home from work, Michael and I headed out to dinner. We tried for a second time to go to Ken’s Artisan Pizza. We’ve tried in the past but were discouraged with the over an hour wait to get a table. Michael would probably be more apt to wait, but not me. I think that’s ridiculous! We got to Ken’s Artisan and the place was packed. I thought for sure we’d be looking for another place to eat but we got seats at the bar immediately. Fine with me! Better than waiting an hour.
The atmosphere is really cool. It’s very open and industrial looking with windows that roll up so the inside of the restaurant feels outside. The kitchen is also right out in the open. You can watch them make the salads and pizzas right in front of you. We walked by the huge wood-fired oven to the bar, which was fun to see.
I had the IPA beer with dinner. I wish I could remember what it was called. It was decent, lots of citrus and light enough for a summer beer. Michael and I split the Caesar salad appetizer.
The salad was pretty good, but nothing close to the amazing Caesar at Apizza Scholls. This salad was more “milky” tasting instead of garlic tasting like I like. The freshly made croutons were delicious. They used Grana Padano cheese instead of Parmesan, which was okay but not as quite as flavorful as it could have been.
We ordered the Soppressata pie. It was basically a spicy pepperoni with mozzarella and basil. The pizzas were small but big enough for two people to share. There were six slices. I had two and took the last one home for lunch.
What’s the verdict? It was good pizza but not worth waiting an hour to be seated. Period. On the flip side, I’d always wait however long it takes to eat at Apizza Scholls. So I guess that’s your answer.
Cycling Update
On another note, the Covered Bridges Century bike ride was supposed to be August 12th but I’ve decided not to do that event. I just could not get my weekly mileage up high enough in order to complete 100 miles. This was my weekly mileage for the month of July:
Week 1- 50.84
Week 2 – 55.79
Week 3 – 62.42
Week 4 – 59.56
So frustrating! I couldn’t even get my mileage up to 80! Each week I failed to get my mileage anywhere close to 100 made me feel like a failure. This is supposed to be fun and instead of focusing on the GOOD things my training has done for me, I’ve been focusing on falling short.
I’ve been plagued with flat tires this summer (seriously, at least once a week) and for some reason I’ve been busier this summer than ever before. Or maybe I’m just not saying no to social events that conflict with long training rides on the weekend. Who knows. Either way, I’m not ready for 100 miles. I’ve learned my lesson when it comes to pushing myself further than my body is ready for (Hood to Coast ring any bells?) and I didn’t want to end my summer with an injury.
The plan is this: Peach of a Century. It’s September 23rd so that gives me another month to try and get my mileage up. I will keep you posted.
QUESTION: Have your summer fitness goals been successful or sidelined?
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
Hang in there. It’s better to make sure you’re comfortable and feeling ready for a century–that’s no small feat! And the last thing you want is to injure yourself! Way to train smart!
Have you considered doing a half-century? I think it’s a great distance that you can be proud about accomplishing, that doesn’t have as intense of a training regimen. Personally, I’m a huge fan of half-centuries. My husband love to bike–so he always does the century, and I complete the half-century as I’m “waiting” for him. 🙂
Lisa Eirene
Thanks, Michelle. Yes, my first cycling event was 55 miles. It was a good distance. Last year I did a 72 mile event and that was pretty good.
Becky
I’m so proud of you! You have learned something that is taking me forrrrrrever to actually put in place in my life. You are listening to your body and taking care of it so you don’t get super injured later. Awesome!
PS–that pizza looks delicious. If I ever go to Portland I am totally stalking all your restaurant reviews so I can eat at the best places!
Lisa Eirene
I’m learning it slowly. Very slowly…..
Let me know if you ever make it to Portland!
Carbzilla
a. You are not a failure. Not even close.
b. Yay to a social life. I think a balance of social life and exercise is the way to go. Be grateful for a social life because it can disappear for absolutely no reason and that’s no fun.
Lisa Eirene
Good point. I agree. And I was thinking that I need to revamp my summer plan for next year. I think next summer I will do several smaller events before the big one, so if for some reason I don’t make that full century goal by the end of summer, at least I did some other things and feel accomplished.
Roz@weightingfor50
Hang in there Lisa!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I just LOVE the balance you have in your life. You are an inspiration!!!!!
Lisa Eirene
Aw thanks! Trying to make the balance consistent.
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because
My fitness goals have absolutely slid over the summer. I like to blame the heat for my ennui in general…but maybe I’m just lazy. It can be hard to tell!
Lisa Eirene
Sorry to hear that! We’re in a similar boat. At least there’s still some summer left. We can get back on the stick!
Lori
Lisa – you most certainly aren’t a failure. Think of it this way. If you weren’t training for an event – how would feel knowing that you biked over 200 miles in a month? Pretty good, I would think – as you should.
You are wise to pull out of the century. Another possibility is to just keep training and then plan to do a 100 mile on your own (like I have done). That takes any time pressure off and you do it when you feel ready.
Lisa Eirene
Thank you Lori! Means a lot coming from someone who has done a century.
I’m still going to try for the one in Sept. If nothing else, I’d like to do the 50 or 80 mile route. I am proud of the mileage I’ve been able to do this summer. So much more than last summer!
It’s funny–Michael said the same thing. He said we could do 100 miles on our own any time. I guess for me, I kinda want that “Event” feel…
Lori
Believe me – it will still feel like an event when you do it on your own LOL!
Lisa Eirene
I’m sure my legs will let me know I did 100 whether it’s on my own or an event!
Erin
You always find the most interesting restaurants! That pizza looks delish!
My summer training plan has been a wash. I just haven’t been able to get in a good groove. I’m signed up for a 10k in September that I’m going to need to get serious about if I want to do well! I’ve been too busy hiking and hanging out on my parents farm to muster the energy to do long runs.
Lisa Eirene
That sounds like you are enjoying your summer though. Even if you aren’t running, hiking is great exercise and good cross-training!
Deb
Pretty much everyone else said what I was thinking- Good for you listening to your body! An injury is the last thing you need.
And as someone who has very, very little social life, I’m incredibly envious of yours sometimes. I’m actually thinking of getting a few of my girlfriends together for a crafting night here soon.
Hang in there! You’ll nail that century when you’re really ready for it!
Lisa Eirene
I think balancing social stuff with the rest of it is so important. I can always tell when my life is flopping over to one side and I’m neglecting my friends and stuff. I think you should definitely get your friends together for a craft night. Those are tons of fun. I used to do it a lot. 🙂