A week later

Oh my goodness- another week has gone by. I feel like I blink and it's over. Well get yourself a tasty snack or night cap because this is going to be a long post.

Let's think back to last Thursday. I had the day off from running but it ended up being pretty packed with work and class. I think I got home around 9:00, had some dinner and went to bed. I needed to be nice and rested for that solo 19 miler. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about it.

Friday was an absolutely perfect morning for a run. I will be a very happy and successful runner if the weather is like that on race day. The sky was blue, the sun was shining (but not hot), and there was a nice breeze. Basically it was a perfect, crisp, fall day. So as to not get too bored, or run countless circles, I opted to try out some new routes. During the first part of the run I felt very productive- thinking about what meals to plan for the upcoming week and just other random thoughts. By mile 5 my brain started to feel foggy. I took that as a sign to start fueling. My strategy from that point forward was to have 2 Gu Chomps during odd-numbered miles. That worked out real nicely. Not too hungry, not too full and I had something to look forward to.

Around miles 6 -7 I could feel my bladder turning in to a camel pouch. I wasn't quite sure where to go. Then at mile 8 I saw a park official unlock the bathroom- score! I got a sudden burst of energy, kind of like finding a hidden treasure, until I actually saw the bathroom. Ewwwww. It obviously hadn't been cleaned and there were no doors on the stalls. Talk about awkward. I locked myself in, popped a squat and moved out as quickly as possible. I had some extra pep in my step the next few miles because I didn't have all the fluid sloshing around :)

Around mile 10 I found a water fountain. Couldn't have been better timing, because I was starting to get low on my stash. After filling up my dad texted. I decided to call him back because I'm totally capable of talking and running but definitely not texting and running. No one seems to understand why or how I can call them while I'm running, so let me tell you:
1. I do not run fast, so I am totally capable of carrying on a conversation.
2. I'm out and about for a long time. It's a good use of time and it gives me some company.

Around mile 13 the legs started to get fatigued. I knew this would pass and sure enough it did. By mile 16 I had psyched myself up for the finish. This was a great learning experience because unfortunately that excitement had worn off by mile 18. Lesson learned, don't get too excited before the finish. I want to have energy to finish off strong. All in all this milestone of a solo long run was a success. I finished 19 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes. Not too shabby.

Then it was time to scramble to get ready to head to Chi-town with the girls. What a fantastic girls' weekend it was to celebrate Jacquelyn and Mike's wedding. The wedding, the weather, and the environment was simple stunning. A special thank you to Jake & Caroline for letting us shack up for the weekend!


This would be our group of friends taking over the dance floor.

 All in all it was a fantastic weekend but travel like that leaves you whooped. Luckily the weekday mileage has started to drop. Monday was an easy 6. Yesterday the running didn't make it in to the schedule. Instead I chose to cook a family meal and enjoy some Cardinals baseball. I thought I could squeeze a quick 5 in but the errands and prep time took a little longer than anticipated. In spite of the extra time, my mac 'n cheese was TOTALLY worth it. Check out this healthier version of mac 'n cheese, courtesy of Cooking Light, that contains butternut squash. Creamy, lighter Mac n Cheese MMmmmmmmmmm. Josh even liked it. Yes that's right. Josh ate squash and liked it. Awesome.

This morning Gayle and I met up for an early run. It was dark for 90% of the 7 miles we ran. It was so great to have company, plus she had a headlight that lit our way through some of the darker areas. Again I was supposed to run 10 but that didn't quite happen. Instead I chose to do bridal stuff. What?! You heard me right. I was creating a comparison worksheet for the venues we will be visiting this Friday and Monday. Nothing more, nothing less :)

Well I think that's about it. I told you this would be long. I'm going to try to squeeze a run in tomorrow morning before work and class. And then it's time to prepare for the graduation run on Saturday.

Special shout out to Megan and Megan. Thank you for supporting the American Cancer Society!