Olivia

Where do I start?

I'm off the high of my new half marathon PR, but I'll give you a quick recap:

Like Melissa, I wasn't too pumped for this race. I ran it last year and was dreading the hilly course. Packet pick-up was non-eventful, getting handed only a bib and a lecture about having your bib clearly visible since there is no chip timing. Yes, no chip timing with a 600 person mass start.

I woke up the morning of feeling rested and ready as I could be to run. Melissa texted me to say she wasn't feeling well and wouldn't be running. I'd be lying if I said I didn't think of backing out. But I went, made a friend at the start, and off I went. I got nervous over the first few miles because the course was so congested. I wasn't hoping for a PR, but when the first couple mile splits were around 10:45- 11:00, I thought a PR was completely out of the picture. The course was completely changed, yet race directors said nothing about this, and maps handed out and on the website reflected the old course. The race became a complete bottleneck at mile 2 as we entered a single lane trail, that was also an out-and-back, so as runners were trying to merge, and run both ways on a narrow path, passing was impossible.

I had put my music on right from the start and just decided to relax and run. Once the course cleared out, I began to see my splits were speeding up, and I was on track to finish 2:10. The last few miles were hilly and tough, but I thought of Melissa and our runs. Our runs are never easy, and this would be over soon enough. I neared the finish line and my Garmin said 2:07 but I was hesitant to get excited because of the mass start, but when I saw that clock read 2:07 when I crossed the line, I was ecstatic.

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And it's clearly not my day. I have just uploaded tons of pictures to share but I can't add them to the blog. Bummer!

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Jack just turned two! He's such a sweet (and active) boy and we are so lucky to have him. In the words of Olivia's mom, "You really wear me out, but I love you anyway." Come to think of it, Jack and Olivia have a lot in common.

In Case You're Wondering

I set a new half marathon PR yesterday: 2:07:15. I'll give you the details later- I am just too excited not to share!

Wifteen Wednesday

Hi friends! We've missed you! Apparently, I like to stay busy. I thought I'd fill you in with what I've been up to with a "Thirteen Thursday," but then I realized it's only Wednesday, so I made up a W number (don't tell my kindergartners).

1. Last week, while Jack and I were out for a run, an older man flagged me down. He and his wife were staying at the hotel next to Al's (you might remember my love affair with Al's).

"Hello, sorry to bother you, but my wife and I are from out-of-town and were wondering if this (pointing to Al's) is an okay place to eat?"

"Um, heck yes." I think things got a little uncomfortable when I began salivating after raving about the corn dogs for five minutes straight. I think I convinced him. I'll take my free corn dogs for life now, Al.

2. I finally check out my race photos from Leaf Peeper's Half Marathon. And I'm in love. It's the first time I've actually considered ordering a print. But, at $8 for one 5x7, not gonna happen.

For Leaf Peeper's, I bought a pair of Lululemon Run: Inspire crops. I loved them- the length, fit and storage (a zipper pocket in the back and two pockets in the front). But by the time the race was over, the stitching had unraveled completely- and on non friction spots (like my calves- if it had been my inner thighs, well that's another story). They just didn't seem like Lulu quality. I exchanged them for another pair- had to get black because they were all out of grey- and this new pair seems much better. I'm thinking they're going to make an appearance on Sunday.

3. On Sunday, I'm running another half marathon. I'm nervous, because every run this week has been a struggle- with both my body and mind. I'm hoping just to have fun and enjoy the race. I don't want to get greedy and expect another PR.

4. I just discovered 30 Rock on Netflix, and I'm obsessed. It's hysterical!

5. Jack went trick-or-treating for the first time this Halloween, and he had a blast! I need to upload and edit the photos, but I will post them ASAP. He was a train conductor and after a couple houses, really got into the swing of things. He was pretty upset when we rang a doorbell and no one came to the door. He started looking in the windows and didn't want to leave the porch. Boy wanted his candy (takes after his Mama).

6. My sugar intake is at an all-time high. Maybe this has something to do with my awful runs.

7. My mother-in-law called tonight to tell me that she booked a beach house in Maine again! August 11, I'm looking forward to you.

8. My baby turns two in less than a month. I can't believe how fast these two years have flown by. While running (solo) today, I listened to Michael Buble, and "I Just Haven't Met You Yet" came on. I listened to this song while I was pregnant, and I have to say, I shed a few tears. Love that song.

I think that's all I have for now.