HM Training - Part 2

This past week J & I ran our second long run. Because of certain commitments, like a wedding last Saturday, and me heading to Charleston, SC this coming weekend, we've had to tweak our training plan. But all in all, I think we'll do just fine.

Instead of running a 10k for our long run last week and 11 miles this week, like Hal Higdon recommends in his Novice 2 training schedule, we switched it up. So after work last Friday night, J & I headed out on our 11 mile run. We decided to get the run done Friday night so that we could enjoy the wedding Saturday and not be sore/tired.

Unlike our first long run, this one was tougher. I don't know if it was because we ran after work versus first thing in the morning, or the fact that  I decided to eat BBQ for lunch with co-workers (very bad idea) but my body felt heavier and I was tired.

We definitely pushed through it. And the whole thing was a mental game between, do I want to beat my 10-mile pace even though I should be running slower, or do I want to slow things down?

The verdict: 11 miles in 1 hour, 47 minutes. Average pace of 9:46 min/mile.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a tiny bit bummed we didn't beat our 10 mile pace. BUT, I realize this is a much smarter pace. And I would hate to get injured or burn out before the race.

And, as much as I'd love to say I was ready for more after 11 miles, like last week, this is what I looked like after our run...

A bit dramatic but still, I was dead tired. (And yes, I made J take this photo. :)He hates me. bahaha )

Another fun photo for you - this is what happens when running in the city and someone walks in front of you right before a shoulder height street sign...even ripped J's shirt!

And this looks worse in person. Yuck.

Since I am traveling this weekend, I'll be conquering my 10k run in Charlotte, NC with my sister before we head south to Charleston for her bachelorette party! That being said, you can expect me to be MIA for the next few days until I get back and recover from the madness I'm sure will ensue.

Have a great weekend my friends!

Mr. & Mrs.

This past weekend was the wedding of a good friend from home. And let me tell you, she looked stunning. I've known the bride since elementary school and for as long as I can remember she has had this loud, bubbly laugh that is positively contagious and a smile from ear to ear (even won best smile in high school!).

The weather Saturday was better than you could ever imagine. Seriously, 70 degrees in April? Unheard of. And the wedding was in a coastal town here in MA - an ideal location, especially with such amazing weather.

And now for the photos you've been waiting for. :)

 Beautiful church

 Mother of the Groom

 Mother of the Bride

 Beautiful bridesmaids

 Maid of Honor

 Here comes the bride

 Gorgeous

 The Vows

 Mr. & Mrs. <3

 There's that smile!

 Handsome dates

 Some of the girls from home

 Fun introduction as Mr. & Mrs.

 First dance

 MOH gave a great speech

 Did I mention that the bride didn't need any alterations? Can you say perfect dress?!

 

Father-daughter dance

 The food was amazing. Their reception venue is known for its swordfish, and let me tell you- best ever, by far.

Final song was We Are Young by Fun. And it was the BEST last song I've experienced so far. Everyone was singing around them. You could feel the love and support.

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. M! I am so incredibly happy for the two of you and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness.

Ludlow, VT

This past October, J & I decided to head north for a weekend of fresh air, hiking, and just spending some quality time together. At the time, I was still working in public accounting, and had just came off a particularly trying busy season. We needed a weekend away to unwind.

Finding a great deal at the Castle Hill Resort for our anniversary couldn't have come at a better time. We headed north Friday, hit the LLBean Outlet for flannel shirts, and made our way into Vermont.

Because of Hurricane Irene in August, there were many roads still closed and bridges inaccessible. After a few detours, we checked in to the hotel and then jetted off to the Longtrail Brewery to begin our weekend away. If there is a winery or brewery close to where we'll be staying, you can put $$ on us checking it out. :)

Saturday was all about hiking. On our drive up, I asked J what he packed for hiking, in which he replied jeans. No way jose. I'm talking real hiking, not a casual stroll. So thankfully there was a sporting goods store in the same plaza as LL Bean where we picked him out some appropriate attire.

4+ hours later, we finished our hike and were FREEZING. We headed back to the hotel to warm up with Irish coffees and relax before our dinner reservations.

Craziest thing about dinner....the china that my escargot was served on is the EXACT same china J & I had registered for at our wedding! 'Twas fate I suppose.

Here are a few photos of the hurricane destruction we saw - 

I came back from Vermont more refreshed than any other vacation we've ever gone on. I'm hoping to make a trip like this an annual thing if possible. It was so nice to see the changing leaves, breathe in some clean, fresh air, and get a little exercise outdoors together.