A Run Down Memory Lane

Wrapping up the work week early was even more difficult than I thought it would be.  Normally I'm focused and working hard to get everything done before I leave so I can enjoy my day off and not worry about what I'm coming back to. . . . . . .but I also work at an insurance circus so there is almost always something crazy going on.  We had a 50's themed lunch with trivia, a costume contest and a hula hoop contest.

I made it 7 minutes and 28 seconds. . . . But apparently somebody else made it more than 30 minutes!
Apparently they don't have enough work! Haha!

Road Tripping with my little Buddy. . . he's fake sleeping!

I was back in my hometown (Wisconsin Rapids, WI) this last weekend so I had some new old scenery for my glorious 17 miles in nice cool weather.  I used to run when I was younger and I thought I was so impressive with how far I was running . . . . . .that was obviously before my Garmin watch and knowing exactly how far I was running.  After running through Rapids now with 17 miles to cover I realized two things; 1.  That town is WAY smaller than I ever realized. I had to bob and weave from street to street to squeeze my miles in.  And 2. My "long runs" growing up probably maxed out at 4 miles. . . . . My how life as a runner has changed!

My goal for this run was to have a better pace than my 17 mile training run for the last marathon I trained for.  Besides some stomach issues from the greasy food I ate on Thursday, the run went great. As Angie told me the day before our last Marathon, I found my pace and just stuck with it!  She was spot on.  I don't know how I do it but I just get into my pace & go with it.  Fortunately that pace is improving and I'm thrilled with my progress.

I started at 4:50 am so I could finish & enjoy some family time!
Here is a list of all of the memorable places I ran past:
-all 4 schools I attended in reverse chronological order (not on purpose. . . . It just worked out that way!)
-my first job. . . . IGA grocery store.
-both of my childhood homes
-both of my best friend's homes
-the church that Steve & I got married in
-and the road I used to run down all the time thinking I was going long distance!

The weather felt like fall. . . . I feel like it's a cruel tease. . . . BecauseJuly. . . . . I know we're going to have some awful sweltering heat again . . . But I am truly excited for fall running.


I got to enjoy some quality time with one of my besties, Devon! We certainly don't get enough time together so we take advantage when we do!

Hanging with Devon. . . . . pretty excited for some "kid free" time!

Yep. . . we're the only ones dancing. . . . but we got the party started.  I danced in wedge heels for about 3 hours the same day I ran my 17 miler!  (does that make me bad-ass?)

I soaked up some little Otto time while I was visiting.

Isn't she the cutest little girl?  I could just nibble her little cheekers!

 I also got to see my adorable niece & nephew!!! Little Otto is only 7 weeks old. . . . .and sweet as pie!! Sweet Maelyn has the most beautiful eyes and smile! I even got a little snuggle from her!!!! What an awesome weekend! Great long run, family time & some much needed time with Devon!!! Back to reality today! Do you have a hard time getting back into the routine of "life" after a nice weekend and seeing family? I find it terribly difficult to be happy about much after leaving friends and family! :(