Work hard . . . Play hard

I know it's been an eternity since I've blogged. . . . . but life has been a whirlwind since I returned from Arizona.  I enjoyed an amazing 9 mile run in the woods with Angie the day after I got back.  We had a blast tromping through a park right in the same town we live in.  I can't believe I've never really gone into the park (besides on the one road that goes through) to explore more! 

We had a little difficulty finding our way through the park as it wasn't just a simple circle.  We managed to run for 9 miles and since we didn't have a planned route or time-frame, we just enjoyed the great outdoors.

This is what running around aimlessly for 9 miles looks like!

By the time we run our 50k in May, we should know this trail like the back of our hands since it's super convenient and enough grounds to get the miles in we will need, even if we are just going around and around in every direction.  We just have to keep running this wooded area to learn it.  We both realized there is actually something we aren't great it. . . . . . our sense of direction in the thick of the Forest! :)

After our fun trail running, I got ready and headed to Appleton WI for an annual ladies shopping trip with all of the women on my mom's side.  Naturally, my first stop was Fleet Feet, an awesome running store!  I dropped a few dollars on some trail shoes and Gu.  I also scoped out a few products to put on my Birthday and Christmas wish list and I sent my mom there over the weekend (at least I hope I sent my mom there. . . . . time will tell!)

I could have spent a LOT more money at this store -Cha-Ching!!

After an awesome 9 mile trail run and a little bit of shopping, I was exhausted by the time I got to our hotel.  We cracked a bottle of wine (or 9) and enjoyed some good food and some drinkey-poos!  We had to sit in the hotel lobby as they removed our normal gathering area to add more rooms on.  What a disappointment to a longstanding tradition of sitting around and eating and drinking.  We didn't let that get in the way of some good clean fun and some "Cards Against Humanity" playing.  If you've never heard of that game. . . BUY it! (if you aren't easily offended and afraid to use some foul language that is!).  We had an absolute blast and I swear I got a full ab workout in just from laughing.  I just ordered the game for myself today!  I'm not waiting for the Holidays for that gift!

This is my gorgeous sister Val and myself.  Aint she purdy?

We're the "young" crowd.  These are my cousins, sister and a family friend. . . . the girl on the far right is a runner and one of my biggest Blog fans!

Can you tell we had plenty to eat and a little bit to drink?  Fun times had by all!

I managed tough 3 miles on the treadmill on Saturday morning after a bottle of wine on Friday night.  I really wanted to run 5 but my legs were tired from trail running on Friday and I was slightly dehydrated.  I woke up at 5:30 and couldn't fall back asleep so I just figured I'd do something productive.  I'm glad I did something because my eating went downhill from there.  I enjoyed some delicious cuisine the rest of the day. . . and don't feel one bit guilty about it!

My BFF Devon & I at the hotel.

My sister Val and I having a blast at the dueling piano bar!

I know a dueling piano bar sounds like a nerd-o-la time, but it was actually really awesome.  I may or may not have gotten on stage to shake it for "Baby got Back."  I know a few of my friends who would be proud of that!  The entertainment that night was great, but our dancing was the BEST!

Despite my dedication to training and running, I like to have a good time once in a while.  I've been super busy at work and still sticking to a running regimen despite not actually training for a race right now, so I like to think I deserved a good weekend away with some family and friends to play hard!

How do you unwind and have fun after being so responsible and serious all the time with work and training?

Happy Running!
~Brooke~