My Favorite Day

Have I ever told you that Saturday is my favorite day?  I so look forward to this day every week.  They always start off with a long run and end with time spent with great people, eating great food.  I’m a simple girl.  These things bring me smiles!

As usual, I set out on my weekly long run this morning.  I fueled for my run with the typical two slices of toast, PB, and banana.

I’m like the tortoise – slow and steady. I may not win the race, but I’m feeling more confident about running in it.  Which each long run, my excitement for race day grows.  Long runs are my favorite part of training.  I love hitting a rhythm and just going on for miles.  I feel so at peace when I’m outside pounding the pavement.  This was a very important run for our group because it may have been our last long run together.  It was our chance to prove to ourselves that 13.1 miles is in each and every one of us. We’ve all had different training experiences – highs, lows, sickness, fatigue – but today we realized that we are all ready for the challenge of a half- marathon.

It was a chilly, blustery morning.  We added some layers and headed our for 11 miles.  The wind was at our faces, but it was a truly enjoyable morning run.

Total Distance: 11.07 miles

• Mile 1 – 8:57/mile
• Mile 2 – 8:53/mile
• Mile 3 – 9:24/mile
• Mile 4 – 9:04/mile
• Mile 5 – 9:20/mile
• Mile 6 – 9:20/mile
• Mile 7 – 9:38/mile
• Mile 8 – 9:34/mile
• Mile 9 – 9:38/mile
• Mile 10 – 9:54/mile
• Mile 11 – 9:11/mile

Total Time: 1:43:37

Average Pace: 9:21/mile

I felt fabulous at the end of this run and cheered for everyone when it ended.  I also felt hungry and hurried home for a second breakfast.

I scarfed down a bowl of plain yogurt, strawberries, and granola before heading out for a fun day.  My mom, my friend, and I went on a long overdue trip to the Farmer’s Market.  We strolled around and picked up some goodies.  I love sampling the fresh foods offered by the farmers and can’t help but purchase their amazing products!

My purchases included:

• Ida Red apples
• sweet potatoes
• beets
• salsa
• strawberry jam
• basil plant – can’t wait to use more fresh basil!

We rounded out our afternoon with a glorious lunch at my new favorite spot, Trattoria Express.  Sorry I couldn’t be more exciting, but I had to order the Tuscan Salad again.  It’s just too delicious to pass up!

I loved my salad.  My friend ordered the same thing and loved it just as much.  Nothing like a great salad!  I wanted a little something extra, so I cracked open a trail mix egg when I got home.

Now it’s time to relax before heading out for the evening.  I’m spending my night with an old friend.  It’s been too long and we have lots to catch up on.  Can she be persuaded to seek out an RI fro-yo spot?! We shall see…