Nike+ NYC

Last weekend, I switched it up from my usual JackRabbit long run on Saturday mornings and decided to try out the Nike+Live run leaving from their Upper East Side store (3^rd Avenue between 66^th & 67^th Streets).

(Hello, random bike)

While I love my JackRabbit runs,  I highly recommend checking out a Nike+ long run if you are cracking down and getting serious about your marathon training (‘tis the season!)

I’ll tell you the main reasons why I say that.

1)        The Nike+ runs start at 8 a.m. Usually, I’m all for a 9 a.m. start time on a Saturday morning- a little extra time to sleep in after Friday night never hurts, after all.  But when your mileage starts increasing, and you’re spending upwards of 3 hours on a long run, finishing after noon can put a monkey wrench in plans for the day.  This particular Saturday, my parents were coming to visit, so I knew I needed to be done running by 11ish.

2)        The Nike+ runs get up there in mileage- this past weekend there was an option to run a 4 mile route, 12 mile route or 18 mile route! I had been wanting to do 16, but ending up settling for the 12 mile group and adding my own 2 miles on the way home to make sure I was back in time for my parents. The different options definitely helped- and there aren’t many free, organized running groups that I’ve come across that go 18 miles!

3)        The group was definitely geared towards people training for upcoming marathons. One of the Nike+ staff members gave a little speech on the megaphone before we set out, reminding us that with the weather changing, we should start getting using to running in capris and other warmer clothes since that’s what we’ll be wearing for our races.

4)        For each mileage group, there were pacers. So for the 12 mile group, there was a <8:00/mile pacer, an 8:30-9:30/mile pacer and a 10:00+ “sexy pace” pacer. They were dressed in neon green and it was my first experience running with a pacer and super helpful! Although I do find that whenever a runner sets out to run a specific pace- they end up going faster.

5)        The group was very organized. You checked in when you got there, could check your bag inside, use the restroom (although the line for the one stall was insane), and then head outside to your specific group. They took a group photo of each group and we left pretty much on time, which was impressive for the number of people there (my guess is around 150 for the 3 different mileage groups).

6)        At the half way point, and along the run for the 18 mile group, there was a stop where you could pick up water, Gatorade, Kind bars, Cliff bars and Gus!

7)        Because the group is broken up into different paces, there is no stopping and waiting if people fall behind.

8)        They have pre-printed, legit, running route cards- so again, if you fall behind, you know where the group is headed and we don’t have to stop and wait for you or be worried that you’re lost forever.

9)        There are photographers that follow you out on the course and then they email you the pictures the next day, which is pretty cool!

Saturday I set out with the 8:30-9:30 pace group but ended up running with the front group. The 8:00 pacer was a great guy named Fish, who I had some great conversations with and soon we realized we were cruising along with 7:45-7:50 miles. It was a pretty great run. At the end of it, there was more coconut water, water, Gatorade and chocolate milk to grab and then I ran another 2 miles to home to make a nice solid 14 mile total for the day.

The only real con I can come up with for the Nike+ run is that you need to register for it online, and they do fill up. But I mean, technically, there is nothing stopping you from walking by the store and hopping into the crowd (shh, I didn’t tell you that!)

Here’s the link to sign up! 

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Restaurant Review: Farm Country Kitchen

While I was home for Labor Day Weekend I got to go to a restaurant I’ve been dying to try. Located right on the Peconic River in Riverhead, Farm Country Kitchen is the prettiest little restaurant that you would completely pass by if you didn’t know to look for it. 

(Keep your eyes peeled, or you could drive right by this cute little restaurant!)

Luckily, people know it’s there due to the great press they’ve received for their fresh and tasty meals. That, combined with the view, beautiful landscaping, and the BYOB aspect, made it the perfect place for a sunny lunch when we didn’t feel like fighting the traffic to make it to a vineyard over the long weekend.

(Precious, right?)

If you live on Long Island, specifically in Suffolk County, you may have heard of Savino’s Hideaway- a staple Italian restaurant that is beloved by many. There is a family connection between Savino’s and Farm Country Kitchen. You go Sguera’s!  

(Such a pretty view!)

(BYOB is lovely)

As an appetizer, my parents and I decided to split the longstem artichoke hearts prepared with a lobster stuffing and garlic aioli and served over a Caesar salad. Wow. 

Not only was this appetizer HUGE (it easily could have been an entrée) but it was BURSTING with flavor and most impressively BURSTING with lobster! The lobster stuffing wasn’t what a restaurant would typically serve you- breadcrumbs with a hint of lobster flavor. No. This lobster stuffing was LOBSTER. It was phenomenal.

Another impressive thing about Farm Country Kitchen? Their menu changes every day! 

Unfortunately for me, that means I can’t go back and look up exactly what I ordered- oops! Luckily, I had instagrammed a picture of my lunch that day (because look at it, it was beautiful!) and my caption informs me that what my salad was packed with was: duck (not just any slice of duck. The duck was tender, juicy, and so full of smoky flavor!), baby spinach, pineapple, strawberries, blackberries (I, unlike my mom, am a huge proponent of fruit in salads!), almonds, carrots and the best cheese of all, goat cheese (OK, I can’t actually pick the best cheese of all, that’s far too hard, but goat cheese is up there).  The dressing was sesame ginger and also delicious.

My parents split a panini for their meal that was like an explosion of happiness in your mouth when you took a bite. In keeping with the artichoke theme, they ordered the Maria Panini- breaded chicken, breaded artichoke hearts, basil pesto, and fresh mozzarella on a rosemary roll that was one of the best rolls I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. The panini came with a Sun dried tomato pasta salad, again, not skimping on the main attraction, the sun dried tomatoes. Everything about this sandwich was killer. The combination of flavors and textures is something I can still conjure up on my taste buds. 

I can’t say enough about this place, and I can’t wait to go back to try more of their fresh, flavorful, inventive meals! They serve dinner too, and deliver to the local area.  513 West Main Street Riverhead, NY 11901.

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The Most Wonderful Weekend

Sunday was one of those nights where I could curl up with my polka dot blanket and think, “Damn. Life is good.”

And that’s exactly what I did, in my apartment that is starting to feel more and more like home (I’ve lived here 8 months, it’s about damn time!)

I drank this sparkling flavored water that’s white grape flavored and it’s weirdly delicious. Except I think normal people would find it gross and artificial tasting and probably say something like, “Oh my God that’s disgusting it tastes like medicine!” I think the reason I like it, is because I used to ask my mom if I could have the grape Dimetapp cough medicine as juice in the morning. So this water is like a liter of Dimetapp-flavored nostalgia in a bottle. To answer your question, yes that is the proper spelling of Dimetapp and yes, I needed to Google it. The fact that to “Google” something is pretty much a legitimate verb in the English language is fascinating to me.

I have a million things that I should blog about that are long overdue- restaurants I want to review that I ate in months ago.  But instead, I feel like reliving this weekend and putting it down into words so ya know what? That’s what I’m going to do. I’ll catch up on the other stuff eventually, right? Yeah…

The end of last week/last weekend/the beginning of this week were absolute craziness with work.  By Friday I was SO excited to come home and clean my apartment and absolutely NOT go out. It was one of those cleaning sessions where I started and got really into it- like going through every single tank top and putting them in color order. I was doing all of this to prepare for my parents coming to spend the night Saturday, and to fool them into thinking I have my shit together (just kidding, Mom and Dad, my shit really is together!) but the problem was- I started at 6 at night and all of a sudden realized, “My apartment looks like a bomb went off because I have taken every inch of it apart and now it’s already 9 p.m. and it somehow all needs to get put back. Oh, and I still need to clean the floors and dust. And I’m waking up at 6 a.m. to run 14 miles before my parents get here in the morning. Crap.” Somehow I pulled the cleaning off and sat down to eat dinner at around 10 with my roommate and his boyfriend.  It was nice sitting and chatting (despite the fly that had Elephantitis that was flying around) but I needed to get to bed.

Tiffanie and I had signed up for our first time at a Nike+ NYC Live run. Conveniently, this weekend the run started at their UES store. I’m going to write a whole entry on the Nike run experience (like I said…eventually, right?) so for now I’ll just say that I ran 14 miles- sweet! 

(Hello, random bike!) 

I got back to my apartment, showered, let my parents in, helped them up with a few things, and then set out to meet my professor and friend from graduate school for brunch.  Except that I wasn’t brunching- since I was going to do lunch with my parents afterwards. 

I interrupt this blog post to bitch about the subway on the weekends. SO AWFUL. After waiting 15 minutes for a 6 train, it decides it’s going to go straight from 42nd Street to 14th Street. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience.” Inconvenience? You are literally skipping 4 stops. On the local train. What even? Ok, bitching over. 

When I finally got there, it was so nice to sit outside at Sarabeth’s and catch up with them. The graduate program in Corporate Communications at Baruch was seriously an amazing experience. I owe so much of where and who I am today to the short year and a half I was apart of it.


Next, it was off to meet my parents at Chelsea Market because as is par for the course whenever my parents grace NYC with their presence, it was raining. By now, it was after 2 o’clock and I had only eaten half a banana and a Gu and run 14 miles. We immediately walked to the Los Tacos No. 1 line and ordered two carne asada corn tacos with guacamole and demolished them. For some reason, they weren’t as delicious as I remembered them being (some of the pieces of meat were a little big and tough/chewy for me), but were still damn tasty, especially given my hunger levels.

(Los Taco No. 1 x 2)

We started walking around and hitting up all the possible free samples. My dad was in awe of the seafood market, and I was again obsessed with sampling all the different balsamic vinegars. After we did a lap, it was time to decide what we were going to eat. Winner? Num Pang. We decided to split two sandwiches, which I’ll feature, you guessed it, eventually. All you need to know is they are delicious Cambodian sandwiches on baguettes and we ate every last bite.

(Guess what's on this? You'll find out when I review Num Pang ~someday. Hope you can sleep at night.)

We decided that 3 p.m. was an acceptable time to start drinking, and my mom and I were both dying to check out the Standard Biergarten. Determined not to let the rain spoil the day, we headed over to the Meatpacking District. It never stops being crazy to me- how put together and rich and well-dressed everyone over there is. The Biergarten was packed despite the rain and SO LOUD because everything echoes in there. It looked like a Quinnipiac Greek Life reunion. Perfect preppy guys and girls in their twenties with way too much of their parent's money to blow, drunk at 3 p.m. It was kind of great. I will definitely be going back with my friends- despite the fact that my cocktail cost (my parents) $14 and you have to stand on a line to buy beer and food tickets and then stand on a line at the bar. But there’s ping pong and more impressively, FOOSEBALL!

Next, we hopped in a cab and headed back to my neck of the woods. I thought my dad would appreciate the beer list, so I brought them to Pony Bar. I ordered a margarita that came in a draft glass- heavy on the sour mix and made with OJ. Not ok. Probably the first (and hopefully only) time I refused to finish a margarita.

(EW)

Much to my dad’s dismay, I had us walk from Pony Bar back to my apartment. We took some time unpacking and organizing all my fall clothes and my dad made my mom and I one of our favorite cocktails- St. Germain, gin and grapefruit juice. Yum! I felt like I was back in college, getting dressed and doing my make-up while drinking and listening to music. Except I was with my parents! It was kind of cool to realize we could do that together.

Before we knew it, it was time for our 9:30 reservation at Flex Mussels. Full review to come- but all I have to say is DONUTS.

After dinner, we tried to rally and go out for one last drink, but I just wasn’t feeling it. So instead, we went back to my apartment and I put on the Final Broadway Performance of RENT and we all got comfy and before I knew, I was asleep on the floor and my mom was yelling at me to go to bed. It was a weird experience having my parents stay over at my place for the first time- we were saying that now it officially feels like I live there, and not with them on Long Island. I’m a big girl now!

Now for Sunday- which I’m happy to say was one of the most productive days I’ve had in a loooong time!

I woke up to the sound of my mom stirring downstairs and texted her to make herself some coffee and that I would be down by 9 for a walk to the East River. She had been dying to see where I go for November Project and get all my amazing sunrise pictures! I made myself a cup of delicious homemade coffee (I must say, better than my usual McCafe) and although we certainly didn't catch the sunrise, my mom enjoyed the view of the water and it's was a brisk but beautiful morning for a walk. 

(Don't go away summer!!!!)

When we got back to my apartment, my dad had followed his orders and was ready to go for breakfast. I took them to Effy's Cafe, a place where I have been twice now for coffee and blogging. Finally, I was able to order some of their delicious sounding food. I'm a sucker for Greek/Mediterranean food- so a ton of their options were appealing to me. I finally settled on the Shakshuka! "The shakwhatta?" you ask. 2 poached eggs with a tomato stew on top, served with Greek salad, hummus and pita. 

Look at the presentation! Phenomenal. Everything at this place seems super fresh, looks amazing, and tastes great too. Did I mention the prices are totallllllly reasonable? They are. They have two locations, and I think you should check them out! 

I was being a baby and dreading my run due to the colder temperature. I know, I know. It was perfect running weather. Well what is perfect for most people, is slightly chilly for me. 

I laced up my shoes and headed down to load up the car with my parents- I knew if I didn't just get it over with while I was outside with them, it wouldn't get done. My legs/feet/ankles were feeling a little funky after Saturday's long run and I was sleepy. And did I mention it was cold(ish)? 

(I need this jacket, right? Wrong.)

With big hugs, I sent my parents off and told my mom to send me a To Do List for the day. Then, I headed to the park. 6 miles- CHECK. (Ok, so maybe it WAS perfect running weather and maybe I WAS completely over dressed...) Live and learn, live and learn. 

While I was out in the park, my momma sent me my to do list for the day and when I got back to my apartment it was time to get crackin'! Luckily, the fresh air and endorphins had given me a little oomph. First thing I did was put nail polish on one of my keys so I can tell the key to the building apart from the key to my apartment- FINALLY. Then, I hand washed 3 shirts and hung them up to dry. Cool. Took my recyclables out. Awesome, save that environment. Walked down the street to the farmers market where they were giving out free samples of delicious carrot noodles with sauteed kale and red onions. And there were free samples of baked goods. 

My purchases were proof that fall is here! An apple, peach, some corn on the cob and a cup of apple cider. YUM! 

Next it was off to the 92Y Street Fair that ran all along Lexington Avenue from 96th Street to 81st! I walked the whole thing, and wanted to buy EVERYTHING! Like this tank top with a monkey. How great? 

Highlight of the street fair? The kettle corn samples, obviously. I mean, half the people huddled around those tupperware have absolutely zero intention of buying a bag of kettle corn. After all, you can totally fill up by asking for a sample of each flavor- which I shamelessly did. Uhm, caramel popcorn smothered in cheddar? Died. 

The number of free samples I had was a little insane. Sadly, there was no option to sample the fried ice cream- but I did stand there creepily and watch how they made it for like 5 solid minutes. 

After sampling the Mamma Chia squeeze bags- I bought 4 for $5, one of each flavor.  They took my picture, but it hasn't popped up on social media yet what a shame. It must have been too good or something. 

(You can find some interesting shit at street fairs...)

I also got 4 books for $1! And my FAVORITE Essie color, Bikini so Teeny for $5 instead of the usual $8.50! Score! And then the fateful moment- just about to be on my way home when BAM! 

DOUGH. 

Not, not a fried dough stand. I had passed a million of those already. Dough, the bakery from Bed Stuy had a stand set up on 82nd Street. And after my amazing donuts at Flex Mussels the night before, I was craving more donutty deliciousness. I couldn't say no- I had heard way too much about these donuts. After a quick perusal of the internet to try to figure out what they were best known for, and being saddened to see that their oft-praised dulce de leche donut was already sold out- I went completely rogue and chose a Cafe au Lait donut. 

IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! I was so not expecting this donut to live up to the ones at Flex Mussels. And while it wasn't AS incredible, because it wasn't filled (I'm a sucker for anything stuffed) it was still incredibly delicious (although somewhat greasy).  The icing had the perfect subtle coffee taste and the donut was light and airy becasue Dough specializes in yeast donuts. I threw it in the toaster oven for a few minutes to get it warm again which was a good call on my part if I do say so myself. 

On my way back from the street fair I stopped at the store to pick up a lasagna tray to place my NEW PALM TREE in so that when I water it the water doesn't leak everywhere.  The palm tree used to be at my grandma's house, so it means a lot and I will be doing my best to have a green thumb and keep it alive!!

(I think I might need to name it. Thoughts?)

I dropped my purchases off at my apartment and gave Mr. Palm Tree some water (Mr. Palm Tree just isn't cutting it for me, I need something better). 

(Me in a nutshell)

Then I walked right back out the door to the gym, where I suffered through an hour of yoga. Yoga and I will never be friends. At least, I can't see it happening.  I've given it a fair number of chances to reel me in and it just doesn't. I am not a fan. And it hurts. So that was an unenjoyable hour, unfortunately. 

(Pretending yoga is something I do...)

No- I still wasn't done being productive! On the way home, I stopped and got a manicure with my new Essie polish and took some pretty pictures of the sunset on my way back. 

(Damn NYC, not bad)

Dinner was delicious leftover Thai mussels with kale, carrots, asparagus, mushrooms and race thrown in the broth for good measure. 

Sunday, I must say, I rocked you. Hard. 

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Moonlight Brunch Potluck

Sometimes, my event planning college memories come rushing back, and I do things like plan Moonlight Brunch Potlucks with coworkers for a Monday night. The idea came from an event that Quinnipiac University After Dark would put on during finals week every semester- we would serve a HUGE free breakfast buffet at midnight, and people went nuts. Free hashbrowns when you’re up studying at midnight for a final? Pretty great.

(Here's a picture from this year's QUAD Moonlight Breakfast. Good job keeping the tradition going, guys!)

Much to my delight, when I suggested the real-life grown-up version of the event, instead of looking at me like a weirdo, there were about 15 girls who were totally on board with me. Maybe it had to do with the promise of alcohol on a Monday night.

I found a great website, Sign Up Genius, where I could have everyone decide what they wanted to bring. The categories were Sweet (think donuts, pancakes, French toast, etc.) Savory (think eggs, bacon hashbrowns), Bubbly (dranks) and Yogurt Bar! The yogurt bar was my way of making froyo a breakfast thing- Greek yogurt with all different toppings including granola, fruits and different chocolate candies.  

When we showed up at my coworker’s apartment, after she graciously offered to host, she had bought us each the CUTEST little Mason jar with a crazy straw for us to drink our mimosas, screwdrivers, champagne and Bloody Marys out of.

(Most important station, obviously)

Soon, the food spread starting growing, and I started drooling. Everything looked soo damn tasty. First of all, my friend had brought Dougnut Plant donuts. One bite of the tres leche- and I was launched into a love affair with donuts that is still going strong (more on that to come).

(And with that, the donut addiction began!)

There was also a French toast casserole with blueberry preserve sauce/topping that was homemade and out of this world. Someone else made a cheesy potato and bacon casserole, there were pop-tarts, quiche, cannoli, cookies, and my contribution: peanut butter banana oatmeal casserole with blueberries and strawberries.

I slaved away on this masterpiece, and I think it came out pretty good! I unfortunately did it so long ago, that I can’t remember which recipe I used. It was something verysimilar to this though, if you want to give it a try! I also baked in some blueberries and strawberries, and then decorate the top with fruit since it’s all about presentation!

It was such a fun night with fun people and a gorgeous view of this beautiful city! I’m so happy everyone liked the idea, and thinking back on it now, it’s making me want to plan another potluck soon! Any good potluck theme ideas? 

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22 Miles, 4 Margaritas, An Iced Latte and PB Choco Fondue

Work has been pretty stressful, and last weekend I took a much-needed trip home to Long Island for the long weekend. This has been the least summery summer of my entire life- I've been to the beach once, on my kayaks a big fat 0 times, and on my boat a big fat 0 times too. There were no trips to the ocean, no trips to Fire Island, no trips to Block Island, and only a handful of days spent tanning at the pool. Thank God for my family vacation in Rhode Island or I may not even know that summer happened at all! Needless to say, I was determined to make Labor Day Weekend, what most people consider the end of summer, count. 

That being said, there was also major work to be done. The weekends before Labor Day I was away in Virginia for work. This weekend, I will again be working. My marathon is now a month away. Hence, last weekend I had a major long-run planned.  My longest training run of marathon prep. Some people called me crazy for wanting to do a long-run over 18 miles. But I knew that mentally, I needed to reach at least 20 before I could walk up to that starting line at know that I have what it takes to finish 26.2 miles. 

I was dreading this run all week long. I wanted to go home and relax, eat, drink, and lounge on the beach. But before I could do that, I'd have to run 20-22 solitary miles around my boring (and might I add, HILLY) suburban neighborhood. 

I put out a plea on Facebook - somebody, anybody join me for part of this run! My uncle, who is training for a 100 mile bike ride, was unfortunately using Saturday as his rest day before a grueling 80 miler on Sunday.  My ex cross-country star BFF said she needed "sleep" or something. My half-marathon partner had a cross-fit competition scheduled. And no one was brave enough to be like, "Hey, I don't really know you but who cares, let's run!" 

A friend from JackRabbit was running the mile race in Farmingdale Saturday morning, and said he would try to meet up with me, but unfortunately, it didn't end up working out.  That left my Aunt Dawn, and we planned on meeting up around 7:50 so she could join me for a half hour of my run. 

I arrived home Friday night with all intentions of eating well, not drinking, and getting to bed early. Well I certainly ate deliciously. I certainly failed at not drinking. And I successfully got a pretty good nights sleep.

My parents and grandparents took me out to dinner and an amazing restaurant in our neighborhood- Blond. I started with a martini because it had St. Germain in it, so it was like a necessity, right? Right. The Elderflower Martini was strong (I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to vodka) but delicious.

My family knows me oh so well, and gave me the honors of picking out the three appetizers that we would split.  First choice, easy, was the garlic roasted shrimp with naan bread and chick pea hummus.  

Second, my dad's recommendation, was the yellow fin tuna tar-tar with sesame soy ginger vinaigrette, crispy wontons and wasabi aioli.  LOVED the way this was served! 

Last but not least was the crab cake with jicama slaw, avocado puree and spicy aioli.  It's been awhile since I had crab cakes, and these were delicious. Plus- jicama and avocado. Sold. 

I was having SERIOUS issues deciding what to order. I went back and forth a million times. I ended up ordering the special, which was fresh, local striped bass served over a shrimp risotto. Blond is known for their risotto, and it's always delicious. But sometimes I wish EVERY entree didn't come with it- because it's certainly not the most low-cal side. 

My grandpa's Veal Scaloppini with potatoes, green beans and mushrooms was pretty delectable and I did my fair share of picking at it. My dad went for the seafood pasta with a saffron cream sauce, my grandma had the shrimp with risotto, and my mom ordered the duck entree which came with SWEET POTATOES that I continually stole off her plate. 

Somewhere along the way I switched to red wine and boldly announced to my parents, "You're out to eat with Nanny and me...you KNOW we are ordering dessert." 

And that was how we ended up with an order of crispy banana spring rolls (killer) and a HUGE pot of chocolate peanut butter fondue complete with strawberries, bananas, rice krispie treats and marshmallows for dipping (even more killer). A recent discovery is the amazing combination of peanut butter and rice krispie treats. You're welcome. 

I rolled out of the restaurant, went to bed, and before I knew it my alarm was ringing- signaling that it was time to do the damn thing and run 20 miles. 

I put on my November Project tank and my new pair of running shorts and ate half a banana.  I buckled my stupid Nathan Trail Mix water bottle belt, filled my two newly purchased water bottles, placed them in their holsters, and was out the door.

(All the essentials!)

I started running and almost immediately realized that these belt was NOT going to happen. The water sloshing around in the water bottles was loud. It was heavy. The belt kept riding up. It was pretty much the most uncomfortable and aggravating thing in the world. A complete waste of money as I hope to never put it on my body again in this lifetime (that sounds extremely dramatic, but it was truly that awful).  About 3 miles in, I was able to ditch the water bottles on my grandparents front lawn but unfortunately the belt had to stay with me for my phone and Gu...it wasn't so awful once the water bottles were gone! 

I ran 4 miles before meeting up with my aunt in her neighborhood.  We ran a slow 2 miles together, about 25 minutes and it was a great way to get me in the mindset of, "This is not a race, just get the miles and don't worry about speed!" My aunts neighborhood was SUPER hilly so it was good we were going slow or I would have been shot for the rest of the run! It was really a great break in the run to be able to chat with someone and go a little slower (when I run by myself I have a tendency to be a little too speedy). 

From my aunts it was another 4 miles back to around where I started, putting me halfway there at 10 and feeling GREAT.  The entire time I just kept thinking, "Can this please just miraculously turn into the Wineglass Marathon and I can just run my race right now??" I drank half a water bottle my aunt gave me, and I am ashamed to admit that that's all I drank the entire 22 miles.  Woops. 

At mile 13 I ate my Gu (Double Espresso, baby!) and kept on truckin'.  There is really not a ton to write about this run. Part of me feels like there's no way it really could have been around 20 miles because I felt so good the whole time. Of course, there were moments of ouch, this is uncomfortable, and oooof I'm getting bored- but not once did I need to put music on and not once did, "I'm not going to finish 20 miles" cross my mind (although I DID think I might have to walk up the hill on one road- I kept going though!) 

My mom called around mile 20 (I had decided I felt good enough to go to 22) and said she was going to walk towards me.  I had been going back and forth on stopping at 20 or 22, but knowing that my mom would be meeting up with me soon gave me the extra motivation to make it those extra 2 miles.  I was even able to run one of my fastest splits for the last mile!

I had done it! And it wasn't awful! I know that I can do this marathon, but I am still very nervous. Everything clicked on Saturday. And I may not be that lucky on October 5. 

MapMyRun is what I used to track my run- so I am not 100% confident that it really was 22 miles, but I figure I at LEAST did 20.  According to the app, my pace was 8:37, which I was pretty damn happy with (especially considering I took it slower while I was with my aunt!)

I got back to my house and showered, not able to eat anything yet. But once I got out of the shower I was ravenous and made myself a giant bowl of oats. Then it was off to the beach to relax! Unfortunately, it wasn't the sunniest of days, and I actually had to keep putting my long sleeve shirt on and off when the sun went behind the clouds. But it was nice just to be in the sand (sadly I didn't make it into the water). 

When we gave up on sunning ourselves, I went over to my aunts house to borrow her foam roller and magic stick to stretch out. Then, it was HAPPY HOUR TIME :) My parents and friend went down to the yacht club where I had a well-deserved margarita and Corona. 

Then, it was back to the house for a home-cooked meal from my dad. It was an essential summer meal, and I was STARVED. He made corn on the cob, fresh tomato salad and juicy, tender, bacon-wrapped filet mignon.  I am so spoiled! My mom and I also neeeeeeded a baked potato, so we split one that was leftover in the house. 

I was gung-ho all day about going out and partying Saturday night.  Meanwhile, but 8 I was in my pajamas on the couch and the only thing I was craving was froyo- screw dancing and beer. Around 10 I drove to Red Mango and got myself a disgustingly toppings-filled cup of peanut butter froyo and picked up some for my dad too (his first froyo experience!) 

Sunday dawned and I woke up expecting to be hurting all over. Shockingly, nothing felt too terrible. I called the gym to see if my favorite boot camp class was still happening, but it was cancelled for the holiday weekend so instead I did a half hour deck of cards workout instead. 

Then, my parents and I headed out to the outlets for some shoppin'.  Instead of the fall clothes I had set out to find, I left the extremely crowded Tanger Outlets with a pair of workout capris (complete with pocket) and a new sports bra.  Oh, my life. 

I had been dying to go to a vineyard while I was home, but the weather wasn't great and the traffic was going to be awful so instead, we decided to do a late lunch at a place I have been DYING to go to every since seeing healthy looking salad pictures on Instagram.  True story. Added bonus? Farm Country Kitchen is a) along the Peconic River and b) BYOB so we brought a bottle of wine and kind of pretended to be at a vineyard while enjoying an amazingly fresh and delicious lunch that I will write up in a separate review.  The weather turned out being fabulous while we were there, too! 

When we got home, my mom and I curled up on the couch and I FINALLY got to watch Frozen! It wasn't AS amazing as everyone made it out to be, but I certainly enjoyed it! That damn little snowman made the movie, hands down. 

No one else was hungry for dinner, and I wasn't really either, but I made myself a big delicious salad with leftovers anyway. Because 22 miles? 

Then it was over to Nanny and Poppy's with my aunts and uncles for a get together and drinks. I ended up drinking 3 margaritas and was feelin' good. 

Monday morning I woke up, ran 8 miles, tanned on my deck, and met my friend for coffee at another place I had been wanting to check out- Crazy Beans.  They just opened their second location in Stony Brook (their original restaurant is in Miller Place, and is the one we went to).  They have INCREDIBLE iced and hot latte flavors like Peanut Butter and Jelly and Salted Caramel.  I wanted mine to be semi-healthy so I opted for mixing two of their sugar-free flavor options- Dark Chocolate and Raspberry and using almond milk.  It came served in a mason jar and was DELICIOUS.  

The place is soo cute too- with little knick-knacks in every corner and this cute little monkey on the bar.  The food menu sounded out of this world, and I'll definitely be back for lunch and a full review one day! My friend swears by the gouda, apple honey mustard grilled cheese and though I haven't tried it yet- how could something with those ingredients be anything but incredible? 

After that it was time to head back to the city, with coconut chia granola, lox, bibb lettuce, goat cheese, blue cheese and beets courtesy of my grandma! 

(Already enjoying lox from Nanny!)


It was a lovely weekend- and I hope you enjoyed being filled in on every little detail. 

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