Hi and hello! There is so much to catch up on from the last couple of weeks.
48 HOURS IN PITTSBURGH
Last weekend I traveled to Pittsburgh to visit my friend Lina. We met in yoga teacher training back in 2011 and became fast friends. She moved to Brussels, Belgium (and I was able to visit her there in 2017!) and then to Pittsburgh. This was my first trip up to Pittsburgh – and first time seeing Lina since 2018! We picked up right where we left off and chatted nonstop for the 48 hours that I was there. It was such a blessing to reconnect. I know we’ll be friends for life.
Also – I am here to say that Pittsburgh gets a bad rap! I was pleasantly surprised by the city and have nothing but good things to say.
I guess I should have looked at a map before I left lol but I didn’t realize how north and close to Canada it is. I loved Pittsburgh’s rivers, bridges and homes built up on foothills. Bonus – the leaves were changing and the fall colors were just gorgeous.
We spent most of our time just hanging out and catching up but I did get a quick tour of downtown (including the Steelers stadium – had to see that!). We also shopped in Shadyside and had lunch in the University area on the 10th floor of a hotel overlooking the city. Lina lives in Wexford and we also drove through Fox Chapel. I thought the Pittsburgh area seemed like a lovely place to live!
22 MILE LONG RUN
I landed in Charlotte late Saturday afternoon and ran 22 miles on Sunday morning!!! Last week was my “peak week” for marathon training. I ran 47 miles in 7 days (a weekly mileage PR for me) that culminated with Sunday’s long run. I have never run 22 miles in a marathon training cycle and I decided to do it this go round to get the time on my feet and for a confidence boost.
IT.WAS.HARD! I felt pretty good until about mile 19 and then the fatigue set in. I had a three week long run streak of 20 miles, 15 miles and the 22 miler. The training/mileage is definitely pushing me physically but in a way where I feel that I’m becoming a stronger runner and better prepared for race day. My legs felt like bricks for the last two miles of the run but I kept reminding myself it would be worth it come race day. I am OVERJOYED to be on the taper side of training and uninjured. Truly, an incredible blessing.
I am 25 days out from the Every Woman’s Marathon and the plan is to keep the weekday mileage pretty steady until race week and long runs of 13, 15 and 10ish these last three weeks.
WE GOT PUMPKINED
The team from Pumpkin Patch Patio decorated our porch and put together such a fun spread of pumpkins and gourds. The decor is perfect for the fall season and will take us through Halloween and Thanksgiving. They are offering fall porch decorating services in the Charlotte area and highly recommend checking them out!
KEEPING THE TOOTH FAIRY BUSY
Finn has been keeping the tooth fairy busy! He lost his two bottom teeth earlier this year and now his two front teeth just came out, as well as one right next to them. He said he has more wiggly ones. I am loving this toothless grin!
He woke me up at 3:30a one morning with an enthusiastic “MOMMY!” I bolted up and asked what was going on and he said, “turn on the light – my tooth came out!” He’s such a deep sleeper so how his tooth came out in the middle of the night is beyond me.
DORIE’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
We celebrated Dorie’s birthday recently with a dinner at Muraya. It was a really fun gathering of great people and Muraya was so festive and perfect for a birthday party! The food was delicious and the service was attentive. I enjoyed getting out and being social on a Saturday night but it was the best to be home in PJs and tucking Finn in for bed by 9. 🙂
Fun story – Finn was not a fan of my outfit. He’s usually so complimentary anytime I put on real clothes but he told me he thought I should wear something else. I asked why and he said “it’s just so khaki” (whatever that means) and then “well, if it makes you happy you should wear it.” I sent Virginia a photo to ask if it was that bad haha. I was cracking up!
It’s been a long day of personal training and yoga teaching so I’m shutting it down for the night. My alarm is set for an early morning run – it will be my first one since 22. The last two days have been all about rest and recovery. I am feeling ready to run again though!
QUESTIONS
Have you ever visited Pittsburgh? What other cities do you feel are underrated?
What’s the longest run you’ve done in a marathon training cycle? What is your preferred longest run distance? How long do you like to taper?
My husband’s cousin got married in Pittsburgh! They had the ceremony at a beautiful church downtown and then the reception was at the zoo! We had a blast. 😄
My only marathon, I think my longest run was 19 miles. I definitely didn’t train properly for that one, haha. I’ve done 7 half marathons and I think my sweet spot is 10K-15K races.
I actually used to live in Wexford, PA, but I was only in high school. I remember loving to go to Soergel Orchards to get fresh apple cider and other produce. I agree with you though Pittsburgh is definitely underrated. It is surrounded by rivers and beautiful scenery.
Congrats on finishing your long run out strong!!! And injury free (as a runner I totally understand what a blessing that is). And haha, oh Finn. I actually LOVE your outfit!! Where is it from?
I’m from Detroit and I feel like my city gets a bad rap. Sure it has it’s issues but all big cities do. Detroit has a very rich history, musical culture and an up and coming art scene. It has beautiful architecture and the food is great. Oh. And the Detroit International Marathon is my favorite race. My longest training run for my last full was 22 also so kudos to you!!
Finn is adorable ☺️
I totally agree with you about Pittsburgh!! My dad and I went a few years ago on our MLB Stadium Tour and it was amazing! The city has such a fun and vibrant culture. Also, hot take and totally biased but…my home city of Philly! They have a huge variety of boutique fitness studios, races, amazing food! Great historical tours…tons for kids…quirky museums. Definitely worth a visit!