Back to Charlotte + 8 Miler

Look who’s happy that I’m home.

I drove back to Charlotte this evening. I got in around 7 and Sullie hasn’t left my side since. I was only gone for two nights!

It was really hard to leave my grandmother after such a great visit. She said she felt like a movie star after reading all of your sweet comments on last night’s post. Brandon and I have officially titled her “Peanut Butter Mema.” 😉

I was up around 7:15 this morning and after a cup of coffee I was ready to hit the road for a long run.

I got eight miles done at a 9:04 pace. I’m working to slow down my long run pace a bit. Today’s run felt great – the heat was the only real challenge but with my fuel belt and early morning cooler temps, it wasn’t so bad. It was fun to do a long run in a different setting.

Overall, I’m pleased with how well my body has adjusted to increasing mileage. My legs were a little tired after today’s run but nothing unbearable.

I immediately refueled with a bowl full of Greek yogurt, Honey Bunches of Oats and fresh fruit. Did you know that the first 30 minutes after a hard workout are the best time to refuel for optimum recovery? I know it can be hard to make yourself eat so soon after but it’s worth it for the recovery benefits!

After I got showered I got busy in the kitchen making a batch of biscotti for Mema. It’s one of her favorites and I wanted to leave her with a treat. I baked my favorite Orange Cranberry White Chocolate Biscotti. Yum!

Lunch was a salad and hummus.

I spent a couple more hours chatting with my grandmother and taking pictures of our family dog before getting on the road to Charlotte.

(This picture is for you, Mom! :P)

The four-hour drive was easy and I listened to Jennifer Weiner’s Best Friends Forever audiobook. I enjoy listening to audiobooks on solo road trips. They really help pass the time!

I had my third Soy Awake Tea Latte in as many days halfway through the trip. My wallet says no more Starbucks trips for a while!

Brandon and I decided to stay in and cook dinner tonight. I didn’t really feel like going anywhere. I just wanted to hang out with Brandon and Sullie and have a low-key night.

I had grilled tuna with herbed aioli and Brandon had a steak. Sauteed squash, zucchini and onions and roasted potatoes on the side.

And now I need to make my playlist and write my sequence for my hot yoga class in the morning. Hope it’s been a good weekend. Again, thank you a million times for your sweet comments about my visit with my grandmother. It meant so much to me and her. You are THE BEST readers!!!

What is your favorite way to pass the time on road trips?