Back in the Saddle

Happy Monday friends! 

I don’t know about you guys, but this week feels like a fresh start.  I had a fantastic weekend relaxing with all of my girls… both from work, and from SJU.  On Friday, my best girls from work and I went to dinner at California Pizza Kitchen, and then we saw VALENTINE’S DAY!  I checked out the menu before hand, and decided to go with asparagus soup and half of a grilled vegetable salad for dinner.  Not only was it one of the healthier options, but I was craving vegetables!  It was so delicious… just like the cast of Valentine’s Day!  I don’t know what it is lately, but I have been boy crazy!  First my crush on King Henrik (so dreamy), then all of these gorgeous actors!  Robert’s been making fun of me like crazy because I never ever have celebrity crushes!  And the movie was so cute.  Very predictable, but quite charming.  It was just what I needed after a stressful week at work.

Saturday was almost (almost!) my perfect day.  I had to go to work in the morning, but left and went to watch a surprisingly competitive SJU game vs Temple.  Some of you might not know how fierce the inter-city rivalries are in Philadelphia, but SJU v Temple is always a scrappy game.  We held it close – even pushed it into overtime, but it just didn’t cut the mustard.  Anyway, there was no time to be sad over the loss – I had a bridesmaid’s dress fitting to attend!  My friend Georgia picked me up right after the game, and fitting with the theme of the day – I asked her to be my bridesmaid!  My bridal party is starting to come together – one girl left to ask

The dress we tried on for Kirsten was beautiful!  It was a shimmery blueish gray, with a sweetheart neckline and a big bow in the back.  It looked so good on everyone!  After the fitting, we headed up the street to StoneRose, a new restaurant in Conshohocken.  I had almost the same dinner as the night before – this time with potato soup and duck salad.  Paired perfectly with two glasses of wine

The girls and I had so much fun catching up on all things wedding related (3 of us are getting married in the next year or so!) and baby related (Georgia’s going to be an aunt!)  and house related (Mariola just bought a house!).  We had so much fun!

Anyway, back to business!  As you might have noticed, I have not gone for a run for almost two weeks now!  Yesterday, we had beyond gorgeous weather here in Philly.  I got home from running errands, and immediately set out for my first run outside in… months!  It felt so nice to have some fresh air in my lungs… until the cold started burning whenever I took a breath!  I had to take some walk breaks, but I still made pretty good time (for me), so I am happy!

Being able to run outside made me feel a lot better about the Broad Street Run – so much better in fact, that I took the plunge… and plunked down $75 to join a training group.  Mildly freaking out over here!  This is the biggest commitment I’ve taken towards a race, and I really don’t know what to expect.  So far I think that it’s sorta like Team in Training… without the fundraising part (a portion of our registration fee goes to charity, but I don’t have to raise any additional $), and the training plan is specifically tailored for the Broad Street Run.  I think there are a lot of other runners who are just starting out, so I think it will be good for me to meet people and hopefully force me to get out there and actually run!  I’m so excited, and even a little proud of myself for finally making the commitment!   It’s time to get back in the saddle!  I’ve already started off the week with healthy meals, and a little yoga this morning… so I feel like I’ve got this now.  I’m excited to challenge myself and bring my running and health to the next level!

Have any of you ever run with a training group?  What was your experience?