Confessions of an Ex Non-Runner: Finally Fall!!

Ahhh...... Fall is in the air and I am a happy happy girl! I used to think that Spring was my favorite season, but over the years Fall has become my numero uno. Let's just say that I would date Spring, but I would straight up marry the Fall.

Wait, that's a weird analogy.

Whatever.

What do I love so much about Fall?

Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks, jeans, scarves, hoodies, crisp air, FOOTBALL, crunchy leaves, Honeycrisp apples, boots, chili, low humidity (which equates to good hair days), and THE MOST PERFECT RUNNING WEATHER.

My Beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte

The running as of late has been glorious. After a hot, humid Summer of running in the thick steamy air and sweating upon walking outdoors, the cool, crisp air of Autumn is refreshing. I feel like I can truly breathe and enjoy my runs now rather than just survive it.

This past weekend I went on a weekend retreat to the Brainerd area (to those unfamiliar, it is a gorgeous tree and lake filled wonderland in MN). I have attended this retreat for the past 10 years and love catching up with old friends and making new friends. I love being in nature (but having comfortable modern cabins in which to sleep). Most importantly, I was beyond thrilled that I was going to be able to run there this year! Last year I was trying to shake off injury and could only manage 2 miles. This year I had a 12 mile to do and I couldn't wait!

I felt at such peace during that run. I loved to take in the scenery, stop every so often and snap a picture, and just breathe in the cool Fall air. My friends Laura and Olivia joined me for the first few miles of my run and then I finished the last 9 solo. I missed my training partner Stacie, but through the joys of iPhone, we snapped the occasional photo and shared them with one another while we were doing our runs in different cities.

Sorry I have been neglectful of the blog over the past handful of weeks. I find it's much harder to keep up the blog now that I am back at work full time and the miles are getting longer and longer. The updates may be sparse, but I'll do my best to keep you all updated on the rest of training!

One month till the big day! This week is going to be my highest mileage week of the whole training and then the taper begins.... ALREADY??

Upcoming: 5 Tuesday, 10 Wednesday, 5 Thursday, and 20 FREAKING MILES on Saturday! Lord help me!

Oh and I still need to write a race report for the Women Rock MN 1/2 marathon I ran over Labor Day weekend. No promises, but that should happen... soon? Hopefully this week?

Happy running my friends!!