The First Race I Won

I'm actually glad that we gave ourselves an extra long weekend by coming home Thursday night.  Friday was spent catching up on everything so now we have the entire weekend to enjoy. 

And what a better way to get back into the groove than with a lovely 5k.  This morning, I ran in the Simpson Library 5k in my hometown.  My company was sponsoring this race, so I was able to run for free as our representative. (I told them to just sign me up for all of these 5k's.  I will gladly be the company racing mascot if this means I never have to pay for a race registration again!) 

The race went great and I actually hit a PR at 24:53 (my garmin time).  I really pushed myself but definitely felt it because the course was deceivingly more hilly than I imagined.  By the last mile (which I felt was mostly on a gradual incline) I was exhausted! 

We didn't stick around for the awards (I never do because I really don't ever imagine I qualify) but I wish we would have because my friend sent me a message to let me know that they called my name at the ceremony.  Apparently, I placed 2nd in my age group!!!  This is the very first prize I have ever won in all my races.  How awesome!! 

After the race, Toly and I went to Resslers for a winning bagel. 

I ordered my favorite bagel on this earth, Great Grain with Lite Cream Cheese.

I haven't had a bagel and cream cheese in so long and it tasted so good!  Toly and I also split a large Iced Coffee. 

We came home and showered and got moving on some Saturday errands.  Shopping on a Saturday with my husband?  Wow, I'll take it! 

One thing that I have needed for a very long time is new running sneakers.  I've had my last pair for well over 800 miles (BAD, I know) and I know that I need to break a new pair in before my next 1/2 marathon.  

We went to the running store where I spent over an hour getting fitted and talking to the specialist about what shoe would be best.  I have been eyeing the Nike Free's for awhile and they did have on pair left in my size.  When I put them on, they felt like air.  These shoes are the most lightweight and flexible shoe that Nike makes and many people equate them to the Vibram 5 finger shoes.  

I really liked the Free's but I was nervous that they were just a little too "free" on my feet.  For having bad knees, I felt more comfortable in something a bit more stable. 

I finally settled on a pair of the new Pumas.  Now, I have been a Nike fan for years, (they are all I have run in) but as soon as I put these on, I felt my feet lift off the ground.  

The guy told me that these shoes fit my feet better than anything else I tried on.  I'm not crazy about the hot pink, but when it comes to a good running shoe, the look has little to do with the appeal. 

After a few hours of shopping, we needed some energy, so we popped into Panera for a quick bite. 

I had the You Pick Two, Strawberry Poppyseed Salad and Black Bean Soup. 

We made it back home and relaxed on the couch with a few episodes of Entourage. 

Later on, we took these little guys for a stroll around the neighborhood. 

Two little Chihuahua's make one big happy family!  We are puppy sitting my parent's dog, Benny while they are on vacation.  It worked out well because they were able to watch Sammy last week and we switched off this week. 

Dinner this evening was enjoyed out back with a little pre-game action from this new find! 

I was so happy to see a 6-pack of the Micheloeb Ultra Dragon Fruit Peach flavor at the store. Not being a beer fan, I found these quite delicious! 

While I drank, Toly cooked.  Haha, what's wrong with this picture? :) 

He grilled some burgers for the two of us.  I had a TJ's Mahi Mahi Burger with Teriyaki sauce and served it on a bed of arugula and spinach with mango avocado salad. 

Along with some Grilled Squash Spears in a pesto dijon sauce. 

Beers and Burgers my way! 

To end the night, we have a movie ready to go.  I must say, readjusting from vacation has been quite peaceful so far.  Tomorrow is another relaxing day!