So, as I mentioned in my last post, my family took some time off from the real world and spent a carefree week at the beach house on the Cape. We had a blast! My daughters enjoyed the beach and they collected every imaginable shell there was to find. My wife and I relaxed and were able to enjoy the kids together as opposed to the usual pass off as one of us is headed to work, and yes, since this is largely a running blog, I was able to get some really great runs in. Each day offered something new. I already posted about Saturday’s run to the beach, so I’ll start with Monday.
Monday - The beginning of the week was plagued with horrible weather and Monday was the worst (or best depending on your definition). The Cape was hit by a Nor’easter and this was the day that I chose for my long run of the week. We had friends coming in the early afternoon, so I went for a 9.2 mile run in the early morning, before the rest of the family woke up. The winds were sustained at 30mph and some gusts reached 45mph. It was pouring out and I got drenched. I ran an out and back course that went around Orleans Town Cove, and at one point I was so close to the water that I was getting pelted in the face by the sea spray coming off the tops of the waves. What a great run!
Wednesday - Tuesday night we stayed up late with friends and I drank more Sam Adams than I care to admit. For some reason I also did a few shots of Goldschlagger. I was at least smart enough to keep pounding the water all night too. I woke up for an early run on Wednesday and I only had a slight hangover. I went out and did an easy 5.4 miles using my Great Grandmother’s house as a turn around point. I had fun going through downtown Orleans and people watching along the way. I noticed how many runners were out that morning and decided that living on the Cape was an unfair advantage because it’s so damn pretty down there that you can’t help but want to go out and run every day.
Friday - This was my fave run of the week. Justin and Christina came for a visit towards the end of the week. Many of you know Justin as @Mangorunner. Justin is an Ironman triathlete, sub 3 hour marathoner, and the type of guy who bitches when he finishes a 5K in 18:03 and comes in first in his age division (watch for my next post about that and more). I wanted to run with Justin, but how was I going to make it both fun and challenging for both of us given the varying levels of running prowess?
This was my idea - I left the beach house 5 minutes before Justin. I carried a piece of my daughter’s sidewalk chalk with me and every time I made a turn, I marked it down on the pavement. I was the rabbit and it was his job to chase me down. Once he caught me, we would then run together. It worked like a charm. He found all of my chalk clues and we ended up doing 6.9 miles that day and finishing at the beach. What a fun run!
I love running when I travel!
Aubrey and McKenna on beach
Way to make what could have been a frustrating run for both of you into a game! Great idea, and it sounds like it was a great run!