Mud, Rain, Wine, 8 miles!

Here is a recap of my last couple of weeks.  They have been packed with lots of candidacy writing but also some fun.  

Running related
The crazy Florida weather has been causing a few problems when it comes to my running in the evening.  Thunderstorms seem to be occurring every evening when I would prefer to be running.  Week 4 ended up with that 7 mile run and two three mile runs for a total of 13 miles of running plus a glorious hour and half of hot yoga.  One of those three mile runs was the Bobcat Run through a ton of mud!  Chris, Caitlin, Ryan, and I all ran it in our Vibrams.  It was so much fun!  We were pretty disgusting after.

Who needs jelly or jam when you can half fresh berries?

Last week we ran 3 miles for four days straight for a total of 12 miles in marathon training week 5.  One run we did awesome negative splits.  Another was run in a downpour that also included thunder and lightening... not the best idea.  I honestly thought it was only going to rain.  Week 6 started today with a fabulous 8 mile run in an hour and a half.  Caitlin and I tried our first goop thing (gel?) around mile 3.5 since that was a convenient water stop.  I really think that it helped quite a bit, except during the last mile my stomach twisted into knots, and I had to slow down considerably.  That wasn't cool.  What was cool, was that Ryan planned his run so that he could help us finish ours so we were not running by ourselves in the dark.  I really appreciated that!

In really exciting running news, the super talented Melinda is writing a book about first time marathon runners, and I am going to be mentioned.  I'm so excited!  If you want some amazing tips about marathon training, I very much recommend her blog!

In other blog-related news, I have been added to the Healthy Living Blogs site.   I'm excited to find new blogs, especially from people in my area.  Local bloggers have introduced me to some amazing new places to run and eat!

Healthy Living Blogs is a new resource for the health blogging community. Created by Lindsey of Sound Eats, HLB is a site designed to enhance the positive community of the healthy living blog world. Bloggers and readers can explore the site and find more blogs to love, bloggers in their area, and forums to deepen healthy discussion and support. If you're interested in having your site listed on HLB, simply send the following information to healthylivingblogs@gmail.com and check the site out for yourself!

Fun stuff
Chris and I stayed at his parents' house last weekend.  While I did have to work on my candidacy, it was nice to be in a different setting.  Their backyard has a fantastic view of a lake, so it was nice to sit out there and work.  We also did a bit of swimming in the pool.  I mentioned that I was just finishing the book Eat, Love, Pray and had a ridiculous craving for Italian food, so Chris's dad made us Tuscan steak.  Oh My Goodness was it delicious!  I also discovered Chris's dad was mentioned as one of the top recommended doctors in Sarasota, FL.  Yay!

Chris and I in front of a tree that is like the "love tree" in St. Augustine.  An oak (I think) and a palm tree have grown together.

Chris's parents.  Aren't they cute?

Siesta Key beach

I did see the Eat, Love, Pray movie this past week with my friend Federica.  I really enjoyed the movie.  I felt the part in Bali varied the most from the book, but overall I was pleased.  Also, speaking of books.... A couple weeks ago I did received my Operation Beautiful book by Caitlin@HTP in the mail!  I had pre-ordered the book.  I LOVE IT!

Yesterday, Chris and I went with Nick, Federica, Diane, Caitlin, and Ryan to Lakeridge Winery.  Before meeting at the winery, most of us met up for lunch at 903 Mills Market, where I had my favorite wrap which is named after the restaurant.  Then we headed to the winery.  I was extremely excited, because they had grape stomping!  Every since I saw that famous I Love Lucy episode, I have always wanted to try grape stomping!  My friends and boyfriend were amazing and patient while I waited in line for an hour to stomp on some grapes.  Then we did a a wine tasting and a tour of the winery.  I had so much fun!

Yummy chocolate chip cookie from Mills

 

Actual hills in Florida!

 

Very hot and sweaty.  Waiting in line for grape stomping.

Chris playing with his iphone.

They weren't kidding.  I had to rub baking soda on my feet to get them to stop itching from the acid.

 

side the barrel.  I stomped on those!

My I Love Lucy moment!  Check that off my bucket list!

Diane and myself tasting wine

 

Of course I would find and take pictures of the chemistry glassware!

That is one big Erlenmeyer flask!

 

Gorgeous!

Bottling machine

Delicious finished product

Next weekend Chris and I are heading to St. Augustine for a romantic weekend/vacation.  We will also be visiting the sister winery to Lakeridge which is called the San Sabastian Winery, located in St. Augustine.  I am super excited!

I am going to leave you with a great quote I recently found and a silly picture.  I hope that you are doing wonderful and have a terrific week! 

‎"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it'd be easy; they just promised it'd be worth it." ~...Unknown

Ashe decided to climb in the dish washer when I was unloading it.