Rock N' Roll Philly Half

Well, I just completed my 3rd half marathon.  Surprisingly it wasn't my worst time, considering.  My first was this past March and it was another Rock n' Roll 1/2 here in DC.  The hubs and I did pretty good training wise. It's also always helpful to have someone who runs with you.  I was really surprised with my time especially since we had some hills.  I think it was 2:19, no world record that's for sure.

In June I ran the Zooma Women's 1/2 and trained, but again not as well as I probably could have.  I ended up getting something like 2:35 or something along those lines.  There were a lot more hills than I had expected.

This last one was also a Rock n' Roll 1/2 and with summer's here being so hot and humid it made it difficult to run outside.  I have also quit the gym because I feel that it is a waste of money and if I want to take a class or go once in awhile it's cheaper to do it that way than to pay a monthly membership.  I only ran up to 7 miles while training for this 1/2 which is no where near what I wanted to get to.  My goal was to get to 10, maybe 11.  Thankfully we had BEAUTIFUL weather AND Philly is quite flat, HUGE blessing!

I didn't run with water this time just with my GU and iphone.  I did stop at every water station though.  I found that putting GU in my pocket makes it easier for me to take them because it warms them up and makes them a little easier to swallow.  They handed me an orange GU at around mile 9.  That was NOT good.  I have to stick to the chocolate and vanilla ones.  

 High School Friend, Abby, actually I've known her since 3rd grade! That's what like 22 years?!

 On your mark, get set....and major traffic jam

 Barefoot Runner

 Loving the run under bridges and along side the water.

Originally we planned on staying with my mother outside of Philly and then traveling in real early Sunday morning.  Thankfully Gary decided that staying in Philly in a hotel would be better for both of our sanities. We ended up staying at the Hilton Garden down on Arch and 11th right across the street from the convention center where packet pick up was and right next to Reading Market. There was also the added bonus of the Wawa right across the street.  It was prime location in my mind.  I also found a cheap manicure place right around the corner.  I got a $25 OPI gel manicure, usually in DC it costs $40. 

You could choose the comfort of your mattress....wish ours did that.

I didn't end up with the worst time in the world.  I got 2:26.  Next year I will definitely train harder.  I'm hoping that for the one in March next year I'll be much more ready, especially since I know the hubs will be running it with me.  

It was fun because I knew a few friends running it, all of whom are faster than I, but we didn't stick together.  My one friend from HS and I started together and ran a mile and then I told her just to go. This was also a special run because my mother was able to come with one of her best friends.  She's never seen me run and I thought it would be neat for her to experience a 1/2 marathon and all the participants.  

I felt good for the majority of my run.  I didn't hit a major wall until about mile 11. And...thankfully my feet didn't fall asleep as badly as they sometimes do.  It was really gorgeous running there along the river. 

When the Moon hits your eye

Like a big pizza pie, that's amore.

I sure enjoy pizza, I could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Not just any pizza though.  I mean the fast food chains, Dominos, Papa Johns, are ok, but NOTHING is like NY and NJ style pizza.  I don't know what it is. I think I've posted about pizza in the past.  

There aren't really any good places in DC, although the jumbo slices in Adam's Morgan taste good, but only after having a couple drinks ;-)

Anywho, here's my review of H & Pizza

A few weeks ago, another new restaurant opened up on our favorite street, H Street.  It's called H & Pizza.  It's a "fast" food pizza place the supports local farmers, the pizzas are not pre-made and everything is fresh.  

Perhaps it is because they are new, but the lines are crazy(good for them, bad for me). Hopefully things will calm down. You can create your own pizza with unlimited toppings, or you can choose one of the creations.  People sure do go overboard when you can have unlimited toppings! I saw one guy putting shrimp and chicken and arugula, cheese, bacon and whatever else he threw on the poor pizza.

You get up to the counter and choose your crust, traditional, whole wheat or whole grain.  Then you choose your sauce, classic tomato, spicy tomato, basil pesto, red chickpea, garlic puree(what I got) and mushroom truffle. Your cheese choices: housemade mozzarella, provolone blend, ricotta, asiago, goat and daiya mozzarella. There are also finishes and oils that can be applied after backing. They also have drinks, alcoholic too, salads and desserts.  

Coming out of their oven! Hot and Fresh!

There isn't a lot of seating there, but you can share tables and we met some nice guys there.

 I also LOVE that the tables have ice water on them and, with lemons. I heart water and especially love it with lemon, so that's huge points in my book.  I think they also have water on the table without lemons too.

My delicious choice- gnarlic(super garlicy), but also added mushrooms

The crust was crunchy, but not overly so. 

Gary of course got the meat lovers one

They also add freshly cracked black pepper too if you want it.  

So, will I go back?! You Bet!  

So, if you are in the area, check it out, plus there are a lot of other great restaurants around there too.

Got Stress?!?

How do you de-stress at the end of the day? 

As of late I definitely have been feeling stressed.  We are moving on September 28, not too far from where we are, but we have a lot to do before then, arrangements to make, boxes to pack....I am super excited though.  Only 17 more days and we will officially be home owners.  Feel free to send housewarming gifts:-), we also take cash!

Tonight was Back to School Night, for teachers that is one of the least favorite days of the year.  I got to school at 6:40 and just got home at 7:40 so I was at work for 13 hours. I know, some of you work more than that. I, however am not used to it at all.  

So tonight I am having a nice slice of Dairy Queen oreo cookie ice cream cake.  

I'd also really like a glass of wine, but we don't have any bottles currently. I guess I could run across the street, but I'm just too tired and I am already in my pjs. I'd post a picture, but you would all be too jealous of the look I am sporting right now.  

I think food is one of my favorite de-stressers...I also enjoy running, but after putting in a 13 hour day I'm beat.  I'm also a little worried about my half marathon on Sunday....eeeek, so not ready. If I was going to run a 10k like I am at the end of October I would be set.  Let's just hope we have beautiful weather.  The last few days have been truly "Fall" weather.  

Can't wait for this to happen!

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is only Wed, just gotta push through.  Happy Hump Day a day early!

Foodie Penpal Reveal!

Excited again, got another package.  It arrived on time, but I wasn't home so I couldn't receive it.  I've been so busy, but was able to pick it up yesterday.  

So, here's my foodie PenPal reveal.  The person who sent me a package is from the midwest, her name is Stephanie and has a blog at Athlete at Heart.  Check her out. She's had a rough last few weeks, but I hope she's doing a lot better!  Thanks again for my package Stephanie!

This is what she sent me....

I'm really excited to try the chia and it's so great that it is decaf because I fear caffeine.  I can't try it yet, because it is too hot out, but as soon as that cool crisp fall day hits I'll be heating up some water.  Stephanie also sent me these delicious chocolate almonds which are not in the picture. Why?! Well I opened the package in the car and immediately decided I had to open those ASAP.  I also decided to share with my fellow riders.  I must have left it in the car. But they are super yummy!

If you are interested in participating.....

Here are the details:

-On the 5th of every month, you will receive your penpal pairing via email. It will be your responsibility to contact your penpal and get their mailing address and any other information you might need like allergies or dietary restrictions.
-You will have until the 15th of the month to put your box of goodies in the mail. On the last day of the month, you will post about the goodies you received from your penpal! 
-The boxes are to be filled with fun foodie things, local food items or even homemade treats! The spending limit is $15. The box must also include something written. This can be anything from a note explaining what’s in the box, to a fun recipe…use your imagination!
-You are responsible for figuring out the best way to ship your items depending on their size and how fragile they are. (Don’t forget about flat rate boxes!)
-Foodie Penpals is open to blog readers as well as bloggers. If you’re a reader and you get paired with a blogger, you are to write a short guest post for your penpal to post on their blog about what you received. If two readers are paired together, neither needs to worry about writing a post for that month. 
-Foodie Penplas is open to US & Canadian residents.  Please note, Canadian Residents will be paired with other Canadians only. We’ve determined things might get too slow and backed up if we’re trying to send foods through customs across the border from US to Canada and vice versa. 

If you’re interested in participating for September, please CLICK HERE to fill out the participation form and read the terms and conditions.

You must submit your information by September 4th as pairings will be emailed on September 5th!

*If you’re from somewhere besides the US, Canada or Europe and want to participate, send me an email and I’ll see if we get enough interest this month!