I am having a deep and introspective day. Dunno why, really. I just feel really quiet. I am normally super talkative and go-go-go, so this is kind of strange for me.
I had plenty (PLENTY) of time to think about anything and everything during my long run. It’s been a lackluster training week thanks to Germ Fest 2012, but I figure that a week isn’t a total bust if I can manage to make my long run. With just a few weeks to go until my half marathon, I decided it was high time that I ran double digits.
When my alarm (aka Henry) went off this morning, I was so pumped to see a text message from BFF Nicole – I had texted her late last night, asking if she would join me on my run, and she said yes. She was down for 4.0 miles. I drove over to her neck of the woods around 9:30 AM, and we set off.
Thanks to my running buddy, the first 4.0 flew by. When we were done, I dropped her off at her house, and we ended up chatting in her kitchen for half an hour (oops). I refueled with trail mix.
Aaaand then I remembered that M&Ms contain dairy, which I avoid because Henry reacts to it. Dammit. Dairy is lurking in everything delicious.
After our chat, I set back out to do my remaining 6.0 miles. Obviously, it’s not ideal to break up my long run like this, but honestly… I don’t know if I would’ve had the gusto to complete the entire run by myself or without a break. I’ll take it.
I ended up following my favorite old running route in the nicest, fanciest neighborhood in all of Charlotte (we rented a duplex nearby until last March). My favorite thing to do in this neighborhood is play ‘Buy That House’ because there are so many fabulous homes.
Would you rather buy this house?…
Or this house?
They both probably clock in around $1.75 million. I’d take Numero Uno because I prefer Southern-style classics.
The other thing that really got me through this run was the promise of a vanilla latte from Starbucks and stuffed grape leaves from my favorite deli. I was so pumped to see my Garmin hit 10.0 so I could go get my goodies. Yum.
So. Yes. I totally bribed myself to complete a long run through friend time, house hunting, and treats. Whatever works, right?
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
It was a quiet day (and evening) around here too. I think the whole holiday season is different after Newtown. So sad.
Congrats in the 10 miles! I don’t think breaking it up is a big deal – your legs are still accumulating the miles.
Dolmas are one of my favorite things ever. so delicious! I had them twice last week
Mmm… I like #2. I think it’s the front porch that speaks to me
Good job on your 10 miles!
I love the second house! Bay windows are the best. Hoping to get over my cold for my 5 mile run scheduled tomorrow.
I know it’s sort of scary to test out…so I’m not necessarily suggesting you do – but, by 6 months old, my son outgrew his reaction thing to the dairy in my diet. (I found out by accident [ie, my mom made us a huge casserole I ate off of all week...and THEN learned it had dairy in it], but the babe was fine, thankfully. My doctor later told me they can outgrow something like that almost overnight.)
House 2! It’s so invitng.
I love #2…but would take either
There is a neighborhood close to our house that we drive through on our way to work everyday that had monster houses…we play the same game.
Definitely house number one – that is beautiful! I’m all about the old historic homes. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. It’s been about 10 months since I last ran a half, and even six miles seems sooo long to me. If I tried to run 10 without stopping I would definitely not be walking the next day. Even with a break that’s impressive!
There’s an orchard less than ten minutes from the trail where I do my long runs and I totally got myself through the last few long runs of my recent half marathon (#2) training with the promise of a HOT apple cider donut from the orchard after each one.
Ten miles? Day-um! Good for you. I’d be exhausted.
Just wondering if you think Henry had any reaction to the dairy you had. I know some babies grow out of it. I’m a step-mama to two boys who grew out of their lactose intolerance, so I am just nosy. Sorry!
So far no! But he’s so much bigger and it was a small amount.
Tough call on the house… they are both gorgeous. i think id go with #1 in SC but if I was looking in different area of the country I would go for #2 possibly.
great job on the 10miles!!
Sometimes bribes are the way to go. And M&Ms as fuel. Hopefully it didn’t upset Henry too much.
Whatever works for sure! I love running through streets with gorgeous homes that I can’t afford. It is a dangerous pastime. Congrats on the 10 miles! Glad you are feeling better!
I love looking at fancy house too! Do you ever watch “The Bachelorette?” I know that Emily Maynard lives in Charlotte. I wonder if she lives in the neighborhood you ran through!
Both houses look amazing. All other things being equal, I’d probably go with the less expensive one because I’m frugal like that.
Exactly…whatever works! I would definitely have to go with house #2!
I ran 11 miles today, and thinking about the chili I was going to eat afterwards kept me motivated. Sometimes you need the carrot, you know?*
I would definitely have to pick the first house… that is one of my dream homes
but house 2 is nice too.
Number 2 – looks more British, like me
I totally used to bribe myself on long runs… now 6 weeks postpartum (after a delivery that left me in ICU) I am only doing 2 miles – bit cheeky to bribe myself with refueling. So, I ‘bribe’ myself by thinking that the quicker I am done, the quicker I get bathtime with my son
I prefer house #1, too!
I would take either house!
I just started reading Healthy Tipping Point and wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying it. You could say I’m searching for my own healthy tipping point. 
Thank you!!
Any workout is better than no workout at all! You beat everyone on the couch
Not a bad thing to bribe yourself at all! And I’m with you on house #1–it just looks impressive. If I spend (which I’m sure I never will) 1.75 mil on a house it had better be a wowsa!
I like the second one, more homelike, and im sure less to clean
I love trail mix!
Both houses are so pretty – although I don’t think I could afford the taxes on either LOL.
Congrats on the long run; I totally understand. I am only keeping up with my long runs for an upcoming disney race (marathon eek!). I totally get motivated through the yummy food I can enjoy post-run too
I love the Elizabeth & Myers Park areas! I’ve never run through there but I’ve loved playing “which house is mine” there since I was a child. I definitely need to get one of these Charlotte 5Ks in the area under my belt one of the times I come home.
I think I’d pick the 1st house for the same reason you did, but I think I could probably manage to be happy w/ #2, too.