Pie-Luck & new running adventures

This weekend was fantastic but not filled with sleep. It started out Friday night with walking my brother's dog who was quite rambunctious. After that, I went to book club where only 3 of the 10 people there had actually attempted to read the book. (I was not one of them and I honestly still don't know what book we were supposed to read). Regardless, it was a good chance to get together with friends and I found a game I really enjoy playing (I usually really dislike games).

Saturday I woke up early and met up with Sherry and a new person (to me) Amanda at Prince William Forest Park. That place is truly a gem. It's about 30 miles south of DC (and about 25 minutes from my house) and is easy to get to for a day hike (which I would definitely like to do). This is where Team Z does it's time trials because it has a BEAUTIFUL 7 mile loop that is low-traffic & has a good mix of hills and flats. The three of us did the loop 3 times, 2 times the normal way we've done it before and once backwards. We learned that the glorious downhill the normal way is a GIGANTIC hill going the opposite direction. It turns out Amanda and I have a lot in common. In order to determine if we were true kindred spirits, she asked the two questions triathletes would truly appreciate: 1) How do you feel about peanut butter? (Obsessed.) 2) How do you feel about Dairy Queen? (Who doesn't love a blizzard?) From that moment our friendship was sealed. It was nice to do the loop without trying to push as hard as we could go because it was even more enjoyable. I think I will keep that ride in my pocket for recovery rides this summer.

After lunch with the family and some time at the animal shelter, I was ready for the main event of the evening. In celebration of a nerd's favorite holiday (Pi Day, 3/14), my friend Christy hosted a Pie-Luck at her apartment. When I woke up Sunday, I swear I had a pie-hangover. There was quiche, pizza pie, pecan pie, strawberry rhubarb pie, lemonade pie, carrot cake whoopie pies, lemon-tart, sugar cookie shaped like a pie, and an apple sour cream pie. My contribution was this amazing chocolate-hazelnut-banana pie. It was SUPERB & contains nutella. With that combination there is no way I could go wrong. Kraft has some pretty awesome recipes. BTW, when I tried to explain to my coworkers that I usually find out about Pi Day and National Pie Day (two separate days) from Runner's World, they were confused about the connection. Don't most runner's run to eat pie (or cake, or cookies, or pizza)?!

Unfortunately, I had to leave the party early (and full to the brim) because I had signed up for EX2 Backyard Burn 5 mile trail run. This was before I knew it was daylight saving time. I have always wanted to do one of these but the timing is usually around marathon training & I haven't wanted to risk injury. I have heard great things about trail running and while Burke Lake is an intro, it is more family-friendly than true trail. This race was at Wakefield & is one of a series of 4. Luckily for me, this was the less technical/hilly race of the series. The run when great and I really enjoyed it! There was a lot of single-track trail so I hung with some other runners through most of the race and managed to finish the 5.6 mile (gasp at the deception!) run in 56:54 which is a pretty awesome time for me, considering that you usually are slower on the trails. I tried to keep in Zone 2 but it did not always happen (such as when I felt sick from the pie & realized my heart rate was about 5 beats from hurl). At least my average heart rate was in zone. EX2 throws some pretty awesome events and is staffed by great people so I am looking forward to doing more with them. Until then, this will be a good run to throw into my recovery run mix.

Tonight I am heading to class 2 of 4 of a foundation swim clinic I signed up for. I am truly hoping that I will learn to dislike swimming less if I improve my form. The first class wasn't too bad & I think it will really help. I also bought an underwater music player to help with the boredom. Despite my dislike for doing things Sunday night, I think it will be worth it.

Overall, this was a truly relaxed/fun training and social weekend. I am exhausted but it was worth it. I am doing the Rock n' Roll half marathon next weekend so this week will give me some ability to sleep in due to less working out (taper!). I am excited for the race because I have been running fast lately & I am hoping to push-it and see if I can get a PR (personal record) on Saturday. The race report will come next week.

One last note: I might have the opportunity to spend up to a month in London this spring for work. What is the first thing I did when I found out? I googled bike rentals & triathlon teams to see how I could fit in my training. Bike ride in Bathe anyone?