The weekend started with an early long run. I haven’t run 15 miles since NYCM training last summer. I did everything in my power beforehand to make it a success. Like freezing my fuel bottles the night before. At the crack of dawn I packed a cooler and headed to the trails. The last time I spent quality time here was for MCM training back in 2012. That was a hot summer and the shade was a godsend.
It was nice and cool (64!) when I started….but buggy. I’m leery of running solo on trails so early but they were alive with training groups: CARA, TNT, Lifetime Run Club, and more. All had their aid stations set up. It was fun to see so many marathoners getting it done.
The run went off without a hitch. My last mile was actually my fastest, go figure. This was a confidence builder. I think my body finally got the memo that all weekend long runs are going to be more than 10 or 12 for awhile. Until…. when I got back to the car I messed around putting my fuel bottles back in the cooler and left my fuel belt with my car keys in the back hatch. Typically with keyless entry my car stays unlocked if keys are inside. Except apparently when said keys are in back! I was locked out. Can you believe it? Thankfully I had my wallet and my phone in my hand (yay!) so I called OnStar and they unlocked my car remotely. How cool is that?
I raced home to finish prepping for Thing 2’s birthday party. Everyone in this house has a summer birthday except yours truly so we’ve been celebrating a lot lately. It was fun. And yes, she’s still wild about pigs.
Bright and early Sunday we headed to the airport. The kids were shipping out to see grandparents. I was pretty good about not crying. It’s been years since the kids were away like this. As much as I miss my kids, this means I’ve got a week on my own. To myself. Oh the possibilities.
On the way home from the airport we hit up the Fashion Outlet Mall. I was going in for the kill on something new for fall when the power went out. The whole mall. Black. Then we heard the hail. A vicious storm blew through. Thankfully our car was in a parking garage but there was serious damage outside. Scary stuff.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing and eating party leftovers. Aaaand we may have taken the dogs out for ice cream. Pretty low-key.
How was your weekend? Did you run long? What’s the last thing you splurged on?
Linking up with Erin for Weekend Snapshots.
Kelli says
Lucky for you about no hail damage. Those storms can be crazy! Sounds like a fantastic long run. I always remember running into face level spiderwebs when I hit the trails early in the morning. Usually no spiders included. As far as splurging, I’ve done too much of that. Related to bicycles. It is like an addiction to fancy shoes or handbags except a lot harder to hide from my husband, lol.
Jessie says
Too funny that your the only person in the family without a summer birthday. I’m the only person in our little family WITH summer birthday. My husband & twin girls is in January. Looks like were the outcasts… or maybe it’s better that way. At least we get a whole month to ourselves. Right? 😉
Karen says
Mid summer storms can get viscous.
Great job on the run, that’s exciting to finish strong! I haven’t run that long since December. I am wondering if my legs will ever do it again.
The cake is adorable!!
misszippy1 says
Nice work on the long run! I’m glad your body is responding so well (if not your car locks). I need to get all caught up on your trip now–I feel like we haven’t connected in years! ; )
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
Wow that storm sounds crazy! Glad everything was ok! Nice job with the 15 miler..Im a little nervous to get back up to that distance again!
HoHo Runs says
I ran 16 miles Sunday and did OK. Slow and steady. OnStar came in very handy! I love the piggy cake!
Jenn says
Aw, looks like a great week for you!
I did 11 miles on Sunday, which went pretty well, after I got out of my head a bit.
My last big splurge was the registration for the Glass Slipper Challenge. I never buy anything tangible anymore. Unless it’s running shoes.
Becki S says
Have a great weekend to yourself! And that pig cake and way too cute. Very talented =)
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
That cake is so so cute! I love it. Have a great week! Good job on the long runs
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin says
I’m like you I don’t like running our trails solo anymore, but it was great so many was out on your trails! So glad you had On-star that could have been quite an inconvenience for you! The pig cake is just too cute! I love it! I would have to say the last thing I splurged on was an entry into the Disney Marathon! Talk about setting me back!!! I know it will be worth it though! Have a great week Marcia! 🙂
Priya says
That cake was the cutest thing on this post.
Yum Yucky says
Thank God for OnStar. I’ve had to use them for the car unlock, too!
Kayla @ Blondes Have More Run says
I’m leery about running on trails alone as well! 15 miles is awesome though! Great job! And that cake is too cute!!
Glad you’re okay from the storm!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Woohoo for the long run! I can’t believe you got locked out of your car, though. Also that pig cake is so cute. I hope you had some leftovers to enjoy after that blackout scare!
Ivanna says
Looks like you had a great weekend! That was such a cute cake, very creative. My weekend consisted of back to school shopping fun fun times ?
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Oh my goodness, cutest cake ever! What a luck little girl!
Margo says
Wow–a lot of craziness going on for you the last few days!
Cynthia says
There is a huge difference in numbers in trails here too. They are busy on weekend mornings but can be quite deserted mid-day during the week. I don’t feel nervous the way I use to; I’m too busy trying to figure out how to not get lost!
Oh, as much as I love my boys, I would love a week without kids; I could get so much done! Hopefully, you can get those purchases made on the way back to the airport next week.
Love the cake!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete says
OH BLESS. See, if I lock my keys in my Jeep, I’m just stuck. Hehe!:) I’m so happy you had a great 15-miler! Most (probably 99%) of my long runs last summer gearing up for the Chicago Marathon included a fastest mile at the end, too. I could never tell if it was just me ready for it to be over with, or if I was just excited. Probably both.
Looks like a fun (and delicious) weekend!
Heather says
The bugs have been awful. Glad the 15 went well though!
The hail was something else entirely. Crazy storm. We didn’t have hail but we had a wicked beautiful lightning storm out my way.
kilax says
I am surprised your car locked you out! Mine has prevented me from doing it a few times, ha ha.
And I am happy your car was okay during the storm, that was the first thing I thought about after hoping Data and my friends were okay (I was at a movie when the power went out because of the storms and my car was parked outside in the open lot).
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Good think you were inside when that storm hit! My “long” run this weekend was pretty short at 6 miles, but you have to start somewhere I guess!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
This weekend was perfection for long runs, and what a crazy storm for you guys! We just saw some of it, but didn’t really get too much insanity.
I want a piggy cake.
Annmarie says
Yay for a successful long run and for birthday celebrations! That is one seriously awesome cake! 🙂
Rachel says
That cake looks amazing! And good thing you weren’t in danger with that storm. Yikes!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
Summer storms are no joke. Thank goodness you didn’t have any damage to your car!
Sharon says
Great job on your long run!! Thank goodness for onstar! So cool that they can unlock the car remotely! Cute cake and so glad all is ok with the storm that went through!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
Matthew played indoor football at that dome there–the one that collapsed! We had been there during storms, so I couldn’t help but think about how awful that could have been if anyone was inside!
Looking forward to our lunch!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude says
Great job on your 15-miler! Lots of birthday celebrations going on around here too – love the piggy cake 🙂
Char says
I’m with Thing 2 – pigs rule! When I was a vet student I discovered that they were possibly the most entertaining animals on earth. I’d have a pet one if my mean husband hadn’t put his foot down. All I’m allowed is a figurine collection.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Ohhhh, so many possibiities with the kids gone! Whatever will you do? 😉
jill conyers says
It sounds like you’re right. Your body got the memo. I love the feeling when you finish strong! A confidence boost for sure.
Mary Beth Jackson says
great job on the long run and woo hoo to on-star!!! We have a lot of crazy storms like that here- it is quiet one minute and the next you think you may end up in Oz with the way the wind and rain blow! Enjoy that week! The mall outing was trying to tell you that on-line shopping is the way to go! LOL!
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
I wasn’t running that many miles or on our local trail but I did hang out with family. My kids recently returns from my mom’s after 3 weeks so I know how it feels and I enjoy when they are out and gone. LOL
Abby @BackatSquare0 says
Thank heavens your run went great and that they were unable to unlock your car remotely.
rachel says
Yay for a super fun weekend! I didn’t do anything special or even run long… but it was a nice family filled weekend. 🙂
Coach Henness says
Great job on your long run! I guess that purse wasn’t meant to be?
MCM Mama Runs says
It’s been a few years since my kids went away and I stayed home. I need a week like that again to do some serious purging of junk from the playroom…
Sounds like your marathon training is going well.
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
Great job on the long run! I am going to be shooting for 14-15 miles this week and am really nervous about it – it will be my longest run yet =O
eliz frank says
Glad to hear that hail didn’t do more damage… It looks like your weekend was a good one with a happy end to it… Now, may we get some birthday cake? Yum!