Once a month, for a couple of days, I become a real witch. (Beer Geek would probably say that word should start with a B.) Today was one of those days. EVERYTHING annoyed me. Shoo also happened to be in rare form ( I never realized 4 year olds got PMS). For once, Jones was smart and gave me some space.
I went out for a much needed four mile run in the “snow”. It didn’t snow much, but it was REALLY icy wherever cars had driven over it. That’s actually one of the negatives to VA snow. It’s usually only just below freezing, so things melt and refreeze quickly and you end up with a lot of ice. Anyways, I put on my lovely homemade “compression socks” and the brand new soft shell that I bought at Costco (only $26 and it fits great and got the job done) and had a wonderful, cold, windy run (and only had a few times where I thought a$$ might meet asphalt). But even that only took the edge off.
When Beer Geek got home, he gave me some space (or avoided me like the plague, it’s all about interpretation). After some quiet time by myself, I was almost someone you could stand for a few minutes.
We headed to our favorite restaurant, Rock Bottom Brewery. It’s a small chain, but they allow each brewer some leeway to create their own recipe. I don’t know the current brewer, but we’ve been friends with some of the past brewers. (The current brewer won an award at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival for his “Dude, where’s my Vespa” coffee flavored beer.) Tonight, the dark specialty beer was a porter and it was quite lovely. It was slightly sweet, with a creamy head. It was poured using a nitrogen tap (think Guiness), which made it extra smooth. Yum! Then I had their seasonal, which was a Belgian style triple. I prefer doubles, but the triple was really good. I’m not sure of the alcohol content, but I’m guessing it was fairly high based on two things: 1) they served it in a smaller glass than the usual “mug club” glass and 2)I’m having a really hard time typing this. If you have one near you, go check it out! You might be surprised at how good the food and beer are.
On the marathon front, I’m fluctuating between the Bob Potts marathon and not running a marathon at all. I’m not so much worried about the running aspect, but the logistics are a PITA. Pittsburgh and NJ would involve bored kids and no shower before a 3-4 hour drive. Not high on my list of things I want in my life. Beer Geek thinks that Bob Potts is workable, so, assuming I get my head on straight in the next few days, I’ll probably, maybe sign up for that one. I’m nothing if not decisive these days.
I know exactly the type of day you are experiencing although my family is not smart enough to leave me a lone. Nice work getting out there for the run!I love Rock Bottom too.
Wow- I just found out there's a Rock Bottom Brewery near where I live! I'll have to try it out. Sorry you had an icky day. Don't let marathon planning stress you out. It should be fun. I'm sure what works best will come to fruition in the end. 🙂
I hate those days… so does my family. :pI'm glad you got to get out and take your mood out on the icy road.And very smart of Beer Geek to take you out for beer!
Sounds yummy!
Mmmmm, Porter…The only thing better than a good porter is a good porter with a chocolate brownie.
LOL – I had a day exactly like that in summer, so I made my friend come and run with me in the city along the river, and then we went for snacks and beer. I had a Guiness and it has NEVER tasted as good as it did that night 🙂
Between running and alcohol, there has to be a cure!I'm running Madison memorial day weekend . . . I loved the half so much last August, decided to try the full.
You are giving me beer cravings…that coffee beer sounds delish! Good luck choosing your marathon, it sounds like ya'll have a busy year this year but I bet you can figure something out.
I know what you mean! I have had a couple of rough weeks and went out to dinner on Thursday with some friends. I "accidentally" had three Margaritas. Man, they were good.
I found a local brewery online the other day that I had yet to hear of, and you were the first person I thought of, and now I really want a Guinness….I'm planning to send in my registration tomorrow – that way I'm fully committed to training. I do the mail in thing because I hate paying active.com fees, and the Bob Potts form is hilarious (too many fonts on one sheet).
MMMMM….I love Belgian trippel beers. We've got a good selection of them at our favorite local liquor store that is like a candy shop for grown-ups. I'm intrigued by the coffee beer even though it seems like something I wouldn't be drawn to at first!
You are making my mouth water with your description of beer. I miss it SO much!!!
We all have those days once in awhile. Glad yours ended one a good note!
That's a good motto in life.
Drink a few beers and then decide.. LOL!!