Today I’m wrapping up a busy and epic week. I mean, any week that involves a visit to the White House has to be epic, right? Not only did I get to hear the First Lady Speak, I got to talk with Dominique Dawes!
I also got a selfie with a favorite RBF who I don’t see often enough.
After my day of White House visiting, I had to immediately start getting ready for a weekend away. With everything that I’d been up to (RNR DC expo, Capitol tour, RNR DC, soccer tournament, White House, etc.), we were completely out of clean clothes and we were leaving town on Friday! So, Wednesday became a whirlwind of laundry and trying to get in some work hours. Thankfully the day ended with a run and a beer.
Thursday was more of the same flavor of crazy: laundry, work, and packing. It’s amazing how much stuff four people need for a long weekend. Not to mention I was running a race and the weather called for 40 degree rain. I seriously packed all.the.layers.
Friday morning we hit the road pretty early, with a stop for lunch at Sidling Hill. The temps were ok, but the wind was CRAZY!
Finally we got to Charleston, WV and I picked up my packet for the UC half marathon. Then it was time to carbo load, because you know cheese fries and beer are the best night before a race fueling options. Or not. But I love that these days you can get a good craft beer just about anywhere!
Saturday morning I was up early to layer up and head to the race. I’ll share a full recap later, but I got super lucky and the rainstorm headed out just as we were starting. The end result was perfect running weather for a half marathon. While my race was not a PR, I did run faster than I had the previous weekend, finishing in 2:16:40. This was race/state number 9 of 23 in my quest for Mercury.
After the race, it was time to do a bit of sight seeing with the boys. We checked out some Hatfield and McCoy historic markers and then went to Matewan, home of the Matewan Massacre. Given Beer Geek’s love of history, no one should be surprised at these stops.
Sunday continued with a long drive that included various stops for some hiking, some amazing views, and, of course, opportunities to gather some new counties. We stayed off the Interstate for much of the drive and it was so interesting how different these parts of Virginia are from the area right near DC. There were definitely some reminders to my children of how lucky they really are.
Now I have a busy week ahead of me, trying to work and also do some fun things with the boys, since they are on Spring Break and Beer Geek needed to get back home for work.
I’m linking up with HoHo and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap.
Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for Tuesdays on the Run. This week’s topic is “Race shirt: wear it to the race or not?”
Great job on another notch in your racing belt!!!
I was a little disappointed in my trip to Florida–the only craft beer that I could find on most menus was Shock Top? Nothing local. Sigh.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Big Sur Marathon Training Week 7
I loved living vicariously through your visit to the White House. So much. And your week is my last week. Although I found it far too easy to put aside the work and seize all the spring break play
Congrats on the White House visit — that had to be amazing!!! Did you enjoy visiting West Virginia? My hubby and I are seriously considering going there for our anniversary. Just for something different, because we haven’t been yet.
Michelle Rogers recently posted…Week includes a parade and my first 5K!
it was definitely a busy week for you!! The White House was such a great event. I need to get a race in WV – can’t believe it’s so close and I’ve never been.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…April Fools Half Training Week 9
What a crazy week! I loved following all of you on Instagram during your day at the white house.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…Run for L’Arche 2016 recap
I feel like you guys do so many fun trips! I need to do more race-cations!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Green Blender Review + Discount
It’s great the rainstorm moved out right before the race. My nightmare is running in rain, and cold rain at that.
Lesley recently posted…Monday Musings 3/21
congrats on your race in tough conditions! So jealous of the white house day looked like you all had a blast
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Vegetarian Breakfast Lasagna You Will Jump Out Of Bed For
What a fun outing! I’m also totally ready for TOTR tomorrow!
Carmy recently posted…The Top 6 Trails in Scarborough
So cool you went to the White House and saw the First Lady! Must have been awesome to talk to Dominique Dawes too! Loved watching her on the Olympics! Congrats on your race!
Sherry recently posted…Recovery Week Workouts Recap After Shamrock Run Portland Half Marathon and Weekly Wrap(3/14-3/20)
The White House? WOW!!! Lucky you. 🙂
Margo recently posted…Brooklyn Fit Chick Playlist: Featuring The Killers, Dear Rouge, P!nk, TLC and More!
Busy, busy, busy! Looks like an amazing and full week, which are sometimes the best kinds!
Jenn recently posted…weekly recap: 3/13â 3/19
So much laundry, so little time! I almost would’ve taken everything to a laundromat to get it in one swoop.
Cassi recently posted…Brand New ME Upper Body Workout
You definitely had one crazy week! And what an amazing opportunity to go to the White House. Love Dominque Dawes! Congrats on another state and half marathon conquered!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…RtR Training Week 2
I really enjoyed watching all of the social media chatter around the White House event. It looked like a lot of fun! Dominique Dawes was one of my sports heroes as a little girl, and I got really into gymnastics because of her. Congrats on your race!
Your White House visit has me turning shades of green!! So cool!!
meljo @ a year in running shoes recently posted…march madness
I’m also a Half Fanatic…but need to do some work on planet hopping. I’ve been lounging on Neptune (I think?or maybe it’s Uranus?) for far too long. I’ve also been doing some longer races, so my training has taken a different direction this past year. #toomanychoices
Mercury? Wow. I’m trying to figure out how to get Mars. The easiest is 3 races in 10 days in 3 states. But, oddly I’m have trouble with the logistics of that. Good job on the half. It sounds like the family had fun sightseeing. The interstate can get old very quick. Thanks for linking with us Erika. Have fun with the boys on their Spring Break.
HoHo Runs recently posted…Hello Spring! (WW # 33)
What an awesome week and great weekend! You really did luck out with the weather. It was so cold and dreary most of the weekend.
Coco recently posted…The Workout I’m Regretting
What a great weekend yall had. I too love to see the sights around the city and countryside where I run. Congratulations to you in the race. I hear they have an interesting race called the Hatfields and McCoys there. Did you see anything on it? Thanks Erika for linking up, hope you get caught up this week, funny how the laundry grows even more after the trip!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…Bad Juju??
Such an incredible week for you! I loved seeing all of the pics from the White House and hearing all about what Michelle Obama had to say! Looking great in your skirts as usual 🙂
Sandra Laflamme recently posted…It’s Spring! Celebrate with prAna and #PRANAStyle
I’m so jealous of all of you who got to go to that White House event! What an amazing opportunity! 🙂
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…5 Yoga Tips For Beginners