Middle Half Marathon Weekend

Last Saturday morning we were up super early to run the Murfreesboro Middle Half Marathon.  I had run this race solo last year and talked the Mister into running it with me this year. 

Our training this time around had gone very well and we were both mostly injury free (for once).  For some reason, the cooler weather we'd been having disappeared for the day and left us in the sixties and seventies with 90%+ humidity.  I was bummed about this but it ended up not feeling too bad. 

race start

The flat course ran the same route as last year (this time without the whole getting lost thing).  The first half winds through fun streets and historic landmarks and includes a few out and backs where I was able to see Mike and cheer him on. 

starting the race

The last four miles or so run along a 4 lane highway and have virtually no spectator support.  I definitely felt a little lonely during these miles and struggled not to let it wear me down.  I knew if I hit the 10 mile mark before 1:30 and didn't completely fall apart from there, I'd be able to beat my previous time.  Luckily, this worked out and I crossed the finish line at my new fastest time of 1:57:14 (8:57 pace- right under my 9 min/mile goal). 

my face shows the pain I was feeling at this point- haha

I quickly found Mike and was so excited to hear about his speedy race.  He finished in 1:46:15 (8:07 pace). 

It was a successful race for both of us and left us excited for our upcoming races and our next half in December! 

finishers

race memorabilia

Our afternoon was spent relaxing at home and playing with a certain someone who was sad she didn't get to run the race despite doing all of the training runs ;)

she's mastered the art of throwing the ball into the door till we come play

In the evening, we made our way to Vandy to watch the Gators play! 

gators taking over vanderbilt campus

The game was a better matchup than we anticipated which kept things exciting.  It was so fun to get to watch them live and even more fun to see most of the stadium decked out in orange and blue. 

lots of orange and blue

go gators!

Our long day was finished up with a work party for M's company downtown at Margaritaville.  Trace Adkins was sitting at the table next to us and we were pretty excited about it (but not brave enough to stalk him for a photo).  Great end to a great day!

*race photos borrowed from here

Home for Labor Day

We were fortunate enough to make it to Florida to get to spend the first Gator game in the Swamp.  Last year we failed to make it home for a single game and I refused to let that happen again. 

ellie was SO excited.

with my Mom!

It was great to spend some time with my Mom, get some Gainesville eats, and enjoy the excitement of game day.

we tailgated by lake alice and saw tons of gators!

at the tailgate spot

obligatory self portrait

life size jenga? need this!

gator buggy.  need this too ;)

albert and alberta

here come the gators!

some of the crew

love.

second half

check out the dance moves.

celebrating the win

The original reason for our trip was to attend a pig roast hosted by Mike's bro's family.  We drove (farther) south on Sunday for the event.  It was great to see everyone and, of course, to get our hands on this little guy.  He has changed SO much since last time and keeps getting cuter!  We failed to take too many pictures, mostly because we were busy hogging Ryan snuggles. 

grandmom with Ryan

the pig!  any ideas what M is doing back there?

i think they usually seem happier when playing cornhole

Ryan and his Uncle Mike

Despite the intense amount of driving the weekend held, we had a such a great time and only wish we could have spent more time with everyone!

The most wonderful time of the year

I think the excitement that goes along with the start of football season ranks up there with that of the greatest holiday seasons.  This past week or so I have frequently found myself daydreaming about game days and all that goes along with them. 

Many of my greatest days and favorite memories center around game days in the Swamp.  Not many things can top a full day of orange and blue wearing, bags tossing, hot dog grilling, solo cup drinking tailgating spent with the best of friends. 

I can never forget the Saturday's we've spent screaming until our voices were gone in the student section while attending UF (and a few times since).  I absolutely love the craziness of the fans- refusing to sit for just one down and all breaking out in a simultaneous "GATOR BAIT" after some random guy makes the opening noise. 

I love the deafening noise when the other team has the ball on 4th and 1 and the feeling that your yell makes all the difference. 

we look SO young

I love the "aaahh-ooo" we shout for kickoffs, the many variations of the chomp (baby gator, anyone?), and the battle of orange versus blue.  

I love the singing of "we are the boys" when you wrap your arms around the people next to you regardless of the fact that the 100 degree temperatures and 100% humidity have left you completely soaked and disgusting. 

I love that as everyone funnels out of the stadium after the game, we are all still cheering "It's great... to be... a Florida Gator!"

I love being a Gator.