Last Long Run ... I'm Ready!

Yesterday was my last long(ish) run before my 26.2 mile journey at Lakefront Marathon next Sunday. I had ten miles my schedule. I headed out the door in pink shorts, hot pink CEP Socks (HERE), a long sleeve top from iRUNLIKEAGIRL (HERE) and pink winter gloves ... and NO BONDI BAND (gasp!)! I opted for a hot pink winter hat to keep me warm. I was definitely advertising that I was a running chick yesterday!! It was chilly and sunny when I headed out at 9 am for ten miles.

I looped around in my neighborhood and on some pedestrian paths. I returned home to my mailbox and had finished ten miles.


I mentioned earlier. I have been marathon training all year long. Happy to have this last long run behind me. I finished a marathon over Memorial Day weekend. And then started a whole other training cycle again in June. I'm really to run for fun again and have some fun races on my schedule this fall.

I am soooo ready for this marathon. I am so excited to see what I can do in ideal weather this time and on a flat course.

I have been having some problems with my feet. I think it stems from the high heels and pointy shoes I wear to work. It's causing major problems (bunions) and aches and pains in the top of my feet. I am going to be taking great care of my feet over the next week. And, hopefully that will convince me to take care of them forever.

I also have been having some strang groin pain. This started after my last 20 miler. I am not sure if I strained something as I pushed through those last couple of miles, making my legs move under me. Sometimes this excrusiating pain will strike for no reason. It was terrible when Little Dude and I were out on a walk last week. I even had to find a bench to sit on for a bit. I hope that this doesn't decide to show up next Sunday.

I used my Yurbuds again yesterday. It was chilly and a little windy. They held up perfectly for my ten miler. Never moved, sounded great, never fell out. Nothing. I found myself adjusting my pace and my stride with each song. I'm enjoying running with music again, when I want to. and, I thank Yurbuds for that opportunity.

Don't forget to check out my recent review of Yurbuds and enter my giveaway for a pair of Yurbuds (HERE)!!

In other news this weekend .....

Little Dude and I opened Target at 8 am on Friday morning. We picked up we needed and I remembered I had a coupon for a $3 latte. Sweet. I ordered my ___ (insert complicated drink name here) and waited. I asked what I owed and she said, "Oh, I accidentally ringed your coupon up as a free drink. Consider it a Friday treat." Sweet. Free Starbuck's!

Little Dude was so into my whipped cream, that they gave him a Starbuck's cuncoction of his own!!

Saturday, I headed through a different Starbuck's drive-thru with the kiddos and tried to use a gift card I had. I ordered a Pumpkin Spice Latte and tried to use my gift card. Puzzled, she said, "Our gift card system isn't working this afternoon. Consider it a treat.". I couldn't believe it. BTW ... free Starbuck's tastes even better than regular Starbuck's!

I was at the mall with Little Dude and Little Diva on Saturday. Little Diva had been talking about getting her ears pierced for her birthday this winner, or maybe earlier. We walked past Claire's and she asked if she could get them done. I said sure, assuming she'd be hesitant and backout. After Grandma said that she'd treat for the special occassion, we both were excited about doing it!

Little Diva picked out her earrings and the second piercer came over so that they could do them at the same time. It takes three nurses and myself to hold Little Diva down during shots at the doctor's office. So, I was fearing the worse. She cried a little but sat very still, as I sat in front of her and talked to her straight into her eyes. I held her hands. And, they pierced both ears. She took a huge breath and said it wasn't so bad.

Tears wiped away and a very, very proud Little Diva.

On Sunday, the four of us took a two hour trek to Gays Mills, Wisconsin (HERE). We had this visit on our calendar for a month or so. And, it happened to fall on the weekend of their Apple Festival (HERE). Gays Mills is the Apple Capital of Wisconsin. It's a nice scenic drive with hills and valleys and the fall colors are pretty amazing right now.

It was crazy busy when we arrived and there were cars and people everywhere. We headed up the hill to to orchards and purchased all sorts of amazing apple and pumpkin items: honeycrips apples, McIntosh apples, apple butter, apple pizza, apple pie, turtle candies, and mini pumpkins.

It was fun picking up something at most of the orchards and bakeries. There were petting zoos, little play areas, free samples, bakeries, antique shops and we even did part of a free corn maze.

We headed downtown and looked at the craft show and put the kids on a few rides at the carnival. The carnival was small, but was a nice way to make the kids happy at the end of the day.

I think it was worth the two hour drive. And, the kids had fun. We'll definitely be back in the future.

Do you and your family have a

favorite, kid-friendly

fall destination?