Hold Tight and Pretend It's a Plan: September 2016

Weekend 1: Glennon

Two weekends ago, I (Kelsey) got to see one of my heroes and role models speak about one of her newest books. Glennon Doyle Melton is the author of Carry On, Warrior and Love Warrior (currently NYT bestseller and Oprah's book club pick). She writes the truth about her life as a mom, partner, and woman in recovery from alcoholism and an eating disorder. She's also become an activist for women and children worldwide and for those with mental health issues. I was so grateful to have the opportunity to hear her speak free of charge and nearby.

Glennon!

I also ran into the Director of the nonprofit I volunteer with and we both got a picture with Glennon.

Weekend 2: Reston Perfect 10-miler

This past weekend, we also ran a 10-miler race with Kelly and Alex! Mike and I warmed up with 3 miles because we technically need to be running long distances. We all did really well and loved the cooler weather! I averaged just under 9 min miles and Mike averaged around 8 min miles, I believe.

Before the start of the race!

After with our medals! Then we headed to Ted's Bulletin for a solid recovery brunch.

Tomorrow, Mike and I are headed to Williamsburg to hang out with my family at Busch Gardens and I'm hoping the weather cooperates!

I always forget how hard September is. Summer seems like a drowsy buildup of projects and getting "ready" for the students to arrive. Then, when they get there, you just have to hope your preparation was good enough to get you through the challenge of the next month and a half.

I suppose that's how the marathon will be. You just hope that by doing the painfully long runs you will be able to finish the race. Not even running for time. I just want to finish. And that's how I feel about September.

Looking back, it's starting to feel silly that I put all of this on my plate: marathon training, start of another school year, starting a new personal training gig, and some additional professional development gigs during such a busy season. But then I realize that sense of anxiousness is all fear. I'm afraid I won't finish. I'm afraid I won't be able everything perfectly. I'm afraid I'll drop the ball.

And I remember that I don't have to do everything perfectly. I show up. I put in the work. I ask for breaks and rest. I ask for HELP. I lean in to the uncertainty and vulnerability. I care. I try. Even when I'm not sure what the outcome will be or IF I will be able to finish the race. Half of the battle is fully showing up for the challenge, and it wouldn't be a challenge if it was easy.

The mental challenge of getting through training during such a busy time, trying to rest enough, trying to eat and hydrate enough, and not quitting is harder than I thought it would be. And I'm so grateful I'm not doing it alone:)

Anyway here are pictures/adventures from Labor Day weekend: a much needed 3-day weekend!

-Kels

Friday night: Pineapple & Pearls dinner date

Last Friday Mike had made reservations for us at an incredible restaurant called Pineapple and Pearls. It was pretty fancy, but we felt the need to treat ourselves to a date night after a rough 2 weeks. It was incredible, and definitely one of our top dining experiences ever!

Friday evening after work, Mike was working late before our dinner reservation, and I took my time meandering through the city to listen to an awesome musician play some covers.

Pretty flowers outside Pineapple and Pearls.

Our last course at Pineapple and Pearls. The box was for if we were too full and wanted to take them home. We obviously ate them there:) I guess technically the last course was the flash brewed coffee and pistachio shortbread they sent us home with to enjoy the next morning for breakfast. Obviously they speak my love language (coffee&cookies).

Pineapple and Pearls complimentary cocktails to start the evening. One of my favorite parts of the entire experience was an ice cream course we had with several different flavored ice creams that Mike and I each split. The restaurant manager remarked that he'd never seen a couple so easily divide and conquer that dish equally. I married well.

Saturday and Sunday: Kels's Home and visiting Brian&Kay

Saturday we made it out to see my family and this almost 3 year old. <3 My sister got a new job so we were there to celebrate with her, see my grandma, and hung out with my mom/stepdad and some of their friends eating crabs.