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in Weekend Updates · July 27, 2015

Weekend Updates- Friends, Family, and Billy Joel

I’m back from a few days of barely touching my computer, which always comes as a nice break when that happens! It was a great weekend, although I failed at taking adequate pictures. So I’ll recap as best I can, and save my weekly training recap for tomorrow since this will be a long post as it is!

weekend update
Linking up with Tara for Weekend updates!

On Thursday afternoon my friend Karen drove down from New York, picked me up in Baltimore, and we drove to Northern Virginia to stay with our other friend, Jaclyn. (We all grew up together on Long Island.) We left Baltimore at 4:45 and the traffic was awful. It was after 7 by the time we finally made it. We got a tour of Jaclyn’s new house and the grabbed dinner while catching up on life. Karen is engaged, and Jaclyn is expecting her first baby in September, so there was lots to talk about!

old pic
Since I didn’t take any pictures from the weekend, here is an old picture with my friends. Jaclyn is second from the right in the top row, and Karen is second from the left in the bottom row.

On Friday morning I woke up super early (no surprise there) and headed out for a run around the neighborhood. Jaclyn has this awesome sunroom off the back of her house and I laid out there for a while after my run until we were all ready to head back to Baltimore.

sunroom

Before we left, Karen gave Jaclyn and I gifts to open- which turned out to be a card asking us to be her bridesmaids along with a cute mug and nail polish! We were so excited and honored!

bridesmaid

After some more traffic, we made it back, and headed to my community pool. We hung out there for a few hours, and headed back to my place to get ready for dinner. 

Karen wanted to have some crabs while in Maryland, so we did some research and decided to go to Bluestone. (We wanted to go to the inter harbor, but didn’t want to risk the possibly of more traffic). We had a great dinner and Karen got to enjoy some crab cakes! After dinner we had another drink at home and called it a night. 

compression socks
Jaclyn tested out some pro compression socks and loved them!

On Saturday morning Rob and I headed out for runs and my friends woke up as we were getting back. We hung out a little more before they hit the road. Then we got some errands done before it was time for part 2 of the weekend- Billy Joel!

concert

My sister and I met our parents down in the city and were planning to grab dinner before the concert, but there was a lot going on that day and we couldn’t find anywhere to eat without a wait. So after almost an hour of walking around, we ended up eating at the stadium. There were alot of logistical frustrations, but by 8pm we were in our seats with a beer in hand ready for the show.

stage

We didn’t know who was opening, but it ended up being Leann Rimes and she was pretty good. Billy Joel came on at 9, and did an amazing job. This was the third time (at least?) I have seen him and I am always amazed how I can know so many songs by one artist. We had field seats and everyone down there stood for the entire show. My feet were killing me by the end of the night!

billy joel 2

billy joel

And here’s a video of part of “We Didn’t Start the Fire” if you are interested!

[KGVID]https://www.milebymileblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_0001_2.mp4[/KGVID]

So now it’s Sunday night, and I’m pretty exhausted from such a busy but fun weekend!

How was your weekend?

How often do you go to concerts?

Are you still in touch with your friends from childhood?

 

 

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:35 am

    Your seats looks awesome! Congrats to both your friends and to you for being a bridesmaid, that will be so much fun 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:03 pm

      Thanks! I’m definitely excited.

  2. meredith@ Cookie ChRUNicles says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:51 am

    Billy is my all time favorite! (Shocker lol). I feel like we all have to love him because he’s a local hero but he really is the best!! We didn’t start the fire is one of my faves, I used to sing it to my son as a newborn when he was up all night crying because concentrating on the words kept me sane. Uptown Girl is my other all time fave but you are right, he has so many hits it’s amazing how we know all of the songs. Glad you had an awesome time!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:04 pm

      Hearing his songs definitely brings back so many memories! And he is great to see in concert- he said this was his 50th year performing, which is really amazing!

  3. Mary Beth Jackson says

    July 27, 2015 at 6:27 am

    congrats bridesmaid! That is always fun! I do like going to concerts every once in awhile. Sometimes the parking and stuff is such a hassle I am wore out before the concert starts! Looks like you had a great time!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      We were exhausted before the concert even started, but luckily it was a great show so it was worth it!

  4. Lara @ Uptite Mamas says

    July 27, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Wow! Sound like a super fun weekend full of friends and family. Congratulations on becoming a bridesmaid too. 🙂 Love the mug!!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks! Isn’t it so cute? I love fun mugs like that.

  5. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    July 27, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Congrats on being a bridesmaid! I love weddings and love being a part of them. Unless they withhold food, then grrrrrr

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:09 pm

      Thanks! And yes of course there must be food involved with all wedding festivities!

  6. Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says

    July 27, 2015 at 7:43 am

    I am envious of your weekend! So much fun!

    We rarely go to concerts (my husband doesn’t like crowds), but we did see the Boss last year.

    My high school friends actually live in MD . . . I moved there before them, then got married & am on my third state. Every once in a while (like, years), I get to see them.

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      Its fun to see friends you have known for a long time- too bad you don’t get to see them more often! I try to get together with my friends a few times a year if our schedules work out.

  7. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Looks like such a fun weekend! Congrats to all your friends on their pregnancies and weddings! Many of my elementary/high school friends were in my wedding party, and they all livr in STL so I don’t see them often now.

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:11 pm

      That’s too bad that you don’t see them more often..but at least you can all get together for weddings and such!

  8. Jamie says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:39 am

    I am still in touch with my friends from growing up, however I am closest with my friends from high school. Billy Joel sounds like an incredible concert and I would love to go some day! So glad you had a great weekend with friends an family. Hope you have a fabulous Monday!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Most of my friends went to Kindergarten through 12th grade together! So I’ve known them for quite some time:)

  9. Lesley says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:45 am

    I’m that way with Jimmy Buffett concerts. I’ve been to 7 and I know so many of his songs. I would love to go to a Billy Joel concert though. I realized I need to move more of his songs on my new iPhone because the 6 doesn’t sync up with my whole library.

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:12 pm

      Its so much going to a concert when you know most of the songs!

  10. Maddie @ Dixie Runs says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:12 am

    What a fun weekend! I feel like I’m at that age where all of my friends are getting married and having babies, so it’s always a great excuse to get everyone together for showers and celebrations. One of my high school friends is expecting and another is engaged, so we will have plenty of parties coming up!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      Its so much to see friends for stuff like that!

  11. Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says

    July 27, 2015 at 11:55 am

    So jealous of Billy Joel! This weekend was also basically computer-less for me which I like. I decided to treat the bar exam like a marathon…and “taper” the few days beforehand, finishing up studies Friday and enjoying my birthday weekend with low-key treats 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:13 pm

      That sounds like a smart plan! Hope you had a great bday weekend:)

  12. Sarah @pickyrunner says

    July 27, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    You had a pretty epic weekend! It seems like there were so many concerts in the past couple days but I guess it is summertime… I’m glad you got to enjoy time with your friends- too bad the traffic was so bad. I was really happy I got out of work early Friday so I could beat most of the traffic heading to DC/NoVA. I’m so impatient when it comes to driving ha

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 3:14 pm

      Yea the drive was rough. We were planning to get on the road closer to 3 but it didn’t happen, so we knew we were in trouble. Always worth it though!

  13. LeAnne @ Thisismyfaster! says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:48 pm

    My best friend and I have been friends from high school and we are still very close. But my younger sister and her best friend have been friends from kindergarden and I’ve always been amazed by that 🙂

    My weekend went by fast (too fast). The weather necessitated changes to my LR days so I ran on Sunday instead of Saturday and only did 10 miles (instead of the 13-14 that I wanted to do).

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      This weather seems to be getting in the way of lots of people’s long runs lately! Glad you still got most of your run in!

  14. [email protected] says

    July 27, 2015 at 4:52 pm

    Sounds like a fun wkend. It’s always nice to see old friends. I bet that concert was just awesome!

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 5:53 pm

      It was definitely a good time!

  15. Karen Stellato says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    Love the weekend recap! Miss you already 😉

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      Next time we need to take pictures!!

  16. Sam @ Grapefruit & Granola says

    July 27, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    I would love to see Billy Joel in concert one day! He seems like he would be great live. Leann Rimes is an interesting choice as an opening act 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      July 27, 2015 at 5:54 pm

      I was definitely surprised to see her there…I haven’t heard much from her in awhile!

  17. Kristina says

    July 27, 2015 at 8:59 pm

    What a fun weekend! I had totally forgotten about Leanne Rymes but as soon as I saw her name in your blog post “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” popped into my head and now I can’t stop singing it … even though I really only remember the chorus! haha

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 7:29 am

      I had forgotten about her too until she came on stage- and it took us a minute to figure out who she was!

  18. Jennifer says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:34 pm

    Cute will you be my bridesmaid gift. I had no idea Billy Joel was in town (I am not good keeping up with tours) – love his music! I remember burning Billy Joel’s greatest hits from someone at Guilford freshman year haha.

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 7:29 am

      Ha! I definitely listened to alot of Billy in college. I remember driving home to NY freshman year to see him in concert, and of course we hit hours of traffic on a Friday night.

  19. Hailey says

    July 27, 2015 at 9:44 pm

    So great that you still keep in touch with friends you’ve known for so long, and congrats on being a bridesmaid! I’m still friends with my best friend from junior high and we both live in our home towns so we see each other relatively regularly. What is it about standing on your feet for hours!? My feet are more sore after that than after any race or long run! Worth it though, especially for a good concert!:)

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 7:30 am

      Honestly my feet were killing me at the end of the night more than after a long run! I was dying for my compression socks!

  20. Natalie says

    July 28, 2015 at 4:40 am

    What a fun weekend!! Love Billy Joel! He and Elton John were here I think last year and I missed it. Bummer.
    Looks like you had so much fun!!!

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 7:30 am

      It was alot of fun! Hopefully you can get another chance to see him- he puts on a great show!

  21. Meghan @ getoffyourbuttandrun says

    July 28, 2015 at 8:12 am

    Jealous! I wanted to see Billy Joel at Wrigley Field this summer! He’s been on my bucket list for a while, but with our honeymoon in January and my job change we weren’t able to swing it.

    I only see a couple of friends I grew up with. So many have moved away!

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 8:31 am

      Hopefully you can see Billy Joel another time0- He puts on such a great show!

  22. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    July 28, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Whoa! What a fun weekend, Lisa! I’m so glad you were able to spend time with your girlfriends; I really do wish I’d kept in touch with some of my HS girlfriends, over the years. We tried, for awhile, but we’re just all over the place. I can’t even imagine seeing Billy Joel in concert; you’re so right – so many fantastic songs, and we know all the words! 😉 I hope your week is off to a great start!

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 10:32 am

      It was such a great concert! And its always good to see my friends who I have known for so long:)

  23. Victoria at Ice Packs + Races says

    July 28, 2015 at 11:49 am

    What a wonderful weekend! A Billy Joel summer concert sounds perfect. I’m still best friends with women I’ve known just over 10 years. It’s definitely a special thing to have 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      July 28, 2015 at 12:18 pm

      Isn’t it great to stay close with friends you have known since childhood? Billy Joel was an amazing concert!

  24. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    July 29, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    Sounds like a fun weekend! I have always wanted to see Billy Joel. I had tickets about 10 years ago and my car broke down on the way, I was so bummed and I still have yet to see him live!! Love the necklace you are wearing in the pic at the concert!!

    • [email protected] says

      July 29, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      Oh no! Thats so sad!! One time I went to see him in NY when I was at college in MD, and we hit so much traffic on the way there that we were really really late. Very disappointing.

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Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was followed immediately by Yesterday’s long run was followed immediately by back to back kid activities, so there was no time to post about it. (I ate breakfast in the car and lunch at soccer practice- it was that kind of a day.) I was kind of nervous going in to this run, especially now that I’m getting down to last few key long runs. I had 16 miles with 4 x 2 miles on the plan, which sounded manageable but also challenging. The weather was perfect and I hit all my paces. At the end I got a little confused- thinking I was at 15 miles but I was actually at 14 🙃 Got home and realized I chafed really bad. Another long run down, and another week closer to race day.

Do you ever psych yourself out before long runs?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
1 month to go! Who else is just trying to survive 1 month to go! Who else is just trying to survive the peak weeks of marathon training? #running #marathontraining
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