It is officially fall

Ok, so the official day was a week ago. It was on a run earlier in the week that it felt, smelled, and looked like fall. This is definitely one of the best times to run.

The soccer season is winding down. I think Mad enjoyed meeting new people and running up and down the field. She did not really like kicking the ball. Makes playing soccer a little difficult, but she is only 4. So there is more time to develop into a World Cup and/or Olympic Gold Medalist. :) Ha.

Two weeks ago Kevin and former teammates from SFU/SFC participated in Reach the Beach, NH. They were one of the last teams to start, but were the first team across the finish line! The guys won the relay in 19:44:59, averaging 5:50/mile. The full set of results are here.

Winning Team - SFCMXC

Miles came down with hand, foot, and mouth the same day Kevin was leaving for NH. Since he was contagious, he couldn't go to daycare, so I had to take time off to stay home with the kids. It was nice to spend the extra time with them and I used that as the response to my mom guilt since I felt I wasn't getting to spend enough time with them. We did a scavenger hunt, colored, played a few games, watched a movie, and made our own pizzas! We had a fun weekend, but were happy with Kev/Daddy came home!

Finding a rectangle on the scavenger hunt

Miles adding the sauce to the pizzas

Maddie adding cheese to the pizzas

 I can't say we have been doing much more than working, running, and spending the little remaining time with the kids. This past weekend was PotatoFest in downtown Ebensburg. The beautiful day meant it was completely packed. The kids enjoyed the potato patch where they could play games, do crafts, and most importantly get balloons! It didn't take too long for Miles' sword and Maddie's flower to pop, but they got to enjoy them for a little while. We also got to enjoy fried pierogies, sweet potato fries, and kettle corn. 

Kevin also spent some time at SFU for the annual XC meet. It wasn't quite the reunion it is with the guys (since most did RTB and couldn't make it), but it was a beautiful day for those who did attend. 

There is only one more week for our CSA. We certainly have enjoyed the various produce that we received each week. It enabled us to try new vegetables and new foods. We look forward to next year and hope the growing season will be just as plentiful!

Week 15 - Celery, Garlic, Jalapenos, Parsley, Potatoes, Red Onions, Sweet Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Yellow Beans, and Head Lettuce

Week 16 - Basil, Bell Peppers, Cabbage, Eggplant, Garlic, Onions, Potatoes, Salad Mix, and Spaghetti Squash

Week 17 - Hot Banana Peppers, Butternut Squash, Garlic, Leeks, Onions, Potatoes, Red Cabbage, Salad Mix, Sweet Peppers, and Green Beans

Ah running, I do enjoy the time we spend together, but I think I'll need a break come November 11th! For the month of September, I ran my highest total ever - 160.25 miles. Today (Sunday 9/30) was supposed to be a rest day, but I was 0.4 miles shy of 160. So I went out and ran 0.65 miles just to hit that mileage. This past few weeks have been a high mileage week, an "easy" week, and another high mileage week. Luckily, my 19 miler went really well. My 20 miler is in 2 weeks, so here's hoping it goes just as well.

Kevin dialed back the mileage after RTB, when he actually caculates his mileage in the past few weeks, then I'll report what he has run!

A look at the past few weeks:
Week 10
Day 1 (M) -Rest Day
Day 2 (T) - 8.01 miles in 1:07:34 this was negative split with the second 4 miles faster than the first
Day 3 (W) - 3.0 miles in 25:08 at CC track
Day 4 (T) - 3.53 miles in 33:29 with Sarah
Day 5 (F) - 4.0 miles in 36:38 on the treadmill...this was an interval workout while home with the kids
Day 6 (S) - 18.0 miles in 2:41:25 on the Ghost Town Trail while my Dad biked. Ran this a little too fast and I think it hurt my hamstring...
Day 7 (S) - Rest Day

Total mileage for the week - 36.54

Week 11

Day 1 (M) -3.53 miles in 31:19 on GTT
Day 2 (T) - 6.82 miles in 59:11 around Crestwood - this was a miserable and soggy day and I didn't want to venture onto New Germany Road
Day 3 (W) - Rest Day
Day 4 (T) - 6.59 miles in 56:13 on GTT - a 2 x 2 mile up tempo run
Day 5 (F) - 3.02 miles in 26:31
Day 6 (S) - 13.06 miles in 2:01:43, I ended up cutting the run 1 mile short because my hamstrings hurt
Day 7 (S) - Rest Day

Total mileage for the week - 33.02




Week 12

Day 1 (M) -Additional rest day for my hamstrings
Day 2 (T) - 8.04 miles in 1:13:59, slow and steady is the name of the game this week
Day 3 (W) - 3.01 miles in 28:30 on the treadmill
Day 4 (T) - 5.51 miles in 49:28 - hill repeats on a soggy day
Day 5 (F) - 3.25 miles in 31:43 on the treadmill
Day 6 (S) - 19.07 miles in 3:02:49, felt pretty good for the whole run
Day 7 (S) - 0.65 miles in 5:46...had to break 160 miles for the month!

Total mileage for the week - 39.53

Until next time...