How NOT to train for a race

On August 14th, I am running a half marathon with my friend Lindsay and Theodora.  I just dialed up my training with a solid week of running two weeks ago and then struggled to find the time last week.  On Friday, Corey and I were gchatting about running together on Saturday.  She wanted to run 11 miles at a slower pace for her (which happens to be my pace) and then speed up the last 4 miles.  I wanted to run 11 miles so it was going to work out perfectly. Problem was it was supposed to be 100 degrees Saturday morning.  Corey texted me later in the evening and told me she was going to push off her run until the cooler day on Sunday.  So I set my alarm to run on the treadmill Saturday morning. BUT... here come the excuses....  This is HOW not to train for a RACE.

FRIDAY NIGHT:
Dave and I celebrated our anniversary at The Capital Grille in Chestnut Hill.  (Review on that to come)

And our waiter was really generous.  Meaning, after some Stoli Dolis, we got complimentary Champagne and Port Wine.

Needless to say, I was feeling the alcohol when my alarm went off Saturday AM. So I opted for more sleep rather than running.

SATURDAY:
In the late morning, I headed to my friend Sara's Bridal Shower.  I drove through some insane thunder and lightening storms before making it down to the South Shore. Sara is one of those friends that I know I'll be friends with for life so it was extra special to see her 'showered' with love (and presents!).

I had a few hours in between the shower and her bachelorette party so I headed to the gym.  I was optimistic for a long run, but after four miles I called it quits.  

Again, drinking the night before and then continuing to drink mimosas at the shower does not equal a successful run.  You would think I would learn my lesson and not drink (or drink less) Saturday night.  You would think.

But I had a bachelorette party to attend.  And a fun night with my high school friends after that. 

SATURDAY NIGHT:

I first headed to Temazcal Tequila Cantina on the Waterfront for Sara's Bachelorette Dinner.  When I arrived, the guy at the door wouldn't let me in saying the restaurant was at capacity and there was a 2.5 hour wait at 7pm.  Luckily, a few minutes later some people left and they let me in to join Sara's friends at dinner. First, let me tell you, this place is GORGEOUS.  And CROWDED.  And loud.  But the place was super swanky- they had ipads in place of menus!  Pretty cool!  My camera died and my phone was charging with the hostess (as you can tell I was a hot mess) so I stole these photos from their website and made a fun collage so you can see what I ate and drank : )

The food was pretty good.  It's hard for me to judge exactly because I didn't have an entree but I definitely want to go back to try it out again.  My tamale didn't have nearly the amount of lobster that they show in this picture though : (. But the views are what you pay for and what makes every place in the Seaport area so breathtaking.

Around 9:15, I had to quickly run over to meet my high school friends at Whiskey Preist.  I was told that if I didn't show up by then, there would be a line.  And even at 9:15pm, I waited in line.  Luckily I got through fast and joined my friends just as the band was setting up.

My friend Jamie is here from California and she knows the singer in the band Bearfight.  Well, they were the best live cover band I've ever seen in Boston and I cannot wait to hear them play again.  If you ever get the chance to hear Bearfight, GO.  They will make your night!!!

So, as you can see my Saturday was A TON of fun but obviously a run on Sunday was out of the question. I did have high hopes that I would feel better by evening and I would be able to do my long run then, but that was not the case.

Truth is, I wouldn't change this weekend for anything. I had a romantic dinner with my husband, celebrated a life-long friends upcoming marriage and partied with my best friends from high school.  Although I definitely regret some of the alcohol, I do not regret one moment spent with these special people.

My legs haven't forgotten how to run by taking a few days off...
(I know that for a fact because I busted out 8 miles this morning before work!)

Do you let life interfere with your running training plan? Or are you strict with it?

I'm a huge advocate for balance and moderation and if life calls, you gotta roll with it!