Saturday was the perfect day for a long run down the Cape. After a long, relaxing day at the beach I decided to head out on 6A to get in 10 miles. I was slightly nervous because the side of the road was pretty narrow but fortunately my bright pink top and cautious drivers kept me safe. There was a great breeze that made it feel cooler than it was. I had neglected to bring a gel for the weekend but popped a bunch of craisins in my little pocket. They came in quite handy at mile 6.5 and gave me the boost I needed to get through. Dried fruits, jelly beans or other small items that pack a bunch of sugar are a great alternative to gels.

I was able to stay under an 8:40 pace and felt great. It’s felt like a long time that I was really happy with my long run pace and I feel like I’m back in action! Really looking forward to a few more long runs before the half marathon on October 1.

After waiting around for the refrigerator repair man all day (nope, he never came) my sister and I bounced around town and did some fun rainy day activities. I felt lazy from our fairly sedentary day and decided it was time to return to running after a two week hiatus. I did just under three miles up and down hills. My knee didn’t feel great but I fell right back into the movement and was happy to be doing so. Though the chilly, rainy weather has been preventing us from traditional beach days, it felt lovely to keep me cool during my run and the sight of the ocean still feels like such a gift every time I see it. I love NYC but as soon as I return to the ocean I feel completely recharged and realize what I’ve been missing. Tonight, as I ran with the salt air in my lungs I felt strong, happy and alive.

The weather has kept my sister and me in most of our mini staycation down the cape. However, today whenever there was a bit of sun we scooted to the beach to take advantage of it. One trip involved some light reading in beach chairs while the other lead us on a long walk down the beach. It was surprising to feel soreness in different muscles the next day, the sand made us move in ways we’re not used to. Either way, getting in a bit of exercise, enjoying the scenery and each other’s company made for a wonderful afternoon.

This morning was my first opportunity to run from the Cape house. I got in a little over three miles this morning. Truthfully I was feeling incredibly sluggish but going out for that quick run felt great. Though overcast, it was really warm and I immediately pulled up the sleeves on my windbreaker. Most of the run goes by beautiful marshes and cranberry bogs. Though it’s not quite the ocean run, you can still occasionally catch a nice breeze from off the water. I’m really looking forward to getting to know more routes around there.

Besides the 36 hours I was home for my grandmother’s funeral in January, I haven’t been home since Christmas. This weekend I was able to go home and spend some time down the Cape. Because of my sister’s track meet, we didn’t get down til late afternoon. It was clear a storm was brewing but Bean and I decided to take a walk on the beach. It was gorgeous. We bundled up and fought through the pre-storm winds and got a decent walk in. The smell of the salt water was immediately invigorating. You can get whiffs of it from the house, but when you’re actually on the beach you can practically feel the smell enveloping you. What I wouldn’t give to feel that all the time.