Weekly Wrap

May 23rd-29th, 2016

I am joining the Weekly Wrap hosted by Holly from HoHo Runs and Tricia from MissSippiPiddlin. The Weekly Wrap is a blog link up where bloggers share their active lifestyle and other exciting things weekly. To find out more, click on the image below. Feel free to join in on the fun.

 

I am currently not training for anything. I will begin training for the Pensacola Marathon (my third marathon) in July. For now, I am trying to stay in a routine of running 4-5 days a week and doing a long run of 1+ hours on the weekends. I hope this will help me ease into my training in a little over a month.

 

 

Monday, May 23rd

 

I rode on my bike trainer for thirty minutes on Monday morning. My legs were heavy and tired from racing on Saturday and running long on Sunday, but they felt better after my ride.

 

 

Tuesday, May 24th

 

I ran four miles on Tuesday morning. It was actually on the cooler side with temps in the low 60's and low humidity. That weather didn't last long. It warmed up significantly later in the week.

 

 

 

Wednesday, May 25th

 

I ran four miles on Wednesday morning. I stopped to take pictures of some flowers on my run. I pass by them everyday and I had been meaning to take some pictures.

 

 

 

Wednesday was the last day of school for the students. The end of the school year is always bitter sweet. I'm happy for summer break, but I am going to miss my students. I get so attached to them.

 

After waving the buses farewell for the summer, the teachers went to a local theater downtown for our end of the year surprise party. It was a luau themed party with pasta, salad, breadsticks, and cake for dessert. Some of the teachers and administrators performed an end of the year skit for us and the Superintendent even stopped by for  a visit.

 

Later that evening I went out to eat with some co-workers to celebrate one of our paraprofessional's retirement. We went to a nice restaurant on the lake. As we were leaving, I couldn't help but take a picture of the sunset over the water.

 

 

Thursday, May 26th





 

Thursday was inservice day for teachers, so we didn't have to go in until 8:00. I slept a little later before heading out for my run. It's amazing the difference an hour makes in the temperature. I'm really going to have to be disciplined about getting up early this summer or I'm going to suffer through my training.

 

 

Teachers were dismissed at noon. I went home and packed. Then, Michael and I headed to Orange Beach, AL for the weekend.

 

Friday, May 27th

 

I took a rest day from running on Friday. Michael and I got up early, so we could secure a spot on the beach for Michael to fish. We were on the beach by 7:00 and we stayed for several hours before it got too crowded.

 

 

 

We went back to the condo around 11:00 to get cleaned up before grabbing a bite for lunch. We went to the Wharf for lunch and some shopping.

 

 

We tried a new restaurant at the Wharf called Montego's. I had the Grilled Shrimp Tacos with the Caribbean Mango sauce and Michael had the fish tacos. They were delicious! I would definitely recommend this place if you're ever in the area.

 

The Shrimp Tacos and Fried Green Tomatoes

 

I love the atmosphere here as well. We ate outside overlooking the marina.

 

We went back to the condo later that afternoon. Michael fished the pier while I took a nap. We had a late dinner at a place called Bill's by the Beach. This restaurant is down West Beach in Gulf Shores. The atmosphere here was also nice with more fine dining inside and a more casual feel outside with views of the gulf from across the street. I ordered the Grilled Mahi with rice and veggies and Michael got the Shrimp and Grits. Both of our meals were delicious!

 



My Grilled Mahi

 

I'd describe this place as a mix between fine and casual dining because they had more of an upscale menu, linen napkins, but plastic souvenir cups. I'm not complaining though. I love a souvenir cup!

 

 

This place has the best gelato. I would make a special trip just for dessert. I had the Banana Caramel and Michael has the Strawberry Cheesecake. I've never tasted gelato so rich and creamy!

 

Saturday, May 28th

 

I got up early on Saturday to run. I ran five miles along the Backcountry Trails. I'm familiar with these trails from several races that I've done in the area. I love the peacefulness on the trails away from the hustle and bustle of traffic. I wish we had more places like this at home to run.

 

 

Michael and I met my brother and sister in law along with some of their friends for a boat ride later Saturday morning. We anchored down on an island and hung out for most of the afternoon. I've never seen so many boats in my life. The pictures don't really do it justice.

 

My sister in law, Jodi

 

Sunday, May 29th

 

Michael went deep sea fishing with our brother in law and some of his friends for most of the day on Sunday. I wish I could handle deep sea fishing, but I just can't do it. I've tried twice and I've gotten sick as a dog both times. I've tried all the tricks Dramamine, Sea Bands, ginger ale, saltines, staring at the horizon, but none of these have worked. I'd rather stay on dry land and not chance it.

 

While Michael was fishing, I ran my long run of 9 miles. It was hot by the time I started at 7:20. I ran out of water just past the halfway point. I stopped off at a park at mile 7 for a short break. Luckily, I found a water fountain there and a beautiful pier.

 

 

After my long run, I hung out by the pool and caught up on three months worth of Runner's World magazines. I wish I could recover from all long runs this way.

 

 

It was 6:00 before Michael got back from fishing. We went to eat at Hog Wild, my favorite BBQ place in town. I love their pork sandwich with slaw on top. Michael likes the Wild Fries with pulled pork and slaw. If you like BBQ, you have to try this place next time you visit Gulf Shores.

 

 

Pork Sandwich with Slaw

Wild Fries with Pork and Slaw

 

While we were eating Michael and I discussed heading home early instead of waiting until Monday morning. We knew the traffic would be bad on Memorial Day. We packed up and cleaned the condo. Then we hit the road. We got home just after midnight, but it was worth it to have all day Monday at home.

 

Michael returns to work on Tuesday and I will begin teaching summer school this Wednesday. As much as I love a break, I would be bored to tears sitting at home all summer long. I will teach summer school through the month of June.

 

How was your Memorial Day weekend? Did you travel or enjoy your long weekend at home?