Monday, October 3, 2011

Was that a dream?

Warning, this is going to be a long one!  Hope you have a few minutes!!

This past week was my first week back "in the saddle" after being sick.  I was actually able to workout 6 days, yess!  Here's a recap:

Monday - swim
Tuesday - 4 mile run
Wednesday - killer workout with Jenny
Thursday - 6 mile run
Friday - swim
Saturday - 12 mile run
Friday - rest, ahh!

I was really, really, really nervous about my "long" run this weekend.  Last week I was only able to run 7 miles...total.  Needless to say, it was little discouraging and I really, really wanted to run but knew that my body needed the rest.  The weather could not have been any better for a run, it was absolutely gorgeous!  Larisa, Holly, and Tracey had met a little earlier at 5 a.m. and Rhonda and I met up with them at 5:30 to head out on Starkey Boulevard.

In addition to the nice weather, the BEST part about this run is when Larisa said to Holly, "they are too fast for us".  WHAT?!?  I don't think anyone has ever called me fast, especially not lately.  But, bless Larisa's (aka Big Tex) heart for saying that and making my run.  And also for giving us a few laughs at the half way point in Aristida.

I have been really thinking hard about running a half marathon after Space Coast.  My goal in the beginning of the year was to break 2 hours in the half marathon (Current PR 2:09:14)  Marathon training has really made me stronger and increased my confidence - especially in the "shorter" distances.  Thinking about the Holiday Halfathon on December 10th (http://www.floridaholidayhalfathon.com/), but that's only two weeks after Space Coast.  So, if there are any suggestions of good half marathons in December, let this woman know.

This week seemed so easy, I was really feeling good at the end of the run.  Here are the splits:


Split
Time
Distance
Avg Pace
Summary2:02:15.512.0010:11.0
19:55.91.009:55.9
210:15.91.0010:15.8
310:22.61.0010:22.6
410:15.01.0010:15.0
510:37.81.0010:37.8
610:35.91.0010:35.9
710:20.91.0010:20.9
810:35.11.0010:35.1
910:22.71.0010:22.7
109:49.61.009:49.6
119:39.01.009:38.9
129:22.01.009:22.0
13:2.60.009:34.3


On the schedule for this week: 22 mile long run.  Total of 32 miles.  Hopefully :)

Bigger than running - Ben and I secured a location for our wedding.  It all sort of played out so quickly.  But Ben was driving in "the country" of Dade City and spotted a covered bridge.  It peaked his interest and he kept driving around the property until he saw the house on the property (35 acres in total).  There is also a horse stable on the property (Briarwood Stables, LLC - if you have horses). Here is a photo of the barn:


Ben called the number to see if we could get some more information. After speaking with the owners, Del and Diana, they really weren't wild about the idea of having an event on their property because of liability purposes.  Understandable.  We were a little dejected, but Ben asked me to check in to one day insurance policies for events, and they were surprisingly affordable.  So we called back, and both were receptive to the idea and invited us to come out and look at the property.

I really wish I would have brought a camera to take pictures of their lodge, but words simply can not describe how beautiful and perfect this place is.  First things first, when we pulled up, after the adorable covered bridge, we saw a huge Gator flag flying in the driveway.  Ben was already excited, but when he found out they were Gators, over the top excited.  Turns out Del and Diana both went to the University of Florida, as did all three of their children.  Del actually went to college with Ben's boss.  Small world.

Anyway, Del is a contractor and you could tell that he really want to show an architect his dream house.  And it was beautiful.  The property was actually old Lykes Pasco property and there was an existing building on the property.  Del and Diana built around and up the old building, making the old structure sort of like a basement.  There are two bathrooms and a full kitchen, leading out into a screened area with a fireplace and several seating areas.

Outside the screened in area is a field stone pool, swim up bar, and plenty of more outdoor seating overlooking an organic garden, smokehouse, and horse pastures.  It's simply incredible.  Like I said, words can't really describe how every detail was labored over and how the home actually looks like a lodge.  Nothing at all like what you would expect in Florida.  Not only that, it's perfect for Benjamin and myself.  Unique.  Outdoorsy, but not too primitive. And casual.  Can't wait for y'all to see it! :)  (I did take a nap when we got home, and thought that perhaps it was all an amazing dream, but it's actually true!) Happy Monday! 

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