Tag Archives: pit stops

Early Morning Pit Stop

Image

We made a good decision to run Wednesday this week instead of Thursday.  There was a nasty thunderstorm around 6 am today!  It felt great to sleep in and we are looking forward to “Fun Run Friday.”

Friday we run one of our favorite routes, Croatan.  It is a route that takes us south and through the Croatan neighborhood in VB.  We meet a little earlier, 5:20 am, because the route is approximately 6.25 miles.  This is perhaps the only day that we don’t find ourselves on the boardwalk at some point during our run.  It is fun to watch the seasons change and sunrise adjust throughout the year.  Sara snapped this picture with her phone last week.  One of the signs summer is approaching is that the gates for the public beach access are unlocked, the water fountains are on, and the facilities are open at 6 am.  It’s perfect for an early morning pit stop.

20120422-120655.jpg

Just down that walkway and over the dune is the Atlantic ocean and the rising sun.

Not the Pits

Image

It’s Spring break and we’ve done a trial separation for the week. Julia’s in Mexico and I’m in NY state. We’re still managing to get some runs in. Meanwhile we’d like share a couple more of our favorite pitstops.

This first one is at a golf course about 2 miles from our houses. Water is available year-round. We used to be a little anxious about getting in trouble for ‘borrowing’ golf course water. One very cold day last winter, we stopped for some, but after filling our cups the water kept flowing, the button frozen in position. We quickly resumed our run, and when we got on the road we noticed we were being followed by a worker in a golf cart. We knew we were busted, so we picked up the pace. He clearly could have caught us in a golf cart, but instead it appeared he’d toy with us for a while. After trailing us for a couple minutes, he turned off onto a course path, and we realized he had no interest in us. We felt badly about the water, but never worried about stopping again! They must have bigger concerns than runners who grab a couple sips of water.

20120410-070708.jpg

The same course has this lovely building which we have named “The Bathtub”. The water fountain is removed and bathroom doors locked in winter, but in summer the doors are open, restrooms are stocked with amenities, and there is usually a cooler full of ice next to the water fountain.

20120410-070720.jpg

We make a point to stop here during long runs in July and August when Virginia heat is unbearable. If you wonder whether that heat is coming, just look to the water fountain. There’s no question that it will soon be here.

Ch-ch-ch-chia!

Image

Hey Joo-ya, I was watching The Chew yesterday, and they were talking about Super Foods. You’ve got to see this clip:

a) It’s pretty funny, and b) it’s very informative. We need to get on the chia seed bandwagon, apparently.

Funny you should mention chia seeds, Sara.  My mom just sent me 2 bags of chia seeds.  She found them at her local health food store.  The directions tell me to mix 1 tbsp of seeds with 9 parts water.  Let them soak and eat.  I am going to soak them overnight in preps for our long run tomorrow.  Do you think I will have the strength and stamina of the Tarahumara?  Or do you think I will just have bowel issues?  Fortunately, we have amazing pit stops here at the beach!  See you at 7:00.  Rest well & set your alarm!