I prefer solo workouts, mainly because I like to go at my own pace. When I work out with someone else, I find myself getting to caught up in whether I’m holding the other person back or pushing them too much to really enjoy the experience.
My Ugly Running Kicks
Then there’s the rare friend who I feel 100 percent comfortable around and can relax and completely enjoy their company while still enjoying the workout. My friend Merri is one of those people.
Me & Merri
(Side note: Doesn’t she have super-model hair?)
By total coincidence, Merri and I are both in Sarasota this weekend (she’s visiting her family for her mom’s 60th birthday!), so I picked her up at 6:45 a.m. so we could conquer the seven-mile long run of our half marathon training plan together.
I’m always more tempted to skip a workout when I’m out of town and away from my normal routine, so it was such a blessing to have a run on the books with Merri to keep me accountable.
Merri mapped us a route all over Sarasota and even had her stepmom meet us around 4.5 miles with some Gatorade to refuel.
I was actually a little nervous to down the Gatorade because I cramp up so easily, but I drank about 4 ounces or so and felt rejuvenated. It was great!
Merri and I were able to keep our miles under 10 minutes and enjoyed chatting throughout the run. She really helped make the seven miles fly by!
7 Mile Stats
Breakfast
I arrived back at Ryan’s mom’s house looking like a sweaty beast.
After about 20 minutes, my hunger set in and I downed a random hodgepodge of breakfast foods.
I started with two handfuls of candied pecans.
Candied Pecans
Wanna know a secret? Pecans are actually my favorite nut, not peanuts. Shhh. 😉
I also enjoyed a hot cup of coffee with an almond-pistachio biscotti, a cup of Chobani peach Greek yogurt and 3/4 of a pint of blueberries.
Coffee + Biscotti
Almond Pistachio Biscotti
Peach Greek Yog
Blueberries
For dessert (Dessert after breakast? Why not!), I had a big hunk of Harry & David peppermint bark.
Peppermint Bark
I love how Ryan’s mom keeps this stuff on hand year-round. It’s so tasty!
Today’s Plans
I’m super excited for today!
We’re hanging around the house this morning before heading out for lunch and then to an art festival this afternoon.
This evening Ryan’s grandma and her boyfriend are coming over for “Thanksgiving dinner!” Turkey, mashed potatoes… the works! Ryan’s grandma used to own a restaurant and she and his mother are amazing cooks. I love good home cookin’. It beats gourmet restaurant fare any day!
Do you prefer a big home-cooked meal or a gourmet meal at a restaurtant?
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I love peppermint bark. I make it every Christmas. It is yummy!!
Sounds like the perfect morning! Nice job on the run! I’m the same way about working out; I prefer it alone, but love walks with my mom and friends. I enjoy large home cooked meals. And of course, it’s always better if I’m not the one cooking!
Great job on the run! That’s so cool that Ryan’s mom keeps peppermint bark on hand all year…I’ve definitely found myself craving it in July! As for homecooked v. restaurant meals, it depends who’s cooking! My favorite meals of the year are my aunt’s dinners though…absolutely delicious!
Great run!! 🙂
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I feel the same way about working out with people, especially if we’re at a gym. Having to take turns on a single machines just destroys my mojo.
And I love the fact that Ryan’s grandmother has a boyfriend. So many older women (my mother included) hate that term for whatever reason. I think it’s hilarious.
Definitely home cooked meals! I like being wild around the dinner table as well, and that’s not allowed in nice restaurants 😉
I’d choose my grandmother’s home cooked thanksgiving feast over ANY restaurant meal. Have a great day!!
Pecans are my favorite nut too…especially when they’re “candied” 😉
I love a nice home cooked, Italian meal by my mom, but it’s always a treat to have a gourmet meal out! Tough decision on that one!
I prefer to work out / run alone also, for the same reasons… tennis is the only exception, when I was learning I LOVED to play above my level, and as such now I will play with anyone below my level also… because I know it’s a GREAT way to learn 🙂
those pecans? look amazing !!! I could eat that for breakfast!! put them IN the chobani 🙂
How funny that y’all are having Thanksgiving in summer! Fun!
Glad you got to meet-up with a fun running partner– I’m the same way– very picky about who I run with.
Looks like fun! I love having running company
Pecans are my favorite nut, too! OMG and I LOVE candied ones.
I love a big home-cooked meal… Mmm!!!
Way to go on those 7 miles…you little runner!!! I think it depends on the situation but I prefer both types of meals. Have fun tonight…sounds like a great treat! Thanksgiving in June sounds awesome!!!
running with friends is super fun and passes time so much faster!!!
that peppermint bark looks really delicious… haha i wish they had that year round but i can usually only find it during christmas time. hersheys has these little mini peppermint bark kisses that are my favorite indulgence during christmastime.
i definitely prefer homecooked meals! i think it’s not only the fact that the food is a labor of love but the atmosphere is so much more comforting and warm…. i’m a homebody at heart though =)
I do LOVE Merri’s hair!!! You have gorg hair too, I’m often verrryyy jealous of your pics 🙂
Do you eat before your long runs?? I feel sick if I do but it’s hard to have the energy without the calories.
i usually don’t eat before running, but lately if i’m going to run 5+ miles, i am TRYING to eat something. i’m nervous to eat before running b/c i cramp so easily. this morning i ate a handful of candied pecans before running & felt a-okay, which was great!
I am the same way about workout with other people! I always feel like I’m such a weirdo because most people seem to enjoy exercising with company. Glad to know I’m not the only one! I just like to be able to go at my own pace without feeling guilty about it.
While both options sound amazing, I think I prefer a big home-cooked meal complete with lots of fun, friends, and family.
I hate working out with others for that exact reason. I have worked out at the gym next to a friend or my husband, but outside, I’d rather just be by myself. Unless we’re just walking and not really “exercising” per se.
I completely agree with you on the working out with other people. I am a solo girl through and through, unless I am in a group class like Body Pump or Boxercise or sparring etc. But yeah ultimately I am only working out with myself. I love your blog! You are just too gorgeous!
I’m the same way! I always worry I’m going too fast or too slow and it stresses me out way too much. I’m definitely a solo runner, at least for now.
Pecans are my favorite nut too, especially when paired with dried cranberries! Yum!
Awesome run! It’s so great to find somebody that meshes well with your workout style. I like to go at my own pace and have found it really hard to workout with any of my friends.