Kat's Caboodle: All Things Fargo...You Betcha!

Well well well --- here I am, back in Lansing. Boo hiss.

Recap of my trip:
1. Arrived on Thursday to BEAUTIFUL weather (Thanks Fargo), and of course, my handsome man.

We went to lunch and I had some Mexi. I normally wouldn't mention this, however I haven't had Mexican food since JANUARY, and it happens to be my favorite cuisine when eating out. YUM. I loved every bite. I didn't get to nap on the plane, so getting up at 3:50 made for a longgggg day. However, getting there early was totally worth it. So, I finished up the day by working in the yard, as M is refinishing his basement, and had some outside tasks to do since he knew rain was coming. I even got my very own lady work gloves -- ladies, he is quite the charmer ;)

2. Friday I went to the Fargo Go Far Marathon expo, and of course, I was in running heavennnn. They had THE cutest shirts! I really had to restrain myself from buying everything, and since the two shirts I loved didn't have my size, I left empty handed, which was probably for the best. But, I got a million sample things, including C4 pre-workout powder that I've really been wanting to try. I'll test it out and blog about it later. So, next time I'm there I will be hitting up Swanson's because they had lots of freebies and I fell in love with this shampoo and conditioner I tried out.

(Boston love)

3. Saturday. RACE DAYYYYY! I started my morning as I always do pre-race. 16 oz of water, PB, banana, and one cup of coffee. Kate and I got up bright and early and M dropped us off at 6:30 AM to get ready. He didn't complain once about getting up early or sacrificing his time when he wanted to be at the lakes. Very sweet. Anyway...

Kate and I stretched after she doctored my hellacious blisters with Second Skin, bandaids, and wraps on BOTH feet (I think my shoes aren't right or something). Anyway, once she tamed the monsters, I was good to go and super ready. I also ran into one of my fave IG friends, Jodi and her daughter!

She was training for her first half and we ran into each other pre-race -- love the running IG community, and I think the fact that ND is super friendly helps too :) Anyway, that was super fun and added to the race excitement!

Readyyy to run like the ND winds!

So, Kate and I finished pre-race stuff and lined up. I found my 2:00:00 pace group and started the race strong, despite the rain and a bathroom pit stop (ugh).

I'm somewhere in here.

After mile 5, I decided to split from my pace group, because the rain had stopped and I was feeling great. So, I picked up my pace from 9:08 to probably about 8:30 until I hit 10 miles. I saw M twice early on, and again with his dad at mile 10 -- which was so fun as I've not had any family or friends at any other races yet! Such a great supporter. So, I ran quickly my last mile and a half..I don't even know how fast....and I ended up finishing 1:57:22. Under my 2:00:00 goal!!!

yeahhhhhhh!!

So, the Fargo half was a HUGE success. So blessed and thankful for this body I've been given. I can't help but give Thanks throughout each major race or run. I'm truly blessed with so much.

Post Race -- waiting for the first full finisher.

Post-race 2

4. I stretched it out and spent the afternoon/night in Detroit Lakes with perfect weather and fun company.

View from Craig's boathouse. Love it.

5. Then, M, his sister and I (and Duke!) went to "the farm" to see their grandparents -- and that was just the cutest day ever. :) Seriously. That's the only way to describe it.