Happy Monday afternoon friends! I hope you all are checking into the blog feeling refreshed after a relaxing weekend, filled with everything you love! Ours was one of those much needed slow-going weekends, because honestly, I cannot remember the last free Saturday we’ve had together as a family of three. And although I am sad that the weekend is already behind us, I’m super excited because today feels like a Friday since Landon has tomorrow off, for the Fourth of July! Any Monday that feels like a Friday is a winner in my book, right?

You can just file that under ‘things Bethany loves.’

Speaking of loving things, this Saturday began with something I love – you guessed it: running!

Saturday

I woke up early Saturday morning (5:18 to be exact), drank a hot cup of coffee, had time with Jesus, and ate a piece of sourdough honey toast before waking my boys up. Landon and I had planned for a long run on Saturday and needed to be out the door by 6:10 at the latest. Normally, Landon plays soccer on Saturdays and I either go with him or have a long run while he is at his game and Benaiah is watched by either one of the grandmas or aunts. However, since Landon and I have our half marathon in TWO WEEKS and we were without a babysitter, we opted for joining my marathon course group runners and join the group run of 7 and 12 miles! Landon was a trooper and pushed Benaiah in the stroller for 7 miles straight. He is the best.

I was so impressed with the way that these marathon course preview runs are hosted. The race crew doesn’t fail to supply everything a runner can dream of, including pacers, lots of running buddies, GU chews and gels before hand! Big thank you to the Fox Valley Marathon for hosting these runs and for taking these awesome photos, below!

We are a pretty good looking group. 🙂 Can you spot us?!

After we got a group picure, we split into our correct pacing groups and we were off! Landon and Benaiah ran the first 4 miles with me before turning around. I continued running with my pacing group (I ran with the 9:00 min/mile pacers) and finished the run of 12 miles at 1:50:54. I was happy to take it slow and even happier to be done. I felt good through almost the whole run, but by mile 11, I was ready to be done and drinking ice cold water.

Thankfully, the marathon group did it again and supplied not only water, but also Gatorade, WATERMELON, GU energy drink, bread and granola for all of us hungry runners. It really was the BEST way to kick off the holiday weekend and I couldn’t have been happier with the run!

Afterwards, I felt a little stiff, so I made sure to stretch my legs, ice, and foam roll. Once we got home, Landon and Benaiah took naps, while I cleaned up and relaxed on the couch.

Once Landon and Benaiah woke up, we downed our protein shakes and refueled with some scrambled eggs and toast. Running 12 miles makes you hangry.

After brunch, Landon and I spent time cleaning the house and working on projects. Benaiah and I took a quick trip to the library, on the hunt for a good Saturday night movie, and came home with a few Star Wars episodes. #geeks

We spent the rest of the afternoon grocery shopping and preparing dinner, which once we decided what to make ended up being a grilled chicken salad and watermelon.

I promise, all of the fixings are on the bottom.

Landon picked out the BEST watermelon and I have decided that he is the official watermelon picker this year.

Once Benaiah went to sleep, Landon and I popped a big bowl of cheesy popcorn (popcorn + coconut oil + nutritional yeast + salt + garlic powder = heaven.) and attempted to watch Star Wars episode IV. Thanks to all of the sun and running, we crashed mid-movie and decided to bail on it. Goodness, we are so old.

Sunday

Sunday morning began at a muuuch slower rate, including me sleeping in until 7:30! Landon was so sweet and got up with Benaiah at 5:30. While they spent a couple hours outside and at the park, I snoozed away and woke up craving pancakes.

 Which meant that is exactly what I made. Excuse the repeat picture, but I was too hungry to remember to snap a photo of the glorious breakfast.

After our pancakes were downed, we got ready for church and spent our morning there before heading to Landon’s parents for the evening.

I was so excited to see the sun come out after an unexpected rain storm! We took full advantage of Landon’s parents’ pool and swam for a while before dinner.

The family made a delicious spread of shish kabobs, salad, fruit salad, and chips + gaucamole and we all ate more than enough!

SO GOOD.

After dinner, dad brought out a white cake with cool whip frosting and berries, which was thoroughly enjoyed with our steamy cups of coffee! We spent the rest of our time together playing croquet and Frisbee.

Summer time, is seriously the best.

After saying goodbye, Landon and I packed up a sleepy baby and headed home. Once we got home, we put Benaiah to sleep and crawled into bed shortly after.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and a great Fourth of July, tomorrow. We are so thankful for all of the sacrifices the brave men and women have made for our country and the freedom that we have because of them. Freedom isn’t free and we are excited to celebrate this wonderful nation, tomorrow!

Happy Fourth of July, friends!

Questions of the Day 

1. What was your weekend highlight?
2. Favorite running fuel?
3. Did you have a long run this weekend? What was it like?