Weekend in Ohio Highlights
What a weekend! I can't believe it's already Monday, and I'm more than happy to have the day off. From now on, I might only pick races that are followed by a holiday. The extra day to rest is very much appreciated!
I first want to congratulate everyone who ran this weekend and crushed their goals, and have a few in particular that inspired me! First of all is Susie, who (once again) qualified for Boston...after being injured and sidelined from running for months. Sarah ran her first marathon and did such an incredible job...I wish that my first marathon went that well! Finally, Chelsea ran not one but two half marathons..in two different states no less..this weekend. I was exhausted after running one, and I can't imagine having to do it over again the next day. Great job ladies, and make sure to check out their blogs for the recaps!!
My weekend couldn't have gone any better. The weather was perfect, the leaves were changing colors, and I had a blast during the race. I'll recap it tomorrow, but the short version is that I ran 1:57:10, and broke my PR (from the Biggest Loser Half) by nearly 9 minutes. Here are some other highlights from the weekend in Ohio (and some moments from Pittsburgh).
On Friday, my whole family met up for dinner at the Church Brew Works. I always love eating (and drinking) there, and I loved my buffalo meatloaf! I also got their Oktoberfest beer which was really great. I never leave disappointed at the CBW!
On Saturday my mom and I headed out to Ohio for the race expo, and stopped by the gorgeous Brandywine Falls. The entire area was beautiful and had a nice boardwalk path that led down to a viewing deck of the falls. There's an Inn nearby that is the last standing building of the old Brandywine town, and I'm thinking of staying there next time I'm in the area!
Boardwalk path with all the changing leaves. Fall was definitely in the air!
Loved it!
We went out to dinner at Longhitano's Gallery Pub and Grille. It's a typical sports bar, but the food was amazing! My mom and I both got a pasta dish - I got the Chicken Cacciatore and she got Seafood Diablo. Both came with a side salad and garlic bread, and our entire meal (with two hard ciders) was $30. Great deal and delicious food..plus we could watch all the football we wanted. Almost made up for missing Penn State's homecoming this weekend!
The race morning was perfect. It was 46 degrees at the start, without any wind or too much sun. The sunrise was gorgeous though! The race started at a ski resort, and you can see some of the slopes in the background.
After getting home on Sunday, I treated myself in the best way possible- a burger from Five Guys! If you have never tried their burgers (and fries) I highly suggest it. Really delicious, fresh-tasting burgers with lots of fun toppings. I always order "all the way" which includes lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mushrooms and mustard. So good, and the perfect end to an amazing weekend.
Your turn to brag:
Did you run a race this weekend, or want to brag about a friend who ran?
Who do you think has the best cheeseburgers?
Linking up with HoHoRuns and MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap
Erin and Katie for Weekend Updates!
I first want to congratulate everyone who ran this weekend and crushed their goals, and have a few in particular that inspired me! First of all is Susie, who (once again) qualified for Boston...after being injured and sidelined from running for months. Sarah ran her first marathon and did such an incredible job...I wish that my first marathon went that well! Finally, Chelsea ran not one but two half marathons..in two different states no less..this weekend. I was exhausted after running one, and I can't imagine having to do it over again the next day. Great job ladies, and make sure to check out their blogs for the recaps!!
My weekend couldn't have gone any better. The weather was perfect, the leaves were changing colors, and I had a blast during the race. I'll recap it tomorrow, but the short version is that I ran 1:57:10, and broke my PR (from the Biggest Loser Half) by nearly 9 minutes. Here are some other highlights from the weekend in Ohio (and some moments from Pittsburgh).
On Friday, my whole family met up for dinner at the Church Brew Works. I always love eating (and drinking) there, and I loved my buffalo meatloaf! I also got their Oktoberfest beer which was really great. I never leave disappointed at the CBW!
On Saturday my mom and I headed out to Ohio for the race expo, and stopped by the gorgeous Brandywine Falls. The entire area was beautiful and had a nice boardwalk path that led down to a viewing deck of the falls. There's an Inn nearby that is the last standing building of the old Brandywine town, and I'm thinking of staying there next time I'm in the area!
Boardwalk path with all the changing leaves. Fall was definitely in the air!
Loved it!
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The race morning was perfect. It was 46 degrees at the start, without any wind or too much sun. The sunrise was gorgeous though! The race started at a ski resort, and you can see some of the slopes in the background.
After getting home on Sunday, I treated myself in the best way possible- a burger from Five Guys! If you have never tried their burgers (and fries) I highly suggest it. Really delicious, fresh-tasting burgers with lots of fun toppings. I always order "all the way" which includes lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mushrooms and mustard. So good, and the perfect end to an amazing weekend.
Your turn to brag:
Did you run a race this weekend, or want to brag about a friend who ran?
Who do you think has the best cheeseburgers?
Linking up with HoHoRuns and MissSippiPiddlin for the Weekly Wrap
Erin and Katie for Weekend Updates!
Congrats on getting a PR, I can't wait to read the race recap. That pasta dish looked amazing and made me want to find that place and go there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Shaun! I would love to go back to that place to watch more football..I loved the vibe and they had tons of beer choices!
DeleteNo races for me this weekend. And you're the friend I whose race I'd be bragging about ;)
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that all of your hard work paid off and you were able to finally break 2 hours! Awesome job Gretchen!!!!
Aw Heather :) Thank you so much! You've been so supportive and I really appreciate it!
DeleteI forgot my Garmin for my half this weekend but still PR'd by 4 minutes! Congrats on your PR. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing!! Maybe you should forget your Garmin more often!
DeleteAwesome!! Congrats on your PR! The Brandywine falls looks like a great place! Love your pics! Sounds like a great weekend! Five guys burgers are yummy but my fav are from Bobby's Burger Palace. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Sharon! I haven't heard of Bobby's..I'll have to look it up :)
DeleteGreat job on the PR! I ran this weekend too and went to my LRS to stock up on a few things. I celebrated running with more running stuff.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lesley! I'm about to read your recap :)
DeleteOh I am SO GLAD we have Five Guys up here. We don't usually get all the good stuff you guys get down in the States but we managed this one. I love their burgers and that's a perfect post-race meal! You are incredible for taking 9 minutes off your PR. A sub 2 hour half is no joke! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have it too! I always feel bad talking about the amazing US things and you don't get to enjoy it. It really hit the spot after a race!
DeleteNo racing for me last weekend, although I saw a lot of friends that did! Went up to D.C. to visit my sister and family this weekend. Thankful for the nice weather!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great weekend, and the weather definitely was perfect!
DeleteSuper job on your race and congratulations!!! I so love a race followed by a holiday too! Boy Brandywine Falls looks just amazing! Talk about a beautiful background for pictures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tricia! the falls were gorgeous, and a few people were getting engagement pictures! Definitely a perfect background!
DeleteCongratulations on your PR, especially by 9 minutes. What an accomplishment! The best cheeseburger I've had was at Ray's Hell Burger in DC. De-lish!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren! That place sounds very interesting!
DeleteAH CONGRATS on your race! What an amazing feeling!
ReplyDeleteGO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!
ReplyDeleteThat garlic bread looks like heaven with the grill marks on it!!!!!
Thanks Amanda ;) And the bread was amazing...
Delete9 minutes? That is an incredible amount of time to pull off of your previous PR. CONGRATS! You worked hard and deserve it. I love Five Guys. It's my favorite hamburger, hands down. I usually eat one for lunch the day before a half marathon, with loads on vinegar on my fries. Brandywine Falls looks very pretty. I can't wait to see a little fall color. We just visited TN and saw a little. I appreciate you linking with us today!
ReplyDeleteThank you Holly! I also love vinegar fries..yum. I'll be in Tennessee this weekend and can't wait to see what fall looks like there!
DeleteCongratulations on your PR!! I randomly stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago and was excited to see you're a runner from the Midwest. This race is actually in my hometown, and now I totally want to go back and run it next year! Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting and commenting! You should definitely run it next year..it's a great race and the course is gorgeous!!
DeleteYum that food looks delicious! And gorgeous pictures of the scenery, looks like a postcard there!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Brandywine falls looks incredible! What a fun and productive weekend! And of course...so much delicious food!! You always find amazing restaurants!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place to run! Congrats on your PR! I enjoyed reading your race recap and looking at the pictures. I can't wait for the day I run a sub 2:00 half.
ReplyDelete