Health & Fitness in August

I'm one month into marathon training.  It's going well.  It started off rough though.  Really rough.  But after a month, I'm good.  Well...as good as I could have hoped at this point! Surprisingly, I stuck with my schedule of running (sometimes in more of a walk/run pattern) four days a week.  It was great in the beginning.  I felt like it really helped me to get back into the swing of things.  However, as the month progressed and my body got used to running those short(er) runs during the week, it started to feel a little repetitive to run back-to-back on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Given that and a number of other reasons, I decided to make a switch for September.  I am going to cut back to three runs per week.  As the mileage increases both during the week and on the weekend long run, I want to ensure I give myself a proper amount of time to recover between runs.  We'll also be gone for a portion of the month and I know it won't be realistic to keep up with all the runs then so I am attempting to keep things somewhat attainable.

My only other update to the schedule is the addition of a half marathon the second weekend in October.  Originally, that was scheduled to be my final long run (20 miles), but after further reflection I think a timed race at that point will be more beneficial for me.  Mostly, I feel it will give me a realistic idea on my pace for the marathon itself.  Either way, I am looking forward to the challenge/test!

Andrea :)

Saturday States: Tennessee

Tennessee

State Nickname: The Volunteer State

Years of Family Trip: 1995 and 2004

Cities Visited: Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Gatlinburg

Can't Miss Tourist Attractions:
Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Opryland (Hotel) in Nashville, Graceland and The Civil Rights Museum in Memphis

Walls of Wonder 

Graceland is just one of those places.  Even if you don't particularly like Elvis, you just have to check it out.  It's legendary.  One of a kind.  Little did I know how completely true those statements would ring after I laid eyes on the place myself.  The exterior isn't anything out of this world.  It's fairly simple as far as mansions go.  There is an elaborate gate providing an entrance to the place, but the house itself is pretty standard.  At least on the outside.  Inside is a different story.  The carpet is the shaggy variety and finds its way pretty much everywhere - including the walls!  Yes, the walls are carpeted.  I can't really imagine how that conversation went, but I'm sure there were a slew of questions involved!

YOU can't sit here!!

My family has been to our fair share of museums, but without a doubt the most powerful one I have ever stepped foot it is the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.  Not only are you able to roam the grounds of the Lorraine Motel and see a replica room where Dr. King was assassinated, but the actual museum is outstanding.  We experienced several interactive elements including a bus and a lunch counter where passengers and waiters/customers yell angry words to give you the feeling that so many felt in those tragic times.  It was unreal to walk in those shoes for that brief time.  Over a decade later, I still clearly remember my raw emotions as I made my way through the exhibit.  If you do nothing else in all of Tennessee, don't miss this museum!

Have you ever been to Tennessee?

Andrea :)

An Old Hollywood Wedding...in Albany!

After planning a wedding last year, I find that I enjoy checking out all the nuances and details of the weddings we attend so much more than I did before we got married.  It takes a lot of time and effort to put together a wedding with a well thought out theme and decor.

I loved the old Hollywood theme at Ryan and Zamira's reception this past weekend.  Every detail was perfect.  Not only did the theme match their personality, but it was also so fun!

My favorite element was their guest book.  They had each person sign a champagne glass on the painting that will eventually adorn a wall of their home.  So neat!

And, of course, the photo booth is always fun.  They modernized it by including selfie sticks and props.  We managed to get a great shot with the fun backdrop!

Chris and I had a wonderful time celebrating the lovely couple.  The night was full of delicious food and fun times with friends.  A great way to end the busy month of August!

Andrea :)