Sometimes, you just need to step back from the internet. Well, maybe not
you...but I certainly do. I think it was good timing that the end of July was filled with celebrations with friends for our anniversary and then a big trip to St. Croix. I really needed to spend some time just enjoying life and away from the computer.
Of course, now it's the first of the month, and that means it's time to start fresh. The training plan I've decided on for the BDR Marathon is a 16-week plan, and I have about 19 weeks until race day. I used a 20-week plan for Spacecoast and felt burned out, so I think having a shorter plan will really help.
While I get back into the swing of things post-vacation, I'll ramp up my running a bit so I can start the official plan on August 23.
I'm going to do my best to catch up on all the exciting news in blog-world. I'll leave you with some photos from St. Croix. We had a great time getting Scott settled in (he's moving there to begin PA school) and exploring the island. Our flights back were insanely hectic...I'm so relieved to finally be home!
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| Scott and Matt at Freedom City, a SUP shop and grill. We had dinner on the beach at sunset...so nice! |
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| This is Scott's balcony, where we had breakfast every morning. You really can't beat that view. |
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| Matt and Scott got their diving certification and practiced in this mountain-top pool. Nothing like diving while atop a mountain, right? |
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| We checked out Point Udall, the eastermost point in the US. |
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| Another at Point Udall. |
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| These flamboyant trees (also called flame trees or royal poinciana) are my new favorite. They're SO bright; I want one in our yard. This was taken at the Botanical Gardens. |
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| The Cruzan Rum Distillery was a delicious treat, and I'm not usually a rum drinker! |
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| We hiked a 2.7 mile mountain trail and scaled some jagged rocks to relax in the tide pools in Carambola, then hiked back. |
The locals in St. Croix are ridiculously friendly. Scott met a few students from his PA program (they hiked to the tide pools with us), so when we left him we really felt like we'd helped him get comfortable and settle in, which was the goal!
We couldn't have enjoyed our vacation without the peace of mind of friends watching the house and Matt's mom watching Archie. I'm so grateful we were able to take this trip. It was just what I needed to get my mind ready for school-planning and marathon training.
Have you ever traveled to St. Croix or the US Virgin Islands?
Have you ever gone SCUBA diving? I opted out of that particular adventure...my fear of water was just too much to deal with.
ABK
Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteI've honestly never thought about visiting St. Croix before but your pictures are beautiful.
Your mention of back to school just made me realize how quickly this summer has gone by. I can't believe it's August already. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was reading "end of the school year" posts from the Teacher Run Blogger Crew!
I'm looking forward to reading about your training and counting down the days until the race. I'll be there to cheer you on at the finish since I'm running the half :)
Yeah, it's pretty crazy how quickly summer goes by...and I feel like I've wasted it! Now I have like 10 days to fit in all my summer plans haha!
DeleteI'm sooo glad you'll be at the race! And Megan too!
Oh wow, does Scott need a roomate?! How lovely! I've never been to St. Croix but would definitely like to check it out based on your photos.
ReplyDeleteI do not want to think about summer being nearly over yet. We go back to school Sept. 1. When do you go back again?
We go back Aug. 13...the kids come back the 24th. Hard to believe it's already almost time!
DeleteI missed you! I am glad you are back but I understand the need to get away. Even though I am blogging daily, I will go 2-3 days without checking FB... and then I get anxiety about having to go back and read everything! Although I know I don't HAVE to read everything.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had such a relaxing trip. Your pics are beautiful. The hike and then the dip in the tide pools looks like a dream! I hate to ask the question, but when do you go back to work? Doomsday for me is Aug 17th. I swear it gets earlier and earlier every year.
Trying to catch up on missed posts is SO stressful...but usually when I start to get stressed about it, that's when I know I need to step back.
DeleteWe go back Aug. 13...kids return Aug 24th. I can't believe it!! How does summer go by so fast?!
I've never been to St. Croix :( those pictures look amazing! Glad you had a great time :)
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a lovely trip! If you like the Caribbean, I recommend it.
DeleteSo glad you're back! I missed your posts. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour trip looks so beautiful. It sounds like you had a great time. My husband is SCUBA certified, but I am not. I've been wanting to, but I also have a bit of a fear of water.
It's nice to be back! :)
DeleteYeah, I let the boys do SCUBA and caught up on some reading and relaxing while they did that haha.
Welcome back! Your posts are some of my favorite. I'm so glad that you had a great trip!! How is it August already?!!
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a necessary break...I'm feeling back to my old self now!
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