REWARD DAY!

We are four weeks into our 1/2 Marathon Training. In December Ava & I sat at the Claim Jumper Restaurant with our giant sized chili & salads and planned out our "Sister Runs" and "Reward Days". We decided that we'd get together every four weeks, after training on our own, and do a training run together followed by some kind of reward. I know what you're thinking, the same thing we thought-- Hot Fudge Sundaes! We decided to dispose of that idea and be more creative -- and healthful-- with our reward planning.

So, our first reward day was yesterday and this is what we did:

We met at 8:15 at my gym. Ava came as my visitor. We attended the 8:30 Group Power class (weight lifting)...it was fun to work out side by side. After the class we changed into our running shoes, leashed up Sarah, who had been waiting for us in the car, and hit the pavement for a 5 mile run.

Truth be told, I was a little nerous about how this run would go since we've both been training on our own and have our own style (read pace). We discussed our expectations before the run...not too slow...not to fast. It was a great run and we both learned to compromise a bit for the sake of each other. Afterwards we took our time stretching and chatting. It was great not having to rush.

It was finally reward time! We headed over to NE Portland to the Blossoming Lotus (http://www.blpdx.com/) a Vegan restaurant specializing in raw/live food. We had a yummy fruit and cheese plate with blue cheese made from cashews! We also shared a deliciously spicy salad. After lunch we got a tour of the kitchen by one of the owners -- because he caught Ava lurking around the entrance to the kitchen on the way back from the bathroom trying to sneak a peak.

It was a great day and in reality the entire day, not just the lunch, was the reward for four weeks of hard work. Can't wait till our next reward!