Yesterday The Girl and I set off in the snow and freezing temps so I could get the half marathon checked off my list of goals for 2019. I don’t know why I waited so long to get it done {it has been sort of a crazy year though} but with just a few weeks left until the end of the year, and not knowing what kind of weather lay ahead for the rest of December, and the fact that my daughter had yesterday off from work, we decided to just get ‘er done.
I don’t think it will come as any sort of surprise to you that I don’t own a pair of stretchy toddler workout pants. So being able to walk a marathon in jeans, was sort of a plus. Also, instead of paying any entry fee for a race organized by someone else, we crafted our own race bibs and left the house with $20 each in our pockets for our own aid station snacks. 😉 Because seriously, who wants Gatorade and Gu Gel when you can have tea and pastries?
Mrs. Hillbilly was there in spirit. 😉
The temps were in the lower 30’s when we set off on our journey, and after about a mile or so we had our first pit shop. A London Fog, a vanilla latte and 2 poppy seed muffins that had a nice crusty top to them.
The sidewalks were hit and miss. Some where clear and others, not so much. I wanted to wear my bean boots for the race, but the HH said he didn’t think it was a good idea and that I should just wear sneakers. WHY DO I LISTEN TO HIM!?
After about 5 miles into the race, it started to rain. Which was really a lot of fun. My shoes and socks and the bottom of my pants were all wet. At least my body and hands were warm though {by the way, these gloves are awesome}.
Did I mention we left about 8 am? Geez… Talk about some s-l-o-w walkers. After nearly 3 hours {which included 2 pastry stops}, we had only made it 6.5 miles because of all of the slush and snow.
As we sat at the second aid station, the rain began to fall harder.
This is The Girl showing you her frozen thumbs.
So we called our chauffeur to come pick us up because the thought of having to walk home in the rain and freezing temps was just dumb.
And so after thawing out for a few hours a bit, stage two of the tea and pastry half marathon continued indoors.
It’s amazing how much easier it is to get your steps in when you are distracted by watching episodes of The Office while on a treadmill. In slippers and fleece jammies no less.
And well finally, by 5:30, I had finished. 9 1/2 hours… hey now, that’s not too shabby. 🙂 🙂 🙂
It took us a bit longer than expected, but we did it. And now I can mark that goal off my list. And never do it again.
On the agenda for today:
- Stay in pj’s all day
- Hook rugs
- Watch movies
Here’s to a restful Tuesday everyone,
~Mavis
Lindsey says
This is hilarious. Is that an engagement ring I spy on the girls finger?!
Cindy Howard says
I came here to ask that too!
Kathleen says
That’s my kind of half marathon , I admire your perseverance to finish on the treadmill Mavis !
Sue says
Good morning! Your a hoot and persistent, always making me smile.
Good job!!!!!!
Dawn T says
I clean the church I attend and thought of you last week. While doing a sweep to pick up trash, I found a dental pick in the middle of the floor. They really are everywhere!
Jenn from ma says
Congrats! Good on you for persevering! You are doing much better than me on completing goals for the year. But one of my goals was to stop lurking and comment on your blog posts so I can check one of my goals off my list 😉
Mavis Butterfield says
Welcome Jenn from MA!
Wendy Clark says
You did it! And I love your agenda for the day. Sounds delightful!
Tracey says
You live in such a pretty area! Looks like the a fun way to do a 1/2 marathon (minus the cold. and the rain…. ahahaha…. )
Marcia says
That was so funny.
Linda M says
Tea and pastry marathon, that’s so you…and so awesome! Love the homemade bibs! I bet I could talk my husband into doing something similar. Perhaps a tequila and taco marathon in some sunny idyllic setting, thinking the beach in MEXICO!
Christie says
Your race, your way. Love, love, love it!!! Congratulations on meeting your goal!
CSirca says
Love that The Girl crossed out tea and scribbled in coffee instead on her marathon pin on sign, girl after my own heart.
Teresa says
Sewing with Nancy. (PBS TV show)
Teresa says
OOPS! wrong comment section.
Julie says
LOL! snort. You’re a hoot!
Deb says
Great story!
Jules says
That sounds like a fun way to do a half. I bet if you tried again in the late spring it would be beautiful and you’d get it all done outside!
Diane says
Congrats on finding a fun way to do the marathon! I’m surprised you didn’t check the weather first and have rain gear for the elements. May I suggest uou get a value pack of Warm Hands? Even if the rest of me is cold, I can deal with it if my hands are warm! And keep some in your glove box (and a couple of those thin space blankets) in case you ever get stranded in extremely cold weather.
Tracy W says
I want to live in the third house you posted…absolutely gorgeous!!
Katy says
Your race bibs are great and the fact that you actually wore them the whole time is even better.
KATHY says
Mavis, what brand of shoes is The Girl wearing. I need something with a big toe box and those look perfect! Thank you!!
Mavis Butterfield says
The brand name is Altra. She too has a wide toe box and loves them. Here is the link to their site: https://www.altrarunning.com/
Maxine says
My goal this week is 6,000 steps 3or 4 days. Recovery from broken ankle continues. So I’m with you in spirit.
The snow makes for the best house decoration. They look simple but so festive with snow.
Deborah McGeary says
Who jogs in Jeans??? Love the beautiful homes, thanks for sharing your adventure.
I hope someone will get you some sort of athletic pants for the holidays. Fleece lined
are so warm and comfortable, and they won’t soak up the water the way your favorite pants
do 🙂
Kaia says
Haha! You are the best, Mavis! I really thought the “Tea and Pastry half marathon” was an organized thing—well I guess you organized it but….I bet it could be a thing though!!
Michelle A Butler says
Those photos of the houses are amazing! I love the three story one with the front porch!
Amanda E. says
This was hysterical! You are so funny!
Susan from Oahu says
I think you might be on to something with the Tea and Pastry thing. When I was younger and lived in Kansas City, they would do an annual Jazz Pub Crawl, where they chartered buses to go between specific jazz pubs on that night. Maybe you could do a “Tea and Pastry Amble”, and coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce and local tea and pastry shops to participate. Maybe the ticket proceeds could go to a local food charity or something. Could be fun to contemplate.
Lynn Jahn says
I would spend a week in Star Trek – The Next Generation. While there, I would have all my aches and pains cured instantly.
Thanks for your posts!
Margo says
Do the other Half Marathon in the Spring when it’ll be gorgeous!
Anissa says
Ha-ha!!! The race bibs, exercise, great scenery, fantastic company, beautiful houses, and treats!
If only the weather was on your side!
I brt this could be a fun charity event or at least a fun fall or spring tradition!
Our town does a partnership wuth local restaurants and shops. You get a printed passport and walk through the town tasting great things and seeing stores that you might have overlooked.
It is a fun tradition and done in April. Which still sometimes is a bit iffy with weather in PA!
Holley says
I LOVE it!!! You are too funny! I hope you had a great time!
Brenda says
Mavis, you are so inspiring! That sounds like my kind of marathon minus the rain. 2020 goals.
Lisa C says
I love reading about your adventures. Thank you for sharing. That’s wonderful you did this with your daughter. A great way to do a half marathon! Congrats!