Sweaty Saturday

I’m in love with this warm weather! Sure, it means I get that sexy upper-lip sweat by the time I get to the subway in the morning, and it requires me to wake up beyond early on the weekends to run before the heat hits, but it’s worth it.

Sunshine = happiness.

After work yesterday (at 12:30 pm!) I went to the gym to start my weekend with a sweat session. A little spinning and I was a happy girl.

I walked home leisurely, strolling through Bryant Park where I was beyond excited to see these new signs posted:

Fresh air = Happy Ali.

I ran a bunch of errands all afternoon, which included a stop at a bar near my apartment for a 4 pm glass of vino with a friend.

And then I was a little drunk.

Oops.

A few hours later I joined a friend for dinner (burgers at Shake Shack) and a movie (The Hangover Part 2). I dressed like a cowboy for the occasion.

The burgers were delicious and the movie was funny. I definitely didn’t love it as much as the first one, but I giggled a lot.

After the movie and a long walk along the river (so nice at night!), I was ready for today’s early wakeup call.

You know you’re a runner when you wake up just as early on the weekends as you do during the week — or earlier.

My alarm this morning was set for 6:30 am so I could go running before it got too hot.

Coach Cane wanted me to run 8 miles: the first 6 slower than my half marathon goal pace, and the final two at my half marathon goal pace.

I came pretty close to nailing it!

For the most part I felt good while I was running. I did make a bathroom stop around mile 4, but it wasn’t urgent. I was just near a bathroom and figured I’d use it.

The 8 miles flew by. Central Park was vibrant this morning and filled with happy, athletic people out sweating their faces off. Great people watching, as always.

As soon as I finished running I jumped on the subway to head downtown. I don’t normally spin after I run, but my favorite class was happening and I felt strong enough after running that I knew I could handle it.

The class, as always, was awesome. Tons of energy. Matt, the instructor, was shocked that the class was filled on a holiday weekend, and at one point someone shouted back to him, “It’s because we love you!”

True story.

Once I finished spinning, I was disgusting.

Really sweaty.

Pretty smelly.

In desperate need of a shower.

And yet I didn’t go straight home.

Sorry, NYC pedestrians.

I swung by Whole Foods to pick up some goodies before finally making it back to my apartment and taking a cold shower.

Cold showers on hot days = therapeutic.

Now I’m home getting a few things done, and soon I’ll shower and get ready for the fun night ahead.

Two of the most amazing people I know are getting married tonight. I cannot wait to be at their wedding. I’m going to cry like a baby I’m sure.

Hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend!