Sunday, October 2, 2016

Sisters, Doing it for Themselves

It's always hard to come back to reality after a really fun trip! My trip to Austin with my sister was a whirlwind of activity, food, and fun. Because even out of town, the workouts don't stop. I'm sharing some of the highlights of our trip on this post.

I'm also sharing a synopsis of the last 2 weeks of workouts. Since I was out of town last weekend, I didn't publish my usual weekly wrap-up post. In the interest of brevity, there won't be a lot of workout details in this post, but if you follow me on Instagram (and you should!), then you know I've been moving and posing.



Running: 
There's lots of good stuff happening on the road right now. I logged 91 miles for the month of September, a number that surprised and thrilled me. I'm back to my normal running baseline and have started to push my distances again, hoping to get ready for my December half and maybe a fall half. Here's the data:
Tuesday: 4.17m/39:19
Thursday: 6.03m/52:58
Saturday: 4m/39:22 in Austin!
Tuesday: 6.13m/53:28m
Thursday: 5.78m/50:33m
Saturday: 4.03m/35:06
Sunday: 8.25m/1:13:19

Yoga: 
I did yoga 2 times at the studio and once at home. My favorite class of the week was last Wednesday's class, where we did our entire class at the wall. I really like those classes because, with the stability of the wall behind you, you really get to experience the full pose. It can be humbling too since the wall forces you to find your alignment. I've had the realization many times how much I need to work on my poses after a class at the wall.

CrossFit/Crosstraining: 
My elbow tendonitis is calming down, but I'm still limited with regards to my upper body work. No worries. Becky modified my workouts both weeks, and we focused a little bit more on my lower body. I didn't mind that at all, in fact, I realized how much I missed it. The funniest thing she had me do was pull the weighted sled down the street, 800m there and back 3 times. I had cars coming at me and some geese honking at me. She pulled out the slide board this week which is always my favorite thing to do. This past week, I started back at the playground again with my upper body work, doing some hollow hangs, scapular pull ups, body rows, and push-ups.

Sister trip:
We did a lot of exploring as soon as we got settled into our hotel. First, there was lunch/tacos at Corner. We walked up to the State Capitol, which was as beautiful as promised.

Texas State Capitol
Walked down South Congress to shop. There were some really fun, quirky stores. And other sights..



Treated ourselves to dinner at TRIO at the Four Seasons, which has a peaceful patio on the waterfront:

The following day, we ran 4 miles on the Lady Bird Lake Fitness Trail. It was really warm and humid, but cloudy, and we ran along at Lisa's pace. I could not believe how crowded this path was, but I can see why, since it was mostly shaded.


 

We walked to the University of Texas. I wanted to get some t-shirts for my football loving men. The campus was much farther than we thought and we ended up walking about 3 miles. After shopping, we rewarded ourselves with tacos from Torchy's. I highly recommend them. We took the bus back to the hotel and hung out at the pool the rest of the afternoon. Dinner that night was at Jacoby's with some old friends. Chicken fried steak, anyone? Strawberry cake for dessert?

These guitars were scattered throughout the city


Food trucks everywhere!
Exhausted from all our walking and running the day before, we made plans to go kayaking, but not until we had some Texas BBQ for lunch at Lamberts

We launched our kayak and headed up the river in search of Barton Springs, a freshwater pool. There were a lot of kayakers and SUPs out on the water, but no motorboats. The water was calm and it was really peaceful. We found the inlet to the springs and were amazed the color change of the water. It was aqua colored and it was crystal clear. There were a ton of turtles swimming there as well. 

Heading up the Colorado River, destination unknown... 
Urban kayaking, Austin-style!
We wanted to get close to the springs but struggled with the current coming off the damn. We almost collided with a dreadlocked swimmer who came out of the falls. Then we got our kayak stuck on a rock. We couldn't stop laughing. 

Lots of kayakers and canoers. 

Barton Creek, heading back towards downtown Austin
Indeed.
Meanwhile, we took in all the beauty around us. This was a highlight of our trip. Who knew?


On our last day, we had planned to go for a second run but woke up to thunderstorms and heavy rain. A blessing in disguise? Exhausted, we headed to the airport after a delicious breakfast at Annie's Cafe. We talked about our trip on the flight home--both of us thought this may have been our favorite sister trip so far. The sightseeing and shopping were fun. The food was great. I tried some local craft beers with our lunches and gave them all thumbs up. The people were really nice. Our only regret was that we didn't get to see any live music. So it looks like we may have to return...

September was a great month, both on and off the road.

Bring it on, October!

How was your week? Your month? Have you ever been to Austin? Kayaked on Town Lake? Where do you want to go for a weekend getaway?

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap! And with Angela and Ilka for their Sunday Fitness and Food Link Up!







95 comments :

  1. What an awesome trip! Looks like a ton of fun and absolutely agree that it can be so hard to get back to the real world after a great time away. Your post really reminds me that I have got to back up on my yoga. I haven't been good about it since I moved to Nashville!

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  2. So glad you two made such great memories in Austin!

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    1. What a fun place to visit! And I would want to live there, altho I hear so do a lot of people...

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  3. Aww love that you both love to run together and kayak. You really logged a lot of miles this month-nice! Have a great week

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  4. Looks like a great trip! Glad you were able to get in some good workouts and your running is feeling back to normal. I have never been to Austin but it looks like a great place to visit!

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  5. How fun--what a perfect trip w/ your sister! I am happy to hear your foot finally calmed down and you are back to your normal mileage. That is always a relief after a long lay off! Keep it up and stay strong!

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    1. I'm so happy to be back to my running. I'm always so out of sorts when I'm off my game.

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  6. I'm so happy that you had a great trip with your sister! It looks like you both had a lot of fun!

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  7. What a great time with the sister! I'm jealous your sis will do all those things with you...my sister isn't too eager to lace up & run with me (not that I'm fast, but I am faster than her, and her delicate ego does not like that LOL). Maybe you & I need a "sister weekend" (or a race, dammit) some time ;-)

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    1. I'm lucky to have at least one of my 3 sisters who's up for this! And I'd love to do a "sister weekend" with you! Sole sisters count..

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  8. Well, I took a few rowing lessons on Town Lake (that's what it was called when I lived in there). I swam in Barton Springs pool precisely ONCE because dang, it's cold! Which is great in the summer, of course.

    I spent many hours and miles walking around Town Lake, with the dogs, by myself . . . but I wasn't a runner then. Of course my second half was in Austin (it was actually supposed to be my first), after we'd moved away.

    September was a horrible month for me, but we did get to the Cape and that was nice. October's gonna start well, but I'm pretty sure it's not going to end well, what with moving my parents.

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    1. I sure hope October turns out ok for you. Just keep running...

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  9. I had an aunt who worked in Austin for a number of years and I visited a couple of times. It is definitely a nice city. That's such a cute and creative sign on the taco truck. I know you enjoyed just being with your sister most of all. BTW, your running is look great!! My last bout with elbow tendonitis lasted 11 months! I couldn't pick up the milk jug! Thanks for linking, Wendy. SEE YOU IN A FEW DAYS! EEK!!!

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  10. Looks like such a fun weekend with your sister! Austin is on my bucket list, I have heard really good things, especially about the food! That's so cool that you can run with your sister. My sisters don't run, unfortunately! :(

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    1. We don't usually run together but on vacation, she'll run with me!

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  11. Sounds like a wonderful weekend away, great adventures! I've never been to Austin but would love a get away weekend with some girlfriends - running or non-running weekend :)

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    1. Austin would be a fun weekend getaway for you and your friends!

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  12. I'm glad you had abreast time in austin with your sister. :) I have never been to Texas. It's such a huge state. I would v like to go ato some point.

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    1. I've also been to San Antonio, which would be another fun weekend getaway!

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  13. Wendy - what a fun trip with your sister - great memories! I can't believe you logged in around 36 miles for this week while traveling! So impressive! What a wonderful way to wrap up September!

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  14. That does look like a fantastic time! I've never really been to Austin. I had a business trip there, but just to a hotel in the suburbs. LOL at the GIRLS!GIRLS!GIRLS! ... just kidding sign!

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  15. Never been to Austin. Looks like a fun place. September was ok. Didn't get to do as much boating but ran 4 races instead. I was back at work so the tennis and hiking disappeared as well.

    Looking forward to December and visiting Panama City for the first time.

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  16. That looks like an absolute blast with quite the kayak adventure! My SIL used to be a law professor at UT before she moved to Northwestern. Now I have nobody to visit there.

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  17. Love Torchys! We have one in town. Austin is so fun and we can't wait to get there again.

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    1. I didn't realize it was kind of a chain--but wow are the tacos good!

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  18. Wow your going to have a hard time topping this trip for sure.
    I'm so glad to see you running without foot issues. I sure hope it continues. I can't quit thinking about the Barton Springs I would love to kayak there. We need to get to Texas in our RV. Haven't headed West past Louisiana yet. Yet being the key word.

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    1. You would love Austin! It's so laid back and very cool. The kayaking was definitely a highlight.

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  19. Sounds like a fun trip to Austin! I've never been there. Sister time is great! Fantastic miles for September!

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  20. Never been to Texas... what made you chose Austin ?
    I always have such a hard time getting my groove back after a great weekend or vacation. Which is why I always immediately start planning the next one.

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    1. We look for places that are good for weekend getaways. Austin is pretty popular--there's a lot to do and see. I've also been to San Antonio, which would be another fun weekend getaway.

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  21. This automatically made me think of "Sisters" from White Christmas :D
    Since we can't go to Cabo this coming year because of f'ing Zika, I proposed to Alex either a trip to NOLA because of the half marathon that I am coaching) or to Austin. It seems like a great place!

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    1. I suggested NOLA but my sister vetoed that one--she wanted to go somewhere she's never been.

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  22. Sounds like a fun wkend. I have never been to Austin. My friend ran the marathon there the other yr and said that the city was rather hilly.

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  23. What a great sister trip!So glad you had such a great time. My lil sis and I are planning a sister trip in the future and thinking there will be a marathon involved.

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    1. My sister isn't much for long distances. Our trips are all about fun! This year was good because I wasn't training for anything--I didn't have any runs I had to get done.

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  24. What a fun trip! Torchy's was SOOOOOO good. I wish I was able to get on the water when I was there-- they had flooding and it was all closed! Glad you girls had a good time.

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  25. Love the pictures with you and your sister! Nothing like that sisterly bond. Great job on all of your workouts! Hopefully you didn't collide with those geese, haha!

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    1. I thought it was hilarious that they were honking at me (but none of the cars were!).

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  26. You ladies are so cute. I love, love, LOVE the photo of you doing the pose together! It's wonderful that you were able to spend this time together. Cherish these moments. And kudos and getting all those nice workouts in.

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    1. This was our 5th sister trip--we are already looking forward to next year!

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  27. I love that you got your kayak stuck on a rock. HA HA! You're awesome. It's so great that you and your sister are close like that and can go away together and have so much fun!

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    1. I love that we were laughing so hard we were crying! I think we were making a scene...some guy waded out to help us. As if.

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  28. Sounds like a really fun getaway. I've never been to Austin, believe it or not, I've only been in airports in Texas, never actually stayed in the great state.

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    1. Oh, it's definitely worth the visit! In fact, I'd like to go back!

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  29. I love Austin!! So happy you had a good time and what a fun sister trip!

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  30. You and your sister are too adorable and too cute!!! I love all of your pictures together - there are some where I had to do a double take to identify who was who. Such a strong resemblance! Austin is a wonderful town, what a great choice for a sister's weekend!!!

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  31. Oh my god!! that looks amazing!! it sounds like a super fun trip with your sister!! and lots of tacos!! you can always put me down for tacos!

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  32. YAY for a sister weekend, and too cool you guys went running together. I think I remember a couple years ago you saying this didn't happen?
    I lived in San Antonio before moving here 5 years ago, and love the SA/Austin scene. Such good food!!!!

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    1. I've been to San Antonio, and that's another fun destination!

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  33. Great photos, it looks like you ladies had a great time. I can't wait to see my family during the holidays. Those candles were hilarious I would have bought one just because. lol

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    1. I seriously considered buying one...but who to pick? I thought they were hilarious.

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  34. I have never been to Austin but it is high on my list of WANTS - your pictures are fabulous. Glad you had such a great time.

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    1. So fun! If you make your way to Texas, I'd include San Antonio in my trip as well. Another fun place.

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  35. A sisters weekend sounds so awesome - that's something I should start planning with my sister.

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    1. This was our 5th annual trip and we already are planning for next year!

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  36. Aww man, it looks like you had such a fun outing!

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  37. Sounds like a great trip with your sister!! You guys did lots of fun stuff! Great pics! I can't wait to see my sis this week and spend time together in Chicago! :)

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  38. I just don't think Dallas will be as much fun as Austin. Maybe because I won't be there with you... :p

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  39. I love everything about this and only wish I had a sister to 'trip" with :-) My favorite is the taco truck sign - - "just kidding" - - LOL!!!

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    1. It was just one of the many things that kept us laughing all weekend...

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  40. Looks like a wonderful time! I think I was in Austin when I was a child, but I don't really remember much about it. My uncle was stationed near Waco, and so we did a road trip to visit. Of course, being 8 or 9 at the time, I wasn't really paying attention to the cool sites and awesome bars and restaurants. I remember not loving the area, but I've heard so many rave reviews about the area that it might be worth a second look.

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    1. It's got so much new construction that I can't help but think things have changed. I'd definitely go back if I were you.

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  41. I love Austin and kayaking...but I've never kayaked in Austin! I have kayaked in the Charleston Bay (South Carolina) and it was beautiful but had no city skyline backdrop. This sounds like a great trip for sisters. I love that you and your sister share the same interests ...as my sister and I are complete opposites!

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  42. Yay for a fun sisters trip. I love the yoga picture of the two of you. So cute!

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  43. Wow this looks like an amazingly busy trip. All that kayaking looks like a lot of fun, though. And too funny those prayer candles!

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    1. Yeah, we were way busier than I thought we'd be. It was so much fun, tho.

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  44. You and your sister know how to have an awesome time! I would like to take that kayak trip through Austin - looked like fun.

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  45. Sounds like a great weekend! I love girl getaways! Glad to know I wasn't the only one who missed a weekly update :) fun comes first!!!!!

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  46. I love all the pictures you took with your sister. I wish I had that good of relationship with my sister. I have only been to Austin once but I had a great time there.

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  47. I haven't been to Austin yet, which is a shame because it is so close! I am trying to plan a weekend trip there. We do have a few Torcy's Tacos here... oh, they are sooo good!

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  48. Wow - you and your sister look a lot alike! I think it's cool that you guys run together, I always wanted a sister to do stuff like that with. Looks like you had a fun weekend!

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  49. Sounds like a blast! Love all the pictures :-) Thanks so much for linking up with us at Sunday Fitness & Food.

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