Hello from Starbucks! My internet at home isn’t working so instead of freak out I grabbed my stuff and headed to the ‘bucks. This was the perfect time to try their new Orange Spice Iced Coffee too! Eh. Didn’t impress.
I had jury duty this week and called in every day and wasn’t picked to come in! My one friend thought that was ‘lucky’ but I wanted to go – is that weird?
Well, I have some good news and some bad news…
Bad news first, right?
I’m not going to Fitbloggin this weekend 
It was a super last minute thing, but after I was MIA on our anniversary Ben planned a mini-road trip and didn’t realize I was supposed to be in Portland this weekend. I’m super bummed.
The good news is I will be able to run the Pasadena Half Marathon on Sunday! We’re just going north of LA and on the way back Sunday morning we’ll do a ‘half marathon pit-stop’. Ha! It’s kinda crazy, but I like it.
In other bad news turned good news I’m missing Portland, OR but I will be going to Portland MAINE in August!!!
I was chosen to be on the Cabot Fit Team – a group of bloggers and farmers who want to spread the word about wellness through exercise and nutrition.
And on August 3rd I will run the Beach to Beacon 10k in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I am super super excited because I don’t think I would ever have traveled to Maine if not for this opportunity!
It’s basically the farthest point country from me (in the 48)! I’m looking forward to checking out the north east and eating some lobsta.
The Beach to Beacon is sold out. But I’ll report back with a full review after the race so you can jump on it if you’re local.
Added bonus of being on the Cabot Fit Team?
They sent me a TON of delicious cheese! I love a super sharp cheddar – this one is the BEST in the world. It’s all fancy-like wrapped in wax too…
Dinner – Last night I made quinoa, asparagus and topped it with 2 eggs and shredded cheddar. So easy and yet amazing.
More Good News…
I will be running the Shoreline Half Marathon in Ventura on July 14th. I’ve never done this one before, but July half marathons are very hard to find AND I’ve heard it’s a great course!
Sooooo, if you’re looking for a race you can sign up and get 20% off with code RER20.
This code also works for the Arroyo Creek Half on August 11th.
Use code: RER20 for a 20% off registration
This race organization is also putting together a cool inspiration page on their site that we’ll be able to contribute to – stay tuned.
Question: What are you doing this weekend?
I’m driving up to Ventura and enjoying the beach. Then a lil race.
The entire Cabot team is thrilled to have you racing.
Bummer about Portland, OR, but I promise Portland, ME will welcome you with open arms 🙂
So excited you get to experience Maine! I’m from just an hour north of Portland. Unfortunately, I have never run the Beach to Beacon, but I hear good things about the course! Hope you enjoy the time! If you feel like a good smoothie check out Maine Squeeze or even hit up Kamasouptra for some delicious soup. Two local companies that I miss dearly now that I am away at graduate school.
I’m from Vermont originally (home of Cabot), so I’m INSANELY jealous of your new title AND all of the free cheese. Cabot makes the best cheese on the planet, hands down, period. It’s a fact 🙂
Have a fun trip! trading one trip for another? Sounds like an okay trade to me! 😉
Re: Arroyo Creek, Simi in August will be HOT. Simi was hot when I ran a 30k there in February. Ventura’s always good for races though.
Cabot cheddar (the older/sharper the better!) is amazing. Whenever we went up to ski at Stowe we went to the Creamery Annex for samples…and several bricks of cheese. It was all over back east, but harder to find at CA grocery stores 🙁
Hey, that is so great about the B2B! I’m also from Portland, Maine and running this year. It’s my second time. The most exciting part of the race for me is that it’s put on by Joan Benoit Samuelson. If you want to make the race even more meaningful for you check out the documentary about her “There is no finish line” (or at least you can watch the trailer). See what you think!
I really enjoy your blog! I hope you enjoy your visit to Maine!
The local runners are hosting the overseas and outstation runners who’re in town for the now-postponed-KL Marathon. We’ll be leading the group on a long run tomorrow.
Ben is so thoughtful!
Lots more good news than bad! I’m sad to miss Fitbloggin this year too, but will hopefully get there next year. Enjoy the last minute trip and half marathon! And the Cabot opportunity sounds awesome!! They have the best cheese.
I live in Portland, ME and ran the B2B last year, but wasn’t able to get a spot this year 🙁 It’s a tough race, some nice hills at the end, lol. My girl friend that I run with is training to actually win the race! She did the olympic trials a couple years ago, she is amazing and I will be there to see her finish. Maybe I will be able to spot ya 🙂
That is super cool! Hopefully we’ll meet 🙂
I’m running the Pasadena 10K! Hoping I won’t die from heat exhaustion.
Hey! I live in Ventura, and will be running the beach this weekend. If you see another Messican redhead, you’ll know it’s me. 🙂 Jealous of that sharp cheddar…
I’ll keep an eye out 😉
Wow! Monica your schedule is PACKED with fun and exciting races. I am really looking forward to meeting you in Maine and running on the Cabot FitTeam together. By the way, I’ve always secretly wanted to do jury too:)
I’m getting pumped!
Hiiii! I love reading your blog and am happy to hear you will be in Maine! I live in Portland and work at Allagash Brewing Company; should you have the time, you should definitely come by! I’d love to meet/show you around and talk running (and beer!)!
Your good news is running another race not spending time on a trip your sweet husband planned?! Maybe to make this even better you could post more pix of you and your ex?
Jenn, that’s a great idea! Ha 😉
Aaahhhh! I’d love to run that race in Maine, but I’ll be volunteering and riding in a charity bike ride that weekend. Mope you have a blast!
I am SOOO excited that you are doing the Shoreline Half! I’ve always wanted to run into you (not literally) at a race!!! This is my birthday weekend, and I can not think of a better treat!!!! Enjoy your weekend trip 🙂
Mine is too! 🙂 I really wanted to run a race on my birthday, but I’ll be away camping in New Hampshire
What do you have to be bummed about – your partner planned what I’m sure will be an aweome weekend for you guys! Oy..lol
Yay for Maine! I just got back from Maine today. When in Portland you have to go to the Maine Running Company. I also recommend you go to the southern beaches. I like Old Orchard/Pine Point beaches and York beach. I have so many great food recommendations and shopping spots!
I’m sorry you have to miss another blogger event because your husband planned an anniversary trip! That’s terrible! You have my sympathy.
Maybe the real ‘bad news’ is that your priorities seem to be a little out of step?
Gross, I agree. You come off as very ungrateful and show poor taste
Totally agree! My jaw dropped when I read this post! And I don’t buy the whole “misinterpreted tone” thing. I would never talk that way about my husband, especially if he planned a nice trip for us.
If the weather cooperates, I’m going to the beach in Michigan for the weekend for our annual family vacation.
I’m so jealous of all your traveling! I love traveling the US and trying all sorts of new foods and running routes.
Congrats on the Cabot Fit Team! That is awesome. Love your blog and following your posts. I have always been curious as to how you get chosen to be on teams like this or even be chosen as an ambassador for brands? I have been running for about 15 years on and off and am just now getting back into it seriously after having two beautiful babies. By the way those Muddy Buddies look amazing, I have a sweet tooth beyond my control. I might have to make some tonight.
Ah! I live in Portland, ME and will also be running B2B 10k! You’ll love it… it’s a BEAUTIFUL course with a lot of spectators… it’s kind of a big deal race around here. Looking forward to (hopefully) running into you!
Good luck on Sunday! I’ve been to Pasadena two years ago and, If I remember correctly, it’s pretty hilly… (?)
I’ll be running the Pride Run in Central Park tomorrow! It’s 5 miles and it’s my first time racing this particular distance… I can’ wait, it’s supposed to be FUN! And they give you popsicles at the end 😉
Have fun at the Pride Run!!
Tonight we are meeting with our wedding photographer, tomorrow night we are meeting with our stationary person (who is also fiancé’s cousins wife). Our weekends through October will be filled with lots of wedding stuff, no races for me.
We also plan to squeeze in time to pack up fiancé’s condo so he can get some stuff moved to my place. I can already tell this is going to be exhausting, especially since I’m growing a little human that likes to zap my energy right out.
Have a great time in Portland! It’s definitely one of my favorite New England cities. 🙂
My parents ran the Beach to Beacon last year and apparently it’s a course that is allllll uphill (at least that’s what my dad says). But I heard it’s a great race too! Especially when it’s put on by someone has wonderful as Joan Benoit Samuelson. 🙂
Oh no! Hills! Glad you warned me.
Yay!!! I am just outside of Maine and running the Beach to Beacon too!!! 🙂 It is a great race. This is my first year running it! Hope to see you.
Oops, I meant to say just outside of Portland but I do live in Maine.
Yes! See you there!
Hmm I might need to try out that quinoa recipe. I have two boxes of quinoa in my cabinet that I’m afraid to use…
This weekend, the hubs surprised me with Dave Matthews Band tickets so we are going tomorrow night! That is, if he isn’t still sick. Right now he’s home with some kind of cold/throat thing so I will be spending my Friday evening making soup and watching sportscenter. Yay…?
Cheese is the tits!!!
It makes everything taste better. Everything.
This weekend I will be getting in a run or two and hanging out with the Mister’s family that are coming for a visit. It will be a blasty blast.
Packing for vacation!!! WOOO!!!!
Have fun with yo man!!
I’m hitting the beach with my kiddo. 😀
Sorry you have to miss Fitbloggin’, but it sounds like you have a great replacement weekend planned. 🙂 I’m jealous of all the races you get to run. I live in the Chicago area and there are very few race options for the rest of the summer that aren’t a 5K. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!
Oh hey I’m running pasadena on sunday too and I’m super nervous because it’s my first half.
How awesome Cabot sent you some cheese. That stuff is like crack. It’s so good! Have a great trip!
I’m going to my lake house this weekend to spend some down time with my family!
Love Portland, ME, I am a Boston girl and we go there alot. Must go to the Shipyard Brewery (its probably the size of your Condo!).
You seemed more bummed that you are not at fitbloggin that you are excited about a surprise anniversary trip with you husband : (
I thought this too! :/
Boo. That wasn’t my intention. Sometimes it’s hard to read someone’s tone online.
I read beach to beacon as “beach to bacon” and thought what an awesome race!!! Haha, I guess I got bacon on the brain!
Ha! That would be an awesome race – we should start that!
There’s a Bacon race in Wisconsin – I am dying to run it! http://baconrace.com/
I’m excited you are coming to Pasadena for the half marathon! I’ll be there running my first 10k race. Your blog has been a great source of information while training for my first 10k. I’m looking forward to a half marathon next!
Good luck!
Maine is wicked pissah! Have fun eating their Lobstah Rolls! 🙂
Safe travels!
Ha! Thanks 🙂
I’m running 13 tomorrow and getting a pedicure and drinks with a good friend. That’s all that’s on my schedule, I’m excited – I haven’t had this little to do in awhile!
Altough never I’ve never run Beach to Beacon (sells out very quickly), I’ve run in Portland a lot and love it! It’s a big shopping destination for those who live north of the border (New Brunswick). The Maine Marathon is one of my alltime favs! When in Maine, you have to try Shipyard and Gritty’s beer!
Have a fun weekend at the beach and enjoy the half! This weekend I have a bridal shower, work, and a long run!
I’ve never been called for jury duty, but I once called 911 to report a crime and then was called as a witness in the trial. Yikes. Was probably the most terrifying day of my life.
I live in Michigan now, but I grew up in Vermont. Cabot cheese is basically a food group there. You should try the “seriously sharp” or “hunters sharp” options they have. I like to say that I like it so sharp that it cuts your tongue.
I’ve always wanted to get called to jury duty too!
This weekend we’ve got a big local festival happening so I’ll be spending most of my time there.
I love Ventura. (I got married on the beach across the street from the harbor) The harbor….clam chowder in a breadbowl from Andrias….YUM….
This weekend I have my first open water swim in my triathlon training. I’m terrified.
WHen you are in Maine you have to get lobstaaaaa!! How long will that flight be!?
There are no direct flights so the travel time is over 12 hours with a super short layover too! All day!!
I live in Portland, Maine and am also running the Beach to Beacon. I’ve never run it before but I know it’s a beautiful and challenging course. JBS wouldn’t have it any other way! How exciting that you get to visit Maine!
See you there!!
See you at the Shoreline Half, I did Arroyo Creek last year and thought I’d try the ocean breezes this summer instead.
I want to go to jury duty, too! I’ve never been called. So if you’re weird, we can be weird together – I’ve never met/talked to anyone else who also wanted to go to jury duty.
I hope you’ll love Maine! It’s one of my favorite places to visit. (I grew up in New Hampshire and live in Salem, MA.)