It’s been a week of reminiscing as I’ve been reminded of a lot fun memories that happened around this time of the year.
Two years ago , in a lot of ways spontaneously, my husband and I flew to Europe (Spain, Italy, and France). We ran Rock n Roll Madrid, Spain April, 27th as our first out of the country race.
It was an absolute blast and super interesting to see how races are somewhere besides the States. I wrote about it here, but one of the funner tid bits was that there were no portapotties!! Or like, very few. I remember as a I ran, seeing dudes just pull up to the side and do their thing, lol!!
Another interesting note was that the water stations consisted of water bottles, not cups. It pained me a bit to see people take sips and then toss the bottles but then remembering how expensive bottled water was in Europe, I decided to hoard some and run double fisted.
There were no waves. As soon as the horn blew, everyone just went. There were corrals but I wasn’t sure the purpose if everyone started at the same time, lol! And boy, was it crowded! Oh , and it was vastly men running and my bib had a big fat “F” for female.
One of my fave race pics — having fun doing what I love (and in Spain!)
Anyway, Miranda @ThoughtsAndPavement commented on my recap that she’d run the race this year and reignited the fun times I had during the race and my time in Europe. She also noticed many of the same things, most especially how crowded the race was.
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This weekend last year , I flew to Ohio, also sorta last minute, to see my brother run his FIRST half marathon. He had been training hard, and I was so proud of him. I said out loud to my husband after reading one my brother’s training runs (he texted them all to me ⤠) how I wished I could be there to see him. My husband immediately got me a plane ticket.
I’ve written about my brother before and his amazing transformation. A total non-runner, overweight, sedentary but awesomely good guy. Last year, he lost over 60 pounds and completely changed his life.
The Flying Pig Half Marathon last year was his first half, and he shocked the hell out of me by finishing in 2:10, smashing his sub 2:30 goal.
Me and the bro after his first half marathon
He ran a second half marathon later in the year with a lofty goal of snagging a sub 2 hour half. And you know what? He did it!!
Oh what fun to look back at such amazing memories. I sit here drinking coffee and typing and smiling…at how wonderful life is â¤
–What are some of your favorite running memories?
These are such great memories!! My sister inspired me to run so I totally know where your brother is coming from! I haven’t even run out of state yet so I am hoping to do that soon!!
SOOO awesome when you have a sibling who loves doing what you do! And being able to do it together is an extra plus!!
No port o potties? What if someone had to poop??? I guess I can never run a race in Madrid!
I know, right??!! I’m sure there were some but none really that I saw. The course was in the city and I did see quite a few people pull off into cafes to use the bathroom!
I want to run an out-of-the-country race SO badly someday. We don’t have the ability to do it without much planning, but someday I’ll plan and save up to run the Loch Ness Marathon and spend a week in Scotland!
That sounds amazing!!! I have a friend who raves about Scotland!
That race was two years ago? I think that’s when I found your blog. Time sure does fly!
You’ve been such a loyal reader, lol!! <3!!!
Yaaasss bro love!
đ ⤠he's the best–going for halfie #3 at the same race this weekend
OMG! This is sooooo funny! I just wrote about my trip to Spain 2 years ago too. I guess I’m not the only one who has fond memories with this country. It looks like you had a blast! It also looks like we’ve been there at around the same time too! I was there from April 27 to May 2, 2014 đ
#FBF: Barcelona, Spain â The City Of Dreams (Part 1): https://candiesandcrunches.com/2016/04/29/fbf-barcelona-spain-the-city-of-dreams-part-1/
we were TOTALLY there at the same time!! SO cool!! We were in Spain for only two days though and then spent the majority of our time in Italy before flying home from France. What fun memories!!
I traveled through Paris too haha!
Lol, that’s awesome!!!
Aw such nice memories. Lately I’ve been thinking about how I was just getting into running four years ago… and now I’m training for my first marathon! In a way it seems so long ago but really four years is just a blip. Time flies!
I feel the same! The Europe trip was only 2 years ago but sometimes it feels like such a long time ago! I think kids warps time too, lol!
Great memories (and swirlgear shirt! #howwemet). This weekend is weird weekend of memories for me–Kentucky Derby, Horse Shows, the hospital… today was my due date… Lots of random.
Lots of love my friend â¤
What great memories! It is so sweet how supportive and close you and your brother are. That must have been so special to both of you for you to be there at his first half marathon. My favorite memory is crossing the finish line at my first marathon. It was one of the top 5 best, most gratifying moments of my life.
Definitely. My first marathon is absolutely one of my favorite memories as well đ
Awesome memories! I wish I could get my boyfriend to run with me!
After seeing how much fun you’re having, he’s bound to give in! đ