I took a break from house projects this morning to run my first road race - a 15K called “The Boilermaker” in Utica, NY - with my friend Katherine. It’s the largest 15k in the nation, with over 12,000 runners this year. The race ends at the Matt’s Brewery, where they hand out free Saranac beer to the runners. That’s why we’re smiling despite the fact that we just ran 9.3 miles (including some nasty hills) on a 90 degree day. (That’s me on the left)

The free beer (Pomegranate Wheat, excellent) went down smooth, but left me feeling woozy about 5 minutes later. Apparently the best way to end a grueling 15k run in the blistering heat is NOT chugging an alcoholic beverage. Who knew?

Not only did we finish without passing out or puking, we ran the entire thing (no walk breaks) and even sprinted over the finish line. Which is saying something, considering we started our “training” 3 weeks ago when Katherine suckered me into signing up. You’d be surprised how many people were on the side of the road with EMTs. It was actually kinda motivating, knowing you were at least doing better than that poor person passed out face down on someone’s front lawn.

What does this have to do with our house? Absolutely nothing. But much like a good house project it made me push to the point of exhaustion, feel a little nauseous, and walk around all day proud as a peacock having achieved something I never would have guessed I could do.