Race Recap: Celebrate Israel 4M

The race (much like my upcoming one this weekend) came on the heels of an extremely busy few weeks.  I hadn't been running much at all and wasn't too sure what to expect when I lined up in the corrals that early June morning.  I had just fairly successfully completed the 4-week Fit Challenge though. And the weather was just right.

Having that bit of background, you will be as shocked as I was to hear that this run was one of my best ever.  I think it was a mixture of the core training from the challenge and the fresh legs that helped me to hit a time that made me super proud!  I ran 11:37 per mile for a total time of 46:26.  My best ever time for a 4 miler was 11:35 per mile and that was with two of my friends pushing me the whole race.  Needless to say, I was SO proud of my efforts.  And to top it all off, I didn't feel exhausted at the end of the race like I so often do.  I really showed me the power of cross-training and core training. 

What is your favorite way to cross train during running season?

Andrea :)

Ninja New York: A Truly Unique Experience

A friend recommended Christopher and I give Ninja New York a try for my birthday dinner.  They had a fun experience there and thought we would enjoy it as well.  They have never been more right!  We loved it!!  And the food is spectacular!!

After a quick elevator ride down to the ninja headquarters we weaved toward our individual little hut.  Our server, Ninja Chris, greeted us and got us started with a flavored sake set.  I thought the strawberry sake was the best, but also liked the orange one.  Lemon was ok, but plum was terrible!

Next, we moved to appetizers.  Each of ours had a fun twist to it.  Mine proved a bit scary even!

Chopping up the topping for his salad NINJA style!!

Very carefully (as instructed) opening up my edamame box....

Dinner was next.  It did not disappoint!  We both ordered the chicken teriyaki with vegetables.  It was without a doubt one of the best meals I have had in quite some time!

Dessert was another round of fun excitement!  Chris ordered the Ninja Star while I chose A Rose.  Both had super cool presentations and were delicious!  They actually cooked the Ninja Star right in front of us at the table.  Very fun stuff!!

 

During dessert, a magician came around to our hut and performed some tricks for us.  He had me choose a card and write my name on one side of it, then put it back in the deck and it magically appeared with the other side saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY on it.  It was unbelievable.  He did several other really neat tricks before he headed off to another table.

We had a great experience at Ninja New York.  I would highly recommend it to anyone...especially if they are celebrating a birthday or anniversary.  It is also a fun place for a family with younger kids.  Lots of families were there and all the kids were just loving everything!! 

Have you ever been to an interactive dinner restaurant??  Did you enjoy it??

Andrea :)

Mini of the Month: July

When we found out the Mini of the Month was Root Beer Float, we were pumped!!  We love Root Beer.  In fact, it is the only soda that I will cave in and drink every so often.  And Root Beer floats are my absolute favorite ice cream treat!!

Ingredients: Root Beer Cake, Vanilla Icing, Brown & Clear Sugar Crystal, & Brittle Topping

Fortunately, this yummy treat did not disappoint!!  Chris and I both loved it!  It had a pretty clear Root Beer flavor though I'm not sure the brittle topping was the best choice for the mini.  Maybe just a sprinkle of the sugar crystals would have been best.  Either way, it was fabulous!  We couldn't get enough of the deliciousness!

Do you like Root Beer as much as we do? 

Andrea :)

A Birthday Escape

I had one of my best birthdays to date this year.

By the time the 24th actually rolled around I had already celebrated with family and a few friends.  There were lots of yummy cupcakes in Indianapolis and on the beach in Florida so maybe I was just extra prepared to get the birthday fun started.  As I mentioned on Thursday, I began my day with some Baked by Melissa minis courtesy of my co-worker and boss.  Those tasty treats totally set the mood for the day.  Especially since I had been in the habit of taking the day off from work for my birthday the past few years.

Later that day, I received two special deliveries!  My parents sent me a box of random goodies :)

And Christopher sent me some awesome birthday flowers. They were very pretty!  I loved the cute vase - how clever!

The birthday fun kicked into high gear as I met up with some friends to Escape the Room!  We were set to play a six person game - The Home. 

This was SOOOOO much fun!  Essentially, we were given brief instruction before being locked into a room full of clues.  We had one hour to escape.  It was certainly challenging and the time ticked away super fast, but we managed to escape with less than two minutes left on the clock!!

They informed us after we escaped that only 20% of players are able to make it out in the allotted time frame.  They also said that most people escape with less than 5 minutes left on the clock.  We were SO happy we made it out!!  Definitely going to be playing more of their games soon!!

We made a quick stop at Pinkberry before heading home to call it a night!

After all, I needed to get my rest for the birthday fun to come on the following night.  Check back to hear all about my Ninja filled birthday dinner with Christopher on Friday...

Andrea :)

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I can't believe it has already been a full year since I celebrated turning the big 3-0!  But somehow my birthday has rolled around once again.  Not that I'm complaining or anything because everyone knows I love a good birthday celebration! 

In fact, I've been celebrating for a solid week so far with lots more to go tonight, tomorrow, and next weekend when Christopher takes me to see Rascal Flatts - so excited! 

I started the celebration off in Indianapolis last week with a family birthday celebration.  And cupcakes.

It was fun to celebrate with everyone there.  Brinley especially liked helping me eat the cupcakes.

The birthday fun continued in Fort Myers when the lovely bride surprised me with some yummy cupcakes at the rehearsal dinner!  The strawberry cupcake was delicious!

Anyone noticing a theme yet??  This morning when I arrived at work there was a nice little display at my desk waiting for me.  My colleague and boss had brought me Baked by Melissa cupcakes!  I definitely ate two of those little minis for breakfast :)

Here's to even more cupcake fun on this delightful birthday of mine :)

Andrea :)

Whirlwind July

July has been a complete whirlwind for me!  Lots of exciting and fun things have been occupying my time these past couple of weeks though!  You'll see lots of race recaps, a few broadway show reviews, and general fun summer happenings in the coming weeks, but for now I'll just give you a snapshot of the fun that has ensued...

Chris and I celebrated having merely 100 days left until our wedding by going out to dinner at one of our favorite Italian spots in Hell's Kitchen.  We also managed to book our honeymoon, secure nearly all the vendors (still sorting out the make up artist), and get our invites sent out!  YAY!!

With 99 days left until the wedding, I left Chris for a week as I headed off to Indianapolis for a business trip.  It wasn't just any business trip though.  It was our National 7-on-7 Tournament and National Lineman Challenge.  It was a very long and busy week, but it was full of excitement this year as my whole family was in town for the week as well. 

My brothers love working the tournament every year!

We had a great time celebrating Landon's birthday on the 14th and then mine toward the end of the week before we all headed back to our respective cities.  Brinley even gave me an official name - I am now Aunt Otter.  They are both adorable and I loved spending so much time with them!

After the tournament I dashed back to NYC in order to pick up Chris and my bridesmaid dress before we ventured down to Florida for Ashley Gail and Parker's nuptials on the beach. 

I'll be posting all about their wedding and the bridesmaid fun soon, but before we left the Sunshine State Chris and I managed a couple rounds of mini-golf.  I won both times :)

So...you should now consider yourself updated.  And informed...it's my birthday eve for all those interested in showering me with wishes and gifts and possibly cupcakes tomorrow :)

Has July been a whirlwind for you??

 

Andrea :)

Happy Birthday, America!

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!

You know I'm celebrating with some tasty treats from Baked by Melissa!

Andrea :)