PTO

Paid time off or as most people know it vacation.

I finally had some of it the week of Labor Day when my parents came out for a visit.

Mom, Dad, and me at Crown Point

                                              
Training had been tough: mileage was higher than what I had done before and intensity was higher as well.
Work had been crazy busy, I had taken on added responsibility, and multiple people were on sabbatical (5-6 weeks off from work).
It was time to recharge and have some down time - it was past due.

My family and I did great Portland things like visit the rose garden....

 

Rose Garden

 

We went to the Gorge...



Columbia River Gorge



We traveled to wineries and tasted great Pinot Noirs...



 

Anne Amie Winery - Carlton, OR

I recharged, I reconnected with family, and remembered why I love living in the Pacific Northwest so much.

I felt rested, happy, and healthy.

Training didn't stop but it seemed easier.

Hard workouts weren't quite as hard.

Yasso 800's (10 of them) at 2:43/44 pace were achievable.

It was a good reminder that everyone - including myself - needs a break every so often.

Marty has said this numerous times before but sometimes I don't listen.

You can only burn the candle at both ends for so long.

Only 3 weeks out from the Chicago Marathon- here's to staying rested, happy, and healthy.