Pumking Finish

Do woodchucks have tails?
If not, then I definitely saw a beaver while running on Saturday.
I have no photographic evidence to prove this, but that seems to be the story of my weekend.

On Saturday morning I ran just over 8 miles in 1:24. It took me 30 minutes longer to run 10 miles last week, but I am still not feeling super confident about the half marathon.
It is now 6 days away!

After my run I caught up with my friend Emily, who was in town visiting with her 6 week old bundle of joy, Lillian. What an adorable, happy baby! Congratulations Em and Mike!

Afterward Jerry and I had a church dinner to go to, then my friend Denny was performing as part of the Utica Music and Arts Fest. I'm always blown away by his talent. I could listen to him sing all day. And you should, too.

On Sunday Jerry ran the 2011 Delta Lake Half Marathon. It was a beautiful chilly, sunny morning. I really wish my camera hadn't died.
He ran a personal best time of 1:19.
I swear he gets faster every time he runs. I was so proud.

iPhone pic from the finish

My mom, aunt, and I spent Sunday afternoon at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute. They had an exhibit called Wedded Perfection: Two Centuries of Wedding Gowns that we had been dying to see. Sunday was the last day, and it was very crowded, but definitely worth it. There were more than 50 gowns on display, on it was so interesting to see all of the different styles and fabrics. My aunt even saw a dress almost exactly like her own wedding dress!

We also happened to luck out, because another exhibit had just opened; Ansel Adams: Masterworks. I have always loved Ansel Adams, and have a print of his (Yosemite Falls) hanging in my office at work. This exhibit was a collection of 48 photographs that Adams himself deemed as his best work.
For anyone on the Utica area, I would highly recommend a trip to see this exhibit.

Jerry and I finished the weekend on the couch watching football, eating chicken riggies, and drinking pumpkin beer.
Southern Tier Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, to be exact.

Overall, I really liked this beer. It had a rich, malty flavor, with plenty of cinnamon/nutmeg spice. Pumking has 8.6% alcohol, but doesn't taste overly heavy. This was one of the more complex pumpkin beers we have tried. The pumpkin flavor was pronounced and the beer was slightly sweet. It made for an excellent dessert.
Overall, I would give this beer a 9/10.

This week I will have to trade the pumpkin brews for lots of water, but I have a few more reviews lined up.

Caffeine and Beer

Is there a better way to spend a lazy Sunday morning than drinking one of these?

When I got up this morning, I decided to (literally) dust off our espresso maker. We don't use it very often in the summer, but I was in the mood for a cappuccino.
My first attempt resulted in me making an Americano. I hit the hot water button instead of the frothed milk button. (Our machine will also steam milk for a latte). I will just let the Americano cool to make an iced coffee with later today.
My second attempt was a success.

 I made a double (two shots of espresso) cappuccino and added a tiny bit of sugar. Ahh, caffeinated perfection.

A big thunderstorm rolled through right after I took these photos. Which resulted in a coonhound becoming plastered to my leg for the next 15 minutes.

Scared Sadie

Half Marathon Training
Yesterday's long run was great! Although it was insanely humid, it was also overcast. When it comes to running, I will take humid over sunny any day.
I met my cousins Tracy and Michele for a 9 mile run on the canal path in the morning. It is so much fun having two new running partners. We ran an easy 10:22 pace, and chatted non-stop. The time and miles seemed to fly by! It was my most enjoyable run of the summer, by far. Thanks, Ladies!

I ended up doing 4 workouts this week for a total of 18.5 miles.
Next week I am planning four runs: 5, 3, 3, and 11 for a total of 22 miles. The race is only 3 weeks away!

After my run I helped Jerry time a local college cross country meet. Aside from running a million miles, he also has a race timing company as a side project.
It was HOT, but the race went smoothly.

Women's race at the 5th Annual SUNY IT Cross Country Invitational

I finished off my Saturday with a Dogfish Head Punkin Ale.

My parents spent last week visiting my aunt and uncle in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Dogfish had just released their Punkin, and Mom and Dad brought some home for us. It is one of my most favorite beers.

One of my favorite things about fall is all the pumpkin flavored goodies you can find. Coffee, baked goods, soups, etc. And pumpkin beer is one of my favorites.

I challenged Jerry to a taste test experiment this fall. We are going to taste and review every pumpkin beer we can find. I will review them all here on the blog. I am so excited for this experiment!

Do like pumpkin beer? What are your favorites?