I Do at OU

While talking to a very dear friend on Thursday, she mentioned that Ohio University (our alma mater) was having a Spring Reunion featuring I Do at OU at Galbraith Chapel for married couples who either met at Ohio University or got married at OU. As luck would have it, we had a free weekend. And since we both graduated from OU and met at OU, it was a must-do on my weekend list. On a whim, I signed us up and off we went on Saturday.

We arrived early enough to do all the cheesy back-to-college-campus stuff. Drove past our old houses (slum cottages to some), checked out some of the old bars (I still need to replenish my "I Get High at the CI" plastic cups), drove the three main streets in Athens - Court, State and West Union. We also stopped by Meg's old elementary school for some playground time (all of us) and visited a new place - Fluff - for some yummy goodness. Of course, Meg and I stopped to get the to-go coffee at Donkey (favorite coffeehouse maybe ever).


Then all four of us walked to Galbraith Chapel. Not sure of what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised. I met my friend, Anne, and her husband, who were also doing the same cheesy thing. We said our "I do's" at 18:04 (year college was founded) and toasted champagne in OU-engraved flutes while snacking on mini-cupcakes. It was a nice touch that the minister asked all the couples to introduce themselves and how they met. We were married the least amount of time, my friend will be celebrating her 20th anniversary this year (and she even wore her bridal veil), and another couple were celebrating their 36th! Heard some classic OU-kind of stories. Greenery, anyone?


Bridget enjoyed taking camera pics everywhere we went - especially this one of Megan and Greg on the College Green. It was just a quick down-and-back day trip and was the perfect length!

Today's guilty pleasure: Donkey Coffee, Burrito Buggy, DP Dough's, and the CI. Good stuff!

16th State Was One of My Favorite Races!

I missed a 10k PR by 40 seconds but I was more than happy with my time of 1:05:02. I ran the ZOOMA 10k in Annapolis this past Sunday. The morning was iffy since it was raining buckets and lightning at 6:00 am. Megan was a course marshal volunteer working at the 10k turnaround. I have to say it was pretty cool hearing her voice as I approached the turn/half marathon split. Rating the course, organization, town and post race food and festivities, I would have to give high marks. Packet pick up on Saturday was simple and I did enjoy walking around the Naval Academy stadium and seeing GO NAVY in the bleachers. We strolled around the town and had lunch at this great little gem called Chick and Ruth's "delly" - I highly recommend this place. Race morning was not initially ideal, but what can you do when Mother Nature deals you a bad hand! Surprisingly, the temps stayed in the high 50s to low 60s which was nice regardless of the rain. Wouldn't you know it stopped raining about a mile before the finish. The course was scenic and challenging - a great combination. The finish line was spacious and food was spot on. All finishers received a special necklace made by women in Guatemala - a nice touch. I had the option of riding the shuttle back to the Naval stadium or walking a mile back. The walk back was an ideal choice. The After Party was exactly as promised. I was greeted by a volunteer handing out chocolates, next I had a yummy sample size cupcake from Nostalgia Cupcakes, a box lunch with hummus, carrot/celery sticks & apple, and a cold complimentary glass of Pinot Grigio from Barefoot Wines. Although I didn't sign up for a free massage, I was impressed with how organized the service was. I even treated myself to a new pink shirt that read, "one tasty cupcake = 3.1 miles" - love it! Best of all, I got to share this race experience with my daughter, who was a great volunteer. I would recommend this as a destination race since the town is a must-see and the race is challenging, well run and truly enjoyable.