The 20 Miler That Never Was

Satruday was suppose to consist of my last 20 miler before my taper. I knew earlier in the week my running buddy wasn't going to be there so I was going to be stalking other people so I wouldn't have to run alone. I was cool with that but last minute my girlfriend the Bird mentioned running with me. Of course I said yes but at 5am Saturday morning I got a text asking to postpone the run and a request to do it local (instead of dirving in to the city). Since it was 5am it didn't take much convincing to postpone the run. But then I slept in a little late and asked to postpone it a little later, then she postponed it, and before you knew it the postponed run didn't happen.

It was actually alright. The Champ and I needed a none running day together. Training for any race takes time and commitment and if your significant other isn't a athlete that means you are taking time away from each other. It is a two person sacrifice. The Champ knows I love and I am committed to Saturday morning distance runs however, I always check with him to make sure there isn't something he wants us to do. I don't ever want him to feel that my running trumps our relationship. Our relationship is and always will be number one. And lets face his support and encouragement is what helps make an OK run an epic one.

So instead of running we took advantage of "us time." One of the areas we recently ran through was Grant Park and I fell in love. Its also next to Zoo Atlanta so I thought it would be a perfect place for The Champ to see my running stumping grounds and see something new.

The weather was perfect. I think I enjoyed the animals much more then the children (that were everywhere). I was particularly intrigued by the gorillas. One of them gave birth to a baby in August and it was truly amazing to see her carry her baby on her back, and caress her baby. The natural instinct was amazing. Ok, I wont get all sappy but it was amazing.

Oh and that's what I look like in normal people clothes, when my hair isn't slicked back and I don't have salt face.

Speaking of clothes we went to Lenox Mall since The Champ has NEVER been there. If you aren't familiar its kinda fancy and pricey. So we walked around. I honestly haven't shopped for "normal clothes" in forever.  I spend my budget wisely, races and running shoes.

Well, I grew weak when I saw there was a two story Banana Republic.
(we don't have these stores where I live- a luxury we are deprived of for living in the moderate boonies)
Sigh.
Needless to say we had some fun and I may not be purchasing race shoes for awhile after our little shopping trip...

How do you dress outside of race gear?
Any "big" runs on your schedule you skipped? What did you do instead?
How do you make time for your significant other during training season?