Thoughts about Pennsylvania and making memories

Boston Qualifying... to BQ is to run a really fast marathon in order to run another marathon. It was never really a goal that I had...even though the goal race may be the most well know marathon ever. 

A couple of years ago my girl shared her dream with me of wanting to Boston Qualify. I told her I'd help her chase and achieve this dream.
Our first try was October 2015. When we trained for the Baystate Marathon that year, we did so with a purpose. We wanted to get faster. We wanted to BQ or get as close as possible.We got closer that year. And knew that work still needed to be done.

When we started this journey my goal was to keep her company...to be her motivation and support. Help her achieve her dream goal. All the training that we did...that I did...was to make sure I would be able to be by her side when she crossed the finish line achieving her goal.

Through this journey we have realized that even though we're great friends and have a lot of fun running and training and racing together...achieving this dream together might not work. We have different racing and running and training styles. We have different fueling and pacing strategies. 

On our way to PA this weekend we talked about our goals. What we thought we could do...how we thought we could do it. And we decided we were each going to run our own race. We'd line up together. We'd start together. We'd run the same course. We'd finish in the same spot. But the journey from the start line to the finish line would be our own. 

The Via Marathon is in PA. It runs from Allentown to Easton; much of the route is along the Delaware & Lehigh Canal. It was definitely a beautiful course. The weather was perfect for race day...and the route was shaded with many trees.
In 2004 I had moved to PA, with my ex-husband. I lived in Whitehall, a little town kind of between Allentown and Bethlehem. To say it was weird being that close is an understatement. Throughout the few free hours we had, we traveled from Bethlehem to Easton and back, then to Allentown and back to Bethlehem. Every one in a while I'd have a story to share about an area. Most of them brought back memories I wasn't ready for.
We went over the bridge where I remember being complimented for my driving technique (since that stuck out so prominently does that mean that's one of the only compliments I had received?). The race started at the hospital where I learned of my 2nd miscarriage. Packet pick-up was next to the casino I made him take me to for the last birthday I spent with him (and my last one in that state). We drove by where I had bought my car, where he had to leave me to go get more money so we could leave with the car (there were tears shed that day). The race ended near where I use to work (we actually parked in the lot I use to park in). We ate near where the bus used to drop me off (ask me about that bus driver the next time we run together).  Friday night was hard for me...and by Saturday...well I was ready to make new memories with the race.

I wasn't as nervous on race day as I thought I would be. We woke up early, got on a bus to ride from the finish line to the start line. It felt cold. We knew it would warm up during the race...but at 5am it seemed really, really cold. We were quiet at the start.

There were a bunch of people around; we listened to their stories and watched them warm up or search for their friends. Hit the bathroom once (or twice more); and then we were off.
7:10am start. We ran out of the hospital parking lot and along the roads through a neighborhood then up a hill. The course was not flat...but definitely not hilly. As we had discussed...we started out together and then promptly ran our own race. I wasn't going to worry about where I was in the pack...my girl was ok without me and I was ok without her. We were running our own race...it only took about a mile for me to be comfortable with that.
I watched my pace on my watch. I knew I had to keep my pace steady...not too fast at the beginning...not too slow. I had to make sure to not push too hard at the beginning and to listen to my body. I wanted to be able to run strong the whole way.
I said before that earning a BQ was not my goal. But the NY marathon showed me that it could be achievable. I did put the training in...and I know there were friends that believed I could do it. I had made three goals: a really big goal (that I didn't achieve) a big goal (that I did achieve) and a basic goal (of finishing the marathon). So I started the race aiming for the really big goal.

The course was beautiful. And I would definitely suggest it to someone who wanted to run a pretty marathon that was mostly flat and wasn't too crowded. The course is not all street. It starts on the street, and as it winds by the Lehigh River it's on dirt trail and cinder trail, over a few wooden bridges and some grass trail before finishing on the street. Some of the paths along the river are not very wide. The marathon is also a relay. So in 4 spots there were huge crowds of people cheering on racers, and runners waiting for their relay exchange. Even though some of the spots along the river had no one to cheer us on (because they couldn't due to the trail) there were a number of sections (including the relay exchanges) that had cowbells and spectators.

I ran the race based on how I felt. I concentrated on my breathing. I tried not to chase the people in front of me. I tried not to pass people that were at my pace. I tried to remember 26.2 miles is a long way. I made sure I was fueling and hydrating regularly. At the half marathon marker I was on pace to meet my goals. And I was half done. And I was feeling pretty good! And I still had 13 miles to go... Because I felt good I wanted to push a little, but I knew that sometimes the last 4-6 miles can be the hardest. Especially when you've been pushing yourself through the first 20-22 miles. I remember that happening at Sugarloaf; when each step for the last few miles hurt. I remember the last mile in NY; when I felt like my legs didn't want to move any more. I wanted to be able to finish this race strong, but also feel like I left everything on the course.
I really don't remember my last few miles. I remember being mad at the course around mile 21. I remember cursing two inclines (or three?) during the last mile or two. I remember crossing the finish line. I remember not wanting to stop moving after I crossed because I thought my legs wouldn't ever move again. I remember being tired and done and feeling accomplished. I had met my big goal!
For the next little bit I walked up and down the course near the finish line waiting for my girl to finish. I really was afraid to stop moving. The end of the course kind of wrapped around, and I could see my girl from the finish line twice before she came down the final stretch...I made my woohoo's as loud as I could!

We did it!!

We finished our 10th marathons!! We started together, we ran the same course, we finished in the same place, and we have stories to tell about our time in PA. The stories may be different...and they may not be what we had originally planned...but I'm happy to say that I rewrote my PA experience and THIS is my new memory.

Finished the marathon in 3:41:25; earning a BQ and 2nd place in my age group

Rock Lobster Relay

In January I became part of TWB Misfit Runners for the Rock Lobster Relay. A team of 12 racing about 200 miles through 35 towns in ME, from Bar Harbor to Portland, over two days (Friday and Saturday). The weekend was sure to be filled with running, laughs, food, more running and very little sleep.

I met up with some of my team mates Thursday night for dinner and headed towards Bar Harbor for our last night of sleep until the race was over. 

Friday: 

We got up and ran a few errands; then head to the start at Bar Harbor. We meet up with the rest of our team, got our gear, received the safety briefing and are ready to roll!

Prior to this weekend we had to turn our paces in to the race director. He then uses those to predict the average race time for the team and provides us our time to start the race. These are staggered, based on our 'speed' so the teams all end around the same time at the finish line. Our start time was noon.

The weather was chilly and the clouds were dark. We were prepared for anything!

After cheering our first team member across the start line, Van 1 left to support their runner and run their legs. Van 2, my van, set off for some food and to pick up few final necessities. We then headed to Ellsworth where we would meet up with Van 1 and begin our running...right around 3:30pm.  

I was nervous. This was my 4th relay race. So why was I nervous? I had packed all the outfits, sneakers, food, fuel, and hydration I needed. I had a great van of team members. I know how to run. But I was nervous...and excited!

I was runner #10, the third runner in my van. After we start running the time goes pretty quickly. As the runners run we drive the course cheering them on a providing anything they may need...water, hydration, fuel or just a well deserved and usually much needed "Woohoo!!" Next thing you know it's my turn.

The weather was cool on the sidelines, but very warm while you were running.

I took a peak at the map to see what my leg looked like. 5.7 miles, with a few well placed hills. Around 5:30 I headed out. My goal was to run a close to my pace time as I could without hurting myself or pushing myself too hard...as I had two other runs to complete and they were both hilly too.

My first leg took me through Scurry. Part way through my run on the first big hill, a local came and ran with me to the top. I was thankful to have him to talk to!! Found out that I was the third runner he did that for...definitely cool!  He helped me forget about the hill and my heavy tired legs. I grabbed a drink from my team mates and took the turn to continue my route. I was more relaxed and concentrated on just running instead of how fast I felt I had to run. The second hill didn't seem as hard. I got to the end of my route with a strong push, handed the 'baton' to the next runner and cheered as he headed out.

Friday Night/Saturday Morning:

About 8pm we finished our first set of running, handed the baton back to Van 1 and headed to find a place that may be open for food. After stopping for Subway we headed to Rockport where we would meet Van 1. Our goal was to try to get some sleep before we took over the running at 1am. We all stretched out in the van...and tried to get comfortable to and rest as much as we could. 

I was excited to run this leg. I like running in the dark, through the sleeping neighborhoods. Knowing my teammates aren't too far away makes it way less scary than it could be. It was a bit cooler than the afternoon...but a perfect summer night. Decked out in my reflective and lighted vest, lighted hat and headlamp I was ready for my longest run, 8.7 miles. By 3:40am I was on the roads of Warren ME heading to Waldoboro. This felt like my hilliest run. I like running hills in the dark...you don't really know how bad they are until your half way up them and are trying to figure out why your legs hurt and you can't breathe. I had decided I was going to run this leg totally based on effort and paying attention to my breathing. The hills were tough...especially towards the end of my run when I could see them...the sun was starting to rise. I took the time to look around as morning was waking up. I am almost positive I saw an eagle flying over the pond...circling away from me. The route finished flat and I was able to finish strong...so excited to see my teammates!

I've taken a look at my stats for this leg. My pace wasn't steady as I slowed down on the hills, but my cadence was steady through the run! I'm kinda excited about that!

Our van finished just after 6am, handing the baton to Van 1. We then headed to the final big transition area in Brunswick. Our goal again was to try to get some sleep before we took over running. More of the van closed their eyes and rested this time. We were up and ready for our 10:15am start. We weren't really awake. But there was Gorham Grind with their coffee truck providing the best ice coffee I think I've ever had. That may be because it was the most needed coffee I've had in a long time. 

Saturday Afternoon:

This is it...our last set of legs. Van 2 is running to the finish line! Now the sun is shining and the routes don't have a lot of shade. It's a lot harder to find our speed as the sun beats down on us and we're running tired on legs that haven't had a lot of rest. But we are doing it! 

I start my last 4.5 miles. I love the summer...and I love running in the summer. It was sunny and humid. My goal again was to run a pace based on how I felt. I listened to my breathing and just ran...up some more hills. My team mates met me just before and just after the biggest hill of this leg. Knowing where they were going to be along the route made it a bit easier. The last half  mile went by quick and I saw the next runner ready to go! I ran as hard as I could to pass the baton...and then was done!

After our last runner hit the road we set off for the finish line at the Maine State Pier.

All 12 of us met her near the finish so we could run the last few hundred steps with her and all cross the finish line together!

It took our team 26 hours 20 minutes to finish the relay. Earning us 2nd place. But that's not the best part.

The best part is the new friends I've made, the new memories made, the new experience to add to my book. 6 people in a van for 26 hours is an adventure. I can say that I would join them all again for another adventure if invited. 

During the race you get to know some of the other teams and meet other runners along the course or at the transition areas. All the teams support each other...even if we are kind of excited when we pass other runners on our runs. 52 teams were part of the relay this year. We didn't meet all of them, but it was great seeing them along the course. They cheered and provided support to us and much as we did them. 

Saturday Night:

I came home and told my babe all about my adventure...I think he might have volunteered to be a driver if I was to do it again. I unpacked my bags, took the longest shower of the month, stuck a whole bunch of stinky clothes into the washer and headed out to dinner with my babe. I'm not sure I had eaten anything real since the salad at Subway Friday night. We headed to my favorite restaurant, filled my belly and went home...where I crashed on the couch.

This and That

I started this blog a couple of years ago. I wanted to share my thoughts on fitness and nutrition and myself. I don't post as often as I'd like to. I seem to think I don't have enough time.
I do fill my days. I get up in the morning for a run or a class at the gym. Then I work all day. And at night it's either more cross training, or house chores, or time with my babe… By the time I sit down on the couch it's about an hour before I go to bed and I like playing those silly games on my phone. The weekends are always full too...there's just no work involved.
I've had many experiences that I would like to share. Sometimes the words flow easily to describe the events...Sometimes I start the post over three times and it still doesn't come out sounding like I'd like it too. Maybe that's why there are not more posts.

Right now my life consists of running (surprise!) and househunting. I am not totally enjoying the house hunting part...But I am totally loving the running part!
Since April I have paced at a marathon and a half marathon.

 And I have started two Couch to 5K groups.

The two races that I paced, I ran with girls from my running group. We were able to meet the goal that was set! They totally killed their races!!!
The Couch to 5K groups are also doing amazing! Our goal races are in July. And we will be ready!
One fun thing about househunting -  Since we're looking in the area that we currently live in…and I currently run in...I get to check houses out when we run by. There's been a couple where I'm like 'oh we don't have to go see that one', and then there's been some when I come home and tell my husband all about it. It's been a couple months, and I was hoping that we would be in a new house for the summer, but we're still looking…Until we find the one that screams our name...Again…

I'd like to say that I will get better at posting regularly. But I make no promises. I hope to share more of my experiences when they happen...instead of months later. I know that I utilize my RunWithJenn Facebook page to talk about many of them. So stay tuned either on Facebook or here. I'll try to keep you updated.
 https://www.facebook.com/runwithjenn/

NYC Marathon

The race and the weekend were amazing!! 

This was the 6th year I entered the lottery. And the first time I won the entry. For me, this was a once in a lifetime event. The entry fees, a couple of nights in NY, a couple of meals in NY & all the great race swag I wanted turned this into my last excursion for a while. 

The week leading up to the marathon I was a ball of stress. And i have to say, my husband is an angel...he put up with it all, without a complaint. I think my biggest worry was the amount of time from when I left my hotel til my race start time (about 5 hours). 

We got to NY Saturday. Checked into the hotel (a great big Thank You to my cousin for setting me up with a nice hotel at the edge of Central Park. Couldn't have asked for a better location!), got some lunch and headed to the expo. I picked up my number and shirt, strolled through aisles of products (fuel, electronics, running accessories, and racing booths (don't you want run a marathon in Italy or Bermuda?).

We then headed to meet some friends that were there to run and cheer along the course. Last stop was dinner...lots of protein and sweet potato fries! Back to the hotel to make sure I had everything layed out for the race...Sneakers, clothes, sweatshirts/gloves/scarf/socks to keep me warm while I wait, fuel, hydration, and breakfast. 

Race day morning. I slept pretty well. Woke up ready to head to the bus that would take me to Staten Island. (I owe a great big thank you to my girl...she walked me to the bus and posted all the pictures) On the bus ride from Manhattan to Staten Island I sat next to a gentleman from Montreal and we talked racing and running and our experiences the whole way.

Once at the starting village I took some pictures and sat in a tent for a little bit amongst lots of runners ready to curl up to rest til race time and waited for another friend  to arrive. There were runners everywhere...curled up in extra clothes and trash bags. We were provided with a fleece hat and coffee from Dunkin' Dounts. There was hot water for tea and hot chocolate, bagels, Gatorade, and water. After meeting up with my friend and Natick runners, we found a spot in the sun to wait out the next few hours. We munched on all the snacks we brought and talked about our running, our race plan and goals. The time went by quick. And before long it was time to get to our starting corrals.

Standing in line with my small group of the 51,000+ people running the boroughs of NY, I was excited to tears. It seemed everyone was. Lots of picture taking! This was my most emotional start. And I loved that I got to share it with so many people. 

The cannon went off and we were on our way. The first bridge off of the island was amazing. So many people running. And taking pictures and videos. After the bridge we were in Brooklyn. Then into Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx and our final turn back into Manhattan. The crowds were amazing. Loud and cheering. Some were dressed up...I saw Darth Vader, T-Rex and bananas. Shouting support, giving out hi-fives, holding out tissues...cheering us all on! I ran alongside Superman, Wonder Woman and Thor (to name a few). The energy of the race was amazing. I spent time giving out high fives and shouting woohoo every chance I got! The volunteers were there cheering us on and providing water or Gatorade or vaseline on a stick. 

The hardest part for me was the Queensboro Bridge. All you could hear was the steady pounding of our feet and an occasional subway. It was a quiet stretch and my slowest miles of the race. But just another experience along the course. Once off the bridge you're again surrounded by tons of screaming cheering people!  By mile 22 you're back in Manhattan and Central Park is in sight. 

A couple of more miles to go! My pace picked up as we were going up 5th Ave (and yes, up...it was an incline). Then we turn into Central Park for the last 2+ miles. And still there are people cheering all around you...pushing you right to the finish line. 

I felt awesome til after mile 25. I had 800 meters to go and my legs were trying to fight back. 600 meters to go and it was getting harder. I swear there's an incline (felt like a small mountain) at the last 400 meters. Then I can see the grandstand seating at the finish line. And I know my husband is there cheering, waiting for me to finish. But I couldn't turn to look for him. I woohoo'd and concentrated on hitting the finish line. I could see the clock. And it looked like I was going to PR and have my best marathon ever!! So I kept pushing!! And I did it! What I didn't know at the time was that the clock was two minutes off and I was actually fast enough to PR and BQ. 

The volunteers after the finish line were amazing. They put the medal on you. They wrapped a foil blanket around you so it didn't fall off. They gave you a bag of goodies and kept pushing you towards the exit. At one point I had to take my sneakers off and asked volunteer help me with my bag and stuffing my sneakers inside. I felt bad for asking, but he gladly helped and congratulated me for completing the marathon. I think I walked another mile to get my very warm, very welcome poncho (which was also put on me) All the volunteers congratulated all the runners on competing the marathon and made sure they didn't need anything else. They really were awesome. Then I met up with my babe for a great big kiss and my girl for a great big hug. I cannot explain how awesome it was to have run the NYC marathon, how awesome it was to have them there, how awesome it feels to have run my best marathon yet. 

We hobbled back to the hotel after buying me a pair of slippers. I took the longest hot shower and found I had no chafing!! Then headed out for dinner with my babe. I ate everything! We walked back through Times Square taking in the sights. Back in our room I sank under the covers and watched football. 

Monday morning and it's time to go back home & reality. But first, back over to Central Park and the finishers store. I got my medal engraved and bought a finishers top (or two). Feeling pretty good, my legs only complaining with inclines and upstairs. I think the walk to dinner & back helped. My left arm is sore from carrying my new water bottle (there's a lot of truth in 'don't try anything new in race day'). Lots of memories made. I'm still enjoying yesterday's accomplishment. I wore my medal all day. And I know I'll talk about it for weeks!

It's all about you

I have a lot of time during my commute to think. This is a thought that I had on the way home the other day. 

We are always competing with or comparing ourselves with someone else. Whether it be someone at work,  or a driver on the road...the other PTA parent, or your next-door neighbor...the woman in the chair next to you at the salon/nail place...the runner in the purple tights or the person next to you at the gym....Your brother, your sister, your best friend or the stranger on the corner.

We compete with or compare our selves to everyone we see every day. At least most of us do. But we, personally, are the only ones who take to heart when we "lose" that competition. The person that we're competing with or comparing ourselves against doesn't realize that there's a competition. And when we feel like we have failed at the competition, or feel like in comparison we don't match up, we are not happy. As such, we set ourselves up to be sad, depressed. Most of the stress in our life is caused by our own selves. Because we don't think we are as good as someone else?? 

The only person you should be competing with is yourself. The only person we should compare ourselves to is our past us; us yesterday or last week. Are you able to smile at one more person today? Can you get an extra rep in during your workout? Can you let one driver go while on the road? Can you run an extra five minutes? Can you eat one less treat? Do you have a brighter smile? Do you see the definition in your arms? 

I spent this week working on not competing with others. It's a challenge. But I can say my commute has been less stressful and not taking any longer than before. One step at a time. And it's ok if I'm not as fast as the runner in purple tights 😉

52 Things

One year has ended and a new year has begun. I want to share 52 things that I am thankful for or have learned this year, including a few random things about me:

1-I am thankful for my family

2-I am thankful for my friends

3-I am thankful for my ability to run

4-I learned that I really really like running

5-I am thankful that I have the world's greatest husband

6-I am thankful I have a job that I enjoy and am able to work in an environment that helps me learn more

7-I love being an auntie and am thankful for the time that I get to spend with my nieces and nephew

8-I learned that I enjoy camping (sleeping in a tent) when I am with someone who knows exactly what they're doing

9-I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to become a Piyo instructor

10- I learned that I enjoy being an instructor and am looking forward to teaching at a new studio

11-I am thankful that I have the opportunity to watch the Patriots play live at Gillette Stadium.

12-I could spend all Sunday watching football!

13-I love being able to share my love of football with my husband family and friends

14-I am thankful that my family & friends support me in reaching my goals & all the adventures that I want to try 

15-I am thankful that I have friends that have been in my life for almost 26 years

16-I am thankful that I am in such great shape and am in better shape now than I was in high school

17-I am thankful for my friends that will share their children with me

18-I am thankful for my mommy daughter date days

19-I love chocolate.

20-I am thankful to have the opportunity to travel with my husband, especially to warm tropical locations

21-I get anxious when trying new things, even though one of my goals is to try almost anything once

22-I learned that my husband is better than I at bicycling

23-I enjoy being a mentor to people on their health, fitness and nutrition journey

24-I learned that being selfish only makes me feel worse in the end

25-I learned I can survive a New England winter, but dislike it. I would much rather be in a climate where it is warm and sunny year round

26-I learned that I can save money

27-I love watching life through the eyes of my nieces and nephew.

28-I love watching my brothers be dads

29-I love watching my parents be grandparents

30-Watching my nieces love their daddy, reminds me of how much I love mine

31-I am thankful for the running groups I am a part of and being able to run races with them

32-Sunrises and sunsets are magical

33-I miss working third shift

34-I have leaned that when I eat the wrong kinds of foods, I wake up feeling like I have a hangover.

35-I learned that no how many hours I am in bed, according to my fit bit tracker, I only get 4 to 5 hours of sleep

36-I love to travel

37-I love my life 

38- I learned that I'd rather swim in the ocean then in a lake

39-I learned drinking caffeine increases my anxiety

40-Exercise calms me

41-I learned I can run on the treadmill and read a kindle, it helps the miles go by

42-I need to remember to drink on long runs

43-I'm thankful I can run in almost any weather 

44-I am thankful that I am able to pursue new opportunities 

45-I learned & made new recipes that others have enjoyed

46-I like watching my husband play video games

47-I am comfortable when it is 90° outside

48-I enjoy going to concerts and listening to live music

49-I always dance like no one's watching

50-I try to smile at everyone, and greet them with a Good Morning (if the timing is right)

51-I learned that I have a really hard time sitting still

52 I am thankful for sunshiny days no matter what time of the year

Something New

This weekend I said yes to trying something I had never done before.
In 2010, I had made a decision to live the life I wanted. When I was on my own again in 2011 I made sure that I was living life to the fullest. I tried new things. I didn't say no when I was asked to do something I had never done before. I had an opportunity for new experiences and didn't want them to pass me by. I signed up for a personal trainer, I ran a mountain race, I attempted water skiing, I went to a concert by myself, I trained for a marathon, I ran trails in the woods and I had my own apartment. I have worked to keep this a theme over the last few years. This weekend was another new opportunity. After I said yes, I wasn't sure I had made the right decision.
I was asked to go camping. I had never gone camping before. I have never slept in a sleeping bag, in a tent, in the middle of the woods, on a mountain, where you cook your own food at the campsite. (Camp Aldersgate does not count) When I was asked I said 'sure!'. Then I started thinking about it. And I wasn't so sure anymore. My husband thought I really didn't want to go and said we could just change our minds. But I didn't have a good reason to not go. I was scared...I think that's all it really was. I wasn't planning the trip. I didn't know where we were going. We don't own any camping gear. I didn't know what to pack or what time bring with me. But I didn't have a good reason to not go.
The group I was going with has done this many times. They knew what to bring (they sent me a list). They had extra sleeping bags and the tent was big enough for everyone (I didn't need to buy anything new).

They've been to the area before and knew what fun things to do.
I voiced my concerns to a couple of my friends...and confirmed that I really didn't have a reason to not go. All I had to do was pack a bag, buy some snacks, bring my smile and drive to VT...that I could do :)
The weekend was amazing! We visited Shelburne Farms, and Magic Hat Brewery.

We watched the sunset from the rocks on Mt Philo.

We had chili and smores by the campfire under the starlit sky, We were chased by a skunk on the way to the bathroom. We slept in a sleeping bag, in a tent, and woke when the sun was bright in the sky. We went to a chocolate factory and Ben & Jerry's.

I woke this morning ready to see some of the mountain...so I laced on my sneakers and was ready to go for a quick hike. No one else was really interested, so I went on my own. We had all hiked the evening before, to see the sunset. There is something peaceful about hitting the trails by yourself. Listening to the sounds of the world as it wakes up. The birds jumping along the trails looking for breakfast, the squirrels yelling from the trees as they gather their food. The other hikers you meet that say good morning back.

During the hike this morning I thought about all the fun and interesting things I have done since 2011. I am thankful that I have had these opportunities...and I am thankful that I have friends and family that encourage and support me with all of these opportunities.
I am very glad I said yes to camping. It was an amazing couple of days. The weather was beautiful, the company was awesome, the experience was amazing. I look forward to going camping again in the future. And I look forward to saying yes to new experiences :)