Charlotte Oktoberfest

I decided to do my long run Saturday morning.  It was pretty hot when I got home Friday night and didn't want to risk being dehydrated or hungover Sunday from Oktoberfest, so I felt like Saturday morning was the best time to get in my miles. 

After eating a typical pre-run breakfast of sandwich thins with PB and banana:

I tinkered with my IPod playlist and added a few new songs from last week's episode of Glee- Empire State of Mind and Telephone (LOVE THEM!)

Then I headed out with the Garmin and kind of planned a route, but also relied on the Garmin to help me with my mileage.  I really only needed to do another 7 miler this week, but hoped to do at least 7.5, if not 8.  I succeeded in running all 8 miles in 1 hour and 24 minutes!

Mile 1- 10:07

Mile 2- 10:07

Mile 3- 10:00

Mile 4- 10:29

Mile 5- 10:51

Mile 6- 11:20

Mile 7- 11:11

Mile 8- 10:40

On Mile 6 into 7, I walked a bit while eating some Sharkies and drinking my Gatorade/water mix hence the slower times.

Back at the house I downed quite a lot of water and some more Gatorade.  Flattering shot, I know. 

Thanks Greg.

I ended up feeling pretty tired after a shower and laid down for about a half hour after my shower before I got ready to go to Oktoberfest.

Greg and I met up with friends in uptown Charlotte and took a cab to the fest.  We arrived right around start time and had a short wait in line.

I made us pretzel necklaces after being inspired by Webster Wanderings, who went to a Beer Festival in Colorado last weekend, and donned them :)

Here's Kelly and I with our first beer tastes of the day :)  Kelly had the same pretzel necklace idea, but beautified hers with some pretty ribbon woven through the pretzels.  Fancy!

Mmmmm beer.  I mainly chose the Octoberfest choice if there was one at each booth, but also tried some cream ales, IPAs, pale ales, and whatever else I was given.

Sarah and I.

 Jamie, Gibson, and Brad (Kelly's hubby).

I got my beer on for the first couple hours.  Then I wanted FOOD.  Luckily Mac's Speedshop was there.

I got a lil pig (pork BBQ) sandwich and mac and cheese.  Cuz that's what you want when you are full of beer samples ;)

Greg also chose a healthy option.  Funnel cake!

At this point I kind of hit a wall.  It was over 90 degrees out, we were in an open field with the sun beating down on us.  It probably didn't help that I did my 8 mile run that morning either.  Plus, beer is filling, in case you didn't know.  I was hot, tired, and not really feeling like drinking much more.  Luckily, some of the people we were with brought chairs and umbrellas, so we hung out there and got a little rest and relief.

It was fun, but the heat was rough!  Very rough!  They need to have this event about a month later in a shadier spot and it would much improve the experience!  Still, it was great hanging out with my friends, and I had some tasty beer.