Scenes from a Pumpkin Patch

I'm not sure where you live, but in my neck of the woods, it was a pretty wonderful fall weekend. The temps were chilly, but the sun was out. The air was breezy, but the swirling leaves made it bearable. These two conditions combined to make for an excellent 8-miler on Saturday. Suffice it to say, I think I'm ready for the Hot Chocolate 15K this weekend. We (mom and I) finished eight miles and I felt like I could keep going...despite the strange knee pain in my right leg, but so far it's nothing capable of stopping my momentum, so I'll definitely keep an eye on it this week with high-hopes it'll go away. I guess that's what taper weeks are for anyway. Running light so that you've got top-notch energy and performance levels on race day.

I ran the eight in my new Saucony Triumph 10 running shoes. I'm almost certain I will wear them on race day, but the verdict is in: They are an official part of my running regime. The proof is in the pile by our back door:

Never, ever in my life have I had four decent pairs of athletic shoes at my beck and call—You know you're a personal trainer when your beloved high heels gather dust while your athletic shoes claim front and center. (You know you're a personal trainer when you jump at the chance to do something that requires a pair of high heels. Plus makeup and GASP! some fancy jewelry, too.)

Speaking of shoes:

It's boot season. Which means that it's also knee-high sock season. Nothing comforts a runner's feet like boots and knee-high socks (in my opinion). I called upon both today as we ventured down the road to a local pumpkin patch:

Our picks:

I'm currently debating on whether or not I want to spend the time dividing the seeds from the guts in an effort to keep and roast them. It always sounds like fun in theory, but then when I get elbow-deep in the slimy orange innards, I typically say "to hell with it" and dump everything but the resulting jack-'o-lanterns. We'll see.

Before I forget—there are still a few spaces left in my prenatal and postpartum fitness classes through New Leaf Wellness! Please sign up if you are interested! AND—please check in tomorrow for a delicious giveaway!

Sunday isn't over it. Make the rest of it good and wonderful.

Question: Did you do anything fall or pumpkin-y this weekend? Did you run any races?