A lot packed into October!

We packed a lot into October and kicked it off running our first half marathon in New England.

Smuttynose half - Hampton Beach, NH:

Kristen: 1 hour 40 minutes

Chris: 1 hour 42 minutes

Love that we ran the race together… in the cold and rain. So worth it for the beer and lobster rolls at the end.

So love the trails nearby… Lake Winnepseakee as my background.

Rockport:

Biggest highlight for me: My parents came for their first visit after my Mom started dialysis a year ago. This was a huge trip for them and we had the best week exploring New England. We explored Cape Ann starting at the tip in Rockport and drove down the coast. It was fun to show my parents what we love about New England… (well New England when we aren’t in our fifth month of sleet and snow!)

Rockport is one of my favorite port cities with quaint shops and restaurants…

While my Mom was in dialysis, my Dad and I had some time to play… I definitely get my love of the outdoors from him… I love this time with him.

We had to bring Bella to her favorite stomping ground… Crane’s Beach during dog season!

Is an endless playground…

For more then just dogs…

We even got to explore some new trails in Ipswich…

We explored Newburyport one afternoon and had lunch on the water…

It was a bonus that we got to spend some time with my parents lifelong friends, The Hulmes having lunch at a seafood eatery in Seabrook that just happens to be where Chris worked as a young teenager.

Then back on the trails again… one of my favorite after school activities with my crew.

Three weeks after our Rockfest half marathon, we were back to training for the Newburyport marathon. I have the best running route!

Which helped because Chris and I both beat our times by 8 minutes!

Newburyport Half Marathon:

Kristen: I hour 34 minutes

Chris: 1 hour 36 minutes

We wrapped up the month with some trick or treating… and yes, my costume came with some cheers!