Niagara Falls

Kyle and I made the trek up to Canada for the marathon while my parents stayed at our house to care for Eleanor.  Our drive was breathtaking with the red and golden leaves garnishing every highway and country road.  

Once we made it across the border, we found the people of Canada to be very friendly and helpful.  We ate at several local restaurants with amazing cuisine and did a bit of sightseeing.  We visited a butterfly conservatory with thousands of creatures fluttering about and explored the grounds of the nearby botanical garden.  

As for the actual Falls... they were incredible.  The force of the water was so powerful that is was almost frightening to observe up close.  We watched an impressive fireworks display over the lit falls at night.  During the day, we took a boat tour called Maid of the Mist to encounter the Falls from the water.  

Lastly, there was the actual foot race.  It was a very cold and blustery day, but Kyle and I were thankful that at least it wasn't snowing.  As promised, the trail was very scenic, running along the Niagara River through posh waterfront neighborhoods.  Kyle and I both had moments of discomfort (mine at mile 6 and his at mile 21), but in the end, we both finished strong and injury-free.

It really was a nearly perfect vacation getaway, but that didn't change that we were more than ready to get back to our Eleanor!

Two butterflies landed right on me.

My Favorite Butterfly

Isn't he handsome?

Pre-Race

Here he comes!  Less than 1 mile left!

Right After He Stopped to Give Me a Kiss

So Proud of This STUD

Training

This household has been preparing for a marathon.  While Kyle and I have been training for endurance,  Eleanor's simply trying to endure our training.

Kyle and I will be running 26.2 miles in October at Niagara Falls, New York and Canada.  Leading up to race day, Kyle and I have a lot of mileage to put on our kicks.  

Although Eleanor escapes most of our training runs, she does accompany us on Saturday morning runs, which range anywhere from 5 to 12 miles.  During this time, Eleanor eats snacks, drinks milk, sucks on her paci, takes potty breaks, and watches Frozen for up to 2 and a half hours per run.  (Did I leave out whining?  Oops!  Yup, that definitely happens towards the end of the runs too.)  

Yes, it's exhausting... not running, but keeping a squirmy toddler satisfied in her stroller for such long stretches of time.

However, after each long weekend run ends, we take Eleanor straight to the playground so she can release her energy.  Then, we go home to eat a hefty refueling breakfast and rest.  

So far, Eleanor seems to be tolerating the arrangement, but I won't be surprised if she develops a few new demands before training season concludes.  Luckily, I'm prepared to break out the lollipops, if negotiations so require.

Looks like Eleanor recovered from the torturous stroller run.