Running Nerds Invade the Coast!

Last week, all of the running nerds headed south for the holiday.  Ash's dad lives near Orange Beach, Alabama, so we crashed his pad for some beach fun.  Jim, Ash, and the Princess headed down on Saturday and Bob and I met up with them on Tuesday evening.  We had a great time despite a not so great weather forcast. 

Here's a recap...

1.  Shrimp Basket - AMAZING!  We arrived on All You Can Eat popcorn shrimp day!

2.  We visited the Dollar General in Orange Beach every single day.  We bought everything from poptarts to contact solution and ice to a nerf football.

3.  Fresh shrimp from Billy's Seafood in Bon Secour.  Their motto is "if it swims, we got it."  They have fresh seafood including 5 sizes of shrimp for unbeatable prices!  We had ours steamed in cajun seasoning and devoured it later with potatoes, corn, and hush puppies.  I took 5 more pounds home to my dad!

4.  Our car broke down behind Souvenir City on the evening of the 4th.  HUGE thanks to Hub City Towing and Wayne, the driver, for helping us out!  We got it fixed enough to get us home.  Although it was a huge ordeal at first, the entire adventure only cost us a $20 part once we got home!  Oh and thank God for roadside assistance!

4b.  While my car is broken down in a parking lot 250 miles from home, do not approach me if you are drunk.  The anger that spews forth cannot be matched.  Just keep walking buddy.

4c.  EK may or may not have peed in the bushes while we hung out in the parking lot.

4d.  Seeing what great friends you have while you are crying in the parking lot is a great feeling.

5.  We were very let down by the fireworks....or lack of.  It was crazy windy so they were afraid of blow back into the crowd and the condos so fireworks stopped after about 60 seconds.

6.  Bob finally got to try Lambert's Cafe.  He was in food heaven.  We all left full and happy!  Even the Princess enjoyed some "mashed taters." 

7.  Staying up ridiculously late and eating ice cream ridiculously late is not usually in a runner's agenda but it was this week and we all four enjoyed it immensly!

8.  We didn't run at all!  I know really - shame on us.  But it was a nice break.

9.  Jim and Ash probably brought back 20lbs of sand in their car.  It was our beach vehicle.

10.  After having ice cream everyday and eating not great bad ANYTHING we wanted, I didn't gain a single pound!

The B's with a little Bob in the background.

Our situation

Uncle Bob and EK

The A's

Right where I want to be!

Weekly Running Moments

A new series I want to start.  I take random photos with my iphone and these small glimpses scream volumes about not only our runs but our friendship.  Hope these can bring a smile or maybe inspire.


They say your kids are always watching.  EK is proof of that statement.  When she runs, she checks her "watch" like her momma (Ashley) does and when we are finished running and stretching, she joins right in.  I love this little's girls intensity.  She's so precious and can't wait to join us when she gets older.

Jimmy, Ashley, and EK

EK is a great cheerleader for her parents.

My Shelby LOVES going for rides.  And she really loves going to the park.  So a ride to the park is quite heavenly for our girl.

The flag at the park in honor and memory of Boston and all of the individuals affected by the horrendous tragedy.

After today's run, we went over to the playground for EK to play.  Of course Jimmy and Bobby couldn't resist playing either.  When I returned from the car, I found them all searching in the bark.  Jimmy lost his wedding ring while playing on the monkey bars!  Thankfully, it was found!  Go team!