It’s supposed to warm up and clear up a bit for the race tomorrow – here’s hoping! It’s gross out there today! Fortunately, it’s so rarely overcast and gloomy in CO that folks (well, me) really enjoy the break from the sunshine. I’m so happy to be curled up in my sweatshirt (my first wear of the season!) with my favorite blanket and my kitty.

I concocted a delish breakfast for this auspicious day of rest and carbo loading.

(And yes, I cook everything on high heat because I’m impatient, so things tend to get a little more burnt than they should. It all still tastes amazing!)

Today I’m sitting around, visiting the expo downtown, and hanging with my brother as we both prepare to conquer 13.1 miles tomorrow. WOOT!!!!!

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Yesterday was pretty awesome, start to (late) finish.

I heated up some oats with 1/2 a thinly sliced banana, almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla and water, then added cottage cheese and a perfectly ripe pear (gosh it was perfect) until everything was warm and cooked through. Then I sprinkled on chia seeds, slivered almonds, and Grape-Nuts and was out the door.

This is hands down one of my all-time favorite breakfasts. I love pear season so much.

Lunch was had with some co-workers at a Polish place called Cracovia. The service was abysmal, but the food was pretty good!

I’m such a lush eating something like this for lunch (where are the vegetables???) but I just couldn’t resist the novelty of a sweet pierogi. They were good! Indulgent, but whatever. I’ll run them off tomorrow.

My dining companions were surprised when I whipped out my camera. I guess most folks don’t expect a lady to just pull an SLR from her oversized bag. I got more, “Where did THAT come from?” remarks yesterday. I like being a novelty.

I’m slowly but surely making friends at work, and apparently many of them take a break in the afternoon to step out on the balcony. And they invited me to join yesterday! Joy!

Damn you, October.

Post work, I headed over to a co-worker’s house to gear up for a rocking Friday night.

His house blew me away. I think I may have found my next neighborhood.

There was a back porch, exposed brick, a second floor, walk-in closests, and a SKYLIGHT. It was a totally baller home with a baller kitchen to match. I’m eager for potlucks in the near future.

From there we walked to a bar.

After becoming sufficiently drunk, a visit to one of my favorite spots ever ensued.

Beauty Bar is a chain of bars around the country that offers sparkly decor, $10 martinis + manicures (!!!!), and KILLER DJs spinning most nights. Obviously, I had a blast.

I partied the night away at Beauty Bar Chicago in February, and it was one of the best nights of 2011. Beauty Bar Denver is about to get a new regular.

When the dance floor closed, we all agreed on one final destination: Pete’s Kitchen. You know a place is good when the line is out the door in the middle of the night.

And then I slept like a baby. Not sure if dancing all night in heels was the best decision before my first long race…but oh well. If it was a mistake, than I happily would make it again.

Wish me luck tomorrow!!!!