A brief photo tour of my best weekend in recent memory

All packed up and ready to go. In one bag. A carry-on. Please be impressed, I am.

The National Distance Running Hall of Fame is in Utica, NY...who knew? This clock counts down to the Boilermaker every year, so of course we had to stop by and snap a picture before the race.

My sweet little cousin Megan (along with Mikey, Sophia and Johnny) ran the kids Boilermaker the day before we ran our race. I was her assigned, adult running buddy. Not too shabby for 4 hours of sleep. She was hoping we would run the race with her on my back. Nope.

 Myself, Erin and Adam at the start line before the race. It was a record low temperature for Boilermaker morning: 55 degrees.

 My running buddy holding up my sign!

4.5 (ish) miles in and looking/feeling great! Mile 9 was a different story...

9.3 miles later. Done and double-fisting some hard earned, delicious Saranac Adirondack Lager.

My other cousins Sophia and Mikey (Johnny was there too), who showed up at 8am to stand on the side of the road and cheer us on. Thanks you guys, it meant the world to us!

Adam and I, ruining another nice picture.

Me, Adam and my Aunt Diane. She has been on the Boilermaker committee for a few years now, and volunteering for even longer. You know you are at a great party when the volunteers at packet pick up have their own keg.

My cousin Mike showed up to support his wife and his two favorite cousins. And to drink some beers before noon.

Me and my beautiful mother at the post race party. Even though I don't have a picture, HUGE shout out to the US Navy Band who played the BEST post race party ever!

Just hanging out in the F.X. Matt Brewery, watching them bottle some Pale Ale, or the IPA. I'll take either!

My mug with the steins...Schultz & Dooley!

This is Saranac Lager. It is no longer brewed. It has been replaced by Saranc Adirondack Lager, which while tasty, is no Saranac Lager. RIP tasty, delicious beer. You should check out: www.saranac.com.

Our lineup in the Tavern at the end of the tour.

 Cool mural on the side of a building downtown. Is it possible to be homesick for a place that you have never actually lived?

And the clock resets. Life is back to normal for Utica. And me? I am ready for next year. *7-8-12*