As many of you know I have been rather caught up in training for Chicago Marathon.  It is all I talk about.  So with that in mind, Michael and I found ourselves with a weekend all our own.  No plans except for a 20 mile long run.  We agreed to do it Sunday morning and have rest day on Saturday. A weekend day together sans marathon (well almost)!

So what did we want to do on our day?! Slept in, ate breakfast and relaxed! This was pure heaven when your used to waking up at 5:30AM for long runs.  After relaxing and getting ready for the day we checked out Marathon Sports Annual Fall Sidewalk Sale since Michael needed to get his Marathon Day Top.  He scored a great Saucony singlet and a pair of Brooks Defyance 2′s for about $40.  Great Deal.  By then we were hungry!

Michael with his Boston-Hole-in-the-Wall-Restaurant wisdom suggested Armando’s Pizza and Subs.

Let. Me. Tell. You. Best Sicilian Pizza I have had in a LONG time!

After that little slice of heaven we were off to pick apples.  Michael had some requirements for this.  It needed to be a no fuss place, no farms animals, hayrides or kid’s events.  Just good plain apple picking! We went to Doe Orchards in Harvard, MA.

It was a great afternoon! The sun was shining, it was nice and cool out and orchard was beautiful.  The trees were overflowing with apples.

After we picked our big bag of apples we went on our way to my favorite farm, Wilson Farm!

They have tons of fresh foods inside the store, the vegetables all look amazing.  The bakery is chock full of breads and pies I’d love to devour.  My favorite part? The apple cider donuts and caramel apples they make right in front of you!

After our day of fall adventures we took our groceries home and made a delicious dinner of Lamb Ragout with Polenta. We spent the evening on the couch in our sweats, watching movies and Mad Men Episodes and resting up for our 5:30AM wake up call and 20 mile run.

I have to say, it was really nice to spend a day away from Marathon Training and focusing on the other things life offers us and living in the present.  This was a goal of mine for September, to live life and be happy, after this weekend I think I succeed in accomplishing my goal.  Michael and I felt completely refreshed on Sunday during our run and really tackled it with a renewed enthusiasm.

So here is my question for you, how do you enjoy your rest days? How do you know when you need to take yourself out of training for a day or a week to refresh yourself and focus on the other things in your life? As runners training can be all-consuming but taking a break can be really beneficial.  How do you stayed motivated and enthusiastic about training? Please share as your comments are really appreciated!