Hello, hello. How was your 4th? Or how was your weekend if you’re not from the States? I hope it was as good as mine because I’m feeling very #blessed today. Sorry but this hashtag fit too well to pass up.
I balanced my weekend with fun and friends (all day Saturday) and running and relaxing (Sunday). I was out and about for 14+ hours on Saturday and that’s about 10 hours more than normal. I am so glad I broke my normal routine. Seriously people (especially all the bloggers who, like me, prefer routine), shock your system once in a while. Do different things. For me, this summer has been all about saying “yes.”
Something I said “yes” to? Going to Coney Island for the Hot Dog Eating Contest. You know, those 10 minutes of pure grossness when people stuff their face with hot dogs? I was front and center. Well, I was in the back and to the left, but you get the point.
My friend and I took the hour-long subway ride out to Coney Island early in the morning to spend time on the boardwalk before the contest. The rides at the amusement park are insane. I DID NOT say yes to those because I didn’t feel like passing out and/or throwing up.
We got some photos of the classic Nathan’s signs, did some souvenir shopping and then claimed our spot to watch the contest. The contestants had elaborate and funny introductions onto the stage, highlighting their previous eating competition wins. The weirdest ones I heard: 40 dozen oysters in 8 minutes, 2.7 lbs of green beans in 6 minutes and 165 pierogis in 8 minutes.
In a “shocking” turn of events, and I use that word loosely, the reigning champ, Joey Chestnut, lost. He only ate 60 hot dogs while the winner ate 62. I don’t think I’ll ever understand the appeal of competing in this contest.
After, we took the train back to Manhattan, grabbed lunch at Whole Foods and met up with more friends for lots of talking, laughing and sangria. Strawberries + white wine + blueberries = red, white and blue. My friends must have been awesome sangria-makers because that stuff was good.
Photo credit to one of my oldest and coolest (if not THE coolest) friends.
Instead of calling it a day around dinner time (I was exhausted) I said yes and stayed with the group for the rest of the evening, which included dinner and fireworks down near South Street Seaport. To no one’s surprise, the crowds were insane but it was still a blast.
I left my (running) comfort zone on Sunday with a long run. I wrote in yesterday’s post that I needed to stop saying I want to run farther and just shut up and do it. So I shut up and did it. I said yes to my longest run since February. 10 miles, 8:28 pace, after 5.5 hours of sleep and a full day on my feet. I consider that a major win and I now feel like I can run the half in two weeks. I did my civic runner’s duty by refueling and napping like a champ. All. Day. Long.
To top off a marvelous weekend? The USA Women’s National Team. Enough said.
A perfect way to cap off an American filled weekend. #USAWNT #winnerwinner #SheBelieves
— Emily (@healthyishlife) July 6, 2015
This summer, while a leap out of my comfort zone, has been more fulfilling than I imagined. There’s a time for routine and a time to break it. Both have their importance but both need to shine every now and then.
Here’s to more weekends of saying yes…to adventures and long runs.
A day of yes for a nine-year-old was more than enough here :-) but as I enter my 46th year I’m considering a year of yes :-)
Carla recently posted…Im your second best friend.
It’s funny how I used to say yes ALL the time when I was younger. But it takes on a different meaning as we get older. Have a great week!
I’m actually really jealous at the fact that you were @ the hot dog eating contest. What a cool event to attend! Good for on you on enjoying your weekend & saying “yes” to so many different things! Have a marvelous start to your week :)
It was a bucket list type of event so I’m glad I went too! Hope you’re having a great birthday week :)
The hot dog eating contests are so crazy to me, too. If I had to be in one…I might say watermelon, too, although the green bean contest doesn’t sound TOO bad. Glad you had a fun (and #blessed) weekend! ;)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…4 Things Survey
You + me + watermelon contest. It’s on.
College has been a major time for me to just say yes, instead of maybe. Even if I am hesitant, I have been saying yes and it has turned into pretty wonderful times, which it looks like you have had too!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…4th of July at Silver Lake
Good for you for saying yes more often! You’re right, it ends up being a pretty great decision :)
A hot dog eating contest sounds pretty rough. I enjoy good hot dogs… but not more than 2 of them, probably. I think I’d choose strawberries or grapes as my eating contest food. I’d say ice cream, but that would likely result in brain freeze.
College has helped me (slowly) become more of a “yes” person. Annoying as it is for the type-A part of me, you can’t always schedule life/memories/fun. So glad you had a wonderful weekend!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…Weekend Confessions
Ohhh grapes. I could do that too! I’m so glad to hear that college has helped you become more of a “yes.” It’s hard and I waver back and forth, but times like this I’m reminded how great it can be to go with the flow.
I’m so excited for you! This is the perfect time in your life to just say yes to everything. Pushing your comfort zone, doing things you don’t normally do, staying out later, LIVING LIFE. All awesome things. And you are so ready for that half. I am so excited.
Sounds like the perfect July 4th in NYC!
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Training 6/28-7/4
I knew you’d appreciate this post :) All these things (basically my entire summer) have been awesome for a change. Ahh less than TWO WEEKS!
Looks like such a fun weekend! :) Ever since I moved to Austin, I’ve also been in “say yes to everything” mode… I rarely regret it. Experiences are so important at this time in our lives. Happy for ya!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…When Your Day Doesn’t Go As Planned
Couldn’t agree more! If not now, when? Thanks for your constant support :)
I can’t imagine eating that many hot dogs, let alone eating that many oysters! That’s crazy! I said yes to a weekend with friends even though I was tired and it involved a 2 hour drive, but it was totally worth it!
The oyster one really grossed me out. I’m so glad you had a great weekend and that we both pushed through being tired :)
I love reading posts like this, because they just make me happy! YES to that 10 mile run…That’s a great pace! I think I’d choose pie for a eating contest…maybe blueberry pie…LOL
She Rocks Fitness recently posted…Full Body “Get It Done” Workout
These posts make me happy to write :) I bet there’s a blueberry pie contest, it sounds like a southern thing!
Ugh I’ve never understood the Hot Dog Eating Contest thing either. It makes me want to barf just thinking about it. But a watermelon eating contest? I’d be all over that!
Lacey @ Runs and Roses recently posted…Blueberry Panna Cotta with Strawberry Balsamic Compote
I challenge you ;)
Ew ah! I can’t even be near a TV that has the contest on! So gross! I can’t even deal! Hahaha!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Dorm Room Organization For Food Allergies
Yeah but I’m glad I went. Once-in-a-lifetime thing!
Watermelon, or brussel sprouts. I could eat them endlessly. Or froyo. Maybe pizza too. Wow.. now realizing I eat a ton of food. Haha. And that’s so cool you went to Coney Island for the contest! My boyfriend requested we find a bar on the Fourth so he could watch haha. Hope you have a fabulous week and CONGRATS on an AWESOME long run : )
Jamie recently posted…#MIMM
I didn’t realize how many different eating contests there were! Name a food and it probably exists.
Emily- I have LOVED watching you grow this summer. Granted, I only began reading your blog about a month or so ago, but my goodness, all of the changes you have made are incredible. You are stretching yourself and turning into an independent woman filled with wisdom.
The Hot Dog Eating Contest has been a family favorite! I watched it every year except this one! In fact, I had forgotten about it until reading your post right now. My mom and brother are right next to me and we all just lamented in the fact that we missed it. They say hi btw!
If I had to be in a competitive eating contest, I would choose bananas! I wanted to say something exciting like doughnuts, but I know that afterward I would keel over my stomach pains.
Have a great Monday, Emily! :)
Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Tips for Living in a Dorm
You are the sweetest! Thanks for your support. Hi to your fam :)
YAY! to all of this <3 NYC is the perfect place to say yes and get uncomfortable sometimes. It sounds like you had a fantastic holiday weekend. Seriously impressed you could swing a 10 mile run after 5 hrs of sleep.
Georgie recently posted…Healthy Blackberry Crisp
If I’m going to get out of my comfort zone, NYC is the place to do it! Yeah I’m hoping that run wasn’t a fluke because that’s not normal for me ha
Great job saying yes! I also can get tired out by socializing, but it’s occasionally nice in larger doses. Saying yes to move to Ohio and get a new job was really scary for me, but it obviously was a great decision. Even when it’s not perfect, I’m glad I did it.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Versatile Blogger Survey
I’m the same way. I need my time by myself to re-group.” Love what you said about your move…even when it’s not perfect, I’m glad when I choose something scary too.
Making this a summer of yes is such a good idea! It is so easy to say no in favor of sticking to your routine. It must be awesome living in a big city and not having a shortage of things to do. If I were in a competitive eating contest I would choose pizza with no regrets.
Sometimes it’s overwhelming having so much to do! I’m not used to that. But I’m in the right place to try new things :)
I could definitely win at a ben and jerry eating contest. I eat ice cream so fast it’s scary haha!
I love the idea of a summer of yes, it can be so freeing saying yes to anything and everything that comes your way and is something I am definitely trying to live by more and more. Recently I have said yes to a lot of volunteer opportunities, particularly ones promoting the degree I do at college which has been super fun:) And also going out to eat with my family way more too!
Ah all those things sound awesome. Happy for you! Volunteering in your area of study is a great idea because it benefits others, you and your future.
If I had to? NO WAY – I WANT TO BE IN A COMPETITIVE EATING CONTEST… And the food would be: SALMON! YEP! SALMON! Juicy, fatty, delicious SALMON!!!!!!
GiGi Eats recently posted…NO “BULLOCKS” with Christine Bullock!
Haha good point. I kind of want to be in a contest just for fun. Salmon is a good one!
That sangria looks DELICIOUS. Gosh now I’m craving some!
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks recently posted…July 4th Weekend in NYC!
It was SO good. With boxed Trader Joe’s wine too!