If you’ve never participated in a big race or never been to one, I highly suggest that you do. There are so many people there, and they are all insane.
You have the “super runners” who will finish their marathon in less time than it would take us normal people to run one mile, you have the walkers, and you have the people who are simply there for the fun of it. These people are dressed in costumes (I’ve seen someone dressed as the famous leg lamp from “A Christmas Story,” complete with a lampshade) or they’re holding up superb motivational signs.
Maybe they’re only funny when you’re dehydrated and
looking for anything to distract you from the fact that you’re running 13.1 or
the full 26.2 miles without a break, but I’ve found myself laughing out loud
(which is really difficult while running), at the people who stand out in the
streets for the runners entertainment. The races that I’ve participated
in have been a lot easier than training because of these spectators along the
way. When your legs are aching and your lungs can’t possibly draw in one
more breath, the signs are like a beacon of light at the end of a never-ending
tunnel. You just have to appreciate strangers who can get you through a
race by making light of your situation.
So here’s to the sign holders and to your signs. “You trained longer than Kim Kardashian’s marriage! Don’t give up
now!” “May the course be with you.” “Run like it’s the start of the ‘Hunger Games!’” “Do it for the Instagram likes!”
I actually hit my all time high for Instagram likes after my first
(and only) half marathon. So worth it.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 26.2.”
I haven’t exactly felt this, but maybe someday in the distant
future.
“Only 26.1 to go!” “If congress ran as well as you do, we wouldn’t be in this mess!”
There’s probably some truth to this.
“Worst parade ever.” “Run like someone just called you a jogger.”
Possibly one of the worst things you could call a runner.
Just the thought of being insulted like that could get anyone through the
last leg of the marathon.
And if these can’t motivate you, some spectators will take
it to the next level. If running wasn’t fun before, it sure is now.
Instead of the usual Gatorade and water, bystanders will hand out: wait for it...jello shots. I guess some runners want to start their after parties early.
Victory doesn’t just come with a medal and a free t-shirt anymore, but a little
extra boost that Gatorade just can’t give. A big shout out to the sign holders
and to those who know how to make running fun. We couldn’t do it without you.
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Coors Light Summer Brew:
This summer shandy begins this list, it's a mix of lemon, lime and orange. While this is by no means a craft beer, it still has it place as a refreshing summer brew to enjoy.
Leinenkugel Summer Shandy
Solid choice for any summer get together, great taste with a hint of citrus.
Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat
Distinctly reminds me of Fruity Pebbles, but nonetheless is a wonderful summer beer.
Sam Adams Summer Ale
Sam Adams is known for their traditional Boston Lager, but their Summer Ale is damn good.
Hell or High Watermelon
Made with real watermelon, not much is more summer-esque than juicy watermelon in July.
Blue Moon Summer Honey
I love me some Blue Moon, so the summer brew is a no-brainer on this list.
LandShark Lager
Fun fact: LandShark is owned by Anheuser-Busch, and is more commonly know as the signature drink of Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.
Corona
Obviously Corona had to take the number one spot. To me, there's nothing more refreshing than a cold Corona with lime on a hot summer day.
So whether you're on a sandy beach, a fishing boat, or at a pool, just remember what our dear friend Jack Nicholson said, "Beer, it's the best damn drink in the world."
Drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash
Perfect Weather
Photo by Julian Myles on Unsplash75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?
You'll get an effortless tan
Photo by Roberto Nickson on UnsplashBeing outside is inevitable when the weather is this nice, so slap on some low SPF and enjoy the perfect weather as you become a bronzed beach babe!
You can exercise with a view
Photo by Cedric Letsch on UnsplashWho said working on your summer bod has to stop when summer starts? In SoCal there are hundreds of gorgeous hiking trails in the mountains or on the cliffs overlooking the beach, so maintaining your summer bod is easy on the eyes and a lot less of a drag!
You don't have to worry about bug bites
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on UnsplashThe likelihood of you getting bit by a bug is slim, so you don't have to worry about smelling like bug spray whenever you want to go outside.
Photo by We have outdoor concerts
Photo by Aranxa Esteve on UnsplashAt the county fair or on the beach, summertime means outdoor concerts with good music and great friends.
We live where people vacation
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on UnsplashWe're lucky enough to live in paradise and we don't take that for granted. We take advantage of our sunsets on the beach and backyard staycation without spending a pretty penny on visiting somewhere that isn't nearly as perfect as SoCal. We're pretty spoiled.
You cannot beat the beach. Believe it or not (which many people may not), New England has a long and beautiful coastline. Most of my high school summers were spent sitting on the Wall at Hampton Beach, getting sunburnt and eating Acai bowls from The Secret Spot. The Wall was the place to be both during the day and at night. We begin our days there with a KB's bagel and coffee, and end them with pizza and ice cream. It’s not a New England summer without that 4 p.m. text from someone, “Who wants to meet at the Wall tonight?” Nighttime is for Tripoli’s Pizza, the sound of waves, and wishes on shooting stars. Wednesday nights are especially important, as those are the nights that Hampton Beach sets off the weekly firework display.
File:Hampton Beach, New Hampshire - low tide - panoramio.jpg ...commons.wikimedia.org
When the summer days end, the beauty of New England does not. Summer nights are arguably the best time of day. At the end of the day, we enjoy the most beautiful sea breeze. I’ve spent so many nights wrapped in a sweatshirt on the porch, counting the fireflies lighting up the yard. This weather also makes for the perfect bonfire. If we’re not at the Wall, it’s very likely that someone will have a fire in his/her yard. If you haven’t huddled up to a fire with your best friends, then I recommend doing so this summer (just make sure someone brings the ingredients for s’mores!).
fire on fire pit during night time
Photo by Mahad Aamir on Unsplash
With the beach, comes the best seafood in the country. I’ve seen menus in other states refer to clam chowder as New England clam chowder, though it’s impossible to understand until you taste it for yourself. Down the coastline, towards Seabrook, NH and Salisbury, Massachusetts, you can find Brown’s and Markey’s. They’re competing seafood restaurants across the street from one another, equally busy on any summer night. One of the most famous ice cream places in New England, The Beach Plum, actually serves award-winning lobster rolls! Seafood is done right in New England. It’s not wasted with fancy silverware and expensive appetizers, but instead served buttery and delicious on paper plates.
Free Images : american lobster, dish, new england clam bake ...pxhere.com
After a seafood meal, ice cream is an absolute requirement. New England summers bring forth one of the world’s greatest rivalries: Lagos versus The Beach Plum. There’s limited inside seating inside both of these places, as ice cream should be eaten and enjoyed outside. The Beach Plum is generally enjoyed during the day, located directly across from North Hampton Beach. As children, we can all remember begging our parents to let us run and grab ice cream before going home. At Lago’s, we get the most refreshing taste of an old-fashioned ice cream shop. The ice cream scoopers record all orders and prices by hand, and add them up with their pencils (no calculators allowed!). It’s incredible how quickly and efficiently this is done. It’s normal to get Lago’s more than once a week, sometimes even more than once a day...the best summer days end with salty skin and sticky ice cream fingers.
vanilla flavor ice cream with chocolate syrup
Photo by Anna Bratiychuk on Unsplash
1A cruises have to be mentioned specifically and separately from everything else, as they are their own New England specialty. Whether you are home for the entire summer, or home for just one week, 1A cruises are a must. Route 1A, or Ocean Boulevard, runs all along the New England coastline. We drive down the road staring at the ocean and the mansions across from it. “Which house would you choose?” was one of my favorite games to play with my family during our drives to the beach. No one knows what the actual speed limit is on route 1A because it always driven slowly, designed as a scenic route. You can start in Rye, NH and end in Massachusetts or just drive along for a couple or minutes—it doesn’t get less impressive. Some of my most treasured memories are those spent listening to country music and gossiping with friends on our “1A cruises.”
File:Celebrity Silhouette (ship, 2011) 002.jpg - Wikimedia Commonscommons.wikimedia.org
While there are beautiful places all throughout the United States, I, along with many others, can agree that New England, undoubtedly, is the best place to be in the summer.
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