childhood memories

Last night, the Hubs + I took a trip out to Lyon's Frozen Custard in St. Charles. This is the frozen custard I grew up with. Lyon's was the place we would go after fireworks down on the riverfront ["...in a van down by the river"... oh you know you thought that too] on the 4th of July, and where I took the kids I babysat [who are now in college/almost in college!]. I also remember running to Lyon's the week of our district track meet in high school, which was roughly about 4 miles from school. In fact, it is so popular where I grew up that I always see someone I know. Last night, we ran into some neighbors/friends of my parents. I was surprised I actually didn't know anyone working [which I think is a sign that I am getting ooooold].

I have a love/hate relationship with Lyon's. Yes, it brings back awesome memories of my childhood, but it is not always my favorite. Matt + I used to go here a lot on lazy nights when we were dating and bring back to my house to eat. I DO NOT advise this... their custard melts quickly, so it is much better when you eat it while you are at the stand. Plus, they have a beautiful gazebo to sit in, so take advantage of that. One thing I find unique is that for the 20-ish years I remember going there, they have not changed their method of taking orders/filling orders or even their custard menu, really. However, this makes their service a little bit slower, unfortunately.

They also have really great concrete combinations, like Rice Crispy Treat and Banana Pudding [what Matt + I got, respectively]. But, they don't list what is in these concretes, so it's almost like a grab bag of what you are going to get. I asked about one, the Heavenly Hash, and was disappointed to find out it had pecans in it. So, I stuck to my guns and got the Banana Pudding, not knowing what to expect.

I was extremely happy with my choice! Vanilla custard + fresh bananas + vanilla wafers. Oh man, vanilla wafers totally made the concrete! Matt's, of course, was vanilla custard + Rice Krispy cereal + marshmallow cream. Of all the one's we have gotten here, this is probably both of our favorite concretes. The marshmallow just makes the custard so silky smooth + creamy.

Speaking of the vanilla custard, Lyon's has some of the best vanilla flavored we have had. Not quite as rich as Andy's, of course, but definitely towards the top in terms of taste! Still brings back good ol' memories of my childhood...

[SIDE NOTE: Check in tomorrow for another new frozen custard stand in honor of National Frozen Custard Day!]

frozen custard + the city

I was doing some "blog research" at "work" today (just temping at my mom's office; answering phones = lots of computer time) and stumbled upon Whitney Port's blog (ya know, the girl from The City and The Hills). She and her family have been going to the Lake of the Ozarks every summer since she was little, and one of her favorite places to go is Randy's Frozen Custard! I, of course, had to leave her a comment letting her know how awesome she is, of course; about my blog, of course; and about Andy's, OF COURSE! But, so totally cool! The Hubs and I might just have to take a trip to the Lake to check Randy's out!

[source]

I also stumbled upon a frozen custard stand I hadn't even heard about! Planning on doing some research on it tonight to make sure it actually exists, and possibly hitting it up. It's been a week since I've had a concrete and I am feeling totally deprived! (Although I do still have that Fritz's turtle sitting in my freezer...)

IN RUNNING NEWS
I haven't updated my training in awhile! Training has been going surprisingly well! I'm staying pretty much injury free, which was my biggest concern when I signed up for Chicago. I'm having some nagging plantar fascitis pain and now some shin pain and the occasional twinge in my toes (from neuromas), but nothing that is stopping me in my tracks.

I'm still working on figuring out hydration/fueling during my long runs. My 14 miler 2 weeks ago went flawlessly... but last week's 15 miler, not so much. If I don't balance out and replace my electrolytes and fluids properly, I tend to get extremely bad stomach cramps, etc. (if you know what I mean). Probably has to do with the fact that I technically didn't eat breakfast after my run since I was trying to get to church! Hoping that my 11 miler goes better tomorrow!

I am also thinking about doing some food posts, demonstrating what I eat on a daily/weekly basis. I find nutrition and food so interesting, and really got into blogging because of the various food blogs I read (note about 10 of them to your right). This will probably happen in the next few weeks, if not next week. Just something new to keep me entertained!