Tracy is running a marathon in all 50 states, and was headed to her 38th in Delaware. There was a 9k at the same race with the tagline 'You'll probably PR!' because races are never that distance. Gage and I decided to accompany her, making this the first Anderson sibling trip EVER! We've gone lots of places with each other plus others, but never just the three of us.
Day one
Gage and Tracy flew in, got the car from Hertz, and picked me up at the Philadelphia airport. I flew Spirit, with the tagline 'Carry a backpack and wear all your clothes.' I appreciate the bare bones of this airline, since they let me fly so many places for so cheap, as long as I only take a backpack!
We drove the two hours from Philadelphia to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware to our Airbnb, which Tracy deemed the nicest one she'd ever stayed in. It was a mile from the beach, and you could walk there all on sidewalks. It was called the Osprey Nest, and the third story was a little loft bedroom where I stayed. The owners said we could check in and leave anytime we want. Such flexibility!!
We walked around touristy downtown and saw the beach, the shops, ate ice cream (it's at every turn), and picked up our race packets. The excitement at the race expo was exhilarating as always! Usually when I'm there it's tempered by the fact that I am also running a marathon - but not this time!
We chose to eat at Dewey Beer Co, because they had a big pretzel Tracy likes to eat before her race. We all loved our meals. Then we went to sing karaoke at Rigby's Bar & Grill. What a great crowd! Everyone was so welcoming and supportive and really got into the duet Gage and I sang while Tracy laughed at us and took video. SO FUN! This was a real highlight. The timing was also great, because we were in bed at a good time because some people had to run 26.2 miles the next day...
Day Two
Race day! Coastal Delaware Running Festival. Tracy was up early, eating and getting ready, full of nervous energy. We all walked to the start on the beach boardwalk. It was a gorgeous day. Sunny, white sand, pretty water, tons of people! At 7:00 a.m., Tracy took off! Then at 7:20 a.m., Gage and I took off for our 9k! Gage had said we could run together, but I didn't think I could keep up with him, but we ran the same pace! It was a wonderful race. Nice course, people cheering, started and ended on the beach, and felt awesome the whole time. Gage and I both finished in the top ten of our age groups! It was just the way you want a race to feel.
We went back, showered, and headed out on the course to see Tracy. We were able to cheer her on at two points close together, and then we went back to town for the pizza and drink buffet. Everyone was up for talking, so Gage and I chatted with people from all over. Everyone got three drink tickets, and people kept dropping them off at our table. We had so many, we couldn't even give them away! We texted with Tracy and went out on the course to cheer her to the end. She had found friends along the way, and she had a great race! She amazes me. SO MANY MARATHONS!
We went back to the house, showered, napped, and got ready for dinner. We chose Thompson Island Brewery, which had fair food but a great atmosphere with an outdoor fire pit, ping pong, connect four, and cornhole! We really liked it here. We walked back from our house to see the beautiful beach one more time, and then stopped at Dogfish Head on the way home. It's pretty well known and has a fantastic octopus mural.
Day three
A funny thing about traveling with your siblings - we ate the same food at the same times, went to bed and awoke at the same time, and like to do all the same exact things. It is so easy traveling with people who are so similar to you!
We got up early and drove to Philadelphia with plans to see everything. We walked and drove around the town and saw:
Liberty Bell - always a good stop
Benjamin Franklin's old house - including where his privy was. Details!
Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History - Just the outside - they have a giant OY!
Benjamin Franklin's grave - grave
Betsy Ross' house - only time for the outside, but we'd been inside before
Elfreth's Alley - oldest continuous living neighborhood in US, so cute
Independence Hall - we'd all been here before
Museum of the American Revolution - I'd been here before, but they hadn't, and I wanted to show them. I love this place. I love seeing George Washington's war tent - STILL INTACT AND FINE - his letters, his sword, and all these items that make you think about how all of this didn't happen very long ago at all. We all liked this museum.
Geno's and Pat's cheesesteaks - These are across the street from each other, so we got one at each and shared them. Turns out...I don't like them at all. We got Pat's with cheese whiz and Geno's with melted cheese. Take your pick!
Rocky statue - The night before I was lying in bed and dropped my phone on my lip, leaving a really big bruise. We pretended to punch each other here.
Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art - such a beautiful view of the city!
We had to get the rental car back, so we didn't have time to get ice cream. We had some of the chocolate milk left from after Tracy's race, so we took turns drinking it straight from the container in the rental car parking lot until it was gone. See what I mean about people who are similar? Just three dairy farm kids.
Gage flew out first, and Tracy and I walked forever (like the marathon wasn't even a big deal to her!) to find ice cream in the airport, and finally found some gelato at Illy. It was worth every step.
What a wonderful trip! Congrats to my sister, congrats to my brother, and here's to the next one!
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