Festival Park, that is, for “Italian Fest” – which is apparently code for “Beer and Overpriced Fair Food.” My cannoli was good, but…meh. Not a heck of a lot of reasons to think about returning in the future. I understand that Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana is much better, but it sounded a little overwhelming for our family at present. Maybe next year.
So we went home a little frustrated, and the kids are recovering by goofing around with each other while Erieac nurses an upset stomach, and I escaped for a respite and a cup of coffee. 
Sixteen miles and change this morning. I find it funny that when I was training for Milwaukee, that distance seemed like a Really Big Deal, and now it feels so much more casual. Honestly, the first five miles were the most challenging part, dealing with gnats and legs that were a little slow to wake. Next Saturday, I’ll do eighteen, and then it’s a step-back week before heading into the twenty-plus-mile long run weeks, each separated by a couple of easier weeks (the whole plan I’m using is here, if you’re curious; I rotated the weeks so my long runs are on Saturdays with the running club, though). How am I only on week 5, and those really long runs are already here, anyway?! I’m not complaining, though. 
My long runs are my favorites!
Whoa, looks like a storm might be rolling in. Lots of wind shaking the trees outside, and the sky is really dark suddenly. Yep, rain’s here.
The years I lived in Milwaukee — Summerfest and Festa Italiana were the TWO must-go-to festivals. I really don’t remember why Festa was so much better, but it just was. Maybe we knew more of the vendors or something . . .