Narragansett’s Coastal Charm: My Ocean Road 10K Adventure with the Cabot Fit Team

Escaping the perpetual warmth of Florida, I recently embarked on a refreshing journey to Narragansett, Rhode Island, for a truly memorable experience. The primary reason for my trip was to participate in the Ocean Road 10k, an event I was privileged to run as a proud member of the Cabot Fit Team, alongside my wonderful friends from Cabot Creamery Co-operative. The crisp, invigorating air and vibrant autumn foliage of New England were a stark, welcome contrast to the humid Florida heat, making the entire trip feel like a luxurious treat. The sheer beauty of the race course, winding along the scenic Rhode Island coast, was so captivating that I am already seriously considering making this a cherished annual tradition. It was an experience that blended physical activity with breathtaking natural beauty, leaving an indelible mark.

(Disclosure: My trip and race entry were generously sponsored by Cabot, but all opinions expressed in this article are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience.)

Unveiling the Mission of The Cabot Fit Team

You’ve likely encountered the iconic farmhouse logo adorning delicious cheeses in your local grocery store’s dairy aisle. However, like many, I initially didn’t fully grasp the expansive nature of Cabot. It’s far more than just a cheese company; it’s a vibrant and extensive community comprising 1,100 farm families who collectively own and operate the business. Their dedication extends beyond crafting exceptional cheddar cheese to producing a diverse range of dairy delights, including Greek-style yogurts, rich butter, creamy cottage cheese, and delectable sour cream. What truly impressed me, and what I believe deserves wider recognition, is Cabot’s profound commitment to community engagement. This commitment manifests in various impactful ways, one of the most prominent being the establishment and ongoing support of the Cabot Fit Team.

The core mission of the Cabot Fit Team is to champion wellness through a dual focus on sound nutrition and consistent exercise. For anyone who knows me, my passion for health and fitness is no secret. Therefore, discovering I was invited to be a part of this inspiring experience and contribute to such a meaningful mission filled me with an immense sense of honor and exhilaration. It was a perfect alignment of personal values and a corporate initiative, creating an incredibly fulfilling partnership. The team’s efforts go a long way in raising vital awareness about living a balanced and healthy lifestyle, something I wholeheartedly advocate.

My Personal Journey Back to Running and the Joy of Participation

Running, for me, has always been a journey with its share of triumphs and challenges. Over the past few years, I’ve gained invaluable insights into what truly works for my body and mind when it comes to fitness. It had been quite some time since I last crossed a finish line, and honestly, until this past May, my running had been significantly curtailed due to persistent hip pain, an unfortunate consequence of years of inconsistent training and, frankly, poor posture exacerbated by multiple pregnancies over the last 10-13 years. This meant that when I decided to lace up my running shoes again this year, a mindful and realistic approach was absolutely crucial.

I introduced a new regimen into my workout routine, incorporating interval running and walking, inspired by the effective Galloway method of run/walk/run training. I started with just a couple of days a week, supplementing it with regular strength training and restorative yoga sessions. The results have been transformative; I genuinely have never felt better. This new approach allowed me to check my ego at the door and rediscover the pure joy of participation. Instead of being burdened by the pressure of achieving a “personal best,” my focus shifted entirely to having fun and soaking in the vibrant energy of race day. Finishing a race, regardless of time, now holds far greater significance for me than chasing arbitrary personal records. While a natural competitive spirit still flickers within me, making this shift a constant challenge, the overarching goal is now enjoyment. I’ve always cherished the incredible camaraderie and infectious energy that permeate running events, so the moment I recommitted to running, I knew I wanted to once again be a part of that special community.

My intention in sharing this personal anecdote is to encourage you, the reader, to delve deep, step outside your comfort zone, and make necessary adjustments to your fitness routine if you feel stuck or stagnant. It’s never too late to redefine your relationship with exercise. At 41, I can confidently say I feel younger, stronger, more fit, and more capable than I ever did in my earlier years. This renewed vitality is a testament to listening to my body and adapting my approach to wellness.

The vibrant 2017 Cabot Fit Team included myself, Sara, Amee, Christy, Heather, Diahann, Brittany, Sandra, and Nellie (who, unfortunately, wasn’t captured in this particular photograph).

Diving Deeper into the Cabot Story: A Visit to EMMA Acres

As I touched upon earlier, a remarkable aspect of Cabot Creamery is that it is genuinely owned and operated by the very farm families who produce its dairy. During our time in Rhode Island, we were afforded the incredible opportunity to visit one of these local farm families, and it proved to be an exceptionally fun and educational experience, reminiscent of my previous dairy farm tour just a couple of months prior.

Our visit took us to EMMA Acres, a thriving family dairy farm where we gained an invaluable, inside perspective on the daily operations and dedication involved. It became abundantly clear that running a dairy farm is unequivocally a 24/7 commitment, a demanding “job” where every family member, from the youngest to the oldest, is actively involved from sunup to sundown. Their unwavering hard work and passion are truly inspiring.

Undoubtedly, the absolute highlight of my time at the farm was the precious moments spent interacting with the adorable baby calves. Their innocence and playful curiosity were utterly heartwarming, a true testament to the gentle cycle of life on a dairy farm. It’s these personal connections that truly bring the farm-to-table journey to life.

And, of course, a truly special moment was meeting Aggie (yes, a cow named Aggie!), whose friendly demeanor further solidified the charm of EMMA Acres.

Exploring the Historic and Picturesque Narragansett

This trip marked my inaugural visit to Rhode Island, and I was instantly captivated by the quaint and utterly charming town of Narragansett. Nestled gracefully along the captivating coastline, this town is a treasure trove of rich history, boasting stunning, classic New England architecture and, to my absolute delight as a seafood enthusiast, an abundance of incredibly delicious fresh seafood.

Among Narragansett’s architectural gems, The Towers of Narragansett stands out as arguably the town’s most iconic structure. Though the majority of the original building tragically succumbed to fire in 1900, the two magnificent towers, along with their connecting arch and courtyard, remarkably survived. Today, this historic landmark serves as a picturesque venue for various events, including enchanting seaside weddings. We had the pleasure of walking through its grounds, and as one might imagine, the panoramic ocean views stretching out before us were nothing short of breathtaking and truly unforgettable.

Beyond The Towers, the town is dotted with an array of beautiful homes and buildings, each telling its own story of New England charm and coastal living.

For those keen to delve deeper into the fascinating history of Narragansett during their visit, I highly recommend embarking on a trolley tour organized by the Narragansett Historical Society. I found this experience incredibly enriching. What made it even more special was realizing, as I ran the 10k race the following day, that the course actually wound through many of the very areas and past the significant landmarks we had learned about during the tour. Having that prior knowledge and context made viewing the buildings and landscapes during the race an even more engaging and personal experience. It was a delightful way to connect with the town’s heritage on multiple levels.

Our Coastal Retreat: The Ocean Rose Inn and Narragansett’s Culinary Delights

Our idyllic weekend stay was at the charming Ocean Rose Inn, perfectly situated right on Ocean Road, offering unparalleled access to the majestic coastline. The ocean view from my room was nothing short of spectacular; waking up each morning to witness the sun majestically rising over the water is a sight I rarely get to experience, and it filled each day with a sense of peace and wonder. The daily ritual of a beautiful sunrise was a highlight of my stay.

I had the pleasure of staying in one of the recently remodeled, contemporary rooms. These accommodations struck a perfect balance between modern comfort and a simple, inviting beachy aesthetic. I particularly adored the front patio space, an ideal spot to savor my morning coffee while breathing in the fresh, invigorating sea air. It’s worth noting that for those who prefer a more traditional ambiance, the rooms located within the main inn building retain a distinct historical charm. The Ocean Rose Inn truly offers something for every taste.

Our group relished numerous meals around town, and as a devoted seafood lover, I was truly in gastronomic heaven! From freshly caught fish to succulent shellfish, the local offerings were exceptional. For those in our group who do not partake in seafood, there was absolutely no cause for concern, as Narragansett boasts a plethora of diverse culinary options catering to all preferences. What made our dining experiences even more enjoyable was the incredible walkability of the town. We were able to stroll to every restaurant we visited, a convenience amplified by the absolutely perfect autumn weather. This not only added to the charm of each meal but also allowed us to further explore the picturesque surroundings on foot.

A Glimpse into Our Culinary Adventures: Where We Ate and What Delights I Sampled:

• Turtle Soup (conveniently located at the Ocean Rose Inn): I thoroughly enjoyed the exquisitely prepared Samdperil Salmon.
• Trio: Here, I savored a refreshing Caprese Salad, featuring local heirloom tomatoes and creamy mozzarella (as pictured below), followed by the perfectly roasted Cod. This meal was, without a doubt, my favorite culinary experience of the entire weekend!
• The Picnic Basket: The Mesquite Melt was absolutely delicious and highly recommended!
• Cool Beans: My morning ritual included a delightful Chai Latte and a robust Cold Brew. I also tried their Ham and Egg Panini. I noticed they also offered enticing acai bowls and savory egg white frittata muffins, which looked incredibly appealing.
• Monahan’s Clam Shack: A true New England classic, I indulged in a mouth-watering Lobster Roll (pictured below) and a generous portion of perfectly fried clams.
• The Coast Guard House: The Beef Short Rib Dumplings (pictured below) were a flavorful starter, followed by crispy Fried Calamari (also pictured below), and a light yet satisfying Seared Sea Scallops over Arugula Salad.

I genuinely regret not capturing more photographs of the incredible food! It’s a common dilemma – I strive to minimize phone usage while dining out, to fully immerse myself in the moment, but then invariably find myself wishing I had more visual records when sharing my experiences with others.

#WillRunForCheddar: A Grand Finale of Cheese and Learning

The hashtag truly encapsulated our weekend: we literally ran for cheddar! Following our exhilarating race on Sunday, Cabot graciously hosted us at The Richards Bed and Breakfast for an unforgettable wine and cheese tasting event. This was not merely a tasting; it was an educational journey into the art of cheesemaking, providing deeper insights into the craft. We sampled an exquisite array of delicious cheddar cheeses, each with its unique character, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the home’s beautifully preserved historical garden – a true delight for any cheese aficionado. I highly encourage you to explore the photo gallery of The Richards Bed and Breakfast; it is an absolutely magnificent home, steeped in history and charm, and provided the perfect ambiance for our celebratory closing event.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed accompanying me, through this narrative, on my wonderful weekend adventure in Narragansett. I departed feeling profoundly refreshed, not only by the crisp, invigorating sea air and the delightful company of inspiring women but also by the sheer joy of an awesome run. It was a perfect blend of fitness, community, natural beauty, and culinary exploration, leaving me with cherished memories and a strong desire to return to this charming New England gem.