Bizzy Bee!

We can wear costumes to work, so I chose being a bee this year. I contemplated the following ideas to add to the costume, but didn't have a strong enough desire to spend the time customizing it:

- Put a sign around my neck saying "Do you know where my hive is?" - Nic said if you have to explain it, then it isn't funny
- Wear a button saying "Burt's #1 Bee" or "Official Burt's Bee"
- Carry a sign saying "Do you want to know about my secret life?"

Regardless, I still think it is funny. What do you think?

New Haircut

I got my hair cut shorter, which now includes bangs! I've attached a picture below taken when I got home from the salon. I'll probably never be able to style it the same way again, but I do love it!

Bench Bar Halloween 5k

Last year, I ran this race with my good friend KB as her first 5k. This year, my co-worker friend talked me into running it again. I haven't really raced a 5k in years, so my 5k PR was from a triathlon this summer - 27:06. Thought I might try for a new PR because the bar wasn't too high.

When I started out, I suspected I might be running a little fast. I saw EH about 20 yards ahead of me. I know she is a fast one, so I dialed it back a little. I hit the first mile marker in 7:15, but the mile did include a nice downhill to the Browns Stadium.

The next mile I was feeling okay, but I could tell I had slowed down. We hit the turn around at the Rock Hall of Fame and headed back the way we came. At their 2 mile marker, my watch said 16:55 (wow, I had really slowed down!) - turns out mile 2 was a little long thankfully.

The last mile included the return trip up what was no longer a nice downhill and instead was a not-so-fun uphill. At this point, I started to get a nasty stitch in my side. I managed to pass this 13-year-old girl who was ahead of me (and I saw her stop to tie her shoes 3 times and she was still ahead of me). Of course, that didn't last long. She passed me after we crested the hill and I never saw her again. I also got passed by a guy pushing a stroller with two hefty toddlers in it. I dug into my suitcase of courage trying to push past the nasty side stitch, but I came up empty. I just hung on until I rounded the corner at mile 3 (that one was short). As I raced down the last .1 mile with renewed energy, I spotted the timer and saw it would indeed be a PR day. I finished in 26:18.

I ran back to run in my co-worker and her daughter. Her 16-year-old daughter did her first 5k and was all smiles at the finish.

After grabbing a quick donut and water, I headed home. Little did I know that I actually placed first place in my age group (out of 8 and was 62 out of 176 overall). I never thought in a million years that I would place in my age group with that time let alone win it. I guess it shows that you just have to pick the right race where your competition stays home! : )

New Krazy Kitty Photo

What's new?

What's new with you? Not a lot going on here. Just training to train with no goal in mind. I'm taking it easy - only about 5-6 hours a week these days.

What I haven't shared on this forum is that I'm trying to get pregnant. It just isn't going very well. I suppose I should have figured at my advanced age that it wouldn't be easy, but it still is hard to be patient - it has been almost a year since we started trying.

On the bright side though, I have wonderful friends and family, plus the best husband a girl could ask for. If we aren't able to have our own kid, we are open to adoption. I spent a few hours with GJ (Sam's daughter) yesterday and I know without a doubt that I could love a kid who wasn't biologically mine. So, we'll see how it goes. If it happens, I probably won't share the news until it is past the 12-week point, so be patient along with me. Wish me luck though.

In other news, yesterday was the second CTC duathlon out in Mantua. Wow, it was cold! Luckily, I remembered the hand/foot warmer thingies, so us volunteers were feeling pretty good. I felt bad for those who had to run/bike/run with frost on the ground. The hard core group did awesome though! Daisy and E-speed rocked the course. Plus, I got to hang out with my pal Suzi and the fun married couple (BS & SS).

Not sure how much I'll be posting, but I will be reading/commenting. Check on me once in awhile. : )

Putting it all in Perspective

I've officially given up my watch for swimming purposes. I don't care how slow I am. I am just going to get some exercise and maintain some fitness. I don't have any races for a long time, so it was just stressing me out to see myself get slower each workout. So, no more watch for me...for now!

Otherwise, not much to report. Just turned 37 a few days ago, so I'm on the slippery down slope to 40. Trying to remember that I do have a few years left with a 3 in front of my 2-digit age. I just don't feel 37, but who knows what 37 is supposed to feel like?!

Work continues to be busy, but I'm doing well so far. I got to be part of a finalist presentation for a prospect on Monday in Pittsburgh. I didn't flub my script too badly. Now, I will keep my fingers crossed that we will win the work. Hard to know what to expect when all of your major competitors are also bidding on the work. I think we are the best though (of course). Wish us luck!

I leave you with a picture of me in the new suit I purchased just for this meeting.