Rain, Rain...GO AWAY!

Ugh...this weather is downright depressing.  Looking forward to the next few days of SUN!  I heard 80 on Saturday...what gorgeous weather to explore DC!!

I had a great day at work today....several proposal requests!  Tomorrow is a pretty important client lunch and Thursday is a full day of training that we are providing to one of my clients.  I have a few big days/deliverables to get through before I can relax on Easter break. 

I hope to get a 4 mile run in tomorrow and another 7 mile in on Friday before we leave for DC.  Broad Street is just a few weeks away...so I definitely need to start adding miles soon!

Right back at it!

I was pretty stiff and sore yesterday from my race.  I cross trained on the stationary bike, and did arms & abs.  Other than that, I took it easy and tried to stretch frequently.  We also sat in the hot tub for a while. 

A very wise man (AKA my Dad) once told me that when you are stiff and sore, the best exercise is to get back out and do whatever made you stiff and sore again.  So.....I went out on short 1.5 mile run this morning.  I needed to keep it brief due to the weather.  I also kept it short to re-calibrate my nike+ sensor.  When I finished the 10K on Saturday, it said I still had another 1K to go.  It was pretty far off which makes me feel good to know that I'm not as slow as I thought I was.  I also fixed hubby's sensor.  His battery died so we got him a new chip.

After my run this morning, Lance Armstrong came on to congratulate me on a big milestone.  250 miles!!  Since I got my nike+ chip, I've run 250 miles!  WOO HOO!!

 

My First 10K

It was a crisp, clear, beautiful morning for my first 10K run.  I caught up with a bunch of runner friends pre-race and started out with Jeff, Kasha, Bill, and Amy.  My 1 mile time was 10'07" and I was pleased with that pace.  There wasn't a split at the two mile mark and I sprinted through the 3 mile gate to get in right at 30'00".  Right after the 3 mile split there is a massive hill.  Most people around me walked.  I lost sight of Bill on this hill (Bill is usually just slightly ahead of me).  When we run on Saturdays my goal is just behind him which keeps me a bit ahead of a 10 minute mile. 

Anyway...back to the hill.  I talked myself through it and just kept running.  I always say that which goes up, must come down...so the way down and into mile 4 was pretty sweet.  Mile 5 takes you back on a trail.  I'm not a big fan of trail runs and prefer streets.  This was my least favorite part.  As you round back up to the high school, I kicked it into gear for the home stretch!  Seeing hubby and my son cheering me on was very inspiring.  Once on the track, I sprinted to the finish line!!  I'll post my official time in the bar to the left when it posts on Pretzel City, but based on the picture, it looks like 63'33".  Well under my goal of 70'.

What a great way to kick off the weekend!

Didn't win...but still had fun!

We're back from our little break in AC.  We ate well, drank well, and had fun.  Overall, we lost $60 in the casino...but they comped us 2 free nights and free comedy club tix.  $60 is not a bad donation for all that!  We escaped from the Borgata for a few hours and spent some time at the outlets in AC.  I scored some pretty good deals!  Mike and I had dinner at Tun Tavern (where the Marines were founded) so that was a neat place for us to visit. 

If I can use this public blog to vent for a minute...

If you are sitting down in a theater that is less than 1/2 full, please don't sit directly next to the person.  Skip a seat and let's all have a little personal space.  If you are over 300 pounds and have to back into your seat, this really underscores the need for the skip-a-seat rule.  Finally, if you are over 300 pounds and sweating profusely, please, please, please do not sit next to me with your hand resting on the back of your neck giving me full view (and smell) of your pits.  GROSS.

Feeling better!

I spent the weekend hobbling and icing and I think my foot is on the mend.  I probably won't run this week to make sure it is fully healed for my 10K on Saturday!

Hubby and I are off to the Borgata for a little mid-week R&R.  Looking forward to the comedy club tomorrow night...it's been a long time since we've done that!  The last time we went to the Borgata (2 years ago), I won $250 on one pull of the slot machine.  We immediately cashed out and went and had two drinks, a wonderful dinner, and dessert!  Hopefully, we can be that lucky again!

No, No, NO!!!!

I hurt my right foot again.  I ran a nice 5.2 with my neighbor this morning.  Felt great.  When I took off my sneaker the pain was pretty intense.  I've been icing it all day (and limping on it).  Please pray it's not broken.  I have a 10K next weekend!!

I have been on such a roll with running.  I have really increased my mileage; my times are improving.  Now, to think I might be injured again.  GRRRRRRRRRR....

To add insult to injury, we had a minor flood in the laundry room today which trickled it's way down to our finished basement.  The heat is on and it's like 90 degrees down there with multiple fans.  Today was not our day.

Happy Friday!

Is it me, or does time really fly?  I can't believe it's the weekend again already!  Where did this week go?

We don't have too many plans for the weekend...

My mom is home from FL and is surprising both the kids by picking them up at school & the bus stop.  Hubby is cooking some steak on the grill for our nice family dinner tonight. 

Saturday I will run with Fleet Feet and then we are taking the kids to an Easter Egg hunt.  Sunday ALR has play practice and JAL has a play date lined up.  Other than that, hopefully a whole lot of time outside!  I would like to get some outdoor cleanup underway (i.e. the landscape beds) and perhaps clean the garage.

They liked it! They really liked it!!

I got the best call yesterday!!  One of the companies I sent my business plan to called to say they like my idea and they have sent it off to the innovations department for them to assess feasibility of production!  Holy Crap...might this little idea of mine actually turn into reality?  Could I really be responsible for a product concept!! 

In running news, I'm taking advantage of the weather.  I went an easy 3 miles yesterday and today.  Off tomorrow and will do 5 or 6 with Fleet Feet on Saturday.

Alright...enough of the computer, people!  Get out there and get some sun!

A dinner to remember...

Hope you are hungry!   We opted for the 6 course Chef's tasting menu at the Fountain Restaurant with the wine pairing.  As promised, here's a pictorial journey of what we indulged in:

• Savory Lobster Galette w/ Broccoli Rabe, Shellfish Reduction, Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc, Paddle Fish Caviar paired with a French Champagne from 2007 

• Sauteed Alaskan Halibut Cheek w/Fava Bean Tartare Crouton and Bouillabaisse sauce paired with an Italian White from 2006

• Roasted Virginian Squab Breast w/candied Tokyo Turnips, Creamed Black Trumpet Mushrooms and a Green Peppercorn Jus paired with a Pinot Noir from France from 1999

• Grilled Aged Sirloin Medallion w/Potato Gratin, Wilted Spinach, and natural Beef Reduction paired with a French Bordeaux from 2006

• Mimolette Cheese w/Apple Tarte Tatin and Nutmeg paired with a 10 year old Tawny Port from Portugal

Ooops...we forgot to take a picture of this course!

• Banana Chocolate Turnovers w/Butter Pecan Ice Cream paired with an Australian Semillon from 2007

A wonderful weekend!

I had a truly wonderful weekend (even despite the rain).  On Friday night, I took a client out to dinner at a Brazilian Steakhouse.  Yummm!  Saturday, Mike & I went over to Fleet Feet for the Saint Patty's Day party and the crowning of the Winter Warrior!  I didn't win (I joined the competition too late to compete), but we had a nice time watching all the crazies who decided to run in the rain and wind.  Check out my friend David's blog at rundavidrun.com.  It's pretty sweet!

Saturday afternoon we headed down to the city.  Lorenzo massaged out all the knots and did some nice stretches on me.  I got to lay in this cool relaxing pod thing for about 10 minutes prior to my massage.  Delightful!  I came back to the room to champagne, goat cheese (my favorite) and crackers and Godiva Chocolates!  Next, we had a phenomenal dinner at the Fountain.  I'll do a whole post on that incredible meal later this week.

Sunday we got up and had a wonderful breakfast and met the whole family at the Globetrotters game!  I also got a nice 4.1 mile run in and averaged a good 10 minute mile (Thanks to Lisa for pushing me).  I really needed the calorie burn after Friday and Saturday's indulgences.   But, hey, you only turn 35 once...right??

Pics below are our family March B-day celebration (Mike's Dad, Brother, and I are all March babies) and Mike & I at the Fountain!  Stay tuned for course-by-course details later this week.

Happy Weekend!

Ahhhh....it's finally here!  I can't wait for (hopefully) one of the best weekends of my life.  I'm not going to let a little rain dampen (get it...rain...dampen...HA HA) my spirits!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.  To those I will see at Fleet Feet tomorrow, I am running if it is misting or drizzling.  If it's a down pour, I'm just going for the festivities.

Also...just a quick note on a 10K coming up for all my RunnerGirlz....

March 27 at Wissahickon High School:  www.2young2go.org.
Lisa ran it last year and said it's good.  As of right now, I'm registered (see it listed in my sidebar of race tracking).   Catherine is running it and Lisa and Barb are still considering.   It's a great training race for those doing Broad St.!

A new record!

7 miles! That's right I ran 7 whole miles this morning.  Straight.   Without walking!  WOO HOO!!  Run time 1 hour 21 minutes.  A bit slow, but I'm not out to win anything here.  Just out to prove to myself that I can run and I can run a 1/2 marathon.

Broad Street is not looking so intimidating anymore.   

Lots to look forward to!

It is an exciting next few days! Tomorrow I am going to a special by invitation only screening premiere of "She's Out of My League"!  Should be fun...but it's a shame that hubby can't go.  He'll be at the "Read In" with the kiddos.  Seems like it's a chic flick though...so he probably will have more fun at school.

Friday is dinner at Na Brasa.  If you haven't been, you must go!  It's a brazilian steakhouse in Horsham that is just yummy!  Looking forward to the filet and the fried bananas already!

Saturday is the big Fleet Feet Brooks St. Patty's Day Bash.  I don't think we'll be running (given the forecast), but there will still be prizes, breakfast, free t-shirts, and fun!!  Saturday afternoon we head to the city for my birthday weekend.  I have a massage at 2, dinner at the Fountain Saturday night and we are staying over at the Sofitel.

Sunday we wake up to breakfast in bed (or the restaurant if we feel like getting dressed) and then meet up with the kids & the rest of the family and are all going to see the Harlem Globetrotters!

Woo Hoo...I can't wait!  Let's get this party started!  (I know it's only Wednesday...can you tell I'm a wee bit excited about all these happenings!)

What a waste of a day.

So... I am at my main client today when something weird starts happening to my PC.  A product called "Virus Protector" comes up and informs me that I have 21 viruses and that my entire contact list is being spammed by my PC.  I thought it was odd because my company uses McAfee and because the "Virus Protector" software needed my credit card immediately to update my settings and re-instate protection.

I have spent the ENTIRE afternoon on the phone with tech support.  They are being incredibly helpful and actually saved me from driving to the home office.  But, what a total and complete waste of my afternoon.

In other events, I did get a run in today in the beautiful weather.  I went 3 miles.  I'll probably do my long run on Wednesday or Thursday this week so that I can do a short run with hubby who is joining me for the Saturday morning festivities at Fleet Feet!  If you are runner, you should definitely come to Fleet Feet (near Whole Foods) this Saturday morning at 8 am.  Free tech weave t-shirts to the first 50 who show up, Brooks gear scavenger hunt on the running trail, raffles, pot of gold prize bucket (value over $350), pancakes for breakfast, etc.  It is going to be quite the event!  

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's amazing how fast time goes when you are insanely busy!  Between my full time job, being a parent/household duties, and volunteering for NLCP, I feel as though I can't catch my breath.  A summary of what's been keeping me busy....

Work:  Work is good...I expect a big deal to close soon.  Looking forward to the 2009 bonus payout on 3/15!

Parent/Household:  Kids are good...ALR loves the whole play/drama thing.  We can't wait to see her perform on stage!  JAL is getting excited for his birthday.  He's quite the little planner (gee, wonder where that comes from).  No new projects in the works on the household front.  Just saving up for the new roof and HVAC (whichever one goes first)...Both are big expenses and quite boring to me.  I'd rather put the money into a spa retreat master bath...but a roof and heating are kind of necessary evils.

Volunteering:  I interviewed a race director last week for our Free to Breathe race.  I am hopeful his bid is competitive since I really like him.  I have run in a few of his races and they have always been well organized.  I am also planning a fundraiser dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Allentown.  The restaurant agreed to donate 10% of dinner checks on 9/19 (what would have been my Dad's birthday and what is the day I will run a 1/2 marathon in his memory) to our team (Team Charlie's Angels) for Free To Breathe 2010. We're calling it "Remembering Charlie....a fundraiser event".  We're inviting all of our family, friends, Corvette Club, etc. to join us between 6-9 for an evening of celebrating his life and remembering what an incredible husband, father, grandfather, friend he was.

Question for you...if someone gave you $100,000 with the stipulation that you must donate it to charity, what would you do with it.  We had this discussion with friends of ours over dinner last night.  Responses were:

Andrea: Lung Cancer (pretty obvious)
ML:  Lung Cancer (I was surprised he is as focused on this charity as I am)
ALR: Haiti earthquake relief
JAL:  poor people who need houses and food
JL: inner city schools for books, educational materials
JAL: Haiti earthquake relief
 

Not so slow, Chickie!

Alright...this Nike+ chip is driving me C-R-A-Z-Y!  I was a little disappointed after the last run where I was tracking an 11 minute mile.  Today I ran again.  This time it told me I did 3.4 miles.  I drove it with my car after the run and it was 3.7 miles.  I guess I shouldn't care so much about my times...but it would be nice to know exactly how I'm doing.

So our little microwave repair (part covered under warranty) cost us $221.  I called to complain.  The guy was here one hour and the part was covered.  $221 seems extreme for one hour of labor...for another $100 I could have bought a whole new microwave.  Last GE appliance I buy ever.   EVER!

Not so fast, Chickie!

I've been suspecting that my Nike + sensor has been slightly miscalibrated.  Last time I ran with fleet feet, they said we did 5 miles and my iPod told me we did 5 1/2.  Not wanting to continue to be inaccurate, I took the time to re-calibrate the morning.  I'm not pleased.

My distance and run times were off....Way off.  I was closer to a 12 minute mile today.  I suck even worse than I thought I did.  3 miles, 34 minutes.  Depressing.


In other news, the microwave broke this morning.  I am realizing it is really hard to live without it.  The repair guy comes tomorrow...luckily, it is some magnatron tube that is covered under warranty.  I just need to pay labor.


The kids are finally back to school.  JAL really threw a fit this morning that his whole body hurt and I didn't give him enough rest.  When I mentioned he couldn't go to the Planetarium with Daddy tonight, he somehow managed a miraculous recovery!