In a nutshell

I swear I just sat down at my computer yesterday, and look at that, over a week has gone by.  So, here's my life:

Monday, February 20th:  Frozen Ass 50 Ultra
 - In keeping with my year of firsts, I recorded my very first DNF (did not finish).  I tried, really I did, but the 3" of snow made the first 18km loop (course was an out and back, times 3 - OMG, BORING!) like running on loose sand.  Very physically draining, but then running the 2nd loop by myself (and I mean completely by myself, as everyone else surged ahead) was the most mentally draining thing I have done.  The negative self talk started and try as I might to switch out of it, I was done by the end of the next loop.  I burst into tears (yes, in front of friends and strangers alike), declared defeat and sulked and ate pizza.  Waited for the rest of our gang that did manage to finish, and cried some more.  Thankfully no running clinic tonight, as I seriously don't know how I would have presented a positive spin on running to 5km beginners!

After a few more bouts of tears, I'm better with my decision, and know that one day I will beat this race.  The pictures say it all...

At least we did get a really nice hoodie out of it...I did the Frozen Ass 35.14, if that counts for anything!

Tuesday, Feb 21st:
 - Happy Birthday to me!  I woke up feeling pretty good (took the day off work, as I agree with H-woman that one should never work on their birthday) and spent the day relaxing, eating pancakes (it was also Pancake Tuesday!) and then going out for the most amazing meal at Notable.  I'm not just saying that because that's where Trainer Josh works now - the food was AH-MAZING. 

Wednesday, Feb 22nd;
 - besides being my mother's 76th birthday (Happy B-day, Mama), I also returned to work and to run clinic.   Actually felt good to run a quick 34 minute loop, and then of course Wednesday night Guinness and salmon.  And laughs with good friends who don't care if I did or did not run 50km on Monday (the course revision actually came out to be just under 54km, BTW).

Thursday, Feb 23rd:
 - nothing major here, as I worked on tax forms for work.  My goal is to have all 1,400+ forms completed, printed, signed, copied, filed, stuffed, stamped and in the mail by Feb 29th.  If only the printer and computer I'm using were on the same schedule!  It's going to be a long few days.  Weigh-in was uneventful, as I didn't lose or find anything.  Which is okay, considering the massive amount of delicious lamb, gnocchi, chocolate and wine I enjoyed on my birthday.  Worth every bite.

Friday, Feb 24th:
 - department engagement afternoon, spent at the bowling alley.  My team were the Bowl-leggers, and we had a Hawaii theme  - we don't know why, but we had fun.  My arthritic right hand didn't totally appreciate bowling, especially the 10-pin, but I still had fun.

I know how to rock bowling shoes...

Saturday, Feb 25th and Sunday, Feb 26th:
 - both days were basically spent at the office, trying to get ahead on the tax forms.  At one point I had two computers, two printers and a copier all churning at once.  Once printed, I had to sign each form (someone lost my stamp, so yes, all autographed by me...I feel so Hollywood!), as well as signing an attachment that goes with each.  Copy everything, sort and file the copies, and then fold and stuff the originals.  It was a long weekend.  I did manage to watch the Oscars, which I did enjoy.  Maybe I'm just old and boring, but I love Billy Crystal.  There, I said it.

Monday, Feb 27th:
 - spent the day folding and stuffing envelopes.  I know, I know...Accounting sounds glamorous, but not everyone can handle this kind of fun!  But the good news is everything is done, and I met my timelines.  Return to running clinic, where we talked nutrition before our run.  I think I've got most interested in moving up to the 10km clinic with me mid March, after their goal race, so at least I'll see familiar faces. 

Tuesday, Feb 28th:
 - all of the tax forms are in the mail, and now I can return my attention to cleaning up my desk from the past week.  The good news is my boss is really good about days off in lieu, so I booked a few half days around Christmas (which now means a 5-day weekend followed by a 4-day weekend for me) and taking a day off in March, as I booked my ride-along with HAWCS (the police helicopter squad).  Maybe we can buzz the house-band house, because the idiots appear to have met bail and are back to practicing.  Seriously?!

And that's been me?  How's by you?  I will have to dedicate a few days to catching up on blogs, but not sure when that will be.  Must head to bed, as boot camp beckons.

Later,