Boilermaker 15k Race Report- Part Two

Before we begin our regularly scheduled program, we bring you this important news bulletin: 

There is a mole in our apartment!! 

Long story short, we woke up to some noises early Saturday morning but found nothing. Fast forward to Wednesday evening when I was having a quiet night home alone getting ideas for our honeymoon location, when low and behold a little four legged friend decided to walk right by and scare the crap out of me. It would appear as though I scared him as well, but who cares about his feelings. I had him trapped in the corner behind our entertainment center and frantically called my sister and Rob. Rob was on his way home and Meredith gave me some tips. When Rob got home we each took a side, but that little sucker was wicked fast and he headed for our dining room/office. It was trapped underneath my filing cabinet and Rob thought he could get it, but he didn't. So then the little fur ball headed into the kitchen and squeezed itself behind our dishwasher. So we stood watch, nothing happened, my brother in law came over and we put two mouse traps by the edges of the dishwasher, at this time we thought it was a mouse. So now I am totally freaked out and pissed that the little booger is in our kitchen. We haven't seen any droppings or any signs of chewing and it didn't really look like a mouse to me, so I googled mole and the mug shot of the culprit seemed to resembled our guest. I also researched trapping methods but they were all suggestions for outside infestation, nothing for inside, because they aren't supposed to be inside!!!   

This may or may not be to scale. 

So the Boilermaker seems like forever ago now, but I'll do my best to try to capture the excitement. Once we got moving I was surprised at how exactly the same the race was from the previous year. Katie and I ran together for a short bit and Dad ran up just ahead of us. I was worried that he would go out too fast, since he sometimes does but we slowly caught back up to him. My favorite sign at this race is at one of the first houses you pass and it says ".1 down, 9.2 to go". At this point in the race a sign like this is amusing, being told "you're almost there" at mile 5, not so much. Katie ran off and Dad and I stuck together for the rest of the race. This race has water/ice stops everywhere you look, at least it feels that way. I kept telling Dad that something that helped me last year was the ice. Always holding a cup of ice, putting ice in my hands, cold water on my head, drinking it, helped so much to beat the heat last year. In fact, I adopted this technique to get me through the marathon too. We ran the first couple miles straight, with only slowing at water stops. The 5k mark is at the beginning of the biggest hill on the course, and as we approached the base of the hill (golf course) I asked Dad how he wanted to handle this challenging part of the course. We decided we would pick different landmarks (signs, mile markers, bands) to run to and then do the same for walking portions. The hill is long, really long. When you think you are at the top, you aren't. Our technique worked great, but when we approached the water stop at a point where it levels out a bit they told us they had run out of ice. Okay no big deal, just get some at the next stop. We pressed on, talked to some of our fellow racers and tried to enjoy the scenery and constant music playing. When I say constant music I mean it. By the time one band/DJ/musician/car speaker/speaker on a front porch is out of ear shot, you can hear another one coming. We survived the hill and enjoyed the descent, but the next water stop was out of ice too and now it was beginning to get sunny and hotter. A bit down the road someone from behind started talking to me about my shirt and she had a Fleet Feet No Boundaries shirt on. Turns out she was from Fairport also and had done the HFM program this spring to train for the Flower City Half Marathon. I told her I trained for and completed a full this spring and she seemed impressed. The zoo animals were up next and last year I missed them so I wanted to pay more attention this year. There were all sorts of animals, but my favorite was a giant tortoise just walking around in the grass munching on some lunch. The next few stops had ice and I began to take multiple cups, I also got Dad using this cool down method and it seemed to be working for him too. At one point the Red Cross was giving out ice and they were in big red solo cups, we continued to run with them for a long time, I think Dad even crossed the finish line with his, and the song "red solo cup" followed us from spectators and fellow racers along the way. I was too slow this year for popsicles, freeze pops and oranges on the course, but I was running with Dad and we were getting through it together. 

This may or may not be a proof. 

During the last mile we were plugging away and all of a sudden my Dad said "HOLY SHIT". I said nervously, "what Dad?" and he said, "we are actually gonna finish this!" Apparently up until that point he had doubts. It was neat to see him capture a new distance PR, experiment with fueling while running, staying hydrated and racing smart to get it done! It was also around this time that I heard the crowd saying "Go Canada" and "look our neighbors to the North". All of a sudden I had a flashback to the same point in the race last year, when I was passed by four Canadian women, all decked out in red, white, maple leaves and cowboy hats. And wouldn't you know it the same ladies were going to pass me around the same spot as last year. The crowd loved them and clearly they were having a great time. I could hear the bagpipes ahead which is a clear sign that you are getting close to the end, so Dad and I picked up our speed and ran down into the finishing chute looking for Mom who was there waiting to cheer us in. As we were running along the yellow barriers, I mentioned to Dad that the announcer from last year was my former band director and I wondered if he would announce our names this year. Sure enough, with tons of enthusiasm and excitement I heard him say "Art and Stephanie Keiser" we made eye contact and thumbs up, waves and smiles and then he said "good job old man". Haha, priceless. 

I love MarathonFoto!

So my time was drastically slower compared to last year, but I haven't been training as much, I have slowed down and I wanted to stick with Dad. I wouldn't change a thing. However, as we walked through the coral they told us that they had run out of pins. Which is the traditional thing they present you with at the finish line. WHAT?!?! Seriously, how do you run out, you know exactly how many people are running this thing. Last year (and it sounds like this year too) they have run out of food for the finishers as well. We were upset but continued through the mob of people to get to the post race party. I headed to claim my pint glass and to check out the merchandise table, Dad headed to the line to get a beer. I decided to buy Dad a finishers medal since he has never earned one before. Even though he came over to me before I was done paying for it, I unwrapped it and placed it around his neck. We were both pretty proud in that moment. I also happened to run into Rob's boss Glenn, what are the odds with 20,000 you would see someone you know! After a snow cone or two we met up with Mom and headed over to the Polish community center, as I discovered last year, it was a nice, dark, air conditioned place to sit and relax. They also had a fundraiser of traditional Polish cuisine so we carb loaded back up. 

Soooo good!

Everyone was hot and sweaty!

While we were getting settled Katie wound up coming in and finding us, everything was really going so smoothly. We all swapped stories and relaxed for a bit before Katie and I had to board the bus to head back home. Once we went our separate ways I crouched down in the tiny bus bathroom to change out of my wet and stinky clothes and felt so much better after that. 

Wilt took attendance, passed around some snacks and we were off headed back home to Rochester. As I sat there and thought about next year, I thought about how cool it would be to be a volunteer. As much fun as it is to race it, it has to be pretty fun to spectate as well. On FB it was posted that if you didn't receive a pin to send an email. So I sent an email on behalf of my Dad and myself but never heard anything back from them. Then Dad sent me this the other day:

Pretty clever, but still not acceptable. 

This weekend we are heading to Lake Placid for vacation and to volunteer for the Lake Placid Ironman. I cannot wait!! I will be doing a post or two on that, look for them in about a week!! 

Boilermaker 15k Race Report- Part One

So I got a text message this morning from my Dad asking where my Boilermaker race report was. Geez Dad no pressure or anything, but I am a little preoccupied with working (part time) and getting ready for the wedding (sunning myself at the pool to even out my farmers tan). Tough work, ya know? But I guess it is a bit delayed so let's get to it.

The Boilermaker is a huge 15k race in Utica, NY that boasts an elite group of runners, wheelchair race division and running with 15,000 of your closest friends. I had done the race for the first time last year and even though it was really hot and challenging there was no doubt I would sign up again. The race has become more and more popular and actually sold out in 3 days this year. Shortly after signing up I noticed my Dad wearing a Boilermaker training shirt and so unbeknownst to me he had signed up as well! To that date he had only run 5 miles so I was curious to see how he would handle the longer distance.

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Last year I had taken the "Boilermaker Bus" sponsored by The Greater Rochester Track Club and Fleet Feet. For $35 dollars or $15 if you are a member like me, you get bagels, coffee, water, gatorade, snacks after the race, dropped off at the bib pick up tent and picked up at the post-race party. It doesn't get much better then that. Aside from the 4am meeting time, it is a blast!!

Up and at em'

Ahhh the Golden Memories

Watching the sunrise

Andy & Katie at the rest stop

Dad and Mom drove themselves and I had plans to meet Dad at the bib pick up tent on race morning. He had gone to the expo the previous day and seemed to really enjoy it. Maybe next year he'll let me go with him so  I can rub elbows with elites like him.

No lucky number this race

Dad got Bill Rodger's Autograph

This years pint glass, mine has a printing flaw, boo.

We were a tiny bit delayed getting to the bib pick up tent because of traffic, but I spotted Dad right away and he had already met up with some people he knew.

Katie and I grabbed our bibs pretty quickly and talked strategy. Last year I spent the entire time in the port a potty line and I did not want to do that again this year. So I spotted a bunch of people heading over to the woods to do their business and I grabbed some tissues and joined them. And not to get into too many personal details but this year I rocked my running skirt and that makes going to the bathroom on the fly so much easier, if you know what I mean.

The sea of people and port a potties

We made arrangements to meet up with Katie near the coral and hung out with some family friends in the shade. It was already pretty warm and humid, but there was a good amount of cloud cover which was way better then the sunny start/race last year.

2012 Boilermaker Photo

With about 10-15 minutes before the official race start we made our way to our peach "coral" and found Katie. Last year I started farther back and realized that the street before mine fed into the line first, so this year I pushed my way through the crowd and found a comfy spot to listen to the announcements and national anthem. Standing in such a compact group of people was making me warmer and finding fresh air to breath became more and more difficult. I was looking forward to getting started and spreading out for some clean air. After the gun went off and the Rocky Theme started playing we waited over ten minutes to get to the start line. I was excited to be back, looking forward to the crowd and atmosphere, anxious about my lack of running lately, since I know the course is challenging and hilly and nervous for my Dad to complete this PR distance in the heat and humidity.

Come back next week for part two!!

Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 Part Two

When my Mom said that she didn't have my bag, that it was back at the hotel, because of a change in plans, I think I just stood there stunned. For quite a few miles I had been dreaming of that bag. There wasn't really anything life or death in the bag but I was fixated with it. Before I could say anything (at least it felt that way) my Dad was off and running, a few blocks, back to the hotel to get my bag. I had already told myself that when I got to my family, which was about the half way point, I would take an extended break. Since I was already in the mindset of just enjoying the experience I knew some rest and rejuvenation was in order to mentally prepare for what was to come.

Since my calves were feeling great and I was beginning to warm up I took my calf sleeves off. The 26.2 headband I had bought was slipping off and since the sun seemed like it was there to stay, I swapped my headband for my Shut Up + Run visor. My signature look if I do say so myself! By this point I was ready for some music so I also prepared my iPhone and headphones. I also took some time to do some minor stretching. It was while I was squatting down that I noticed multiple marathoners passing me and I wish (briefly) that I had been on my way already. After about ten minutes or so my Dad reappeared and I loaded up on sunscreen, Chapstick, swapped out my Gatorade and popped a couple ibuprofen. I debated putting more body glide on my feet or swapping socks but my feet still felt good and I didn't want to mess with a good thing. Now looking back I wonder if it would have made a difference.  

I thanked everyone and we talked about where they would hope to see me again and then I was off. Thank goodness it wasn't turning out like the dream I had. I went over the half way check point and figured whoever was tracking me at home probably thought something was wrong or that I took a snooze along the way. As soon as I had made the split for the full I felt like I was on my own. The crowd support disappeared and I was missing the many runners who were driving me crazy just a few miles prior. I'll be honest and say I don't remember much of the next couple miles. It was crazy hot, sunny and there was very little coverage from the sun. I was enjoying the marathon play list I had created though. Somewhere during mile 15, I saw a runner ahead of me and there was a sign on her backpack that said she was running in memory or honor of someone. I decided to make a friend and figured the sign would be a good conversation starter. The runner's name was Jody and she was running in honor of a child who was suffering from Cancer. I believe his name was Alex. Alex was going to meet Jody with a half mile left and run to the finish with her, so cool! Jody was from Ohio and this was her third marathon. She assured me that the feeling at the finish would be worth it all. Jody was not your average runner. As unaverage as I am of a runner, Jody was even more, and I liked that about her. Did that sentence make sense? Jody was running every other mile. Her outlook was brilliant because as we approached mile 16 she said she only had to run 5 more times and that seemed totally manageable. During this part of the run the marathoners had a switchback so there were tons of speedy people heading in our direction. I wondered what mile they were at and how long it would be until I was where they were. Apparently a long a$$ time. We turned a corner and there was a gas station there. I decided I needed a cold beverage. Not that kind, I had already had a couple sips of beer during the first half.  I told Jody I'd catch up with her later. The air conditioning felt great when I stepped inside and I considered asking them how much it would cost to rent out their ice cooler. I got a cold Gatorade and the cashier looked at me like I was nuts. I told her to keep the change because I didn't want the jingling for the next ten miles. I had a few sips and then I stuck the icy beverage into my cleavage, yea real classy, but cool and refreshing at the same time. Next time Im running in this...

 
As I was plodding along, keeping Jody in my sights to catch up with her, a familiar face caught my eye. Rob was in his running gear and was standing on a corner holding a bottle of water. I was pretty happy to see him. It appeared like he was alone so I asked what he was doing. He said he had run from the hotel (about 2 miles) and came to run with me for a bit. He did have a long run to get in and even though it wasn't his ideal pace, I welcomed the company and conversation. As we started to move forward I told him quickly that he needed to run on my left because that is where Molly always runs! I told him about Jody and we worked to catch up with her. Aside from the killer heat and sun I physically was doing okay. We did some running and walking and I apologized to Rob a few times because I felt bad that I wasn't running more. He just kept saying to not worry, it was my race and to do what I had to do. He even held my Gatorade for me. Have I said what a lucky girl I am? So lucky. Still no spectators and at this point even the volunteers at the aid stations were tired and trying to find any shade possible. On a few occasions volunteers offered hoses with cold water, but I was hesitant to enjoy it, for fear of chaffing and blisters. Rob reminded me about finding landmarks and making mini running goals, which is something I say to my Girls on The Run team so often. We picked telephone poles, signage and aid stations to run and walk to. At one point we were pretty close to catching up with Jody so we ran to her and I introduced her to Rob. I asked her if it was a walking mile and she said her legs were really bothering her and she was walking a running mile.

During mile 18 I decided to call Molly for a pep talk. It was also during part of this mile that I knew we were out as far as we were going to go and that we would get to start making our way back to the city. Woohoo! I don't really remember the conversation with Molly but she was positive and encouraging and it was what I needed. Before I knew it I was hearing familiar cheers and a cowbell and my parents were in front of me at an aid station at mile 19.

Great race support team, even with the bag mix-up

Okay, I promise to try to wrap this up in the next one, if it feels long, IT WAS!!

Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 Part One

I am sorry that this race recap is so stretched out. Life has really gotten in the way the last couple of weeks. Hopefully you are still waiting with baited breath, haha. I know I had to look back to see where I left off, you too? 

I woke up very bright and early and started my preparations. Having everything laid out was really helpful, especially because I was trying to be kind to Rob who was still sleeping. The plan was to meet my Dad around 5:20ish and meet some Rochester peeps in the hotel lobby at 5:30. When I got to my parents room my Dad opened the door very slowly and looked at me cautiously. I smiled and said something along the lines of "let me in". He reminded me of the time we traveled to Buffalo for a half marathon and I knocked on their hotel door panicking because I had been sick all night and morning and was going to have to drop out of the race. He was nervous that I might be having the same issue.  

Nope, good to go, let's get running!

I handed my race bag and Gatorade to my Mom and Dad and I headed downstairs. We met up with some fabulous ladies from Rochester and started to follow the masses walking towards the Cleveland Browns Stadium. It was on the cooler side but it was definitely humid and it wasn't even 6am. Ugh. Walking over with a mass amount of people made me so excited. I was surprisingly calm and couldn't wait to get started. Once we got near the stadium we decided to go inside to use real bathrooms and check out the scene. 

                                            

You wouldn't think it was that big of a luxury to use a real bathroom but believe me, it was! The lines moved fast too. I wasn't overly hungry so I slowly munched on my bagel as we walked around. We went outside of the stadium and took so pre-race photos. You know, to prove that I was actually there. 

Aren't you impressed with my color coordination?

Dad and Me,
Getting ready to set new distance PR's!!
Exactly two years after our first 5k race together. 

We walked down to the starting coral to find a spot to sit and relax a bit. Getting there really early can be annoying, but I'd rather be there and have time to kill then run late and stress out. We found the 12 minute pace flag which was located near the 10k start flag, so Dad and I would get to stay together until it was my time to run off. The marathon started at 7am and the 10k started at 7:30. Or whenever the hell I got my slow butt out of the way. While waiting, Mr. Dave found me! Here is proof that he was there as well. It was nice to have some familiar faces even though I knew I would be primarily running alone.  

We were all just sitting on the curb hanging out and people watching and at one point it started to get pretty crowded. There was so much energy and excitement in the air. There was a strong police presence and they even had dogs tracking for scents. Good thing I still smelled good at that point.

Starting to line up.

As the time got closer to 7am there was cheering and clapping and a helicopter flying over head and then it was time to go. But not really. If you've ever done a decent sized race you know what I'm talking about. You start and then stop and start up again and then slow down. It took me about 10 minutes to get to the starting line. Dad followed me on the sidewalk for a while smiling and waving and it is such a blur now. I do remember the juggling runner, more on that later. Glad I recorded some of it.

There was music, announcers and a ton of spectators cheering. I do have a strong memory of runners slapping the start line banner when they went under it, so of course I did too. I felt cool. It was a little overwhelming and I am pretty sure I got a lump in my throat and maybe some watery eyes. But I was just ready to run. Physically and mentally I felt great and I was looking forward to seeing Rob and Mom who were just a mile or so into the race. I knew where they were going to be and I didn't see them right away so I remember looking all over for them and hoping I didn't pass them. I don't think they were expecting me either because my Mom was struggling with the camera as I approached them for a hug and a kiss. I knew I wouldn't see any family members until the half way point so I wanted to soak up as much support as I could, even though it was so early in the race. 

The first half of the race was wonderful. Tons of crowd support. There were also aid stations every 1-2 miles and they were organized with signs and volunteers yelling out the type of drink they were passing out. The race started out by running on the expressway, what a great way to see a new city. It was cool and the wind actually made me have chills for the first hour or so. Also, since we drove this part of the course I knew there was a great deal of shade. I went out conservatively and slowed down during the water stops just like I wanted to, all was going smoothly. 

Oh shady streets, how I took you for granted! 

I do remember lots of signs, the best said "run fast, she farted" and had an arrow pointing to another spectator. I remember a lot of singers, bands and announcers. I remember lots of yellow volunteer shirts. I remember lots of high fives to kids and even a few adults. One neighborhood/aid station that stuck out a lot was the Tremont area. They welcomed the runners with a banner hung high and their aid station was like no other. TONS of spectators, hanging out at a bar none the less, loud music and crazy volunteers. It was at this point (not sure of the mileage) that I decided to take a port a potty break. I was concerned about the line and waiting in it as runners passed me by and then I remember something Thea told me prior to the race and that was to enjoy the experience. It was at that exact moment that I decided that I didn't care what my time was, or how close to last I was, I just wanted to finish and I was going to enjoy getting there. Miles 10-12 were challenging mentally. Hearing so many people around me say how close they were to finishing was frustrating. I told myself I wasn't going to use music until the second half, but I was really tempted to put my ear buds in. It was also during this time that the sun had come out, it was still humid and it was starting to get hot. The bridge coming back into the city had a great view and if I had been doing the half I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more. I just kept telling myself that I would see my family at the half, could take a little break, make some changes and get mentally refreshed for what was still to come. I also had texted my Mom and Dad and asked if they could get a soda for me. I was looking forward to something caffeinated, cold and sweet. 

The signage for the race was great. Everything was color coded based on the race you were doing and this made navigating much easier. I was happy to see that the split for the half and full marathoners was a few blocks from the finish line so it wasn't too torturous. It was a killer to see lots of runners with medals strolling back to their hotels or cars with their family members. My Dad met me and ran a few blocks with me to my Mom and Rob. It was great to have some familiar company. When we got to my Mom and Rob I stopped and drank some soda and asked for my bag since I didn't see it, but my bag was not there. 

Come back for more...I'll try to be quicker this time!

Week Seventeen Made Me Gleam

Wow what a fantastic week of training, I feel completely rejuventated. Now don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I want to ramp up my mileage any time soon, but I think I should just continuously taper, like forever. Aside from my right calf still being tight, my body feels rested and (hopefully) ready for Sunday. I am leaning more and more towards wearing my calf sleeves and since I tested them out for the 20 miler I think that should help. I have had no hip/butt pain and I hope it stays that way.  

Monday- Rest.

Tuesday- 5.3 miles around Fairport.  

Wednesday- 1 hour spin and sculpt class at the RAC. 

Thursday- 3.2 miles around Pittsford with Molly. 

Friday- Rest.

Saturday- 8 miles around Fairport with Molly.

Sunday- Rest.  

Total Miles: 16.5            Planned Miles: 21        

Total Marathon Miles: 321.5

After Girls On The Run Thursday, Molly and I got a run in together around Pittsford. Molly had taken a bit of a running hiatus and it was her first run in about ten days. She pulled through like a champ and even though we didn't go very fast it was a really fun run filled with lots of chit chat and marathon planning. Plus we were both proud that we had run farther then the girls that day, because in the previous weeks that wasn't so true. They had been kicking our butts.  

Friday night I hung out at my sisters house and helped them with the kids while they did yard work in the rain. Guess who had more fun?!

We did!!

I woke up Saturday morning for my long run and "We are the Champions" by Queen just happened to be playing on the radio. It was cold, super cloudy and looked like it was about to poor at any minute. Molly met me in Fairport for our last pre-marathon long run together. I showed Molly my usual 5 mile route, since she is moving to Fairport soon. Welcome to hill land sista. Since we had 8 on the schedule and I usually turn around at the canal, we decided to just add the extra 3 by going out a mile and a half and back. It worked perfect and she really liked the route. 

At noon Rob and I headed to Watkins Glen for the Fly By Night Duathlon that takes place on the race course. My parents decided to come watch and stayed for the weekend at the KOA nearby. This was Rob's first race of 2013, what the heck has he been waiting for?!? Actually since we are trying to save money for the wedding we have both cut our races back a lot this year. We went to the campground and hung out with my parents for a few hours and then headed over to the track. We met up with the Tuckers there and had fun entertaining each other...

Hanging out near the garages.

This race was so cool, transition is actually on pit road and we got to see them multiple times because their bike loops go around the track. It was hard cheering for so many people and paying attention to who was where. Rob wound up taking 8 or 9 minutes of his time so he was excited about that. 

Scott and Rob strategizing in transition. 

After the race ended we headed back to the RV for a late dinner. Usually sleeping in the top bunk of the RV can be uncomfortable and I usually wake up with a stiff back, but I think we were both pretty tired so we just passed out. Rob locked his keys in the trunk Sunday morning as we were packing our things and my parents thought it was funny that we don't have each others car keys. Maybe we'll have a key exchanging ceremony as part of the wedding, haha. After we got on our way we stopped at one winery, actually it was a meadery, did some tasting testing and bought a couple bottles to take home. 

Monday is usually a rest/yoga day, but I had to get a run in since my Thursday schedule is different this week. I had made two running dates and instead of canceling on either one I combined them! So I picked up Evan and we went to Molly's place to run around the city. I couldn't believe how different everything looked in spring, compared to the last time I ran that same route when our training started back in January. It was quite chilly, in fact I busted out my tights, good thing I never really put them away. Another great run and even Molly was on the happy train this time. We did so well that instead of walking in her complex as a cool down, like usual, we ran in!  On the way home I treated Evan to Tom Wahl's for an orange float. I didn't really care for this and wish I had gotten my usual strawberry milkshake. So much for watching my intake leading up to the marathon. 

Today started off great too! I got to school and in my mailbox was this...

5 miles stand between me and the marathon, wow! 

Picture Perfect Weekend

Tapering = less time talking about running! So, how was your weekend? What's new in your life? We never really talk about you, it's normally all about me. In upstate NY we were greeted with lovely weather the past few days and Rob and I had a relaxing, but busy weekend.

Friday after coaching Girls on The Run I met Rob near Eastview Mall and we went to P.F. Changs for dinner. Yummy! We got there early enough so there was no wait and we used a gift card we got for Easter. Free and fun date night, I'll take it!

Saturday Rob and I both had good intentions of working out in the AM, but we both enjoyed sleeping in and having a lazy morning way more. We ordered breakfast from a local restaurant and watched some t.v. we had recorded. I added a couple more items to our wedding registry via the internet and then we drove to a salon to pay a deposit towards the wedding. On the way home we hit up a local bike store, I feel like I have been to all of them in the last month or so. When Spring hits Rob gets bike store fever.

Their chandelier made out of bike reflectors
and gears, pretty cool.

When we got home Rob went on a pretty long bike ride and I think I continued to have a lazy afternoon. That night we had plans to attend the Lollypop Farm Gala at the convention center. The theme was "purrr imagination" and people were encouraged to come dressed with Willy Wonka inspiration.

Our Golden Ticket.

We got there pretty early, we didn't realize there was going to be a long cocktail hour first. But being the first to the food and having no line at an open bar was a nice perk.

How about this for some drink service!

Two chocolate fountains. 

I have no idea why one was missing :)

We had a good time at the gala. It was ultimately free, five bucks for parking and five bucks for tipping the bartenders. Not too shabby for an interesting evening out. Sunday we woke up and headed to Cicero to celebrate my moms birthday with a brunch and lots more desserts. Aside from a spider dropping into my glass of milk it was a pretty great day. Even though these are from other occasions the pics were hanging out on my phone and I decided to throw them in here...

Ainsley Kate rockin' her shades.

Dad enjoying German fair at Reinblicks.
Doesn't he look like a giant with a tiny mug, hehe. 

Finally, Rob and I ended our Sunday with some grocery shopping and we worked on designing our wedding invite. Here is the mock up, hopefully it isn't anatomically correct...