Philadelphia Marathon

On Saturday, we flew to Philadelphia & went to the marathon expo:

Marathon Day was Sunday with a 7:00 am start. Great weather (50's & no rain); great course; & great company! Our best marathon to date :) I was very impressed with Philadelphia - very cool city. It was never on my radar, but it is now. I can't wait to go back!

me & Chris after the race!

Super happy with my performance, as I had been struggling with my training. That darn Lyme disease! We ran 20 seconds a mile faster than our best marathon - woo hoo! And we felt strong through out - even better. First consistent race!! And my quads weren't too sore. Chris' were a little - but not as bad as previous marathons. I think we still had some in the tank...

The first 13 miles of the marathon went through the downtown sections & around Independence park. Then we ran out past the zoo & along the Schuylkill river for the last 13 miles - very scenic. Great crowd support as well. The Philly marathon is highly recommended by us!!

Medals & Bib #'s

So after we got cleaned up, we headed out to see the city! I was planning a short walking trip this time - nothing like our D.C. adventure. Mainly because I was flying out that night & I didn't have the time :(

Fortunately, our hotel was very close to Independence Hall & Park

We didn't take time to visit the Liberty Bell - the line was too long.

Steph in front of Independence Hall (where they signed the Declaration of Independence, I think...) Our trip to Philly was very quick, and my history was lacking.

and Chris in front of the Hall

Independence Park; Hall; Old City Hall

Then we found a great pub: Rotten Ralph's. These beers saved our lives!

Then we went back to our hotel room to relax a bit & watch the final laps of the Nascar race. Final race of the season & Jimmie Johnson pulled out another championship! 5 in a row!

Then I dragged Chris out again for a 30 minute walk around the downtown area, before I headed to the airport. (Chris was staying for business meeting)

Lots of cool architecture in Philadelphia. I liked it a lot! The mall area where we started the marathon was super cool too. I just didn't get back there to get any pictures. It's very similar to Washington D.C. Loved it!!

Civic duty

Jury duty at Superior Court in Brockton, MA
I was lucky that I didn't have to serve this time (I served on a civil trial in SF many moons ago). This case involved a guy who was caught selling cocaine - over 3 years ago!! He's probably sold a lot more of it since then :) Sorry, but he didn't look like a model citizen...

It was nice having a day off work though!

Something different for us - a high school football game

Headed to the local football game on Friday. It was a beautiful night, and we were in the mood for something different.

The home team played well and won!

And the band was fun to watch too

Seriously? It's only November 8th!!

Time to move!

We went out for our Sunday night ice cream run & it was sleeting :( And then we woke up to this! It's enough to piss off the Pope!
Chris was nice enough to clean my wipers off. They were in shock & did not want to work. And I was just telling Chris yesterday, while we were suffering through our long run, that I had good feelings about this winter - that it was going to be a mild one. I should have kept my mouth shut!!

Home for the weekend

I headed back to IL for a short trip. I've taken too many trips this year, so I didn't have any more vacation or personal time left to use. So, I had to settle for a weekend visit. I still had a lot of fun - I wish I could visit more!
I hung out with my Mom & Dad

and with my busy sister & her husband; and my niece

had some really good food

and some really good drinks!

and a lot of laughs :)

What more could you ask for?

Horse show

Headed over to a local horse show one Sunday morning. One of these days, I'll be entered in one. These local ones are pretty low key. I should be able to hold my own with the 6 year olds, or maybe not... :) Kids have no fear!

Emily riding Mara - she did great!

Katrina on Luke & Jess on Frosty - waiting for their next class

Debbie on Sugar - waiting for her next class

Jess & Frosty taking on the 'trail' Here she is backing Frosty through the rails on the ground. Jess is only 14, but super talented. She is headed to Nationals next summer!

I didn't have time to stay for the 'costume' class, but I did get this picture - looked like fun! Her pony was dressed up as a Zebra: Racing Stripes

Halloween party at the office

Our office has a Halloween party every year. A handful of people dress up; get judged; and 1st prize is $100!

It's fun to be a goof ball for the day.

I did the simple - bought costume: Indian girl. Leslie made her own Miss office & Erin was a cowgirl (she got 3rd place!!)

Charlie rocking out

Some decorations

Robyn as a better decorated Indian girl & Marina as Medusa - very cool!

Later in the day, employees can bring their kids in to 'trick or treat'. Here is Erin with Jackson - he's Superman! He just turned 1 - amazing how fast he grew!

Already wants to walk - but right now is too busy admiring his Snickers bar :)

We have so much left over candy at work. Ugh, it's so hard to stay away from it!

My new ride!

Her name is Georgie.
She's a 22 year old Morgan mare. She's a 4th level dressage horse, so she knows her stuff & she is smooth as butter. She's not quite as pretty as Beauty - she is 22 years old! But she's a Morgan, so she has a big spirit & likes to go go go.
Not sure how long I'll be riding her, as she is getting ready to retire, but I am enjoying my time with her now.