So yesterday was a significant birthday for me. Think even numbers, think mid life crisis, think half a century…..anyway. I have run the Around the Bay Race a number of times now, and the race date for 2017 was yesterday. I debated about what I was going to do….do I skip it this year? (I had vowed that last year was my last time running it….didn’t need that winter training thank you very much) Do the whole race one more time because of the date? Do a portion of the race?

My friend Kerry settled it for me. As my birthday gift, she paid for our entrance fees and we did the 2 person relay. The race is 30 kilometres around Burlington Bay/Hamilton Harbour….so I “only” had to run 15 km this year. I did request the “glory leg” which meant I was running second, doing the hills along northshore in Burlington, but also getting to cross the finish line. Unfortunately it also meant that I had to cross the Lift Bridge, the portion of the race I really don’t like. It’s a metal grate bridge, meaning you can see through it, and it can be especially slippery if it’s wet. When you don’t like walking across metal grates to start with (I walk around them in the city sidewalks when I can), it’s a bit torturous to face running across them. I did manage to get across (I walked, staring straight ahead the whole time, and trying not to get knocked over by the strong winds!), and then could get on with the rest of the race.

I have to admit, while it wasn’t the easiest run I’ve ever done, it definitely wasn’t the hardest. My friend Kerry met me for the last half kilometer or so to run me in across the finish line. Kerry should have been a party planner or party store owner, she’s got this thing down pat. When she met me, she shoved a tiara onto my hat (it said “50”), threw a banner on me (“Happy Birthday to me”) and ran alongside me, blowing her party noisemaker because we weren’t obvious enough as it was….I think my mother got a photo of us running towards the finish line – she was cheering us on from the side of the road!

My son is part of the Burlington Teen Tour Band, and they were at the finish line waiting to do their thing – they were to play for the last person crossing the finish line – which actually wasn’t me! LOL. (You can see a video of the event on the band’s facebook page here) However, it was great to run down the chute and see a number of them cheering the runners on towards the finish (plus getting a hug from my son who was in the group). Crossing the finish line and then seeing more friends in the stand (complete with signs and balloons) – what more could I ask for?!

Apparently old people aren’t really good at selfies either. Here’s the proof:

Kerry & I en route to the finish line. We may or may not have been moving at this point, and that may or may not be a grimace on my face

Teen Tour Band Members cheering us on. (look how fast I was going! It’s so blurry! hahaha)

Kerry & I – along with Kate holding one of the signs that Kerry made and random strangers smiling (or not) in the background. This was the best attempt at me getting a selfie with one of the signs

Anyway. It was a fun way to do the race. After completing a bunch of marathons, half marathons, Bay races….I think I’m good to stick to shorter distances from now on. (Though it’s been pointed out that in 2 years it will be the 125th anniversary for the Bay Race…..hmmmm).

After that energetic start to the day, the rest of it was spent relaxing and eating. (This would be the main reason I run….so that I can eat a lot afterwards). Today it’s back to work…prepping projects for my presentation at the upcoming Stampin’ Up! event in Toronto, and class projects for April! If you’re still reading….a reminder as well that Sale-a-Bration is ending on Friday, March 31, so if you want to grab a freebie (one with each $60 in product ordered) before they disappear, get shopping now! As well, the starter kit promotion (two additional free stamp sets on top of the $165 product for $135) will be over on Friday – and I HIGHLY recommend that you consider grabbing the kit by Thursday – because the system has historically been incredibly slow on the last day of Sale-a-Bration with everyone trying to get in on the deal before it’s gone. More information on the benefits of buying the starter kit and becoming part of my team HERE. As always, if you need assistance placing your order or have questions, please contact me.

Oh and I feel like I should share something crafty….so here’s a gorgeous card that I received from Stampers Club member and friend Cheryl!

It uses the retired Stampin’ Up! set Flowering Fields, which she’s coloured I think with blender pen and watercolour pencils. Thanks Cheryl!

As part of the celebration of my milestone birthday and my 15 year Anniversary with Stampin’ Up!, I’ll be having a special promotion during April, so be sure to visit back to YamStamps.com, and keep in touch through my email list to hear all about it!