It might be the happiest day of the year...

Well, maybe not YOUR happiest day... but my happiest day each year is when I have electronically transmitted my taxes to the US and state governments. It typically means that I can sit back and wait for them to accept, then wait for the cash to hit my checking account. Maybe I should wait for the acceptance email from the government to be happy, but at least I've figured things out and they are out of my hands. Last year, I wasn't so lucky...

First, let me say that there is an up-side and a down-side to non-qualified stock options (NQSOs). Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP) are generally good, so long as you are earning money. This year, my ESPP lost big time. Stock was high at the beginning of the year before a steady decline during the year. So, I decided to cut my losses and sell what I could, then transfer the cast to my broker since he couldn't do worse for my return if he put my money anywhere and went on vacation for the entire year. ESPPs are also really easy for taxes since you can get all of the information you need from the company that handles them.

NQSOs are a different beast. You see, you get an option granted years ago. It vests a couple of years later, and when you roll it into your broker, then decide to sell it (see the steady decline note above), you actually have to figure out the details from a transaction that happened years ago. Fortunately, I have sold the last of it, I think, so shouldn't have to go through this nightmare again. What a way to spend Easter...

Getting back to the "I wasn't so lucky..." comment above...

In my fret to get everything done for taxes last year, I filed right about at the final day, but electronically so I could get my refund as soon as possible. Imagine the fear when the Federal Government returned a status as REJECTED!!! It took me a while but found out that some schmuck had used one of our SSNs in their return, or, more likely, that they filed a paper copy and either they, or the typist at the IRS, fat fingered one of my kids' SSNs. In any case, I finally heard from them after having to print and send via snail-mail the return. Weeks (could have been months) later, I got my refund. This year, I planned on submitting my return early, but had to deal with the damned NQSO and figure out how to cost that out. So, I will find out in a few days if my return is accepted or, God forbid, rejected again. At least I'm early this year so can get my nice refund early. Three weeks is early, right?!?

Shamrock 13.1 finisher!

As of 9:26 am on Sunday, I can officially say that I have finished a half marathon! I finished standing up, albeit struggling at the end, but I finished! Final time, and my newest personal best, 2:26:35.

The race was not held under ideal conditions - mid 40s and a cold 20 MPH wind out of the north (which means it was cold since it came off from the Atlantic Ocean). The fact that it stopped raining before we were outside to run was excellent.

Course summary -- we took off shortly after 7 AM and headed north for about 3 miles on Atlantic. From there, we ran by both of my children who got out of bed on a cold morning to walk to see me! The kids took the hats and gloves that others wanted to drop. It was really close to the house where we were staying and another water stop. Then, we headed NW on Shore Drive for about 3 miles. Those 3 miles were a boring 3 miles, but were sheltered from the wind by trees. We passed by First Landing State Park, where the eventual Jamestown Settlers first landed.

Next, we turned east into Fort Story, home of the Cape Henry lighthouses (old and new ones). I've been on Ft. Story a few times -- to climb the old lighthouse and to visit my Mom once (stays there every year for a week with her ex-Air Force hubby). We continued for the 3 or so miles through Ft. Story with the winds whipping off from the Atlantic (you could see the ocean to the left - no break from the trees). Next, we headed out of the west gate of Ft. Story for the 4 miles south. We passed by the house where we were staying, then the water stop where we headed NW (above). This was our Goo stop on the return trip.

Finally, we cut towards the Atlantic Ocean at about mile 12 or so. The elite Marathon runners were starting to pass me (they were heading north, we were heading south), just as I headed towards the ocean. We made a quick jog to the boardwalk and then ran the final leg on the boardwalk to cross the finish line. Done... thankfully.

After finishing, we got our own emergency (space) blanket (foil-like wraps with the Yuengling logo), our finishers medals, bananas, a bag of goodies, and the best part -- a hat that declares me to be a 13.1 finisher! I met up with my running buddies who all finished ahead of me and we eventually headed into the celebration tent. There, they handed each runner 4 beer tickets (the race was sponsored by Yuengling), and had Irish Stew to eat.

Eventually, I was able to retrieve my car and head to the house where we packed and headed home. Today, I treated myself to a massage and a day off from work. Tomorrow, the real world will get back under my skin...

Half Marathon - here I come...

Today was the last mid-week run before the half. We ran a measly 4 miles - very short even by mid-week standards. I ran slowly at first, got rid of the congestion that has been plaguing me for the last week, then increased my speed with each consecutive mile.

My miles were 10:31, 10:41, 10:15, and a blazing 9:43. I felt fantastic! I almost sprinted up the final long hill (which I generally hate), then kept going. I passed Melanie and Sara both -- I think they were shocked... Knowing that I only had the four miles to run helped a great deal. My knee felt great. My feet felt great, and my belly felt great as well. If it weren't for the congestion, I'd be really happy now.

The half marathon is Sunday. I have decided to head to Virginia Beach on Friday so I can relax on Saturday all day. I need to visit the Expo to do packet pickup, eat some lunch, then cook dinner for my buddies on Saturday night (pasta, of course). Early to bed, then an early rise on Sunday for the race. At this point, I think that I will need to leave the house around 5:30 at the latest to find parking in a public lot. Driving around in pre-dawn light is not my idea of a good, stress free day. After the race, I will relax, pack up and drive home. The best part is that I am off on Monday, have a 4 PM massage scheduled, and will have zero email or BlackBerry all weekend long.

Continued knee pain, then relief!

Last week after the almost 14 mile run, pain set in. My left knee was a bit sore on Sunday, and very sore by Sunday night and early Monday. Ice and ibuprofen were my only resolutions for then. I went to the gym on Tuesday to attempt to run but was promptly reduced to a slow pace on the treadmill. With each step, excruciating pain. It would have to be a week of rest. On Wednesday, Lori and I walked 2 miles - it was cold and my knee was again not up to it. Time to call the doctor.

I saw the good doctor (she is a tri-athlete). and a good bit of feeling my knee and a few digital x-rays later, she had her diagnosis. Pes bursitis or pes tendonitis. Something about the bursis getting inflamed by the rubbing when I run. So, she shot me up with cortisone, fitted me with a strap to keep the kneecap in place, and put me on high-dose anti-inflammatory drugs. If this doesn't work, I will be back for other stuff on Friday. I am attempting to run on the treadmill tomorrow (maybe 4 miles), then see how the knee feels.