So far I have been using my last days off of work wisely, which means getting lots of things done around the house (which is not so fun) and getting some running done (which has been fun and challenging). As for the latter, it feels pretty good to be back in my running shoes – specifically my trail shoes.

On Wednesday afternoon (New Years Eve) I made my way over to Claytor Lake State Park and completed my final run of 2014. I ran 4 miles on trails, which was refreshing but also pretty tough. It was a really crisp day, with the temperature hovering just below freezing. My legs actually felt pretty good, but my lungs were having a tough time. It just felt like I couldn’t get a deep breath in, and by the end of the run I was coughing a lot and wheezing both when I breathed in and when I breathed out. I think it’s mostly a combination of being out of shape and the cold air.

Nevertheless, the trails were beautiful as always.

Yesterday afternoon (New Year’s Day) I met up with Kim to ring in the New Year with a run on the Dora Trail. Technically this does count as trail running, since the trail is crushed gravel after the first 0.8 miles. Probably not the type of trails I’ll see during the RNUTS series, but miles are miles and I need all the miles I can get. We ran a total of 5 miles and it felt good.

I’ve got plans to meet up with Kim again today for a short run. This weekend, Barry and I have plans to do a longer mountain-y trail run. It’s been quite awhile since I’ve tackled elevation like that. I know it will be tough, but I’m also really looking forward to it! I hope everyone had a great New Year’s and that 2015 is off to a good start.

How is 2015 going so far for you?

**The answers to Monday’s game are at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out Monday’s post before reading this one, if you want to play along!

Happy New Year’s Eve! I hope that everyone has a safe and happy New Year’s. Barry and I are planning on having a quiet, low key New Year’s at home since he is working today and tomorrow. Just as well after all of the traveling we have been doing lately.

Last night we got home from my Dad’s house. We spent the weekend and the first part of the week there celebrating Christmas #3 with my side of the family. We enjoyed lots of time with family, good food, some nice gifts, and an all around fun time. While we were up that way, I took a trip to the dentist (who happens to be my uncle) and had my first-ever cavity. That part was not so much fun. But I survived.

With today being New Year’s Eve, I am reflecting on the past year as a whole, as well as the past year in running. Recently, Jan posted a really neat graphic recapping her 2014 racing. I thought it was really cool and decided to join in, too. Mine’s not as cool as hers, though.

I have five more days off of work (including Saturday and Sunday) so I’m planning to soak up the last of my freedom. My main goal is to get outside and run, and especially put in some time on the trails. My workout schedule got really out of whack during the busy holidays, but it’s time to get back on track. My first race in the trail series I signed up for is on January 10. That seems far away, but it’s actually next weekend. Oh boy! I’m probably going to pay dearly for my lack of running lately, but between now and then I plan to get in as much running as I can so that the race isn’t a total bust.

Have you ever had a cavity?
What are your New Year’s plans?
Do you have any resolutions for 2015?

*Monday’s answers: 1. A Christmas Story; 2. The Santa Clause; 3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation; 4. Elf; 5. Home Alone; 6. Christmas With The Kranks; 7. Four Christmases

**Sorry if you saw this post earlier and none of the pictures were showing up. I think I have it fixed, now.

We are still at my Dad’s house enjoying the last of the holiday festivities. In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to play a little Christmas-themed game.

Below are a bunch of snapshots from some of my favorite Christmas movies, along with a clue for each one. Your job is to try and guess the movie!

1. Do you remember a Christmas when you were a kid, where there was one present you wanted most of all?

 

2. Who would have thought you could get roped into being Santa Clause by a sneaky contract.

 

3. Things can get pretty crazy when you decide to have “a real family Christmas.”

 

4. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

 

5. I’m not sure I could have managed something like this when I was eight.

 

6. Would your neighborhood turn against you if you decided to skip Christmas?

 

7. When you’re in a relationship with someone, meeting each other’s families (all in one day, I might add) can be pretty stressful.

 

Gold star if you can guess them all!

*All movie photos are from the Internet Movie Database.

Merry Christmas! I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Yesterday after I finished up with work, I spent the majority of the day making more cookies (like 5 hours). I’m usually a purist when it comes to gingerbread, and will only make gingerbread men, but I decided to branch out this time.

Once the cookies were done it was pretty much time to start making dinner. After Barry got home from work, we sat down to a Christmas Eve dinner of Cornish game hens, roasted red potatoes, and brussel sprouts.

I tried to trick my Dad into thinking we had roasted two of our chickens, by texting him pictures of them in the cast iron skillets, but he wasn’t fooled! After dinner, Barry and I made a gingerbread train (instead of a house) while we watched A Christmas Story. I think this may be a new tradition in the making. 🙂

And before bedtime, it was time to set out some treats for Santa. Last year instead of cookies and milk I left Santa energy gels and water. This year I decided to go a different direction…

Some pickled eggs and a “boy soda.” It looks like he was pleased, as there are gifts under the tree and no coal in our stockings.

I hope everyone has a great holiday! We will be headed up to visit my dad this weekend, and to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.

Merry Christmas!

 

What are you Christmas Eve traditions?

 

This past weekend was my third weekend of traveling in a row. I’ve been seeing a lot of Interstate 81 lately. This time we headed down to Barry’s parents house to celebrate Christmas with them for the weekend.

My weekend got an early start with a short workday Friday. I spent the rest of the day getting packed, giving the dogs baths (they were getting a bit hound-y smelling), doing laundry, etc. I also snuck in a little 3 mile run on the treadmill. This was the first time I’ve run in 12 days. I was finally feeling well enough to try an easy run. It didn’t feel all that easy, probably because I’m still not totally over my chest congestion (I felt a bit short of breath during my run) and because of lost fitness. But I did enjoy watching one of my favorite Christmas movies while I ran: The Santa Clause.

After Barry got home from work Friday evening, we hit the road to head down to Bristol. On Saturday we enjoyed lots of family time and got to spend some time visiting with friends as well. The day also included several trips up and down Barry’s parent’s driveway while walking Hank and Scout. They have a really steep driveway, and it is a lot of work to walk up it. I think I got in some good training for all of my trail races this spring!

On Sunday we went to church and enjoyed a really great service. We got a tour of Barry’s sister’s new house, and then headed back to Barry’s parent’s house for lunch with Barry’s parents and his sister and her boyfriend. We spent some time watching the Steeler’s football game and then exchanged gifts. After that it was time to hit the road and head home. Two puppy dogs were pretty worn out by that point.

Barry has to work all week this week (including Christmas Eve and Day), so we will be home for the week. I’m working Monday, Tuesday, and then have a half day Wednesday and then I’m free for 10 days in a row. I can’t wait! Next weekend we’ll be making our last trip of the year up to my Dad’s house to celebrate Christmas with my side of the family.

Do you get time off for the holidays?
Who else is doing some traveling during the holidays?
If you have a Christmas Tree: real or artificial?