What's Next?: December 2017

Sunday, December 31, 2017

2017 Wrap-Up

Last sunset of 2017

I'm of the mind that perfection is a myth, as how else could we recognize and appreciate the happiness we find on the mountaintops if we didn't experience at least some dismay down in the valleys? And so, as with any year, 2017 had its highs and lows. But most importantly, there is a confident, intelligent, happy 8 year old who laughs freely and makes us smile, there are two cats to snuggle with at night, a warm house to come home to at night, a flexible job, a hubby who loves and puts up with my crazy, miles spent out on the trails with friends, time spent with family, adventures taken, new places explored, sunrises seen, and beauty found in the familiar and the unknown. Life may be crazy and chaotic and messy but it is also filled with laughter and love and light, and I am beyond thankful that I can spend my days with the people I love, enjoying the world as much as I can. I hope to do more of the same in 2018.

These two make me happy 💗

On the running front, 2017 was a pretty darn good year. I don't really believe in resolutions but I do like goals, and while I didn't accomplish all that I set out to do this year, I am very happy with the things I was able to do! It's always good to dream big and have things to be reaching for, and even better when you can turn some of those dreams into reality!

2017 Goals

Today's blustery, cold, windswept road run (5.0 miles) brought my 2017 mileage total to 2,002, which means that after three years of trying, I've finally hit my goal of 2,000+ miles for the year! 2015 and 2016 were close and by no means failures, with 1,963 miles and my first 100 mile race in 2015 and an even 1,900 miles last year, but ultimately I fell short on this particular goal both year. Of course 2,000 is a rather arbitrary number and no one was forcing me to run these miles, but it feels good to reach a goal I've been chasing for so long!

Finally! #2000 miles #runninggoals

The majority of my 2017 goals will carry over into 2018, with some minor adjustments, and as always, the main goal is to continue to find joy in the journey. And so with that, I'm looking forward to many more miles, smiles and adventures in 2018!

Happy New Year everyone!

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Running Log Files:

2017 - 2002.00
2016 - 1,900.00
2015 - 1,963.60
2014 - 1,702.00
2013 - 1,557.75
2012 - 1,400.00
2011 - 1,375.00
2010 - 1,100.00
2009 - 675.50 *pregnant/Sam born
2008 - 1,112.00

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Christmas #3

Well, another insanely cold day on Friday. As in -15 degrees when I woke up! Gah! Now, I'm willing to run in cold temps but that is below my threshold of enjoyment 😬😬

So instead of getting our runs in before we headed south for the weekend with Irene, Dana, Meg, Chris and kids, Ryan and I snuck out later in the afternoon down in MA. Temps had warmed into the single digits after lunch, enough that we even got the kids outside for a bit of playtime in the snow before our run. They had a blast and it was so cute to watch them having fun out in the snow together! ☃️

As for the run, we got in a chilly, windy, sluggish (at least on my part) run on the Weldon Farm loop. (5.0 miles)

And later in the evening, Sam, Gavin and Meg also got in a bit more exercise too! 😂😂

Meg resorted to a treadmill beer - the only way to treadmill! 😅😆😂

Before bed, Sam and Gavin got a plate set up for Santa and the reindeer - too cute - and then once Gavin and Cam had gone to bed, Sam joined in on the tradition of all of us sitting around and filling everyone's stocking for the next morning. She is getting to be so big!

Then it was off to bed so that we could all have energy for Christmas #3! No running today for me, just lots of family fun, eating and drinking and laughing together 🎄❤️

Of course, there was also a bit more "fitness" for Meg, Sam and Gavin - gotta get those steps! 😉

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Fun in the Snow

I had to work yesterday but since I didn't have to worry about getting the kiddo up and out of the house with me, I waited until a little later to head out for my run. The powerlines were still really soft despite one or two passes by a snowmobile and the roads were a mix of snow and ice, so not the best running ever but certainly not the worst. Pretty sunrise. (6.0 miles)

While I was at work, Sam and Ryan got out and had some fun in the snow - sledding, making snow angels and getting in a great 2 mile ski out at Mere Creek Golf course. A good day of playing in the snow!

The weather is looking rather frigid over the next week or so, with this morning kicking off at -4 degrees. Brrr! I felt a bit like the stay puff marshmallow lady with all my layers on but it worked! 😂

The snowmobiles had been out overnight along the powerlines, and things had definitely firmed up. If I had had on my spikes, I would have been happier and maybe a bit faster, but as it was, it was fairly decent running in my screwshoes as I ran out to Lover's Lane enjoying the sunrise. Arrived home covered in frost. 😜 (5.2 miles)

Sam probably would have slept until 9:00 am this morning but as it was, I had to wake her up at 8:15 so that we could get to her 8-year well-child check-up. She has sprouted up to 49" and is weighing in at 52 lbs, and as healthy as can be! I guess we are doing OK as parents after all ;) After a quick stop at the grocery store and some lunch, we headed over to the Cathance for a short afternoon snowshoe.

I am always impressed by the traffic out on these trails; things were really quite well traveled! We did a nice little out and back hike down to the river. There were lots of snowshoe hare tracks seen, a few ice pancakes floating in the river and some lovely iced over tree limbs shimmering in the sunlight. Always good to get out in the woods with my girl! (0.8 miles hiked)

Swim practice tonight, so there will be no shortage of exercise for Sam these past few days, that's for sure! :)

Monday, December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!

We enjoyed a lovely snowy Christmas day at home with Irene and Dana, who came up last night before the storm. Lots of fun, food, games, crafts and laughter filled the day, just as it should. Hope your day was as merry and bright!

Lots of feathered friends visiting the feeders today! Juncoes, blue jays, sparrows, goldfinch, house finch, downy woodpecker, cardinals, mourning doves, white breasted nuthatch, tufted titmouse all enjoying the seed as the snow fell.