The Holidays

This ends week #2 of winter break.  So far, it has been very nice.  I left Nashville on a Friday, drove to north Georgia to spend the night with my uncle, aunt and cousins.  I then drove down to Gainesville, FL, to spend a couple nights with my sister and brother-in-law, who are in med and pharm school, respectively.  Go Gators!  Finally, on Monday, I drove home to Brooksville.

My running has been mediocre.  I ran short 3-4milers on Mon, Wed, and Thurs, followed by a long run on Saturday on the trail.  The three short runs all felt bad.  My legs feel tired; my left achilles is very sore, and my right shin would tighten up.  I don't know what is going on.  I wanted to do the 15mi trail loop on Saturday out at the Withlacoochee State Forest.  The trail is all sandy, sunny, singletrack the the oak and pines of central Florida.  I was feeling pretty good and going along fine until I took a wrong turn.  The bonus miles added about 2mi and some scenic lakeside running.  As I was looking at a map, I flagged down a ranger in his SUV.  After asking him for directions and if the park had any water, I soon learned that he knew nothing and was absolutely useless.  I'm glad I wasn't in any danger.  After getting back on track, I ran for a few more miles and then just felt worn out.  It wasn't so much a wall feeling, just tired and sore already.  Not really feeling like pushing myself mentally or physically, I decided to walk the last mile or two back to the car.  All together I probably did around 12 or so.  I am not really sure.  It was over 2.5h though and a beautiful day.  Hopefully, I can just start feeling better and doing better.  Those 31 miles in Huntsville are going to be a bear at this rate.

Christmas was great.  The family all enjoyed nice family meals on Christmas eve and Christmas lunch.  Our tradition is to go to the gramps' place on Eve to eat dinner and open gifts from family (as opposed to those from Santa).  The last few years we have enjoyed prime rib and fixins.  After dinner we all sit down and distribute the gifts.  Then we go around and open them one at a time in age order, so my little sister starts.  This was the first Christmas for my sister and her husband, so it was nice to share with them.  It was also the first Christmas that she was not at home Christmas morning.  When we wake up, which came around 9am this year, we first eat some breakfast.  The grandparents used to come over early but now they wait until lunchtime.  My parents and we children gather around and enjoying present opening - round 2, again by age.  All together, it was a very nice holiday spent with family!

I have also gotten some good hangout time with friends this break.  My buddy got me into tie-dying, so we have done a couple batches.  This time, I dyed 3 shirts and a set of bed sheets.  They turned out really well, and my collection is growing.  Also, today I am getting some good hangout time with a friend who is home from Fairbanks.  Yesterday there was a 99degree difference in temp from Fairbanks (-32 F) and Brooksville (67 F).  Welcome home!

Some relevant gift highlights include a new Timex Ironman watch (w/ lap memory) and money for a climbing rope and draws.  I am drawn to the Petzl stuff, but may go with BD or Metolius.  If you have any suggestions feel free to post.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!