Happy Holidays

So I haven't posted in 3+ weeks. I was sick mid-December, then super busy with work, then the holidays. I'm currently in Arizona visiting family and it's COLD. However, I have been sticking to my every other day program, and today I had a good result. But first, a recap of the prior 2 (short) runs:

Christmas day - After lots of cookies and other garbage on Christmas Eve, I set out for a 4 mile run midday on Christmas day. It was only ok. I struggled with the cold, it was tough to breathe, and I labored through 4 miles.

December 27 - Medium effort 4 miles in Paradise Valley (through Camelback Country Club). Very scenic, nice surface, no traffic, felt much better than Christmas day.

December 29 (today) - 8.25 miles, a breakthrough, on the canals of Phoenix. Felt great, cool temperatures, nice hardpack dirt surface, only 4 road crossings in 8 miles. First 4 miles tried to keep HR at <150, next 3 miles <160, last 1.25 pushed hard, fastest mile (at least fast by my standards). At the 4 mile mark I drank 12 oz. of canned raspberry tea and ate a banana, and I definitely felt the extra energy (usually I only have water midway through runs > 4 miles). I love running the canals. Great run!

Tomorrow is an off day, but may pedal exercise bike for a bit to loosen up. They a short run Thursday before driving back to San Diego.

Signing off for now.

8 miles

I ran 8 miles today. Not only that, but the first 3 miles were 2 minutes faster than my 5k split in the Carlsbad Triathlon in July. Legs hurt now, and it was noticeably more challenging than the 7 miles I did last week, but I made it, then walked another mile home (all uphill). A year ago I could barely run 1 mile, and today I ran 8. I'm not getting that much faster, but I am getting stronger, and I'm getting more and more confident that I'll have a good Carlsbad 1/2 (in 7 weeks) and be able to survive the run portions of Oceanside and Ironman Arizona.

I still haven't been able to get out on the bike. Maybe tomorrow depending on the weather.

On an unrelated (but more exciting) note, last night we took Audrey to the Y for her first swimming experience. It was perfect, really warm water, hardly anyone in the pool, and we had a great time. She sat on the top step, then stood on my knees when I sat on the step, then laid on her back with her head on my shoulder, then cruised around with me and even went underwater a couple of times. She loved it. Not a single cry, just lots of smiles and squeals. 4 months and 1 day and she's in the pool. We had a blast!

Signing off.