Sunday, December 21, 2008

I'll be Home for Christmas

The gifts are wrapped, the house is clean, Zero had a bath, the suitcases are packed...we're ready to go.

Tuesday morning J and I pack up the car, with Zero in tow, and drive to my parent's house in sunny Sarasota, Florida for 10 days of 80 degree temperatures. Woo!


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And just in time too. It's been FREEZING here the past few days. Not the good kind of cold where there is a beautiful blanket of snow and an opportunity to go sledding and make snow angels. Just cold with freezing rain, ice, wind, grey and numbness.

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(iPhone takes pretty decent pictures.)

While I truly love wintertime, I have to say, it will be nice to be in warmer temperatures for a few days. It's good to have a break in the middle of winter so you don't go crazy. One of the reasons we were OK about moving back to the land of winter is because we knew we would be heading back to Florida for a few vacations a year, Christmas always being one of them. The idea of winter is a little more bearable when you know you will have a sunny vacation smack dab in the middle.

And, of course it will be nice to see my family and crazy-ass friends again too.

I am a little worried about running in the warmer weather though. I have taken a fondness to winter running and I have a feeling it will take a little getting used to running in the heat and humidity again. Funny how quickly the body forgets.

Speaking of running, yesterday I did my longest run since the marathon - 10 extremely chilly miles.

It just so happened to also be the first time I have run with J and the first time I have run along Kelly Drive since the marathon. It was good to be back running with my buddy in my favorite running spot.

Now that he's all healthy again, he sure runs a lot faster. It was hard to keep up with him, but the weather was decent (although very cold) so I decided to push it and see if I could keep up. Although I was pretty tired the entire time and really felt myself pushing it, I managed to keep up the pace to average an 8:40 pace for 10 miles. That is definitely the longest I have been able to keep up that pace, which made me feel pretty good about how my body is reacting to life post-marathon. I do know, however that if the weather had been warmer, I wouldn't have been able to keep up that pace. Running in colder weather makes me feel like I could run forever. Or at least with a little less effort.

The only bad thing about the run was the awful headwind the 5 miles back. The temps were in the 20's and the wind was freezing. When we were done my butt and the back of my legs were completely numb.It was a very odd sensation. When I went to shower, my body was covered in random red marks. Not sure where those came from. I love running in cold weather but I may have to think about investing in some better winter gear. My long sleeved tech shirts and capris may not be as effective in January.

Now that I think about it, maybe a couple of runs in Florida wont be as bad as I think...

I'm taking my laptop, iPhone and cameras with me so I'll be updating, probably mostly with pictures. 

I hope all of you have the most wonderful holiday season ever and enjoy the time with your friends and family. Or at least keep yourself from wanting to wring their necks :)

Stay safe, happy and warm. I know I will :)

Happy Holidays!!!

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Monday, 12/15 - lazy
Tuesday, 12/16 -lazy
Wednesday, 12/17 - 6.5/59:25 -9:08 pace
Thursday, 12/18 - lazy
Friday, 12/19 - weight lifting/elliptical - 35:00
Saturday, 12/20 - 10/1:27:15 - 8:40 pace
Sunday, 12/21 - lazy

Total Weekly Mileage: 16.5 (RUN) LOSER!
Total Weekly Mileage: 0 (BIKE)

26 comments:

X-Country2 said...

Invest in some good quality cold-weather running gear. It's worth every penny!

Safe travels and happy holidays.

Casey said...

Three cheers for Florida!

That's really awesome. Right now, it's 6 degrees where we are, which I think is just plain mean of Ma Nature.

joyRuN said...

8:40 pace for 10 miles is awesome! I ran in the cold with my tights on last week, & my thighs were beet red for a half hour after.

Enjoy the warm sun - I'm jealous.

Runner Leana said...

Have a safe trip and enjoy that warm weather! I know I could sure use some now! The red splotches...that isn't too unusual...I think... When it is really cold here that happens to me on my legs too.

Unknown said...

Wow - I'd be thrilled to run an 8:40 pace for 3 miles.

And I know what you mean about a fondness for cold weather running. I don't like the super bitter cold days or icy sidewalks, but there's something about running in temps of 25-35 that just feels right. :-)

Unknown said...

oops - and I forgot to add - enjoy your trip to Florida!

Progman2000 said...

Glad to hear you enjoy cold weather running (I do). Enjoy your trip!

FLYERS26 said...

I like running in the cold, it's the wind I could do without.
Enjoy Floida!

Marlene said...

Congratulations on your longest run post-marathon!

Have a great trip and soak up some sun for me too. Brrr!

Denise said...

Great job on the 10 miler! I haven't done more than 8 since the marathon but I have to get my butt in gear...got the New Orleans half right around the corner.

Enjoy FL, soak up some sun for me!

BOBBI McCORMICK said...

ooooo how fun in the sun!

Marci said...

Great job on your 10 miler. Have a great (and warm) vacation in Florida. Totally jealous!

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your vacation in Florida. Merry Christmas.

Katie said...

Jealous of your trip to sunny Florida!! ;-D

Unknown said...

I love running in the cold. I just wish I could make the wind stop when I head out.

Aron said...

awesome job on the 10 miler!!! have a great christmas in florida :) love the holiday card!!

Sonia said...

Happy Holidays! Have a good trip back to Florida! I would kill for a little warmth and sunshine right now. We're buried in snow and I am tired of shoveling!

You can see the look of disgust on J's face while he's cleaning the car, priceless LOL

I got an offer for a permanent job right now, the well paid, great benefits kind.... it is going to be hard to make a decision!!!!!!!!!!! I have until January 12th to decide....

Sonia said...

Happy Holidays! Have a good trip back to Florida! I would kill for a little warmth and sunshine right now. We're buried in snow and I am tired of shoveling!

You can see the look of disgust on J's face while he's cleaning the car, priceless LOL

I got an offer for a permanent job right now, the well paid, great benefits kind.... it is going to be hard to make a decision!!!!!!!!!!! I have until January 12th to decide....

BeachRunner said...

Running in warmer weather. Sigh. Oh I am so jealous.

Can I come with you? I will pay for the gas and yummy rest stop chow.

Unknown said...

I beg you. Can I come with you??? Please please please ! I will be a good boy and I will be quiet. I will not do all the talking. Anything to get me down to a warm place over the holidays.

I am jealous. Period ! Have a GREAT time with J in Florida. I envy both of you.

teacherwoman said...

Enjoy your time in sunny Florida for the holidays!

Tall Girl Running said...

Hey, girl--

Thanks for the nice comment! I tend to poof for long periods of time on my blog but I'm always keeping up with others and yours is one of my favorites. :-)

Congrats on your AWESOME marathon! I was so stoked to hear how well it went for you.

Enjoy your Christmas in Florida... some people have all the luck.

Frayed Laces said...

Ooh have fun in FL! That's my old stomping ground.

P.O.M. said...

Merry Christmas girlie.

Jess said...

So we basically went in the oppostie direction of one another. I think you guys were the smarter of two couples! Enjoy your time in FL!

N.D. said...

Great RUN!!! and Pace! I'm sure you'll be fine in the warmer weather! Love the postcard, how'd you do that??? Have a great time! so jealous!

 
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