The Holidays have helped me to stray from healthier eating. Although I did get a run in yesterday with my brother-in-law, who kindly joined me before dawn to get a few miles in before we went to my parents for our family Christmas, I still didn't eat the best, so I know I have some making up to do! My brother-in-law has run a couple of half marathons and is really into fitness, so it was no problem for him to lace up and run a few miles with me and our dogs. It was a much needed run and started our day off right! He took a break from running after his last 1/2 (Grandma's where I ran the full this year ---yes, I rub it in all the time that I ran a full and he only did the 1/2!!!!) He said he felt good after our 4 miles. I never want to push my passion for running off onto somebody else . . . . but I have to encourage when I can! I'm not sure I can ever convince him to do a full, but I'd settle for a few more 1/2's......they're so much fun!
After a nice morning winter run, we all headed over to my parents to celebrate Christmas with the our kids. Since Steve, Jackson and I won't be back there for the actual day, we exchanged gifts with my parents also. It was nice to be with all of my siblings and my parents. We were only missing one brother-in-law who had to work (surprisingly, it wasn't Steve, as that is usually the case with his job!).
This is a Moving Comfort Bra (my fav), pants, shirt and Money for a race entry. . . . AWESOME Gift from my parents!
After pushing aside his jammies & Doc McStuffins "operation" game, Jackson was excited to play with this. Why are kids so embarrassingly annoyed with nice gifts they should be thankful for?
Cute Kid Alert! This just melts my heart every time I see it! This was right before his 3k school Christmas Program. Cutest thing EVER!
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| Angie got me this shirt for my birthday. . . . and any smart girl would ALWAYS order one for herself! LOVE IT!
Angie so graciously researched and determined our training plan. I have to give her kudos. . . . I HATE research (have I mentioned that before?). Although the plan looks terrifying (it better be terrifying or we'll never make it 50k on trails), it is exciting. I feel like I haven't done a LONG run in ages. I miss our long distance run dates where we have hours to chat about anything we want but forget everything we need to discuss so we end up texting all day long anyways!
I'm especially excited to regain some focus. Life has thrown a few curve balls lately and I've been super stressed. I haven't prioritized healthy eating or working out, so I'm very anxious to get back on track. I am at my best when I'm eating well and working out consistently, so the goals of a marathon, 50k, 30 miler, ect. . . . . those are just reasons to keep my motivation. I know I get a huge amount of energy and focus in my daily life by running or exercising.
As I mentally prepare for the beginning of another long and exciting spring of training, I can't help but fear that I have lost my speed that I have been so excited about since my last race as I have taken some time off and really cut back on mileage. I guess I need to remember that I won't be able to run as fast with the snowy sidewalks and the winter conditions. I just need to focus on getting the miles in and avoiding injury! Remind me of this if I get frustrated at any point. The main thing is that I'm enjoying what I'm doing, which at this point, I can honestly say I am. I'm very excited for this winter and upcoming spring. Angie and I have a LOT to work on and a lot to look forward to!
What do you have planned for the rest of the winter and any spring races?
Wish us Luck. . . . Here we go! :)
~Brooke~
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That is for real the cutest picture! He is adorable! Starting training is so scary, isn't it? Doesn't make sense, bc the race should be the only scary part, but it is! Good luck!
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