Post-Christmas running update

Out for a pre-Christmas run

I did it! I survived another Christmas. The past month was a whirlwind because I was busy with work, holiday preparations, knitting projects, and of course various social commitments. When Christmas finally arrived, I came down with a cold (as usual) and had to spend the next few days recovering enough to go back to work yesterday. (Is it any wonder I dread the season?)

On the upside, we had lots of great running weather in December. Don't get me wrong, there were some cold, rainy, windy days to be sure. But there were also plenty of days like this:

And this:

And this:

The high point was a spectacular run with my buddy Dave along the trails at Gaff Point. I'd never been there before and, though we had to navigate a long stretch of stony beach to reach the trail and I twisted my ankle on the way back, it was totally worth it.

The trail was challenging and fun, the weather was fantastic and the company was second to none.  I look forward to running there again next spring - hopefully when the tide's out far enough to travel over sand from Hirtle's Beach to the point.

I hoped to run every day over the Christmas long weekend but, because I was sick, only managed to get out three times - well, two really. Husband and I did a relaxed 5k Christmas morning and I tackled a slow 17k on Boxing Day. On Monday, we attempted another 5k but turned towards home after 2k because I felt too sick to run any further in the nasty, cold wind.

Looking ahead to the New Year, I'd like to do more running and writing than I did in 2015. How much will depend on how life unfolds. Husband and I are still hoping to sell our two houses so we can consolidate to living in one full-time - preferably in the country but nearer the city. Needless to say, if that plan comes together, we'll be busy with real estate transactions in 2016.

Whatever happens, I'm determined to be philosophical about running outside this winter. After all, I've trained for marathons in plenty of cold, tough conditions - here in Nova Scotia and in Ottawa - so there's no reason to think I can't do it again. All I need is the right goal, the right gear and - most importantly - the right attitude.

I haven't settled on which races I'll do yet. Any suggestions? I'm thinking maybe Calgary in the spring and PEI in the fall - or Fredericton in the spring and Okanagan in the fall. Whichever races I select, I want to focus on training well and enjoying the journey. Running has brought me so much joy and fitness in the past 13 years. I'm determined to keep at it so that hopefully I'll be as healthy and strong as Maia when I'm 95.

Happy running and writing friends!