Dec.14: A cold 'n rainy weekend

This weekend has just been one of those weekends where you just want to curl up infront of a warm fire, have a never-ending cup of hot chocolate, and cat nap all day long. Yesterday I was able to get out for a 8.25 mile run before the heavy, freezing rain starting falling in the afternoon. That run went as follows:

7:16, 7:11, 7:11, 7:03, 6:58, 6:54, 6:52, 6:30 min/mile

In the freezing rain we decided to do a little window shopping, then we went and watched a terrible movie (Burn After Reading), but were able to salvage the evening by going to the Champs Alysee to look at the beautiful light display that is set up all along the boulevard.

Me on the Champs Alysee...enjoying the lights.


Jennie on the Champs Alysee and infront of the L'arc Triomphe.


Me infront of red lights (in case you did not notice!)


This morning I slept in but managed another 8 mile run, again just before the freezing rain started to fall, as follows:

7:25, 7:24, 7:24, 7:21, 7:22, 7:20, 7:19, 7:02 min/mile

I really, really did not want to do this run. But now that I am inside, warm and out of the elements, and enjoying the Christmas tree I can proudly say that I ran 35.5 miles this week which surpasses (but just barely) my weekly goal of 30-34 miles. This week the goal is 33-37 miles.

I feel as though a am just a mere shadow of what my fitness once was just 2 months ago. I feel as though I still have the basic shape of a really fit and aggressive runner, but that the substance is lacking. I feel as though I can still 'talk the talk' but 'walking the walk' is a little more challenging these days. I just have to remain patient as I continue to build myself back up to where I want to be. It is good to be hungry - it gets me out the door when it is freezing rain and miserable out.

Oh yeah, as a complete aside, I read Edgar Allan Poe's "Mystification" yesterday. I am not really sure what I am supposed to take-away from that particular short story. It definitely did not move me like "The Pit and the Pendelum". If anybody could shed some light, that would be useful.

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