Much better . . .

So this week I’ve already run twice! That’s progress! I’m hoping to run more as I build up into another half marathon training cycle. I don’t know which one to follow. I more or less used one I found on Fitsugar for my last one, but I got injured and had to take two weeks off in the middle of it. I really want to see how I do when I complete a training plan healthy!

Anyway, my two runs were great! I ran 3.39 miles on Tuesday on the treadmill, and I purposely made the workout hard–which was totally fun! I’m glad that you all understand where I’m coming from, enjoying a hard workout. I ran the first mile comfortably and then increased my speed until I was sprinting, then I slowed waaay down to recover and sped up and slowed down for the last mile. And I just did the normal treadmill cool-down. Good stuff.

See? I went running (finally)! Good stuff!

Last night, I took it a little easier and pushed myself at the end. Then I did some leg extensions–which were hard after running for sure. My quads were burning. Unfortunately so is my foot . . . again. Not fun, but what can you do? I guess I’ll have to do more low-impact exercise until it clears up again. Sigh.

In other news, it’s Friday! I’m thrilled to be done with the workweek. It’s been pretty intense (again). I’m going to see The Hobbit tomorrow (my inner nerd is overjoyed). I hope it’s good. Anyone seen it yet?

Can you believe that it’s less than two weeks till Christmas? Where does the time go? I really don’t know. I’m looking forward to some days off to relax with the Engineer and the fam. It’ll be fun! Nothing beats eating good food and hanging out with the best people ever.

What are your plans for Christmas?

 

Fun Christmas Questions–and Some Giveaways

I originally found these questions on Janae’s blog (The Hungry Runner Girl). I thought they were fun, so I decided to post them here. Enjoy! Feel free to answer these questions on your own blog but make sure to link back here and to Janae’s blog. Thanks!

1.  Favorite Christmas Album/CD/Song?

I don’t have a favorite Christmas CD, but I love the classics (“O Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” etc.). My favorite Christmas song is “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”

2.  Run on Christmas morning or take the day off?

I haven’t ever run on Christmas morning, but I don’t think I’d be opposed to it. I’ll see if I can get the Engineer to run with me!

See? We do run together sometimes!

3.  What do you usually eat on Christmas morning?

My dad always used to make French toast, and it’s my favorite. The past few years, we’ve done eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc., but I reeeally want to always have French toast!

4.  Favorite holiday or Christmas tradition?

We always go to a movie on Christmas Day. I just love doing that. We also watch the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol sometime during December.

5.  Real tree, fake tree or no tree?

Fake tree. I’ve never had a real one because my mom was always allergic. Maybe we’ll try a real one sometime, though.

6.  Christmas pajamas… yea or nay?

Absolutely! I love them.

7.  Where do you spend the holidays?  Your own house, your parents’ house, extended family, in-laws, friends?

My in-laws’ house for the past few years. We’ve also gone to my parents’, but they live far away.

8.  Food that you always have during the holiday season?  Favorite Christmas food/treat?

Cheese ball with crackers!

9. Open presents all at once or take turns?  Stockings… yes or no?

Take turns, and jingle stockings all the way.

10.  Favorite Christmas(ish) movie?

Muppet Christmas Carol!

 FYI–Some cool giveaways:

Check out these giveaways–and more important, check out these lovely ladies’ blogs.

Hope everyone’s week is going well so far!

Feelin’ good

I’m pleased to report that I had another nearly pain-free run tonight! I ran 4 miles, and my foot was only a little sore. Unfortunately, my hip started to hurt. I think it’s all of this overcompensating that’s been going on. Oh well. I have PT tomorrow, bright and early–7:30 a.m. It’s worth it, though, if I can run the half with minimal pain. We’ll see about that.

Oh, and I’m incredibly glad it’s Friday tomorrow! It’s been a long week. This weekend’s looking great. We’re heading to visit family a couple towns over for the weekend. Nothing like relaxing for the weekend–after an 8-mile run on Saturday. We’ll see how that goes/if I can do it without hurting so much.

Why, yes. Running *is* interesting.

Next week’s looking crazy. I have press deadlines (I’m an editor for a publishing company) and a TON of work left to do to meet them! Such is life, I guess.

Hope everyone has a great Friday!

FFR