Philippians 4:13

Got about 12 hours of sleep last night to catch up from the trip home.  Went out late with Moxie for 5 miles before helping put up the tree and Christmas decorations.  Not used to 25 degrees outside but it wasn't too bad.  (Ride 3)

Sad news as my grandma passed away tonight.  My Dad was flying home from seeing her when she passed.

Early morning 7 mile run with Moxie along Sunnyside.  Tired after a fitful night of sleep. (Ride 3)

5 easy miles at lunch in a light snow.  Hammy talking again.  (Mirage Red)

4:45am...took Moxie out for a couple of miles before meeting Curt, Alana, Sarah and Gama for an early run.  Warmer but with some wet/icy roads. Ran easy through SRL and back having good conversation with Curt the whole way.  (Ride 3)

I took my parents to the airport early this morning so they could fly back for my grandma's funeral.  I ran at 5:15am for 6 miles with Moxie along Sunnyside before the rain/snow started.  I saw 7 other runners...what a difference 45 minutes makes!  (Ride 3)

Left my office to check the weather at lunch...cold, rainy, wet.  Decided to skip the run, just not feeling it.  Ugh.  Checked the weather again and it improved and I had to get out of my office.  4.25 miles in 4 loops around Freeman Park.  Started raining again just as I was finishing up.  (Mirage Red)

Justin and I are headed to Footlocker West at Mt. SAC in CA tomorrow along with about 80 kids and 12 adults from our area.  Should be an interesting trip.

3 miles early on a nice morning with Moxie before getting on the bus for Footlocker West.  Going to be an interesting trip.  (Ride 3)

5 miles with the kids along the Virgin River trail in St. George.  Nice to get out and stretch the legs after the long bus ride.  We then drove to Las Vegas, checked into the hotel (Super 8) and then spent about 2 hours getting something to eat and walking the strip.  Back to room and bed by 10:30.  (Mirage Red)

Got on the road by 7:30am and to Mt. SAC by 11:30am.  We registered then Justin and I ran the course to go over strategy.  We then loaded up and drove to Santa Monica beach for fun on the beach and to eat on the pier (Pier Burger).  Drove back to Walnut, CA to check into the hotel and get some rest before racing tomorrow.  I run at 7:15am, Justin at 7:45am.  (Mirage Red)

We got up and the weather was good temps but very humid and foggy.  We loaded the buses and headed to the course aroung 6:30am.  Got there in time to set up the Idaho XC camp and get in a short warmup.  About 130 men runners.  Lined up with Ty Draney and Sean Schmidt.  Gun goes off and we head out.  The first mile is mostly flat and I get into an good groove and and hit the mile at 5:31.  Feeling ok, Ty had moved up a bit on me and I was running in a group of guys I would see back and forth the rest of the race.  Hit the Switchbacks and am patient going up but my hamstring is not doing good, so I only have quads to attack and the hammy is yelling.  On the downhill open back up and catch a few of the runners I lost ground to but also have a few others pass me.  I see Bill Cobler running and try to stay with him.  At around 1.75 miles we hit Poopout hill and it is not fun.  Crest it with what I have and try to get back to speed on the mostly downhill back side of the course and my legs just do not have it.  I come around the corner for the last climb and it is pretty pathetic.  Get passed again including by Bill C.  As we get to the top I run the downhill pretty good but the flat on the airstrip and through the gauntlet I am just surviving.  Try to push on the track and I am able to hold off a guy and finish in 18:46.  Not my best effort but a tough course and not used to XC.  

Get out in time to watch Justin start and see his whole race, he does really good.  Finishes in the top half of the field.  Team Idaho XC has a good set of races and have fun.  

Get back on the buses at 12:30 and head out for Las Vegas.  Get into town around 5:30am, head out at 6:30 and spend the night til about 11:30.  Kids hated the town and the hotel (so did I).  Will be glad when we leave.