Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't

4.5 gives me the silver for today. Almost didn't get out. Thanks to Tom for helping me with the 'get up and go' on this one! Also thanks to my running buddy, Beth, who surprised me with dinner for my family on a night that I had no idea what I was going to feed my family! More tender mercies!

average pace 10:35 

Beth and I got a nice, brisk 5.25 in today.   The sunshine was very welcome!  

YES!!!  5 miles, 5:45 A.M., 14 - 16 degrees!

Tom and I bundled up for an early morning run today.  I don't usually go at that time, but knew that I wouldn't have another moment the rest of the day to get a run in.  In fact, I am barely going to have this minute to write.   I thought of the positives and negatives of this morning's run.  

Negatives first....early, dark, cold, a good stretch of nasty cold wind.

Positives....it was early, but I couldn't sleep anyway.   It was dark, but that made it so we could see the beautiful stars in the sky. (including 2 shooting stars to wish on!).  It was cold outside, but I have a running husband who has made sure I have all the greatest cold weather gear to keep me nice and warm!  I got the gold on a day that was almost too busy for even a bronze.  I averaged a 10:30 pace.  And last but not least, got to start the day with some great quality time with Tom! 

I think Beth was hoping I wouldn't come by to pick her up this morning because when I got there she was still in her PJs.  She got ready and headed out with me anyway.  She was only able to muster out 3 miles though.  I don't know if she was just too cold or not into it or what.  She can usually handle 5 miles with me.  So I left her at 3 and continued on for 2 more.  I was going to try to keep my 2 alone around 11:00 minute pace.  But I ended up with 10:40 for one and 9:51 for the last one.  I decided that running is good for the brain and the soul as long as you don't sit and dwell on the 'woulda, coulda, shoulda's'.

Very sad news...Tom and I, along with the rest of our neighborhood sat and watched our friend's house burn down last night.  We had all been to a ward party when someone came to tell them their house was on fire.  We don't know the total damage right now, but I am sure they have lost everything!  What a sad holiday season for them.  It made us take a look again at our own lives and realize the many blessings we have.  

Tom went out early and picked up 10 or so miles and then came back for me.  I thought waiting and having the sunshine would help out.  But it was soooo cold!  The temp was maybe high teens, with the wind chill it was like 5!  Tom said that if we went down to the river bottoms we wouldn't have the wind as bad....WRONG!  It was just as bad and then we had to go UP a hill INTO the wind!  We thought that when we turned the corner we would be home free...WRONG!  The cold wind slapped the side of our faces, we wondered if they would be black with frostbite when we finally made it home.  But it was kind of cool to watch the drifting snow blowing past us giving us a "heavenly-cloud like" feel! 

I feel like it was a good run anyway...here's the lowdown.

10:31

10:22

12:06 (eek, up hill into the cold, cold wind!)

9:22

9:49

2:35 (pace 10:20)

Have a great day today. Don't forget to count your blessings!  I know I am counting and I have lots to be grateful for.