Work will win when wishy washy wishing won't

I don't know how it got to be the 12th of December already!  Holy cow...time sure does fly!

Yesterday I had a very sore throat.  I wasn't too excited about going out and sucking in the wind or cold or filthy air.  I decided to try to tackle the TM.  I got a movie ready but I couldn't get it to work.   Dang...something is messed up with the tv (or me) but I think it's the tv because my son couldn't get it to work either.  So I did it without the movie and without music.  It wasn't as as bad as I thought it would be.  I guess I'm glad we have a TM this year in cases like this. 

Fun run with Tom today!  Shorts weather in December with some sun poking through always makes for a nice run! 

On the trail we had to move a tree that a beaver had cut down.  He had been working hard...he had cut the tree down and then started up the trunk a bit on the trail.  He left a mess.  We cleaned up most of it, just a few shavings left.  It would have been fun to see him in action.  We've never noticed beaver or many signs of them in the past.  We will keep an eye out for them more now that we have evidence that they are there!

We also watched a big ole owl swoop away and then what we are calling a Blue Herron.  Not sure if that is what it is or not.  We saw him the other day too and one of the guys said that is what it is.  Whatever he is, he is huge...I'm not quite sure how he flies! 

Our final bird watching event of the day was a hawk that was being picked on by some small bird.  I'm not sure why the little guy was so feisty!  But I'm sure if the hawk would have wanted to he could have eaten the little guy for lunch! 

Even if Tom and I aren't doing a planned run together it is still easier to go out at the same time as he does.  We were able to run our mile warm up together and then his speed work kind of puts me in the dust so I do my own thing.  

I decided to try a few 1/2 mile repeats after a 2 mile warm up.  Plan was 4 in about the 3:45 range with a recovery of the same time.

1. 3:51, (a little too slow)

2. 3:46, (just about right)

3. 3:36, (too fast, very tight right hammie)

4. 3:45, (just right, no tight hammie)

I am not really working on speed but I think I will try to do this kind of workout on Wednesdays if it feels right.  I need to be careful and keep myself injury free for my 5 marathons of 2012.

Tom took the day off so we could start our Christmas shopping.  We decided we better get going since we only have a week to do it.  You may think we have been procrastinating...but it was planned.  I think we will spend less and have less stress getting it all done in a few days.  

Before our shopping day we were able to get 7 miles together and then I got one with my ever-so-eager-doggy.

Tom and I started out a bit before everyone else today because I had to be back earlier for a Primary breakfast that I was in charge of.  I wanted to get at least 12 in but was only able to fit in 11.  Temps were between 16 - 18 degrees.  It was a little nippy at first but we always seem to warm up and get used to things.  

Our Primary does an appreciation breakfast each December.  It was fun to get all our teachers, Activity Day leaders and Cub Scout leaders together and let them know of our appreciation.  Yummy breakfast casserole always gets them to come!  : )

Today we need to get the house cleaned and do a bit more shopping but instead we are watching BYU/Baylor and doing our Christmas puzzle!  : )