And the training begins...

Well, I now have a fancy Garmin watch (which I LOVE!) and some new kicks, so what else could I do this morning but go for a great run out on the beach!  And, I use the term great in that in the grand scheme of my training for the half-marathon it was a SUPER short run today, only had to be three miles.  I, however, apparently am not quite as smart as my new Garmin watch and got confused about where I was and ran more like 3.5 miles.  Again, nothing strenuous, just a nice little jog.  So far Julie - 1 Training - 0.  Why do I doubt that I will be that glib in a few weeks? Haha.

Well, I am getting excited about the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon in a few weeks as I have several friends who are planning on running it as well, so the weekend will be fun.  Also, I have lined up the training runs prior to the Half, so as of today, I am still excited.  Also, there is always the added benefit that you are burning more calories than normal, so hello my long lost food friends! haha.  Well, I am off to cheer WVU on with my Uncle, parents and cousin!

JCP

For tonight, in Bethlehem a child is born...

Merry Christmas to all!  As we were opening a few gifts tonight after church, we had some surprise carolers, our dear friends with their spouses stopping by to wish us some holiday cheer.  What a wonderful way to celebrate! 

God bless everyone and may your Christmas be filled with joy, family, friends, love and laughter.  To those who read this blog, my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours for a blessed and joyful Christmas.

JCP

Joy!

Well, the gifts are wrapped (well "bagged" this year), the stockings are stuffed, and we have the snow.  It is definitely Christmas time.  As much as I get frustrated and vent about ridiculous crowds, over-scheduling, crazy drivers and how much delicious food is out at all the parties, I truly love this time of year.  Every year it is a great and wonderful time for families and friends to gather together, enjoy each others company, and in a society that is more often than not quite cynical, it is a relief to have a time when joy and hope are not only permissible, but are encouraged.  When, we as adults get to relieve our childish enthusiasm at Christmas, but now it is that we are excited about the gifts we are giving and not the presents we are receiving.   Merry Christmas.

JCP

Fa-La-La-La-La

The holiday season has descended upon us!  Christmas carols are being sung, Christmas parties are in full-swing, cider is being poured by the gallon-full, pants everywhere are feeling the strain of the extra calories and cold weather!  This past weekend was an excellent example of how busy the season gets and that sometimes, just sometimes, even those of us with the best of intentions forget what the season is supposed to be about.  I was halfway through attempting to do my volunteer work, attend several Christmas parties, cook food and a semi-panic stricken moment that my Christmas shopping and Christmas cards had yet to be completed when I had to step back and say a small prayer.  I am so fortunate that I have the ability to help others, that I have friends who think enough of me to invite me to their Christmas celebrations, that I am able to cook food to share with others, that I have a job to be able to buy gifts and that I have people to send cards and gifts to.

As we enter the last few days before Christmas, I urge each of us to be thankful for all the things that drive us to the edge during the holidays.... the other crazy shoppers (at least you aren't the only cat who is doing last-minute shopping), the other crazy drivers (seriously, it validates what you have always known- you are in fact an above average driver!), not having enough time to do everything (you are one popular person after all!) wrapping gifts (just remember my mantra this year - bags are just as fun!!!), Santa Claus (It takes a true man to wear red velvet and fur, after all), and the fact that your pants seem a bit tighter than they did a month ago (How can any sane person pass up on the most yummy food all year - remember, that is what January is for, hitting the gym!).

JCP

Well... It seemed like a good idea at the time!

So, in a moment of "inspiration" I have decided to sign up for a half-marathon.  And, not being content just to commit myself, I have talked, begged, pleaded, and bribed several of my friends to run as well!  Ok, so I'm going to go out on this limb and say that in a few months, my legs probably won't be thanking me for this, but, oh well...  Now, the fun part, the half-marathon that I have decided to run and conned my friends into running with me is the Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon, because let's be honest, it isn't just enough to run a half-marathon, we must do it with people who are 1- Serious Runners 2- Serious People and 3- Did I mention serious runners?  Haha, yes... I have had more brilliant ideas.

Anyway, I went on my first training run this morning and I realized that I have a long way to go and my legs are already hating me!  Bring it on Marine Corps Historic Half on May 15!  Anyone interested?  :-)

JCP