Last weekend

On Saturday only 6 people showed up to the group run.  It was a bit on the cold side and we were fighting the wind on the way back, but it was a good run. Penny, Jerry, Rick, myself, Heather and Heather were able to make it. After the run I got cleaned up and headed out to Bismarck for a late christmas celebration with Erin's sister who lives in Memphis.

I'm still struggling with finding the motivation to get up every morning and workout.  Once I get going it's not bad, it's just getting started that seems to be hard. Hopefully I get things figured out and get back to a solid routine.

The weather is finally turning cold

This morning Erin and I went out for a run.  We were shooting for 4 miles, but wound up a little short.  The strong north wind had us picking a route with as many buildings blocking the wind as possible. My calf pain has been getting better the past few runs. I notice it after a mile or so and it seems to fade away after I get in about 3 miles. Spraying my legs down with cold water in the shower seems to be helping too.

On Saturday the training group ran from the Fargo Running Company.  17 of us showed up for the run. The weather was perfect, a little cold with a slight breeze and we got to run on freshly fallen snow. I had a lot of fun chatting with everyone.  The week prior we ran from Connie and Ray's house and had around 10 people, I forgot the exact count.

Last week I was able to run outside in shorts, I think it's going to be a few months before that happens again.  When it turned really cold I had forgotten just how bad the cold can be, but after a few runs outside in the cold I think I'm starting to acclimate again.

Keeping Busy

This week I've started my new job at Microsoft and have been fairly successful at getting back to a solid workout routine.  Last Friday I kicked off my latest workout spree with a good swim to bike brick workout.  Saturday I ran 5 miles with the training group and in the afternoon found enough energy to put in a mile swim workout.  Sunday I got in another 5 mile run with Erik in the cold.  Monday I did a 31 mile bike ride after a swim to warm up.  Tuesday Erin and I were out running in the cold again, with the wind it was rather unpleasant.  Wednesday was weights and light biking in the morning and a short run in the evening with Matt.  Today Erin and I got up and ran with the group from the store. I think tomorrow is going to be a rest day, it would be nice to sleep in.

2011 Year in Review

2011 has been a mixed year for me. I've gone further then ever before, but also had my first DNF. Here are some of the highlights of the year:

• I ran 1417 miles, around 400 more then the previous year. 
• I biked 1581 miles which is down around 400 from the previous year. 
• I got faster.
• My marathon PR improved by about 36 minutes.
• I ran a  53:35 10k
• My 5k PR improved by a minute and a half
• I've become a much stronger swimmer and completed 3 swims of at least 1 mile.
• I completed my first ultra marathon and my second.

I'm excited to see what 2012 will bring.