This shortened work week has been a good one so far, but I am eager to get home for Christmas!
Workouts this week include:
- 7 miles on Tuesday
- Speed workout today- 2-mile warm-up, followed by 3x1200m @10K pace 400m recovery, 2x400m @ 5K pace 400m recovery, and a 2-mile cool-down. I found the speed work to be challenging, especially after the 20 miler this weekend and two additional runs.
- 8 miles tomorrow at home (in shorts and a tank, as it may be almost 70 degrees in the Boston area!!)
- 18 miles at some point this weekend. I am very thankful that the weather has been record-breaking warm here in New England—it has made this training cycle much easier so far!
Another shot of Boston common- in December!
My family decided to do a Secret Santa this year instead of buying gifts for everyone, so that has cut out most of the stress of holiday gift buying! Besides getting through the tough workouts, I am looking forward to the following this week:
- Seeing this little guy (my sister and brother-in-law’s puppy named Rio). At roughly 9 months old now, Rio has grown a LOT since this summer! Here he is at my hometown’s 4th of July Road Race:
Rio looking like an adult in this picture!
- Spending time with my family and going for walks around my favorite park at home.
- And eating a lot of delicious food.
Aren’t these desserts the cutest? My friend brought them to the party last weekend- strawberry santas!
Speaking of food, have you tried Trader Joe’s ravioli? Mark and I stocked up on all kinds of TJ food the last time we shopped there, and finally pulled this out last night. It was delicious, and I felt that it was still seasonally-accurate given the warm, fall-ish weather outside.
Enjoy the rest of your week!!
What are your plans for the holiday?
Does anyone celebrate Boxing Day? Mark and I will with his family on Saturday, as his Grandma is from London. Fruit trifle, Mince Pie, and Christmas pudding anyone?
Any dog people? What kind do you have? I love dogs but am on the fence about getting one while living in my small Boston condo…one day! I would love a dog as a running buddy!
Jane Runs Wild 
We have two 8-year-old lab mixes. I used to take them for runs, but neither of them was really interested in my pacing or distance. Happy holidays and enjoy the runner-friendly weather!
LikeLike
Aw, that’s great! What are their names? Enjoy the holidays as well!
LikeLike
This weather is going to be incredible! Even in NH I’ll probably be wearing shorts on Christmas. My family does secret santa as well which I agree, makes it so much easier.
My plans for the holiday are pretty simple. Most of my family lives in my town so everyone comes here for Christmas. It makes it really easy. Have a great Christmas, Jane!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great! Yes enjoy running in 65-70 degrees! Happy holidays!
LikeLike
Agree – the weather is wild. Almost 80 for us here in NC on Christmas Day?! I don’t even know how to dress festively for that.
I have a golden retriever in my apartment. I’d love him to have a yard, but as long as he gets to the park or goes for a run, he’s a pretty great furry friend. And yes, running partner. :) have a great Christmas!
LikeLike
I love golden retrievers! I had one growing up and she was the best :) And wow, 80 degrees is insane! Love this el nino weather. Have a great holiday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
James is from the UK, but we don’t celebrate Boxing Day, although he does like his treats of Mince Pie and Christmas Pudding (me, not so much, lol). Love those strawberry santas… they look fabulous! 70 degrees at Christmas! Okay, admit it, you miss the snow, lol! Hope you have a fabulous holiday!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the idea of a family secret Santa! I’ll be suggesting that for next year.
Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I don’t have a dog yet– I’d love one eventually, but I’m not in the position to care for one yet. I’d like a dog to run with as well.
I wish it were as warm where I am for Christmas as it is where you are! I did 13 miles today, and well over half of it was on a thin layer of ice or snow. I feel like I ran 10 seconds/mile faster than I actually did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, great job running half a marathon in slippery conditions! Have a Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re spending Christmas in Berlin, then driving back to the UK (about 13 hours, with the ferry) to visit friends and family and drop our youngest back at school. We’ve found a shop here that sells English food so we’ve stocked up on mince pies and Christmas pudding already :) Great job on the spadework, I did some myself this week. It’s tough, but definitely pays off in the end. Have a great Christmas!
LikeLike
Oops. I meant speedwork of course, not spadework! Darn autocorrect! ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a great Christmas! We will have to compare mince pies :) Enjoy the holiday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Solid workouts! It’s crazy here in NC. Christmas Eve and it’s thundering, raining, and spring temps. Makes no sense!!! But it’s made for nice runs lol We have a boxer. She’s hyper, gets tiny hairs everywhere, sleeps on my blankets, and drives me NUTS!! But, she is the sweetest thing. ;-) Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw your boxer sounds adorable! Enjoy the summerlike weather in NC and have a Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really want a greyhound! They a so chilled out and cute (and lazy ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Solid running! Keep up the great work.
Weather here in ABQ is normal actually. A bit chilly (for NM) and windy. El Niño hasn’t delivered us all the snow he is supposed to yet.
I also want a dog/running buddy. Just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Trailrunner Magazine did an online article awhile back about popular/”good” running breeds but the main lesson I got was that any dog can be a good running companion so find a dog that fits your lifestyle.
Enjoy the temps and Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed a run in Reading, Pa, northwest of Philadelphia. Wore shorts and a long sleeve shirt. Wish I had worn short sleeves. I used to run my Siberian Huskies along that trail. It was a chance for me to work one on one with them outside of them being sled dogs.
I am happy to be off this Christmas, as well as some vacation time to use to come visit my parents. Loving the warm weather, missing the snow. Enjoying the mountain scenery, but missing home (North Dakota).
Have a great Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoy more warm weather ahead and have a Merry Christmas!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yayy can’t wait—- rio is soooooo excited!!
LikeLike
He is the best puppy!! ❤️
LikeLike
Honestly, I’ll tell ya, I’m not gonna lie.
10-mile runs are a long-time done.
Most I do now is a 3-mile stint.
And even that is a rare mint.
Mostly it’s a sprint throughout the day
Half-mile or mile while on my way.
Don’t run for pleasure, only pain.
Only to see what I can gain.
No more races. No more applause.
The running I do is against all laws.
That’s okay, I say, okay for me.
I’ll keep running, if it’s alright, for eternity.
LikeLike
Nice words, have a happy holiday and a good run!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I appreciate it. I got bit by a dog yesterday, so I’m slowed just a bit on account of that, but, yea, otherwise, good running for me, and I hope the same for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any dog people? What kind do you have?
I have an 8 year old black labrador myself. She’s somewhat of a delinquent and certainly won’t run with me (lazy!) but i’d hate to be without her.
LikeLike
What is boxing day? Having never been to England i have no idea what the point of it is but would love to know.
LikeLike