Holiday Celebrate

Holiday break was awesome. Although I didn’t do what I said I was going to do. No snowboarding, no hiking, no swimming, and didn‘t send out any resumes. I did manage to sleep in, layz around and eat a lot. Also got in a solid 18 mile run on some decent hills. When I get done from a run on the hills I know I’ve just made myself faster, that’s a good feeling. It’s not easy training when I’m not home in VA Beach.

My opening clothes for a present Face.

Presents Bursting from our Tiny Tree.

Fun times had at the expense of people looking rediculous playing Wii Dance. That's me vs Colin.

Christi, Ryan, Justin, and Me in the jolly spirit of Festivus.

After Christmas I dropped off my mom and sis at the local airport here where they were traveling to China for a couple weeks. All expenses paid by my aunt and uncle who are adopting a 3^rd child. Very special people those guys are. Here is a picture of all who made the trip:

Brendan, Matty, Bonny, Mom, Christi at the Great Wall.

I’m here watching Kula dog until they get back. Huge pain in the ass. There is a reason why I don’t have a dog. I HAVE NO TIME. But she is sweet and I can handle 2 weeks with her. I am trying to get her in better shape as my mom has plumped her up with treats.

Kula and me. It was love at first sight.

New years eve was cool. It’s a shame I can’t remember anything from the hours of 11pm-4am. Second year in a row I have drove up to NOVA to celebrate. I am just happy I survived without breaking or losing anything. Hahaha. And no run ins with the popo.
New Years Eve Gang.

More gang related activities.

Friday and Saturday were spent mostly sleeping, eating and watching Bowl games. Sunday I finally got my ass in gear with some training. Fact: I haven’t been putting in the miles this year that I was putting in last year at this time. It doesn’t help that is been unbearably cold here and gets dark at 5. It really has been around 30 degrees for the past couple weeks now. But, even though the weekly running mileage haven't been up to par, my long runs show promise for a 2:59 marathon. My thought for this marathon is that I need to do my long training runs at about 7:20-7:35 min/mile pace. Last year I ran the marathon in 3:07 training at about 7:50 min/miles long runs. After a year of training in the bag my endurance is on another level right now, even after slacking in the training department over the past couple months. For the next few months leading up to the shamrock marathon my training focus will be on running as it was last year. I would say the training balance is 60% running, 25% swimming, 15% cycling.

So that’s pretty much it, I’ll be joining my running mates early this Saturday morning finally and start back up with the masters swim group next week.

For those who would like a little free advice/guidance on nutrition and training plans just shoot me an email.