Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope that each and every one of you had a wonderful run this morning; I know that I did. Bear and I took out bright and (not very) early to head to the park - something that he loves that I need to do more often. Its a 2km track, so I wanted to do eight laps to get me close to my scheduled 10 miles at marathon pace.

The weather was, and continues to be, wonderful. Blue skies, gentle breezes, and a somewhat chilly 35 degrees that heated up to close on 40 by the time we were done. My goal was to run as close to possible to an 8:20 pace, and I bettered it with a 1:20:47 overall time for an 8:07 pace (which slightly defeats the purpose, truth be told). I started out going quite a bit too fast because my pup was just having the best morning he could possibly have, but I slowed down to between 8:20-8:30 by the end of the run.

Losing that extra five pounds has made such a difference in the way my happy labrador looks, feels, acts, and runs. Before he would start to wilt after about four miles. This time he got a bit tired, but never wanted to stop or even significantly slow down. I think that my recent loss has helped me as well; even with the holiday eating season upon us I’m down to 167 and I am feeling a bit faster.

I can’t help but compare this run to my 10 mile race earlier in the season. It was hilly, sure, but I took 12 more minutes to finish it then I did to do my run today. Confidence is helping, but I think that my extra distance runs like last Saturday’s 19 miler are paying a big part as well.

Tomorrow? I’m down for a well supplied 20 miles. If I get to the end of it and still feel strong, I’m thinking of going for 23 instead (four laps from MoPac to Congress, and an optional lap from MoPac to the Pfluger footbridge, if you’re playing along at home). Doing it just 24 hours after this morning’s run will add another risk element, I’m sure, but I’m feeling pretty damn good right now.

Enjoy the season!

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