December has not been a good month for me. It's like something snapped in my head and I couldn't eat enough food to fill me up. I've tried to figure out what the major stressors have been, and I really can't come up with anything concrete. I think the fact that Christmas alone is a big stress given the dysfunctional nature of our family, and how past Christmases have gone, but this year should be different because we all seem to be on an even keel. Mom is not so wound up since I had my 'heart-to-heart' with her, and I think she has finally figured out that whining about the brother is a waste of good air. I don't fall into that trap any longer. I have been very consistent with running, and have committed to running a half marathon in September of next year. I'm following the training plan, and I know the first 17 week cycle won't be perfect, but the second one will be, so I will be ready when September 9, 2007 rolls around. Now is the time for me to re-commit myself to caring about what I'm putting into my body. It's Christmas Day, and there are bound to be temptations around, but I'm hoping that I've put all that behind me again. Depression can be debillitating, and I'm convinced that this time of year with the lack of sunlight hours contributes greatly to mine. Reg and I are leaving in a week for Cancun, so I've signed up for some tanning bed sessions at the gym, not only to get a base tan, but also to get some extra light. It really does make me feel better. So, now Dexter and I are off to the golf course for a nice long run. With luck, Reg will be up by the time we get back and we can open our presents before we leave to pick up Mom and go see those darling grandchildren.

A Big Decision

I made a decision the other day. I'm going to train for a half-marathon. I know it sounds kinda crazy, but I also know I can do it. Six months ago I couldn't run a block, and now I'm regularly running 5k and more. I'll follow a good plan - no more running every day, but I'll get lots of x-training time in to really ramp up my cardio abilities. I've pick a half that's quite a long way off, but I want to be sure that I can do it and I really need outside runs in the spring to get good. The treadmill is not my friend no matter how much I try to convince myself that it is. I don't mind the eliptical trainer, but I still prefer to be outside. Dexter and I went for a really nice long run around Fanshawe village on Sunday morning - even with the cold it was so much more enjoyable than being in the gym.