Moving forward, one week at a time....

Wow it has been crazy busy!  This time of year is my favorite, and yet so exhausting all at the same time.  Training continues, and the countdown to Frosty 50k is on.  Last week I was wondering how my training compared to this time last year, and I think I am in pretty good shape so far...so here's to hoping that continues.  Coach Ian has me alternating my longer and shorter long run this year, so next week is more down and one final up before the 50k the first weekend in January! 
Since my last posting, I have done some good solid runs (and some not so good ones), including the infamous hill repeats.  I visited my cardiologist the first week in December, and after yet another stress echo/paper running shirt experience, I have been cleared to continue with my training.  He still laughs and says he can't fix my head, just my heart!

Yes, this is what I wear for my stress echo...on the treadmill....yep, that's it...my running shorts and a paper shirt.  Clearly, this was not designed by a woman.

We got our Christmas tree up and Santa has been visited!

 Decorating the tree! (Jordan Lake Christmas Trees)

 SANTA!!!!!!!!!

Ella and 2 of her best buds from school!

Kris and I headed down to N'awlins (New Orleans) for a long weekend trip.  Always an experience there.  I spent all my running time on the treadmill, as Kris has a bulging disc and wasn't able to provide bodyguard protection that I believe is crucial in some areas :)  At least the fitness room was on the rooftop with a beautiful view, so I kind of made myself think I was exploring New Orleans while running.  Although, spending time in a small fitness room of a hotel, made me excited about my treadmill at my own house.   As my public service announcement, I would like to say that one should not apply a lot of cologne prior to going to work out in a small enclosed area! :)  While in New Orleans, I worked, ate, and spent some nice time with Kris, Uncle Michael Bob and Aunt Cindy!

 MMMM, breakfast!  Who wouldn't want coffee and a beignet for breakfast?

Kris, Aunt Cindy, and Uncle Michael Bob....we'll just leave it at that :)

This past weekend was the annual baking weekend with KO.  We started Friday night, and made 3 batches of peanut butter balls (until after 11)...went to bed, got up and ran our separate distances, and the met back in the kitchen for additional batches of peanut butter balls, sausage balls, wedding cookies, haystacks, and chocolate chip cookies.  This year, something awful happened to our cookies, which was very sad for us, as usually our cookies never fail!  Everyone knows I don't cook much, so I managed to get my 24 hours of baking in all this past weekend....maybe not a great idea after an 18 mile run Saturday morning....but such is the holiday schedule. 

Baking....before the cookie disaster :)

A little Daddy Daughter time at Disney on Ice!  Kris, Ella, Laney, and Jamey

I am looking forward to slowing down some in a few life areas, and focusing on the rest of the training.....I know that January is tough, but February and March are the toughest months for training....gotta start resting up for those now!

And as a final note, I am soooo excited that Kris found a buddy to sign up for a race with him!!!!! Paul, you have no idea :)