Well, actually it has been a relatively mild winter, and I have been able to beat the pavement most days without any real issues, unlike last year, when it felt like the combination of snow and working through all the light hours meant that I ended up at the gym a lot more. It has actually been really nice, and the fact that I get to run with SR most days helps a ton! We really motivate each other, and the days that I have to run on my own seem to slog on!
But right now, I get a break from all of that, as I am in Tucson with my dad and CM for a short sunshiny visit. I can't say that the desert is my first choice for scenic runs; while it is beautiful, it is definitely so in a way that isn't necessarily my favorite, just in that it all looks a bit similar. It probably doesn't help that I am pretty much relegated to the pavement of the major roadways, since straying off the beaten path in the desert seems a bit dicey given scary venomous animals and the threat of getting lost and dying of thirst. That said, it is always fun to explore new places, and my running continues to be a boost to me.
The cacti have a neat eerie feeling to them, and the bright sunshine is such a relief after what seems like some very grey days at home. I don't know how I was in London so long - it makes me realize how much the grey affects me!
The trip is going well so far, minus some hiccups with family travel arrangements! But dad and I had a great day watching the PGA golf and MLS soccer yesterday in a fully spontaneous and sporty afternoon. We intend to eat some good food and lounge by the pool and soak it in as best we can, while we can! It is good to see CM too, after what feels like a long time - New Year, I guess.
At home, things are moving along. I have a hard time gauging how my fitness level is right now - I have been running 45+ miles each week, but not really sure how fit it has kept me, and my first race of the year will help me know a bit better, I hope. It didn't go well last year, so hoping it is better this one. I have been feeling better about my training efforts though, so hopefully they aren't misleading me into believing I am better off than I am.
Dad is fairing pretty well and had a couple good appointments with his two doctors, so that seems promising. Just have to keep him positive and staying motivated to stick with it as long as possible! We enjoy our laughs and times together, so again, I end up grateful for being so close. In all respects, I know it is where I want to be.
