Merry Christmas!

Although with 73 degree-temps and clear, blue skies, it doesn't feel like Christmas. walked around today in a tee-shirt and shorts, and ran 4-5 miles in a sports bra and skirt, feeling vaguely unsettled.

I admit it: I miss snow. Will these Washingtonian tendencies linger a few years from now, when we're firmly ensconced in SoCal life?

Here's a photo of E., my 89-year-old grandmother, and me, taken yesterday after brunch here. I don't often get to see her, although she now only lives a half-hour away, so it was really nice that she could get together.

Long run: As you know, I've been feeling bleeeaaahh about running lately. Saturday was no exception. I took 21st Century Mom's advice, and dialed it back on my long run. Instead of running 20 miles, as scheduled, I ran 16 miles.

And I did it completely unplugged: No watch, no Garmin, and no iPod. I just wanted to run, however slowly it would take me, without any added stressors of checking my per-mile pace.

And boy, did it take me awhile. Roughly 2:30 to 2:35, according to my kitchen clock. And after checking g-maps pedometer online, I found that I only ran 15.3 miles. Sigh. Not that it matters :-).

Another rude awakening: Oh, and remember how surprised I was that I felt so good running 800's the other day? Well, I just checked my speed chart workout. And I was running them too slowly. At least 9 seconds slower per repetition. I should have been clocking 3:30 to 3:36/800. Gaaahhh!

OK, enough with the browbeating. I really should wear a hairshirt.

My Christmas present to myself: A chill pill.

Have a Happy Holidays, y'all.