Merry Christmas

I went for a nice little Christmas run today along the north section of the River Walk with my new toy (Garmin 405 - thanks Folks!) and new shoes (free, courtesy of American Express points).  And all was happy and bright!

Then, I played a game of fetch with the dogs - Dingo is pretty good, but Gwen always turns it into a game of keep away from Sally, then eats the tennis ball.  Merry Christmas!

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Untitled

Some things other than running and beer

Lest you think that I only run and drink beer with running buddies, I am posting activities other than those aforementioned.  Here are some pictures from October's book club (a/k/a Book & Bottle Club, a/k/a JUGBABES‏).

Yep, we read books and talk about them.  "We" being many runners, cyclists, and triathletes.  "Talk" meaning talk over a glass or two of wine.  Definitely different than running and drinking brewskis.

Wow, as you can see here - I had recently dyed my hair (I absolutely admit that) - yet, in the previous post in Mexico (about 6 weeks later), it had already lightened a LOT from sun exposure through running.  I think this shows that I need to be more diligent about sunscreen usage because solar exposure here, even in the Fall, is strong.

Thanks to Jenna for the pics!

The Crazy Running Chicken Training Plan

(or more pics from the International Friendship 10k Run in McAllen, TX on November 22, 2009)

Okay, first you drive just over 4.5 hours to the border - and cross it into Mexico.

Jenna, the Mexican Eagle, and me

Joan and I on the bridge

Then, you meet up with more buddies along the streets of Nuevo Progresso and enjoy a cerveza.

My classic rabbit-squint.  Before me on the table are a "Court Case" prayer candle, limes, salt, and Dos Equis.  All of which I could have used when I litigated and practiced family law.

And then, you wake up and run a 10k in a heavy fog among the tall palms.

In fine crazy running chicken form!

Thanks to Jenna for the pics - she actually drove and ran alongside to take the action ones (but not the beer drinking ones).

No Race Weekend

Yes, they are rare, but this is one.  AND, because I work for a certain employer, we are without a budget, under a continuing resolution, and are not allowed overtime for now.  So, what is a Sally to do?

Well, after a nice party with friends last night at Pizza Italia, I dragged my butt out of bed and hit the new riverwalk for a short run this morning.  I LOVE this section of the riverwalk (thank you Mayor Phil for building it for me to run on) - though it is concrete and tough on the legs, it has marked the last 5 miles to the park on my long runs all Summer.  So, entering the upper riverwalk is simply happiness for me!  And today, I saw many fellow SA runners and fluffy doggies along the run, which always makes me happy.  Afterward (where I parked the car) I shopped at the Pearl Brewery farmers' market and their holiday craft fair.

Tomorrow, I am trying to get out of bed early for the 7-8 mile run at Fleet Feet (please, no hills).  Then, I am going to attend visitation for Judge Andy Mireles.  He was a nice man and a fair and strict judge, which was good for me when I appeared before him, since I was generally overprepared, nervous, and trying to do the right thing.  He will be missed.

Sunday evening is the Stray Dog Xmas.  We (mostly runners) meet downtown, enjoy 'cheer' as we exchange the cheapest, most creative mass gifts that we can develop, then head down to the riverwalk for dinner, and sing caroles at the Alamo.

Thanks to the San Antonio Bar Association for Judge Andy Mireles's pic.

Sing it with me

Sally got run over by a reindeer

because she looked like a crazy running chicken.

She'd been drinkin' too much egg nog,

but at least she made it to the end.  brrr.

(and how creepy is that reindeer hand jutting out from stage right?)

Thanks to Hill Country Rambling for the holiday crazy running chicken pics.

Hakuna Matata (I've been spelling that wrong for years)

Simba the housecat says, "I'm glad you liked the show, but I'm pretty sure these are all about me."