Friday catch up

Pre-race

Yesterday was a great day. Started off with the Memphis Turkey Trot.  I have a difficult time in the cold because of Raynaud's disease.  It was 39 degrees, I sucked it up and did better than I hoped. The only part of me that was affected by the cold was my ears.  They came back to life after about thirty minutes.

Stopped for a hot coffee on the way home. I only place I drink coffee from is Dunkin Donuts. America RUNS on Dunkin, seems fitting.

After I got home I was in the kitchen for hours.  I don't think I was ever as happy to be out of the kitchen as I was last night.

I slept ALOT.  I knocked out a quick seven mile run right at sunset today, it was beautiful. There was no way I was going anywhere other than running.  The greediness of people never ceases to amaze me.  Black Friday is a perfect example.  I would never fight over anything other than my children.  Seriously to fight over a bra at Victoria's Secret?  

I have two long runs scheduled for this weekend, and a whole lot of relaxing with my friend wine. 

I got mail today, two months late, my prescriptions from the VA. This is an example of why the VA has such a horrible reputation. When I don't have my medicine, I actually withdrawal off of it, which is horrible. I have called and complained a number of times. This is what came in the mail (multiple bottles of the same medicine) 

I guess I should be happy???

How was your Thanksgiving?

Did you spend too much time in the kitchen? 

Did you brave the crowds today?

Mocking jay release triple play, hug a runner day

Today is hug a runner day, so I chose a male and female runner that I would love to hug if given the opportunity.  Steven Prefonte and Kara Goucher.

Two awesome, push the limits runners.  Now if I was going for the runner I personally know, who is motivating even though a few hundred miles away and is just an all around great person I would have to say, Jennifer Chaffin from Nashville.

Today, at 1430 hrs (230pm) I will be watching the entire Hunger Games series with Zachary. I don't try to be a friend to my kids, however how awesome is it to leave school an hour early to hang out all night with your mom!!!!!

Yesterday I had a GREAT run and I am feeling confident that at next weeks Turkey Trot I can beat my PR of 32 minutes for four miles. My goal is under 30!!!

Turkey trot, trip to New York City in December!!!!

I am beyond excited to be running in a holiday run. I have had to work holidays for so many years as a police officer.  Eating Thanksgiving dinner at Ryan's, having to go to calls, leaving the kids with relatives. I don't think people realize the sacrifices law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS actually make.  I loved the career except for holidays.  This run is four miles through the Memphis Botanical garden.  I plan on setting a PR in this race!!!!  

This year I am making my own holiday decorations.  When I moved here from Atlanta I left my holiday things behind. There are so many cute ideas here are a few I plan on making:

Aren't they adorable?  

We went to a Mexican restaurant yesterday and I was not impressed.  Lack of seasoning, ruins an entire meal.  Salt and pepper people, it is that easy.  Their pico de gallo was horrible. Fail for El Mezicale.  

I have never been to New York City, let alone for Christmas!!!!!  This is something that is on my bucket list. I have been invited to a Christmas Party in New York City on December 13.  I am leaving Memphis on the 11th and returning on the 14th.  Any suggestions on what I NEED to see?  I want to visit ground zero, run in Cental park, and just walk around.   

My life has definitely taken a turn for the better, for the first time in years I am so hopeful and happy.  I spent a number of years dreading the holidays and wishing my life would end, just being honest.  With the help of positive people, new friends, and medication. I am functioning as a normal person.  I still have an occasional "bad" day.  My good days far outnumber my bad ones.  

Words to live by.....

Have you ever been to New York City at Christmas?

What is the worst restaurant experience you have had? 

What did you do this weekend?