As far as training goes, I’ve gotten a bit off track.  I’ve been busy managing a crazy kid (who hates to sleep), managing myself (who doesn’t function well without sleep… zzz…), celebrating Hanukkah, working, and watching 2015 slip by too quickly!

We transitioned Liv to a “big girl bed” in November and she’s still not sleeping well.  Bed and naptimes take several tuck-ins before she finally gives in to sleep.  She’s waking up and wandering into our room throughout the night.  And she’s up for the day long before the sun.  She actually says to me, “I don’t want to sleep, mom.  I don’t like sleeping.”

Needless to say, I.  Am.  Tired.  (*And will happily take any advice/suggestions/help/coffee I can get!?!)

Monday, 12/7 – REST

Tuesday, 12/8 – Hill Run: 7 miles @ 8:12/mile

Wednesday, 12/9 – 4 miles @ 9:00/mile

Thursday, 12/10 – REST

Friday, 12/11 – 4 miles @ 8:20/mile

Saturday, 12/12 – walk

Sunday, 12/13 – Long Run: 14 miles @ 8:03/mile.  Despite a slow week of training, I was determined and grateful to finish with a strong (but “short”) long run.

Sunday marked the last night of Hanukkah, so we enjoyed a semi-homemade “feast” of spinach latkes, brisket, and gluten-free donuts; although, Liv’s living room picnics were much more impressive.

In scrolling though the pictures on my phone, I’m realizing we enjoyed quite a few trips to Costco (please tell me there’s someone out there who enjoys Costco-ing like I do?).  While I managed to separate Liv from the $430 pink castle, Aunt Allison DID treat her to her very own little table and chairs!

Monday, 12/14 – 4 miles @ 9:25/mile + strength

Tuesday, 12/15 – 4 miles @ 8:58/mile

Wednesday, 12/16 – 4 miles @ 8:35/mile

Thursday, 12/17 – 4 miles @ 8:51/mile

Friday, 12/18 – Speedwork: 6 miles @ 7:36/mile (3 x 1600m @ 6:58, 6:49, 6:40 with 400m RIs)

Saturday, 12/19 – walk

Sunday, 12/20 – Long Run: 18 miles @ 8:30/mile.  This was a really tough run.  Some runs are easy and effortless, but the truth is, most are not.  But I can run.  I’m lucky I can run, so I do.  And the further I run, the stronger I get.

Aside from the sleep challenges, two-and-a-half is such a fun age!  She’s such a goofball, with a million questions a day (why does the sun go up and go down?  why am I growing?  why do boys have beards?), and she’s attached to my hip, a total mama’s girl.

And now, we’re off to Ohio for Christmas, where I’m looking forward to lots of running, relaxing, all my favorite comfort foods, and quality time with my family!  I moved out west eight years ago, but Cincinnati will always be home, and I’m always excited to share it with Jared and Liv.

Wishing you joy during this season of love!

(And I hope you have more sense than I do to NOT go to the mall the week before Christmas!)