Chasing the Setting Sun

In Search of Christmas Present(s)

I've spent all weekend wrapping up my Christmas shopping. Dee Dee and I had promised each other that the trip to Disney was going to be our present to each other, but how could I let Christmas go by without having anything under the tree for my Dee Dee. We spent the first part of the day, Saturday, spending gift cards and visiting all3sports. We purchased some really nice glasses and bowls from Williams Sonoma with a gift card my father and step-mother gave us. I scored some fins and paddles at the tri store. I'm just about all set to give this tri stuff a serious run next year :-)

Then, it was off to the malls for the kiddos. I think I dun good for my youngest. He has some things he wanted, and a few surprises to boot. My oldest, not so good. He has just been so hard to buy for this year. I don't want to spend money on him for the sake of spending money. I want him to get what he wants, what he needs. He's been real trooper, and said that IOUs are fine with him. My oldest, my daughter, has been the easiest. Some make up, a few things here and there, and she is happy. She really has been a joy.

All day today, I've been itching to get out there and get my run in. Due to some last minute running around, it wasn't until after four that Dee Dee and I finally got to dress out and hit the streets. Unfortunately, Dee Dee wasn't feeling well, and she turned back after the first mile. Due to my "itch" I poured it on and watch my per mile rate drop from 12 to 10.5 minute miles. That's not too shabby at all, given the hills I run on. I have to admit though, I was tuckered out by the time I took "The Test", but I managed to pick it back up at the end and finish with a 10:32 average pace for 10.1 miles. That's a solid run for me. As I took the final turn home, the sun finished setting and the temperature dropped below forty degrees. It was getting cold! I want to do a sixteen miler next weekend, and then its full speed ahead for Disney.

My best wishes to all of you for a very merry and blessed Christmas. My thoughts and warm fuzzines will be with you all (but that's all you're gonna get ;-)

Wes

ORN: 10 miles, 1:45:20, tempo pace, R4/W1, 10:32 mmp