Something must be done!

During our down time lately, we have been so lethargic that we decided the only (or at least the most effective) way to motivate ourselves to be active was to register for a race of some sort. That certainly adds some urgency to our workouts. :) We have experientially proven the notion that it's way easier to get out of shape (just don't do anything!) than to get back in shape (work, work, work). Thankfully, we found the Chilly Cheeks Duathlon Series in Denver, with a race coming up in February! They do the race "snow or shine," so it should be interesting. You never know what the weather will be like in Colorado in February, apparently. My friend Jill told me recently that here we usually have more snow at Easter than at Christmas! That will be a new experience. Since we don't currently own bikes, we pounced on the "four-mile run only" option, which is long enough to be decently brag-worthy, but short enough to train for adequately in two months after a spate of ZERO physical activity. Cold weather impedes the California-acclimated outdoor runner, but earmuffs, gloves, lots of layers, and Underarmor do much to make it bearable.

This afternoon, in fact, we initiated "Training Session #1," a.k.a. a nice hour-plus jog/walk at Cottonwood Creek Park, not too far from home. It has warmed up so much from last week, and we now deem a temperature in the high 30's to feel amazingly pleasant. I think we're adjusting to the climate! Most of the snow on the roads has disappeared, and only patches remain in grass areas or shaded roof angles. In our wandering through the park, we invented a game! We found a large area of iced-over creek (and checked for thickness before stepping out onto it, don't worry, Moms). I must objectively report that Sean "won" the competition of seeing how far we could slide on the ice on our feet, after a running start. I was a little too timid, and wary of falling on the slippery ice, so I didn't get up as much speed. :) It was so beautiful, and so refreshing to be outside. There's something cathartic about gazing up at wispy clouds in crisp winter air, or stopping to ponder a bird on the topmost branch of a bare, spindly tree. There's such variety in creation. What a great God we know and love, who made it all out of nothing.

One week 'til Christmas! :) Actually, I think we will celebrate our little "Allen Family Christmas" on the 22nd due to Sean's work schedule. Should be fun! We are very much looking forward to our first Christmas together. Last year he helped me and my then-roommate Amy decorate our tree in our apartment... but things are way different now! We weren't even dating at that point. How things change! :) We hope to create special memories to cherish in the future.

-M