First Run of 2014

The first run of the new year was a good one. I hope that is an indication of what is to come.

Obviously a lot could (and probably will) happen over the course of this next year, but I’m thankful for the energizing run this afternoon. I don’t normally run in the afternoon, but I chose to sleep in this morning, take Sadie to the dog park, and then get some things done around the house this afternoon. I am a creature of habit, but it is nice to change things up every once in a while.

I ran 6 miles in 52 minutes. Definitely not speedy, but I was more happy about the more tolerable temps (mid 20s) and the fact I only had to wear one pair of pants and a headband/ear warmer instead of a hat. It’s the little things.

I started off at a pretty good clip. A few times I looked down at my watch and saw a pace of 7:45 minutes/mile. Unfortunately, it didn’t last too long, but at least I still have a little bit of that pace left in these legs. Not only was my pace a little faster, but I had nearly no hamstring pain, which is the first time in several weeks! I have been very diligent about icing and that seems to be helping.

After I finished up my run, I took Sadie for a walk/run. She gets so excited when I’m about ready to head out the door for my run only to realize she won’t be coming along. I always feel bad, so I try to take her out for 10-20 minutes after I get back. (She was being camera shy.)Craig and I had a pretty low-key New Year’s Eve celebration. We took this veggie appetizer to our party, and it was a big hit. I can’t say it is healthy (it is not), but it is delicious.

Craig made the appetizer and even designed the layout. Usually I make the rolls into a wreath, but he changed things up for the occasion. I believe I got this recipe from a magazine originally.

Christmas Veggie Wreath

Ingredients

2 packages crescent rolls

1 package cream cheese

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon dill weed

1/8 teaspoon garlic salt

broccoli, celery, and red pepper

Directions

Cut rolls into 8-10 pieces each. Place on pizza pan in the shape of a wreath. Bake according to directions on can. Cool completely.

Mix cream cheese, sour cream, sill, and garlic salt together. Spread on rolls. Top with vegetables.

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The other day we had a visitor in our front yard. I went to take Sadie out for a walk, and all of a sudden saw this young fella having dinner. Sadie wasn’t even phased by the moose and started walking towards it. I think she was hoping to make a new friend.

And now it is back to work tomorrow. Sad, I enjoyed my day off of sleeping in, getting things around the house done, having time to relax, and enjoying the simple things in life.