Today I went for a run with the school group. Running with this group has become a highlight of my week because it’s always entertaining conversation, varying paces and a new route each week. This year running has introduced me to new running friends far away and close to home. And I am incredible grateful for that.

We took to the road earlier than normal in order to beat the clock and sunset. It was drizzling when we started and a steady rain developed and soaked us for the entire run. The temperature hovered just below 40 making it bearable, but only if you were moving. Despite my hands taking the entire evening to thaw out, it was still a solid seven miles.

Today I went for a run after taking a week off from running. After five months of training and four marathons later, I finally told myself it was okay to take a break. I love running, I love running endorphins and I love the personal satisfaction each runs brings me; however, sometimes you need to take a moment to yourself. I have made it injury free through these past few months, but I felt like this week was a good natural time to break. Christmas shopping, decorating our tree and house, painting my nails with my daughter, heading to Christmas Pageant rehearsal and juggling the last busy weeks of the school year, took priority. I picked up a few more barre classes than I’ve been accustomed to the last few months.

And it was great.

On Sunday morning I laced up with Shawn joined three more friends and took in the rolling hills of Kingsville. It was good to recharge all week and just take it easy for a change. Now let’s transition into the winter months, less miles, more sleep and some down time.

Today I went for a run in the morning with a rainy, snow mix. I was totally caught off guard with the perciptation that was not in the forcast the night before. Luckily I had my cold weather gear handy, gloves most importantly, and we headed out through the cold drizzle. During the course of the run rain turned snow and back again, revealing itself in the glow of the streetlights. We kept the pace easy, dodging slick spots that were developing on the sidewalk edge. It would be the most calming part of my hyperbusy day and I’m thankful I did not turn over after seeing a rainy obstacle. There are many things I cannot control, but I can control my thoughts, my words and my actions. Today I decided to keep showing up – all morning, afternoon and well into the night.

Today I went for a run with the school group for an impromptu run around the track. In true ‘twelve year old boy’ fashion my son emailed me at eight am to let me know he had an after school holiday party today. Afternoon run cancelled – bummer. I let the group know and surprisingly they took the run ‘on the road’ and we switched locations in order for me to get in a 5k before pick up! A new loop was mapped out for a warm up through the neighborhood and ended with a few loops around the track. A cancelled run, turned new location run ended up being a well needed change of pace for me. Sometimes the best runs happen when you least expect it.

Today I went for a run in NJ before we traveled back to Maryland. Despite taking off Friday and Saturday from running, I found motivation to get one last long run in before the Rehoboth Marathon next weekend. I’m not going to lie, with the colder temperatures it gets harder to get out the door sometimes. After a pretty busy fall, I think I’m ready for a break from long runs and extra miles. But of course, once I get out I never regret the run. This morning I looped my parents neighborhood until the sun came up. Hey, it’s pretty dark on the back roads – no street lights, less traffic and no sight of the moon.

Slowly the sky turned cotton candy pink and blue, before a vibrant orange and hot pink filled the skyline. It was a picturesque skyline before an impending snowstorm. As I ran, even the field was filled with scattered, sitting cows. Country folklore says, when all cows are sitting rain is on its way. (At least that’s what someone told me?!) I finished up my ten mile run, content with getting it done in time to get a quick shower and pack the car in order to hit the road. I did not regret the run, but running this loops makes it easy to get lost in the run!

Today I went for a run on Thanksgiving for our annual family Turkey Trot! This is our fourth year taking part as a family for a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. We signed up for the Flemington CEA/Joanna Turkey Trot for a second year, despite the sub 10 degree weather we withstood last year. We took on the challenge again in hopes of better weather and friendly competition. This year strong 15mph winds and 30mph gusts were in store for us. We layered up and drove into town to grab our bibs. The McTormey Trotters were ready to take the streets!

Shawn began to tease about the record he wanted to set and picking up the pace. The kids laughed and looked forward to their 2 mile run/walk and quest to compete against each other. The race started and we began, crawling through the first half mile. The crowd of almost 4,000 did not leave room for people to maneuver, let alone run. We began dodging and finally after mile two I had pushed past the crowd to find a faster pace. I finished and Shawn soon behind me. We waited for the kids before grabbing our medals.

The race had a great after party behind the old courthouse made famous by the Lindbergh Trial. Despite the warm sun, the wind gusts made it cold and we quickly made our way back to the car. What a great way to spend our time before a full day of family, food and relaxation. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Today I went for a run on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving!!! Short weeks always seem to be the busiest. Between school, packing, cleaning and changing over for the holiday there never seems to be enough time. Monday I was able to get in a 45 minute barre class and held a seven and a half minute plank! Yesterday I went for an eight mile run with the school group. We met at Honeygo for a change and looped around the area as the sun set. Lately it has gotten noticable the shortened hours of daylight and the runs spent chasing the remaining rays. Today I was able to get an easy five miles before school. It was a good morning to listen to a good jam and find an easy groove. Despite a rough Sunday of disappointment, I have had a fun few days getting in some good workouts. Now I’m looking forward to seeing family and enjoying time in NJ.

Today I went for a run and only completed a 5 mile long run on a cold, rainy day. Sometimes life just gets too busy to get in a run. With an extra day of work Saturday and a busy Sunday, five miles was all I was able to get finished. Not to mention it was a cold rain that leaves you chilled to the bone!!! I’m trying not to beat myself up about not getting in my run, but with a marathon in two weeks, its tough not to feel let down. But I’m thankful for the five that I completed and I’ll just have to let it go. I was still able to complete five, catch up with a friend and enjoy the rest of my Sunday.

Today I went for a run with the guys, early before school. It was a basic everyday run, but I was feeling a little sore from my barre class last night. I’m still trying to stay in a running routine, but my legs feel like they might need a break. I’m hoping with barre being added back into the routine more consistently it will add a welcoming cross training day to help boost my legs. More importantly, it was a food day at school and I had to cut my run to five miles to ensure air got root beer float fixin’s! Priorities!

Today I went for a run early before a busy Thursday. Unfortunately my barre class was cancelled yesterday, so it turned into an awkward, empty Wednesday. So I set my alarm and got out this morning to log five miles. I hit the streets with some new tunes, but Chicago’s ’25 or 6 to 4′ caught my stride. Nothing like a quiet morning, cool 40 degree temperature and a good beat to hold your stride. Now to catch another shot at barre later tonight!