run rudolph run

i haven't gotten into the christmas spirit yet this year. i think a major reason why is that i'm not working and that excitement in the air that's so contagious is something that i haven't found. but i did buy some christmas presents on thursday and i think that might have helped. also i visited a friend's place on thursday evening (after that awesome pens' win) and saw his perfect live tree decorated w/ care by him and his 2 young kids. it was funny to see some branches sagging w/ the weight of 3 ornaments. when a kid sees a good branch he's gotta give it some love.

so today i finally felt a little of that christmas spirit so i ran w/ it. i found the radio station in boston that was playing christmas music, and although i didn't purchase a tree this year i decided to string some lights around the apartment. so now my back windows are lit up and garland is hung from the window frame in the family room too.

and after putting off working out for the past several days i forced myself to do something. especially as this weekend looks to involve lots of going out and consuming adult beverages. while i could have gone to the gym and ran on a treadmill in shorts and a short sleeve shirt i decided that the drive to the gym would be too much hassle. i instead got dressed in my warm weather gear and proceeded to sit on my couch and start pounding beers. just kidding. i braved the elements, including the concrete sidewalks, and ran 3 miles! the distance isn't the big accomplishment, but rather the fact that i ran outside and in the cold. i haven't run outside for easily over a month, and that's even w/ some 60 degree days. the biggest reasons were some injuries, including a tweaked lower back. but as of now, a few hours after the run, i feel tired but my back feels fine.