Winter Runs

So this Southern California native found herself Sunday traipsing through several inches of thick, icy snow yesterday afternoon.

The house was clean, the brownies made, the coffee drank (I'm nesting), no good football was on (till 4 anyway. What's up, SD, what what!). Off I went.

Off I went to the parkway, my favorite place to run. Snow and ice fell from the trees, dripping on me as it melted. It felt like I was running in sand that's how grueling it was.

I saw only one other runner and two families sledding. Man I want to try sledding. I loved the solitude and the peace. And feeling like I could barely catch my breath but when I walked I sunk in even further. What a magical run.

For me this weeekend was about getting back to the basics. Me and the MAN used to spend entire weekends in bed. Lamers. I made homemade bread, brownies, went to the library, ran, read, spent time with my friends.

Friday night was the Bedazzler Christmas (the bedazzlers are what my group of friends call ourselves..I didn't name us). We had the bestest time ever. But why did I sit on my girlfriend Gen's lap?

From my family to yours: Merry Christmas! P.S. I am in black with the big goofy grin.

Can it be? Is it possible?

After pledging to become a new type of woman -- less partying, better training and, most importantly, getting rid of bad man -- I am amazed to read my blog for the first time in months and see, rather depressedly, how little progress I made this year. (see Jan. 31. My relapse lasted 11 months)

The bad: I did two races this year, a 10K and a half-marathon. I did not complete a single triathlon.
I partied like a maniac. Am I 31, you may ask, or 21?
The Worst: The bad man is still in my life. Unless you count breaking up two days ago not in my life.

But the year wasn't a complete wash.

I got promoted at work.
I coached Girls on the Run, this fantastic organization that teaches self confidence and running to little girls.
I had much fun and made some fantastic friendships.
I became an auntie.

I'm writing today so I can chronicle my journey into 2008, a year that might, just might, finally bring me the closure I need with the worst relationship I've ever been in. And along the way, take me back to the land of marathons and tris and healthy habits.