Sonja's Video Debut (with annoying squeaky voiced narration)

OK so this isn't the most fascinating video ever, but I'm learning!!! It's amazing how clearly Sonja is a working dog. She's very serious during our runs, at least the ones on trail in the snow, and seems annoyed by walking and falling. She must think both those things demonstrate a weak character.

Christmas Eve! Happy happy joy joy happy happy joy joy!!!

Celebrity Sighting at Grocery Store

Ted and I saw John Lithgow and a friend (wife?) at the grocery store. I was trying so hard not to stare and be obnoxious but he was totally in the way of all the produce I needed. It's funny because although he was casually wearing a plaid shirt he was wearing a beret tilted to the side. I don't know why that struck me as so funny. Who would have thought when Ted and I saw him in the pre-Broadway showing of Sweet Smell of Success in Chicago that we'd bump into him at the grocery store in Kalispell, Montana. This isn't really that remarkable since he lives here at least part of the year, but it's not every day in Montana that this type of thing happens.

In running news I managed 20 miles today. I was supposed to do this run yesterday but skipped it because I had so much fun Friday night I was tired on Saturday. Thus, I was 10 miles short this week and ended up with 41 miles total.

M = R

T = 8

W = 5

R = 8

F = R

S = R (and sleep until 10)

S = 20

(total 41)

Sonja ran the last 5 miles with me

cool little trail half a mile from the house

Hostess with the Mostess

Tonight Ruth and Jerry had a party and I'm always impressed by people like them -- everything is so perfect and you just feel so comfortable and happy. The food was incredible -- salmon that they caught in Alaska, caviar, pheasant, elk marsala, delicious desserts (multiple), good wine and good conversation. I need to take lessons on making the perfect little appetizers and such. They have such a nice house too -- I kind of want to just move in. It's tempting to just stay. But we want to be invited back.

Random Update

This weekend Ted and I went to Billings for my work Christmas party. My employer generously brings us all together for lobster tail and wine each Christmas. We went Friday night to celebrate our dear friend and colleague being made partner. Saturday Ted and I drove to Red Lodge which is a cute ski town an hour from Billings. I took a great picture with my cell phone of this funny giant man with a gun (statue not real) but I can't figure out how to get it from phone to computer. Our flight home this morning was EARLY and we're both pretty tired. But it was a really nice weekend and I appreciate the opportunity to get together with everyone.

In running news, I did 45 miles this week.
M = rest
T = 10
W = 9
R = rest
F = 16
S = 3 dreadmill at the hotel
S = 7

These were all slow miles. I am going to do what Jack Daniels says to do and increase about 10 miles every three weeks. And lots of whiskey. (har har har).

CHARACTERS

Cheryl was nice enough to send this to me -- in case I was missing the "Hi Guy." Hi Guy runs every race in his super loud flip flops and rides everywhere on his bike. He seems like he would be quirky and fun but rumor has it he's kind of a jerk. Anyhow, I haven't seen any comparable characters locally, so while I don't miss Hi Guy at all I do sort of enjoy his existance.

(photo courtesy of Gary)

Also, Cheryl tipped me off that the Chicken controversy in Chicago is getting serious. I do actually think the rodents make the chicken scenario a little different in Chicago than, say, Missoula. Chicago is already pretty rat-a-licious.

LINK

LAZY SUNDAY

Unless you're Ted. Here's his delicious stollen -- he baked it from scratch.



Puppy is tired from her run today:


I would have liked to nap but the dogs don't let me sleep. EVER. Note the old torn sheets on the couch -- we're hoping the couch will survive two dogs.

Today was a beautiful clear sunny day. I did my first official WS trail training run (at least I thought of it that way in my head) and I think I might have seen a BEAR!!! for the first time. It was pretty far off, so frankly, it could have been something else. But it was big, black, round and fast as it barrelled straight down the mountain. I turned around when I saw it and ended up running 13 miles (I had hoped to run 14). It was a run I would describe as glorious -- crisp cold air, beauty all around and I just felt great. Here are a few pictures I took. They don't really do the colors justice though.

RED SONJA IS ALL GROWN UP NOW
but here are some baby pictures

She recently turned one and it's hard to believe she grew so much. Her eyes aren't really red but here are some cute baby pictures -- from back when her head was proportional to the rest of her body :p




In running/training news, I've been doing crunches/back thingies and am ramping up my mileage (ha for me that's not saying much!). Hopefully tomorrow I will get in a few hours at Heron Park (on the Foys to Blacktail trail) -- although Iris scared me by telling me it's mountain lion central out there. I will carry a big stick for poking mean giant kitties.

TREE DECORATED!!!

I'M A WINNER!!!! (I think?)

I can't even believe my name was drawn. In late June, I will be running 100 miles under 30 hours. This will be an event I can't wing -- I'm sure mental fortitude is critical but it can only take you so far before you fall over. I've got a lot to do!

I have to say though, I feel a little embarassed. Kendra did not get in, and she's a *real* runner who I would expect could finish in the top 5 if not top 3. (By the way Kendra, I'd love to know what your plans are for 2008. . . ) Joe and Chris, who have done other 100s and really deserved a spot did not get in either. Me, I have no business being entered. But in recognition of opportunity I have, I plan to give this my all and make sure I show up at the starting line in shape to succeed. It will be tough to base build over the next few months -- this morning Leanne and I ran 15 (she ran 18) in the snowy cold and it was pretty miserable in parts. But I can't make excuses -- I have a very long race to get ready for!!!

In non-running news, Ted and I went to the forest and cut down a tree today (with the proper permit). It was absolutely gorgeous -- we went to Lion Lake where Le Grizz finishes up. Unfortunately I forgot my camera but I'll post pictures of the tree once it's decorated. It's kinda BIG! Funny how your perspective changes when you're out in the woods surrounded by so many trees. . .