I want to run at least the same amount of miles this year as I did in 2010. That means that after yesterday's run there are 26 more miles to go -- a marathon. Shouldn't be a problem in a normal month but December is always very difficult, mileage wise.
I didn't really feel like running today. It is cold and I'd have preferred to stay inside. But after Thanksgiving it is important to maintain momentum, and my target goal of running 358 miles this year is a great motivator (34 more miles to go as of before this run).
So I put on my jacket and went anyway and allowed myself a simple run -- 4 miles, no more. It felt sluggish the first half, and never really felt fast, but when I was done I saw I ran a nice time.
A day off, a gorgeous sunny weather and legs that feel good -- I allowed myself another 6 mile run. I love this course, along both sides of the Potomac and the run was great. It doesn't hurt to burn some extra calories since today is Thanksgiving and the 20 lbs turkey has been in the oven for 4 hours already. There was very little traffic in Arlington, more in DC. Lots of people going for walks with the whole family.
Reliving your childhood is one of the great things about being a parent. I rediscovered the joy of Annie MG Schmidt's songs and poems. She is a very popular author in the Netherlands and her works have become classics.
Many of her poems were put on music, and Sasha and I have now (re)learned two beautiful songs:
...is how I feel after a good run. And today was a good run. The weather was perfect and I feel that I'm getting back in my old shape. I ran 6 miles on Thursday and today 5 miles again. To be sure I'll have to wait until tomorrow but I don't feel any discomfort. Except in my left toe, but that's because I dropped a cake-shape on it when I made the appeltaart a few days ago, haha.
Friday night Nora and I spent an evening together while Sasha and her parents went to a music evening at the Bulgarian Embassy. They saw ensemble Svitanya from Philadelphia and the local group Lyuti Chushki.
On Saturday morning we Skyped with Jaap and Mieke and then took Nora for a long walk. We saw two people that we know in the neighborhood, which is a nice feeling. Several houses are decorated for Thanksgiving with pumpkins and fall colors. Some houses are decorated more subtle than others.
In the evening Sasha and I went out for drinks and dinner.
It's a beautiful day today. I went for a slightly longer run. I was tempted to go for 6 miles but I decided against it -- I don't want to risk hurting something again, now finally my feet and legs feel good. Great run.
Today is my 34th birthday and we celebrated it with Dutch appeltaart and presents. It was a very pleasant morning, with lots of phone calls and messages. Later today we'll go to the Dutch Embassy for a party.
Last night I baked an appeltaart, a Dutch apple pie, from my father's recipe. It turned out great. Nora had a few bites of smashed pie and she liked it.
Tuesday was a tough day at work. In the evening we watched the election results and that was great. Yesterday I was super tired but last night we all slept very well (thank you, Nora). Went for a run even though I was tempted to stay home. Was a great run. Chilly, but nice. I had the lights on front and back both working -- got the front light fixed after I dropped it in Menlo Park.
Reliving your childhood is one of the great things about being a parent. I rediscovered the joy of 
Friday night Nora and I spent an evening together while Sasha and her parents went to a music evening at the Bulgarian Embassy. They saw 
Today is my 34th birthday and we celebrated it with Dutch appeltaart and presents. It was a very pleasant morning, with lots of phone calls and messages. Later today we'll go to the Dutch Embassy for a party. 