Muddy Trails

It's Christmas Eve Eve!  I've reviewed our calendar and Les traveled 25 weeks this year - 22 for business.  I was able to go along for 14 of those weeks (10 to Hawaii), so I didn't live alone the entire year.  But we are happily staying home this week.  I've done a little decorating, no baking, no shopping and I'm not sending Christmas cards this year!  I'm not a Scrooge, I'm just worn out.  We don't exchange gifts with family members (their idea) so we might hit some after Christmas sales for any running/cycling gear we "need."  We'll have a nice breakfast and dinner on Christmas day, just the two of us, enjoy some much needed down time and reflect on a Savior who came.

How we travel to Hawaii - lots of suitcases and a bike!

I have less than 40 miles to go to hit my 2000 mile goal for the year!  I'm glad I didn't hit it early because that goal dangling out there so close is keeping me getting up and out the door. 

My favorite Oahu run - Tantalus

We spent a couple of weeks on Oahu this month (our last trip) and I was able to spectate the Honolulu Marathon.  Les was part of the wheelchair cycling escort team again.  All the Hawaii cyclists I know absolutely love this event!  The wheelers take off five minutes before the runners so they are the first ones on the course.  The cyclists provide safety by way of lights and whistles.  Often it's just a quick warning to volunteers that they are coming through.  Les' wheeler got first place, finishing 26.2 miles in 1:33:12 (3:34 pace!)  Second place was only 17 seconds behind him.  These competitors are incredible!

They start AND finish before the sun comes up!

Tradewinds Cycling Team - wheeler escorts extraordinaire

Firefighters who run/walk the entire Honolulu Marathon in full gear!  I have seen them the last three years.  Heroes in every way.

We came home Saturday to winter.  I ran Sunday morning and it was 37 degrees (it was 73 at 5:30 am in Honolulu.)  It was the same temperature on Monday when I went mountain biking.  It rained yesterday so I took the day off.  We rode our mountain bikes this morning and the trail was quite a bit different.  Lots of puddles, large puddles!  There was also one very slick spot.  Les got bogged down in it going up and I slid my way through it going down. Fun times!

I wrote a little verse to the tune of Jingle Bells...

Dashing Down the Trail
On a Two Wheeled Specialized
Got Mud in My Hair
Les Got It In His Eyes!

 Merry Christmas!  I'll have a full 2015 year in review up next week, after I hit my 2000 mile mark!