(G) I am starting to see myself and my training routine a bit like the little engine that could these days. I am starting slow, OK VERY slow, gradually picking up steam and I find that the mantra “I think I can, I think I can” is quite appropriate.

December is here and you may think that Lowi and I were going to stay off the wagon and just sugar cookie our way through the remainder of 2014. Au contraire. OK well me might eat sugar cookies but …

In addition to the cookies, the squat challenge is back and along with it a kinder, gentler challenge for December. We have taken on the #RUNEVERYDAY December challenge from I ❤ to Run. As we are only barely into Day 2, it’s going well. Squats done, check! Run, check!

I like the idea of committing to running, at least a mile, every day. I think it will help all of us stay on task, get some routine back, and not be too overwhelming with all the other holiday hoopla.

In fact, we even lassoed Shakira and Speedy to join us. Do you think they can sense that this is mental manipulation for another Outrun 24? Let’s not tell them, it’s just our secret.

I did realize that by the end of December I will fall a mere 100 miles short of my mileage goal for 2014. But unlike Lowi and her #100milechallenge that she accomplished in a 8 days every month, I am going to live to fight another day and let it go. I don’t have 8.5 miles in me EVERY DAY of December to hit the goal.

(L) I find it funny that G used the word manipulation to describe what “we” were doing to Shakira and Speedy because she is the biggest manipulator there is!  I was not the one who casually posted outrageous challenges for the month of December in anyone’s mailbox.  I was perfectly content to sugar my way through the month of December while at the same time being completely present!  However, since she has rocked my sugar plum fairy boat I have decided to join the fun.  I ran one pathetic little mile Monday and I did my squat challenge.  Perhaps tomorrow I will be able to muster enough energy to do more than a mile.

I will say that I did have a moment of insanity last week on the eve of Thanksgiving.  After indulging in a gluttonous burger and fries I thought it would be a good idea to try an Insanity video which I haven’t done in many months.  First of all, it made me realize how “in shape” I was back when I was doing insanity and second, how “out of shape” I am now.  I actually thought at one point that I might lose my burger right in front of Shaun T!  And I caught a glimpse of myself in the window and it was not a pretty sight.  I am pretty sure Shaun would not even want me to say that I did Insanity because it would be disrespectful to those who actually are able to complete the video in a manner that resembles physical prowess.

The moral of this torture report?  We are back!  It’s December.  It’s the month before the real training begins and it’s time to get our butts in gear.  Outrun 24 2015 better watch out!

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G