I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas with family and friends, and the holiday was filled with lots of love and happiness. Home has been great so far, and I have really enjoyed spending time with my sisters while we are all in the same time zone. There have been lots of laughs and smiles in the midst of shopping, playing Wii Just Dance (probably the most laughs here) and just relaxing at home. I have also really enjoyed going to the pool with Hannah and Scarlet and seeing how much they have improved. Prior to heading out to CO, I always used to coach them with their swimming. Now, I can see that their work ethic and dedication has taken them far in the sport. It is truly awesome to see hard work and commitment at their age!
It has been pretty cold here in CT, and unlike the powerful Colorado sunshine which melts away snow within hours of it falling, it seems to linger here. We had a brutal snowstorm on Sunday with wind gusts up to 60mph, and a total of 18 inches of snow accumulating. Unfortunately, the snow still is everywhere, roads still icy, and freezing temperatures still evident. An all time high is expected tomorrow at 48 degrees, so maybe we can have the luxury of wearing only two layers instead of three :)
Training has been fun! I haven't been able to ride outside, so just enjoying lots of trainer rides and movie watching. Even though the cold weather isn't very appealing, running in it doesn't seem too bad. Once the blood is flowing, if dressed properly, it is pretty comfortable. I have been enjoying lots of scenic, hilly roads that Middlebury has to offer, and taking advantage of sea level running time. We did our traditional 5 mile Christmas run, and this year, all the girls came! To break tradition, we refused to wear Santa hats and instead watched my Mom wear hers the whole way as she insisted tradition could not be broken. Swimming hasn't been equally as fun, as the pool at the YMCA I swim at is about 10 degrees too cold. Everyday when I go to swim it takes me about 10 mins of standing on the side of the pool to convince myself to jump in. Besides the hypothermic water conditions, I have felt great in the water and strong. I think it is rewarding to train in different locations and different conditions every once and awhile, to challenge yourself.
On a much more important note, the trip home has been most enjoyable because of the time spent with family. With the holiday season, and the start of a new year tomorrow, I am able to reflect on all the relationships I have with family and friends. I am just so fortunate for the love that surrounds me and appreciative of what the people in my life have given me. Happiness, courage, support, and LOTS of love. 2010 has been a great year, and I know 2011 will top it :) Bring on the new year!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Jessica
