23 weeks to go

Week 23 begins today. I ran very little last week but am trying to regain my motivation. A couple night runs and a run commute to work, as seen in the following photos. My back is mildly sore but I can run. I'm hesitant to do my calisthenics though. 

Today I hit the Wyre Forest with the Chariot. It was sunny out and refreshing to get away. The little guy woke at 440am today and was up late last night, I'm assuming his final two molars are pushing through. He slept easily and well in the buggy. I did  7 all out 1 minute hill repeats pushing him which were difficult. Then continued on easy for a nice 10 miler. 

This time of the year is hard for me. Social media shows people absolutely stoked for winter. Ski areas begin to open, smiles abound. The backcountry folks poke about looking for fresh turns without a rocky bottom exploring new terrain and old favorites. The excitement and anticipation is infectious but I die a quick death here. I haven't felt the stoke for a long time. 

The holiday season is always fun with my family, yet again though I'll miss out. New exciting foods to try, fun conversation, silly gifts. I guess it's my job to instill those qualities with my kids' Christmas but it's tough on your own. All I can hope for is a swift winter, spring ushering itself in, pushing the dark clouds away. This is the time running is most important, clearing my mind of the filth that creeps in.

On we go. The sleep specialist comes Wednesday to discuss the little guy's early waking pattern. Hopefully we can get done answers.

I believe Saturday is the Western States 100 lottery. It's broadcast live. If I remember I'll post a link. Oh, and the Strava widget on the side of my blog hasn't been updating because I'm too lazy to "unlock" the runs for public viewing! Maybe once I get some more positivity going I'll get after that!