Brad and I just signed up for the inaugural Portland Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon on May 20.
I've officially run 500 miles in 2011. And most have been since February when I started my half-marathon training. (200, 100, 300, 400)
I got to my turnaround spot and felt great, so I kept going. And going. And going. I was in that happy place where I wasn't pushing, just comfortable, as I wound around the neighborhoods. 7.05 miles in 1:08 - a 9:38-minute-mile average.
Brad and DB helped me celebrate my achievement:
I never thought I'd run 500 miles in a year - that's just crazy. 
About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told!
Luke 2:1-20 The Message
I ran some junk miles today: 3 miles at a moderate pace. The only real purpose was to get closer to my 500-mile goal (just 6.88 to go!!!!!!)... and to wear my Santa socks and hat in public :)
But I believe that any run is worth doing - even a couple miles. Just getting out, fresh air, sunlight, blood flowing, lungs working.
I'm glad I got out and did it.
Click HERE for the NORAD Santa Tracker and follow the big guy as he makes his way around the globe!
I went really fast (for me) and stuck with 800s instead of the 1600s I've been running. Here's the breakdown:
All told, I did 3.35 miles in 33:45, a 10:04 average. And the best part, I've completed 490.04 miles --- just 9.96 to go!!! :)
I took pictures of myself while Brad finished his speed workout (he's officially on Christmas vacation, too!):
Then we made a quick change and drove to The Gorge for a quick hike at Angel's Rest.
It was really fun!!! But I'm feeling it in my butt a bit today - haven't done steep hills in a while.
Tonight... McKee family Christmas at Cousin Amy's house. Let the holiday marathon begin :)
And Gail brought a yummy pumpkin dessert to share. YUMMO!
The card making went on for three afternoons - lots of creative fun!
Meantime, I was busy each day baking in the kitchen with different students. 
We created peppermint bark, brownies, green rice krispie treats, German chocolate bars and fudge. Click HERE for the recipes.
Andy briefly sported his ugly sweater:
And even Santa stopped by for a visit!
It was a great way to wrap up the year and kick off Winter Break :)