Pre run - such flattering light, huh???

The mall starting to fill up - I think the race was capped at 1,500, although it would be interesting to see how many bailed because of the weather (-21C with a windchill of -30C). Met up with one of my coworkers, who was running it for the first time.

I'm looking pretty happy and ready to go!

Didn't work out like I wanted it too, but here's a shot of the Blue Moon over downtown Calgary - it isn't actually blue, but it is the second full moon of the calendar month, which is very rare...hence, once in a blue moon.

Unfortunately I messed up with my Garmin, so I don't have an official time, but I'm going with 30 minutes for 3.5km, which is fine, since I haven't really run since the end of September. I only stopped once to use my inhaler (wow...haven't had to do that for a long time!), and once again to snap the photos. But for the most part, I plugged on ahead at a nice, steady pace. Even passed a few people, and they were too running! Ankle feels good - fingers crossed that I can return to running steady again.

Had a cup of hot chocolate at the wrap-up, and found out that with 49 race events in Calgary hosted by the Running Room (there are other running stores that host events too, so this is very impressive) that we (the runners) have raised over $2,000,000 for various causes in Calgary alone! We rock!!! For example, tonight's run raised money for HAWKS helicopter (the police chopper) to make sure we have at least two for 24/7 coverage. We got the first helicopter through fundraising after a young police officer was run down and killed by a stolen car. If we had a helicopter back then, he may still be alive. And I can tell you, that as a downtown citizen, I may not like the sound of the chopper flying low, but I like the fact that they're out there, looking for bad guys!

Got home, and set up the fondue pot (broth was a veggie broth that I cooked the lobster shell in, and added some seasonings - very yummy).

Appetizer: escargot in mushroom caps with a garlic butter sauce. They were out of a can, which was a tad disappointing...I make better from scratch, and will next time I'm in the mood!

A cornucopia of seafood: salmon, squid rings, shrimp, scallops and a lobster tail. Sauces were a dijonaisse, lemony dill mayo and a cocktail (ketchup, lemon juice and horseradish). And a lovely crusty bun to sop up any buttah from the escargot. And in case you thought I was ignoring vegetables...a salad.

A happy and very full tummy! I have all the fixings for a chocolate fondue, but I think that will wait for tomorrow (I didn't eat all the seafood tonight, either). I am FULL!!

Happy New Years! Hoping I can make it all the way to midnight! Less than 2 hours to go, so it's looking good...although the wine is making me very mellow!

No resolutions for me...I see no need, as I just break them. So, it will be as always...I will "just do it". Take flossing for example...after deciding to just do it, I have not missed one, single night since January 12th! It is a routine now.

Other things to "just do" this year include:
- be a girl and wear make-up every day (and that means more than mascara and blush!)

- join a running clinic/group (done - starts January 14th)

- run a marathon (or two...) - booked yet, but I want to run the Windemere in Washington state in May. And perhaps Hawaii in December - finances will dictate that one.

- watch my money - and that means setting a budget and sticking to it. I may be frugal, but I really manage to blow through money like water...need to put a cork in it!

- back to Boot Camp - again, starts in January, and I will be signed up!

- meet someone. Very tired of doing things by myself, or being the 3rd wheel. I'd actually like it if I could have cooked tonight's dinner for someone else, other than myself! And while I'm technically not drinking alone (the cats are here!), I am tired of drinking alone.

Okay, enough of the pity party! The couch is calling my name. It's time to stretch out and chill out.

Good-bye 2009 and hello 2010.

Later,