I had my first run of the new year today. First run in ten weeks. I planned on taking it easy and only going for three miles, but it felt so good that I ran five miles. The weather was perfect for running, 27° and zero wind. I’m sore now, but happy.

I began strength training after the holidays but I’ve still gained fifteen pounds. Prepping for that ultra in April will take some focus. I want to be able to run with my daughter and I won’t be able to do that unless I get back to where I was before breaking my collarbone. Thinking I can hang with a girl half my age might be delusional, but it’ll be fun if I can run with her for even a little ways.

The Yeti water bottle in the photo will be Karen’s gift for crewing the ultra. I expect her contribution will be babysitting Margot while Brit and I run and Eric crews us. That counts though. It takes a team to crew.