Changing Gears

Even though Connecticut is refusing to accept the change of seasons and get some snow already, things are changing around the Souzek household. Out of nowhere, I have become a runner. Caring about my cardiovascular health yet being unwilling to spend more than the minimum amount of time away from Veronika has led me to pursue an activity that I don't particularly enjoy. The joys of accomplishment and progress are starting to make it bearable but given a choice, running would not be high on my list of ways to exercise. So as a way to keep myself motivated, I am invoking the spirit of competition. Specifically I am preparing myself for my first 5k, the 20th Annual Christopher Martin's 5K Christmas Run for Children, taking place this Sunday in New Haven. Six weeks ago I ran a mile and change on a treadmill in 12:00 minutes and thought that was enough. Two days ago I ran just over three miles through Westchester horse farm country in 45-degree weather in 27:29. And guess what? There's another 5k the next weekend and one on January 2nd too. I know, I've gone a little nuts about it but that's how I do things, all or nothing. When I'm in the middle of a run, I never think I'm going to make it. When I'm done and have regained my breath, I think anything is possible (even the NYC marathon!). Only time will tell how I will measure up against my lofty expectations.

Since I am speeding up, someone else must be slowing down. Enter Digby. I've mentioned his transformation before but now you can see for yourself just how drastic things have become in his new photo album: Sleepy Dog.

And the universe remains in balance.