• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Mile By Mile

Life is what happens when you're busy running marathons...

  • Home
    • Contact Page
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recent Posts
  • Run Coaching
    • Coaching Philosophy
    • Contact Page
  • Left Menu Extras

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Training Plans & Downloadable Resources
    • Store
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • Virtual Race Resource Guide
  • Running
    • Running Posts
      • Runners’ Roundup
      • Fartlek Friday
    • Favorites
    • Races
    • Workouts
      • Running Workouts
      • Strength Training Workouts
  • Right Menu Extras

in Holidays · November 17, 2014

The Holidays Begin

I sort of feel like I experienced November and December all at once this weekend. I mean, wasn’t it just Halloween? I think many of us are feeling like the holiday season is approaching way too quickly, but I guess there’s not a whole lot we can do about it! For Rob and I, the holiday season gets really busy with traveling to see our families. We will be with Rob’s parents for Thanksgiving and next week is our marathon, so we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving with my parents this past weekend. 

table
wine
Of course there was wine
apps
katie and ben
My sister Katie and her boyfriend Ben
lisa and rob
group
turkey
plate
sister
dessert
strawberries, ice cream, and my mom’s famous pumpkin bread

It was fun to celebrate, even if it was almost two weeks early! Thanksgiving dinner is one of my favorite meals ever, so why would I complain about getting to eat it more than once? 

On Sunday we decided to decorate our apartment for Christmas. We have never decorated this early- usually we wait until December. But we won’t be around much between Thanksgiving and Christmas and we like to at least see our decorations for a little bit. We have a small, fake tree that we have used since we moved into our place 4 years ago. And over those 4 years, we have accumulated quite a bit of ornaments and decorations!

tree
fireplace
table

And of course, ended the weekend with a nice glass of wine.

xmas wine

 Now that we have jumped into the holiday season, maybe things need to slow down for a bit. Ya know, so I can run my fall marathon and start Christmas shopping?

  • When do you start decorating for the holidays? 
  • What is your favorite kind of meal? 

Coaching

Interested in learning more about the coaching services I offer? Learn more here!

Newsletter Sign up

Subscribe to the Mile by Mile Newsletter for Updates, Running Tips, and More!

* indicates required
Previous Post: « Philadelphia Marathon Training Week 13
Next Post: I Mustache You Some Questions »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jessie says

    November 17, 2014 at 10:23 am

    I don’t blame you for decorating early. Like you said you & Rob have a jam packed next couple weeks. I’m a bit jealous y’all got to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving dinner already. Sounds like you two had a fabulous time with your parents, sister & her boyfriend, Ben.

    We start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. If it were up to me, it would’ve already happened. Ha!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:14 am

      We usually decorate the day after Thanksgiving too. I think its nice to have everything up early, as long as you don’t get sick of it before Christmas:)

  2. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    November 17, 2014 at 10:27 am

    Love the sister picture! I sort of feel differently every year about this season but this year I’m looking forward to the decorations and I don’t think it’s too early. Maybe that’s just me looking forward to put the training behind me 🙂

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:15 am

      Maybe that is why I was ok decorating already, too! Part of me wanted “winter” to wait until after the race, but since it got so cold anyway I feel like its ok to just dive into the holidays.

  3. meredith @ The Cookie ChRUNicles says

    November 17, 2014 at 11:01 am

    I love Thanksgiving and can’t believe it is next week already. I should really find out when Hanukah starts this year!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:16 am

      I feel like it really came around fast this year! Its such a fun holiday- I love the long weekend and eating all the food!

  4. Nicole@TheGirlWhoRanEverywhere says

    November 17, 2014 at 11:09 am

    We’re doing an early diner this weekend coming weekend doth my parents, I’m really excited! I also don’t need an excuse to eat delicious turkey!!:):)

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:17 am

      Sounds like fun! I hope you also enjoy your extra Thanksgiving! More than one Thanksgiving is never a bad thing:)

  5. Sara says

    November 17, 2014 at 11:37 am

    Thanksgiving really is the best meal. All the comfort food in one sitting! We’ve been doing dinner on Thanksgiving eve for the last 10 years, so the whole family is able to get together..

    I still have Halloween decorations up….I was sick and lost two weekends, so I had to choose between getting the house in order or taking down the spooky decor. Next weekend though… I do have Hanukkah decorations that I’ll get up after Thanksgiving.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:18 am

      I think celebrating the holidays is all about making it work for you and your family, without worrying if its celebrated on the actual day.
      There is plenty of time to get decorations up for the next round of holidays:)

  6. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    November 17, 2014 at 11:48 am

    I like that rather than just saying, eh it isn’t going to happen this year, you made a preemptive strike on the whole thing and made sure that the holidays happened in away that you would enjoy. And what a perfect way to taper! Relax, fuel up, and have happy distractions!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:19 am

      Yes, exactly! Since we have been married its been all about making it work for us even it it means that some of the celebrations are not on the actual holiday.

  7. Sam @ The Running Graduate says

    November 17, 2014 at 12:17 pm

    I love decorating for Christmas! My family always waits until after my birthday to decorate for the holidays. I want to decorate my room at school but can’t think of what to do!
    My family does fried turkey for Thanksgiving, that’s definitely my favorite!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:20 am

      You could probably get a few inexpensive decorations at target? I’ve never tried fried turkey- sounds delicious!

  8. Jennifer says

    November 17, 2014 at 12:34 pm

    Looks great! I just ordered my tree from a local elementary school – this year I upgraded from table top to 3-4 footer 🙂 Looking fwd to its delivery in December. I’ll usually start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving, but I’ve already started holiday shopping.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:22 am

      Our tree is about 4 feet I think and its perfect for our apartment! That will be so fun getting to decorate your bigger tree for the first time!
      I started some online shopping last week, but I haven’t really gotten anywhere…Im sure Ill still be getting stuff the week before Christmas!

  9. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    November 17, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    OMG, already decorated for xmas!!? I’m not ready!!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:22 am

      I know,its really early! But we have a lot going on over the next few weeks so figured we would get it done ahead of time:)

  10. Beth @ RUNNING around my kitchen says

    November 17, 2014 at 2:09 pm

    I have always waited till after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas but this year I kind of have an urge to decorate earlier….not sure why. Maybe all the media exposure and stores being stocked for Christmas is wearing off on me and it doesn’t seem as early anymore 🙂 I’m not a big fan of the turkey, but I love all of the sides for Thanksgiving!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:23 am

      I think that all the holiday exposure is rubbing off on a lot of people! I love turkey, but I love all the sides too!

  11. Lizzy says

    November 17, 2014 at 2:10 pm

    Wow! I can’t believe you already decorated, how fun! Unfortunately I need to finish unpacking our house before we start decorating, but I’m hoping to get to both projects on Thanksgiving weekend.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:24 am

      Thanksgiving weekend is a great weekend to decorate! I just hope I don’t get sick of the decorations before Christmas!

  12. Lesq says

    November 17, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Celebrating holidays are enjoyable. Your family is doing what works for them. Better to have more celebrations with family then less when it is enjoyable. The holiday season should be easy, relaxing and chill–good food shared with people we care about. Sounds like you have a lot of good holiday times coming up. Great to look forward to after your SUCCCESSFUL marathon run! Don’t overthink this week. Just mentally and physically prepare yourself. there’s a saying “we make plans and the universe laughs because it has its own plans for us. we really can’t control anything.” Just go with it. Life has a way of working out.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:25 am

      That quote is so true! I have been trying to relax and just prepare myself for the race. And you are right about making the holidays work for your own family. Finding a time to get together and celebrate is what matters.

  13. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    November 17, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    I love your tree and Christmas decorations! This weekend really got me ready for the holidays too!

    I’d love if you shared your weekend post on my new Weekend Snapshots link-up page. It just went live today!

    http://www.herheartlandsoul.com/weekend-snapshots-linkup/

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:25 am

      Thanks! And I will head over to check out your link now!

  14. Lesley says

    November 17, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    I started listening to Christmas music last week because it was cold enough, I didn’t feel guilty. My Christmas tree tradition is to put it up on Black Friday. I let the crazies have the roads that day and I stay in and watch Muppet Christmas Carol.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:26 am

      I actually haven’t broken out the Christmas music yet- but soon! That sounds like a great tradition:)

  15. Kristina says

    November 17, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    Happy early thanksgiving!!! I wouldn’t hate having thanksgiving dinner a couple of times! 😀

    Just this weekend I was wondering if it was too early to decorate for Christmas. I pulled the boxes of decorations out last week and have been waiting for the right moment… I think I may just go for it when I get home from work tonight!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:27 am

      Its not too early if you are in the mood! I just hope I don’t get sick of them before Christmas:)

  16. Chrissy @ Pink Polish and Running Shoes says

    November 17, 2014 at 8:22 pm

    I decorate the day after Thanksgiving every year.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:27 am

      That’s a good day to do it. If I were home that weekend I would probably do the same thing!

  17. Marcia says

    November 17, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    I swear I came back from NYCM and Christmas was in full swing. We skipped right from Halloween to Christmas this year and it seems the weather has too! I won’t decorate until after Thanksgiving but I would if I were travelling. One needs time to enjoy it, right?

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 12:28 am

      I think that the weather definitely has an effect of the holiday feeling. And yes, we want to have some time to enjoy the decorations! Hopefully the next few weeks slow down a bit!

  18. Hailey says

    November 18, 2014 at 1:04 am

    Oh yum. I’m definitely a bit (or a lot) jealous of your two Thanksgivings 🙂 Usually the Christmas tree goes up the weekend of Thanksgiving around here. I would have it up earlier, but since I’m living at home now…I’m out numbered haha.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      Haha well Thanksgiving is a good weekend to get it up! Plus you won’t get sick of it before Christmas:)

  19. Amy says

    November 18, 2014 at 2:18 am

    I love all foods Thanksgiving, too! I am actually in transition between fall decorations and Christmas decorations. Our apartment is sort of sporting a bit of both, which is a little weird…

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:58 pm

      I’m sure it looks great! We don’t decorate for Thanksgiving, which is possibly why we moved directly to Christmas so early.

  20. Salt says

    November 18, 2014 at 2:39 am

    I love your Christmas decorations!! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who got started a little early. 🙂 Hapoy early Thanksgiving to you guys! Your dinner looked delicious!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 10:59 pm

      Thanks! I know I saw your instagram right after we finished and it made me feel better that others were also decorating for the holidays:)

  21. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    November 18, 2014 at 3:37 am

    Sounds like a fabulous weekend. Never too early to celebrate a great Thanksgiving meal. I usually put Christmas tree up on Thanksgiving.

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 11:00 pm

      Thanksgiving will be a good time to get it up! Plus you won’t get sick of it before Christmas:)

  22. GIselle says

    November 18, 2014 at 3:37 am

    Happy early Thanksgiving! Looks like it was a good celebration. We are hosting a friends giving this weekend then my in-laws on turkey day then up to my moms for another thanksgiving the day after. Always busy but fun!

    • [email protected] says

      November 18, 2014 at 11:00 pm

      That sounds great! Have so much fun!

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

logo
Food Advertisements by

Training Plans and Running Guides

Training Plans
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Past Posts

Categories

VDOT Certified Coach

VDOT Certified Coach

RRCA Certified Coach

RRCA Certified Coach
logo
Food Advertisements by
logo
Food Advertisements by

© 2025 Mile By Mile Blog All rights reserved

Footer

Mile By Mile Running

Life Is What Happens When You're Busy Running Marathons

Lets Run!
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of n Would it even be race week if I wasn’t a ball of nerves and not able to sleep? This is my first big marathon in 10 years, my first time traveling to a race in 10 years, and my first time spending the night away from my kids. And of course I’m tapering so I can’t run off the nerves 🙃 #marathontraining #taper #richmondmarathon
Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definit Looked like fall, felt like summer 🍁 I was definitely overdressed for this run but it was nice to not wear gloves or a headband! This was the run I needed a week before my marathon. After last week’s disaster of a long run it felt great to just run an easy 10 miles. (And these days 10 miles feels like nothing). I think I figured out the fueling and shoes 🤞so nothing left to do but take it easy, carb load, and get in the right mindset! Is it unseasonably warm where you are?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to b Yesterday’s long run was not what I wanted it to be. The plan was to take the day off from work, head to the trail where I could run 10 uninterrupted miles at MP (16 total) and practice my race day fueling while wearing my race day shoes.

What actually happened? All week I was stressed about this run and the condition of the trail. We had lots of rain on Thursday, and Friday was forecasted to be very windy. I tried to get in the best mindset possible, reminding myself that I won’t be able to control the conditions on race day. Meanwhile, I haven’t been sleeping well thanks to my 2 year old waking up every night, and my watch has been basically telling me that I’m losing all my fitness and need a week of recovery.

While I started the run feeling pretty good, after 11 miles (7 at MP) my stomach turned and I almost got sick on the side of the trail. I just couldn’t recover from that. The best I could do was run the rest of the miles easy, and needed some walk breaks. On top of that, my shoe kept rubbing my foot on top and I stopped twice to retie it. This has never happened before and now I’m questioning what shoes I should wear for the race. The trail was also in rough condition with several trees blocking it, lots of wet leaves, and rocks/sticks that I had to look out for.

I just can’t believe how bad I felt for the last 5 miles of this run and I can’t pinpoint the cause. Am I overdoing it with the fueling and can’t handle it on harder effort runs? Was it something I ate recently? The hard part is there’s no time to really try something different before the race, as all I have left is a 10 mile easy run next weekend.

I’m trying to remember that one bad run does not take away from all the good runs this training cycle. I’m using today to reset and move on so I can make the most of my last 2 weeks of training. It’s not the way I wanted my last big long run to go, but I suppose it was good practice for pushing through even when I felt pretty awful.

Who else has had a terrible long run close to your race?

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questi Spent almost every step of this 21 mile run questioning my life choices. Like waking up at 3am to run 12 miles on the treadmill and 9 outside. This was a crazy week with a kid that wasn’t sleeping great and fighting a cold and super busy days at work. My legs were just tired the whole time today. It was really hard to run outside after so many treadmill miles and my pace was much slower than inside.

I reminded myself that this is peak week. It’s supposed to feel hard. If it was easy everyone would do it. I ran 53 miles this week and am not injured. The weather is perfect. I’ve gotten in every planned run of this training cycle so far.  I get to do this. 

And I managed to finish strong with my last 3 miles the fastest of the (outside) run. I owe that to a solid fueling plan and taking all my gels even when I really didn’t want to.

3 weeks to go until race day!

#running #marathontraining #longrun
Follow on Instagram

Some of the links on my site are affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small compensation for clicks and/or purchases, but this will not cost you anything. Your support is greatly appreciated!

 

© Mile By Mile Blog, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Mile by Mile Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Mile by Mile Running · Copyright © 2025

Copyright © 2025 · Carpe Diem on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in