You know what they say about good intentions …

My resolve to eat healthfully and run while I was gone over the weekend evaporated inexplicably and rapidly the farther I got from West Virginia. I refuse to try to analyze it.

It is what it is. Or was what it was, I guess.

I had a wonderful and relaxing time while I was gone. The sum of my physical activity consisted of holding and carrying a 16-pound baby at every opportunity.

Well, okay, a little analysis. Even though I ate fast food [twice!], a burger-and-fries lunch at Montana Grill and Chinese Saturday night, my weight is the same this morning as it was Friday morning before I left. Surprise!

On the way out of town I stopped to buy Yet Another Pair of Running Shoes. I've run so little over the past two weeks that the callus that usually burns a hole in the ball of my right foot is nearly gone. I still get a little pin prick of pain with the two pairs of New Balance shoes I've bought this year, though, so I'm trying a pair of Brooks. I can return them within 90 days if they're not obviously worn, meaning the tryout will be on the treadmill.

My gift from my son was a DVD he produced of the video and stills he took at the City of Oaks race in November. I've never seen video of myself running.

I totally suck.

I'm more of a shuffler than a runner, so I definitely have some work to do improving my form. I wish the video evidence matched the mental picture I have of myself when I'm out there on the road. In my mind I look like the people in the Nike commercials – you know, the ones whose feet barely touch the ground. I guess it's better to have a positive image than a negative one, though.

The knitted ball dodecahedron was a big hit with both the baby and her parents, as were the tiny felted clogs. I started a hooded pullover for myself before I left and got quite a bit done on it when the baby was sleeping. Otherwise, my hands and arms were otherwise – and happily – occupied.

Hope your New Year's Eve is a happy one.