2009 Results

My 2009 goals were simpler than previous years, but also more difficult. Here are my results:

1. Run the Riverbank in less than 2:00:00 - FAIL. I had my fair share of excuses, but the bottom line is I didn't make my goal by almost 6 minutes. Full Story.
2. Run a marathon in less than 4:00:00 - SUCCESS!! This was one of my greatest athletic achievements ever. I trained well, raced smart, and gutted out an amazing final mile to reach my goal by 37 seconds!
3. Read at least 4 books cover to cover - Success. The final count was 9 full books completed. My list:

• Into the Wild by Jon Krakeur
• Timeline by Michael Creighton
• Brain Training for Runners by Matt Fitzgerald
• Conspiracy by Charlotte Greig
• State of Fear by Michael Creighton
• Angels and Demons by Dan Brown
• Sail by James Patterson
• Meltdown by Tom Woods
• The Bible

So 2/3 in 2009. Not too bad. Time for my 2010 goals and I think this year needs another Ridiculous Randy goal. This time it is food based.

1. Run the Riverbank in under 2:00:00. This will forever be a goal until I get it.
2. Read at least 6 books
3. *Ridiculous Randy Goal - Eat NO candy for the entire year. This will be challenging both because of temptations and simply from forgetting and "accidentally"eating a piece. For clarification, gum is OK, as is candy in baked goods. Candy bars, hard candy, M&M's (ouch), isolated chocolate (chocolate chips, chocolate bars) and all other obviously "candy" items are illegal. Bars, cookies, ice cream, cake, fudge, or other sweets are acceptable. I can't even guess how many candy calories I ate last year. I'm sure I'll replace them with something else, but it'll have to be at least a little healthier.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from Erin, Randy, and Evie

Elenbaas Christmas Weekend

Christmas weekend at my parents is one of the highlights of the year. We had a terrific time of hanging out this year. With 3 young kids our ambitious schedule has become much more relaxed, with most of the time spent watching the kids play.

Grandpa and Grandma took Evie outside in the snow wearing the same winter suit that Grandma Gail wore as a girl. Grandma Gail also recycled it on her children including myself. I think Evie might be the last to wear it.

Food is a major part of the weekend. From Christmas cookies to steak we pretty much never stop eating.

Evie is starting to understand how cool Christmas is. She loved the weekend and figured out that boxes with paper wrapped around them probably have treasures inside. She was also a very nice older cousin to the twins.

Evie and Kaylee

The Smiths spent the weekend with us for our annual Turkey party. The party was great and included some pretty funny games of fish bowl and solo catch phrase.
The girls really liked playing with each other. Evie doesn't get to play with other little girls very often so it was somewhat of a learning experience, but very good overall.
The mini-slide in the family room was a favorite.

On Saturday we all bundled up and did some sledding. Evie has always liked eating ice, so naturally all she wants to do outside is eat the snow. She tolerates me pulling her around the yard as long as she can scoop and eat snow whenever she wants.