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We have a new addition to our family since the last I was posting. Nikita, our new Siberian Husky puppy. We have had her since Carlsbad Half Marathon weekend - Jan. 23rd. Picked her up from the breeder on the way home. I have had many dogs previous. This is my third Northern breed - two Huskies now and one Alaskan Malamute. I have also had a Collie and a mixed Shepard/ Husky.

My family really enjoyed the Collie. He was beautiful, sweet and very loyal. Smart as well. Yet, there is something about Huskies and Malamutes. They are runners at heart. Not the fastest, yet strong runners of endurance. They are also extremely affectionate and playful. In the case of Huskies very smart as well. Now with all that said - our new Siberian Pooper has been fun, beautiful, but still none the less a handful. Or, as another blogger uses this acronym to affectionately call her Hubs - a certified royal P.I.T.A. We love her regardless. The fun of having her, out weighs all the puppy annoyances that pop up, or should I say poop up/out :). I have taken her on a few short distance runs of a mile each now. She does well with them as long she is not distracted along the way. Mainly, we do walks - three times a day.

Running? Yes, it is the reason I started blogging. I am still getting in what I can. Yet, time is an issue. With the puppy walks, plus all the frenzy that can be our family (basketball, soccer, baseball, ballet, violin, piano, school and church) finding the time has been hard.

I did run Carlsbad HM as mentioned. It was a strong run. I was pleased with my finish. More pleased though with the event. Almost perfect event for me to do and my family to support me at doing. Great weather and beautiful location. Will do this one again over any other event that time of year. Thanks for the quick meet up Meg and Steve on the course. Fun seeing friendly faces. The ocean was - well? - transcendental to run next too. The hills and flats were a perfect blend throughout the course.

No, I did not do Surf City. Kinda sad about that. Yet there was no way I was going to miss another weekend of my kiddos playing basketball, or them missing their games. Plus, puppy kinda makes travel a little challenging right now.

Still, I am finding time to get in 6-8 mile runs plus a few 3-5 milers since Carlsbad. This week, I am trying to step it up more with some hill work and added distance. Soccer coaching starts up next week again. So, will see how it all comes together for me.

Overall, running is still a huge part of me and will always continue to be just that. However, as I jump back into writing a blog again - there will be more than just that. Much more.

Generally, I feel life is pretty Cheerful. Running helps keep that humming along, as well as my faith. However, travel, books, food, music, films, art, society, the world, people, my wife and kiddos mean so much more at any given time than just running by itself. It was getting to be a tedious thing and tiring to just write about running alone. So, now more of me. Opening up on many different topics seems refreshing.

Generation X? Favorite book by Douglas Coupland. I re-read it every so often. Hits the spot sometimes like eating great bread dipped into olive oil, watching a great scene in one my favorite movies, or just sitting at the beach. Plus, now - even in my mid 40's - I still feel part of a Generation X.

Cheers!