• Days since my release from 26 years in prison: 135
• Miles run today: 8.3
• Miles run this week: 44.6
• Miles run during the calendar month: 151.8
• Marathon distances completed: 13
• Weight: 166

Journal of activities:

For the first time in more than 10 years of marriage, I woke in the same house with my wife on Christmas morning. During previous years, I had to wait for prison authorities to let me know when I’d be able to spend time with my wife.

Carole and I weren’t able to share much time together, as Carole is a nurse and she was scheduled to work today. We exchanged gifts in the early morning, then I went outside to exercise. I am very grateful for all of the blessings in our life, but I wouldn’t say that I’m loaded with Christmas spirit. I’m still very much in “preparation mode.” I’m going to need another year of acclimating in society before I’ll be ready to fully join the festivities associated with the birth of Christ. While my mother and sisters celebrated Christmas in their cities, I spent the day alone working on a book proposal that I’m still deliberating. I have a lot to complete before this year ends.