Tomorrow I’ll be flying out to Germany for some much need time off. We typically do this almost every year around the holidays since my wife needs to go back and visit friends and her parents.

Although Germany basically sucks in the winter; it’s cold, and gets dark at 4pm, and the sun doesnt come up until 9am, I’m still looking forward to this. And it’s not just because we aren’t staying with my wife’s parents this time.

The area where we are headed, Dusseldorf, has some great places to run along the Rhein river and some trails in Grafenberger Wald. Having every day off from now until we get back will allow me to get in a lot of mileage. Not having the stress of trying to fit my run in during the day is what really makes this a vacation. In previous trips, I could easily do 13 miles a day along the Rhein. Or a loop around Grafenberger for an relaxing 6.25 miles.

So, I got in a little over 8 miles today outdoors, and 10 on the treadmill yesterday. I’m hoping to get in at least 5 tomorrow before we fly out. If I don’t, then the eight hour flight will be hell for me. Better go pack!