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This is the two-year anniversary of northrunning.com. Thank you to all those who continue to visit the site. You make my efforts worthwhile.

A year ago I was travelling around covering both high school and college meets. My return to indoor coaching might put a wrinkle in my college coverage. But I hope to start ratcheting up the high school coverage.

The first Hockomock indoor list is out courtesy of Patrick Sweeney. It is a beauty. I can't believe the times!

Thanks to my team for putting me through the paces the last few days. On Tuesday night I high jumped for the first time in a year and cleared 4'9 before stopping. That may not seem too high but at 52 it looks a lot higher than it used to. My goal is to clear my age so if I don't go 5'2 by April I'll be training for 5'3. The up-side is that 5'3 is masters All-American status for the over 50 crowd. Who knows?

Then Wednesday I decided to jump into a workout. It has been a long time since I've run anything but distance with my team. But the warm weather was enticing. After 30 minutes of handoff work the sprint team headed of for two miles with one hard 100M on each lap. I joined Leah Seward, Jen Mac, Abbie Frederick and Katy Flannery. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to survive the pace of 100M pickups without muscle pulls or total exhaustion. I'm not sure if they took it easy on me because some of them weren't puffing. But some of them were so again, thanks for making me feel good.

I've been postponing my holiday message. Not because I didn't have anything to say, but because I've had too much. It all started the other day after getting home from a visit with mom.

Christmas is a time when families try to get back together. It also creates the extention of the warm feelings of family out in waves. It may seem there is a ridiculous frenzy of shopping and it isn't hard to get cynical. Yet, behind all the hassles of shopping and the near maxing out of credit cards there is an underlying theme of recognition and giving to others.

The ripple effect reaches all levels of the extended family. This may be the only time of year that you write to some of those distant relatives or past friends. You party with co-workers and leave presents for those who touch your life in meaningful ways.

The tip left in the mailbox can never match the appreciation I have for someone who I've never met, yet gets the Boston Globe to my mailbox by 6AM no matter what the weather. Then there is Gail at the coffee shop. She knows my Friday order by heart and even covered for me the week I forgot my wallet. It goes without saying that our lives are enriched by our connections with others. This is the time of year to show our appreciation.

I used to think that it was a shame that the Postal Service was so deluged with cards from people who might never think to write any other time of year. I've long since come to the conclusion that it is a positive revelation that we are still human, caring and just need a reason to show it.

Getting gifts is something that I don't do well. I'm never comfortable with people spending money on me. Maybe a pat on the back, a hug or a friendly “Happy Holiday” was what I wanted. But now I also realize the need for others to express themselves in their own way. To them I say, “My favorite type of car is a Saab.”

Today I gave a few hand-made gifts. It is my favorite expression of caring. With all the items we get over the years, it is the homemade ones that stand the test of time. It isn't the Hallmark cards that crowd one of my drawers – it is the hand drawn ones. Ethan's almost always had fish (just like the ones I sent my own dad) and Emily's always bore a heart. I don't know about you, but I find it easier to throw out a broken blender than a homemade tie rack, birdfeeder or key holder.

Why do I like them? Because it took time to make them and the sentiments weren't purchased. Time is more precious than money. Someone willing to spend time on you has to really care.

Which brings me back to the conversation with my mother. We were discussing relatives.

I have an aunt in the later stages of Alzheimer's. I often think of her, but have never visited since she moved to an extended care facility. I'm told she won't know me. But it doesn't matter. Because I know her and she's special. So tomorrow after practice I plan to make the time.

My holiday wish for all of you is to make time for someone that matters. It is the best present you can give yourself.

Happy Holidays