Quick Update

...on all fronts.

1) Did a shorter run this morning - had to leave early - and didn't want to risk traffic - but feeling great - and eating well. Will finish the Jon-A-Thon strong.

2) Updating midday because the HOME computer is under dropclothes while we paint this weekend - so this weekend will be sporadic with access - no worries though. :)

3) New AATM is live! And I told Jeff I'd have something special for him in the closing - and didn't...so here it is - Jeff - I just wanted to thank you publically for sticking with me and being a great friend and support. You, as well as the others, really have helped me more than you can possibly imagine.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

What MouseFest Means to Me

First an update: yesterday no running - time constraints. But today I knocked it out of the park with a 2.300 mile run in 35 minutes (a 15+ minute mile). Food is going great - and I expect to post a good number Monday - as well as finish the Jon-A-Thon challenge strong!

Now - let's talk about MouseFest. What do you mean it's not until December? I leave in like 67 days! (We fly out at 11pm on December 3)

But more importantly - if you haven't listened to this week's episode of MouseGuest (www.mouseguest.com - get your fix!) - you should. The venerable Mike Scopa was their special guest and he spoke not only about the events, but also what it meant to him. And I echo many of his sentiments, only more so. See - Mike has said that MouseFest is where names become faces, and where faces become friends.

And Mike's been there four times.

This is my first MouseFest. Ever.

But I'm not going as a 'fan' - I'm going as a 'celebrity' (although Dave and Jennifer assure me that that's my title - I'm still not sure I qualify!). And I'm going with two meets of my own.

And I'm going to meet you there. All of you. My All About the Mousekateers! (Our, I should say - Bryan is a critical member of this plan - my partner in crime)

How cool is that? So here - in brief format are the five most important things about MouseFest to me...

#5. Seeing the magic of WDW for the holidays. This is not a specific MouseFesty thing - but it's awesome nonetheless.

#4. Getting to experience the parks/attractions with whole groups of people who "get it". They understand and are part of why we do, what we do.

#3. Meeting NEW people who've never heard of MouseFest or AATM and ask me about my shirt or button and geting new All About the Mousekateers.

#2. Meeting Bryan. Lou. Mike. Nathan. Tim. Byron. Len. Hochberg. Paul. Patrick. Eric. Dan. Deb. Dave. Jennifer. Mike. Jana. Ray. Cindy. Gary (again). Shontell. Steve. Everyone who inspired the magic in me - and who make it possible for me to create magic of my own for you. All my friends, cohorts, and colleagues.

#1. Meeting YOU. Yes - you. You're my number one reason for going. Kate. Rae. Jeff. EVERYONE who will be there that listens to our show or reads my blog. I want to encourage you to come right up to me if you see me. Don't stand on formality - come see me. Say hi. Please. YOU are why I do this. You have helped me get healthier than ever before and given me a weekly outlet for my magic obsession. You have created the man who became a voice who became a podcaster who will become your friend.

Now...I invite you to tell me what MouseFest means to YOU. Everyone. Please comment. Tell me a) if you're coming (and if you are, have you registered?); b) what it means to you. And if you aren't coming - tell me what it would mean to you...or what you think of it.

I want to hear from you all today.

Today it's not just there waiting for me - in December - it's there for us all.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

317.3

So - although this ship is off the coast of Lahaina in Maui, doesn't it look like the "Pirates Ye Be Warned" thingie from POTC?

Anyhow - I had a great weekend! I did well with food - but was exhausted and didn't really exercise a lot. I also didn't get in as much water as I normally do, and that's what I credit the gain from Thursday to. But...I'm down from last Monday - and only up .9 from the end of August - and so this week it's time to really kick it into high gear!

I already did 1.015 miles this morning - which didn't seem like a lot, except that it was with Cruella - and had inclines ranging from 4.0-6.0 and speeds up to 3.5. And trust me - 3.5 at a 6.0 incline hurts.

But I finished it without changing things.

That offiicially brings the Jon-A-Thon total to 12.3 miles. Which means I have some work to do this week before Monday to hit my 20 mile goal.

But hit it I shall.

So...how was YOUR weekend? How's your September shaping up? Are you pushing yourself as hard as you promised to? What shall we do for October? I have a few ideas...

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Bon Voyage (for now)

I wish this was where I was going...but instead I'm going to an equally beautiful place - Beautiful Camp Sealth on Vashon Island for a retreat with the 8th graders I teach for my church. Four adults - 30 8th graders. Yikes.

But I'll be back on Monday with my official weigh-in and my next contribution to the Jon-A-Thon.

But I wanted to update you all before I go.

I added 1.100 miles to the Jon-a-Thon today - now this doesn't seem like a lot in 20 minutes, and you're right - my pace fell a bit...however, after yesterday's 2+ my legs were tired and sore...and so I did what I could. I hope that next month I get to the point where I can consistently do 2+ miles...and build up to 3 before MouseFest - because...well I want my ice cream.

That puts me 8+ miles away from my 20 for the month - with seven official days when I return until October 1. That's easily doable. A couple of 2-ers - and a few 1.5ers - and we're there. We might even top it.

Speaking of numbers...here's a great one. I decided to weigh in today so I could gauge this weekend's effects: how's 314.9 sound?

Now - for the weekend - my plans are to exercise (walk trails, etc) when possible, but I'm also teaching all weekend and we have a fairly full weekend. I'm also going to eat the food that is provided - but it's usually healthier options (we have several vegetarians, and the whole church is Unitarian...so we're kinda whole grain type people anyhow) - and I'm going to seriously control portion sizes. The good news: no snacks to speak of really.

And...I'm bringing water.

So we'll see how well I can do - but the weight from today will stay on my mind - I do not want to have a month where I gain overall - so I'm going to drop further. I'm well on my way to the 300 mark (and my ice cream! LOL).

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

He's Back!

Okay - not him. But I'm back. First an explanation. Cass, a listener of AATM, sent me this picture along with a wonderful e-mail you can look forward to on the show this week. This picture struck a chord with me - reminding me that dreams and imagination are all we need to succeed.

You guys helped a great deal too.

And around 6:30pm last night - I officially broke out of my funk.

I had a nice relaxing evening and a good nights sleep, shaking off the "ew" of the last few days and trying to take in any messages the universe might have been sending me with a string of problems. (By the way - all were solved - including the freezer - it was a resistor that blew - $140 to fix - no biggie - it's fixed)

What I realized is that I have to keep putting positive energy out there to get it back, and lately I might have become more negative in my thinking or more complacent in my routine or even more lazy in my interactions. And you reap what you sow.

So...(sow-so?)...with one little spark from Cass, and a big push from you guys - I got up this morning - and hopped onto the treadmill for a whopping 2.144 miles (I hit mile 2.0 at 31:58). I've been eating light (in some cases, not enough due to freezer issues LOL) - and hope to have a good result to post tomorrow.

I haven't even weighed in mid-week. Not once. But I'm weighing tomorrow since I'll be away from the computer all weekend. And then again Monday for an official week start.

But the long and short of it is - I feel great this morning. I'm back on track - and you guys helped get me there. Thank you all.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

When it rains...

...it pours.

First of all - right off the bat - I haven't exercised today. And I don't have an excuse. What I have is an explanation.

Yesterday was likely the worst day I've ever had at my workplace - due largely to an issue that was something I did wrong. I spent most of the day trying to fix it and literally shaking out of being so upset with it.

Then I got home and unwound.

And around 7pm, we smelled something weird. Chloriney. Ozoney. Couldn't figure it out. It seemed to be coming from our freezer/fridge area.

Freaked out about that for awhile - forgot all about dinner.

Then around 10 decided to go to bed, and deal with it in the morning.

It was making weird clicky noises too.

Around midnight, we woke up and checked the freezer. Yup. A big puddle was forming. Opened it up - yup - stuff was defrosting and unfreezing. The fridge was warmer than normal.

Empied the ice bucket, etc - and tried (in vain, mostly) to go back to sleep, knowing we'd likely had a coolant leak and would either need a repairman or a new fridge today.

Got roughly 3 hours sleep. And when the alarm went off, I realized that I hadn't set it for the right time in the hubbub, forgetting that I had an early appointment in the office.

So off I set.

Fear not though. If I do 2 miles a day (not including this weekend) minimum before the end of the month - I'll hit my 20 mile goal, and meet my challenge with Bryan.

Just kinda feels like I can't catch a break lately, you know?

But who needs to catch them - I'm going to MAKE MY OWN BREAKS.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Holy Smoke!

Do you see it?

Do you see the sun going down? The close of a chapter?

Don't fret, my friends - it's not me giving up. It's me giving up excuses.

The outpouring of support yesterday combined with my realization of why I'd gained those pounds (or rather - why I was 'holding onto them' - let's just say it was a digestive issue, I believe) - really hammered something home.

Even if I slip - you guys won't give up on me.

Therefore, I owe it to you and to myself not to give up on you. Period.

I want to address a few people individually today - with some truly heartfelt thanks.

Rae: you were the first one to the party - and the last to leave - and your words of encouragement always ring true. And you've said it before - Disney people don't give up, right?

Jeff: no...I haven't updated your spreadsheet. Primarily because I don't know how. LOL But you're right - I need to remember that I'm making progress - and accept the big picture. And keep moving.

Bryan: my partner in crime - always there to push just a little further. If I'm not under 300 and running 3miles by MouseFest - I get no ice cream - you understand? :)

Kate: a different perspective indeed - and a truer friend I've never known. You're absolutely right. I control what I eat - and how much - and when - and when I exercise. Nobody else. It was a lapse into old destructive patterns of thinking. And all I have to do to combat a weekend like this one is plan around it - because if I fail to plan - I'm planning to fail. You keep that tough love coming.

Amber: ahhh...the best for last. my partner in life. How do I sum up how thankful I am to have you to support me and help me think through my stumbles and keep me on track? I don't know that I can. Just know I love you.

And that goes for all of you - Lou, Byron, Scopa, Hochberg, Nathan, EVERYONE within the sound of my...um....typing.

You guys are the best.

And thanks to you - I'm going to continue striving to be the best ME I can be.

Quick update: foodwise yesterday went GREAT. Today will be no different, and my plan is to attempt another 2 miles tomorrow, Thursday and Friday. Although I'll exercise this weekend - I won't have a way to measure how FAR I go - so I'm not going to count it in the Jon-A-Thon - which means I have to pick up the pace a bit to hit my 20 miles.

But fear not my friends.

I didn't come here to lose. I came here to play and win.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

320.7

Alright - I'm angry. And here's the hard part - I have no idea who to be angry at.

Yesterday I was down three pounds. Today I'm up a pound and a half.

How does that happen? I didn't even do anything crazy yesterday - we went out to lunch and I had the SALAD BAR!

*sigh*

Alright - angry isn't the right word.

I'm sad. I'm upset.

And although I have ideas - I'm worried that this will be the first month since February that I don't post a loss overall (especially since I'll be in the woods all weekend and not in control of what kind of food I eat).

I even let it get to me this morning and cut my exercise short. I was on such a high Saturday.

But.

I have never been one to give up or quit - so here's the plan:

1) I've been 'snacking' more - since I was exercising more frequently - and granted - I'd been doing it with healthier snacks (90 cal granola bars, 100 cal snacks, etc) - but 4-5 of those add up quick in a day, don't they? Well - we're going to try without them this week.

2) I'd been drinking lots of water - but have cut back a bit - and am sometimes replacing it with coffee and/or diet soda. Now - one cup of coffee or one can of soda a day - and only if I've had all my water first.

3) Keep up the pace on the Jon-A-Thon. Don't give up.

Do you guys have suggestions? Do you guys believe in me still, even though two weeks in a row my numbers are increasing instead of decreasing?

What can we do together?

MAIN STREET AWAITS - doesn't it?

It.....could......WORK!

I can't get over the beauty of the "Garden of Eden" botanical park that we found on the Hana Highway. You can't see it - but down there behind me is the rock that opened the movie Jurassic Park.

So - this morning I have accomplished something wonderful. I RAN TWO MILES. (2.149 to be more specific). And more importantly - I hit mile 2.0 at 31:57. Three full seconds ahead of a sixteen minute mile.

This proved something to me - as I was cooling down.

Maybe I really CAN do this. I wasn't huffing and puffing. I wasn't panting. I was tired, sure - but I even thought about ramping it back up to try for another mile. I decided against it since my thigh was a little tight (which is new) and I didn't want to push too hard.

But if I can run two miles and not have to huff and puff - is it possible that I can do thirteen?

For the first time in awhile - Main Street seems not only possible - but LIKELY.

How cool is that?!?!? I'm stoked.

I'm also stoked about the fact that after going to the bank tomorrow - we've raised over $1300 dollars for Make-A-Wish. Incredible.

You all continue to amaze me with your support and love. And for my newest sponsors (including you Debra) - THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Kate - Rae - Jeff - Amber - everyone - you know what's comin' next - say it with me - loud and proud:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!!!

Maui - Day Five (Finale: Sunrise, Sunset)

It would be our final day in Maui (there was one more - but it was all travel).

We decided to awaken at 2:30 and drive the 10,000 feet, over two hour trek to the top of Haleakala to watch the sunrise. It has been described as ethereal, spiritual, moving, and truly it was.

What it also was - was COLD. It was 37 degrees at the top with wind gusting.

But we huddled in the car - nearly falling back to sleep and missing it - until 5:40 when the sky began to lighten.

And then we climbed the stairs to the summit.

It was crowded - but when the sunlight streamed across the sky - and the sun peaked out of the cloud cover...

Have you ever seen the sun rise from BENEATH you?

Incredible.

After a nap - we decided to head to the Maui Prince Hotel for some snorkeling, finally! Had a really fun time - although snorkeling in the Pacific is WAY different than in the Carribean. Much rougher surf - harder to keep your place. But we had a very nice time.

Then - after awhile it was off to Napili Bay for our dinner - and the best sunset on the island.

Here it is - the best sunset I've ever seen. Framed by two tiki torches.

What a wonderful dinner, too. Mahi Mahi with a nice salad...oh yeah...and pinapple Tira Misu.

This was the perfect end to a wonderful trip.

Jon-A-Thon: no run today - legs a little tight - figured on a day off before my 2 miles tomorrow. Everything else is on track.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Maui - Day Four

Bet you've never seen rainbow eucalyptus before? This is just one of the beautiful sights that awaited us on the drive down the Hana Highway.

In case you don't know, the Hana Highway is a highway that runs the eastern side of Maui - and it is a slow winding road that is on the windward side of the island - meaning it gets lots of rain - the result is a lush green landscape right out of the garden of Eden. (Which could be where the botanical garden where we took that picture got it's name...)

It takes most of the day, and if you do a lot of stopping, could take two days (suggested that you stay the night in Hana - we didn't - but will next time). Why would you stop frequently on a two-lane windy road?

To see things like this:

Yup - that's a shot back at the road we drove in on. Nice, huh? The beauty and majesty of the drive amazed me at every turn. It was like a drive through heaven. We saw black sand beaches - waterfalls - everything. It was incredible.

We meandered the highway out to Hana, had lunch, and then decided that since we had dinner plans back near the hotel and it had taken us nearly 5 hours to get to Hana, that we should turn back and do the rest of the trip another time.

I took MANY pictures on the highway - and will be posting them over the next...well...long time. :)

But then it was back to the hotel - to change for our LUAU!

It was at the Maui Tropical Plantation, and was really a lot of fun. They even had monkeys!

Yup - this guy kept trying to get our Mai-Tai's.

And yes - I tried Poi.

And yes - I hated it. LOL

The whole office went to the Luau (except our newest attorney - who was suddenly called away by his partner's work - we missed him) - and had a wonderful time watching the dancing and of course - the fire dancer!

But we had an even earlier morning planned for Monday. So we got back to the room and crashed. When we awoke it was time to face Halealaka.

Jon-A-Thon update: 20 minutes - 1.212 miles. Feeling good - food intake is good! Had a small treat last night, but stuck with a SMALL size Cold Stone and their fat-free icecream. :) Yay for me!

We're doing it guys - we're really doing it. How cool does it feel to be finding a groove again?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Quick Update

I can't wait for our new bed.

I think I toss and turn a lot - and that may be why it is that some days seven hours will suffice, and others I end up oversleeping. Who knows really?

But today I overslept.

I watned to check in though and say that things are going quite well - and that this weekend is shaping up to be a big one.

We may be painting the office/den at the house - plus Saturday the new bed comes - AND we're babysitting our three neices for a few hours. Not to mention my plan to attempt a 2 mile run on Saturday.

Things are looking up! More about my Maui trip tomorrow with more pictures - one quick note - I'm not in Maui. I've been back for a week now. It's just a trip report. Although I appreciate everyone's concern about being careful on the Hana Highway. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Maui Day Three

Day Three began a little later in the day. After a nice breakfast at the hotel's restaurant, we decided to venture across the street for some beach walking. We did not have our swimsuits, and so were not planning on getting in the ocean at this time.

Moments after we arrived at the beach, Amber was up to her knees in the ocean, and soon after, she made me this sand art. A brief second later, the waves had destroyed it. Talk about a picture in the nick of time!

Then it was my turn - and I ventured out further into the ocean.

And got nearly knocked over by a wave.

I was QUITE wet.

Alright - fun in the sun over - back to the hotel to change.

The office had decided as a whole to go back to Lahaina and to take a sailing trip on the "America II" which actually ran in the America's Cup race. I even got to help raise the sail (see above).

This was a REALLY fun afternoon activity - and we truly enjoyed it. Salty surf - great weather - fast boat...oh yeah - and did I mention we got SOAKED?!?!? This thing listed so far to one side that the folks sitting on that side were literally sitting in four inches of water. How much fun was that? Seriously - it was like Kali River Rapids - only faster and in the ocean!

Back again to the hotel - we joined Heidi and Leslie (the BEST bosses in the world) for the sunset and then the whole office walked to "Cafe O' Lei" for dinner with our hosts in Hawaii - Tanya and Monique. They are responsible for getting us the great deal on our rooms.

A few cocktails and a nice piece of Mahi Mahi later, and we were stuffed.

We had to go back to the room before too long, because Day Four was our planned day for The Hana Highway! More on this tomorrow.

Jon-A-Thon Update - 20 minutes - 1.270 miles - feeling GREAT. Did good with food yesterday - and am going to avoid the scale until Monday.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

319.2

Okay - first off - more Maui tomorrrow - but this picture should keep you company until then.

Now - I've gained 2.8 pounds since before Maui - but I've also lost several since returning home. Yesterday was kind of a turning point for me - and I want to share some of the comments you guys have been loving enough to give me.

First, my loving wife Amber, who sat with me last night while I lamented my backsliding (although yesterday the weight was higher) - and talked me through it - what are we doing wrong? What are we doing right? How can we support you better? And hey - watch how much butter you put on things! :)

Kate, ever ready with tough love and encouragement reminded me of my committment:

"You've already lost so much, you've already proven that you can succeed.How much do you want it Jonathan? Look in the mirror. Who do you see looking back at you from deep within? Is that person healthy and active? It's not just about the half-marathon. This needs to be a life choice."

Jeff, always there with wisdom and inspiration, asked me to do some visualization:

"Did Jiminy fall off your shoulder? Seriously, Jonathan "you have" the mental and physical strength to do this. I know it and like Kate just said the guy staring back at you in the mirror knows it too. Go look in the mirror right now. It's ok I'll wait. Back so soon? Ok one more trip to the mirror but I want you to use you imagination. Someone is going to follow you. It's Billy Crystal as Fernando from Frenando's Hideway. As you look in the mirror Fernanado says..."Jonathan Dichter ... I gotta tell you,... you look mahvelous!" We're out here pulling for you my friend. And we "won't" give up on you."

Rae was there, as always, reminding me not only of my abilities to do this - but WHY I started in the first place:

"You are very much able to kick yourself in the butt and get back on track here.I agree with everyone here and you can do it.we all have fallen and got back up.You can,I know you can,put on your ears and get moving!!!! Mouse fest is coming.And it will be here faster than you will know.You will get to be on Main street and take it all in and remember why you started this."

I am, once again, flattered and floored by the amount of support you guys continue to show me - all of you. When I struggle - if I'm able to admit it - you guys pull me up.

This morning I ran for ~17 minutes and walked for about 8 - for a total of 1.523 miles for the Jon-A-Thon. It felt GREAT. I'm ready to really kick my September into high gear. And you

guys helped pick me out of my doldrums.

Today - more than ever - I thank you all.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Lessons Learned

More Maui tomorrow.

But here's a lesson I've learned - or re-learned as the case may be.

I need to focus to succeed here.

And I haven't since before I left for Maui.

We haven't been to the store yet - so there's no real good food at the house - and no flavored water. So I've been slacking off - and doing "the best I can" - which is not much.

I hadn't been eating lunch - beacuse of time issues - and then coming home and snacking extra.

And then yesterday - we went out for lunch to mexican. And...well I overdid it a little.

And today my tummy is screaming at me. And instead of losing the weight I'd put on - I've put on at least another pound or two.

But all of it stops today.

The tummy cramps are a nice reminder.

We go shopping - buy 'on the go' lunch stuff (sandwiches) and I refocus everything tomorrow. The Jon-A-Thon continues.

I will not fail you all. Nor myself.

I give you my word.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Maui Day Two - and Bed Shopping

Day Two began with a nice breakfast at the "Spices" Restaurant at our hotel. And wouldn't you know it? We had a little visitor.

While we ate we discussed the plans for the day - and enjoyed our breakfast and coffee. It was odd eating at 7am, but because of the time difference - we'd actually been up since around 4 (which was 7am to us).

After hanging out poolside for awhile - we took a drive up the West Maui coast. We passed Lahaina and Napili Bay and headed out for the Nakalele Blowhole. Unfortunately, as you can see in this picture - the blowhole....well....wasn't blowing. But getting there was still WAY worth it. The Maui Coast, regardless of the side of the island is so beautiful and picturesque that it's worth just seeing it. We drove the windy roads slowly - and took in all the island had to offer. Including nasuea for Amber with the windy road.


Sometimes, even on the way back from somewhere, you see a vista so beautiful - you simply must stop and take a picture. Then - it was off to Lahaina for lunch and some shopping.


Okay - so I didn't find Dole Whip - but I did find Stitch! See guys! He really lives there!!! We went surfing and everything!

Lahaina is an old port town and the only real 'downtown' in Maui. It's a beautiful town, and we walked all of Front Street - shopping and looking at the water and the harbor and the historical Banyan Tree (one tree - whole park - wow) - and really enjoying ourselves. Before we knew it - 5pm had arrived, and it was time for the highlight of Day Two: Warren and Annabelle's.

Dinner and a show. But not just any show - the best show of it's kind I've ever seen. Sells out nightly. Let me enlighten you.

You begin with entrance into Annabelle's chamber. A small room reminiscant of a 'pre-show' room at Disney. There you are greeted by Annabelle, the ghost of the club. There are four doors, and Annabelle gives you clues as to which one will get you into her parlor. After solving the riddle (I won't spoil it) and discovering the secret of Annabelle's chamber - you are welcomed into her parlor - a beautiful 1930s-esque parlor where you are served drinks and dinner (see above) while staring at a beautiful grand piano.

Soon - the music in the room has issues - and we are introduced to our parlor host - who tells us that Annabelle is with us. The seat in front of the piano turns all by itself and Annabelle (invisible) sits in it - depression and all, spinning to the piano. She then takes requests from the guests and entertains with piano playing for about 40 minutes. This was a lot of fun - despite Annabelle not knowing "Beauty and the Beast" when I requested it. LOL

After Annabelle is done - we move into a small 78 seat (VERY intimate) theatre for Warren's show. Warren is, quite simply, one of the most amazing close-up magicians I've ever seen. And did I mention he's so funny I thought my head would explode? I mean - have you EVER seen someone make two bowling balls appear from a hat that was on someone's head and stayed in perfect view?

I won't spoil the show - except to say that after we were done, I would have paid to see it again the very next night. Incredible. Just incredible.

That pretty much wrapped up day two. But what a day. It was only going to get better, too.

Now - Jon-A-Thon - no running today - but tomorrow I plan on hitting 2 miles (that's what I'm shooting for anyhow) - but today - we're going out bed shopping, and have a busy day ahead of us - and I finally caught up on some sleep (sleeping almost 11 hours last night).

Sponsors - your letters will go out Monday for August - so be on the lookout.

Other than that - not a lot happening - excpet that as much as I loved Maui - it's great to be home with you guys back again.

I'm so excited about the future - and MouseFest and losing more weight and the Jon-A-Thon - and everything!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

The Return of Cruella - and Maui Day One

First of all - yes it's true. Cruella is back.

But more importantly - today I beat her. Today for the Jon-A-Thon - I completed iFit workout #1 without making any changes to the regime. It was HARD - but I did it. 20 minutes at varying speeds from 2.0 to 3.4 mph and varying inclines from 0.0 to 7.0. Total distance: 1.03 miles.

Now - you wanted to hear about Maui? Well strap in - cuz here comes day one!!!

The flight was long. Five and a half hours direct - plus a three hour time difference. When we landed, we were exhausted. But we proceeded to Dollar Rent a Car and got our Chrystler Seabring Convertible and headed out to our hotel.

On the way to our hotel...we were...frankly - nonplussed with the Island. We were inland driving through sugar cane fields. Very green. Very warm. Very stinky (they burn it - and oh man does it smell at that refinery).

Then we got to our hotel, and saw the coastline for the first time.

Wow. This was going to be fun.

Our room at the Maui Coast was nice - and more importantly - COOL. We had the A/C cranked up the whole time. Granted it was only 83 degrees - but the sun was baking us. As it was later in the day - we knew not much would happen on day one, so we did some traditionally Island stuff.

We went to Borders and K-Mart.

At Borders we bought a travel journal. At K-Mart we stocked up on water and snacks - and bought snorkel gear!!! We were determined to snorkel! We both love snorkeling - and had to try out the Pacific.

The view from our hotel room was amazing. This is pretty much what the sky looked like our entire trip.

After a nice day of errands - we turned in for the night - knowing that Day two was when the adventure really started!!!

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Time to Push

ALOHA MY FRIENDS!

Mahalo for joining me back here today. Have you missed me?

I've greatly missed all of you. And this blog.

Let's get a few things out of the way - because I'm short on time this morning (I have to go to the dentist in an hour and a half - and still have to exercise).

1) Weight progress: I did not exercise consistently while in Maui, and enjoyed a lot of local food. As a result, I am sad to say that I've gained 6.4 pounds (322.8) as of this morning. That being said, I have a little over three full weeks until October 1 to undo and move forward, and I will do so - see below.

2) Pictures and a trip report: these are coming and will start, likely tomorrow. I took over 500 pictures on the trip - and had a WONDERFUL time. Can't wait to share it with you all.

3) Goals (and the Jon-A-Thon): I've set a short term goal for September - kick things up a notch - push harder and stronger - and run a minimum of 20 miles this month. Kate has dubbed this challenge the "Jon-A-Thon" and I am renewing my drive for it. If you've accepted my challenge - GOOD LUCK - and READY SET GO!

As for long term goals: I'm setting a 90 day goal. Realize this: Mousefest is 90 days away. How cool is that?

At MouseFest I will weigh UNDER 300 pounds and be capable of running the loop around the Boardwalk (around 2.5 miles, if I'm not mistaken). These are at a minimum. Obviously I'd like to do even better.

The long and the short of it is this folks - yes I gained weight while I was gone - but I also found a LOT of inspiration and motivation in the experiences. And I'm back - rested and rarin' to go.

You think getting here was impressive?

Just watch me now.

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