Monday, March 31, 2008

291.3

A mediocre food week plus a little too much relaxing this weekend (see picture) leads to a small gain. 

Still - Feb/March is over - with a loss of 8.6 pounds since January. Not great, but not horrible.

With the 30 days of mileage starting tomorrow and my trial wrapping up (except for the verdict) today - as well as our new attorneys starting today - things SHOULD go back to some semblance of normality here shortly.

In the meantime - I have to eat breakfast before I head out to trial. I'm hoping to talk to my new trainer today - and get that started again. 

And - isn't little Ayla cute? :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Magic and MAYHEM

Okay - first of all - to those of you who've commented, e-mailed, and even text messaged me with your kind and wonderful thoughts regarding my announcement at the beginning of this week's AATM show, I want to give you my sincerest most heartfelt thanks. It is WONDERFUL to know that you all listen and look forward to the show each week and that you'd feel my loss from the co-hosting chair that deeply.

Secondly - to those of you who've commented, e-mailed, and even text messaged me, I HIGHLY encourage you to go back to the show and listen to the MouseKeeping section. *wink* And then check your calendar. Teeheehee. :)

Now - a quick few updates:

1) Dad is doing better - is home from the hospital, and the IV antibiotics seem to have worked. A few days of rest and he'll be right as rain.

2) My exercise today is posted, but I have no idea how far I went - it's ABOUT 2.0 miles. But the magnetic thingy in the treadmill fell out halfway through (I bumped it). I've also decided NOT to go outside until after next weekend - when I plan to take the trek to the Fleet Feet store. I've already called them and explained myself and think it's a great opportunity to get a great pair of shoes.

3) Foodwise the end of this week has been sporadic. I've been TRYING very hard to curb any stress eating tendencies what with the trial that never ends. UGH. (Closing arguments are Monday morning at 9 - then we just wait for a jury) Granted, I've had a slip here and there, but for the mostpart I think I'm doing well - and we'll find out on Monday when March ends. April will be a MUCH better month overall.

4) I am going to officially give out the Team Voice challenge for April 2008. This is a tough one, folks - and I, for one, am nervous about it. But I think if we all commit to it - we can do it! Since I'm turning 30 - we'll call it: THIRTY DAYS OF MILEAGE. Your job? Log mileage EVERY DAY IN APRIL. All thirty of them. NO DAYS OFF. Who's in?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Truth and Justice

That's what today is about - truth and justice.

Sure - this isn't an eagle - but a photo from the museum in Victoria is the best I could do on short notice.

No post yesterday - here's what's up:

My trial is winding down - my client testifies today. Closing tomorrow. Then deliberation.

It's 5am and I got up at 4:30 to exercise for 20 minutes. I'm exhausted physically and emotionally. Oh yeah - and dad is back in the hospital with pneumonia again. Found that out yesterday morning around 4am. 

I have to still go to Kinkos and the office and be on the road for court by 6:30 to get there by 8. 

Like I said - Trial is grueling, but it's even worse when it's 90 minutes from home.

By the same token - I have truth and justice on my side - so there's that. :)

Hopefully things here (at my blog) will go back to normal this weekend - but until then I just keep moving forward.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Monday, March 24, 2008

289.2

This is Victoria's Gate of Harmonious Interest. And Harmony is what I have today.

First of all - I've lost OVER 2 pounds this week (2.7) to be exact, despite a BEAUTIFUL Easter dinner, and more than one stop at the candy dish. :)

I was going to attempt a 4 mile run this morning, but due to digestive issues with some of dinner last night, had to call it at 40 minutes. Yikes. LOL But I'd been running at 4.5 or 5.0 for awhile - and managed to post 2.756 miles in only 40 minutes. Not bad at all, in my opinion.

This week - my trial restarts tomorrow - and goes most of the week (hopefully to be done by Thursday) - so my MORNING time will be limited to 20-30 minute runs, but I plan on doing one per day - it helps energize me in the mornings before trial.

And now - a small sad issue. Kinda a real bummer, in fact.

I got an e-mail last night from Angie. She's accepted a contract security position with the military, and will be leaving our gym for awhile. (And I had JUST re-upped with her for 10 more sessions) She was kind enough to discuss my training with Geanna, another trainer, and to discuss my goals and successes, and thinks Geanna will be great to get me to the race and beyond - and Angie will remain available as a resource, but it's a bummer. Angie and I really clicked. Hopefully Geanna can push me to that next level, though. 

And the goal for this week is to finish out March strong, post another loss, and get OUTSIDE at least once (next weekend). April's goals are going to be fun - in fact, I have an interesting concept to play with for a Team Voice Challenge.

See - April 17th, I turn thirty years old. Yikes.

Can we play with the number 30?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!
 

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter Thumper!

Okay - so he's not the Easter Bunny - but hey - beggars and choosers and all that. :)

So how are YOU this fine Easter Sunday? It's pouring rain outside here, so there goes my outside run - and since we're having 7 people for dinner and there's still a ton of stuff to do, I'm forgoing my run today - but with a penance for tomorrow morning. Not an excuse for today - just a rest day - and hey - it is a holiday and all. :)

I don't have to be in court until around 9:10 ish tomorrow, and it's my local court, so I can leave around...9am. Which means LOTS of time in the morning.

Tomorrow I'm shooting for a FOUR mile run. Minimum. Deb inspired me with her recent 4.25 - and it's time to see what I can still do. Granted - it'll be treadmill (and I think I'm going to LIMIT outside to once a week until I get new shoes...) but it's a great goal. Don'tya think?

Since you all asked - here's the menu for tonight (and yes, Amber DOES rock! LOL):

WW Deviled Eggs (2 points per 2 egg halves) x 2 = 4pts.
WW Field Salad w/ Asparagus = 0pts.
WW Roast Lamb w/ Fresh Herbs = 5pts per serving (2.5 lb leg of lamb = 8 servings)
WW Green Beans w/ Snow Peas and Mint = 0pts.
WW Potato, Spinach, Leek au Gratin = 4pts (8 servings)
WW Carrot Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting = 3 points per slice (16 slices) x2 = 6pts.
1 glass wine: 2 pts.

Total for dinner and dessert: 21 points. This might seem like a lot, but I get 41 points a day. And with a light breakfast and lunch, I'll even stay under a bit, I believe. Granted, I might not have two slices of the cake. We'll have to see. 

Breakfast is planned to be: 2 packets of Quaker Lower Sugar Oatmeal (4.5), I can't believe it's not butter spray (0), Splenda (0), 1 cup 1% Cottage Cheese (3), Thomas' Light MultiGrain English Muffin (1), 1 Tbsp Smart Balance Butter (1)

Lunch: 1 can Progresso 0 point soup (1.5 for whole can), 2 Wasa Multi-Grain crackers (1), 2 Laughing Cow spreadable chesse wedges (2).

That's about it - guests arrive around 2 - dinner's at 4. And the daily total is 35 points. That leaves me six points of margin of error, and maybe ONE trip to the candy dish. :)

How about you? Found a way to keep the holiday healthy?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Speed Racer!

Okay - so the picture from tea doesn't exactly say "SPEED RACER" does it? But hey - it's cute - with my little pinky out and everything!

So this morning I decided to run outside. Except that I woke up late. And wasn't going to run at all.

And Amber said "C'mon - do a little time on the treadmill."

To which I replied "But we have so much to do to get ready for Easter Dinner (we're hosting 7 friends)"

And Amber said "C'mon - do a little time on the treadmill."

To which I replied "But it's already nine!"

And Amber said "C'mon - do a little time on the treadmill."

And I realized I was making excuses - so I laced up and headed to the treadmill.

Where I decided to experiment with speeds. And I can now run sustained at 5.0 for a while! Which is how in only 25 minutes I ran 1.705 miles! Tomorrow I'm still planning on getting outside, but just because I don't - doesn't mean I won't be on that treadmill (and tomorrow should be a long run).

Foodwise - things are going great! In fact our entire Easter dinner is from a WW cookbook!!! How do you like THAT?! 

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Friday, March 21, 2008

Nausea

Okay - well THIS didn't make me nauseous. In fact, this is part of the reason I put on the weight in Victoria. See - on Saturday in Victoria we had a BEAUTIFUL high tea at the Fairmont Empress hotel - and this was our lunch spread. And anything we liked (for instance, the raisin scones) they brought more of. YUM. But HOLY COW was it rich. :)

Then our massage and a nice romantic dinner at the hotel with ice wine at dessert. (More about this in a later post).

Today started not bad. Had a nice hard workout with Angie - and have re-upped with her for 10 more sessions. But we had another nausea incident today - about 40 minutes in during mountain climbers. We found out quickly that I drank a protein shake TOO close to the workout and my sugar hadn't had a chance to absorb to the body, so my sugar had dropped, and I went white as a ghost. Laid down and put my feet up, and was feeling better quickly. But another lesson learned. No eating in the car on the way to the gym. Eat BEFORE.

Angie also gave me some WONDERFUL tips for keeping up the great work and I'll share some tomorrow. We're both jazzed that I'm making progress this far in advance of the race, and know that I'll get there with bells on.

And speaking on positive reinforcement: a Judge that I work with a great deal commented to me on the record yesterday that I'd "Lost a TON of weight. Counsel, you look fantastic."

Wow. Thanks Judge. *sheepish grin* You truly made my Thursday!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

When it rains....

It pours...

Aside from being in a big trial.

Aside from being stressed and sleep deprived.

Did I HAVE to get a flat tire on my new car?!?

Ugh.

Whatever it is I did to deserve this - I'm truly sorry. :)

But here's the great part - I STILL exercised this morning.

I'm STILL following the plan.

And I'm STILL feeling great about my progress today. A mile and a third in 20 minutes! I'd love to have done more time, but it's 6am already and I have to eat and run...

So....

How's your Wednesday?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Monday, March 17, 2008

292.9 (...and Tribulations)

Okay - so one of the vices I USED to have was the occasional cigar. I haven't smoked one in about two years. And even then it was one or two every six months at MOST. Never really a habit, just something I picked up.

Lo and behold, my beautiful wife allowed me to purchase and smoke a Cuban Cigar in Victoria. 

Very nice.

Onto business. 

I'm down over two pounds this week, and thrilled with it! I hopped on the treadmill and ran for over 20 minutes - 1.59 miles, in fact in 25 minutes. A good morning wake up. 

And now I'm snazzed out in my BRAND NEW SUIT - ready to go on down to Tacoma and start the first official day of that HUGE trial. M-Th mornings are going to be quick the next week or two because I have to get on the road around 6:30 to get there in time to get parking and whatnot...but I wanted to check in and say hi, and to say that I'm planning a visit to the running store in the next month...Bonney Lake is about 2 hours away - but we'll make it there. :)

How are ya'll doin' this fine Monday morning?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Nightmares and the Call of the Outdoors


Last night I had a nightmare. It wasn't "frightening" per se, but it was a nightmare nonetheless. 

I dreamed that I was part of some sort of "pre-marathon" warm-up run with Team Voice. I'd woken up on time, and knew it was important that I get to this run, because I hadn't been running outside a lot. 

And someone had stolen my shoes.

I had no shoes to run in.

I tracked them down and proceeded to SCREAM at the person who'd stolen them - here are some of the things I remember screaming:

"Don't you understand how important this is?! I need to run outside! This is a 13 mile race I'm training for - and I can only run FOUR MILES!!!!"

"I HAVE TO GET OUTSIDE!!!"

"I'm not ready! AND YOU TOOK MY SHOES!"

I woke up feeling...well...a little freaked out. But I was quite sure I heard the message my subconscious was giving me, loud and clear.

Lace up, and GET OUTSIDE.

So I did just that today.

And I'll be honest - I'm less than impressed with myself. It was bitter cold (so much that breathing in was a little painful, you know? From the cold?) and a little drizzly. I went to a local park with a walking/jogging trail (McCollum Park) - tightened my laces, and headed out.

I walked a few minutes, then jogged.

About 2 minutes.

The cold was getting to my lungs, and my shins hurt. 

I didn't give up - I slowed down. And walked more. 

Then jogged again - about 2 minutes.

After about 20 minutes of this, I had returned to where the car was, and hopped in.

It feels a little like I've worked for a year and gotten nowhere. I feel like I'm starting over. 

I know that's not true, when I stop and think about it - but when I got into the car, and saw that 20 minutes had gone by, I was quite disheartened.

Now granted - I haven't logged a lot of miles lately ANYHOW - and it could just be my body is gearing back up (note I'll be using the treadmill M-Th during my trial, and seeing Angie on Friday), but I can't help but feel a little down after this. There were also no mileage markers, so 
I don't even know how FAR I went.

But I'm not giving up. Not by a long shot. I'm going to keep fighting, and keep moving forward, and keep going. I'm going to find a better park, with mileage posted on their walking/jogging path. And if 20 minutes is where I start, so be it. I'll be up to an hour or more before I know it. I just have to KEEP GOING. I've come this far - I CANNOT and WILL NOT even think about giving up.

I WILL run this race. I WILL finish this race. NO QUESTION.

And I think subconsciously I know I need better shoes. Suggestions for a shoe store? :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Friday, March 14, 2008

The Beauty of Victoria

Good morning friends!

First - the food update:

Breakfast: Thomas' whole grain english muffin w/ Smart Balance (3), Quaker Lower Sugar Oatmeal w/ Smart Balance (6)
Lunch: WW Ravioli (5), WW Yogurt (1), Progresso Soup (1.5)
Snack: Chips Ahoy Candy Blasts x2 (4), Powerbar Protien Chocolate PB (6)
Dinner: WW Chickpea Feta Salad (5), Chicken Breast (3)
Dessert: Skinny Cow Sandwich (3), Wasa w/ Cheese Spread (3)

Total: 39.5

Second - the exercise update: today I did a nice hill climb with Cruella, and tomorrow, Amber and I are going to the gym together to do a weighttraining workout! We've talked a few things out, and are really going to focus on helping each OTHER with our struggles - and working TOGETHER. What a novel concept, eh? :)

Speaking of "eh" - since I'm embracing the fact that I gained weight in Victoria, I might as well tell you a bit about the trip - and the picture above is one example of the pictures you'll see over the next few days - beautiful pictures of a gorgeous city. This is, of course, me standing in front of Parliament. We spent the first day getting to know the city. A short walk through downtown, where I bought a jacket (it was cold!!!!).

Side note - how cool is it that I walked into a sporting store (Champion) and bought a jacket and a new shirt off the rack without having to find a big and tall store? :)

Then we did a bus tour of the city (some BEAUTIFUL, but expensive houses here), followed by a nice dinner at Pescatore's - a wonderful fish restaurant. I'll have pictures of those periodically.

That day, breakfast was on the Clipper (the ship) - and was a small breakfast - cereal, a bagel, and mimosas! Lunch was at our hotel, and I had a grilled chicken club sandwich with a side salad. Dinner was where things went a little nutty. Fresh oysters, seafood bisque, steamed lobster, and fresh chocolate fondue for dessert. But it used fruit! That counts, right? And a nice bottle of wine.

It's easy to get a little crazy on vacation, especially when you're feeling good and celebrating. But we're going to revisit our vacation habits to figure out how to make it better in the future.

And speaking of the future.....I'm going to figure out somewhere to do an outside run on Sunday this weekend and actually time/pace it! Let's see how far Jonathan has to go!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Eight and a Half

Yep - the first good night of sleep I've had in over two weeks.

And I feel better overall. Rested, ready to go!

Of course, by sleeping in slightly, and taking advantage of it - no exercise this morning.

But here's the plan:

There's about two and a half weeks left in March - and we are GOING to finish March UNDER 290. There's just NO option to do otherwise.

And to get there, I'm going to exercise HARD and count points STRICTLY.

Treadmill tomorrow and Saturday - outside run Sunday - and treadmill Monday-Thursday. Friday I see Angie again and re-up for 10 more sessions. 

Points WILL be posted here daily. 

It's time to get this train BACK on course!

WHO'S WITH ME!?!?!?!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Staying Afloat

...or trying to anyhow.

Here's the problem.

Between TWO trials (one BIG one that is now starting Monday, and one smaller one today), our other attorney leaving the office (we're hiring now, and I'm a part of the process, and pretty much the go-to guy until we have a new guy), planning my upcoming birthday party, getting ready for Easter, holidays, family visits, and a WHOLE slew of other things, I'm a tad bit tired...and yes, I'll say it....stressed.

And when I stress out, old habits come out to play.

I haven't slipped yet (with the exception of sleeping in and not working out - although this morning I'm heading to the gym to see Angie) - but I'm a little worried I might slip. I've been lazy about recording what I'm eating, for instance.

So here's the plan.

I'm rededicating myself to this goal here and now - nipping this stress in the bud! I'm going to record, faithfully, what I eat. I'm going to hit the treadmill (or the pavement or the gym or whatever) each morning between now and Monday to get back into the groove. 

And I'm going to ask you guys to bear with me, and not give up. I've gotten this far, and I think in terms of attitude and progress, I've made HUGE strides lately. I'm NOT going backwards. You all just hang with me, okay?

(Editor's Note: Having just gotten BACK from my workout with Angie - I want to say that I'm already feeling better - despite the sore shoulders. Angie reminded me that regardless of what happened this weekend - I'm stronger today than I was yesterday. And I want to thank her, first. Then I want to thank Paul and Bryan. Last night's recording session came at the right time for me - and the laughter and fun was invaluable. And finally - thanks to Amber - my soulmate and partner, who reminds me daily that I can do this - and that we're in this together. Thank you all for helping me float!)

Besides - isn't that what Team Voice is all about? Supporting each other when we're struggling?

For instance - hey Rae!!! How's it going? Disney people never give up, right? :) I believe in you.

Same with ALL of you. I believe in you all!!!!

Who believes in me?

And in fact - that's today's challenge - if you have a blog - tell us WHO you believe in, and why! List them! E-mail them! Comment on their blog! Do something to tell them you're with them! Today is Team Voice Support Day!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Monday, March 10, 2008

295.1

Well - we're back. And I've gained. Five pounds since Friday and about a pound and a half since Monday.

Believe it or not, I'm happy with this.

I learned a few valuable lessons this weekend, but also was able to enjoy a lot of RICH food.

And at the same time got a reminder as to why I don't eat this way all the time - some examples:

Chocolate Fondue
Steamed Whole Lobster
Pastries
Candies
Tea Sandwiches
Hazelnut Gnocchi
Dim Sum

And much more!

But I also did something else.

An OUTSIDE RUN through downtown Victoria. It took about 30 minutes, and I have NO idea how far it was, but it felt GREAT. Except my shoes. The balls of my feet and my shins hurt. So I also know I have to go to a running store.

And I learned that a massage always feels great...until the next day. When your back seizes up and you have difficultly raising your arm above your head. Which is now.

Which is ow.

Which is nasty when you have to prepare for the first day of trial.

But a hot shower is calling.

I'll have a full trip report in the next day or two, and KNOW I'll be undoing the damage I did this weekend - small damage, but well worth the experiences. Trust me. And by Monday we'll be back down. And headed forward.

Oh - and I bought a book. More about this later.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Friday, March 7, 2008

290.0!!!

Amazing! Down 3.8 pounds this week so far! Can't wait to see what Monday holds - glad there's a little buffer, because I know there'll be some rich food this weekend...but we're going to try to save this loss and keep going strong!

We're leaving very soon - but before I go I wanted to encourage you all to go to www.allaboutthemouse.com and read our shownotes for this weeks show. You can download a PDF of an article I wrote for Disney. I'd love to hear your thoughts about it!!!

Also - sponsors - your letters have NOT gone out - and will likely go out at the END of March with a 2 month summary. Just an FYI. :)

I'm off to Victoria!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The Trouble with Trials

You've heard of the trouble with tribbles? Well this is the trouble with trials.

They're unpredictable, and make for LOUSY scheduling. Especially when they're one hour or more away from home in traffic, and if you don't get there BEFORE 8am, you won't get parking.

So that means I'm up at the crack of dawn to try to get there on time. I eat breakfast beforehand, and if I'm lucky (which I've only been once so far this week) - get in some exercise.

Thankfully TWO things have happened today - we get a break until Monday. And I got some sleep finally. A good eight hours. Which was WAY more beneficial to me than anything.

Now - here's the plan. I'm going to do a weigh in and short post tomorrow to let you know where I am BEFORE heading to Victoria.

Then on Monday - we'll check in again. No posts while I'm gone (but new pictures when I return)! I plan on exercising at least one of the two mornings I'll spend in Victoria, and NEXT WEEK - when the trial actually starts on Monday - I'm going to set a groove of getting up at 5:00am to do a run every morning until Friday when I see Angie. 

I likely will NOT get outside until NEXT weekend, but I've found a track locally - so that's a step in the right direction.

I'm NOT going to let this knock me off track - things are going well foodwise, and I just have to work around...well...work. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Happy Anniversary!

Two years ago today this picture was taken.

And just like the edited version, the rest of the world blurred away for me, and this moment was all I needed or wanted.

I'm not going to go into detail about what's up except a quick update: trial didn't start yesterday, no courtrooms, maybe today. Did a steady 3.5 mph walk for 30 minutes. Food is good. Can't wait for Victoria on Friday.

Oh yeah - and I'm happy to be married. Happier than ever, in fact. I love you, baby.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Monday, March 3, 2008

293.8

I am King of the Lemur Monkeys! I like to move it move it!

Alright - so here's the good news - I haven't gained since Friday.

Here's the bad news: I haven't worked out since Friday either. I've been sore and then when I was done being sore (i.e. today) I had a really rough night of sleep.

See - today I'm starting a trial. Probably my biggest trial to date. There's a lot riding on this for my client, and I'm a little, well, amped up for it. I can't overstate the stakes here. It's expected to last 8-10 days total.

And what with it being pushed back (it was supposed to happen in February) I have the extra added benefit of breaking it up in the MIDDLE with a trip. Don't get me wrong, I'm DYING to go to Victoria. I just wish the trial would either be OVER or not have started yet.

The good news is that my client is in fact innocent.

That's also the bad news. It's easy to try a case for someone who did something wrong. If you lose you don't feel so bad.

But when they're innocent. 

Wow - talk about pressure and high stakes.

But hey - this is my job - it's what I do, and when I walk into that courtroom, the game face comes on, and lawyer Jon is there to do his thing.

Also good news - I don't snack during trial. So there's that.

Also - once the first day is down - I can get into SOMEWHAT of a routine. So I plan a run tomorrow - possibly outdoors. The biggest problem there is that my trial is about 90 minutes from home. So I have to leave at 6:30. Which means I'm getting ready at 5:30. Which means for a run I'm up around 4:45 or earlier.

But hey - it's only a few weeks. And I'll run outdoors in Victoria, weather permitting.

Last quick update before I hop into the shower.

I have not ruled out a 5k in the future, nor have I even said I wasn't GOING to do one. There are arguments on both sides, in my opinion. But I don't think I'm ready yet. I MIGHT be ready in May, but more likely in the summer. We're going to start with running outside and evaluate as we go. :) Deal? :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

The Plan

After discussing with Angie and Amber and many of you I've come to a few minor tweaks in my plan.

I recognize how important it is that I get OUTSIDE and get running on pavement. 

Here's where we are.

We are in a weight loss mode - using weight training to build muscle mass to burn more fat to lose more weight. We are continuing to run/walk/jog/train to keep my body's endurance increasing and keep the pace.

In June or July the focus will shift to endurance and distance, giving me about six months to train to the half. 

To start the transition (now) I am going to begin running outside approximately ONCE every 1-2 weeks. (Going to try weekly, but see how that goes). After two-three weeks, I will up it to twice. After three to four weeks - up it to three times. I won't be focusing on distance or pace - just on getting used to being outside more. I will be focusing on distance and pace inside still, and as June approaches, I'll start focusing on distance and pace outside.

One we get to the June/July time, THEN it's going to start being the MAJORITY about outside, and using the treadmill as a supplement.

Now - what about running an organized 5K?

A BIG part of me wants the Half to be my first organized race. I know that a practice race could be beneficial, but I also know it could be less so. It could somehow make the half less special, and cause a change in motivation. So for now I'm tabling this part of it (sorry Jeff).

As I get through June/July, that might change. And I might decide to do an organized 5k or even a "fun run" here in Seattle. I might not. I might just challenge myself to various outdoor courses in the area. I've already picked a few out.

But I think that this is a good, balanced plan that will help me continue to lose weight (which will make running easier) and not OVER-exert myself and hurt myself. 

What do YOU think? :)

Oh yeah - and no workout today - yesterday's workout with Angie has me sore, sore, sore. We did lunges, leg press, mountain-climbers, stair climbing, ab crunches, hanging knee raises, etc. From my abs down, I hurt. LOL Tomorrow a run. Who knows? Maybe outside!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!