Day 30 - .58 miles (10 minute warmup - 35 minutes with Christina) (288.1 lbs)

I'VE DONE IT!

I've completed the April 30 days of mileage challenge! Total Milage: 36.545 miles!

I have to say - I really feel like I accomplished something. I ALSO finished April down overall by 3.2 pounds (I was carrying some extra weight from the pizza on Monday, and had a few...ahem...biological helpers along the way! Ewwww! LOL)! Sponsors - expect letters AFTER I'm back from Vegas.

And now we set our sights to MAY.

But first - a small vacation to Las Vegas!

Today I'll tell you my OVERALL plan for May - and the May challenge. As well as a long term plan. Tomorrow before heading to the airport (at 4am) I'll tell you the plan for Vegas, and we'll part until Monday. :)

May's Challenge: much has been made of my runs this month - some short, some longer. But many have commented that the TIME isn't enough. So be it. Part of that has to do with a lack of rest. So in May I will add both. May's challenge - 15 days of 30 minutes or more. I will run/walk for a MINIMUM of 30 minutes at least 50% of this month. The rest will be rest or cross-training. And oh yeah - to make it more interesting - I'm going to try to make SEVEN of 15 runs OUTSIDE. How's that?

Long term plan: I'm really enjoying Marathoning for Mortals and have discussed these plans, as well as my May goal with Christina (who by the way ran me through a gauntlet today - measurements - and then leg press, chest press, stairs, lunges, squat jumps...this woman LOVES abusing my legs! And trust me Christina, I love ya for it!). The training plan in Marathoning I've selected is the 14 week run/walk Half-Marathon plan. This is for people who want to MOSTLY run, but SOMEWHAT walk a half-marathon. However, I'm going to DOUBLE the plan - and do 28 weeks. Repeating each week once before moving onto the next one. It involves a short training session (35-50 minutes) Monday and Thursday. Cross Training Tuesday and Friday. Rest Wednesday and Sunday. And of course - the LONG RUN Saturday. When I get back from Vegas, I'll tell you the Monday that 28 week training will begin on and detail the plan.

If the training is too much for my knees/body - I will default to the walk/run plan.

What are YOUR thoughts? Is this a sound plan? Mike Scopa thinks so. :)

The long runs increase from 2 miles to 10 miles over the course of the training session. And then, the 13.1 mile Half Marathon on January 10th.

I'm really going to do it, aren't I?

HECK YEAH!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 29 - 1.242 miles (20 minutes)

I can't wait for April to end tomorrow.

I'm feeling a bit down, honestly. April has been a challenging month. Granted - I've made HUGE strides towards my goals in terms of ability to run/walk, and I'm learning a ton reading "Marathoning for Mortals" - I'm leaning towards the "walk/run half-marathon training plan" - a 14 week training plan to lead up to the race. I MIGHT try the "run/walk" plan - but I'm not sure yet.

But why am I feeling down, then?

I went over my points yesterday again. I'm having difficulty with eating. And I'm not entirely sure why...

Hold it hold it hold it. JEEZ, Jonathan.

Oh great - another visit from my conscience. What's up Jimminy?

Don't think you can get around my with your jokes, kid. I'm inside you. And you absolutely know why you're having difficulty with food. You're resorting to old habits. You're eating in front of the television at night, and what's worse, because you're exercising, you think it's OKAY. You've steadily gained back about 3-4 pounds this month (depending on when you weigh in), and it's entirely in your control.

Well sure it is - but sometimes it's hard, you know?

No. I don't know. It's NOT hard, really, is it? Compared to the hardships of others? How hard is it to make better choices of what you choose to eat and when? Food is fuel for your body. Do you really want to run this race? Do your really want to be in the best shape of your life like you said yesterday?

Well of course I do, but...

No. No buts. Listen to me, Jonathan: DO YOU WANT THIS?

Yes. Yes I do.

Then accept that you're human. Accept that you can make mistakes like everyone else, and just learn from them and move on. This beating yourself up when you have a stumble is getting a little old. What is it Byron says? Keep moving forward? Well - there you go.

Yeah - but what about Vegas? What about how April's gone?

Simple, kid. April's done tomorrow. Finish strong today and tomorrow. Weigh in on Thursday morning before you shower to head for the airport. Then - enjoy your three days in Vegas. They make REALLY good salads at the TI. Don't go hog-wild. Enjoy the rest. Take the vacation. And come back on Sunday afternoon - recharged. You have NOTHING in your way until Boston in July after that. That's two and a half months to push yourself harder and faster. And THEN you'll be running Harvard Square!

You mean - just forget about McDonald's and Pizza and last nights unscheduled 6 point snack? Just try to make good choices in Vegas? And come back and kick the bejeebers out of May?

Now you're talking, kid. And remember why you're doing this. Remember what got you started.

Yeah - it's for the Make-a-Wish kids. My dreams of running in Disney. My dreams of fitness.

Um...yeah - kinda. Those are all the secondary reasons, Jonathan. What's REALLY behind them?

My dream of having my own family. Seeing them grow and learn and cherishing every moment with them. Extending that time with personal health. Inspiring others.

Making a better me.

That's what you meant, isn't it conscience?

Conscience?

Wow. Guess he was inside me after all.

It's funny - I'm learning so much about myself through this journey - and more than anything - I'm not really bummed. I'm pumped up. I'm excited about how far I've come and how far I'm going. And watch out folks.

The best is yet to come.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 28 - .281 miles (5 minutes - 290.6 pounds)

My good friend Elaine as Professor McGonnogal from Harry Potter. :)

My Desperate Mousewife as Princess Leia....with a pained look of "STOP TAKING MY PICTURE"! :) (Hey Lisa - there are Jedi pictures a few posts back - go check it out)

Originally I thought about not posting my weight today - but waiting until Wednesday when the month ends. But then I realized that I needed to be accountable, even if I'm up a little. The fact is, I peeked yesterday after pizza day. I'm DOWN today from yesterday. This is good. If I continue the trend, I'll end April under 80 pounds lost and with a total net loss.

April's been a rough month foodwise. I've had a steady gain of about 3-4 pounds (about a pound a week) since the beginning. May will START rough with the Vegas trip, but get easier rather quickly.

Exercise has been going great though this month. I gave myself a VERY short warmup run this morning just to rest my legs, which are tired after my weekend of 6+ miles. Tomorrow though I'll do 30 minutes minimum, and Wednesday a workout with Christina. Did I mention Christina is sponsoring me too? Yeah - she's pledging fifty cents per pound of BODY FAT I lose. Cool huh?

And speaking of pledges - check out how much we've raised together! $2400+! That's an astonishing number. I can't even begin to express how that makes me feel. And I'm going to continue to honor your pledges and support by pushing harder and being better in all aspects. The half-marathon will be finished by the BEST ME EVER.

You'll notice some changes around the left side-bar. Please go visit some of the newer blogs I've listed there. They are all my friends, and all Team Voice members. GO TEAM VOICE! :)

I think that's about it for this morning - more tomorrow.

I won't let the fact that I had a small gain on a week where I binged on McDonalds and Pizza take away from the fact that it was my BEST RUNNING WEEK YET. I'm celebrating my successes, and vowing to overcome my shortcomings! Learn from the mistakes, and keep moving forward!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 27 - 2.158 miles (30 minutes)

There's something happening here...

What it is ain't exactly clear...

This is how I feel today. First of all - a confession.

Last night was my sister-in-law's bachelorette party. Amber was gone, so we had MAN night here at the house.

Man night included Pizza. I even went out and got a nice big salad so I'd be fuller.

But I still ate too much Pizza. And felt horrible when I woke up.

BUT.

I had to run. I'm not sure why. But I had to.

I've started "Marathoning for Mortals" and as I read John's books, I realize that there's a subtle change in me. I'm becoming something. Becoming someone. Someone else.

Someone I don't recognize.

A healthy individual. A runner.

Do I still make poor choices at times? Of course - see last night.

But I'm enjoying preparing for this race. I'm enjoying the training. I'm REALLY enjoying the benefits of this lifestyle.

Now - I know my eating has been a little inconsistent the last few weeks - but rest assured, that WILL change, and I will continue to change, grow and evolve.

I had a WONDERFUL talk with my good friends Paul and Tairy last night - and talking to Paul about HIS quest and HIS goals only helps remind me of where I started, and how wonderful it is to have gotten this far.

Do you all realize how truly blessed we are?

And in that vein, I'm also going to strive to be more active in the blogging community - I'm going to post more on others blogs - be better about responding to e-mails - and taking a suggestion from Tairy Rych, I'm also going to write more in my free time. I might even post a poem or short story here and there. Who knows?

Someone recently called me a renaissance man. Perhaps I am. And if not - I'm working on it.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 26 - 2.19 miles OUTSIDE

So here's my friend Todd as Gomez Addams at my birthday party. He seemed a little surprised at the picture being taken. :)

I'm also using a new blog editor this morning for the first time. It's called "Ecto" and allows me to do stuff without having to use Safari.

So I went outside today - and MOSTLY walked - but walked fast, and jogged a little. LOTS of hills on today's course, but I still managed to do 2.19 miles in 33 minutes. The only problem is my calves are a little burning.

Tonight is MAN NIGHT at the homestead. See - the Desperate Mousewife is taking her sister out for her bachlorette party and so I'm having the guys over for a night of rock band and games! Should be fun! We're ordering in pizza, and so I'm going to check on the points and reserve a piece or two, and eat lightly the rest of the day.

So far Ecto is doing well with the blog post, and it was easy to get Todd in here. This could mean a whole new level of blogging goodness. Hmmmmm.....

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 25 - 2.152 miles (30 minutes)

Wow - what a run!

Although let's be fair - part of it was penance.

See - I learned a VALUABLE lesson yesterday. Two, in fact.

The first is that I need to plan AHEAD. Not just today - but tomorrow sometimes. Because if you get stuck on the road without any food for breakfast on your way home after an incredibly long day - you might just resort to old habits - like the golden arches.

Lesson two - I REMEMBER WHY I DON'T EAT MCDONALDS ANYMORE.

Holy cats did I feel sluggish and weak all day long. I didn't eat lunch, and had dinner with Amber, but that breakfast stayed with me all day - weighing me down.

Let's face it - food has been off this month. Exercise is going great - but food is off. So I'm going to be VERY VERY strict with myself until we leave for Vegas (which also is the beginning of May) - and we'll see what I can do with the end of April.

I have to keep remembering that lifelong health and weight loss was what started this - can't sacrifice that for anything. And I won't. Just a few stumbles. But I haven't fallen.

And in fact - I bought another new book last night - another John "the Penguin" book - "Marathoning for Mortals". Can't wait to get into it. :) It's now on my nightstand in the reading pile. :)

Oh - and sorry about no picture today - it's either blogger or Safari. Not sure which, but this weekend I might download Firefox and see if that's better. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 23 - .30 miles plus Christina!

As promised - here's Rachel as little Juno. :)

I haven't logged my milage yet today because I haven't run it yet - I'll do it as my warm up at the gym this morning before my workout with Christina.

Today a lot of things change. Today I really buckle back down on eating and food intake. Today I push harder and longer at my workout. Today I get back on track headed for Main Street.

I know I've been consistent all month - but I feel like I've been using that as an excuse to increase my food intake, and that's no good. The weight has to keep coming off for this plan to work.

And so it shall. Trust me.

Quick update after the gym!

(Here's that update: HOLY CATS! Situps, pushups, lunges, squats, stair climbing, line jumps, bicep curls, shoulder press - Christina is, as I told her, EVIL and AWESOME. Going to try to get in one more workout like this before next Wednesday - maybe this weekend - but the month of a million miles continues!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 22 - .641 miles

A short run again today - can't seem to get into a groove this month. I'm still hitting mileage every day - but can't seem to get a stride going. Really needed sleep last night - so I slept in and only had time for a short run.

Tomorrow, on the other hand, things change.

I realized last night, when Christina called me to verify our appointment for Wednesday, that she's definitely on board and going to push me hard tomorrow and EVERY Wednesday. I think at this point that can only help.

We have until July to push the weight training and get lean and fit. Then the REAL running starts. We'll be doing 3 miles minimum most days - if not more. And a long run on the weekends. Increasing every week.

Blogger is being a poop again today so I can't post a picture of my good friend Rachel who came to my party dressed as Juno. LOL

Anyhoo - time to go to work. This week will be a little odd with my one night away from home (tomorrow night I'm staying in Vancouver WA for work - 8am court date there), but the hotel I'm staying in has a fitness center, so I'll be able to get up and run. 

And then May 1 - I get a short break - not from exercise or diet - but from work - VEGAS baby! :) And this time I'm running the strip WAY harder! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 21 - 1.01 miles (289.9 pounds)

Yes. I was a jedi for my birthday.

You can't see my lightsaber on the other side of my robe - but it's there.

And yes. That's a Lilo and Stitch cake. :)

And that beautiful cake, plus the beautiful Passover dinner I cooked for my parents last night both contributed to my gain of .7 pounds this week. (I hate it when you have heavy food at the END of the week right before weigh-in - then it sticks with you)

Speaking of my parents - I take them to the airport this morning, and it's definately been a wonderful visit, notwithstanding the bittersweet nature of some of it. 

I encourage you all to go visit Rae and check out her YouTube video - GREAT job Rae!

So far - I'm 21 for 21. I'm hoping for a long run tomorrow (didn't happen yesterday - sleeping off the aftereffects of the party. LOL) - and to finish out the month strong! I have an interesting challenge for myself in May that is sure to push me further and faster towards my goal of Main Street.

How are YOUR goals shaping up? (more pictures from the party this week as we go!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 19 - .550 miles

It snowed about six inches here last night.

APRIL 19th. It snowed.

What the heck is going on?

So I decided instead of running outside - I'm going to do a shorter run today and see if the snow burns off and do an outside run tomorrow. If not - a long treadmill session tomorrow. 1 hour probably.

The visit is going well - and I want to thank each and every one of you for your comments yesterday - it really meant a lot to me. More than you realize. 

Tonight is the party! I can't wait to see everyone's costumes! And wait until you see my cake! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 18 - .678 miles

Only time for a short run this morning - but I did it at 5.0mph. So there! 

Yesterday was a bittersweet day. Such high points - gifts, smiles, reunions with my parents (who love the beardless look, by the way). But such emotions running through me all day.

I know 30 is young, and that I'm too young to be contemplating mortality, but sometimes I do anyhow. Couple that with seeing my parents.

They're heroes of mine. In my mind they can do anything - they're some of the smartest, most caring, loving, wonderful people you'll ever meet. But they have serious health problems. They're both vastly overweight. And now in their sixties, both have slowed down incredibly.

These wonderful people who once carried me on their shoulders through WDW parks now need to hold onto my arm to walk up a short ramp and into a restaurant. My mother, who has a stress fracture in her leg, and suffers from fibromyalgia, can barely walk at times. My father, who had open heart surgery several years ago, now has chronic asthma, chronic pneumonia, and a host of other problems, not to mention his rotator cuffs are nearly gone, so he can barely lift his arms past his chest. 

My mother walks with a cane because of the stress fracture, in addition to her chronic pain from fibro, and my father is in such pain from his various maladies, that he's almost constantly feeling the pain. 

As I sat at a wonderful birthday dinner with them, Amber, and my best friend last night, having a nice dessert of bread pudding, I suddenly realized that there was no way my parents would be able to physically come to see me run.

Later, they both confirmed that it broke their hearts, but they didn't think they could, physically. 

I applaud them for continuing to travel and enjoy life as much as they can. It's just so hard for them. And as their son, it's heartbreaking to watch. I wish I could help them more. I wish there were more I can do.

And then I suddenly think about MY children (no - no announcements - don't get excited) - will THEY have to deal with these infirmities from me? Will my heritage and genetics take over?

Or can I conquer my risk factors and take control of my life once and for all? 

I very quickly lost my appetite for bread pudding.

I'm so happy they're here for this weekend - and I adore my parents (how many 30 year olds out there talk to their parents nearly every day?) - as does Amber. And that only makes it harder to hear my father struggle to breath, and watch my mother struggle to move. 

All I can do to help them, is love them. Love them - and LEARN. I can finish this goal - and move onto the next - and keep going strong - keep moving forward - and stay master of my own health.

And so I shall. And with the support of Amber, and you all, I know I can do it. The love I feel from this community and from my friends keeps me going every single day. And you all, every single one of you, has my eternal gratitude.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 17: 1.935 miles

Okay - well first of all - I was GOING to post a picture here of me as an innnnsy binssssy baby!

But Safari is acting up and I can't post pictures at all today. (I'll be adding it later today from work if possible) (note: and here's the handsome little devil himself!)



So - sufficed to say - today I am Thirty.


I want to thank EVERYONE for my birthday wishes, early and on time. :)


This morning I challenged myself to SPEEDWALK for 30 minutes - and did well with it - nearly 2 miles, which means I COULD walk the half if I wanted to. I don't - but I could. :)


My parents are coming into town later today - and we have a nice big dinner tonight planned - with a huge party on Saturday with the gang. Pictures ARE forthcoming (if Safari will work with me! LOL)


Until then, my friends - I'm off to enjoy my birthday!!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 16 - .610 miles

Before I get into anything about myself - I want to mark here the passing of the last of Walt's original "Nine Old Men". Ollie Johnston passed away in Sequim Washington on Monday. His light may have gone out of our world, but his magic will remain for all time.

As for me - I did a short walk this morning. My abs and arms are VERY sore from my pushups on Monday. Hopefully that'll be gone tomorrow and I can do a medium-long run.

One thing I have learned though is that when I do MORE exercise, I give myself permission to eat more, and to not really account for it which is partially why I posted a gain this week. So I decided today to cut that out. I calculated my points from yesterday. Between my normal meals and extra snacks I ate over 50 points yesterday. Now granted - when you exercise, you get extra points to eat. BUT - if I want to keep losing weight, I need to keep it in check.

Seeing that number helped remind me that the plan is exercise AND diet. Not one or the other. And today I'll stick within my 41 points daily. And continue to do so. 

One high point day (yesterday) won't hurt too bad - but let's avoid it being a pattern.

And here's a good question for you: are YOU watching what you eat? Really watching it?

Give it a shot if you're not. You might be surprised!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 15 - 3.500 miles!!!

Best. Run. Yet.

As my good friend Rae would say - HOLY CATS!

I decided to do a long run this morning - but when I woke up I was SORE in the midsection and arms, likely from the push-ups yesterday. So I figured I'd warm up and see how it went.

And I just kept on going. I lost track of everything except that I was running/walking.

And it felt GREAT. No real soreness in the legs (a little tightness in the calves) - no blisters or hot spots. Just a great overall run.

Who thought I'd have given up or missed a day by now? Halfway through April? C'mon - be honest! Who thought I would have?! 

And by the way - I was reminded of this yesterday. One of the greatest things we're all doing with Team Voice and our individual goals? Yeah - we're helping OTHER people. People who might not think they can do "it" - whatever "it" is for them. And when someone either asks me for help, or a lawyer I know tells me he's got a trainer now because of me, or when someone tells me that I look great and they want to lose weight too: not only does it feel WONDERFUL - but it's totally inspiring. 

One of the questions people have asked me repeatedly is: What's your goal weight? My answer is always the same. "However little I need to weigh to run the half-marathon successfully." Then they ask: What happens after the half?

"Uh...."

Wow - good question.

But perhaps helping others is the key. Setting new goals of helping people recreate my successes - or create their own. Perhaps with each goal I accomplish, if I set a new one to help someone else - I'll just keep my own momentum moving forward - and who knows - maybe I'll run the Goofy in 2012. :)

Until then, dear blogkateers:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 14 - .580 miles (289.2 pounds)

So I'm up a pound and a half this week. Inconsistent eating, sure, but a gain? Man. How very Eeyore of a feeling. Could also be muscle again, though. And usually when I post a small gain, I end up with a larger loss the next week...we'll see.

This week is my birthday - so some larger meals are on the horizon, but we've planned them out and they should be okay. :)

I haven't run yet - I'm running AFTER I work with Christina, and I'll throw in an update on the blog after. :) Speaking of which - I should head out! Back soon!

(Note: I just got back from the gym - I ran a .580 mile 10 minute warmup while Christina entered my measurements into the computer. I have to say - I already REALLY like Christina. She has a great sense of humor, and is really encouraging. She also is a sadistic maniac! :) She had me doing suicide runs and pushups right afterwards. "The point of failure is the point of greatest success." She said to me, as my arms gave out and I slumped, belly first, onto the basketball court floor. And she said it with such joy and happiness, that I had to believe her - I'd just accomplished something! What it was - I wasn't quite sure. But I thought about it as I left the gym. What I'd done was connect with my NEW trainer. And I don't say that as "someone who trains me" - because as you know I bonded with Angie - and "trainer" took on a more "sensei" or "mentor" meaning. And I think Christina is the next logical mentor for me. And fear not, Christina, your picture will be up in the blog next week! 

I'll be seeing Christina every Wednesday morning (schedule permitting) - and I have a feeling we're going to do some great things together!)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 13 - .997 miles

An enchanted rose! See it? It's the magic rose!!! I love this picture - it came so nice! This is a stained glass window in the France pavillion.

This morning I was intending to do a Huey run - but after yesterday my legs are a little tight/sore, so I wanted to rest them a bit. I did some nice stretches, and tossed in about a mile run. I figure I'll hit Huey on Tuesday. Tomorrow I see Christina for the first time, including some measurements, and she's asked me NOT to warm up before I see her - so before I leave the gym, I'll do a 10 minute cooldown for my mileage challenge.

Foodwise, things have been good this week - a little weird, but so far so good. Sushi last night - which was WONDERFUL. :) We'll do the weigh-in tomorrow before I go to the gym, and I'll update before I go.

How has YOUR week gone?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 12 - 2.49 miles OUTSIDE

Today, by request, a picture of Lisa - one of those darn cats! :) See, Lisa? I have a picture of you to show the world! :)

Today I had my first REAL outside run. I had mapped out a 3 mile run last night with the car, but forgot that my house is on the highest point in the county - meaning hills abound. So I went out, and ran/walked/jogged until I was done. Then went to www.mapmyrun.com and saw how far I went. I was kind of bummed before I mapped it because I KNEW I didn't make it as far as I wanted.

Then I saw that I did about 2.5 miles in 35 minutes including hills. My shins DON'T hurt. My calves are a little tight, but I feel GOOD. No gasping or breathing problems.

Not bad. Next week I'll shoot for all 3 miles. Tomorrow I'll do at least a Huey on the treadmill.

But the outdoor training has officially begun!

Hey - Jeff - I can name at least 17 of the people in the picture - maybe 18. :) Who can name them ALL?

And have you all listened to the AATM birthday extravaganza yet? C'mon!!! It's SO much fun!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 11 - 1.023 miles

First of all - HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALL ABOUT THE MOUSE!!!! You can find our birthday extravaganza show up at www.allaboutthemouse.com - please go listen - and don't forget to listen to the end - the blooper reel is waiting for you! :)

Second - my alarm didn't go off!!! So I'm running late - but at least I was RUNNING. I did 1.023 miles and have to go hop in the shower now. Regardless, TOMORROW is an outdoor run. And regardless of how tomorrow goes, Sunday is a 1 hour minimum. Monday I see Christina, and off we go!

I did have ONE food issue yesterday - one of those long drive beef jerky stops I used to be prone to. It was odd. I was REALLY hungry, and had nothing else, so I stopped. I've been hungrier this month in general. Perhaps I'm working out more, and my metabolism is skyrocketing and I'll lose like 1900 pounds. :)

Or perhaps I was just hungry. Who knows?

Anyhow - no more unscheduled food stops. Just wanted to confess before I go.

I feel cleansed and forgiven. :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 10 - 1.009 miles

If you're in Disneyland, I highly suggest Goofy's Kitchen. VERY fun breakfast.

Now - returning to "Days of our Voice". 

After speaking with Christina, who sounds wonderful - I'm going to train with her. When I actually called her, she was on the other line with Angie discussing me and reading the blog together, both wondering just how much drama I could pack into the search for a trainer. LOL

My first appointment with her is Monday - I'm glad this is all resolved...I hope. LOL

Quick run today - have a long drive to an early court (90-120 minutes, and court is at 8:30) - have to shower and head out. Tomorrow time for a longer run. Maybe even 45. We'll see. :)

How's your week holding up? Who's 10 for 10 so far?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 9 - .904 miles

I had a very weird dream last night that ended up with me riding Mission: Space. Only it was combined NOT with centrifuge technology, but with the ride system from Soarin. Weird.

Anyhow - quick run this morning and tomorrow due to my schedule.

And as if I didn't have enough interesting drama in my trainer search - yesterday Angie e-mailed me. She was checking in on me at the club and heard about my meeting with Aimee. I'd already spoke to Lena, and made an appointment with her, but Angie really suggested I work with either Geanna (time permitting) or Christina, who called me and wanted to check in on me. 

First off - it was REALLY awesome to think that Angie called the club and checked on me specifically - and Christina's voicemail was awesome in regards to how much she knew about me and my goals and what went wrong with Aimee.

So now I have a call into Christina, and who knows who I'll be working with! LOL

Find out the answer to these questions, and more, on the next episode of: SOAP! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 8 - 2.063 miles

I love Monster's Inc. Don't you? I think, aside from Nemo, it's Pixar's finest movie. But then again - I'm all about the innocence of Boo, and her relationship with Sully. What a great pairing!!!

Anyhow - tossed in a longer run this morning - felt great with the new shoes (tied them a little TOO loose this morning - tomorrow will try for the Goldilocks effect - JUST right) - and had a good pace - under a 15min/mile.

Food is going good - I promise I'll start posting exactly what I eat again soon - but I'm keeping within my 41 points.

Sponsor letters went out yesterday.

And I met Aimee yesterday. Here's the hard part - I gave her this link, so I know she's going to read this. Hopefully the club manager already talked to her. I'm not going to be mean, but you all know me well enough to know that I have to be honest here, or else this blog doesn't work for me.

I wasn't super happy with Aimee. We didn't quite click like I hoped we would, and although it could very well be my perception, a lot of the time during our first meeting (which was just more to get to know each other and do some measurements) it felt like she wasn't listening to me.

I mean - look - I'm no expert - we know this. BUT - I've come a long way, and I know what's been working for me, right? And what I want is a trainer and a training program that will work WITH me - not against me. It felt a lot like Aimee wanted me to start over at ground zero with a lot of things - and felt at times like a sales pitch for the 24 hour fitness website and supplements, etc. 

Aimee is a really nice lady - and seems VERY smart and like an excellent trainer, but just not the trainer for me. So I called the club manager and explained my situation, and he's recommended two possible trainers: Laina or Geanna. (Note - Geanna is the lady that Angie referred me to, who only had the 4am slot - but hey - if she's the right trainer - I'll get up. Geanna even saw me yesterday and said hi.) 

Timewise, I think Laina has more my schedule open - but I should be hearing from her in a day or so and we'll find out then.

So until then - I keep training myself - keep moving forward, and heading towards my goals!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 7 - 1.00 miles (287.7 pounds!)

Today I feel Tiggeriffic!

I'm down 3.6 pounds, and ran a good mile this morning! I'm headed out to meet Amy here in a few minutes, but wanted to update first.

Fleet Feet was a WONDERFUL store. Apparently my feet run Neutrally. No pronation at all.

I got a NICE pair of Brooks shoes and several pairs of good socks as well as a nice headband for sopping up sweat. I found that the pre-installed inserts worked better for me than the SuperFeet inserts or anything - so I stuck with the shoes as is.

But now I'm going to have to fiddle with how I tie them. LOL I tied my left foot WAY tighter than my right this morning before running (not sure why or how) - and I could really feel it - almost uncomfortably. So I'll have to be more even in my tying technique. :)

I'm only going to wear those shoes while training (running) - I have my reebok cross trainers for the gym.

Speaking of the gym - I'm outta here!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 6 - .93 miles

Big changes are afoot here today. You see - aside from accomplishing my 30 days 30 miles challenge, and aside from finishing the biggest trial I've had thus far, and aside from working with a new trainer, and aside from doing great with my food intake...

I'm preparing for my birthday.

And realizing that 30, while not ancient, isn't 20 anymore. 

I decided when I left college for Law School (around 9 years ago) to rebel against my family slightly. My mother always used to scold me for not shaving in the morning - so I grew a goatee. Then a full beard. I changed it often back and forth, but always kept something. 

I shaved completely once about 4-5 years ago, and it didn't take. I was clean shaven for about a week. LOL

But I decided to pamper myself for my 30th. 

I went to "The Art of Shaving" and go a royal shave and haircut as well as some beautiful shaving gear.

WOW.

What a difference. I feel and look 10 years younger. And this time, I LIKE how this looks:

Maybe the 80-some pounds has something to do with it.

Maybe I don't feel the need to hide anymore.

Maybe I just look gooooood. ;)

Or shall I say Mah-va-lous?

Fleet Feet today at noon! Amy tomorrow morning!!! And of course - in January:

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 5 - 1.385 miles

Lots of news today!

First - five for five on running. YAY! A shorter run today - a longer one tomorrow - and tomorrow we hit Fleet Feet.

Monday I meet Amy for the first time - Amy's my new trainer. I spoke to her last night, and she sounds great! She's lost a bunch of weight through training over five years ago - and so knows what I'm up against - and she LOVES research, and is already psyched about learning about the WDW Half and all that other good stuff. I'm bringing her a bunch of resources on Monday to learn about my goals. How cool is that?

Sponsors - your letters also go out Monday morning. :)

Okay - so the book I bought in Canada that I'm reading is called: "The Courage to Start" by John The Penguin Gringham.

John was a big guy who decided in his FOURTIES to start running. He runs marathons, halfs, 5k, etc. And he never wins. He's happy just to finish - because it's about his health and his love for running. 

It's a story about becoming a runner - and becoming in control of your body again - and like John says - that we are able to finish is not the miracle - the miracle is that we had the courage to start in the first place.

And that's DEFINITELY how I feel.

More about the Penguin as I get further - but so far - he's confirmed my shoe shopping idea! :)

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day Four - .580 miles

Wouldn't you like to be an otter too?

They're so cute and cuddly! 

Anyhow - it's FRIDAY at last!!! And I'm very proud of myself for a few things:

1) Four for four so far!

2) Mileage today! Why am I proud even though it was only 10 minutes? Because I have to leave early today - and normally if I had to leave early, I'd just forgo it - but today I got up 10 minutes early and said - let's at least break a sweat and throw in a half a mile. 

3) I'm feeling better overall about my trial result. Not great - but not crummy anymore. So that's a step in the right direction.

A longer post (and finally the answer to the book I bought question) tomorrow!!!

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day Three - 1.204 miles

There were SO MANY ducks outside our hotel in Victoria. In fact, one of the groundskeepers actually takes care of them and they follow him like he's their father.

Weird.

Anyhow - another short walk this morning - on the bright side, I've increased my walking pace to 3.7 mph without a real struggle, which means that most likely if all else fails I can WALK a 16 minute pace for 13 miles. I'd rather not, but this is progress. My jogging speed is up to 4.5 and I can sustain a run around 5 at this point.

This weekend is fleet feet, too. I'm psyched.

I finally talked to the new trainer. Here's the problem - her only available appointment that works for me with work is Friday's at FOUR AM. I'm considering calling the club manager and seeing if he can get me with a different trainer around six. Four am is just TOO darn early, in my opinion.

So until then - I keep walking. Keep moving forward.

Hey - team voice? We're 3 for 3 so far! 

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day 2 - 2.034 miles

Bet you didn't know Bryan had a store in Victoria, did you? Yup. He sells dresses. :)

Had a good run this morning - above pace, which is good - and over 2 miles, which is good. 

And yes, you're all right. I said 30 days of mileage. So that's what we'll do. Weights do NOT count, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to do them. Granted, I've yet to hear from my new trainer - and will call her today...

Fleet Feet on either Saturday or Sunday - depending, but that's coming too.

Still bummed about my trial. Trying not to let it get to me - doing better, but it still sucks at times.

But here, with you guys, you remind me every day that I can do whatever I put my mind to...like run a half marathon.

How's about that?

MAIN STREET AWAITS!

Day One - 1.285 miles

Today I got up and ran.

I really really didn't want to. I wanted to curl up in bed and not get out.

My trial ended.

I lost. After all that work, the jury convicted my client, despite my best efforts. Here's the really hard part. They all said they believed my client and that I did a wonderful job defending him. But that despite that, he still was wrong.

It was like being gut punched.

But I woke up and realized that today was day one of 30 days of mileage. (which begs the question - I'm assuming that a weight workout in lieu of running COUNTS, yes?)

So I got up and ran.

And it helped.

I gave myself 24 hours to feel crummy - so after 3:30pm today - I'm done. Tomorrow things are back to normal.

MAIN STREET AWAITS!