Feeling great!

Physically anyway!

I've lost 11 pounds since I started my most recent eating strategy (CBT/no flour/no sugar) - I've not stuck to it perfectly but something's working! I'm almost to where I was last fall, and then... not sure what my goal should be (since I never reach weight loss goals!) - just keep on with it for a while longer and try to get thinner/fitter! (In case anyone reading this is concerned that I'm taking it too far or something - I still weight 192 pounds and am 5'9"- while I feel fit and strong, I could easily lose another 10 or more. I'd love to be under 180 some day! But whichever French movie start it was who said women of a certain age need to choose between their fanny and their face is right - if I lost too much more weight my normally long thin face might start looking a bit too hollowed-out!)

Much MORE important: my half-marathon training. I haven't done another LONG r4un since the 9-miler in August -the start of school put my schedule in a blender. But I feel back on track now (though my swim yesterday was jettisoned by my 6-year-old's 5th "Mystery Fever" in a year, and I never got off the wait list for spinning today.) I'm planning to do something long this Saturday - not sure if I'm brave enough to go for 10, but at least 8 anyway) longer the following, and a 10k race on October 4. After that, one more LONG-y long long, and then it's time to taper!

All the parts seem to be working OK - knees a tiny bit dodgy (hence the plan to get back to spinning) - back and achilles not complaining, assorted ouchies on my feet under control. The thing is, when I run, I suprise myself at feeling strong and confident. I start out slow to warm up and my brain still expects to run out of breath, steam, confidence after a few minutes - but I don't. Then I start wanting to challenge myself and run a little harder and a little faster and a little longer. It's kinda exciting.

Speaking of brains, I just learned today that an old classmate (who I haven't seen in 25+ years but still have very fond memories of, for all the ways he brought me out of my shy sheltered shell (sniff sniff, what's that interesting scent coming from your back deck, oh 8th grade classmate?)) just had surgery for a glioblastoma (the very bad kind of brain cancer.) If anyone can beat it he can - he's a windsurfer, athlete, free spirit and great guy, from everything I can learn from mutual friends who are in touch with him now. But I'm feeling sad about it - this after another old friend (from college) took his own life last week. Stop getting sick and dying, people! The world needs you here!