Things are looking good.

I am getting better at motivating myself to swim. I have discovered that swimming 1000 yds is best done by counting 10 100 yard sets. I feel like it is easier to complete 10 rather than saying 40 lengths! So, yet another way to trick myself into feeling like this isn't a long time spent in the pool.

My weight loss project is going pretty well right now. I am back down to 140, and preparing to face the inevitable temptation to eat my way right back to 145. I feel like I am more motivated to lose the pounds, and I have more control over myself. It feels good to be on track. I will be at my goal by the end of August!

If I am lighter and the temperatures start dropping off, I am hoping my speed on both the bike and the run will increase rapidly. My long runs have slowed to a relative crawl (10:30 min/mi at times). My bike speeds are not too bad, but I tend to go in the early morning, and the movement of air seems to keep me cooler. I am hoping to bike Usery Pass tomorrow before going to San Diego at 15 mi/hr (that's a 3 hour total ride time).

Today I feel accomplished

I have spent most of my day running around trying to get things done and ready for the first checkpoint of the deinstallation of a piece of equipment at work. I spent the morning working to make sure all the big requirements were met, and had some others take care of double and triple checking some smaller things. I lucked out with getting my scheduled walk-through to give the ok for the beginning of phase 2 because another person dumped that slot since they weren't ready :-). I was supposed to give 48 hrs notice, but wasn't at work, so it slipped my mind! We passed with only a few minor concerns with me not signing off a couple of items on our checklist (because I did them this morning, and I was a bit nervous). This was my first major project, and I have impressed everyone with my ability to get things done on time and with good attention to detail. I worked through lunch, though, and now it is time to take a break at the gym, and do some stationary biking and weight lifting. Before I go home, I am going to hit the gym again for a swim! Should be fun.

I spent a good part of today enjoying my job. There is a project we are working on, and I was given charge of it. So far everyone is impressed that I am getting things done. I don't know if I should be insulted or feel proud when my collegues are surprised that things are already scheduled and moving along.

On my lunch break today, I ran on a treadmill for 6 miles. I felt really good except for the humidity and lack of air circulation. I suppose it is still better than running outside, but I long for the winter days when I could run at noon outside :-). I have been becoming more brave about my speed restrictions on the treadmill. I put it up to an 8 min mi for a while. I think I could do the whole run at an 8:30, but I didn't. Next week, I will try to do this.

My calorie restriction is right on track for today. Maybe a few more good days like this and I can get those 15 lbs gone!

eating right isn't always fun :-(

I am trying to lose 15 lbs before race day. I am starting off trying to lose 2 lbs per week, hoping that this will get me some initial momentum and inspiration. So far, I just lose the weight and gain it back. I have a 5 pound range I go through every couple of weeks. I have so many issues with foods. I have learned unhealthy habits! I eat when I am stressed, eat when I am angry, eat when I'm depressed, eat when I want to celebrate, eat when I am frustrated, eat when I'm sleepy, and eat when I'm bored. It makes it really hard to lose any weight. The only time I can stick to my plan is when I am emotionless! I am going to begin a new diet called the Vulcan diet. I reduce my caloric intake by meditating and focusing on eliminating emotion. If I am successful, I will write a book and make millions.

I love to eat healthy. Some of my favorite foods are fruits and vegetables. I prefer wheat over white bread, and don't drink non-diet soda. The problem is, I stick to my plan for a week or two, and then I lose control, and eat all the calories I'd been avoiding. It can be so heartbreaking sometimes. I feel like my brain is trying to trick me into eating. I find myself making excuses for my indulgence. "You ran a lot today" "you need the fuel for tomorrow's bike ride" "What's the big deal? It's not like you're fat" "you had a stressful day, enjoy something tasty" "you've got plenty of time before the race, why lose so much now?" I wish I knew how to fight it . . . ::sobbing::