Getting ready for training season.

I am so proud of myself! After making a huge number of 123 miles in October and not waking up early to run for like a good 2 months, I finally made a commitement and set the alarm clock for 5 am this week. Well, first of all, I did another "prescribed" workout at the gym on Monday, this time for upper body, and survived it easier - either I am naturally better there or because I kept at the base with it while tapering for and recovering from Bear 100. Then I usually jump on Elliptical to hike my HR and catch up on reading at the same time - but all 3 (as in all three we have!) were occupied, and I reserved myself with horror to a Treadmill. God, how much I despise this machine, where you run nowhere, and I didn't even have music with me! But, since this will be my future choice for speed and hill workouts as the training begins, I had to get the mental power to re-learn to use it since spring. So I did, a whole 1.5 miles, at 10 min/mile, and felt just fine. Of course, once the EFX got free, I switched, but it was a good introduction to upcoming season.

Anyhow, Tuesday I made sure I had my running clothes laid out the night before, and once I heard the noise of my cell (yeah, I also learned how to use alarm option there!) - I was up, and soon out. I went for roads (a paved path along the roads actually, so not too bad, having light for the most part and really dark as it enters Tryon Park, for about a mile each way) - another downfall of darkness in winter time, but kind of good for my stale state now - and kept on shuffling all of 55 min, out and back. It almost felt akward, but very good for my self-confidence.

So today I did it again, and this time extended it by 10 min, and it was somewhat more fluid and less painful. We had frost on the ground and car windows frozen, and the chill was biting! Now I just have to stick with it at least 3 times a week and once on the weekend for a bit longer, and then can plan on training schedule in a couple of weeks. Would be nice to get to 50 mpw by December on regular basis. "Do what you can with what you have where you are" - Theodore Roosevelt.

My food intake has been really good too, thanks to Ronda for keeping me on track and accountable. The first couple of days I had trouble portioning and also went out for dinners (however healthy, still more food than allowed), but then found a supermarket that sells packages of fish/chicken/turkey in 4 oz single portions, and my life got easier. I cooked comlex veggies on Sunday and distributed them into ziplock baggies. The prep worked like a charm, as I feel good, eat right and dropped 2 lbs in 5 days. Now, those were part of 5 extra ones I put on since Bear, so still lots of work, but I am trying, little by little. If only I can start drinking water at other times besides excercising...

Tonight I am taking Stephen and Monika's son Max trick-o-treating, it should be fun! Wonder if I should wear something too? I am not into this American thing at all, but kids are, so I just lag behind and supervise how much candy was consumed:) I'll add on pictures tomorrow from it.

Oh, and Stephen finally got a visa for his visit to Russia, yeah! I went ahead and bought tickets, december 25th to January 2nd, a week of stay, to celebrate New year's eve (THE holiday in Russia) and my parents' golden wedding anniversary (wow! and to hear nagging of my upcoming divorce...). Not to mention, on another related and good note, my check for American citizenship was finally cashed, and I expect to get fingerprints appointment within next 2 weeks (it took 3 months with delays when last year everybody got through this stage in 2 weeks). Things are moving along nicely.

And to leave you with another couple of quotes for the day (I've been reading a lot lately, so nice, been awhile):

Life is not the way it's supposed to be. It's the way it si. the way you cope with it is what makes the difference. Virginia Satir

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Rose Macaulay.

Hugs to you, guys. I'll be volunteering mainAS and taking lap times for Autumn Leaves 50k/50M on Saturday with Stephen.

Update: I only sucked on half a lolly pop from Stephen! Glad I am not a fan of sweet stuff:) Kids had so much fun and filled half a pillow case each! I fed them a bit before we left to prevent candy overload, but I am afarid it helped little. Oh, and I ran this morning (Thursday) again, and even worked it up:)