This is the last week leading to the Shamrock half

The last long training run completed yesterday. Only thing left this week are runs to keep me limber and motivated - should be an easy week.

Emails are starting to come in about the race - waivers, packet pickups, freebie coupons, etc.

Plans to get to VA Beach are arranged...I'll just have to do a checklist of things to pack so as not to forget and have anxiety over forgetting something that most likely will not really help me run the race any faster. Nevertheless, it's better to have taken it rather than mull over if I'm going to need it.

I'm getting excited...

4 weeks to Shamrock half

It's a bit fascinating that I am still the same weight considering all the running and calorie watching these last few weeks.

As far as running, finding my strength and resolve back. I felt pretty good running a 9:46 pace in the Sweetheart 4-mile race last Sunday. Confidence booster.

Today is 5 miles, followed by a 2-hour or 13 miles tomorrow (MCM Half course which is tough).

Looking forward to rest on Monday.

Two days in a row of running...

yesterday 6.5 miles;

today 90 min - zone 2 - ~8 miles.

Food - I need to start recording my food consumption again with Lose It.

Starting again....

2 beers and a glass of wine

...and a big prosciutto pizza, chips and nuts - calories from this afternoon. I was doing well given it's a Friday, until 5:30 came and at this time everyone assembles at a place called the Sports Centre in our office in La Hulpe. The sports center is just that - a gym with a restaurant and a bar. It's the happening place, and yes I indulged - my favorite Hoegaarden Rose!

No exercise on Thursday and Friday.

Saturday is redeem day. Here's sticking to the plan tomorrow.

Cheers!

I have lost nothing!

I'm losing it with LoseIt. It just got so confused when I changed the time on my computer to EST to Brussels time. Now I have to reenter 2 days worth of data and be reminded that I have been over calories for 2 days in a row.

I really could exercise more discipline in ordering less food - I have to stay away from ordering food combos that are tempting but with many more calories.

It is now 2 weeks - and not a pound lost.

God help me!

Week 2 Summary and start of Week 3

Week 2 ended with a big bowl of Spaghetti Bolognese and a glass of red wine. So it can be interpreted as either good or bad. Good because this is my favorite (of all favs) food combination and it was like an exclamation point to end the week; or additional calories that I could have lost down the road. Did I need Spaghetti Bolognese? Calorie-wise - no; and yes-since I am all by my lonesome. It felt like getting a hug.

Start of Week 3:

Monday, 17 Jan in La Hulpe, BE

15 min - walk / run

30 min - stretch and strengthen

Not too bad. Now off to get ready for work and ah before that breakfast buffet at downstairs (of hotel at Dolce La Hulpe).

Off I go....

Week 2 of Shamrock half-marathon training starts

Monday, 10 Jan - I was very good. Calories under the goal level. Even attended a very interesting yoga/pilates class.

Tuesday, 11 Jan - Bad day.over by 240 calories. Missed the 3 mile run. It must have been the 1-11-11 - oh well, had to blame it on something. As soon as I got home tonight, I was excited to make a shrimp thai curry dish. The dish was yummy, and we have left overs for tomorrow.

Wednesday - I redeemed myself. Still having hard getting up in the morning to begin my run, but I did start my day with a 30-min meditation. As soon as I got home, got on the treadmill for a 30 min tempo run. I ran a 9:13 pace for only 8 min instead of 15. The night is still young and I still have 53 calories more I can spend.