Three Days Until California

So far I am down 6.5 pounds on Operation Wedding Dress. I kicked some bootie in the gym these past 3 days. Today I got up early and went to 24 Hour Fitness and did 90 minutes of cardio (half on the Stairclimber and half on the elliptical). I also did 50 minutes of weights and abs during my lunch break. On Saturday and Sunday I did 90 minutes of cardio and a 45-minute swim workout each day. I had to cram in some workout time this weekend to hit my magic number of 10 hours for the week. I am still logging my food on Fitday, and even though I’m occasionally endulging, I think the logging has made me more accountable and has helped me make better choices. Since I’m working out a good amount, the alcohol, occasional desserts, etc. haven’t been hindering my progress too much since I’m keeping it under control.

My knees have been bothering me, but I think they are starting to get a bit better. Hopefully I can go for some short runs with Cliff in California because the weather should be GORGEOUS. I really want to take him on the Rose Bowl run. We leave for California on Thursday night. I am signed up for the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach, but since I stopped training in late November due to injuries, I am trying to make the right decision by bowing out. A few very positive things came out of this experience though. #1 - I did my first 20-mile training run (18 miles was my longest before that) and it went very well. #2 - I found a group of people that I love to run with. #3 - I did some awesome tempo and speed workouts that showed me what I’m capable of and how those types of workouts can positively impact my long distance. This is the first time that I haven’t followed through on a marathon, but I don’t want to run one just for the sake of finishing (which is similar to my Ironman philosophy now). I want to go into my next marathon excited and ready to break 4 hours. If Operation Wedding Dress goes according to plan and I slim down more, I could definitely see signing up for a late 2009/early 2010 marathon.

That being said, I’m looking forward to a nice long weekend in California. We might go on a double date with my cousin Dana and her boyfriend on Friday night. We’re celebrating my brother’s birthday on Saturday night and then Cliff and I are going out afterwards. We’re going to my Aunt Sally and Uncle Bob’s house on Super Bowl Sunday, and then we return on Monday. My friend Kristin is taking care of GusGus for us. It will be weird being without our baby! I’m sure he’ll freak out when he has to poop inside someone else’s house :)

The weekend was busy, and I definitely could have used a day off to relax today. On Saturday I ran a whole bunch of errands (including picking up my wedding dress – finally!) so I was gone for the majority of the afternoon. We tried a new restaurant, El Paseo on Jacksboro Highway, for dinner. It always looks really busy, but it was a little disappointing. It reminded me of Mexican Inn, meaning that the food was pretty bland and boring. But I like seafood, vegetables, etc. in my Mexican food, so don’t listen to me if you like the classic cheese, chicken, etc. After my workout on Sunday morning, I was busy cleaning the house while Cliff grocery shopped and cooked. His parents and his sister and her family came over and we grilled chicken and veggies. Once they left, I spent the rest of my time getting all of my stuff ready for today (it takes me forever to prepare meals, pack my 50 bags, etc.).

I am trying to get some of the wedding stuff done… slowly but surely! I found a DFW photographer on Google today, and his prices are VERY reasonable. He is coming by next week to show us his portfolio and go over everything with us. The bridal portrait photo shoot is only $150, so I might end up doing that (I was undecided). I am hoping to work on the invitations this week before we leave for California since I wanted to get those done last weekend.