Gradual Progress: Proof

On March 17th, about three weeks after I announced my intent to pursue the American Birkebeiner, I weighed in at 199.5 pounds. I am not a huge guy, and after losing some pounds the previous year my weight had increased (much) higher than I was comfortable with. Since reaching a high of 207 pounds in June of 2008, I vowed to never get back into the 200 pound range again. The weight gain frustrated me, because I was feeling like I was in decent shape. I was running or walking nearly everyday and was trying to watch what I ate. I was in training, and yet it didn't seem to matter as my weight slowly ticked north.

So on March 17th I vowed to change my lifestyle...mainly my eating and drinking habits. No more Coca-Cola, no more huge glasses of milk, no more late night snacks, no sugar packed cookies. Combined with my running, I slowly started taking off the pounds. My belt moved to the next hole, and my runs slowly gained length and elevation. Three times in the past week I ran my four hill Elver Park loop, each time getting just a little bit faster. The loop is about 5 miles and it is challenging. I also found a website that allows me very easily to log my eating habits. It's working. This morning I weighed in at 189 pounds. Every week I am feeling more fit. And lighter. And gaining confidence that I will indeed ski the Birkie next February.