O.K., I promise to make this a more substanative training update this time. All is well--I am training consistently and am lighter than I have been in a long, long time. Basically I am running a couple days a week, hitting the spin bike one day a week, and either doing a bit more cardio (usually the Stairmaster or elliptical machine) or lifting weights one day a week. Yesterday I did my first brick workout in a long, long time, consisting of 30 minutes on the spin bike followed by a 10-minute treadmill run. It just felt so EASY--almost too easy. I really think being lighter (consistently in the low-170 lb. range, and sometimes in the high 160s, like this morning) is making a huge difference.
So how did I finally lose the weight? First off, I added breakfast to my daily routine, which supposedly helps speed up your metabolism. I then have a large lunch and a fairly light dinner (sometimes no dinner at all--it can be tough having a 17-month-old going through a bad sleeping phase). I still struggle with the sweets, but keep them in moderation during the week and rarely eat them on weekends. Add it all up, and I am nearly 20 lbs lighter than I was less than a year ago, when I was seriously beginning to worry that my weight could begin to start with a two in the near future.
O.K., back to training stuff. I definitely need to add another workout into my week. Ideally I would like to do two runs, two bike rides (including a brick), and one weightlifting workout every week starting soon. Work travel is about to ramp up which could throw a wrench in my plans, but I will do the best I can. Will post again soon with updated racing plans for this year. Thanks for reading!