Week 2: Complete.

I weighed in at 127.0 on Wednesday morning, which is when I have been doing my weigh ins. I am not seeing numbers drop, obviously, but I am seeing a change in my body composition. It's obviously only been two weeks- it's not much. But When I am in the gym I feel strong and I look good. My cellulite is smoothing out and my belly fat is shrinking.

There are some things which still get in the way. For one, school has been busy and keeping up with eating is difficult. Very difficult. I actually had to resort to nut butter a few times this week because I needed quick and sustaining calories. I am happy to say that I haven't really lost control with peanut butter. I have had a midnight snack a couple times, due to my intense workouts. It sucks because I don't feel like I am *really* getting a great workout when I do strength AFTER, but during the workout I know I am working as hard as possible.  And I never let myself cheat, I'm always sweating a ton. In addition, I have been running just about every day. On my shorter, more intense days I will do 25 minutes or 30 minutes of HIIT. I did cross train on the bike, after running a mile. On long days (such as yesterday) I do 35, but I just increased to 40.

Good news! I signed up for FIVE races. Last Saturday, Liz and I ran the Feed the Need 5k. We kept pace together and finished at 34:22. I typically do a 5k in about 25-26 minutes, but it was still fun to not be pushing too hard. The first one is June 2, and it's a 10k, the Texas Lavender Women's 10k in Blanco. Gorgeous area, and after we get a brunch with champagne and then get to pick lavender from the fields! After that, I signed up for a series of four races. These are to prep me for the marathon in the fall. I am GOING TO RUN A MARATHON IN THE FALL, there I said it. These are in San Antonio. The first one is Remember the Alamo...Beer 10k. I get beer after. Actually, I get beer after all of them, which was a contributing factor. That one is in July. In August there is a 15k, September a 20k then October a 20 miler. I haven't decided if I will run the marathon in New Braunfels in October (a week after the 20 miler) or in November (San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Marathon). I have time to think about it. I will also run any other races along the way. The whole point is to keep my training up. Right now, I can run a 10k just fine, but I am trimming body fat, so I am not training too hard for those long distances.

The other thing getting in the way of my goals, however is- what else?- my new birth control. I had a period a week after my period at the beginning of the month, a week after I started my new pill, Reclipsen. After that period ended, I spotted, and I think I just stopped spotting. I am continuing my packs for four months then having a period to keep my hormones at a steady level. Maybe it can clear up my acne and PMS. It seems to have been helping my PMS- I just skipped to a new pack a couple days ago, and the spotting is going down. But I do currently feel certain ovary pains and some slight cravings that are normal. It is nowhere near as bad as it has been. I did have to give in and eat delicious Ethiopian food today ( a LOT of it) and I had a bit of 86% chocolate, but didn't really feel like finishing it. My stomach has been shrinking.

I have been having these INSANE DREAMS for the past several nights, though! And my skin is constantly itching! It's been hard to sleep before 2am. But I have not been skipping exercise.

I don't know how these female body builders follow a bland ass diet of egg whites, chicken and broccoli all the damn time. It lacks so many nutrients and it's dull and boring. I am finding that I can eat a good variety and eat less than normal (which is the important thing!) and stay satisfied. If I do not give in and have a few nuts or pieces of fruit or fruit spread, I will end up going crazy and eating everything in sight.

So, as far as last week's goals- I reduced my dairy, and only had a couple plain Greek yogurts. The fruit is fine, and peanut butter is fine. I think the only thing I need to keep in check is when and how much I eat, making sure to do it at the right times (every 3 hours). Each week I tighten of course. I did have a few sips of wine tonight, but find I don't want it-too sweet. Nothing tastes good enough to make me want to not succeed at this. I go home May 1st, which is only 9 days away...holy shit. Once I'm home, I have already vowed to stick with this diet and to keep training. I can't slip up now, not when I am on my way to getting to where I want to be. Any small setback will set me WAY back, because I'm almost to the weight I want to be.

So, only nine days, huh? I think I will double my workouts this week... Next goal is 125 lbs. :)