Do the Jan Ullrich!

Which basically means lose the gut. Not that I've become a prime candidate for the biggest loser or anything. I still have my dignity where I don't have to go on tv and cry. That being said, I'm very happy about the prospect of losing some "winter weight." Winter weight is a code word for me being a lazy ass in one of the best climates in the world. It's 70 today. I mean christ, I don't have my flagstaff excuses. There isnt 10 feet of cinder out on the roads where I'll get a flat, or the coat of ice under the cinder that makes running a nightmare.

my excuse: I've been dealing with shinsplints for most of the last year, and to use some frank language: I'm fucking tired of it. I miss the bliss of running. It's been two and half months since I've taken a single runners step. I've never gone that long without it, and it's made me realize how much I need it for so many things. I have never felt so unaccomplished as I did the last two months. I find I'm a much more irritable person when I don't have that outlet.

So for today, I went out for my first run in ages. There was the inevitable "holy cats, I am NOT in shape" moment that we all get when we have a break for a bit. Then everything clicked. the stride comes back, the movement settles into a pattern. As a total cracker, I can say the only time I've ever had rhythm was out on a run, but god, it felt good. THe hard part was how much my feet hurt. My old cross country coach would talk some smack on my shoes, and how they are 3 years old. (my "new" pair from Feb are way to heavy (snow runners). New shoes are now the priority. Still. I always have so many perfect moments on a run. This was no different. The difficulty lies ahead. I need to give my lil feets some rest. Taking it slow, going out easy. That part is going to kill me. Losing yourself in a run is what makes it so attractive. Putting limits on that? *melodrama voice* Oh it kills.

Anyway, to give me some motivation, I joined a fat kid weight loss contest at work. winner takes home a fat kid! I just needed some more motivation, and this way, I can get back into drinking war by the gallon again...like alcoholism, it takes daily practice.

In two weeks I'll be heading back to AZ and flag for the first time since I left. I still consider it home, and I really miss how beautiful the whole state is. Plus my Xterra is there, and to be honest, I miss the lil' guy. It will be good to see it, and see everyone who can watch me get drunk off of one beer. I blame the altitude, not my lack of drinking here. Honest!