15 days and what do you get?

Tennessee Ernie Ford once sang about 15 tons and what do you get but I’m tweaking his song to 15 DAYS!  I am on Day 15 of being COFFEE FREE!  Can I get a whoop-whoop?  I’ve only had two days that I wanted a cup.  Notice the word I used there.  “Wanted” and opposed to needed, craved or must have.  I am learning to embrace green tea. It is still not my heart’s desire but the longer I drink it the easier it is to stomach and the more I am becoming accustomed to the flavor.  In fact, Saturday after my long run I met up with my runner girlfriends and a couple Diva dudes at our usual hangout and did not even flinch when I ordered green tea instead of a yummy coffee delight.  Coach had mentioned a green tea latte that was good earlier in the morning and I thought I’d give it a go.  I tried it and it was quite yummy. OH MY!  Did I just say a green tea latte was yummy?!?!??!!?  Ha-ha!  Paired with an organic low fat yogurt and fruit I had a healthy and eating plan friendly choice.  If I can just keep the momentum going I’ll be doing OK.

I’m doing well so far on my new eating plan.  I’ve even gone so far as to make my own almond butter!  I’ve fallen in love with it and it is just so tasty when I eat it with my favorite type of apple, the Pink Lady.  Pink Ladies are a bit expensive but so crisp, juicy and sweet.  And since they are in season such a short time I don’t even blink when it comes time to pay for them.  I just smile to myself because I know I’m going to be enjoying those delicious pommes later in the day with almond butter.  One thing that I also love about the new menu is all the fruit! I’ve always been a bit fruity, pun intended, and this is a pleasant addition to my daily food intake.  Apples, blueberries and the occasional once forbidden banana liven up the day.  The only drawback I see is that eggs and I are not friends and they are on the menu hot and heavy for breakfast.  When given the choice I skip them and go for the protein shake, apple and almond butter.  Hmmm….wonder if I can just always substitute?  I may have to powwow with my diet coach. 

Making my own yummy almond butter!

Speaking of 15 days, in 15 days I’ll be 43!  I am just constantly amazed that I am where I am today.  I’m healthy, happy and more fit than ever and there were times I wasn’t sure I’d make it to this birthday.  I’ve said it many times before but it bears repeating, I am in better shape, physically and mentally than I was twenty years ago.  It of course goes without saying that losing the weight I have up until this point has made a huge difference but I think the biggest boost to my self-esteem, health and over all happiness has been running.  I’m stronger in body and mind than I ever dreamed.  I’ve even signed up for another half marathon this spring.  Oh wait…maybe that is a sign of insanity….  I now have three half marathons, the relay and a 15K on the books all before the end of May.  I can and will do this! 

On a side note, my first half of the year is dedicated to the memory and friendship of my friend Ed.  Ed passed away two weeks ago and left a huge hole in many of our hearts.  He was a gentle and kind man that was full of humor, love of animals and always positive even in the face of his many health issues and disability.  I never heard him complain while he was in the hospital or rehab.  He always said he would not have chosen to live his life disabled and in poor health but it was better than the alternative.  He was also a huge supporter of my running and it meant a lot to me. Ed’s name was always written on the back of my race bibs so he could “run” along with me.  When I did well we celebrated and when I didn’t do so well he encouraged me.   Ed, the OBH is for you, dear friend.  May we run swiftly and with strength and courage.  See you at the finish line!

1956-2012

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel. ~ Proverbs 27:9 NIV