Three Things Thursday

(1) I've settled on a training plan for the St. Jude Marathon. It's from "Marathoning for Mortals" by John Bingham, affectionately known as The Penguin for his slow pace and penguinlike stride. Since Mr. Bingham has lost 80 pounds, written many books, and was a long time columnist for Runner Magazine, it seems clear that speed or lack thereof is no deterrent to being known for your athletic tendencies.

(2) I'm combining the plan from John Bingham with a bunch of stuff I learned from Danny Dreyer's book ChiRunning. At first, the idea sounds a little woo-woo, but the idea is to basically be a mindful runner, land on the forefoot with a slight forward lean, and focus on form first, then distance, then speed. It seems to be working.

(3) I'm down 5 percent of my body weight. In about 4 weeks, I should be down 10 percent of my starting body weight. I should also be in a size twelve jeans. I think the last time I wore a size 12 was in college. No, I know the last time I wore a size 12 was in college. Also, I can feel my abdominal muscles under my pudge for the first time -- hm, since I was pregnant and I had baby feet pushing against my uterus. Before that? How about never.

(4) Yes, I know it's Three Things Thursday, cut me some slack, I'm chatty today. I'm a big believer in celebrating small successes along the way to a big goal. In the past, I'd celebrate with food. Now, I celebrate by treating myself to something that will encourage me a little closer to my big goal. My treat for my first 5k was a Camelbak Alterra hydration waistpack. I already had a hydration backpack, but it does not fit particularly well over my ample bosom. Sweetness loved his, and so now I have one. There are benefits to having a gear junkie for a husband.