OK, since I don't have a new race/training goal, I decided that I might as well focus on shedding my excess fat. After doing the Ms Fit program 2 years ago, I didn't want to take on such a mentally challenging program which, for me, worked, but isn't sustainable.

For me, it's all down to diet so I dug around in the internet and came across a seemingly "moderate" eating program -- Jon Benson's EODD (every other day diet). If anyone out there has done this, please let me know... would love to hear your experience. Basically, the diet involves clean eating and calorie cycling; high one day, low the next, etc. I thought it was a reasonable plan as you get to have luxury meals (if you choose) on your high calorie days. It probably took me a few weeks to get used to it -- you basically need to shrink your stomach a little if you're a big eater like I am. It hasn't been too difficult to maintain and I'm definitely losing fat, and I get to eat "treats" if I want. In the end, it's all about having a calorie deficit at the end of the week.

Throughout this period, I've maintained a modified exercise program -- weight training 3x per week, yoga 2x per week, and cardio 3x per week. I've reduced my long cardio days since I've cut back on my calories, and only do a "long" hike once a week now.

Two weeks ago, I started Craig Ballantyne's TT program (turbulence training) after stumbling upon this online. (Yep, I research alot online). His program is based on interval training for fat loss -- superset strength training, and interval cardio training. What I like about this program is the it's mostly based on body-weight strength training and all the exercises are compound exercises. I'm on week 2 of this program and sorta enjoying the process. It's an intense 45-50 minutes, but it seems efficient.

So between the two programs, I hope that I can shed the excess 10 or so pounds of fat in the coming months.