Isn't it grande that we are still here and it's the end of January? Yesterday my husband and I took to an outdoor mall and noticed that all the stores had discount sales on exercise goods. Unfortunately Dick's Sporting Goods didn't have running clothes on sale (darn!) but Barnes and Nobles did have a whole section of weight loss/diet books on sale right in the front of the store. If one didn't pay attention, one would literally run right into the table that showcased all the sale items (it was just that close to the front).

I'm still going strong in finding the right exercise/food plan that works for me in my current level of "finding me". Of the late I have fallen into the running plan. I'm planning on setting up a date to achieve my second half marathon. I'm not sure I'm just ready for the dedication it takes to run a marathon. By the end of fall maybe but for now my eyes are stuck on a half a marathon again. I run at least 3-5 times a week and take the weekends off from serious workouts. On non-running days I try to get in some yoga, weight lifting, walking and exercise ball workouts. I'm up to 6 miles for my longest run days.

Eating has been much easier for me. I try to fit in as many vegetables and fruits as humanly possible. It's hard to get a lot of variety into my diet seeing that it is winter but I'm making due. My favorite foods right now are Jazz apples (sweet like candy) and Artisan lettuce. Both of these we purchase in bulk from Sam's Club for a reasonable price. I try to eat at least one lettuce salad a day with a piece of vegan protein (like a chicken-free patty or TVP). Yum! As far as snacking, I'm sticking to tea and popcorn. It seems to be working just great!

I feel wonderful and I can tell that my stomach is not as bloated and I am starting to see more definition each week on my stomach. For my measurements (whatever they are worth):
thigh .5 down
chest: same
upper arm: same
weight: 1.4 down
waist: same
hips: 1 up
neck: 1 down
waist to hip ratio .02 down
body fat %: .17 down

I wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year! Let's find the dragon in all of us!