Weight Loss Challenge

So Amy and I have been in a weight loss challenge for the past couple of months, with the loser buying the post-marathon burgers.  Well, since we are about to start our carb loading, yesterday was the final weigh in. 

Here are my results...

Initial weigh in:  185.6 lbs

Final weigh in:  172.4 lbs 

Difference:  13.2 lbs

Glancing over at Amy's  blog, it looks as if I have come out the victor today...

Since I bought my body fat scale (8-10-08) vs. (4-13-09)

Weight:                204  -  172.4 lbs.

Body Fat %:         25.0  -  17.1 %

Body Water %:   53.1  -  58.2 %

BMR                   3698 -  3454  kCal

Metabolic age:     46  -  23  years

I'm pretty happy with that progress.  In fact, I am now below my weight on my driver's license, which I renewed back in 2002 when I turned 21.  In the future I hope to incorporate more lifting to help with the trails and to tone up a bit.  I'd like to get down to 165 lbs. or so (my high school football weight) if I want to ever try for Boston.  Now, however, is not the time to talk about that.  I'm getting my mind psyched for St. Louis on Sunday!!!!!!

Congrats to Amy on her continuing progress, but Sunday I'd like a double cheeseburger, loaded, side of fries, onion rings, and a big shake, flavor to be determined later.

Conundrum

I have a conundrum.  I like races.  I would think that everyone like races.  I mean it's great to actually run with a group of people instead of that little guy in your head when you head out alone each morning (unless you have a cool running partner like I do!).  Races are great because of the camaraderie between runners you haven't even met!  We all get together because we have the same problems: IT band, runner's knee, back problems, stomach issues, traffic, time constraints, weight loss, plantar fasciitis, running routes...

But we all experiences these issues, and we thus have a large network of people to give us encouragement.  Running is NOT an individual sport.  Running is probably the largest group sport in the world.  The Country Music Marathon will have close to 40,000 individuals running as one, from the elites to the walkers.  We're all the same.

Yes, I love races.  I have a rather important 26.2 mile race on April 19th.  The question is, do I run a 10k the weekend BEFORE the marathon?  Back in 2006 (was it that long ago?), I did run a 10k the weekend before, however I didn't have the knowledge I have know, and definitely did not have the base milage.  This particular 10k is flat, which would be an incredible chance to get a PR, something like 43 minutes or so.  The two things I'm worried about are fatigue and injury.  Fatigue I'm not worried about TOO much, because I'll be tapering already and will have a fairly easy week working up to the marathon.  Thus, injury is my largest concern.  I've not experienced an injury during a race to this point, but there is always a chance.  I would hate for 20 weeks of preparation go down the drain the week before a marathon.

What do I do?  What do I do?

Adios...I'm upset I have to watch the President again.  I mean, jeez, how much face time does he need?  I guess when you are trying to get over $3.6 TRILLION budget passed, you have to sell it...

My unborn children need a stimulus package.

(sorry about the political rant, but I just saw that Obama is having an hourlong 'speech' tonight)