Thank you so much Jen and Sharon and Tracy--
You guys are awesome cheerleaders!

I truly appreciate the support.
Sharon -- I am really trying to remember what you said about the weight not going on over night. It is really hard, though, when I have SOO much to lose. I keep thinking that every pound I lose is one less I have to carry through that 1/2 marathon. But here we are 299 days out and I am intimidated by the enormity of this undertaking.

I told one of my partners today what I am doing. This is the same guy who said to me last week "Do you have any idea at all whatsoever how much better you look?" He had been so amazing through my illness and I figured that telling him I am training to walk the 1/2 will help me stay on track even more.
So, after a truly horrendous day yesterday where I blew nearly all my week's flex points, I was totally back on track today, stayed within the daily points plus earned 7 or 8 activity points that I didn't entirely use.

Went to the gym tonight, did 6 miles on the bike in 28:35 and 1 mile on the cross trainer in 17:10. The only downside is that I am eating dinner this late (at the computer). As you can see, guys, I am NOT doing that great about fitting the exercise in my schedule-- I've just expanded my schedule instead! Small price to pay, though.
Hey, you know what? There is another wholly unexpected benefit to all this. My DH who is the most amazing man on the face of the earth, has always found me extremely attractive, regardless of my weight (I think he is just a poor, crazy, desperate male!

), but he is even more complimentary now -- telling me how his arms will soon go around me twice, pointing out that my pants are baggy, etc. And another thing -- he is working out right there, with me, training too, and getting so incredibly outrageously BUFF! OMG, I feel like I burn calories just looking at him.
Thanks again, everyone for being so supportive and giving me a refuge here filled with friendship and encouragement. Love you all!
