NEW BEGINNINGS AND OLD ENDINGS

Maybe this blog is just going to be off the cuff stuff that I think about or do with a loose relation to my passion for running...and sometimes a complete relation to running.  Gotta be honest, I can be slightly obsessive when it comes to running so I kind of base my free time (what little I have) around it.
ANNNNNNNNND...speaking of which, I do intend to (at least for my own records) track my runs every week but this hasn't happened yet for last week.  Only two runs happened due to my own laziness, kids being sick, and the weather being awfully cold.  Of course, this just builds all of the crazy up and I am absolutely bursting at the seams right now.  I can't even sit still.  My feet are bouncing around under my desk.  I need to get my run on.  Maybe it will happen after work if all seems good on the home front.
That doesn't mean I have stopped thinking about running.  Oh no...that's not how it works.  Instead, I have been thinking a lot about running and ways to make my running better that may not necessarily involve actual...running.  I have arrived at two life changes that will definitely help me out.  And, yes, I have arrived at both before but this time I am actually going to follow through with them.

That's right.  It's time to start taking cross training a bit more seriously.  I started looking at used weights and benches and whatnot but it was discouraging because people seem to think that the used crap that they want to get rid of is made of gold and they want their money for it.  I know lots of guys who work out so I decided to talk to one of my friends.  He got excited and said that he would set me up.  This weekend I should have a bench, free weights and a heavy bag in my garage.  BAMMO!  Ready to rock.  I briefly worked out with some friends 25 years ago and liked what it did for me but drinking and the call of the wild party animal proved to be too much and I stopped.  I look forward to seeing some really positive results from my new commitment.  It should help my running as well as some neck and shoulder problems that seem to get worse with age.
The other change I need to make is my diet.  This is the bane of my existence.  I don't eat horribly but I really love food and I like to eat it...a lot.  I suppose my biggest weakness is BEER.  Not only is it not very good for me but it also leads me to make some horrible food choices.  IT'S ALL GOTTA STOP.  As much as I love beer, I love feeling great even more.  Now...I don't plan on quitting beer forever but it may be time for a little hiatus.

OK - I am not religious...but my wife and kids are practising Catholics.  Every year they "try" to give something up for Lent.  I believe that (aside from religious stuff) sacrifice is a good way to strengthen one's mind and resolve.  One year I gave up desserts and junk food for Lent.  This year I am going to put down the Stein for 40 days...except it isn't 40 days...it is actually 46 days.  What kind of false advertising is that anyway?  They all talk about 40 days and nights in the desert.  They all say that we must refrain from something we love a lot for 40 days so that we too can know sacrifice...but Jesus was out in the desert for 40 days and we are expected to give shit up for 46.  It doesn't make sense to me but I am going to roll with it and go 46 days without beer.
So we shall see how it goes.  Two big commitments in order to drive myself closer to achieving my goals.  Looking forward to a leaner me...and looking forward to seeing how the weights transform my running.