One Week Down - March 11, 2009

The weather has been stunning the last few days in Atlanta.  Temperatures in the 70's and plenty of sunshine.  Angela and I went out for our first walk of the year this evening (a normal activity for us all summer long).

During the walk, we both commented on how much we are craving a soda.  I think she became re-addicted over the same period I became addicted.  She took the step to throw out all of the remaining soda's in the house last week when I said I was quitting cold turkey - see http://atickettokona.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/take-the-scott-challenge-march-5-2009.html

Angela finally asked me during the walk, "Do you think you are going to crack at some point?"  And I responded, "Before I pass away...probably..."  And then we both started laughing.  I told her that I was going to dig out the soda's from the trash can and crack open a fresh one.  She then reminded me that I took the trash out yesterday and today was garbage day...bye bye soda's...

I have to say, "I really miss the soda's."  I also have to say, "I'm pretty tired of drinking water."  I don't want to drink juices (even if 100% natural) because of the sugar.  So that isn't leaving me with many options here.  To think that my life will just end up being water and a cup of tea in the morning is leaving me wanting more in life.  My taste buds desire it.  I don't drink alcohol (never have) so I don't have the beer outlet or wine outlet to allow my taste buds to frolic from time to time.  And I gag on Perrier.

Any suggestions out there?  Please help.  I'm about to become desperate.

No wonder Coca-Cola and Pepsi make so much money.  They have a monopoly on satisfying our taste buds.

Angela and I actually talked about doing the Reality Bike Group ride tonight.  It was the first ride of the year now that day-light savings is working in our favor.  I wasn't able to make it home from work in time but I could tell mentally I am in a bad place.  I am hesitant to get on my bike because I know how much fitness I lost on the bike and how much I would struggle during a group ride.  And that's the catch, the more a person prolongs the endeavor, the more you end up losing and then it just gets harder and harder to climb back on the horse.

But at least I can honestly say that the desire to ride is coming back.  The weather doesn't look like it will cooperate this weekend but I think we are right around the corner from some spring riding.

By the numbers;

• 180.0 - today's weight (January 1, 2009 weight was 184.2)  Goal weight for 10/25/09 is 165.0

• 228 - Days until the Marine Corp Marathon

• 69 - Total Days Trained in 2009

• 1 - Missed days of running in 2009

• 6.00 - Miles run today

• 388.25 - Miles run in 2009

Comments

[Scott]

The only way I can get my 6 year old to drink water is by adding a "to go" packet of Propel - lemon, grape, mixed berry, mandarin orange, etc. You can find it at any grocery store and only amounts to 25 calories per 20 ounces.

http://www.cw-usa.com/sportsdrinks-powdered-propel-sticks-berry-box.html

[Lauren]

I drink the reduced sugar orange juice with breakfast (I cannot take my vitamins/fish oil with water.) That's about 50 calories.

I drink a V8 with lunch. I struggle to get my veggies in, so this helps. That's about 30 calories.

With dinner, I try to have milk.

Honestly, I haven't eliminated soda yet. Eventually, I will - but since I upped my water intake, I don't drink near as much.

[Wes]

I gave up soda a long long time ago, and quite frankly cannot bring myself to even touch the stuff. Sad, I know. I've been doing pretty good on the beer too. It really mucks with my reflux, so that's a good thing. You are an Ironman. You know where the brain leads, the body will follow. Just say no!

[Scott]

Paul,

Touché'!!!!

I just read the ingredient list on the Propel in its entirety. I had no idea. I stopped at sucrose and didn't make it down to sucralose which means there is probably a trace amount. Hell, go back to drinking soda!! Your wife will thank you for it.

[Lucho]

The best way to drink water is with natural lemon or lime juice. Half way through the summer I have to choke down my 4 liters a day and that's a huge help. V8 is the absolute best as it balances blood PH nicely and had natural sodium.
T