40-40-40

For previous birthdays, I have compiled a list of things to do leading up to my birthday. In the approach to 40, I am keeping it simple:

1. Lose 40 pounds
2. Write 40 blog posts
3. Complete 40 (different) running routes

I am approximately 40 weeks from my 40^th birthday so I just need to do each of these things once a week. At some point in my past, I abandoned the idea of losing weight because it always resulted in me feeling like a failure. It often involved unrealistic or unhealthy approach with a too-short timeline. Eat less, smoke more! However, eating and exercising in such a way that I lose a pound a week doesn't seem like a bad idea. My life includes a lot of beer, chips, and cheese. I will try not to be too obsessed ... except maybe when planning those running routes. 

How awesome would it be to turn 40 and to feel as if I am the most healthy I have ever been?

Things-cation

I am in the midst of nine days away from work, but a lack of funds keeps me from doing anything more than enjoying a couple of happy hour beers at my local joint. On the first day, I made of list of Things I Would Like To Do and maybe even like to do every day. This is what I came up with:

• Cook
• Bake
• Nap
• Read
• Run
• Write
• Drink
• Clean
• Trash
• File

I'm in New York the first five days then I travel to Maryland with my best friend, her husband, and her adorable toddler. We grew up in the same town, Westminster, and will spend the next four days with our respective families. I am aiming for five Things a day so even after the set change, I will focus on napping, reading, running, writing, and drinking. I see visits to the Moose Lodge and American Legion in my future, but I hope to entice at least one friend out to Westminster to enjoy fine cold beverages on lovely Main Street. 

The visit is also a belated visit for my mom's birthday so I imagine a couple of mother-daughter outings. We will buy things! We will eat lunch specials at Forbidden City! I will probably fix something with her computer or printer!

When I opened my MapMyRun app, I gasped when I saw that the last time I went for a run was January 1. Three months? How could I go so long? Winter has been rough and spring is being stubborn, but running centers me. What have I been doing for the last three months? Professional commitments kept me busy for January, but February and March have been same old, same old business as usual. It has been quite cold, but it still feels like no excuse. April, I am embracing you with open arms, tech shirts, and my beloved running fannypack.