It's been over a week since I last updated. There's nothing really significant that has happened over the last week but there are a few things that could be shared.

Friday it was a real pleasure to go clothes shopping. I've dropped from 38" jeans to 34" in the last 4 months. I've not worn 34" jeans since college. That's pretty amazing.

Last Saturday we did Orienteering at Umstead State Park. It was a blast. This is the first time I've done orienteering and enjoyed learning how the map and compass works together. Betsy and I didn't hit all the targets but we were close most of the time.

We've made a decision to participate in the Shamrock Half marathon on March 21. I had a loose goal in mind to run a half marathon in the spring to cap off the hard work I'm doing in the basic training class. This race will be less than a month after the class completion. I've registered for the run today to set the idea in stone. Now I just have to maitain the training that will get me to the finish line. My goals are to finish the race without walking and not be in last place. I have the plan established and at least for the past week have kept to the plan. But if all else fails I'll walk the whole thing.

I was sick for two days this week and missed two of the basic training sessions but the sessions I attended were tough. The class is getting more aggressive and my endurance still isn't where it needs to be but at least I'm getting stronger as the class gets more aggressive. Feels real good.

Today I started with a wet basic training and a wet run afterwords. I was able to get in a 2 mile trail run. I think my long run tomorrow may be back at Umstead Park on the trails. I really like running in the forest.

Overall my general attitude is still very positive and I still have the drive to continue doing the work. I still need to do a lot of work on keeping my brain from stopping or giving it all up like its' done in the past.