A New Challenge, A New Race Schedule

As if running a marathon weren’t enough, I’ve decided to extend myself a little more. No, I’m not running an ultra or rushing to Ironman. No, no, no.

THE CHALLENGE: I’m forsaking sweets until the Cleveland Half Marathon on May 18.

Turns out the, umm, non-religious Lenten forsaking became a two-day affair, which became more of a 40-day sweets feast. In fact, I’m surprised I still have teeth and clothes that fit. What’s my deal?

So, with all my efforts to understand my dietary needs, I figured the first step would be to cut out the treats. For a little while at least. It has benefited me (I’m such a child) to work on an incentive-based system. Finishing the half will be reward number one.

How will I fair? I don’t know. But when you obsess over [fabulous] blogs like Cakespy amidst your training blog rounds, you know you’ve kind of lost control.

Have I mentioned there’s a fantastic sweets maker, The Sweet Spot, who sells red velvet cookies and chocolate-covered cookie dough bites that you can order online? Yes, I have a problem.

NIX THE SWEETS, BRING ON THE 2008 RACES:

Sunday, April 13: Julie Zajac Memorial 5K Run
John Carroll University

Sunday, April 20: City to City 5K
Tower City in Cleveland

Saturday, April 26: Hermes Cleveland 10-Miler
HOB Cleveland

Sunday, May 18: Cleveland Half Marathon
Cleveland, Ohio

Sunday, June 1: Boys and Girls Club 10K
Cleveland, Ohio

Sunday, June 22: A Most Excellent Race 10K
Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Saturday, July 19: Winking Lizard Shot-in-the-Dark 4-Miler
Cleveland, Ohio

Saturday, July 26: Refuse to Lose 5K
Hudson, Ohio

Sunday, July 27: Football Hall of Fame 5-Miler
Canton, Ohio

Sunday, Aug. 3: Cleveland Triathlon - Sprint
Cleveland, Ohio

Sunday, Aug. 10: Greater Cleveland Triathlon – Olympic
Mentor, Ohio

Sunday, Aug. 17: Perfect 10-Miler
Lyndhurst, Ohio

Sunday, Sept. 7: Portage Lakes Triathlon – Olympic
Akron, Ohio

Sunday, Sept. 28: Akron Marathon
Akron, Ohio

And so it begins...

Most of you have already started your 2008 racing seasons — whether it's been on bikes, roads, stairs, tracks or in the water — but mine starts tomorrow morning at St. Malachi.

If you're not registered for the race, will be in the Cleveland area and have nothing better to do: come on down! The weather is bound to be lovely (mid-30s anyone?) and that has to be some swimming involved with all the recent snowing, melting and raining. Woo hoo!

Good luck to everyone in the race and other races around the world. I'm intent on finding TriGuyJT on the road — he has the same time goals I have for this race and the Cleveland Half, so he's going to be my pacer. He just doesn't know it yet.

Well, maybe now he does. Look out!