Solid 4m run Tuesday with a good 8m hills on a recumbent bike today makes me feel like a million bucks. I will do this - I've accepted the challenge and will accomplish it what I set out to do... at least for this race.

Today is the first day of Lent - Ash Wednesday. Amanda, Teresa, Mr. Man & I have all given up sugar for the 46 days of Lent, which includes all the Sundays involved. (I have such incredible friends). I've given up sugar before & although it was tough, it helped me lose weight. Today, a chocolate gooey cookie is taunting me from the almost empty Lock & Lock sitting on my kitchen counter. I don't have the strength to throw it away but my willpower is waning. I keep thinking that if no one knows, it won't hurt anyone. But I know... and I won't do it.

All day, the cookies sitting on top of the shelf at my office asked me to eat them. The soda in the fridge kept singing to me... Amanda and I have decided that sugar-free gum can be our only indulgence since it seems that neither of us will be able to deal with this without it. Like a smoker giving up cigarettes - just need something to get us through.

I know I'll feel better - running & giving up sugar. Time to clean out the office cupboards & fridge, put all the cookies in a bag and take them to Sunday night with the girls, and make sure my house is free of the Swedish fish that are calling to me from my home desk drawer. I know this is for a good cause but I might start getting the shakes if this is only the first day without it.