…and I’m feeling great. To date its been 16 days since I quit smoking, I’ve saved at least $96, and I’ve run 14.7 miles. Don’t judge on the distance. I didn’t run before I started this and I just took my first full day off yesterday to finally get over these calf cramps. To this point, I’ve found new things to do during my usual smoke times, I’ve reprogrammed myself for tolerating the mornings, and I’ve tried my best not to make my family and coworkers crazy but thats up to a vote, I suppose.

As I look forward to the second half of the challenge, I’ve made some goals. 1st is to run the Crystal Bridges trail with a few of my coworkers that are runners. I’m nowhere near pace yet, but I’m getting there. I’ve just got to work on my outside running… and find some better shoes. My skeletoes work great on the treadmill but I haven’t tried them outside. Maybe its time.

My 2nd goal is to start training. I’ve been looking at CrossFit and am currently waiting to see who’s coming with me as some have shown interest. I’d like to have a plan for launch by the end of the week. From everything I read and hear, that should be plenty to keep me busy and fit. I’m fairly certain some of these guys are insane… but that’s what I need to keep motivated.

My final goal is to do something crazy. I’m thinking Tough Mudder in Austin this April. 10-12 miles of hell, designed by the British Special Forces. Hopefully after several months of CrossFit, I’ll be ready to finish the race. I’m not going for a win, I’m not going for a placement among the pack… just a finish.

So there’s my progress and my goals. I genuinely appreciate all the support and feedback everyone has given as I’ve tackled these two areas of my life that needed to change. I’m full-blown doing what I hate right now with the goal of finally getting back to healthy. What I’ve figured out to this point is that its much easier to stay healthy than it is to get back to it. I’m not going to let myself slip like this again. This has been brutal.