So it's the first of May, almost half way through the year and I have pretty much wasted the first 4 months. As in my weight is still where it was my fitness is a bit better thanks to hockey training but nowhere near where it should be!!
I am feeling like I am at a bit of a crossroads. I am trying to decide what is the next step????
Do I go against everything I have said and believe about healthy nutrition and weight loss and do the shake thing to give myself a kick start??
Or
Do I try to get back on the healthy eating & exercise bandwagon which I know works??
I think deep down I know that answer. I'm just thinking that the shakes will give me a kick start and get me going. I have also come across 28bysamwood which looks like a great program and maybe that's what I need to give me the kick start. It's like a mini version of 12wbt from what I can understand. It does exercise, food & mindfulness. Although the idea of the quick fix of the shakes is really appealing.
I kind of feel like May is my make or break month. I have a 12km fun run at the end of May. It's my birthday at the start of June so it's always nice to be feeling great for that. It's also now only 8 Months until my brothers wedding and I want to be looking and feeling great for that.
I really feel like once my eating and exercise are back on track everything else seems to work out and run smoothly. I am way off track with my PT course. My house is a disaster zone. Everything about being a mum just seems harder!!! But I know that a big part of all of that is that I don't have the energy because I haven't been eating properly or exercising regularly.
So time to make some decisions and set some goals..................
Saturday, 30 April 2016
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Hello...................It's been a while.
Here we go again...................
I'm back blogging, I just had a bit of a look and I haven't blogged since August last year and even then I think I only blogged about 4 or 5 times all year. Lots has happened since then
We won our hockey premiership
Hubby and I went to Canada
I have 2 new Nephews
We became Odd Parents to one of them
I'm studying to become a Personal Trainer
And I have put back on ALL the weight that I worked so hard to lose. It has slowly happened over the last 12 months. A couple of kg here and there have all added up. I have to say it feels HORRIBLE!!!!
I must admit before I lost the weight I hadn't been smaller since I was a teenager so I was used to my fat and lived in a little bubble of not really realising how big I was. But now knowing how good I can look and more importantly feel I look at myself now and just feel shit. There's no other word for it. It's a horrible feeling. And it SHOULD be enough of a motivation to get my act together.
Well you would think so wouldn't you??? The truth is I will be good for a few days or a week and then BAM a couple of days not watching what I eat and no exercise and 2kg added to the scales. I set myself goals, realistic, achievable, goals and I almost reach them then BAM motivation is out the window.
Now I am at a real loss as to how to get back into the swing of things. I have my brothers wedding at the end of the year and that is my long term goal. I would love to look amazing for that. I already have a dress that I bought for a wedding last year but didn't fit into. It's a size 14 and beautiful.
But before that I really need to get my head back into the right place. That is my main struggle at the moment. I am loving my personal training course and I know that no one wants a fat PT but even that doesn't seem to stop me from going to the fridge or sitting on the couch instead of exercising. I set myself a goal of being 97kg by the end of march. Pfft I was going well got down to 100.3kg but then old habits crept back in AGAIN!!!!
Whilst I realise the number on the scales are not the be all and end all. It's not just about the numbers it's about the clothes that don't fit, the red marks on your tummy from tight jeans, the bras that leave back fat and are so tight you can't wait to get them off, not being able to bend over comfortably to tie up your shoe laces, not being able to run more then 3km, a sore back, no strength, not keeping up at hockey training, I could go on & on.
I'm not going to make any huge bold statements on here and set all these goals that I may or may not reach. What I will do is promise to keep the blogging up. The good, the bad & the ugly. The first ugly bit I will share is what the scales said this morning.
I'm back blogging, I just had a bit of a look and I haven't blogged since August last year and even then I think I only blogged about 4 or 5 times all year. Lots has happened since then
We won our hockey premiership
Hubby and I went to Canada
I have 2 new Nephews
We became Odd Parents to one of them
I'm studying to become a Personal Trainer
And I have put back on ALL the weight that I worked so hard to lose. It has slowly happened over the last 12 months. A couple of kg here and there have all added up. I have to say it feels HORRIBLE!!!!
I must admit before I lost the weight I hadn't been smaller since I was a teenager so I was used to my fat and lived in a little bubble of not really realising how big I was. But now knowing how good I can look and more importantly feel I look at myself now and just feel shit. There's no other word for it. It's a horrible feeling. And it SHOULD be enough of a motivation to get my act together.
Well you would think so wouldn't you??? The truth is I will be good for a few days or a week and then BAM a couple of days not watching what I eat and no exercise and 2kg added to the scales. I set myself goals, realistic, achievable, goals and I almost reach them then BAM motivation is out the window.
Now I am at a real loss as to how to get back into the swing of things. I have my brothers wedding at the end of the year and that is my long term goal. I would love to look amazing for that. I already have a dress that I bought for a wedding last year but didn't fit into. It's a size 14 and beautiful.
But before that I really need to get my head back into the right place. That is my main struggle at the moment. I am loving my personal training course and I know that no one wants a fat PT but even that doesn't seem to stop me from going to the fridge or sitting on the couch instead of exercising. I set myself a goal of being 97kg by the end of march. Pfft I was going well got down to 100.3kg but then old habits crept back in AGAIN!!!!
Whilst I realise the number on the scales are not the be all and end all. It's not just about the numbers it's about the clothes that don't fit, the red marks on your tummy from tight jeans, the bras that leave back fat and are so tight you can't wait to get them off, not being able to bend over comfortably to tie up your shoe laces, not being able to run more then 3km, a sore back, no strength, not keeping up at hockey training, I could go on & on.
I'm not going to make any huge bold statements on here and set all these goals that I may or may not reach. What I will do is promise to keep the blogging up. The good, the bad & the ugly. The first ugly bit I will share is what the scales said this morning.
103.6kg
Sunday, 9 August 2015
The Scales Don't Lie!!! Binge Fest is OVER!!!!!
It's time to get real and stop making excuses and telling myself it's ok because I have been maintaining my weight.
What a load of crap Nicole!!!! (now you know I'm in trouble when I use my full name.
I have been telling myself I have been maintaining my weight for the past 12 months. I feel ok because I haven't put on that much weight. Just a couple of kilos.
Well..................This morning I jumped on the scales after a weekend that can only be described as a Binge Fest!!!! Basically the last few months have been a Binge Fest!! I have not had any self control when it comes to food. All those sneaky old habits have been sneaking back in.
So what did the scales say??
93.4kg!!!!!
That's a whopping 9kg more then this time 2 years ago
A big 6kg more then before Christmas.
And 23kg off where I want to be!!!!
It is definitely the wake up call I needed. I have recently met a few people who have been following my progress on Facebook and Instagram. And I feel like I am a bit of a fake and phony as I am not what I was 2yrs ago. I also feel like all those who doubted me are rubbing their hands together saying "see I knew she couldn't keep it up"
So I am going to use all this as determination to AGAIN prove them all wrong!!
I started this morning with a workout. I am doing the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. I started this once before but this time I am doing it with my Nanny. We have decided to do it together. I am looking forward to doing it together and having someone else to sweat with.
I'm not going to make any massive claims that I am going to lose 10kg in the next 6 weeks or anything like that I am just going to work out, watch what I eat and hopefully the weight will start to drop off.
What a load of crap Nicole!!!! (now you know I'm in trouble when I use my full name.
I have been telling myself I have been maintaining my weight for the past 12 months. I feel ok because I haven't put on that much weight. Just a couple of kilos.
Well..................This morning I jumped on the scales after a weekend that can only be described as a Binge Fest!!!! Basically the last few months have been a Binge Fest!! I have not had any self control when it comes to food. All those sneaky old habits have been sneaking back in.
So what did the scales say??
93.4kg!!!!!
That's a whopping 9kg more then this time 2 years ago
A big 6kg more then before Christmas.
And 23kg off where I want to be!!!!
It is definitely the wake up call I needed. I have recently met a few people who have been following my progress on Facebook and Instagram. And I feel like I am a bit of a fake and phony as I am not what I was 2yrs ago. I also feel like all those who doubted me are rubbing their hands together saying "see I knew she couldn't keep it up"
So I am going to use all this as determination to AGAIN prove them all wrong!!
I started this morning with a workout. I am doing the Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. I started this once before but this time I am doing it with my Nanny. We have decided to do it together. I am looking forward to doing it together and having someone else to sweat with.
I'm not going to make any massive claims that I am going to lose 10kg in the next 6 weeks or anything like that I am just going to work out, watch what I eat and hopefully the weight will start to drop off.
Sunday, 26 July 2015
The Blog is BACK!!!
Well...................Where do I begin...................
I have just had a quick look and realised I have written 4 blog posts this year FOUR!!! And my last one was in March!!!! Geez and I am wondering what is not working............perhaps it's as simple as write more blog posts..............ha ha ha if only it were that easy.
So what's been happening?? Well if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you will have a rough idea of what has been going on for the past few months. Just life really.
I am working more and more at the moment which is great for the bank balance but I am struggling with the life balance. We have a lovely young lady living with us during the week to help out with looking after the kids. The joys of country living is that after school care in non existent and with all their after school activities I need someone who can also be their taxi!!! The kids are happy and loving Aimee so that makes it easier.
I am struggling with fitting everything in (not in my mouth though that doesn't seem to be a problem). I hate getting home from work and doing the old 'hi/bye' with the kids when I walk in the door after being at work all day. Thus the exercise just hasn't really been happening for me at the moment. I am doing hockey training and the odd run or ride here and there but nothing regular like I used to. I have started running again a bit (I've done 2 in the last 2 weeks) and I am realising how much I have missed it.
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!!!! I have been making pretty poor choices with my food actually it hasn't been all that bad my biggest problem has not been what I'm eating more how much I am eating. My portions are out of control. As well as snacking............after dinner in front of the TV snacking.
I have just started looking into the whole sugar thing...........I bought and partly read a couple of books. A lot of it makes sense and it is something I really want to learn more about. I have kicked it off by giving up Diet Coke. To say I was addicted to this is a huge understatement. Last Saturday I have 4 cans!! I am happy to say that was the last day I had one I have now been 1 week Diet Coke free. It's a small step but I know it is a small step in the right direction. Although I am finding myself slipping a bit and sneaking in a few naughty snacks because in my head I'm thinking "oh well I'm not having a D.C. so I can have a lolly". Not quite the right idea.
On a positive note I took the big step and enrolled to become a Personal Trainer!! I'm so excited!!! I'm not going to begin until October when life slows down a little bit but I am excited to get into it. I am enrolled with Australian Institute of Personal Trainers. I'm doing the course via correspondence and I need to complete 20hrs of work experience. I have a lady in Perth who is going to be my mentor and I will go to her fitness studio to do all my practical assessments.
Well I think that's enough for now, I am sure you have better things to do then read my waffle but that's for taking to time to listen. I promise this will be more of a regular thing. I have my first day off at home tomorrow so the plan is to put the kids on the bus and then head off for a run.
Until next next time keep on keeping on.
I have just had a quick look and realised I have written 4 blog posts this year FOUR!!! And my last one was in March!!!! Geez and I am wondering what is not working............perhaps it's as simple as write more blog posts..............ha ha ha if only it were that easy.
So what's been happening?? Well if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you will have a rough idea of what has been going on for the past few months. Just life really.
I am working more and more at the moment which is great for the bank balance but I am struggling with the life balance. We have a lovely young lady living with us during the week to help out with looking after the kids. The joys of country living is that after school care in non existent and with all their after school activities I need someone who can also be their taxi!!! The kids are happy and loving Aimee so that makes it easier.
I am struggling with fitting everything in (not in my mouth though that doesn't seem to be a problem). I hate getting home from work and doing the old 'hi/bye' with the kids when I walk in the door after being at work all day. Thus the exercise just hasn't really been happening for me at the moment. I am doing hockey training and the odd run or ride here and there but nothing regular like I used to. I have started running again a bit (I've done 2 in the last 2 weeks) and I am realising how much I have missed it.
FOOD, FOOD, FOOD!!!! I have been making pretty poor choices with my food actually it hasn't been all that bad my biggest problem has not been what I'm eating more how much I am eating. My portions are out of control. As well as snacking............after dinner in front of the TV snacking.
I have just started looking into the whole sugar thing...........I bought and partly read a couple of books. A lot of it makes sense and it is something I really want to learn more about. I have kicked it off by giving up Diet Coke. To say I was addicted to this is a huge understatement. Last Saturday I have 4 cans!! I am happy to say that was the last day I had one I have now been 1 week Diet Coke free. It's a small step but I know it is a small step in the right direction. Although I am finding myself slipping a bit and sneaking in a few naughty snacks because in my head I'm thinking "oh well I'm not having a D.C. so I can have a lolly". Not quite the right idea.
On a positive note I took the big step and enrolled to become a Personal Trainer!! I'm so excited!!! I'm not going to begin until October when life slows down a little bit but I am excited to get into it. I am enrolled with Australian Institute of Personal Trainers. I'm doing the course via correspondence and I need to complete 20hrs of work experience. I have a lady in Perth who is going to be my mentor and I will go to her fitness studio to do all my practical assessments.
Well I think that's enough for now, I am sure you have better things to do then read my waffle but that's for taking to time to listen. I promise this will be more of a regular thing. I have my first day off at home tomorrow so the plan is to put the kids on the bus and then head off for a run.
Until next next time keep on keeping on.
Friday, 27 March 2015
Is it a 'Cop Out"?!?!?!
I am in two minds and not sure which way to go.
I had someone reach out to me offering me a solution to get out out of my funk/rut/kick up the butt........
It's Isagenix..........................What is Isagenix?!?!?!?!
Well to me it is meal replacement shakes that are natural and full of vitamins and minerals.
I am seriously thinking about giving to a try to give myself a bit of a kick start.But here is the thing I also feel like it's a bit of a cop out and I am letting everyone down. Like if I do this it's going against everything I had said and done so far.
I have been all about doing things the hard way and not using 'quick fixes'.
I had someone reach out to me offering me a solution to get out out of my funk/rut/kick up the butt........
It's Isagenix..........................What is Isagenix?!?!?!?!
Well to me it is meal replacement shakes that are natural and full of vitamins and minerals.
I am seriously thinking about giving to a try to give myself a bit of a kick start.But here is the thing I also feel like it's a bit of a cop out and I am letting everyone down. Like if I do this it's going against everything I had said and done so far.
I have been all about doing things the hard way and not using 'quick fixes'.
EAT HEALTHY & EXERCISE!!!
But what happens when that isn't working and your getting frustrated and cranky and shitty and pissed off etc etc etc.
So it might be a cop out, It might not work, It might work, I might lose weight only to put it all back on again, I might hate it, I might love it but I really think it is worth a try.
Even if I just try it for a month and see how it goes. I know that it will be hard as I LOVE food and eating. I know I will struggle to start with and get headaches and cranky. But hopefully it will give me the kick start I have been looking for.
I have always been honest about what I am doing and I don't want this to be any different. I will let you know what I decided and when I start.
Let me know what you think?? Have you tried it?? Did it work?? Or did you just put it all back on???
Friday, 20 February 2015
The next step................
As you know I have really been struggling for if I am honest the last 18 months. Whilst I have maintained my weight within about 5kg I am no where near where I want to be and I have realised that I need a bit of a helping hand. My goal is to lose 10kg by May and I am not going to reach that if I keep going the way I am going. I want to give myself all the tools I can to help me reach my goals. Different things work at different times. As you know I have done 12WBT a few times with various success. So it's time to try something different.
On Thursday I had a spare hour to myself while I was in town so I went and grabbed a mag and headed to the local bakery for a cup of tea. (that's all I had 2 pots of tea no yummy snacks) When I went to get a mag there were the usual trashy mags that I would normally go for but I wasn't in the mood to read about who was having affairs and who was the skinniest celebrity who lives on juice and activated nuts. So I grabbed a weight watchers magazine. I haven't read one for years.
As I was reading the stories and recipes I remembered back about 10yrs ago when they started up WW in our town. It was great although when it first started there were so many of us that it took 2 hrs to do sign up and weigh in! Over the years I have tried it on and off. But like everything else I never really fully committed.
Yesterday I was on my lunch break at work and thought I would check out the WW website. They had a great sign up special for online coaching. So I bit the bullet and signed up. I am finding my biggest struggle at the moment in food so this seems like a good fit. So I have joined on line and downloaded the app.
One thing I do find hard is that all their recipes have points values not calories per serve. So I have put a few into MyFitnessPal to work out the calories. It's not that I am a HUGE calorie counter but I like to use it as a rough guide and point of reference.
I will weigh in on Mondays and I am committing to you all now that I will NOT weigh myself everyday. I will ONLY step on the scales on Monday mornings (after my morning wee of course). This will be more of a struggle then controlling my eating I think.
I have signed up for 3 months. My goal is to lose 10kg in those 3 months. I know that I can do it as I have done it before. It will be hard but with hockey training starting soon I will have lots of motivation to get out there and exercise. I also have a friends wedding in May so that is HUGE motivation. I am thinking of buying a dress for the wedding in a size 14 as my inspiration. As of this morning I am 90kg. So my goal is to be 80kg which will put me comfortably a size 14. Which to be honest is more important to me then the number on the scales. I know it doesn't always sound like that. But my goal has always been more about size, shape & being fit & healthy then numbers on the scales.
For now I am off to do some housework and get organised as we have tennis championships today. So an afternoon of tennis will be my fitness for today. Fingers crossed it's not too hot today.
Friday, 13 February 2015
Support, Support, Support!!!!
I have written before about how awesome and supportive my wonderful hubby is but this is about support from outside the house. I have had amazing support from my friends and family over the last 2 yrs.
I even have friends who send me sweaty selfies! I have a friend who is getting married in May and we have both made a pact to lose 10kg by her wedding. She lives in NSW so all our support is done via text messages. She sends me photo's like this saying 'Your Turn'.
(I did get her permission to post this pic)
Given that she lives in NSW she always beats me to it. But not this morning.........I finally beat her!! I sent her my sweaty selfie saying 'Tag your it!' We have been texting eachother our weights as we weigh in on Wednesdays. As well as pics of our meals and healthy food options. She has been an AMAZING support!!!
I have other friends who send me photo's after their runs & call me names because I am making them get of the couch and go for a run. I had a friend send me a message this morning asking me how far I was going to run today. She said she was going to do 6km. My plan was 3km but I told her 4km. So now that we had both said it we had to do it.
I set out to do 4km........Then thought I would run to the 3km turn around point. I thought I would do the 4 and then walk home. I go to 4km and knew it was about 500m to a gateway so I thought I might aswell for 4.5km. I got to the gateway and figured I had come this far I might as well make it 5km. My first 5km run for the year. The last 100m was VERY hard!!! Actually the last 2km was a struggle but I got it done!!!
Sometimes your support may not come from the people you expect it to come from. Sometimes it comes from a friend you hadn't seen for 21yrs who lives on the other side of the country. Sometimes it comes from your Champagne & Tequila buddy down the road. Sometimes it comes from a message in the morning asking how far your going to run.
As long as you have support you can do anything!!!
Wednesday, 4 February 2015
2015.................
So here it is February and I am finally doing my first blog post for the year.
I have been very busy working and trying to get organised for the start of the school year with my baby starting kindy this year. I did not really cope with this very well and it may have involved a packet of chocolate biscuits to get me through.
I am enjoying work and am very lucky to have amazing friends who have helped me out with babysitting over the holidays. I think planning their care was harder then actually working. This is the joys of having parents (grandparents) who still work and family who live a long way away. You have the rely on your friends and I am so lucky to live in such a great community.
Working has been great as I have had to use my brain again. While I never thought I would work in a bank again and it is not my career of choice I must admit I am enjoying being out of the house. I will finish my training tomorrow which will mean that I will only be working as a casual. While that means an irregular income it also means I can spend more time with the kids and work when it fits in with the family.
As far as fitness, healthy eating & weight loss go well...........................next subject..................
No really to be honest I have completely lost my running/ fitness mojo. I could blame the hot weather and full time work but they are just excuses. One good thing about working it that I don't get bored and am not snacking all day. On the other side people buy yummy treats at work and it is VERY hard to resist!!!
I bought an eating and fitness plan online which is called Bikini Body Guide. Now whilst my plan is to wear a bikini comfortably at sometime before I am 40 I didn't buy the plan thinking that I would be running around in one within 12 weeks! I do love that it is about strength and toning as well as a bit of cardio. The plan was/is to do that 3 days a week -
Monday - Leg Day
Wednesday - Arms & Abs
Friday - Fullbody
Then Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - Running/Riding
I really just need to get started!!! I have done a few of the workouts and they really do work!! I do have muscles under there somewhere.
I am still looking into doing my cert III & IV in fitness but I am trying to be realistic about the time that would take and the time I have available. I am giving up some of my volunteering work this year. I have finally realised that I can't do it all and something has to give.
So anyway that it where I am at. What are everyone else's plans for 2015?? I haven't set out specific goals for the year just yet I just want to get cranking and get stuck into it. I have 3 weddings in the next 12 months and my goal is to be looking fabulous at all of them. Especially at my brothers wedding.
I have been very busy working and trying to get organised for the start of the school year with my baby starting kindy this year. I did not really cope with this very well and it may have involved a packet of chocolate biscuits to get me through.
I am enjoying work and am very lucky to have amazing friends who have helped me out with babysitting over the holidays. I think planning their care was harder then actually working. This is the joys of having parents (grandparents) who still work and family who live a long way away. You have the rely on your friends and I am so lucky to live in such a great community.
Working has been great as I have had to use my brain again. While I never thought I would work in a bank again and it is not my career of choice I must admit I am enjoying being out of the house. I will finish my training tomorrow which will mean that I will only be working as a casual. While that means an irregular income it also means I can spend more time with the kids and work when it fits in with the family.
As far as fitness, healthy eating & weight loss go well...........................next subject..................
No really to be honest I have completely lost my running/ fitness mojo. I could blame the hot weather and full time work but they are just excuses. One good thing about working it that I don't get bored and am not snacking all day. On the other side people buy yummy treats at work and it is VERY hard to resist!!!
I bought an eating and fitness plan online which is called Bikini Body Guide. Now whilst my plan is to wear a bikini comfortably at sometime before I am 40 I didn't buy the plan thinking that I would be running around in one within 12 weeks! I do love that it is about strength and toning as well as a bit of cardio. The plan was/is to do that 3 days a week -
Monday - Leg Day
Wednesday - Arms & Abs
Friday - Fullbody
Then Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - Running/Riding
I really just need to get started!!! I have done a few of the workouts and they really do work!! I do have muscles under there somewhere.
I am still looking into doing my cert III & IV in fitness but I am trying to be realistic about the time that would take and the time I have available. I am giving up some of my volunteering work this year. I have finally realised that I can't do it all and something has to give.
So anyway that it where I am at. What are everyone else's plans for 2015?? I haven't set out specific goals for the year just yet I just want to get cranking and get stuck into it. I have 3 weddings in the next 12 months and my goal is to be looking fabulous at all of them. Especially at my brothers wedding.
my new favourite hashtag #sweatingfortheweddings
Sunday, 21 December 2014
2014 Wrap Up
So 2014 is almost over and we are heading off tomorrow for 3 relaxing weeks at the beach!!! I can't wait it is my favourite time of the year. I LOVE Christmas and relaxing at the beach. We are camping at a caravan park with my parents and my brother, his partner and daughter will join us for some of the time too.
I thought now was as good a time as any to do a bit of reflecting. Whilst I haven't achieve all I set out to in 2014 I am still pretty happy with where I am at.
Weight Loss
First and foremost let me get this chapter done.................as you know I haven't had the loss that I had last year and I have struggled all year. Well actually not really I started the year around 87kg I got down to 84kg but majority of the year I have sat around the 88/87kg mark. Whilst my goal was to hit the magical 70kg mark. I am super happy with being able to maintain my weight for 12 months!!!! I know that by doing this slowly and healthily I have made life changes and not been on a diet.
Fitness/Running
I completed my second half marathon knocking about 30min off my time from last year. It was much more enjoyable this year as I ran with a great friend of mine and we stayed together the whole way. I also got to watch another great friend cross the finish line and give her the biggest hug. (even if she was cursing me at the time) During hockey season I worked hard on my fitness and speed. This year I was defnitely the fastest and fitness I have been since I was about 14!! I joined a wonderful community of Facebook called Running Mums Australia. It has grown into a huge community of mums who run. From people starting out to marathons and ultra marathon runners. I have learnt so much from these wonderful supportive ladies. I also finally went to my first Parkrun event. Oh how I wish I was in Perth at 8am every Saturday morning. The last 10 weeks we have been doing group fitness. I have worked on my strength and core muscles. I went from not being able to do 1 push up on my toes to doing 20!!!!! I can hold a plank for over 90 seconds and I can do sit ups!!!! (& burpees)
Me
Towards the end of the year we started our little fitness group in town. We would meet twice a week to do some circuit work. It was so much fun and on average there was between 6-8 of us most sessions. What this did was make me realise how much I was to pursue and career as a personal trainer. However to study you need money as nothing is free. So I have just last week started working as a casual Bank Teller which is what I did before I had kids. I love that it is casual so I can fit it in with mykids life.
So what are the plans for 2015?????
Well it will be a year of changes.............Bugalugs starts kindy :( which means my baby will be out of the house 2 days a week! I'm not too sure that I am ready for that. Actually I know that I am not ready for that!!! I will be working which will be a great distraction. I plan to start my study. I will be taking part in Ride for a Cure in October. Which is a 200km bike ride over 2 days raising money for the Harry Perkins Institute of Cancer Research. I was inspired by friend who participated this year. I am excited for us to raise lots of money to help fight this horrific disease.
I will send some of the holidays making a plan of attack for 2015. I love having holidays at this time of the year so you have lots of time to work out a plan for the new year ahead. When I get back I will let you know what the plan is. I am really hoping to get back into the mind set I had at the start of 2013.
Thank You for putting up with me this year. My not so regular blog posts and my abundance of sweaty selfies.
Wishing everyone a very Safe, Happy & Merry Christmas and an Awesome 2015!!!!
I thought now was as good a time as any to do a bit of reflecting. Whilst I haven't achieve all I set out to in 2014 I am still pretty happy with where I am at.
Weight Loss
First and foremost let me get this chapter done.................as you know I haven't had the loss that I had last year and I have struggled all year. Well actually not really I started the year around 87kg I got down to 84kg but majority of the year I have sat around the 88/87kg mark. Whilst my goal was to hit the magical 70kg mark. I am super happy with being able to maintain my weight for 12 months!!!! I know that by doing this slowly and healthily I have made life changes and not been on a diet.
Fitness/Running
I completed my second half marathon knocking about 30min off my time from last year. It was much more enjoyable this year as I ran with a great friend of mine and we stayed together the whole way. I also got to watch another great friend cross the finish line and give her the biggest hug. (even if she was cursing me at the time) During hockey season I worked hard on my fitness and speed. This year I was defnitely the fastest and fitness I have been since I was about 14!! I joined a wonderful community of Facebook called Running Mums Australia. It has grown into a huge community of mums who run. From people starting out to marathons and ultra marathon runners. I have learnt so much from these wonderful supportive ladies. I also finally went to my first Parkrun event. Oh how I wish I was in Perth at 8am every Saturday morning. The last 10 weeks we have been doing group fitness. I have worked on my strength and core muscles. I went from not being able to do 1 push up on my toes to doing 20!!!!! I can hold a plank for over 90 seconds and I can do sit ups!!!! (& burpees)
Me
Towards the end of the year we started our little fitness group in town. We would meet twice a week to do some circuit work. It was so much fun and on average there was between 6-8 of us most sessions. What this did was make me realise how much I was to pursue and career as a personal trainer. However to study you need money as nothing is free. So I have just last week started working as a casual Bank Teller which is what I did before I had kids. I love that it is casual so I can fit it in with my
So what are the plans for 2015?????
Well it will be a year of changes.............Bugalugs starts kindy :( which means my baby will be out of the house 2 days a week! I'm not too sure that I am ready for that. Actually I know that I am not ready for that!!! I will be working which will be a great distraction. I plan to start my study. I will be taking part in Ride for a Cure in October. Which is a 200km bike ride over 2 days raising money for the Harry Perkins Institute of Cancer Research. I was inspired by friend who participated this year. I am excited for us to raise lots of money to help fight this horrific disease.
I will send some of the holidays making a plan of attack for 2015. I love having holidays at this time of the year so you have lots of time to work out a plan for the new year ahead. When I get back I will let you know what the plan is. I am really hoping to get back into the mind set I had at the start of 2013.
Thank You for putting up with me this year. My not so regular blog posts and my abundance of sweaty selfies.
Wishing everyone a very Safe, Happy & Merry Christmas and an Awesome 2015!!!!
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
The Ups and Downs of the week that was.
I know it's only Thursday but I feel like it has been a busy week already and tomorrow is going to be another busy one.
I looked into getting my Certificate III and Certificate IV on Fitness which would enable me to do what I love and hopefully make a bit of extra $$$. I spoke to a great company that are VERY VERY understanding of the fact that I live in the middle of nowhere. They are really flexible in their learning structure. I can do it by correspondence and go to Perth when I can fit it in to do practical assessments, I can call tutors whenever I need to, I can do it all at my own pace over a 12 months time frame. PERFECT?!?!?! Well it was until I asked how much this perfect plan would cost. Let's just say it aint cheap. But I was still thinking it was doable as long as I could raise the money myself. (not take it out of the family budget)
So remember I said I had applied for a job? Well..............I was hoping more then ever I would get it as I could use that money to fund my study. Cos let's face it who just has $6000 laying around. Yep that's right 6000 big ones. I got an e mail yesterday to say that I had been unsuccessful. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I think I was more disappointed that I didn't get an interview. And I could see my dreams of studying and getting qualified going down the drain. :(
I have not had the greatest week food/weight wise either. I have had very little energy and seem to be eating us out of house and home. I went to group fitness on Tuesday and again today. I was so thankful for these girls as had it not been for the commitment we have all made I would not have gone. Especially today. All I wanted to do was sit on the couch, watch trashing TV & eat trashy food!!!!
BUT I had a fantastic morning. We decided to record our results for Push Ups, Sit Ups & Plank. We do each exercise for 1 minute. Except today for the plank we all kept going to see how long we could hold it for. We are going to do it again in 4 weeks so we can see how much we have progressed. I got a HUGE surprise. Here is what I did today
Push Ups
15 toes 6 knees
TOES!!! Did you see that??? 15 PUSH UPS ON MY TOES!!!!!!!
Sit Ups
22
Plank
1:30
Yep 1 MINUTE 30 SECONDS!!!!!
It totally made my day and week. Love seeing these Non Scale Victories and it helps put things into perspective. It's a great incentive to keep on keeping on.
Also harvest is ALMOST over which means hubby will be home more. I really want to get out running again and I am planning to switch from evening runs to morning runs. Also get my puppy trained to run with me.
So thanks for listening to my ramblings again. I said I would blog more and I am going to keep that promise.
I looked into getting my Certificate III and Certificate IV on Fitness which would enable me to do what I love and hopefully make a bit of extra $$$. I spoke to a great company that are VERY VERY understanding of the fact that I live in the middle of nowhere. They are really flexible in their learning structure. I can do it by correspondence and go to Perth when I can fit it in to do practical assessments, I can call tutors whenever I need to, I can do it all at my own pace over a 12 months time frame. PERFECT?!?!?! Well it was until I asked how much this perfect plan would cost. Let's just say it aint cheap. But I was still thinking it was doable as long as I could raise the money myself. (not take it out of the family budget)
So remember I said I had applied for a job? Well..............I was hoping more then ever I would get it as I could use that money to fund my study. Cos let's face it who just has $6000 laying around. Yep that's right 6000 big ones. I got an e mail yesterday to say that I had been unsuccessful. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I think I was more disappointed that I didn't get an interview. And I could see my dreams of studying and getting qualified going down the drain. :(
I have not had the greatest week food/weight wise either. I have had very little energy and seem to be eating us out of house and home. I went to group fitness on Tuesday and again today. I was so thankful for these girls as had it not been for the commitment we have all made I would not have gone. Especially today. All I wanted to do was sit on the couch, watch trashing TV & eat trashy food!!!!
BUT I had a fantastic morning. We decided to record our results for Push Ups, Sit Ups & Plank. We do each exercise for 1 minute. Except today for the plank we all kept going to see how long we could hold it for. We are going to do it again in 4 weeks so we can see how much we have progressed. I got a HUGE surprise. Here is what I did today
Push Ups
15 toes 6 knees
TOES!!! Did you see that??? 15 PUSH UPS ON MY TOES!!!!!!!
Sit Ups
22
Plank
1:30
Yep 1 MINUTE 30 SECONDS!!!!!
It totally made my day and week. Love seeing these Non Scale Victories and it helps put things into perspective. It's a great incentive to keep on keeping on.
Also harvest is ALMOST over which means hubby will be home more. I really want to get out running again and I am planning to switch from evening runs to morning runs. Also get my puppy trained to run with me.
So thanks for listening to my ramblings again. I said I would blog more and I am going to keep that promise.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Finally!!!!!!
OK so before I start put the kettle on and settle down with a cuppa..........it's been a while and there is lots to catch up on. Go on I'll wait......maybe go to the toilet while you wait for the kettle to boil. ;)
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
Welcome back I told you I would wait :)
So I have just realised that my last blog post was on 30th July. Well what has happened since then........
Firstly we lost the hockey grand final this year :( We were beaten by a better team on the day. I think we partied harder then we did last year when we won.
Anyway moving on from that. We held our half marathon again this year and it was another great turn out and we had a terrible head wind but were lucky to finish before the rain came in. We raised almost $1000 and it was a great community event.
I have started meeting some local ladies at the oval to do a bit of a circuit work out twice a week. It is great to do it with other people as it help keen you on track and it goes quickly when you are talking/laughing together.
I didn't really do the last round of 12WBT. I am not sure what is happening with my weight. Well actually I do. I got down to 84kg but then 1 or 2 weekends away and it was back up. So at the moment here is how it goes. Monday 88.1kg (that's the last 2 mondays) but normally around 88kg by Friday I get it back down to 87.1kg or 86.8kg somewhere around there. but hen the weekend happens and up we go again. This has been happening the last few months. I am not exercising anywhere near as much as I was during hockey or training for the run. I am focusing a bit more on strength training and all round fitness.
I also did something I promised myself I wouldn't do. I bought some shorts in a bigger size. All but one pair of my shorts are size 14 and while they fit they also produce a muffin top!! They are comfortable but I am not comfortable with how they look. Jeanswest had 40% off so I ordered 2 pairs of size 16 shorts. I have realised that I was caught up in sizes just as much as I was caught up in the number on the scales. After a friend told me she has clothes in her cupboard ranging from size 16 to size 8 I had a bit of a light bulb moment when I realised it's about the fit and being comfortable rather then the number on the tag.
During the last month or so I have been thinking about what I am going to do once my little Bugalugs heads off to school next year. I have applied for a casual job to keep my mind ticking over and earn some of my own money. I have plans for that money..............I am going to get qualified to be a Personal Trainer. It is not a cheap course but I feel better using 'my' money to pay for it. Doing fitness with the girls has made me realise how much I want to do this for a living. I really enjoy it. I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
I am at a bit of a loss with the whole weight loss thing. On one hand I am thinking this is the size I am meant to be and I am pretty happy with the fact that whilst I have yoyo'd a little bit this year for the most part I have kept 20kg off for almost 18months. But I also know that I can reach my goals I set so long ago and losing another 20kg it totally achievable. It will be harder but it is totally doable. I am not going to make any GRAND statements about cutting out this or that or setting massive goals. I am just going to keep an eye on what I put in my mouth and do my work outs. Maybe try and get in a few more runs once harvest is finished and hubby is back to working normal hours.
Oh and if you remember when this whole 'Becoming Nikki' project started I had a little deal with my brother. Last Christmas I fit into a pair of size 12 shorts and a size 10 top. By fit I mean I could get them on and done up. I don't know that I could have sat down without popping a button but a deal is a deal. As part of the deal Rob was going to pay for me to get a maple leaf tattoo. Something I have wanted since 1998 when I spent a year in Canada as an exchange student. Well pay day finally came and I couldn't be happier.
Waiting
Waiting
Waiting
Welcome back I told you I would wait :)
So I have just realised that my last blog post was on 30th July. Well what has happened since then........
Firstly we lost the hockey grand final this year :( We were beaten by a better team on the day. I think we partied harder then we did last year when we won.
Anyway moving on from that. We held our half marathon again this year and it was another great turn out and we had a terrible head wind but were lucky to finish before the rain came in. We raised almost $1000 and it was a great community event.
I have started meeting some local ladies at the oval to do a bit of a circuit work out twice a week. It is great to do it with other people as it help keen you on track and it goes quickly when you are talking/laughing together.
I didn't really do the last round of 12WBT. I am not sure what is happening with my weight. Well actually I do. I got down to 84kg but then 1 or 2 weekends away and it was back up. So at the moment here is how it goes. Monday 88.1kg (that's the last 2 mondays) but normally around 88kg by Friday I get it back down to 87.1kg or 86.8kg somewhere around there. but hen the weekend happens and up we go again. This has been happening the last few months. I am not exercising anywhere near as much as I was during hockey or training for the run. I am focusing a bit more on strength training and all round fitness.
I also did something I promised myself I wouldn't do. I bought some shorts in a bigger size. All but one pair of my shorts are size 14 and while they fit they also produce a muffin top!! They are comfortable but I am not comfortable with how they look. Jeanswest had 40% off so I ordered 2 pairs of size 16 shorts. I have realised that I was caught up in sizes just as much as I was caught up in the number on the scales. After a friend told me she has clothes in her cupboard ranging from size 16 to size 8 I had a bit of a light bulb moment when I realised it's about the fit and being comfortable rather then the number on the tag.
During the last month or so I have been thinking about what I am going to do once my little Bugalugs heads off to school next year. I have applied for a casual job to keep my mind ticking over and earn some of my own money. I have plans for that money..............I am going to get qualified to be a Personal Trainer. It is not a cheap course but I feel better using 'my' money to pay for it. Doing fitness with the girls has made me realise how much I want to do this for a living. I really enjoy it. I finally know what I want to be when I grow up.
I am at a bit of a loss with the whole weight loss thing. On one hand I am thinking this is the size I am meant to be and I am pretty happy with the fact that whilst I have yoyo'd a little bit this year for the most part I have kept 20kg off for almost 18months. But I also know that I can reach my goals I set so long ago and losing another 20kg it totally achievable. It will be harder but it is totally doable. I am not going to make any GRAND statements about cutting out this or that or setting massive goals. I am just going to keep an eye on what I put in my mouth and do my work outs. Maybe try and get in a few more runs once harvest is finished and hubby is back to working normal hours.
Oh and if you remember when this whole 'Becoming Nikki' project started I had a little deal with my brother. Last Christmas I fit into a pair of size 12 shorts and a size 10 top. By fit I mean I could get them on and done up. I don't know that I could have sat down without popping a button but a deal is a deal. As part of the deal Rob was going to pay for me to get a maple leaf tattoo. Something I have wanted since 1998 when I spent a year in Canada as an exchange student. Well pay day finally came and I couldn't be happier.
And here it is!!!!
I added in the kids initials and it is on my lower back 'tramp stamp' but I LOVE it!!! Another reason to lose weight and be comfortable in a bikini. I want to show this baby off.
Right so now we are all caught up and you have had a cuppa and a bit of timeout whilst reading my ramblings. I plan to get back into my blogging so look out for some more 'me' time and a cuppa catching up with a friend. Although I promise they won't all be this long.
Wednesday, 30 July 2014
Looking Forward/ Looking Back
Hey There...............remember me.............I know it's been a while.............a month to be exact!! What have you been upto?? I could spend this post telling you about my last month which included an AMAZING holiday with great friends, talking about the hockey games we have won & lost, telling you about the running I have been doing or the wonderful new recipes I have found.
But that is in the past and I am moving onwards and upwards as I start another round of 12WBT on Monday. So time to set some goals!!!!
36hrs Later..................
This post has been sitting here open for a day and a half as I was procrastinating putting my goals up here. I have done it a lot in the past and never really met them in the time frame I have set out. So I was feeling a little deflated.
Then I went on a run last night. Always a good way to clear the head. I felt crappy all day so was just going to do a little 3km run so that I could feel a little better. I decided to do my 1km time trial for this round of 12WBT. It was hard but I pushed myself and I SMASHED it. 4min 53sec!! I was shattered afterwards but decided to do a little detour on the way home and ran an extra km.
I was thinking of how far I am have come in the last 18months. Here are a few stats.
January 2013 NOW
1km time trial 8min 25sec 4min 53 3min 32sec faster
Total body measurements 448.5cm 398cm 50.5cm lost (although don't think I was measuring properly in the beginning)
Weight 106.6kg 85.6kg 21kg REMOVED
Size 18/20 14/16 I was 18/20 in fat section now I'm 14/16 in normal section
Sometimes you have to look at how far you have come to see where to go to now!!!
So as far as goals for this round go..............
Of course I am still determined to hit the 80kg!!! I am also planning to run our local half marathon again at the end of September. So I will be training for that. I was just going to do the 10km run but I have decided why not. So I will be training for that. Along with the pointy end of the hockey season. I will try and blog more to keep me accountable and on track.
I am excited by the new recipes and option with this round and I am determined to make the last half of 2014 as great as the first half of 2013 was!!! Bring on summer and being comfortable in bathers!!!!
But that is in the past and I am moving onwards and upwards as I start another round of 12WBT on Monday. So time to set some goals!!!!
36hrs Later..................
This post has been sitting here open for a day and a half as I was procrastinating putting my goals up here. I have done it a lot in the past and never really met them in the time frame I have set out. So I was feeling a little deflated.
Then I went on a run last night. Always a good way to clear the head. I felt crappy all day so was just going to do a little 3km run so that I could feel a little better. I decided to do my 1km time trial for this round of 12WBT. It was hard but I pushed myself and I SMASHED it. 4min 53sec!! I was shattered afterwards but decided to do a little detour on the way home and ran an extra km.
I was thinking of how far I am have come in the last 18months. Here are a few stats.
January 2013 NOW
1km time trial 8min 25sec 4min 53 3min 32sec faster
Total body measurements 448.5cm 398cm 50.5cm lost (although don't think I was measuring properly in the beginning)
Weight 106.6kg 85.6kg 21kg REMOVED
Size 18/20 14/16 I was 18/20 in fat section now I'm 14/16 in normal section
Sometimes you have to look at how far you have come to see where to go to now!!!
So as far as goals for this round go..............
Of course I am still determined to hit the 80kg!!! I am also planning to run our local half marathon again at the end of September. So I will be training for that. I was just going to do the 10km run but I have decided why not. So I will be training for that. Along with the pointy end of the hockey season. I will try and blog more to keep me accountable and on track.
I am excited by the new recipes and option with this round and I am determined to make the last half of 2014 as great as the first half of 2013 was!!! Bring on summer and being comfortable in bathers!!!!
Monday, 30 June 2014
Bit of a catch up
Hey, it's been a while so I thought we should catch up. Put the kettle on, make yourself a cuppa grab a biscuit and I will fill you in on what has been happening. (it actually won't take that long my life is not that exciting)
So the last few weeks have been busy with the usual normal family 'stuff'. You know school, homework, 3yr old tantrums at the supermarket. All the usual Mum things. We get very busy in winter with sports. We have footy training Tuesday, hockey Wednesday & my hockey training Thursday night. Then hockey pretty much all day Saturday and footy Sunday morning.
I also organised and went to country week hockey. For those who don't know this is a competition in Perth were each association send teams to compete over 3 days. Usually all the girls from our area stay at a hotel together and it's a great weekend away. This year however was a little different and I stayed at my sisters house and had my 3yr old tag along for the ride. I was very fortunate to have a lovely family friend look after her on the Friday for the day and then my sister and brother shared the rest of the babysitting duties while I was playing 6 games of hockey over 3 days. It was a great weekend as always but I must say next time I will be staying with the girls!!
I have also been to visit a physio recently. I have been having pain in my lower back. Mostly when I stand for a long time and after hockey. I have been twice now as it is hard to make regular visits when you live 2.5hrs away. He has given me stretches to do everyday and I am definitely feeling the difference. Now I need to strengthen my non existent tummy muscles. Basically my muscles at the top of my back, butt & hamstrings were so tight that my lower back was doing all the work. Also my core is not strong enough. I HATE sit ups always have. But they might just have to become my new best friend. This getting older & healthier thing is not all it's cracked up to be!! ;)
12wbt.....................................................Well.........................I have not been the greatest with my nutrition. Sound familiar??? I think I say that every couple of weeks. There are 3 weeks to go so I am determined to make the most of it. Today is Tighten Up Tuesday which means sticking to the plan!!!!!
The exercise is going well. I am on day 9 of 30 for 30. This is 30 min of exercise for 30 days. So far so good. Sunday I didn't get out and exercise but I did a LOT of housework and sometimes that is more of a work out then any run or training session. It is great thought because it is making me find the time. Like yesterday for example I got home from a day trip to Perth at 4:45pm. Usually by the time I unpack the car I am ready to drop on the couch and not move. But yesterday I unpacked the essentials, got changed and headed out to run around the sheds.
We are off on holidays on Friday and I can't wait!!!!! We are heading north to camp on the beach with great friends. We will be 'bush' camping which means no toilets, camp showers & generator power. It also means fresh air, beach, freedom, fishing, fun & camp fires. I went to Perth yesterday to shop for the trip and we will stop on the way up to buy fresh fruit & veggies. I am determined to keep up my healthy eating and fitness while on holidays. Nothing like a bit of beach running. Might even try and come up with some games to get the kids involved.
So that's about it really............I am looking forward to heading to some warmer weather for a week and spending some family time together.
So the last few weeks have been busy with the usual normal family 'stuff'. You know school, homework, 3yr old tantrums at the supermarket. All the usual Mum things. We get very busy in winter with sports. We have footy training Tuesday, hockey Wednesday & my hockey training Thursday night. Then hockey pretty much all day Saturday and footy Sunday morning.
I also organised and went to country week hockey. For those who don't know this is a competition in Perth were each association send teams to compete over 3 days. Usually all the girls from our area stay at a hotel together and it's a great weekend away. This year however was a little different and I stayed at my sisters house and had my 3yr old tag along for the ride. I was very fortunate to have a lovely family friend look after her on the Friday for the day and then my sister and brother shared the rest of the babysitting duties while I was playing 6 games of hockey over 3 days. It was a great weekend as always but I must say next time I will be staying with the girls!!
I have also been to visit a physio recently. I have been having pain in my lower back. Mostly when I stand for a long time and after hockey. I have been twice now as it is hard to make regular visits when you live 2.5hrs away. He has given me stretches to do everyday and I am definitely feeling the difference. Now I need to strengthen my non existent tummy muscles. Basically my muscles at the top of my back, butt & hamstrings were so tight that my lower back was doing all the work. Also my core is not strong enough. I HATE sit ups always have. But they might just have to become my new best friend. This getting older & healthier thing is not all it's cracked up to be!! ;)
12wbt.....................................................Well.........................I have not been the greatest with my nutrition. Sound familiar??? I think I say that every couple of weeks. There are 3 weeks to go so I am determined to make the most of it. Today is Tighten Up Tuesday which means sticking to the plan!!!!!
The exercise is going well. I am on day 9 of 30 for 30. This is 30 min of exercise for 30 days. So far so good. Sunday I didn't get out and exercise but I did a LOT of housework and sometimes that is more of a work out then any run or training session. It is great thought because it is making me find the time. Like yesterday for example I got home from a day trip to Perth at 4:45pm. Usually by the time I unpack the car I am ready to drop on the couch and not move. But yesterday I unpacked the essentials, got changed and headed out to run around the sheds.
We are off on holidays on Friday and I can't wait!!!!! We are heading north to camp on the beach with great friends. We will be 'bush' camping which means no toilets, camp showers & generator power. It also means fresh air, beach, freedom, fishing, fun & camp fires. I went to Perth yesterday to shop for the trip and we will stop on the way up to buy fresh fruit & veggies. I am determined to keep up my healthy eating and fitness while on holidays. Nothing like a bit of beach running. Might even try and come up with some games to get the kids involved.
So that's about it really............I am looking forward to heading to some warmer weather for a week and spending some family time together.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Farm v Town v City Running.
On Sunday afternoon I went for a run in the town where my parents live. It's a small county town and they just happen to live at the top of a pretty big hill. Anyway it was about 4:30pm on Sunday afternoon and whilst I have been running here before it was always earlier in the day so you come across the occasional runner or walker. I have to say I got some strange looks as people where coming home from the local footy game or out in their front lawns with their families.
Anyway it got me thinking about how different it is to run on the farm, in a country town & in the city. So here is how it compares.....
So which is my favourite........................
All of them! Any run is better then no run!!!
Anyway it got me thinking about how different it is to run on the farm, in a country town & in the city. So here is how it compares.....
Farm Running
Well pretty boring as there is no one around except some sheep and the occasional Kangaroo. But you can wear what ever you like as no one sees you. You don't have to worry about being on the right side of the road. You don't have to cross the road. You do have to climb over the occasional gate and dodge the sheep pooh. It's quiet which is great!!! I don't have to drive to a park or running track. I can run around the sheds if I need to because the kids are home & hubby is at work. The air is fresh (except for the sheep pooh) and I love the freedom of living and running out here.
Town (my parents town) Running
There are footpaths most of the time. There is a massive hill at the end of the run. People................people who aren't running who look at you like you are an alien. People who are walking into the local shop trying to work out who this person is running and why don't they know you because they know everyone in this town. You have to cross lots of roads but luckily there isn't much traffic so mostly not a big issue. Running past people sitting on their front verandah drinking, eating nibbles & generally having a good time while I am a sweating, puffing mess. I do get to look at some beautiful gardens and houses.
City Running
Most of my city runs have been around the bridges and the beautiful Swan river. I have done a few runs around the streets near my sisters house. I love running around the river. There are a lot of other runners & walkers. You can run on the grass or the path. It's flat (other then going up to the bridges) and mostly smooth. I do put more effort into what I wear. The shirt that rides up exposing my muffin top is definitely a farm only top. I love when you make eye contact with another runner. I love being surrounded by other people doing the same thing. I do hate that there always seems to be that one old man walking along smoking and I always run past just as they breathe out a big cloud of smoke. (that never happens on the farm) It has taken a while I actually feel comfortable and confident running with other runners around. I even overtake people now which is something I never thought would happen. Although most of then are finishing their runs and I am at the start of mine. ;)So which is my favourite........................
All of them! Any run is better then no run!!!
Monday, 2 June 2014
Week 4 Wrap up
Wow 4 weeks has gone by very fast!!!
Week 4 on 12WBT is when you re-measure & redo the fitness test to see what non scale related progress you have made.
Perhaps my biggest excitement this week was taking 11 seconds off my 1km time trial!!!! When I did it I thought I had only knocked 4 seconds off. But once I looked at it I realised I had knocked 11 seconds off. Very stoked with that!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
So how did week 4 go well.............it was very much like week 3 in that I was unorganised and unprepared on the food front. I didn't follow the plan but I did use the recipes. I used the excuse that I worked most of the week but that's just an excuse as if anything that should have made me more organised. And to be honest when I work it is only a couple of hours a day. And that is no excuse for what I ate on the weekend!!!
So here is the true confession of what I ate over the weekend.
Saturday - Breaky - Toast
Lunch - A couple of party pies, little red sausages & lollies (picking while the kids had party food. Then we had Chicken pieces & salad. (chicken was coated in a yummy flavour)
Tea - KFC 2 pieces of original & some chips, A very yummy piece of chocolate caramel slice thingy
Sunday - Breaky - Toast
Lunch - Squid rings (very yummy) & a couple of chips pinched off Lochie's plate & an onion ring
Tea - Hot Chicken Roll & some chips at the footy followed by a caramel sundae from Maccas on the way home.
My only saving grace was that I didn't eat at all between meals. But with all those calories why would I need to????
My exercise goal for last week was to run a total of 20km. I just missed out as I did 17.3km. I was very proud of the way my exercise went last week. I made the effort to get out there when I really didn't want to and when hubby didn't want me to. I am really enjoying running again and finding it easier and easier.
I am making a good start to this week. As I type this I have pumpkin roasting in the oven ready to make Garlic Pumpkin Soup, I have chicken marinating in the fridge to make a few batches of Chicken Tikka Masala, I am making Cauliflower Soup & Woolworths even had containers for half price yesterday so I can freeze it all in portion sizes so I can just whip it out and eat it when I need to. On those footy & hockey training nights.
So there is week 4 done & dusted!!! Weigh in tomorrow..............very nervous after my weekend blow out.
Week 4 on 12WBT is when you re-measure & redo the fitness test to see what non scale related progress you have made.
Perhaps my biggest excitement this week was taking 11 seconds off my 1km time trial!!!! When I did it I thought I had only knocked 4 seconds off. But once I looked at it I realised I had knocked 11 seconds off. Very stoked with that!!! WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
So how did week 4 go well.............it was very much like week 3 in that I was unorganised and unprepared on the food front. I didn't follow the plan but I did use the recipes. I used the excuse that I worked most of the week but that's just an excuse as if anything that should have made me more organised. And to be honest when I work it is only a couple of hours a day. And that is no excuse for what I ate on the weekend!!!
So here is the true confession of what I ate over the weekend.
Saturday - Breaky - Toast
Lunch - A couple of party pies, little red sausages & lollies (picking while the kids had party food. Then we had Chicken pieces & salad. (chicken was coated in a yummy flavour)
Tea - KFC 2 pieces of original & some chips, A very yummy piece of chocolate caramel slice thingy
Sunday - Breaky - Toast
Lunch - Squid rings (very yummy) & a couple of chips pinched off Lochie's plate & an onion ring
Tea - Hot Chicken Roll & some chips at the footy followed by a caramel sundae from Maccas on the way home.
My only saving grace was that I didn't eat at all between meals. But with all those calories why would I need to????
My exercise goal for last week was to run a total of 20km. I just missed out as I did 17.3km. I was very proud of the way my exercise went last week. I made the effort to get out there when I really didn't want to and when hubby didn't want me to. I am really enjoying running again and finding it easier and easier.
I am making a good start to this week. As I type this I have pumpkin roasting in the oven ready to make Garlic Pumpkin Soup, I have chicken marinating in the fridge to make a few batches of Chicken Tikka Masala, I am making Cauliflower Soup & Woolworths even had containers for half price yesterday so I can freeze it all in portion sizes so I can just whip it out and eat it when I need to. On those footy & hockey training nights.
So there is week 4 done & dusted!!! Weigh in tomorrow..............very nervous after my weekend blow out.
Monday, 26 May 2014
Week 2 & 3 Wrap Up
We are starting week 4 already!!! Where did that time go?!?!? So last week I forgot to do a week 2 wrap up so this will cover the last 2 weeks.
I have to admit I have fallen into old habits. Not the ones you are thinking of but the habit of using 12WBT as a recipe guide. I haven't been following the eating plan properly and I can give you a list of excuses but that's all they are EXCUSES!!! It all comes back to poor time management and poor preparation. But this is a new week which means time to get back to being organised!!!
I have been watching the mindset videos and I have been watching what I eat and cut back on snacking so it's not all bad news.
I did manage to not cook 3 different meals most nights. And I have found some great new things to have for lunch. Lunch is where I really struggle. If I have left overs that's awesome, easy and quick. But if I have to make something I generally don't feel like what is on the menu plan especially with the cooler weather. I am craving soups and warm lunches but am not organised enough to make it before hand and quite often these things take a while to cook.
I had a 100gram weight loss in week 2. And a 1.3kg weight loss in week 3. Pretty happy with that and it gives me the motivation to keep it up. I am still hoping to hit 85kg by my birthday which is in 2 weeks. I need to lose 2.7kg to get there.
I did fall into a little trap over the weekend. I played hockey on Saturday afternoon and then I did the 12km HBF Run for a Reason on Sunday morning. I used this as an excuse to eat Pizza Saturday night & too much pasta Sunday night.
My Diet Coke addiction is going OK. It just seems to be the weekends when I 'slip up'. I find it hard when out and not drinking to find something to drink that isn't water or soft drink. So still struggling a bit with that one.
My exercise has been great. I have to say that it one part I am not slacking on. I am really enjoying running again. I am making the time to get out there and run even if it's running laps around the sheds and driveways. Yes I ran 6km on a 900m track around the sheds and driveways.
Anyway Onwards & Downwards (on the scale)
Keep an eye out for my re cap of yesterdays fun run.
I have to admit I have fallen into old habits. Not the ones you are thinking of but the habit of using 12WBT as a recipe guide. I haven't been following the eating plan properly and I can give you a list of excuses but that's all they are EXCUSES!!! It all comes back to poor time management and poor preparation. But this is a new week which means time to get back to being organised!!!
I have been watching the mindset videos and I have been watching what I eat and cut back on snacking so it's not all bad news.
I did manage to not cook 3 different meals most nights. And I have found some great new things to have for lunch. Lunch is where I really struggle. If I have left overs that's awesome, easy and quick. But if I have to make something I generally don't feel like what is on the menu plan especially with the cooler weather. I am craving soups and warm lunches but am not organised enough to make it before hand and quite often these things take a while to cook.
I had a 100gram weight loss in week 2. And a 1.3kg weight loss in week 3. Pretty happy with that and it gives me the motivation to keep it up. I am still hoping to hit 85kg by my birthday which is in 2 weeks. I need to lose 2.7kg to get there.
I did fall into a little trap over the weekend. I played hockey on Saturday afternoon and then I did the 12km HBF Run for a Reason on Sunday morning. I used this as an excuse to eat Pizza Saturday night & too much pasta Sunday night.
My Diet Coke addiction is going OK. It just seems to be the weekends when I 'slip up'. I find it hard when out and not drinking to find something to drink that isn't water or soft drink. So still struggling a bit with that one.
My exercise has been great. I have to say that it one part I am not slacking on. I am really enjoying running again. I am making the time to get out there and run even if it's running laps around the sheds and driveways. Yes I ran 6km on a 900m track around the sheds and driveways.
Anyway Onwards & Downwards (on the scale)
Keep an eye out for my re cap of yesterdays fun run.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Quality Over Quantity
I used to always think that you HAD to exercise for an hour. It was always an hours walk. Half an hour was a waste of time and 45 min was OK but in my head it had to be an hour. This was also an excuse as if I didn't have a spare hour I wouldn't go.
Then I started running and have had it in my head for the last little while that anything under 5km wasn't worth it. Given that it takes me around half an hour to run 5km I had it in my head that I needed a spare half an hour to 45min. (time to shower afterwards)
I have realised just in the last week or so that this was also creating an excuse as to why I couldn't go for a run. Well yesterday I got home from work at 4:45pm and while I had tea to cook, kids homework to supervise, washing to bring in etc etc etc I put it all on the back burner. I walked in the house got changed told the kids I would be just outside running laps around the house.
3.5km & 20 min later I was done. Because the fairies weren't going to come and do all those jobs for me while I was running. I am really starting to think that fairies don't exist.
I had a bit of a light bulb moment. As tends to happen when I am running because it's about the only time of the day that is when I can think without someone climbing on me, talking to me, whinging at me etc etc etc.
As with everything in life from time with kids to food to clothes to appliances. Exercise is no different. 20 minutes of running is better then sitting on the couch all night feeling guilty for not getting out there. It's better then trying to squeeze in an hour when you don't have an hour and running around like a mad chook for an hour or so afterwards trying to do all those other things you need to do.
I will remember this next time I think I don't have time. And one of the best parts about running in the afternoon is that I usually have at least one of the kids join me on their bike. At the moment it's Miss Molly on her brand new bike. She will whizz past me with a big smile on her face and ask me how many more laps. Love seeing this healthy lifestyle rub off on the kids.
Then I started running and have had it in my head for the last little while that anything under 5km wasn't worth it. Given that it takes me around half an hour to run 5km I had it in my head that I needed a spare half an hour to 45min. (time to shower afterwards)
I have realised just in the last week or so that this was also creating an excuse as to why I couldn't go for a run. Well yesterday I got home from work at 4:45pm and while I had tea to cook, kids homework to supervise, washing to bring in etc etc etc I put it all on the back burner. I walked in the house got changed told the kids I would be just outside running laps around the house.
3.5km & 20 min later I was done. Because the fairies weren't going to come and do all those jobs for me while I was running. I am really starting to think that fairies don't exist.
I had a bit of a light bulb moment. As tends to happen when I am running because it's about the only time of the day that is when I can think without someone climbing on me, talking to me, whinging at me etc etc etc.
As with everything in life from time with kids to food to clothes to appliances. Exercise is no different. 20 minutes of running is better then sitting on the couch all night feeling guilty for not getting out there. It's better then trying to squeeze in an hour when you don't have an hour and running around like a mad chook for an hour or so afterwards trying to do all those other things you need to do.
I will remember this next time I think I don't have time. And one of the best parts about running in the afternoon is that I usually have at least one of the kids join me on their bike. At the moment it's Miss Molly on her brand new bike. She will whizz past me with a big smile on her face and ask me how many more laps. Love seeing this healthy lifestyle rub off on the kids.
She loves a post run/ride selfie too!
Sunday, 11 May 2014
12WBT Week One Wrap Up.
WOW as I went to write this I saw that this will be my 100th blog post!!!!! Not too sure what to say about that but thought it was worth a mention. I might have to do another post this week in honour of that. But I will have to have a think about that one.
So onto what I came here to write about.
12WBT Week One!!!
Where to start???? Well it was a great week I got up Monday morning did a wee, stood on the scales, got out the tape measure and recorded all my stats. I had done the fitness test on Sunday afternoon. So I was pumped and ready to get going.
Weigh In day was Wednesday and I woke up excited to see what a difference I had made in 3 days. Only to find that my scales wouldn't work!!! I was not happy at all. It was one of the few times I have been happy that I weigh myself ever day so I used my weigh in from Tuesday. Which showed a 1kg loss!!! While I was in town that afternoon I got a new battery hoping that was the problem as I really didn't want to have to buy a new set of scales. I like my scales and I am worried if I get new ones they will give me a different weight.
I had to work this week cleaning at our local primary school. I had done this 12 months ago and now I just do as relief. So knowing I was working all week you would think I would be organised. Well you no. Being out of the house from 2:30pm until 5pm through my evenings into a bit of a blur. Combine that with seeding which means hubby leaves the house at about 4:30am and returns any time after 8 or 9pm. (he usually gets home just as I am all settled to watch a show that he doesn't really like)
While I had all of my meals planned out I hadn't really planned the family meals for the week. And while some recipes are for 2 serves you need the second serve for lunch the next day. I know I could double the recipe but some are not so kid friendly. Taking all this into account I had one night where I made 3 different dinners!!! Sausages and veggies for the kids, casserole for hubby & a beef & barley dinner for me. Not really something that you want to have happen every night of the week.
Thursday saw me have baked beans for breaky followed by Chicken Tikka Curry for lunch. Luckily I had hockey training that night and was out in the fresh air........(I will leave it at that)
I have to admit I didn't follow the exercise plan at all. I chose to go running instead. I had hockey training Thursday & hockey on Saturday so that covered those work outs. I do need to get more exercise in and that's this weeks goal.
Over the weekend I ate off plan as I had hockey all day Saturday and then we were out for lunch yesterday. I still tried to be good or probably more mindfull of what I was eating. I did over indulge in drinking yesterday and I have gone over my one a week Diet Coke limit. But I still felt like I made good choices.
I am pumped for week 2 which means new recipes, exercises & of course weigh in on Wednesday!!!! It's 4 weeks until my birthday and I have set myself a mini goal of getting to 85kg by my birthday!!!!!!
So onto what I came here to write about.
12WBT Week One!!!
Where to start???? Well it was a great week I got up Monday morning did a wee, stood on the scales, got out the tape measure and recorded all my stats. I had done the fitness test on Sunday afternoon. So I was pumped and ready to get going.
Weigh In day was Wednesday and I woke up excited to see what a difference I had made in 3 days. Only to find that my scales wouldn't work!!! I was not happy at all. It was one of the few times I have been happy that I weigh myself ever day so I used my weigh in from Tuesday. Which showed a 1kg loss!!! While I was in town that afternoon I got a new battery hoping that was the problem as I really didn't want to have to buy a new set of scales. I like my scales and I am worried if I get new ones they will give me a different weight.
I had to work this week cleaning at our local primary school. I had done this 12 months ago and now I just do as relief. So knowing I was working all week you would think I would be organised. Well you no. Being out of the house from 2:30pm until 5pm through my evenings into a bit of a blur. Combine that with seeding which means hubby leaves the house at about 4:30am and returns any time after 8 or 9pm. (he usually gets home just as I am all settled to watch a show that he doesn't really like)
While I had all of my meals planned out I hadn't really planned the family meals for the week. And while some recipes are for 2 serves you need the second serve for lunch the next day. I know I could double the recipe but some are not so kid friendly. Taking all this into account I had one night where I made 3 different dinners!!! Sausages and veggies for the kids, casserole for hubby & a beef & barley dinner for me. Not really something that you want to have happen every night of the week.
Thursday saw me have baked beans for breaky followed by Chicken Tikka Curry for lunch. Luckily I had hockey training that night and was out in the fresh air........(I will leave it at that)
I have to admit I didn't follow the exercise plan at all. I chose to go running instead. I had hockey training Thursday & hockey on Saturday so that covered those work outs. I do need to get more exercise in and that's this weeks goal.
Over the weekend I ate off plan as I had hockey all day Saturday and then we were out for lunch yesterday. I still tried to be good or probably more mindfull of what I was eating. I did over indulge in drinking yesterday and I have gone over my one a week Diet Coke limit. But I still felt like I made good choices.
I am pumped for week 2 which means new recipes, exercises & of course weigh in on Wednesday!!!! It's 4 weeks until my birthday and I have set myself a mini goal of getting to 85kg by my birthday!!!!!!
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Round 1 kicks off & here are the starting stats.
Here we go again............Day 1 of 12WBT.
So here are the starting stats. They are a little scary and I am a bit embarrassed but here goes
Weight: 90.1kg
I have gained about 6kg I was hovering around the 84kg mark for quite a while but the kg have slowly crept back on.
Measurements in cm
Chest: 107
Waist: 109
Hips: 117
Arm: 33
Leg: 62
I will update my weight every week and do the measurements every 4 weeks.
Here are my fitness test results
1km time trial: 5min 29sec
Push Ups: 10
Wall Sit: 37Sec
Plank: 30sec
Sit & Reach: -15
I have been really good with my water intake and avoiding Diet Coke. I had said I would have one a week to start with. On my way home from hockey on Saturday I brought a 600ml bottle. I had 2 sips of it and that was it. Then at the pub on Saturday night I had a can. That was going to be my one for the week. But I still had the bottle in the car from the afternoon with 2 sips out of it. Then yesterday after an interrupted and stressful food shopping trip I bought another bottle for the 1hr drive home. Again I only had a few mouth fulls. I finished that bottle off last night. So I am getting there slowly. There is an almost full bottle sitting in the fridge looking at me and while I should just throw it out I want to challenge myself and see how long I can leave it in there without giving in.
I am off to make an interesting lunch. It includes Zucchini and I am not a fan unless it is in a zucchini slice or something. So wish me luck!!!!! Look out on Facebook for my weigh in results on Wednesday and next Monday I will do a wrap up of week one.
So here are the starting stats. They are a little scary and I am a bit embarrassed but here goes
Weight: 90.1kg
I have gained about 6kg I was hovering around the 84kg mark for quite a while but the kg have slowly crept back on.
Measurements in cm
Chest: 107
Waist: 109
Hips: 117
Arm: 33
Leg: 62
I will update my weight every week and do the measurements every 4 weeks.
Here are my fitness test results
1km time trial: 5min 29sec
Push Ups: 10
Wall Sit: 37Sec
Plank: 30sec
Sit & Reach: -15
I have been really good with my water intake and avoiding Diet Coke. I had said I would have one a week to start with. On my way home from hockey on Saturday I brought a 600ml bottle. I had 2 sips of it and that was it. Then at the pub on Saturday night I had a can. That was going to be my one for the week. But I still had the bottle in the car from the afternoon with 2 sips out of it. Then yesterday after an interrupted and stressful food shopping trip I bought another bottle for the 1hr drive home. Again I only had a few mouth fulls. I finished that bottle off last night. So I am getting there slowly. There is an almost full bottle sitting in the fridge looking at me and while I should just throw it out I want to challenge myself and see how long I can leave it in there without giving in.
I am off to make an interesting lunch. It includes Zucchini and I am not a fan unless it is in a zucchini slice or something. So wish me luck!!!!! Look out on Facebook for my weigh in results on Wednesday and next Monday I will do a wrap up of week one.
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
You know I love to share.............
In the interest of sharing & caring I thought I would share with you all my goals for this round of the 12WBT and beyond. I know that over the last 15 months I have set lots of different goals some I have achieved and others I have not. This time around I have tried to make them realistic and achievable. Something I can build on as the year goes on.
3 Month Goal
79kg
No Diet Coke
Run out a full game of hockey without asking to come off (this doesn't mean not coming off it just means not putting my hand up because I can't breathe or speak to ask to come off. My team mates will understand this)
How will I achieve it??
being accountable!!! Blogging more.
Training hard and putting in the extra effort. Try different training other then just running.
6 Month Goal
75kg
Run my second half marathon in a better time & head space. No walking
How will I achieve it??
Training, training, training.
Not letting myself fall off the wagon. Stay committed to the programme and not let self doubt and good times throw me off course.
12 Month Goal
70kg
Run or work out 5 days a week NO EXCUSES
Be strong enough to go it alone.
How will I achieve it??
not too sure just yet I will get back to you one that.
These are all very similar to my goals I wrote on my fridge back in January. Just a little more specific and with a time frame attached. And as you can see they aren't all weight loss driven. There are a few other areas that I need to work on. The evil Diet Coke has made it's way comfortably back into my daily life.
Once this round starts I will blog every week with a recap of the week and go back to sharing my weekly weigh ins. You know how much I LOVE to share.
How do you set goals?? I am always open to suggestions of how others achieve and reach their goals and succeed.
Over all goal weight loss for the next 12months 20 - 30kg
One Month Goal
85kg
1 Diet Coke a week.
2lt of water a day
How will I achieve it??
No exercise excuses. Follow the meal plan and NO EXTRA SNACKING!!!
Use water bottles & maybe add lemon when I'm struggling
3 Month Goal
79kg
No Diet Coke
Run out a full game of hockey without asking to come off (this doesn't mean not coming off it just means not putting my hand up because I can't breathe or speak to ask to come off. My team mates will understand this)
How will I achieve it??
being accountable!!! Blogging more.
Training hard and putting in the extra effort. Try different training other then just running.
6 Month Goal
75kg
Run my second half marathon in a better time & head space. No walking
How will I achieve it??
Training, training, training.
Not letting myself fall off the wagon. Stay committed to the programme and not let self doubt and good times throw me off course.
12 Month Goal
70kg
Run or work out 5 days a week NO EXCUSES
Be strong enough to go it alone.
How will I achieve it??
not too sure just yet I will get back to you one that.
These are all very similar to my goals I wrote on my fridge back in January. Just a little more specific and with a time frame attached. And as you can see they aren't all weight loss driven. There are a few other areas that I need to work on. The evil Diet Coke has made it's way comfortably back into my daily life.
Once this round starts I will blog every week with a recap of the week and go back to sharing my weekly weigh ins. You know how much I LOVE to share.
How do you set goals?? I am always open to suggestions of how others achieve and reach their goals and succeed.
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