Day 18 - Come On!

Beef Stroganoff with beans - yum!

Been pretty damn useless.  Haven't been eating well. Tired. Grumpy. Feel sick.

Had a yummy dinner last night - beef stroganoff. Wonderful greg made it. Then lovely start tp the day with a golf lesson.  Was a gorgeous morning. Been such great weather recently. Did ok at golf and we are going to play some holes on Sunday.

Been a good but hard couple days at work with foundry / hack day. Been fun though. But long days. Been good with my exercise.  Just crap with eating. There's been pizza and chips and soft drinks galore. Put on lots of the weight again and feel really bad.

Just finished playing bball. Shower then bed I think. Early night. Early morning. Good hard work out. Eat well and get back on track and stop being useless! I can get back into it!

Beautiful morning for a golf lesson!

Week 3 Weigh In

Starting: 90.4kgs (pre-season: 93kgs)
Current: 86.6kgs

Since last weigh in: +0.4kgs
Since start: -3.8kgs (including pre-season: -6.4kgs)

Some bad decisions lead to the small gain.  Disappointed as at one stage last week I was 85.2.  Still, I know the reason why, and I know how to fix it.  And really, it's only a 0.4 gain, and it's during that time of the month.  Could have been a lot worse!  Just have to ensure next week's is far better!

Day 17 - Disappointed in Me

Weekly weight in this morning and I am disappointed.  Not that I was expecting any different, but I am disappointed in myself.  Made some bad decisions the last few days and it's showing on the scales.  Time to "Chin Up Butter Cup" and get back into it again!  I've been pretty close to perfect on the exercise front, it's just on the eating (and drinking) side of things where I have been letting myself down.  Just dug out the inspiration board we did in week 1 to try get inspired again.  I really do like it - just need to remember to look at it, and repeat those sayings in my head.  I've made it my desktop background, so now I will see it all the time. The most pertinent ones for this week:

• Do not reward yourself with food, you are not a dog
• When I eat like crap, I feel like crap 
• You are not hungry you are bored - learn the difference!
• Think about why you started

We went to a whisky and sherry tasting last night.  I knew we probably shouldn't go, but we've been talking about going to one of the Oak Barrel events for ages, and I knew it would be good and that Greg would really enjoy it, so with those excuses made in my head off we went.  And it was great!  Tasted some amazing whiskys and matched sherries - all pretty hard to get hold off, and all so good!  One whisky in particular you can't even buy - it came from a guys cellar as a donation!  And one of the sherries was so incredibly good!  We spent a bit of money too as of course had to buy some...

The sherry tasting in itself, though not great wasn't too bad.  But then we were both a little boozy and it was getting late and we didn't want to cook (so lazy!).  So... we went out for dinner.  We did choose Japanese over Mexican (good decision!) though we still ordered and ate WAY too much.  So dumb!  Especially when we have all this lovely fresh healthy food at home just waiting to be cooked into perfect Michelle Bridges meals.  Need to make better decisions!

I've just gone through and revised my plan for the rest of the week to replace a couple of the meals we'd planned for later in the week with the ones we haven't yet cooked.  The funny thing is I'm really looking forward to trying them.  So silly to not cook them cos feeling lazy.

I do need to remember and start recognising better when it's that time of the month (now!).  I'm always a bit more pathetic.  The problem is I never seem to recognise it until it's too late, and realise that might be why I'm making these bad decisions.  Hopefully that is the reason, and I'll be over it in a couple of days and feeling much more like being "good" and the weight will drop too, and it will get easy again.  If not, well too bad!  I'm doing this for me!

To inspire me to just keep at it!  

Day 16 - Exhausted!

Ginger Salmon Sir-fry with Chinese Greens
And yes, that is on a pillow on my lap
in front of the TV!

Struggling this week.  So tired!  Got up and went to Shockwave this morning, which was awesome as usual.  I so enjoy that class, and it helps being really good at the rowing.

Went home early from work yesterday with a head ache.  Sat on the couch all afternoon with Greg watching The Walking Dead.  Just felt exhausted, and feeling the same a bit today.

He dragged me out to the driving range last night which was lots of fun.  Smashed some balls, and feel like I'm back where I was again which is good.  Just booked us in for a golf lesson on Thursday morning too.  Hopefully we'll be ok enough to at least play a game of golf in Queenstown!

Had yummy salmon stir fry for dinner last night, and just had the leftovers for lunch today.  So good!  Definitely one we will make again.  We were actually supposed to have it on Sunday night, but were too useless over the weekend.  Never mind - at least we made it before the salmon had to be thrown out!

Week Three Challenge - Give Up A Vice

The challenge for this week is to give up one thing.  It was hard for me to choose what to give up.  I don't drink a lot of coffee, and when I do it's decaf.  I've pretty much stopped eating all sweet stuff already.  I don't bite my nails.  I don't smoke (any more).  I do drink, but it feels like a cop out to just say I'm not drinking mid week, when that's something I do quite regularly anyway.  Also we have a girls night on Sat, and I'm not going to set myself up for failure.  I'm not perfect by any means, but I struggled to work out what I should give up.

This morning I watched Michelle's Habit video, and it gave me a couple ideas.  She talked about if you want to remove a habit, you need to find a solution or something to replace it with.  It got me thinking about the times recently I've picked up a scrambled egg wrap on my way into work.  I've been justifying it in my head as being healthier than lots of other options, and that I deserve it, even though I've already had breakfast.  What a load of crap!  And also about the evening glasses of wine I have to keep Greg company.  Another load of crap!  I don't need to drink with him.

So... with that in mind, I'm going to give myself two challenges for this week:

1. Don't buy ANY food or drinks during the work week unless it's in my food plan
   This means bringing lunch in every day (which I've been good at doing anyway), and no sneaky second breakfasts.  If I need to I can replace the on my way in scrambled eggs purchase with my coffee.  It will be about an hour earlier than normal, but I should still be able to hold out until lunch time, and having the (already planned) coffee earlier instead of more food is a way better option.
2. 6 alcohol fee days this week
   This means only drinking for my girls night on Saturday.  The rest of the week is alcohol free.  If Greg is drinking, or I want something a bit special, I will get a wine glass and add sparkling water and lemon.  For the girls night I will also attempt to take it easy and switch to vodka soda as early as possible in the night to keep the calories down.

I can do this!!!  Can't wait to feel like a rockstar at the end of the week when this has been achieved!

Day 15 - Excellence is a habit

Was feeling really down this morning.  Made some bad food choices over the weekend.  Out for dinner on Friday, Fish n Chips on Saturday then Burgers for lunch and Chinese takeaways for dinner on Sunday.  Each on it's own would have been fine, but all of them together in one weekend?  What was I thinking?  Let's just say the number on the scales didn't make me very happy this morning.

Woke up at 3 to go to the bathroom, and then felt like I'd been back in bed about 5mins when the alarm went off.  I so nearly didn't get up, but glad I dragged myself out of bed.  Did the Burning Bridges video.  Was pretty good.  I think I work harder in the classes at the gym though.  Was pretty sluggish to begin with but got going eventually and worked hard for the last half.

Had the normal breakfast of oats and grated pear with Greg then to work.  However I then made anotehr bad decision - scrambled eggs wrap on the way in to work.  When I first started this job I thought it was great there is a cafe downstairs in the same building.  Now I hate it!  So hard to walk past every morning.  Was just sitting at my desk feeling super sorry for myself.  I have a bit of a headache, and don't want to be here.  I'm really bored and unmotivated - that's what I was thinking.  Then I put on the latest MB video- Replacing Old Habits.  As I was listening I started feeling a little better.  Sure, I stuffed up.  But that doesn't mean I need to keep in this mindset and continue being useless today.  I can start again right here right now.  I can celebrate my achievements.  She said when you walk out of the petrol store with just water and petrol celebrate it - feel like a rockstar!  So, I may have made some bad choices, but I made some good ones to, so time to celebrate those, forget about the bad ones, and continue to just make good ones that make me feel like a rockstar!

So, here's what makes me feel like a rockstar this weekend:

• I did my SSS on Saturday morning and followed it with a run - smashed both and felt great!
• I made Greg and I wraps to take to Centennial Park for our picnic - they were really yummy and was so nice to spend time chilling in the sun and not feeling guilty
• I took vege sticks and hummus to the beach for snacks - more guilt-free time relaxing 
• I didn't have a shake when we got burgers - really wanted one, but really didn't need it!
• I completed the 30 mins wall sit challenge - and managed 4 whole mins in one sitting!
• I made myself get out of bed and do my workout this morning - felt so good once it was done

She also gave Aristotle's quote about excellence being a habit:

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
Aristotle

The challenge this week is all about habits and giving up a vice - check out my plan: Week Three Challenge - Give Up A Vice

Week 3 Exercise & Meal Plan

Week Two Challenge Smashed!

Made it!  30.5 mins wall sit in a week.  With the longest at any one go 4min.  Pretty proud of myself!  Check it out: Week Two Challenge - Wall Sit

Day 14 - End of Week Two

Sunday Big Breakfast

Had a lovely day today, though been a bit irritable for most of it.  Awesome breakfast of mushrooms, eggs, tomato and avo, followed by a little work.

We spent the middle part of the day in the glorious winter sunshine at the beach, and even went for a swim!  Was cold, but warmed up pretty quick in the sunshine after.  Was so lovely and relaxing just sitting on the beach in the sun.  Spotted a new burger plan in Mosman on our way so stopped in for a burger on our way home.  Was ok, but not worth wasting the calories on!  The truffle Parmesan fries however... they were good!

Home via the supermarket and now am all set for the week.  One Skype call for work in about 30mins then can relax for the evening.

Beautiful Balmoral Beach

Day 12 & 13 - Feeling Good

Breakfast with Greg before he went to work:
Scrambled Eggs with Garlic Mushrooms

Completely forgot to post yesterday!  Had a "working from home" day which I really enjoyed.  Started with a lovely breakfast with Greg before he went to work - scrambled eggs with garlic mushrooms.  It was lovely to sit and eat with Greg, but the breakfast was a little tasteless.  It needed some more salt and pepper, and the mushrooms were not the best and had too much garlic.  Still nice to have time to make breakfast and sit with Greg on a week day morning!

I got some stuff done in the morning then went to an awesome yoga class - 1.5 hours of holding poses - ouch!  Was really hard!  But so good.  It was all hips and hip flexors which is perfect as that is exactly where I get sore with the running and walking.  Feeling much looser today, except for a sore butt!

After I had a delicious wrap for lunch.  Had to make a note of it as was so yummy!  Then more work, then Tuss and Rache came over and we went for a walk.  So nice to see them both and their bubbas and have lovely chats.

Tuss ended up staying for a glass of wine after.  Bit naughty but very enjoyable.  Then Greg convinced me to go out for dinner.  We went to a new bar called the hunter in Mosman.  It's pretty cool.  Lots older crowd, and fabulous cocktails and food.  Could do with a slightly better wine list.  I ate and drank a bit much, but not as bad as I normally would be.  The pork hock was amazing though and I just couldn't stop...  Luckily this morning though the number on the scales hadn't gone up.  It hadn't gone down either, but at least it didn't go up!

Came home and had another drink and watched skate boarding videos with Greg before collapsing in bed.  One thing I have noticed is that I have been getting pretty tired in the evenings, which is understandable given I'm getting up so much earlier to exercise.  It's a good tired though - feels like I've done something and have earned it tired, rather than a lethargic tired.  I've also been sleeping lots better, and waking up a lot less in the night.

Ricotta & Basil Toast w Roast Tomatoes

Had a lovely day today.  Started with a delicious breakfast - ricotta mixed with basil, spread on toast with roast tomatoes.  Yum!  Then did my SSS.  Was hard but good.  Actually did it really quickly, so followed with a 20min run.  Feeling pretty tired tonight!

We went for a walk through Centennial Park.  It's beautiful.  Can't believe we've lived in Sydney for so long and only just went to explore it!  Had our wraps sitting by a lake.  So peaceful!  Then headed to the driving range to hit some balls.  Been ages since we went.  Was a bit rubbish but had fun.  Need to practise some more between now and Queenstown so can play with them and not be absolutely useless!

It was such a nice day we didn't want to come home after so stopped at Wavo and picked up a bottle of wine and a little cheese and went to Brennan Park for the last of the sunshine.  Two picnis in one day - so enjoyable!

Were a bit naughty for dinner - got takeaway fish and chips.  Ate too much, but not as bad as usual thank goodness!  Then two movies - Argo and GI Joe.  Both were really good and made for a great ending to a great day!  So glad it's only Saturday - still get to do whatever we want tomorrow too!

One of the lakes in Centennial Park with a cool island

Day 11 - Tired Body!

My brain was ready to get up and go this morning, but my body was not!  Was supposed to do the Mish on Possible video, but just couldn't get inspired to do it yet again, and was pretty low on the energy front for all that jumping around, so I decided to do the toning workout without the video instead.  Was actually perfect for the mood I was in.  Still worked hard, but did it in my own time, and didn't have to do all that jumping.  Probably didn't work off as many calories, but I still did something, and I have basketball tonight so will be doing enough running and jumping then!

Actually really looking forward to basketball tonight.  We had a bye last week so haven't played since I started 12WBT.  I'm looking forward to seeing if my fitness has improved, and also to seeing if the heart rate monitor will work, or whether the phone will be too far away to get a signal.  Hope it works as will be interesting to see how many calories are used up.

Think I will try and work from home tomorrow.  I'm feeling exhausted, and basketball is really late so will end up being a late night.  If I do though, I still want to get up early and do my exercise, and then it will be done so I can enjoy the rest of the day and feel good about having done it already!  Will make me less likely to want to slack off during the day too.

Just saw the week 3 stuff is up - yay!  Looking forward to sorting my exercise and meal plan.  The weekly challenge though is interesting.  Give up a vice.  I'm having trouble working out what to give up...

Week 2 Weigh In

Weight: 86.2kgs
Since last weigh in: -1.3kgs
Since start: -4.2kgs
Including pre-season: -6.8kgs

Not as far down as I would have liked but still great progress.  Looking forward to doing full measurements in week 4!

Day 10 - Attack!

Left over Cannellini Bean Stew with
Crispy Polenta for lunch at my desk

Crawled out of bed again this morning bright and early for my Body Attack class - which I really enjoyed!  Don't know why I ever stopped doing exercise.  I do really enjoy it, even if it's hard at the time, I just feel so good after!
Had bean stew for dinner last night, and though it sounds gross it was actually really yummy.  Ok, maybe if I give it the proper name it might sound nicer - Cannellini Bean Stew with Crispy Polenta.  Nah, still sounds a bit gross, but it's not.  Just heated up my left overs for lunch and am eating at my desk again. Just looked out the window and it's gorgeous out there.  Should probably get outside more often at lunch time.  Maybe will go for a walk in a bit.

Had my week 2 weigh in this morning, and am down 4.2kgs since the 12WBT start, and almost 7kgs if you include pre-season!  How awesome is that?  Just need to keep it up and I will look amazing in no time!  Feeling pretty good.  One thing I have noticed though is that I get so cold when I am eating healthily and exercising lots.  Last night in bed I was freezing no matter how many layers I wore and blankets I covered myself in.  And it wasn't even that cold a night.  And I had the heater on.  Been freezing at my desk today too.  Should really get out into the sunshine more.

Dinner - Asian Chicken Patties w Warm Noodle Salad.  So fresh!

Ended up being at work late, then coming home and having to work more on Club System stuff.  Boring!  Wanted to go to the driving range and play more game but no time.  Luckily my wonderful Greg made me dinner, and I think from the dishes sounds has cleaned up too.  Dinner was the Asian Chicken Patties.  Greg added some extra spices and stuff and they were really yummy, and tasted so healthy.  I love the bean sprouts.  I'm so lucky to have such an amazing husband!  Going to go ask him to do wall sits with me now before bed!

Day 9 - Shockwave

Great morning this morning.  As I was going to a gym class instead of working out at home, I actually got a sleep in as the class doesn't start until 7.  My body must be used to getting up earlier already though as I was awake before my alarm.  I did just lie in bed relaxing, but I think next time it happens I will get up and use the time on something productive.  I have so much to do that it won't be a problem to find something!  Even if it's just the dishes or washing!

Went to a shockwave class which was awesome.  Basically circuits centered around rowers.  The rowers have a set distance to row, and we all rotate once they are done.  This morning we did: Situps, Triceps, Rowing, Biceps, Situps, Squats, Rowing and Lunges.  We did this 3 times, the first while the rowers went 200m. I got 35secs on this, the fastest equal.  The second for 300m, this time the fastest with 56 secs, and finally 100m - and again fastest equal on 18s.  Pretty happy since I haven't been for ages.  Helps to be tall!  There's one other girl who's close to the same as me, and the rest are all loads slower (and shorter).

Went straight from the gym to work, and was pretty happy I was so prepared last night.  Was starving, and was able to have my breakfast sitting in the sun while waiting for the train - had packed my oats, complete with grated apple and milk.  Yum!  Put the milk on last night and it had mostly soaked in - I like it like that!

Just had lunch.  Last nights left over Korean Beef Hot Pot.  I thought it was ok, but Greg rated it as the best meal so far!

Got to play some of our new game last night.  In fact got a bit into it and forgot to make dinner until quite late!  It's good, but super geeky and pretty involved.  We only got a third through the game in about an hour.  Were playing super slowly though as didn't know the rules.  It's quite a cool game based on Jack the Ripper.  Hopefully can play some more tonight, though maybe we'll cook dinner first this time!

Week 2 Challenge - Wall Sit

So this weeks challenge is to wall sit for 30 mins!  Ouchie!  Luckily we don't have to do it all at once.  I'm going to keep track of when, where and how long I "sit" for on this page.

1. 19/8 3:50pm: 1m 30s in work bathroom - going to take a while to get to 30mins at this rate!
2. 20/8 12:20pm: 1m in work bathroom. Cant believe it forgot to do more yesterday! 
3. 20/8 4pm: 1m 10s + 1m 20s in the bathroom again. Hard to do in slippy work shoes. Need to do 4+ mins a day to get to 30mins by the end of the week...
4. 20/08 5:35pm: 1m + 1m 30s in the bathroom before heading home. That makes 6 mins today. I will get to 30!
5. 20/8 19:00: 1m 30s at home while waiting for dinner to cook. Greg did it with me but I lasted longer!
6. 21/8 7:50am: 1m 10s + 1m 20s at gym after attack
7. 21/8 10:45am: 1m + 1m in the bathroom
8. 21/8 1:45pm: 1m 30s bathroom. Phew that was a hard one. Quads tired now! Woo hoo though - half way there!
9. 22/8 7am: 1m 30s + 1m after toning workout. Feel like this is now achievable and in fact I might just continue after I get to 30 and see how long I can go!
10. 22/8 11:20am: 1m in bathroom. Definitely starting to feel it. Struggled to make the minute...
11. 22/8 1:30pm: 1m in bathroom
12. 23/8 9:50am: 1m 30s at home on viber with mum
13. 24/8 10am: 1m 30s at home. I swear this is getting harder not easier!  Just another 4mins today and then the same tomorrow and it's done.  Can't believe I forgot to do more yesterday!
14. 24/8 9:15pm: 1m 30s while watching GI Joe (gregs choice)
15. 25/8 10am: 1m before breakfast
16. 25/8 9:30pm: 4m!!! + 1m 30s Made it and went out with a blast!  A whole 4 mins in one go!  Wow!  Go me!  And then followed up by 1m 30.  My quads are burning now!

Total: 30.5

Left: -0.5

I made it!!  Really proud of myself, and super stoked with the 4min effort at the end.  That's well over double anything else I've lasted!  

Day 8 - Watch Out Week 2, Here I Come!

So much for an early night last night!  One thing lead to another and it ended up being fairly late.  Oops!  Even though I was tired, I still managed to get out of bed when the alarm went off.  Go me!  So tired.  And so stiff and sore.  And I still got up!  True, I didn't do the cardio workout I had pencilled in when I did my planning on Thursday, but the Thursday me can't have accounted for no rest days in week one, and ending week one with that Trail Race!  I did the Bend it Like Bridges video instead.  It didn't really hold my attention for the first little bit, but once I got going I enjoyed it.  And I think it was about all I could manage this morning!

The rest of the day has been ok.  Had a yummy breakfast - oats and apple with milk.  We checked when in the supermarket yesterday how much sugar All Bran has and its got loads!  So now my breakfasts will not include All Bran.  Work has been normal.  Food has been ok. Just tired now and waiting for the end of the day!  Just one more meeting left and then I can go home.  Stink thing is I have more work to do at home.  Good thing is I have dinner planned, bought all the ingredients yesterday, and the recipe is on the kitchen bench ready to go.  Oooooh and we bought new board games on Saturday so hopefully I can get my work done quick while Greg makes dinner and then we can play :)

Breakfast - oats & apple along with my chilled lemon water.
Check out the new board games in the background - hope we get to play tonight!
And yes, I am a self proclaimed (and proud) geek!

Week 2 Exercise & Meal Plan

Day 7 - Finishing Week 1 with a Trail Run

The last day of week 1 and I'm quietly chuffed about how I've done.  I worked pretty hard, and though there were a few slip ups and down moments it was pretty good.

This morning was a highlight - I did a 5km trail run!  It was supposed to be a couple of girlfriends and I, but they both had to pull out.  One came to support, and her husband ran instead.  I'm pretty stoked with my efforts - was about 38ish mins (don't have the full results yet) for 5km through the bush.  And a lot of it was real bush tracks with boulders and roots to clamber over and around.  The first 4km were quite easy - well compared to the last km which was all uphill!  So hard!  I ran most of it, and felt really good that I passed a lot of people on the uphills, but I did have to walk a couple of times in the last little bit.  I felt really good running on the uneven terrain, and was a lot faster and more comfortable than many.  I actually really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to the next one!  Unfortunately this was the last for the season, but they do some night ones, and also in spring they have one around Centennial Park, though I reckon that would be so tame compared to this.

Sprinting to the finish line!

After the run we had a lovely bacon and egg brekky at T&Cs in the sun.  Such a glorious day!  I could have so easily spent all day sitting on the deck, but unfortunately had to get some work done.  Was thinking that I worked so hard on my running that I so deserve a great big breakfast, but then one of my favourite quotes from my inspiration board came to me, and so I had a fairly small portion:

Do not reward yourself with food... you are not a dog! 

Managed to get my new snowboard and pants sorted today.  Can't wait to try them in Queenstown in a couple of weeks!  Spoke to my sis today, and she's going to be quite supportive while I am down there and she wants me to send her my meal plan so she can get the ingredients and we can all have that while I am there which is awesome!

I think it will be an early night tonight.  Was going to watch a movie with Greg but think its a bit late.  I am stiff and sore from todays run and from the whole week in general, so think tomorrow morning might be a core and flexibility day.  Especially seeing as today was supposed to be a day off!  Will see how I feel at 6am tomorrow.  As long as I get up and do something!

Day 6 - SSS

Ok, so today was supposed to be my rest day as have the trail run race tomorrow.  Got up and turned the oven on to cook our baked eggs, then sat at the computer to wait for it to heat up and read some 12WBT forum posts.  They got me all motivated, so I went and got changed and did the outside version of SSS (Ignite & Burn 500), only I did it in my lounge.  We were supposed to used stairs for my warm up, but that wasn't really oging to work for me so I did star jumps, shuffle etc in the lounge and Greg laughed at me and told me I looked so stupid!  I can imagine I did, but I just laughed with him and said I know and I don't care!

The Ignite & Burn 500 is basically 50 reps of a whole heap of exercises - Burpees, Hip Raises, Side Plank Raise, Mountain Climbers, Sumo Squats, Tricep Dips, Push Ups and Double Crunch, followed by 50s wall sit, then power walking until you get to at least an hour workout.  It was hard, but super good.  The hardest for me was the tricep dips and push ups.  Obviously my arms need to get stronger!

Greg did some of the exercises with me, and came for the walk.  Such a good start to the day!  Feeling pretty pleased with myself now.  Hope I'm not too sore for my trail run tomorrow though!

Day 5 - Exhausted but Proud of Myself

Had an awesome night last night.  Ended up leaving work a bit early and heading out to sit in the sunshine at Opera Bar with Greg.  Had some bubbles, but avoided temptation and didn't get any snacks!  I also walked there from work, and then we walked back up into the city for dinner at The Lobo Plantation, which was pretty good.  It was fairly busy, but great feel.  Cocktails were average, so I didn't bother finishing mine (gave it to Greg), but wine was really good, as was our dinner - slow cooked shredded beef, tamles and pork crackling!  Ate fairly sensibly, but probably had too much.

Then we walked to our show - Brian Cox.  It was awesome!  What an amazing and knowledgeable person.  Would have preferred there was more of him just talking, rather than the interviews, and more about science rather than his life, but was still really good.  As we hadn't eaten much Greg was hungry in the break so we wandered outside looking for food and found... Harry's de Wheels!  Greg went for a hot dog.  I went for... nothing!  Yay me!  Though I did have a bite of Greg's hot dog.

Am absolutely exhausted this morning.  So didn't want to get up, but I did.  And I did the Mish On Possible workout.  Was really hard and I felt so slow and lethargic through the whole thing.  But I did it!  And I am super glad I did.  Now just to ensure I continue being good for the rest of the day.

Was pretty worried that last night was going to set me back heaps, but when I got on the scales this morning I was only up 400g.  Considering yesterday morning I was down 3kg for this week, that's not too much to worry about.

Greg looked at my inspiration board on the fridge this morning and asked me a question which is on it.  Felt pretty good with about being able to give him my answer

Greg: "What have you done today to make you feel proud?"

Me: "Even though I was tired and I didn't want to, I got up and did my workout and now I feel good!"

Day 4 - I Can Do This!

Been struggling a little today as I am really tired. I had to come into work super early as there was a release last night and so I made the decision to not get up to do my workout this morning. I know I don't function so well on limited sleep, and needed to be on to it for today, so decided I needed that extra hour in bed. I'm pretty sure it was the correct decision, but I'm annoyed at not being able to do the Bend it Like Bridges video this morning as planned, and also annoyed at work for me having to be the one to come in, and the decision only being made at 5:30pm last night!

Today's view from the office window.
Just cos I like having a photo with my posts :)

Was sitting at my desk mid morning getting pretty hungry and I should have just gone and go a coffee (as per my meal plan), but I couldn't be bothered getting up.  So I got hungry and tired and felt lazy and grumpy and didn't want to go to the gym (my back up plan after not getting up this morning).  Was feeling super sorry for myself.  Then I got an email from my wonderful mother who is also doing 12WBT saying she's doing well, and I started typing a reply.  Half way through I realised I was being a sad sack, was making pathetic excuses, and that it was time to get over myself!  I pulled out my snack (capsicum and hummus, which I remembered to bring to work today) and talked myself into going to the gym.  Yay me!

The gym was great - one of my favourite classes - Body Balance.  It's not super hard, but after I feel so relaxed and like I've had a workout.  Was a bit peeved I couldn't get my heart rate monitor connected to my phone for it as I wanted to get an idea of calories, but gave up on that and focussed on the class.  Also got to get outside on this glorious day for the walk to the gym!

Got back to work and had my broccoli soup.  Sounds pretty crap, but is actually really yummy.  And now I'm feeling all good and proud of myself again, and ready to take on the world.  So glad I got that email from my mum - thanks mum!

We're heading out to dinner tonight and then to see Brain Cox (http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Brian-Cox-tickets/artist/1872539).  Should be pretty cool, but will need to stay focussed and monitor what I eat and drink.  Think we might be going to a cocktail bar which will be hard.  So stink having a boring vodka and soda when there are amazing cocktails on offer!  Perhaps I will go for just nice wine.  I think we're driving anyway so won't be drinking much.  Anyway, just need to keep in my head:

I Can Do This!

Week 1 Weigh In

Weight: 87.5kgs
Lost since start: -2.9kgs
Including pre-season: -5.5kgs

 Go me!!

Day 3 - Welcome Home Greg!

Rearranged this weeks workout schedule last night to make better sense with the trail run we're doing on Sunday, which meant SSS this morning! Phew - hard work! Though it only went for 45mins. I thought the SSS's were supposed to be longer, like 1.5 to 2 hours. Seems a little strange. Also I did it with my heart rate monitor that syncs to my phone, and it told my I spent less calories than yesterday's workout which also seems strange. Then my phone app went and lots all the heart rate info anyway. Grrr!

I took this morning off work so I would be home when Greg got in, then made us both Baked Eggs with Spinach and Feta. Was delicious, though I forgot to take a photo. Definitely something I will make again.

Veal Involtini w Polenta &
Roast Cherry Tomatoes

Headed in to work and had a bit of a nightmare day.  Issue after issue, and the release is on tonight so everyone was a little stressed.  And then I realised I had forgotten my lunch.  So annoyed at myself cos I had already put it in a container in the fridge ready to go last night.  Ended up getting a chicken wrap from downstairs.  Not too bad, but not as good as my left overs would have been!

Quite happy with myself though really.  Today could have been a disaster.  I was late having breakfast as I waited for Greg, which meant no mid-morning snack.  Then not bring my lunch meant I could have got anything, but I made the right choice.  And when I got lunch I also bought a banana for later so I would have the right thing to snack on.  Today was definitely harder than others.  Felt really tired, and was tempted.  But I made the right choices - go me!  Highlights that I should definitely stick with my plan in the future though!

Put on a happy face when I got home even though I didn't feel like it and made dinner.  Was quite tasty, though the veal was a little tough.  Would use better quality meat next time, and Greg suggested a cream cheese or something as a spread wouldn't go amiss though would have to cut down on something else.  Also we used mushrooms instead of eggplant.  There was plenty of it too - neither of us could finish it!

And lastly - first weekly weigh in this morning and I'm down 2.9kgs!  Woo hoo!

Day 2 - Going strong!

Nailed day one and started day two off with a bang with the mish on possible workout. Its hard but good. Feeling pretty amazing!

Had the yummiest breakfast - oats and all bran with grated pear and milk. Doesn't sound great but so tasty!  All washed down with a big glass of water with a squeeze of lemon.  And ate it sitting in the sun at the dining table too, though the dining table is still shoved against the wall to make room for my workouts!

Felt so good about it this morning when I was walking to the train that I called a friend who is doing it too, and she was feeling the same!  Hope we can hold on to this feeling, or at least remember it when the going gets tough!

Yummy dinner too! Wholemeal spaghetti with tuna, cherry tomatoes and zucchini.  Can't say I like wholemeal pasta as much as the normal, but was really yummy and filling to.

Breakfast - oats all bran and milk
The small bowl & teaspoon make the glass
look huge!

Dinner - Wholemeal Tuna Spaghetti
w Cherry Tomatoes & Zucchini

Week 1 Exercise & Meal Plan

Day 1 - Here We Go!

Yay!  Day 1 is finally here.  I've had a fabulous morning.  Got up just after 6 and did my first workout - Fitness Fat Burner and Abs. I actually really enjoyed it!  Started with a little walking then jogging for a warm up, then intervals.  It was supposed to be walk then jog, but seeing as I can run, I ran 1:30 and then sprinted for 30s.  Felt a little like I cheated, as the first half of my running circuit is downhill, so most of the sprints were downhill.  Still made me work though.  I then half jogged half walked the remaining 25mins.  Could probably have jogged the lot, but felt I should do some power walking as it uses different muscles.

The end of the workout was ski / lateral jumps and plank for 40s each, then some abs.  Was happy with myself for the plank - did the whole 40s on my toes!  Was hard and didn't think I could, but I managed it.  Go me!

I would really like a heart monitor to track my heart rate, and give me more of a push to keep going, especially up the hills.  I could just buy one, but I've heard there are some that you don't need the watch for, but can connect into my phone.  I haven't been able to find one that will ship outside of the states though.

Dinner: Sticky  BBQ Beef with Slaw

Had an awesome breakfast of muesli and grated pear.  It was supposed to be apple, but all the apples at the supermarket were soft.  I have my lunch and snacks in my bag, and made it to work early, even though I had to walk to the station as Greg is still in Singapore.

Sitting at my desk now yawning!  Was a pretty early morning for me.  Feeling pretty pumped though.  Bring it on!

----

A little later... Sticky BBQ Beef with Slaw for dinner.  Pretty good, though the honey in the marinde kind stuck and burnt to the pan.  Greg is so much better at cooking steak than me - come home Greg!  At least it made loads though so I have left overs for lunch!

Fitness Test & Measure Up

I enjoyed the fitness test and thought I did quite well considering.  Don't really have much to gauge the measurements against, but taking the photos was NOT fun.  This really brought home to me how much weight I have put on.  Do NOT want to be looking like that in my bikini for the beach holiday with my family over Christmas.  Looking forward to doing something about it!  Can't wait to be feeling and looking amazing!

Measurements
Weight: 90.4kg
Chest: 103cm
Waist: 99 cm
Hip: 115cm
Arm: 30cm
Leg: 67cm
(Distance from knee: 34cm)

Fitness Test
Time Trial (1km): 5min 42sec
Push-ups (knees): 30
Ab Strength: 1min 10 sec
Wall Sit: 1min 1sec
Sit & Reach: 14cm

Before Round 3 2013 (my first round)
8 August 2013

Week 1 Challenge - My Inspiration Board

Just created my inspiration board - was a lot of fun, but I didn't get much work done today!  Am feeling well inspired and ready to do this!

My Inspiration Board

Bye Greg

Had a lovely weekend in Bundeena, and was actually really good.  Was only a couple of grams heavier when we got back instead of kgs.  We walked so much - did the Coast Track to Little Marley on the Saturday, then explored all around Bundeena on the Sunday.  We ate really well too, though a little much, but no where near as bad as it normally would have been.  Took the slow cooker and put that on before we went walking on Sat.  Was so glad we did as was exhausted when we got back and dinner was pretty much ready and smelled amazing!  The place we stayed at was gorgeous, and so perfect!

Greg leaves for a week in Singapore this morning for work.  I'm going to be so lonely!  Need to see this as an opportunity to be really healthy and good with my eating, do lots of exercise, do lots of work and be looking and feeling better when he gets home!

Have been pretty good this week.  Managed a 6km run yesterday which felt really good.  Meant to go to the gym this morning, but had such a crappy sleep.  Excuses I know.  So tired though.  And then also had to get Greg out the door...

Good Morning Sydney!

Had a great day yesterday. Went for my morning run, ate well, got packed for bundeena and also played bball! Busy but good.  

Dragged myself out of bed this morning and ran 5km. Was hard. Didn't really want to. But feel good now. Really tired, but really good!  

Scales also showed an improvement, which makes me happy!  Now just to keep it going down while at Bundeena... we've selected all fairly healthy food, and are planning on a massive walk on Saturday.  Just have to watch my portion sizes!

Wish we could leave now for bundeena... work is boring!

Good Morning Sydney! A peep of the bridge and city during my
run this morning around Berry Island

Back in the groove

After a couple of shocking days, I feel like I might be I AM back on track.

Had a lovely dinner last night - salmon, roast potatoes, beans and broccoli and even managed to only eat half of what was on my plate so there was enough for lunch today!  And it was good today as well.

I so didn't want to get out of bed this morning, and was running through excuses in my head - it's cold, I'm tired, I have basketball tonight so I don't need to...  Then (after a couple of snoozes) something just clicked and I got up, got dressed (including my new running shoes!) and headed out the door.  And it was cold outside!  But it was also a beautiful clear sunny morning, and I was out getting to enjoy it!

The run was HARD.  Not sure if it was the new shoes or not, but part way through I had to stop for a min or so as my calves were hurting so much.  My breathing was fine, I just hurt!  I did a bit of a stretch and then could continue.

Almost home, and I hadn't quite done the 4kms I said I would.  I nearly just continued home as I thought "well, I've got out of bed and done something - surely that's good enough!", but then I turned around and made my self go the extra 500m to hit my 4km.  Go me!

Was thinking on the train this morning "mmm... wouldn't eggs for breakfast be nice", but I shut that thinking down and walked right past the cafe, and made my porridge with all bran in it as soon as I got to my desk.  And it was yummy!

Just started doing todays pre-season task which is to diarise and get organised.  I've put in all the upcoming events and there are quite a few, including a week in Queenstown.  It's going to be hard but I can do it!  Michelle also talked about mini milestones.  I've been looking at a trail run thats on in a couple weeks (http://www.mountainsports.com.au/sts-winter/).  Now I know it doesn't quite line up with end of week 4 like its supposed to (it's only at the end of week 1!), but I decided what the hell and I've registered anyway.  I've told some girlfriends (no backing out now) and even asked if they will do it with me.  I hope they will.

So far I've made good decisions today and today is a good day! 
Now just to keep it up for the next 12+ weeks and then the rest of my life!