Final Weigh In & Major Milestone

Starting: 90.4kgs (pre-season: 93kgs)
Current: 81.7kgs

Since last weigh in: -0.6kgs
Since start: -8.7kgs (including pre-season: -11.3kgs)

Pretty happy with my results! Could have been better, but I'm so much better than I was 12 weeks ago. Go me!!

Round 3, 2013 Report Card

Before: 8 August 2013

After: 3 November 2013

My 12 Weeks Are Done!

Well, my first round is over! It seems like such a long time ago that I signed up, but it's actually gone by so fast. I'm pretty pleased with what I have accomplished. Sure I could have done better, but I did mostly stick to it, and I lost almost 12 kgs! I'm fitting back into lots of my clothes, and I'm feeling so much better. I've still got a long way to go, but I'm making progress!

Last weekend ended up being pretty full on. Saturday evening was a BBQ at T&Cs. I was so tired after my night out and then doing the SSS in the morning that I don't think I was very good company! I drove so at least I didn't drink much, though I definitely over ate. We had the best ribs. So tasty!

Monday's Dinner, one of my favourites
Chicken with Herbed Yoghurt & Salad

Sunday morning I got up and did my final fitness test. I did pretty well, and beat everything! I also did my final measurements and took my after photo before we went to play golf. I played some awesome shots and am hitting the ball a lot further and a lot straighter which is good. I also hit some terrible shots too. Sunday afternoon we went to the Hunter Uncorked Wine Festival down at Balmoral Beach. It was so stinking hot!

I've been a bit slack this week. Sunday night we had take out. Monday was ok - we went to the supermarket and cooked and I even did some work. Yesterday however was Melbourne Cup. I wasn't going to drink much and was planning on going home early, but somehow once the first drink touched my lips, all self control left. I got pretty boozed at work and then went to meet Greg in Balmain. It was a fun night, but I'm paying for it today! I felt so terrible this morning, and I've eaten crap all day. I can't wait to get home and chill on the couch. Definitely need an early night!

I've been better with exercise this week than eating. Did a great run on Monday with loads of sprints, then worked so hard at shockwave yesterday. I think I will be arranging my schedule to make today my rest day this week though as there's no way I can cope with a workout!

Day 83 - SSS Nailed!

What a great morning! Was a little hung over from a friends leaving do last night but was quite proud of myself as I didn't get too drunk. I also did well on the eating front. There was loads of chips and other snacks around and I hardly touched them. I had a big drink bottle and got it filled a couple times so had loads of water too. I failed a bit at the end of the night after karoake when I had kfc on my way home. It was so good! But not good for me! Still it was my only dinner, even if it was at midnight.

Got home and greg had friends over. I hung for a bit but ended up falling asleep so went to bed. This morning I woke up and read for a while then got up and read some more on the couch. Then I decided to do my workout! So glad I did. It was the mini Olympics SSS. so hard!

Here's what I did:

Warm Up x5min Jog or fast low steps

Basketball Jumps x30, x40, x50 (60s rest between)

Circuit x10 of:
  High knee runs x150
  Burpees x6
  Squat Jumps x4
  Turkish Get-Ups x2 each side

Squat Press x3 AMRAP in 60s

Plyometric Lunges (i.e. Jumping lunges) x30, x40, x60 (60s reset between)

Moroccan Breakfast Eggs - Yum!!

Circuit x3 of:
  Burpees x12
  Fancy Planks x6 each side
  Scissor Crossovers x12
  Turkish Get-Ups x6 each side
  Ice Skaters x12
  Mountain Climbers x12
  Side Plank x45s
  Mishy Makers x6 each side (push up with hand pull back to waist)

Stretch

It took me about an hour and a half. So full on and I was absolutely dripping afterwards. Feeling tired but good now.

Just made Moroccan Breakfast Eggs for brunch. Basically mince with eggs cooked on top. So tasty!

Greg is trying to talk me into going to the driving range but I am so exhausted. I think I would play so bad. Feel like sitting on the couch!

Day 82 - Reset and (Mostly) Feeling Good

So on Wednesday I reset myself by watching all the videos I could find, amping myself up and doing some of the pre-season tasks. I felt pretty good and had a really good day. We played golf after work with Greg's dad, and while they had a beer after I just had soda water with lime. Unfortunately I forgot to say fresh lime so it had lime cordial in it. But instead of just drinking it anyway as I normally would have, I only had a few sips and left the rest on the table. Yay me!

We were so tempted to go out for dinner after, especially when we realised I'd taken out the chicken in the morning to defrost and it had been left on the bench all day and all evening! Oops! We ended up throwing the chicken out, but thanks to my shopping for the whole week we had enough to make pizza. We didn't make pizza like we normally would have with loads of tomato sauce and cheese. Instead we used ricotta on the base and just had prosciutto, tomatoes, feta and olives. And it was so yummy! Also instead of eating it all, I cut my pieces quite small so I still had four pieces, but it wasn't that much at all. Yay me!

Yesterday I got up and went to yoga at the gym. I'm glad I got up and went, but it was such a crap class. The lady is far to into her alternate stuff and spent the entire class talking about energies, and the left side of the body being feminine and watery, and the right side being masculine, and working on the energy in the spleen. Bleurgh! I just wanted to get on with the yoga! I don't think I will bother going back to that class again! Better to just do my own thing at home. Still - at least I went and did something. Yay me!

I didn't go to work yesterday after the gym. I was planning to, but Greg's family were all going to Manly for lunch and I really wanted to join them, so I decided to work from home. Greg and I played golf at Cammeray in the morning which was loads of fun (more walking too!) although I played terribly. As I felt so good about myself though I was able to stay in a good happy mood and not get all shitty like I did last time. I know Greg appreciated it. Yay me!

We went to lunch at The Pantry in Manly. It's a lovely spot right on the beach, but the food was quite average I thought. I might the right choice though and got a salad, and even had the dressing on the side! I ate a few fries and some of the pate entree, but much better than normal. I also only had a little wine instead of loads. Pretty happy with that. Yay me!

Afterwards we went for a drive to North Head and checked out the amazing views. So spectacular! And then for a swim at Little Manly. What a great spot. It was cold but not too bad. I felt pretty big in my bikini against Gregs sis who is in amazing shape, but no where near as bad as I would have 3 months ago. Something to be proud of. Yay me!

Then last night we made dinner for Greg's family. We had quite a lot of nibbles (which I ate too much of), and then yummy lamb, sausages, roast potatoes (in duck fat! mmmm!) and a salad. I only had a little lamb, half a sausage, some salad, and probably a couple too many potatoes, but again no where near as bad as I normally would have been. I also only had a small amount of wine. Yay me!

Top Rebounder - Yay Me!!

And finally, to end an awesome day, I played basketball at 10pm, and we won a super close game. It was loads of fun, and I played ok. Our team rules and once we gel with the new player properly and if we are all on form we will be unstoppable. Here we come grand finals! Also I got given a certificate for being the top rebounder in the league for last season! Pretty exciting. Yay me!

And this morning when I got up and weighed in, even after the lunch out and indulgent dinner, I was in the 81s for the second day in a row. Yay me!

Today so far has been a bit of a different story however. When I got home last night the in-laws were still over, which was lovely as they were all having a great time, but they didn't leave until after midnight, and I couldn't shower until they left as the baby was asleep in our room. When I finally got to bed I was so tired and it was so late, and this morning I ignored my alarm for a sleep in. I think it was the right choice as I would have otherwise been exhausted, but it meant I won't have a chance for any exercise today as I'm out after work for a work friend's leaving party. I also didn't have breakfast at home, as my head was telling me that I'm going to blow it tonight anyway, so why not start now. Stupid stupid stupid! I had an egg wrap from downstairs for breakfast (not too bad), with 2 hashbrowns (bad), and then cos I forgot my cardi and was freezing, and feeling sorry for myself I went for a walk to get a new cardi and had banana bread, lemon slice and berry yoghurt. More stupid! Not much I can do about it now though. I am refusing to throw it up like I normally would have as it is so bad for me and doing that also just strengthens the justification that it is ok to binge it when it quite clearly is not! So, how to move on from here? I had thought we were all going out for lunch today too, so hadn't brought anything to eat with me. But we're not now. My tummy is feeling pretty full and uncomfortable from that binging so I am not going to eat lunch at all. I will see how I got this afternoon, and if I get hungry will make the right decision. I have a tin of tuna in my drawer, so if I need to I will eat that, and that's it! Then tonight when I'm out I'm going to be as sensible as I can and not drink too much wine, and make sure I intersperse it with lots water.

Actually I think water is a key for me. Whenever I am being "good" I always have a bottle of water on hand, and make sure I drink from it and it's filled up often. Looking back on my behaviour over the last couple of days, whenever I've stuffed up I haven't had water on hand. When I ate too many nibbles, I didn't have water. Once I got a glass of water to sip from instead I managed to stop eating. And this morning I didn't have water to drink on my way in, and my big water bottle on my desk was empty when I arrived. Need to ensure I buy a water bottle to fit in my hand bag between now and tonight.

So, quite a drastic shift in the last couple days between being amazing and being not so good. Need to keep being amazing so I can have more of the "yay me" comments.

Day 80 - Wow 80 days!

It's nearing the end, and I'm feeling a little flat. I've done pretty well, but have been sabotaging myself a little recently. I'm not sure why I do it, but every time I get a good result I go a bit backwards. Well, I think this time I've caught myself in the act, and I'm not going to give up! I need to celebrate my wins, and keep telling myself that it's not over - this is a lifestyle thing, and I've realised that I've got a bit more to go yet before this is my lifestyle.

I've lost 8kgs (11 if you count pre-season) and while it's not as much as I wanted to lose, I still feel pretty good! I feel so much better in my clothes, my fitness is coming back and I feel much more confident. Just need to keep at it, and imagine how good I will feel!

So this morning, I was debating going for my run. I dragged myself out of bed, and set about doing anything to procrastinate. I sorted out some papers, printed tonight's recipe, got the chicken out of the freezer, basically did a whole lot of stuff that needed to be done, but didn't need to be done right at that moment. Then I thought to myself "this is stupid" so I grabbed my headphones and set out. I only walked, but while I was out I listened to a whole heap of Michelle Bridge's videos and they hit home. There's plenty more left here for me. I can do this! Just need to stop making excuses in my head and JFDI!

One video in particular definitely gave me tips to keep in mind:

1. Get support
   For this one I do have an amazing family and friend network, but I think next round I should get more involved in the forums. I do lurk and read the forums, but I've hardly posted. there are groups in there and surely I can find one to join but I'm not quite sure how to go about it. Guess I need to spend some more time looking into it.
2. Become my own biggest fan
   I'm pretty good at doing this, but one issue I have is that I talk myself up too much in my head and think I am doing better than I am which then in turn some how lets me justify sabotaging myselg. I need to keep this realistic - definitely celebrate my wins, but then instead of giving in to temptation, think about my win again, and realise that it could be negated. Think about turning my being strong into yet another win!
3. Set SMART goals
   I have goals mostly, but need to keep them more in the front of my mind. Maybe stick them somewhere more obvious, like on my phone lock screen. The rewards should be healthy ones with emotion involved - the more emotion invested, the more it will mean to me. Mish suggested a holiday to climb a mountain. While that sounds like fun to me, its not realistic as it's not something Greg would do, and I only have so many holidays and would rather spend them with him. Perhaps I can investigate a girly heath retreat for a weekend or something. I'm actually looking forward to resetting my goals again in the next round preseason tasks (which I need to get on to).
4. Get organised!
   I can do the planning, it's just the follow through on the planning that I'm not so good at. I've been shopping for the first few days of the week recently, and figuring that I will shop again on Wed or Thu. The problem is it's gets to then and I can't be bothered, and then on Fri, Sat or Sun when we've run out of food and we're feeling tired or hung over we've been getting takeaways. Not good! This week I've shopped for the whole week. Hopefully it works and we don't end up throwing away food! The other issue is that I've been taking my lunch to work but not eating it. Instead I've been buying crap. Such waste on so many levels! Well, it's stopping today! I've got yummy left overs from yesterday, and I've also brought only enough cash for my coffee so I can't buy anything else
   .
5. Create supportive habits
   I need to get more into my rituals again. I was doing so well for a while, but then I crash a bit. If I stick to my plan, I will get back into the habit and then it will become easier.
6. JFDI!!!
   Seriously. Get shut up and get on with it! Sometimes, yes it hurts, and yes it's boring, and yes I can't be bothered, but just get on with it! I won't regret it, but I will regret not doing it!

So the action points from this:

1. Get into the forums
2. Don't listen to the justifications in my head
3. Find a reward I really want (and can't have or won't enjoy unless I do this)
4. Follow my plans - no excuses
5. JFDI!!!

Day 78 - First Day of the Last Week

Wow! We're down to the wire. It's the last week! Seems like the past 12 weeks have gone really fast, though it also feels like the day I signed up was a long time ago... I'm happy so far with my results, but want to give it my all over the next 7 days, and get rid of another couple of kgs before the end of the week. I can do this!

We had a lovely weekend. Greg's parents are here, and it was my niece's 1st birthday party. She is so super cute! Ate a bit much, and drank way too much! And no time for a workout as we had to be over there early to help get things organised, and had to go pick up our new golf clubs on the way. I must admit though I felt pretty good in myself at the party. Still overweight and a long way to go, but so much better than I was.

I'm so stoked with our new clubs. We got such a great deal on them, and they feel really good in your hands. We went and played with Greg's dad at Long View on Sunday. I started off amazingly, but then just got worse and worse! I think just a bit tired, hungover and too hot! I'm going to go buy a cooler shirt I think as my red one is too hot and heavy.

We were so tired when we got home after golf yesterday. I wanted to eat well, but there was no food at home and we just couldn't be bothered so we ordered Indian, and once again I proceeded to eat too much. However, getting on the scales today I was pleasantly surprised as I'm still in the low 83s. Maybe dehydrated, or maybe all that walking for golf yesterday. Either way it's given me even more motivation to keep at it!

I've done my planning for the week, and we have some yummy meals coming up, and plenty of exercise. I'm feeling determined today!

Week 12 Exercise & Meal Plan

Day 74 - Stay Strong

Watched the Surviving in the real world video by Michelle today and some of it rung true - especially about justifying the wrong decisions. I do that all the time! I think through little things like maybe I can have one little something cos I worked so hard today, or maybe I can exercise harder tomorrow if I don't today. I really need to change that around and think I worked so hard today so I don't want / need a little something as I already feel so good. And if I exercise today and tomorrow imagine how amazing I will feel.

I didn't much like the advice to not use food as fun. We love sharing meals out with friends, and the food is definitely part of the fun. I guess need to switch the focus somewhat, and make it more about the occasion and hanging out with friends than about the food. Although there will definitely be times where the focus will be 100% on the food. I'm not willing to let that go. It's too enjoyable to have an amazing meal and discuss all the different parts and which were the best. I just need to make the right choices around when and how often I do that, and even when I do, I can realise I don't need to eat it all, and I can even choose something healthier should I want to and that is just fine!

I need to stay strong!

I also watched the Taking Stock video and made myself an Action Plan, and also wrote a letter to myself to open in 6 months. Got me feeling quite motivated and organised. I've got my diary sorted and am looking forward to following through.

We picked up Greg's parents from the airport last night and had a lovely dinner at T&Cs with them. This morning we were planning on playing golf, but we've been sleeping so badly - I think cos it's been so hot - that we couldn't get up. The exact same thing happened yesterday.

Day 73 - Loo La Loo Rah!

Feeling pretty happy today as I'm down in the 82's. I've been here very briefly twice in the last month, but I feel like today I'm really here! I've been hovering around the 83 mark and slowly heading down. It feels really good, and sustainable. My BMI is coming down too. When I started it was over 28 which is near the top of the overweight range. It's dropped now to 26 - only a couple more to go before I'm in the healthy range. I can do this!

Had a good morning snack today - half a large wholemeal pita with hummus. Possibly a little high on the calorie side, but tasty, and hopefully it stops the afternoon cravings - we'll see!

Last night we made Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup. It was really yummy, mainly cos I think Greg spiced up the broth a bit with some chilli and other goodness. I've got the leftovers for lunch. It seems even when we make the Michelle Bridges portions we nearly always have some left over for lunch!

After dinner we went to the driving range and I was so much better than at Mona Vale. Really looking forward now to getting out there and playing again!

Also today we just committed to going to Canada with Grandpa next year. Pretty exciting! So much for last year being the last trip for him. Going to be so awesome to be able to share it with him and the rest of the family. We were planning on going to Japan early next year, but will now be Canada instead. Part of me is a little disappointed as we so wanted to do Japan, but this is our only chance to go with Grandpa, and it will be really good to take Greg to some of the places I so enjoyed going to before we met. It's awesome that we're going to Sun Peaks and Silver Star which are the two we went to last time I went over with the family. Will be great to see if it's like I remember it. I'm starting to look forward to it!

Week 11 Weigh In

Starting: 90.4kgs (pre-season: 93kgs)
Current: 82.3kgs

Since last weigh in: -0.8kgs
Since start: -8.1kgs (including pre-season: -10.7kgs)

I'm still heading down - Yay! Got a bit to go though if I want to be under 80 at the end. Just over a week to go - I can do this!

Day 72 - Feeling Fit & Strong on Tighten Up Tuesday

Really enjoyed Shockwave this morning. Can't believe I almost didn't get out of bed - so glad I did! I was fastest again on the rower, and also felt so strong for the rest of the workout, especially the abs which is awesome as that's always been my weakest. Still a long way to go, but feeling pretty chuffed with myself today!

We babysat for T&C last night and cooked there. We made the Garlic Prawns with Rice, Lentil & Green Bean Salad. It was pretty yummy, but needed a bit more flavour. Not sure what else you could add though. I enjoyed it regardless, and am looking forward to the left overs for lunch.

I think I need to sort out my morning snacks a bit better. I always do afternoons well, but struggle a bit on what to have in the morning. I sometimes do a coffee, but it's a bit unsatisfying, and also sometimes a mission to go get when I am busy and it's not nice outside. Might need to have a look through the recipes and see if there are any that jump out at me. It's a bit strange as there are loads in there, but some I just don't like the idea of in the morning.

I think we're heading to the driving range tonight after work. Looking forward to hitting some balls again and hopefully being better than I was at Mona Vale!

Week 11 Exercise & Meal Plan

Day 71 - 2 Weeks to Go!

Bring it on! Only two weeks to go. Was mostly pretty happy with my choices over the weekend. I didn't drink Friday or Saturday, and didn't overeat too much either. It was the Crows Nest Festival on Sunday, so had quite a bit of wine at the wine tasting stalls, but didn't have any extra when we got home, and also made the really yummy Chickpea, Ricotta and Tomato salad for dinner.

Ended up being a really fun weekend in the end. Friday we left work early and went to play at North Bridge. I played fairly well. Did some awesome shots, including getting on the green from my tee shot on #5. Stoked with that! Was so tired after we just chilled at home and Greg made us a pizza out of whatever he could find - it ended up being super yummy! It had mince, zucchini, feta, olives and other things.

Greg putting on #3 at Northbridge.
Check out the little ducklings on the right. So cute!

From the tee on #5 at Northbridge

Fuzzy fuzzy ducklings! All I can think of now is
"all the ducks are swimming in the water. La la la la la la..."

On the green (just) for one.
That little pink dot at the back of the green is my ball :)

On Saturday I got up early, did a tiny workout then got some work done. We then went to the driving range and then to Mona Vale for 18 holes. So much golf! I played terribly. I think I just freaked myself out. By the 15th hole I was so over it and just gave up. I said to myself I'm going to make myself finish this hole then go sit in the car and wait for Greg. I then hit my best drive of the day and continued to actually play quite well from then on. I'm pretty sure I was just over thinking it and trying too hard to begin with. I was topping almost every ball and miss hitting a lot. It was so frustrating. I also had a little tanty and threw my club! Not the best behaviour. Luckily Greg was super patient with me and was so nice. When we got home it was pretty late and we were exhausted so ordered take out. Was super average and didn't really enjoy it. At least that meant I didn't eat too much of it!

Mum stayed again last night after her conference and we got up and went for a lovely walk this morning. Was so peaceful and nice being out with her and chatting. I'm so glad I got up and did it! Wasn't the full workout it should have been, but we walked for an hour.

I said at the beginning of the weekend I still wanted to be in the 83's at the end of the weekend, and this morning I was! Very happy with that. Now to power through these next 2 weeks, and lost at least another 3 so I can finish under 80. I can do it!

Freaky red sun and eerie feeling due to all the bush fire smoke

Day 68 - Fire Fire Fire

Had a lovely evening on Wednesday, then day yesterday with my mum in town. Wednesday night we went to the Night Noodle Markets which were great! Actually was pretty restrained on the food, but not so much the wine... was pretty hung over on Thursday morning! I think the best thing we ate was the ramen burger - basically a burger patty with lettuce etc between ramen noodles baked into a cake on top and bottom for the bun. Yum! Also had lots of tasty dumplings and some delicious prawns.

On Thursday mum came into work with me and we had a lovely breakfast out, then went to the Body Balance class at lunch time. I so enjoy that class! It was the flexibility one so lots of stretching and balancing. There's also a strength one - I enjoy both. I think mum liked it too.

In the afternoon the light started turning all weird and eerie from all the bush fires. There's over 100 fires burning in NSW right now. Pretty crazy! It's so hazy and smoky smelling and tasting outside now, and the sunset yesterday was spectacular. Feel so sorry for all those people losing their homes. It's just been so dry and hot recently, and yesterday was so windy.

Mum had to get the ferry to Parramatta for her conference, but we missed one so had time for a lovely glass of wine down at Circular Quay. She took all these awesome photos of the smoke in the sky.

I also had basketball last night at 10pm. So late! We played awesomely though and won convincingly. Got 13 rebounds, and second highest efficiency. We have a new girl in our team who is really good, and is exactly what our team needed - she's quick and can shoot threes. I think our team is going to be hard to beat this season when we're all there and are playing well. Looking forward to the grand finals!

I was so tired this morning due to my late night, so didn't get up for my exercise this morning. I have my stuff for the gym, but not sure if I will make it. We're planning on leaving early to go play golf, so at least I will get some exercise walking around the golf course. I'm adamant that I'm going to lose another 3kgs and get below 80 before my 12 weeks end. To do that I'm going to need to keep exercising, but also need mostly to just eat clean, and not drink! We have nothing on this weekend, so should be easy enough, but next weekend is our niece's 1st birthday so I'm sure there will be lots of wine flowing! Just need to ensure I don't drink too much, and that I keep the eating under control. Then the following Friday is a friend from work's leaving do and I'm sure we will have a lot to drink there too... Just need to make sure those are the only two occasions I drink.

Week 10 Weigh In

Starting: 90.4kgs (pre-season: 93kgs)
Current: 83.0kgs

Since last weigh in: -0.6kgs
Since start: -7.4kgs (including pre-season: -10kgs)

Yay!  That's the 10kgs mark (including pre-season). Should be down more, but happy with that!

Day 66 - Running in the Morning Sunshine

View from Northbridge on my run this
morning - loving the sunshine

Good morning so far today. Got up and went for a 7km run and felt really good! Was pretty slow, especially to start with (I walked for the first 8mins to get warmed up), but I managed it in 55mins. It's such a beautiful day too, so nice to be outside in the morning.

We played golf again last night at Lane Cove and I did ok.  Definitely getting better.  And again it was a glorious evening. A little cooler so no flies luckily! I hit some absolute rubbish shots, but also probably the best drive I have ever done. Lost a few balls getting over the gully though as my slice made a reappearance! That's 4 golf rounds in 5 days! Really enjoying it, both the actual golf but (though that is rather frustrating at times), but also the just being out and about and doing lots of walking and spending time with Greg. The only problem is it's costing us a bit of money. We need to get our own clubs and sort out where we want to join.

My mum arrives today - so looking forward to seeing her. We're going to head to the Night Noodle Markets tonight with mum and some of the gang. Should be fun!

My ball is the pretty pink one. I was here for 2,
but then stuffed the next shot :(
Greg (white ball) was here on his drive!
It's hole #5 which is a par 4

About to tee off on hole #5 (in my new golf outfit).
This ended up being a pretty good drive!

Day 65 - Tighten Up Tuesday #2

Smashed my shockwave workout this morning. Was fastest on the rower again, and beat my best time - 16sec for 100m! Pretty happy with that. It was also on my second row at 100m, so I beat my first round. The instructor said she's never seen a girl do that fast in any of her classes, and most of the guys can't even go that fast. Maybe I should have taken that rowing scholorship when I was back at school...

Last night I didn't do my workout though. Was planning to, but we went to the supermarket and Greg decided he wanted to see Gravity movie. We almost went out for dinner, but I decided no, we had to at least eat at home seeing as we'd just been to the supermarket! We had the Chickpea, Tomato & Ricotta salad and it was super yummy! Then went to the movie which was pretty good, but not as great as it's been made out to be. The visuals were spectacular. I also had an ice cream at the movies... I enjoyed it, but not that much. I shouldn't have had it.

Am currently sitting at my desk starving and trying to decide what to do. It's Tighten up Tuesday, which means no coffee, but that's my usual morning snack so not sure what else to have. I guess seeing as it's decaf it might be ok?

Planning on golfing a bit tonight. Hopefully we'll get home early enough to head back to Lane Cove or Castle Cove, but if not it will be the driving range later. I really enjoy it, and Greg is obsessed! It's costing us a bit of money though.

Day 64 - Good Weekend, But Feeling Down Today

Mmmm... Grange!

Ouchies!

We had such a lovely weekend. Lots of friends time and even played 3 rounds of golf in 3 days! Friday twilight, Saturday morning and yesterday evening. I played pretty good on Friday, and even better on Sunday, but so rubbish on Saturday. Possibly due to being a more than a bit hungover and getting up so early in the morning!

On Friday night after our golf we went out for dinner with T&C to Cafe Giulia Hulia which is part of Urban Food Markets and has the most amazing meats. We were celebrating Chad's new job, and it was BYO so we had their bottle of Grange which he was given and told to save until it was 20 years old. It was awesome! Especially combined with the setting - lime green walls! The food was delicious - pork scratchings and tater tots with chipotle mayo to start, followed by various yummy meats. Definitely not Michelle Bridges approved! We went back to theirs afterwards (once the owners finally managed to kick us out as the restaurant was closing) and had a little more wine and borrowed their golf clubs.

Saturday morning we woke up so early and decided to go for a round of golf. We were so hung over, and I played terribly! Not sure it was the greatest idea, but it was lovely being out there so early in the morning.

After we played golf the girls became the "Lady's Who Lunch" at The Morrison. It was really nice to sit around and chat with all the girls while drinking lovely wine and eating yummy food. Another Michelle Bridges UN-approved event! After lunch we went and met up with the boys at T&Cs house where they were looking after the 2 bubbas and having their own boys event. It was such a nice afternoon just sitting round and relaxing with everyone. I tried to convince a few to come back to ours after, but I'm glad they didn't in the end as I was shattered when we got home, and just wanted bed!

I got up super early again on Sunday morning for my trail run, which was awesome! It was 6.5kms through Centennial Park and I did it in about 40mins. I felt pretty good, and like I should have gone faster, but it was so damn hot! At one stage I was running along and had managed to catch the girl in front of me as she slowed down to go over some rough bits. I powered past her and was running along thinking how awesome I was and how good at the rough bits I am when... I totally hit the deck. I managed to get myself a skinned knee and a lot of embarrassment. I got up pretty quick! I'm doing it again in November, so will be trying to beat my time, and hopefully no more skinned knees next time. It was so nice to be out and about again in the morning, and the park is such a lovely place to be. It was so still and peaceful.

The cutest fuzzy yellow gosling chilling in the park

Centennial Park - so still (and already so hot) at 7am 

Sunday afternoon we headed over the bridge to Fratelli Fresh to lunch with D&V. Was anotehr lovely lunch, but again, not Michelle Bridges approved. When we got home I was so tired I crashed on the couch. I couldn't stay awake to even read my book! Finally felt alive again a couple hours later and Greg convinced me to play more golf. I was so glad we went though as it was another lovely day and I played really well. I'm really enjoying the golf, and I am getting better.

Chicken & Leek Pie w Mushy Peas

We made the Chicken & Leek Pie with Mushy Peas last night for dinner (at least that was one good decision!) and it was really good. Definitely one to remember.

So, with all of that I obviously didn't eat so well over the weekend, and didn't finish my burpees challenge as was just too tired on Saturday and then forgot last night. I also didn't get up for my workout this morning, and work is sucking at the moment too. Was feeling pretty down in the dumps this morning, but feeling a little better this afternoon. I've just had a conversation with my boss about work, and made my plan for this week, and going to try be motivated enough to do my workout when I get home tonight. Here's to making this another great week so I can achieve my goals!

Lane Cove Green #1 on Saturday morning around 8am - yep that's my ball on the green after only 3 shots!
Ended up with a 1 putt to get 4 on the par 3. Happy :)

Week 10 Exercise & Meal Plan

Day 61 - Insane Bolt!

The oval I ran round and round in for Insane Bolt

I did the Insane Bolt SSS this morning, and yup, it was insane! It went a little something like this:

• 10 mins rolling intervals (1min 50%, 1min 80%, 1min 90%, 1min 100%, 1min recovery, repeat)
• 5 mins interval sprints (30secs 100%, 30secs recover, repeat)
• walking lunges and sumo pulses
• repeat 3 times!

I did it at the oval just down the road, running round and round in circles. Wonder how many times I went round? It was hard, especially as I got it wrong and ended up doing 10 mins of interval sprints the first two times! I wondered why it was taking me longer than expected! It was super hard to being with, and I nearly stopped a couple of times, but I persevered and got it done, and now feel so good! So tired, but so good!

I was so stuffed at the end, I wasn't going to do any burpees today, but I decided to do at least a few, and ended up doing 50. I'm making good progress. Only 270 left to go to get to my 800 challenge this week. Should easily be able to do those over the weekend.

It's a pretty gloomy day compared with yesterday (which ended up getting to 37). I just finished my workout and got into the car when it started pouring with rain. Good timing!

Was also in the 82's when I finished my workout - first time being that low! I'm happy with my progress this week, especially on the exercise front. Done a few really hard workouts and am proud of myself. Now just need to keep it up!

Went to the driving range again last night, and was good, but a bit frustrating. I didn't hit very many clean shots, but more went straight, so that's good I guess. Was pretty tired, and it was also still at least 30 degrees at 9pm, so was pretty warm. I'm looking forward to playing tomorrow. Just hope my legs hold out as they are so tired right now, and they need to be recovered enough for my trail run on Sunday.

Had yummy pizza last night too. They sound a bit boring when you read them, cos no real cheese or anything, but they are actually really tasty. We used pita bread as the base, then topped with ricotta, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, rocket and basil, and then added a little olive oil once cooked. Yummy! Forgot to take a photo unfortunately...