Today will be amazing

The sun is out after the rain.

I think it's going to be a good day!!

Happy Monday!!


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Fighting it out

You know what. Some days are just crappy.

Today was crappy and wonderful too.

It was wonderful cause i got to spend the day with my folks.

It wa crappy cause health concerns are happening to someone dear to us and we cant fix it.

I am running for cancer for a reason. I cant fix it. I cant stop it hitting our family where it hurts. I cant stop it hurting people i love as they try to support "j".

But i can run.

And today ... I can fight it out.

When i got home today i was angry. I was angry at stuff i cant fix. I was angry that i couldnt come in ... Give a hug and make it better. And for someone who believes knowledge is power, and that research is invaluable ... Cannot come in and find the right specialist, the right research journal and fix things.

So as i cried a few tears of frustration and anger, i grabbed my boxing gloves and the punching bag and started to fight it out.

Then this happened....

Miss 6 came out with the spare gloves.

And some hit pads.
And made me box with her.
And do burpees.
And squats.
And pushups.
And run.

She is going to be an awesome personal trainer one day.

And she made me laugh throughg the tears.

See....

Thats the thing about family.

We cant always fix things ... But we can fight these things together.

And no matter what our age... We can love, support each other and make us smile through the tears.

Lesson learned.

(ps ... Please dont feel obligated to donate.... All our donation dollars have been stretched this year havent they. But ... As tax time nears if you would like to support my run ...the link is to the right

Week two blogging challenge ... My greatest strengths

Blame work for this one.
I noticed this today.

Take a woman and give her a compliment.
What do you hear?? Oh thanks BUT ........

Without fail!
As women we are good at telling other people nice things.
We are great at telling our kids and family about their strengths.
But give a woman a compliment and they are BOUND to tell you all the reasons why this can't be true.

In round 3 2010 when this subject was raised on a live chat I remember Mish saying "Take the compliment. ALWAYS take the compliment! I know I do."
Well, if it's good enough for Mish ...

Now,
I know we are JUST at the START of a 12 week body transformation challenge.
Which in it's very nature means you want to change something about yourself.
Particularly your body.
And women are OH SO GOOD at critising our bodies too (and so are men ! I'm not leaving you out)

What I want from this blogging challenge is ...

tell me about your STRENGTHS
I WANT to know about your physical strengths.
I WANT to know about your mental strenghts.
I WANT to know about the habits you have that make you strong
I WANT to know what it is about you that makes you the fighter that is inside.

You can't just tell me one thing. Tell me what makes you strong.
Make me BELIEVE it! Make me BELIEVE you are going to fight for your health and you HAVE the power!
Tell me what prepares you to fight these 12 weeks now to make you extraordinary.
What is deep inside you that means you are going to succeed.
And how are you going to use those strengths??

Inspire me.
Cause you ARE inspirational to me.
Now I want to be sure that YOU believe it..



When you have blogged link your blog here!!

For the kids! Choc chia pumpkin brownies!!

I wish I had a picture.

But these are baked, cut and frozen for afternoon treats so as not to tempt me!

You see - we have a pumpkin glut. Blame our chickens for that. I didn't plant the pumpkins. The chicken farmers did!
So I have been experimenting making after school snacks for Miss 6.
That use pumpkin.
And she likes.

Now - in my house pumpkin as a sweet ingredient isn't that unusual. She is used to mummy doing odd things. Like putting zucchini into chocolate cake.

Anyway -the amazing this about this recipe is ... it was GOOD!
And I might serve it to some junk food loving friends and see if they can pick it as healthy!

Anyway ... by popular demand ... the recipe ...

Ingredients
•2/3 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder (i used cacao powder! It's full of antioxidants. Its a superfood!)
• 1/2 cup wholemeal flour • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• About 60g butter (unsalted) or the meadow lee "free" spread (again less salt)
• 3/4 cup raw sugar
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract


Chia seeds - about 1/3 cup


How?


Spray a 8" square brownie tin



Preheat oven to 180C



Gently melt butter in microwave (don't burn it!)



Stir cocoa powder into butter



In a separate bowl mix flour, chia seeds, baking powder



Stir in sugar, vanilla, egg and puree



Add in butter and cocoa mix. Stir until well mixed






Pour into tin.



Bake approx 20min






Cool before cutting




YUM!!!



Now this is for the kids people. Exercise your willpower muscle!!



Yes it is a treat - but by baking it we talk about all the good things in it.And the bad things in commercial/bakery food. And I think that's ok. It's education.



Oh and if you cut it into 12 it's about 170Cal a serve. Fine for my active little healthy girl.



Let me know if these recipes are useful (and not too much temptation!)



If you are brave I have a wholemeal pumpkin sultana cake/muffin I can share with you tomorrow!

Blogging challenge update.

Last night i fell asleep. At 0730. On the couch.
Obviously i was tired!!

So i didnt get the new topic up. Ill get it done after work today!!

Which gives you another day to blog week one!

Just leave a link to your blog in the comments ... I think the linking button has closed. Must learn how to have it open for longer.

Kath

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Just found these!!

No drain tins of tuna!! How cool is that! None of that stinky fishy liquid that grosses me out!

A great snack for on the run ... High in protein and low in calories at under 80 cal !

Win!


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Today was an awesome day

Today was a great day.

Today I hit the gym straight after drop off and overcame my fear of the weights room.

Well overcame some of the fears anyway!

It might take me all round but by the end I AM going to feel at home there!

I worked hard and I felt great.

I had a good chat with one of the trainers (therapy maybe?) about some concerns I have ... and she gave me some good tips ... and a lot of love and encouragement too! I think she is my biggest fan!

Then I went home. I committed today to spending as much time at home and trying to find some sanity.

I cleaned. I sorted. I got our life back together.

And I did a LOT of laundry.

I roasted veges for the roast vegetable and chickpea salad ... and enough veges leftover to fill my man up at dinner - perfect timing too as a friend dropped in and I was able to share my lunch with her! Yummy food AND a catch up!

Today has been a good day. I feel strong, healthy, happy and great to be alive!

Hope your day was good too!

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How awesome are these!!

So excited!!



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Back! And I love it!

It is no secret that the last three or four weeks I have really struggled.

When I got back from Melbourne it got worse. I doubted constantly my ability. I allowed poor food choices into my life. I regained some weight.

But the worst thing was - my head was not in the game.
I would go to PT - she would give me things to do ... and my head would say "I can't". The worst thing is I let myself believe it.

Something switched on this week.
Was it starting to run again?
Was it determination that the negative comments I had received this week wouldn't beat me?
Was it the enthusiasm of our new members, and even more determined old members?

I have no clue. But I am back.

Today at PT I told her I could. And I did. Renegade rows with pushups. Kettlebell swings x about a million. Plank work. Trx work.

I said I could and I did.

My heart, head and body were strong. It made my soul sing.

To cap the day off - I managed a four km run before school pick up.
Got my groceries done.
And vegetarian lasagne (calorie friendly) made.

Today is a good day.

I am back.
Living this round like a champion

Organisaton is the key ...

Mish has said it before and she will say it over and over again.

So now is a really good time to learn that lesson to make the rest of the 12 weeks a lot more fun.

You need to get organised,... And i mean now!!

My life is busy. Right now it is crazy busy. And honestly ... For most of you ... I bet it is the same too.

I am the shift working wife of a marathon training husband. Add into that life a beautiful girl, after school activities, gym, tap class, his marathon training plan, appointments, shopping, cookng ... my week is insane.

But i wouldnt have it any other way. When i talk about my busy life Im really not complaining.
There is very little i would drop out. You just have to get organised.

This weekend i cooked and froze soups. 4 batches of it. Now i have no excuse for wholesome lunches and dinners in a hurry.
We try to minimise our trips downtown and to the shops. We plan our week out in advance. Everyone knows when they are free to workout, who is out, who is doing what tasks.

From this week i am setting aside one day a week which i am protecting. No appointments. No visits. Just time to go to the gym, do the housework and potter about home.

My iphone is an amazing tool! I can check my email, facebook, do banking, write blogs at lunch or when i am out. It gets the jobs done but gives me more quality time at home.

Organising is key. The most successful 12 weekers know exactly what they are doing when.


Id love to know how you manage your busy life too!!! We can all learn from each other!

Today has been a day...

Day one of round 2!!

In some ways it has been an awesome day!! Eaten clean . Trained mean. Started the round as i meant to go on.

Other things just drove me mad.

Like being told all day long " you look old, you look gaunt, you look tired , you look drawn"

And " dont lose any more weight, dont go too far...."

The occasional comment i can laugh off. But this was all day loooooong.

Just for the record... I am healthier and happier than i have been in a long time.
And just for the record ... Yes i will probably lose more weight. My goals are very much fitness based now ... But as im still not even in the healthy weight range, some more kg better fall off.

I am not doing this without thought. I am not addicted to losing. I am not risking my health. My gp and endocrinologist both support my goals. They also both think my weightnloss goal is safe and achievable.

My journey is about being my own best version of me. Nothing is going to stop that.

So despite the knockers, i have eaten clean and smashed it out at the gym.

Starting the round as i mean to end.

Round two goals!

I found this task HARD this round.

Why? Not sure.
I think because I am at the stage that the easy goals have been reached. Any goals I set now are going to rely on stinking hard work.

And because I am fearful of setting the bar too low. I don't want to get to the end and think coulda shoulda woulda. I want to know I aimed high. And I reached the bar.

I think I'm going to set my goals a little differently this round. I am going to set 4 week, 8 week and 12 week goals. Goals I know I can nail. No excuses. Just have to do the work.

And then dream goals. I honestly don't know if they are possible this round. But I am going to work as if they are. Live this round as a champion. Let's see how far I can go.

Week 4 goals.

• Run 5km at the pentath run and then 1500m with my girl *OK kinda cheating here - this happened the weekend before kickoff. But I had to JFDI to do it. So I'm counting it!



• Keep my running training consistent. That means 3 sessions a week. Rain hail , shine. Busyness is not an excuse. So by week 4 - 12 runs on the board.



• Lost 4kg. I need to lose some of what I've gained since Melbourne. So I'm aiming for 4. Very achieveable. Very doable. Just need to nail the nutrition



• Attended a minimum of 4 pilates classes.



• And done Mish's ab excercises 3 times a week. Totally 12 in 4 weeks. I need to strengthen my core.



• Mini Milestone. King/Queen of the Toowoomba range. I want to run it. But run, walk or crawl home I will be happy. Just need to finish it.

Week 8 goals

• To have lost 6kg all up this round. Yes I am still weight focussed.



• Kept running consistent. Another 12 runs by week 8



• Still consistently hitting goals for ab work and strength work



• Do pushups on toes good form



• Have tried something new. Rockclimbing? A class in Toowoomba? Bootcamp??


• 10km Gold Coast Marathon!

Week 12 Goals

• 10km at Jetty2Jetty


• Running still consistent. Plus strength. Plus core work. This round is about consistency.



• Sit up test. Level 3.



• Do the pushups. At the final workout. On my toes. In good form. All of them.



• Run the 14km of the City 2 surf in spirit with them ... even if I can't make the location



• 10kg weight loss for the round

Dream Goals

• To finish a half marathon. Run some walk some. Just get the job done



• 5km under 30 min



• 10km under an hour



• Chin ups. Unassisted. One would be grand. Three would amaze me. 10 ... the big goal!



• Go to the local boxing classes and get my behind kicked.



• 12 month dream goal http://www.pentath.com/ 5 runs. 1 weekend. 42.2km in total. Dreaming too big??? Maybe. Maybe not.

(PS - I reserve the right to update this list!! Still looking for opportunities!)

Some days it's about the little things

My daughter Miss 6 has run the local pentathrun 1500m race 4 times now.
And mainly with daddy.

When she was 4 I took her. I had to ask her to walk some. I couldn't run the whole way :(

Last year when she was 5 I watched from the sidelines. I knew there was no way at all I could keep up with her. It was beyond me. It broke my heart to have to quiz daddy for the story of how she ran.

This year would be different. When I began 12wbt in September I had one overriding goal. I was going to run that 1500m with my daughter. The whole way. I would experience every step of her race - not hear about it second hand.

It is what has kept me going!

Last night I was excited! I had to tweet about my plans! I couldn't wait!




And this year I was there as she ran it.




And run she did. 1500m in 9 minutes. She only slowed once. Until another litte girl passed her and she took off at a sprint!

She beat me! She ran fast. But I was right behind her. I saw every step of her race.

And it gave me joy!

Because of the work I have put in with 12wbt.com this past 6mths I was not on the sidelines. I ran the race. We did it together! It was the best gift ever!





I think I better get used to her beating me.
But that's ok.
As long as I am there ... running behind her ... I can cope with coming second to my girl.

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Round 2 starts tomorrow... Why do i keep coming back??

This is my third round of Michelle Bridges 12wbt.
I have achieved so much. I am not the person i was.

And from time to time when i mention that round 2 starts on Monday i get met with a very suprised " you are doing another round?? Why are you going back?"

I love 12wbt
But it is more than that. These are the reasons I am going back.

I still have weight to lose. No. I dont want to be super skinny. That isnt my body shape. But i am still not healthy yet. I still have unhealthy weight I am carrying on my waist. And i want to be healthy . My family only has one me. It is my job to do whatever i can to make sure i am there for them.

This is still not a way of life. This last round in particular I have had too many slips off the wagon. And let's say the last two weeks have seen me slip into some bad habits. I have definately gained weight, i need to keep doing 12wbt till i can manage this on my own.

I dont want to settle for just good enough. Without 12wbt i reckon i would stay the weight I am. After all ... Everyone else can see the difference now. And their is no way I would keep running. I dont want to be ordinary, I want to see what I can achieve!!! 12 wbt pushes me out of my comfort zone. I need it.

I love the community. Yesterday, when i didnt want to run, my twitter crew got me there. When i dont know the answer to an exercise question, Gabi from support crew comes in and answers me in such detail. When my mind is kooky the mindset lessons hit home. And when i am all too quiet our ambassador Angela checks on me ... And gives me a swift kick of wisdom if i need it!

I love the food. And i love the menu planning. It is done for me. It saves me a job. Adore that!!! Makes my life easier!!

Without mish i never would have attempted a (gym) triathlon. I never would have trained in the mud. Or gone to Melbourne on my own. I never would have bootcamped with a whole bucketload of qlders. Mish and 12wbt are pushing me out of my comfort zone. In all areas. Not just fitness. I now say. Yes more than no. Love that.

I still want to be healthy in all senses of the word. This program will get me there.

I still want to be strong. The next two rounds are focussing on strength for me. Culminating in lean and strong rd 3.

And i want to pay it forward. I have been given a gift.
Whether it is supporting others on the forums, blogging my heart out to encourage others, or raising money for cancer by running I am going to pay it forward. Not only will my family benefit from this gift but so will others. This will help Michelle realise her dream.

So i'll be back for quite some time yet.

12wbter for life???

I said it would be ugly ....

And ugly it was!!!

I hadn't put the work in.
I hadn't run in almost two weeks.
I was tired and still sore from pt.

But i did it.

I guess there are no more secrets in my country town. The whole running community was there. They know i am running now.
It's hilarious to look at my splits. I went out waaaaay toooo fast. It just felt SO good to be running again! But i slowed myself down so i would finish.

And in the end i was really happy with my time!!! Around about 32min. Definately faster.

And maybe if i find some consitency ... That elusive 30min for 5 k is in my reach this round.


It might have been ugly. Some parts might have hurt. But I made my mind shut up and my bldy keep going. I started this round as i mean to finish.

I am going to run this round as if i was a champion. Cause that's what we do.

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Here's some honesty for you ...

I have a fun run today.
I signed up for it forever ago.

It was meant to be the run that got me off with a huge BANG to the new round.

It's a local event. The Warwick pentath run (www.pentathrun.com)
5 races - totally a full marathon in distance

Today I am signed up for a 5k.
Tomorrow - a 1500m with my daughter - which has been my goal since I began this. To actually run with my daughter. Not it on the sidelines.

Well today - I don't want to run.
I am sore.
I am embarrassed about running in a town where people know me.
I am tired.
I havent run since (before) Melbourne
I have a headache.
My house is messy

So many excuses

This is why what Michelle speaks about is so important.
Don't think. Just do.
Robot mode.
Stop the paralysis by analysis.

It is also why the forums, twitter and facebook are so important. They are your support network.
The girls on twitter have had my back today.
They have given me encouragement. And a rather firm butt kicking.

Because of them - I am going. They are accountable.

If you are doing the program - get INVOLVED. Get into twitter ! Get into the forums. You cannot do it on your own!

We start together - we finish together. We are family

Racetime is in 90 min.
I am here in my skins (which really DO help with the soreness) and as ready as I can be.

Will it be fast?? No way.
Will it be ugly?? Yep.
But it will get done.

Cause that's the commitment I made

You need this book.

Do you want to learn more about about food?? I mean about real food?? Good sustaining, nutritious food?

Do you want to teach your kids some real life facts about nutrition? Facts that are quick, easy to remember and stick in your mind?

Do you want some cheeky throway answers to those people who want to know WHY you wont eat the crap food they serve??

Do you want a book that is quick and easy to read, that you can pick up, read a page, put down and have learned something?

Do you want food information you can live with??

You need this book.

I love the work of Michael Pollan. He speaks sense. He is knowledgable. He has done the research. He knows his stuff.

This is a simple book. Full of rules.

Such as "eat food, mostly plants, not too much"

"its not food if it arrived through the window of your car"

"avoid foods with ingredients that a third grader cant pronounce"

" don't eat breakfast cereals that change the colour of the milk"

You need this book.

And its cheap. Under $10 at bookkdepository.co.uk . Including post.

Cant beat that.
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If you can dream it - you can achieve it. My dream becoming reality

The Blog Challenge: If you can dream it you can achieve it!!!

I want you to paint me a word picture. Pretend today is not today. You are not nervous, or overwhelmed or apprehensive or excited about the next 12 weeks. You are none of those things because you have LIVED it! You are at the finish line!

Maybe today is the day you run city 2 surf! Maybe it is the finale party. Maybe you are at the final workout. Maybe you are standing up there on the stage with Mish - a WINNER this round.

Paint me the picture. What are you feeling? What are you wearing? What can you do?


What have been your greatest achievements? Your biggest challenges?


How do you feel inside?? Just how excited ARE you???


Before you achieve it - you have to dream it. Put those dreams down. Make them real.


The more specific your dreams the closer you are to making them a reality

Here it is ... my dream becoming a reality ...

12 weeks on. Late August.
It is a sunny autumn day in Brisbane (with note: NO MUD) and I am aching. Every single part of me hurts.
But as I soak those sore muscles in a long hot shower, and try to recover in time for the party ahead ... I cannot help but cry a little... and smile a little too.

For 12 weeks I have pushed beyond my doubts. I have made the seemingly unachievable a reality.

In 12 weeks I have done over 40 running training sessions. I have lifted weights two times a week, sometimes more. And I have gone hard. I have gotten strong.

My PT is amazed at my progress. There is no more of the "I can'ts" floating around. Last week I told her to push me harder. Hey - I even did my first chin up! You have no idea how much that rocks!

Despite my lack of ab strength at the beginning, weekly pilates classes and daily work on my core has paid off. Not with rock hard 6 pack abs (although I must say they aren't looking too bad!) but with a core that is strong. Because of the work that I have put in ... this last hour at the final training session has been amazing. I have been strong. I have conquered. Every task I was asked to do I did ... and with good form. No longer do I have weakling pushups. Strong core and strength work means my pushups are deep. My form is good. I work hard.
That training I gave it my all. Rather than struggling through advanced like last round, I smashed it out of the park. I feel like a rockstar.

This moment did not happen without effort. My nutrition has been tight. Every meal. Ever snack has been planned and preprepared. 12 weeks alcohol free. 12 weeks chocolate and fast food free. Treated my body like a temple. I have put my time into the gym. Into my runs. I have run the 5k at the pentath in Warwick to start the road. Despite my fears I got up that stinking Toowoomba range for King of the range. Some bits I ran. Some bits I wanted to crawl. But I made it. What a mini milestone.

I had the time of my life at the Gold Coast. I felt so strong doing the 10k run ... and then catching up with 12wbt mates afterwards. And I raised over $1000. In the process. Paying it forward. You have no idea how proud I was that weekend of my husband too. He ran his first marathon. He did good.

Maybe. Just maybe that will be me one day

Oh - and despite being unable to convince my hubby to send me to Sydney for the city to surf I ran my 14k. I ran every step for my 12wbt mates.

I have blogged every day for the 12 weeks. And kept up my facebook page. I love it. I get to share my journey - maybe inspire someone ... and pay it forward. Isn't that what it's all about? And the blogging challenge has rocked! Our bloggers have achieved big things this round! I'm picking one of them to win!

Over in the corner is my dress for the party. Unlike last round, I was not stressed shopping. This time it was not about hiding faults. It was about having fun. Size 10. Can you believe it? I haven't been that since Uni days!

Tonight I know that excitement will take over soreness. I am going to feel so beautiful. My dress shows off how toned I have gotten - because of all the training. This was not just about losing weight but about being STRONG.

Tonight I celebrate. Mish hugs me when she sees me. She knows how far I have come.
I cannot wait to cheer on the winners. Will I be one? I honestly don't think so and I don't care.

But what will matter is I will have LIVED the last 12 weeks as if I was a champion! That is what rockstars are made of!

My secret weapom

I have a guilty secret.

Diet coke.

So far i still haven't managed to give it up ... Even though it was one of my goals in round 1.

<>

But this round i am giving it up once and for all. There is absolutely no benefit at all ... And plenty of research to show that even diet drinks are bad.


And this is my secret weapon.

Sparkling spring water.

Its just water ... And bubbles.

But its refreshing ... And feels better

My new addiction!

Mindset monday ... First blogging challenge!!!!!

So you guys officially rock!!!

So may of you have responded to the challenge to all post a blog post, on the same topic each week .... Our own 12wbt blog ring! I am excited!!!

Jeni (from the forums) had the great idea of basing the topic each week around the mindset lesson. I love it!! That's the secret to success on 12wbt. Work the mindset hard and success will follow!!! Bloggers are going to rock this round!!!!

To give you time to get your first post in ... I've decided to release the first topic today.

So here it is.


If you can dream it you can achieve it!!!

I want you to paint me a word picture. Pretend today is not today. You are not nervous, or overwhelmed or apprehensive or excited about the next 12 weeks. You are none of those things because you have LIVED it! You are at the finish line!

Maybe today is the day you run city 2 surf! Maybe it is the finale party. Maybe you are at the final workout. Maybe you are standing up there on the stage with Mish - a WINNER this round.

Paint me the picture. What are you feeling? What are you wearing? What can you do?
What have been your greatest achievements? Your biggest challenges?

How do you feel inside?? Just how excited ARE you???

Before you achieve it - you have to dream it. Put those dreams down. Make them real.
The more specific your dreams the closer you are to making them a reality.

Then once you have blogged them - come and link your blog!
I will leave a thread open in the forums for you to link to for those who blog only on 12wbt. And you can link here on my blog too.

Dream it. Do it.

Come encourage others. If you read their dreams please leave them a comment! This is their heart on a plate!

And come back next week bloggers for the next topic!

We start together - we finish together!

Click on the button to ad a link to your blog!

Do you blog?? Ready to step it up a notch???

I have a dream ... of 12wbt blogs taking over the world!!!!

Seriously though - if I blog I succeed.

I think it’s because in order to have something to blog about I have to do something. Writing about sitting on the couch is kindof boring

So who is up for a weekly blogging challenge??????

The way it works is I will set a topic for each monday on my blog (feel free to message me ideas !!)
and we all blog about it. We can vote on a topic during the week if we end up with a lot of ideas…

You then post your blog link in the thread on the forums - and I will also have a place on my blog you can link each week so they dont get lost in the forums - that way we can reach a wider audience

If you are in .... give me a YELL!!! You can leave a comment here, search Courage2start on facebook, or look for the thread on the forums.

First topic to be released on the weekend. Blogged about Monday.

No prize except the glory of participating

What do you think? Would anyone be in????

I want this to be the round the blogosphere goes off!!!

Smashed.

I haven't been to Pt in 3 weeks.

Today I knew I would pay.

Wall throws, renegade rows, pushups x a million, jumping chinups, pyramid training abd oh so much core work. Needless to say she smashed me.

But it was amazing.

It hurt but it did my head good.

I've come to realize my biggest problem is saying I can't. She doesn't allow that.

We nutted out some goals. Worked on some plans.
Tonight I put them in ink.

I am struggling to dream big but I'll get there.

I want to end this round without regrets.


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Outside my comfort zone.

It's no secret.

My core strength is horrible.

Problem is - it's also affecting my workouts.
Want to run more -> need a strong core.
Want to do full body push ups ->core
Heavy weights -> core
Full body pullup one day .... yep you guessed it - Core

So tonight I went to pilates. I avoided this class like the plague.
It barely burns any calories.
And it makes me tired.
And since I am lying down I want to sleep.

But I want to run.
I want to do full body push ups.
I want to do pullups.
I want to be strong.

And I'm a nurse. I need stable abs and a strong back.

So to pilates I went.

I still wanted to fall asleep.
I still wanted the hour to hurry up.
And I still had to convince myself I did NOT need to be running right now.

But I enjoyed it.
And I could feel it working.
And after one session and a lot of tips my situp test performance improved.

I'm going to go back - even if I have to pinch myself.

Every round Mish tells us to have a core strength day.
Every round I ignore her.

Seems she was right again.

Maybe I should just start to listen???

Round 1 Rockstar moments.

Round 1 has drawn to close.

Pretty soon it's time for me to buckle down and get my head straight. I need to work on the preseason tasks for round 2. I need to set goals. I need to plan.

I need to get things done.

But for a moment I'm going to reflect.

This round has rocked. Not because of any incredible weight loss.

But because I said yes. I tried things. I promised to get out of my comfort zone ... and look what happened!

I tried tap class. And I am still going!
Am I any good. Nope. Not at all. But I did it. And it's a fun way to get some extra movement in with friends!

I went to Pain In Paradise. Bootcamp at Newfarm Park with other Brisbane and surrounds 12wbt'ers. I wish I could go every week - but I went twice!

I carried my girl home to try an cement in my head how far I have travelled. I am commited to working the mindset until I GET IT

I became a runner! 3k - 5k - 7 k - 8 k ... even 10k!

I flew to Sydney and trained with Mish! CRAZY!!!! But I did it!!

I got a personal trainer.

I don't have a pic of her.

She is insane

Trust me


I ran in FUN RUNS! 3k at the twilight run!

8km Mother's Day Classic!

AND I DID ADVANCED! In Melbourne! I am proud of my MUD!

Did I reach my limits?? NO WAY! I admit I could have pushed harder. But I am just learning how strong I am.

You just wait! BIG GOALS coming in round 2!!

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WORKOUT!

Pics from the workout are starting to filter through!!!!

I am so excited!

Suddenly the weekend feels real!

Later tonight when things are calmer I will share all the things that I am bursting to tell you ...

But right now I am posting these.

I have never felt happier or more alive.

Right there. Covered in mud.

Beautiful.

I did advanced.

It makes me cry

COURAGE TO START is on facebook!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW!

Who would have thought this would happen!

Courage2start now has it's own facebook page!

If you want updates on my adventures this is the place to be!

For now - search Courage2start on facebook. Let me know if that finds it.

I'm trying to work on some flash linky thing - but so far too hard! It's a whole new world to me!

It's all about balance

Inspiration? Me???

This weekend was completely overwhelming.

It brought home the enormity of what I have done ... what I am doing ... and what I am apart of.

I spent much of the weekend feeling like I was part of some surreal adventure. That it really wasn't quite real. But it was.

Within half an hour of being in Melbourne I was recognised. On the Skybus! (If that was you can you let me know! I have forgotten your name and I am so sorry!) It felt so odd. I am just me living my life, trying to cope with this 12wbt adventure and writing my stories. I kind of forgot that other people are out there reading it!

That meeting was the story for much of the weekend. Feeling little surreal, a lot out of my depth and completely overwhelmed.




No matter where I went people recognised me. (I must look like my pictures I guess!) I was told they read my blog. That they did my running tips. That they now run. Or want to. That they showed my blog to other people. It was crazy. Complete strangers know my name.

It was completely overwhelming.

If I met you SAY HI AGAIN! Please!
And I am sorry if I appeared a little distracted. You see .. I was 100% completely blown away.

I got called an inspiration. A lot. Totally crazy. You see - I am not an inspiration. I am me.

I am the girl who lives in the little country town. I am not having any of these crazy workout adventures. They are all so far away and it is so hard to get to them around my family.

I have not won any prizes. I am not one of our amazing ambassadors who I respect so much. I have not have the incredible results that some people have. I am just me.

I fail. Sometimes I go back to bad habits. I am still learning.
I still have weight to lose. I still have so many goals to reach. I still need to be here.

OK I lost weight - but others have lost so much more.

I train as much as I can but I dream of doing more.

And my mindset. My mindset is still no where near where it should be. I still need to find that strength within me. I am no where near where I want to be.


But ... today on facebook Michelle Bridges called me an inspiration. And I don't know about you ... but I'm not prepared to argue with that woman.

And on the weekend 12wbt ers called me an inspiration. I'm not prepared to call them liars.

So what this means - if I am just an ordinary girl from the country doing what I can ... and I am an inspiration ... then you can be too. You are. You are inspirational too!

Maybe you don't blog - but your family watches every step you take. Your friend are watching your journey. If you post on facebook or the forums ... you are inspiring someone. You know you are. Leave a comment - tell me how. Share your story!

Maybe I am an inspiration ... maybe not. But to those who said I am thank you. Honestly - after the excitement of Melbourne today I feel a little flat.

But it is time to make plans. I promise to live my life in a way to live up to those words. Hold me to it. I'll see you at the finale in Brisbane!

I'm going to live my life to be worthy of the word inspirational - to someone at least.

Will you??






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Running for those who can't.

I still have so much to process from the weekend. And oh so much from the last round.

I have goals to evaluate. Emotions to process. Goals to plan.
My head is still overwhelmed.

But while I wait to do that ... I have a new goal.

In July I am running 10km in the Gold Coast marathon series. Remember in September last year I stopped 3 times to run my 1km time trial. I just did not have the fitness to run.

I know 10k is nothing compared to our marathoners in the challenge. Or our half marathoners. My body isn't ready for those distances yet. I'll leave the marathon to my husband.

But 10km will be a challenge. It will be an achievement. It will hurt and make me smile and cry all at once.

I want to pay it forward. Because of Michelle's 12wbt.com I have added years to my life and life to my years.
I don't want to take that for granted.

I am running for those who can't.

This run I am fundraising for the cancer council. It's a cause close to my heart. I see patient's battle this disease every day. I cry with them, laugh with them and am astounded by their courage.

A family member is battling it as we speak.

And so are friends. And loved ones of those who have supported ME on my journey.

I am not going to forget I owe Michele a huge debt - so in her honour I am running this race for those who can't.

If this cause touches your heart ... if you have read my blog and maybe found something useful or inspiring ... or ridiculous ;) ... could you please consider helping me in this goal.

Even if it is just $1 (although $2 becomes a tax deduction ;) )

You can donate online at this page ... Everyday heros

Much love

Kath xxx

Inspiration

Big plans ahead ...


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On my way home

Touched down in sunny qld ... Now a 2 Hr drive to go.

It is so good to be with my family again.

I am so so sore ... But so excited about round two.



Right now I am missing this ... My hotel spa saved me from so many aches this weekend!! So worth it!




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Morning!!

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It's midnight

I can't sleep.

My mind is just overwhelmed at the love and support of my 12wbt family.

Complete strangers took me under their wings. They gave me directions, were in touch whenever I got lost, helped me around town ... And just made my day.

You all rock.

Much love xxx

We really are family xxx

Oh ... And if u are one of the oh so many people who met me and said "I read your blog" can you leave a comment? Please? I want to remember who you all are.














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Tears :)

I had the most amazing night :)
12wbt is big. We are all part of something amazing.

I am sore, tired and so inspired.

I cannot wait for round two.

I cannot wait for what I WILL achieve.

I cannot wait for what WE will achieve!

12 weekers start together.

We finish together.

Inspiring xxx

Tonight my heart is too full for details. I'll blog more tomorrow.

Much love xxx




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Off to celebrate!!

Make sure you say hi!!



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Now that is how to recover ...

I am so tired. So sore.

I got so wet and muddy.

I went intending to do intermediate. When I got there the intermediate group was so big I made a last minute switch to advanced.

I am smashed and in a whole world of pain.

But I did it.

My recovery plan ... Eating lunch in my spa ... Then a nap.

Ready to party tonight

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Happy!!!

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Crazy!!

On our way to train!! In this weather!



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Dear Melbourne

I look out the window and see this.




You could have sent me some better weather!!!

But I had a brilliant night last night catching up with so many twitter friends!

This workout is going to be unique. Be ready for some wet, muddy after pics!

Bring it on!!!

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Highlights of today...

I love clear signage!!



My room ... It's flash!!


I loved this shop!!



A community garden in the middle of a shopping centre! Peace in the insanity ...





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Just for fun ....

Before - the pic I have come to dread!





And today!














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Week 12. Final weigh in

Today is our final weigh in of week 12.

I would love to say that I have smashed every single goal I had on day 1 ... But i havent.

I'd love to say that I'm at my final and forever weight .. But I'm not.

I still have some unfinished business.

I know where it is i am lacking and the changes i have to make next round. I still have a lot to learn and a lot to achieve.

But I am happy.

I have lost over 8 kg this round. I am sooo sooooo close to being healthy.
I am a 12. I never thought I would say that.
I deal with stress and anxiety so much better. This has been a blessing.

My health is 100% out of site competely turned around.

And as I committed ... I have kept this blog up 100% to encourage me ... And hopefully inspire someone else. There is nothing special about me. We can all do this.

But the thing I am happiest about .... My proudest achievement ... Is I know and can proudly say

I am a runner

I am stronger than i imagined

And i am an exerciser for life.


Yes i will be back. I am going to do at least two more rounds.
The next round i am finishng this. Cementing those good habits, working on those things which even now still bring me down.
Next round i am focussing on getting strong and fast. I have at least 4 fun runs i want to do. Speed will neveer be on my side but i am going to continue to run and see where it leads me.

But I'll save all that for next week.

This week i am going to celebrate.

I am off to melbourne on friday. To train with mish ... And 700 other 12wbters!! I cannot wait!!

And then we are going to party!! And celebrate.

Cause even with much to achieve .... I am so far from wheere i was. Now is the moment to share the joy!!

Next weej i plan. Next week i commit to finishing this task,

But i think we have time for a glass of champers first ... Dont you???

Just wondering ....

Hubby is a dietitian. And the world's best dad.

I'm an awesome mum ;) (ok I'm a mum who adores her girl to bits!)



And I hate hate hate hate hate the food that is out there for our kids to eat.

Especially the so called "convenience" food

I mean check out what I found when I went looking for cookbooks for kids hoping to encourage Miss E to get involved with food and learn how to make great quality food!

UGH. sugar. trans fats and colour thank you very much.



I guess what I am wondering ... if hubby and I were to colaborate on a blog ... a blog about fun, nutritious, sustainable, creative food for kids ... would you read it??



And if I did ... what would you want to see?



Leave me a comment and let me know!


I want to pay it forward

Mother's day classic. Laughed. Cried. Inspired.

This mother's day i did something i never would have thought possible.

I did something i never would have dreamed of doing.

I did something i MAY possibly have THOUGHT about doing (but just the walk) but never actually done!

Normally mother's day would be a lazy day at home. Or a trip to the coffee shop. For cake.

Instead this mother's day i did something that showed me how amazing people are! It showed me how strong i can be ... And how all i have to do is send my mind to another place to get the job done.

And that people everywhere are amazing

Today i ran the 8km mother's day classic. And look who was there in brisbane with us!!


The mother's day classic is a fun run held all over australia on mother's day to raise awareness and money to kick breast cancer's butt. I mean thousands of us. Ten's of thousands of us at each event.

This was my view of the start line. There were almost 3000 of us and that was just the 8k race!




Right up until the morning I didn't think I would do this. I had been sick. I hadn't trained. My last few runs were terrible. My mind was winning ... all I wanted to do was quit.

But I kept reminding myself ... all I had to do was run. I didn't have to do chemo. I didn't have to break the news to my family. I didn't have to try to remain strong when my world was falling apart. I wasn't sick - or sore - or vomiting - or scared .... or worse .....

All I had to do was run.
And inspired by the energy in the crowd - and the stories that I heard ... I ran

I ran for Grandma.
I don't know who grandma is - but a sign letting me know the runner ahead of me loved and missed her kept me going the first two kms. All I did was listen to my music. And watch that sign. And wipe away the tears. I ran for grandma.





I ran for someone's mum. And to find a cure.
Throughout Km 4 I ran every step for my daughter. That when she is older - this disease will not hold the fear that it does today. That a cure will be found. That we will look back and know every dollar we raised - every step we took - would not have been wasted. I ran for a cure in her lifetime. But I also ran knowing that every step I took gave her a healthier mummy ... a mummy less at risk ... and a stronger mummy if this fight is ever my fight.I ran for our future together.
I ran for a dear 12wbt'ers loved one who is newly diagnosed with cancer. As in brand newly kick in the guts diagnosed. The news must still be knocking them to the ground. But I know this 12wbt friend. I know I have never seen anyone be as determined to regain their health as her. I know she fights and fights hard. I know she believes in good quality information ... and has the tools to find what is quality amongst the rumours out there when you deal with any health scare. I know she is a supporter. I know she is positive. I know she loves. And I know she is strong. So strong. And if my friend is all that ... I know her loved one will be ok. Because a family like that binds together ... They hold tight. And the strengths of each family member become your own weapons in the battle. My friend I ran for your loved one. Especially the 6th km. It was hurting - I was tired and my mind wanted to stop. But my heart was not going to let me. Listening to Christina's "Fighter" I ran for your loved one ... and with every step I willed my strength on the run to be your strength on the journey. Thank you. I ran this km with tears for you ... but I will remember it always. In your weakness today I found my strength. And I know you will too.




I ran for Mrs Arthur. How could I stop when I saw signs like these? They inspired me. They encouraged me. They gave my strength.


And look at this strength. Look at these people out to give cancer a swift kick! These people could have been at home. They could have been celebrating. But they were here.

I ran for my patient's. Those who are still suffering ... those winning the battle .... and those who are not.

I ran for those who can't.

I ran for those who want to be mother's ... but who cancer has stripped that dream away.

I ran because I could. And amongst the tears, and laughter it felt good.
It was an amazing run. It wasn't fast ... it was too crowded to be fast! And I was too busy laughing, and crying and waving ... and yelling out to those struggling how great they were doing. But it felt GOOD. It flowed. It was easy. I was running ... and having the time of my life!

What a way to spend mother's day! Celebrating such a joyous day! Because it WAS JOYOUS! It wasn't sad! It was a celebration of strength and love and HOPE! You could touch the joy!!!

And I got to hug Mish ... again....

And thank her. Lifechanging girl! Not only my life. Lifechanging.
I'm going to be paying it forward forever.










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