Wisdom

Let's make today WORTH IT

From Emazon Chronicles - emazon.tv

Today i walked and my heart sang.

Yes I did my weights, but I wanted more.
Today was not a day to run.
Today I wanted to walk.
And walk.
And walk.



I wanted to feel the sun on my shoulders and the joy in my heart.

If i didn't have work today I think I would still be walking.
I love how a good walk is no effort at all anymore. I can walk long, fast, far ... And hills aren't a challenge.

It's the simple things really.
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Training is a gift

I've always been honest on this blog. Sometimes too honest. Right now is tough for me. Tears come easily and things don't make sense.

But today I also realised what an absolute TREASURE my training is. It is a GIFT.

All day I have waited knowing PT was coming. I knew it would be just what I needed. I needed to feel strong. I needed to sweat. I needed to feel my body respond just as it should to every challenge.

When my PT rang to ask to move our session 2 hours early I was pumped! Couldn't wait.

And it was a good session.

Treadmill sprints to warm up.
Then lat pull downs. Heavy. ( sorry don't know the kg ... He sets them . I trust him)
Followed by lat pull downs with a pulse. (ow!)

Chest press.
20 pushups.
Chest press. 20 reps. (can i say FATIGUED?)

Dumbbell flies . Timed. 2 min. I hit 50.

Stair jumps. The flight of stairs to the gym, missing one stair, and two if i could. 5 sets.

Cable rows. 2 sets.
Then one set alternating with a torso twist, timed, 2 min

Kettlebell burpees (what the!!)
Sprints
Kettlebell swings.
Sprints
Russian twists on fitball with kettlebell
Straight arm tricep extensions on fitball

Core work with fitball

Box jumps

Wall sit and streetch

When i finished, he laughed and told me I was no fun. That I was getting too fit and he'd need to start working harder to smash me. Loved that!

My training is a gift. I felt fit, strong, alive.






So alive, that i decided to finish it off with a run when i got home. As i told CoachRell before i went it was time to run until my body ached and my heart felt free.

I ran. No gps. No hrm. No time or distance expectations.

It was hard. My legs were smashed from pt. It was ugly.
But i felt free.

For a little while at least my heart didn't ache at all.

The weight loss, the smaller dress sizes, the health benefits ... They are great.

But the ability to run until my heart is free, to train until I feel strong again ... That is a priceless gift

Xxx

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Struggle street

Some days are tough.
Today was very very tough.
I could easily have fallen totally apart. Easily.

But today I'm proud.
Instead of sitting at home crying, or reverting to bad habits, I went to the gym, and lifted heavy things.

OK it wasn't the greatest workout.
But it felt good.

I'll be ok guys. Today is just a day to feel sad.
But at least I feel strong too.

Overcoming adversity ?? ;)

Problem with losing weight? Pants getting too big and slipping down randomly during a run or squat track!!

Solution??

Wonder woman undies?? ( cause that's how I feel!)




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Round 3 blogging challenge - Number 2. A picture of health?

Firstly - I'm sorry this second challenge is late! Don't put it off blogger! Its gonna be a big week! Two challenges to catch up - here is the first!

Secondly ... OH MY!!! 82 submissions to week one! You blow me away! I am doing my best to read them all - and I will! (the public ones anyway!)

So ... onto week two!

And if you haven't read week one's blogs - check it out HERE!! Be inspired!!

Michelle Bridges has often said "If you don't make time for healthy living now - make sure you make time for illness later"


I know she's not the original source (and I will endeavour to find it) , but this leaves me to my next blogging challenge.

Often at this stage on the forums we have two very distinct groups. One is up and at em. Enthused. Ready to go. One in all in. Two, three classes a day and running and cycling to.

Then you have those, who are struggling just to get started. And that first group is very very overwhelming to them.


And a lot of us are somewhere in between.
And that is normal. We all have different visions of health. Maybe health to you is running two marathons a year (not to me!)
Maybe it is keeping up with your kids.
Maybe it is being able to go for a jog Sunday mornings, or knowing you have the strength to dig and play in your garden.

I'm asking you to paint me a picture.


What is (to you) a picture of health?
What is health?

I'm a nurse. Shoot me. This interests me! But the varied responses from week one had me thinking. And wondering.

I'm not after a textbook answer. Paint me picture. Paint yourself a picture. Give yourself something to be inspired by.

Week two is health

Write your blog. Link it below! Have fun! Get real! Be honest!

Stand your ground 2.

Yesterday I took a powerful step forward in my journey.

Yesterday I shared a space with an amazing group of women, and Emma of Emazon Chronicles.

Yesterday I attended Stand your ground 2.

For those of you reading because you want to know more about Emazon, what happens, and what I thought of it - I am sorry. This is an experience you can't blog. Some things I may write about later, as they unfold, and as they apply to my life at the time ... but I cannot tell you about this. You need to experience it, on your level, as you are ready to at the time.

I can tell you this. It was a whole world apart from what I experienced in Stand your ground 1. Stand your ground 1 came at a time of hurt for me. I had been using this hurt as a way of avoiding taking tough steps and being strong. I was using family illnesses, and life happenings and avoiding doing what needed to be done in my life and my training.

Just under a week before stand your ground 1 life jumped in and forced me to be tough. I was not given a choice. I had to be strong for another, at one of the most tragic times of her life. That night I was forced to be mentally, physically and emotionally tough. It stripped me raw, but showed me who I could be.

Stand your ground one came later that week. It was the first time in months I was strong because I chose to be. Not because life forced me to be.

It was overwhelming. It stripped me raw.

This photo was taken that day. In it, I see a whole world of hurt unleashed. It is a photo that scares me - but symbolises that day for me. I was releasing the hurt, and deciding, no matter what life threw at me I was strong, and I was taking control.

It was when I began to Stand my ground.

Yesterday no photos were taken during the group session.
Just the one at the end.
And although no photos were taken, I don't think you would have seen that look on my face yesterday.

Yesterday I realised how far my journey has come in a few short months.
I know the steps I have been taking are the right ones.
I know that the way I perceive myself, and the way I measure my success have changed forever.
I am not, and never will be measured by a number.

Yesterday I felt strong.
I felt focussed.
I was working on my terms, in my time.
Emma had the lessons, but my learning ... it was up to me.

If a photo was taken yesterday I feel it would have shown REAL strength. Focus. Determination. Pride. And knowing.
Knowing that this is my path, and it is as it should be.

Yesterday was a gift.
I came home with bruises on my knuckles, and my heart singing.

Last night ... last night my body told me to sleep ... and I did. Solidly and soundly.
My mind needed time to solidify all I had learned, and confirmed yesterday.

Today - today I know longer feel like singing and dancing.
Today I woke with a peace. I woke feeling grounded. I woke feeling strong.
I woke feeling I know my way forward, and I am not going back.

Emma - you helped me realise a gift.
Thank you.

Just run

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Day 2 . Lean and strong. Or don't let the meatheads win

Today started by me getting a virtual butt kicking from the twitter crew and diving into the fitness test.

My run was good. Definately feeling tired in the legs from Sunday. 1km done in 5min 37. So much faster than I used to be but plenty of room to improve! This puts me in intermediate for the run ... Just outside of advanced. I reckon I would have squeaked into advanced if there wasn't a stick in the middle of the path resulting in a turned ankle :(

Next up was step with a friend and new 12wbt'er. I know lean and strong should mean limiting cardio ... But I'm not in it for any awards. I'm happy to keep some cardio in for fun.

After step I wanted to hit the weights room, and smash up lean & strong weights. But enter the macho gym monkey and my temporary loss of confidence.

You know the type ... Load up every piece of equipment with weight but can't be bothered to put it away, use lots of equipment at once and hate working in, lifts stupid high weights often with poor form, and just make me feel intimidated.

So, I'm sorry to say but I went home.

Not the end of the story of course though. Some soul searching, some twitter therapy, and I went back. As much as anyone I deserve to be there.




And I won through. It was a much better time to go. Much quieter, better staff on. Win all round.

And I smashed out those weights. My legs are strong. Upped most of the weight recommendations above the max in the program.

Today was a good day.

Now home with my family to stretch, and early to bed.

Hit it hard in training ... But taking time to rejuvinate too.



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Round 3 bloggers challenge - week 1. My response!

If I'm going to set a challenge - probably a good idea if I complete it too!

My answers to the first 12wbt blogging challenge of round three!

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.
Happy. Family focussed. A lifetime learner. Passionate - especially about health now I have some. Lover of good music, live theatre, great books. Loyal to a fault, but I have a temper too!My family is my world.

2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??
Definately a repeat offender - or lifetime member perhaps. My first round was about saving my life. My second about learning to run. I didn't know it at the time but my third round was about overcoming all obstacles. Life threw hurdle after hurdle at me.

My fourth round (this round) - it's lean and strong baby! Weight loss is no longer the focus (but a nice sideline!) Really - it's about overcoming and smashing through my comfort zone. This is the round I learn to not be scared and to have adventures!

3. Why do you blog??
I blog, firstly - to keep myself accountable. In order to blog I have to get out there and DO something first. A blog about nothing is pretty boring really.

I blog because I believe in this program! I want to share it with the world. Since singing it's praises from the rooftops doesn't always work - I blog instead

And I blog - because one day I want to show my little girl that sometimes things that don't come easy are worth fighting for. I want her to know that I fought with all I had to be fit, strong, and healthy for her , to set her a good example, and to give us a life that's fun and full!

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)
My mum. She is strong. Stronger than she thinks. She is organised and efficient. She says yes way too often at times ... but she is learning balance I think. She loves us kids heart and soul ... and she is my biggest supporter. She has always believed in me, always told me I'm beautiful.
She is amazing. (and I'm not the only one that says so)

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?
My family. My girl. I adore her. Good coffee. The sun on a warm spring day. The feeling I get on a REALLY good run. Being surrounded by people who love me.

6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?
Overcoming my fear of meatheads in the weights area at my gym!

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?
That I am about to see more lives transformed! And this time - I am seeing local lives changing! My little country town has a local group - and we are going to rock!

8. And what scares the pants off you?
Every time I have to do something new I get terrified. But I'm learning to barrel on through. Fear just means you are on the edge of something huge!

9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words
Passionate! It invigorates me. It empowers me. It is my therapy, my strength and my joy!

10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling ____________________
STRONG. I am going to feel like a champion! Healthy in all areas. Fit. Toned. Living the life I should be and deserve to. And like a woman of my word!

Round 3 Bloggers Challenge! Let's go!!

Once again I am hosting a 12wbt.com bloggers challenge on courage2start.

This time I'm actually organised! Expect a new topic every week - usually on the weekend depending on my work schedule.

This week's topic is an easy one. I've designed it to be be quick to do, and give everyone a chance to get involved.

Sooooo topic number one ... is INTRODUCE YOURSELF!

Copy the following questions to your blog. Answer them. Help us to get to know our fellow bloggers and what you really think of 12wbt!

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.

2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??

3. Why do you blog??

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?

6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?

8. And what scares the pants off you?

9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words

10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling ____________________

When you have finished your week on blogging challenge lick on the add your blog button below. You can then link your entry directly below this post so others can read it too

And we have KICK OFF!

Yesterday was day one Round 3 for 12wbt.com.

The beginnng of the next part of my journey!

Honestly - it wasn't nervewracking, or filled with excitement. It was just the next step. It was continuing what has become a new way of life.

BUT - there was some trepidation in the air.

Yesterday was also the first day of Lean and Strong for me.

This round is less about weight loss, more about strength, empowerment, and muscle definition.

And I am scared.

You see - I don't like the "grown up" weights area. I like my little ladies only gym with no big hulking gym monkeys hanging about and leaving ridiculous amounts of weight on the equipment.

And I love my cardio. I get a real high from a great class. Or a big run.

But I am going to do it.

Even though my comfort zone is going to get smashed to pieces.

Day one was a success.

I swapped my days and did biceps, back and chest. Legs needed a break from Bridge to Brissy.

It wasn't bad.

I was able to go heavy on all my weights. And I managed to fit it in while Miss 6 was at Gecko Kids so we both won.

Then I went back to zumba and did MOST of the class. My head and heart weren't in it. The 3am Bridge to Brissy start caught up on me.

The food - was delicious. Focusing on protein at snacks really helped the hunger.

I'm calling day one a success. But what made it most amazing, was looking at the excitement of all those new to 12wbt this round! I love it causeI know their life is about to change big! How much fun is that!

Bridge to Brisbane

Yesterday was a day I have waited forever for.

Yeserday was Bridge to Brisbane
You see - my entire married life I have told my husband I am going to run that run"next year".

Well yesterday "next year"came, and it was awesome.

The day started early. Stupid o'clock early.

Yep - the car clock confirms it - 3:53 am - and that is after time to dres and have breakfast. Stupid early.

I must say Saturday had me worried about the weather - I though for sure the wind would throw me off the bridge!
But apart from being kind of freezing at the start - Sunday was calm, and kind of awesome for running.
The start of Bridge to Brisbane is a killer. Uphill. 5.5% incline up the gateway. It seems to go forever.

I had been dreading it.

But you know what? It felt good. I've been hunting down long hills at home - maybe it helped.



Who knows - but the sea of people sure helped! I didn't have time to worry about feeling tired or hurting. I just absorbed the atmosphere and kept pushing uphill. About 2/3 of the way up I was shocked to realise I was maintaining under 6min 30/km pace. So I used my trusty garmin to make sure I kept pushing it uphill! I felt on top of the world!




The uphill felt good - but the downhill felt better. I just went with the flow and ran. Several times I checked my garmin and I was well UNDER 6min/km pace! That is unheard of for me! I just do not run that fast. It doesn't happen.

I was really tempted to slow myself down - how many times do we hear not to go out hard in the early stages of a fun run? But - my heart rate was managable. I felt fine. I had no pain. My legs were good. I think about then is when I decided to take a crack at this and see how close to 1 hr I could get.

Km 1, 2 and 3 were great. They were over before I knew! At 3km mark it was hilarious to the stream of people heading off to the loos! I mean - we only just started!

I was stll running faster and smoother than I thought possible. Lap 1 (uphill) was a 6"30 km. Lap 2 was 5"44! And lap 3 was 5"48. I think I need to push myself harder in training.

By lap 4 I started wondering if I stood any chance of breaking 30min for 5km for the frst time ever. I thought this goal was a year away at least! I pushed hard ... and got under that 30 min mark! Another sub 6min km lap!

I couldn't believe we were up to 5k and I still felt so strong.

This is where I started struggling to maintain a sub 6min pace.

I really began focussing on my stride, and checking my garmin to bring it down under that 6min/km pace as often as I could.

Km 7 I started tiring - but just a little. I knew we had another big hill at the 8km mark, coming out of the inner city bypass. I had it in my head that I just had to survive that hill, and the rest of the run would be sheer adrenaline to get me to the finish line.

Running through the tunnel of the bypass was not as much fun as I imagined it would be. I think it was that everyone broke into a mad sprint and I really didn't want to stack it at that stage! Or maybe it was the reality of seeing that hill at the 8k mark appear. It may be only 300m long (apparently) but it sure felt long.

That hill was a struggle. I was still trying to push my pace, and I think I should have eased off a bit more. It really took a lot out of me.

The top of the hill was like heaven! Two km to go! I couldn't wait!

These last two km were hard. My legs were tiring but I was so determined. I was still running smoothly though - the improvements in my fitness amazed me.

The entry into the RNA grounds was hilarious. You run through a narrow tunnel and everyone started sprinting for the finish. It reminded me of a friend's story of when he took part in the Running with the bulls!

Crossing that finish line was sheer jubilation!! I knew I was close to that hour - and I knew I had a pb. But most of all - I had pushed myself way beyond my limits and my expectations. This course is crowded (40,000+) and hilly. You aren't MEANT to get a good time and I SMASHED IT!

Finding hubby afterwards was awesome. He ran better than he imagined too. About 41min. But the best thing was we did something I always dreamt of - and we did it together.

And I got to meet some of my fave 12wbt peeps afterwards too!

When a run is good - you feel like a rockstar! I sure felt like one this time!!

It's been almost a year since I began this journey. A journey that began with me taking in excess of 8min to cover 1km, and stopping many times.

Bridge to Brisbane brought tears to me eyes. Who knew just how far you could come in a year if you tried?

Oh - and official time is in. 1:01:03. Not quite under the hour ... but oh so close!

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Insanity!

Alarms set! See you after bridge to Brisbane tomorrow!!

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Preseason task # 6 kitchen makeover

Maybe this is why I need to keep doing 12wbt.
Preseason task #6 means at least once every 3 months my fridge, pantry and freezer get cleaned out and sorted.

This round it wasn't really about throwing out bad food. The non12wbt food in this house consisted entirely of two mini packets of tiny teddies. Miss E shares a packet occasionally with two or three friends on ballet days. Not am issue. I don't eat them. Once they are gone they won't be replaced.

The issue was with making sure our fridge was organised and nothing was getting "lost" , going off or getting wasted.

Oh and getting rid of those UFO's ... Unidentified food objects :) . You know ... The science experiments of the house.

Oh and I had a brainstorm. Food rots in our vege crisper. I always forget it's there! So ... i've rehomed all our jars, jams, sauces etc in the vege crisper ...



And have put our fresh produce in the fridge door so it is always the first thing I see, and not getting lost in the depths of the fridge,

Im very interested to see how this works.

So far, so very very good.
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One year

Facebook reminded me.

It was one year since this before photo was taken.

I was on my way to a concert for Miss 6. I thought I looked pretty good.

I joined up 12wbt at the last moment, dove into my preseason tasks, and my journey began.

One year.

Where are you going to be one year from today?
What are your before and after's going to be?

You still have time.

Your journey can begin today!

12wbt.com

Just Breathe

Photo by Shawn Rossi

I'm going to tell you the truth.
When the first week of round three's exercise programs were revealed, I felt overwhelmed.
I felt stressed, anxious ... and like i was totally out of my depth.
I didn't think I could do this.

But then I stopped.
I have come so far.
And it seems, if I don't think and don't worry , my body is pretty capable of doing pretty much anything.

So I stopped, paused ... and took time to breathe.

I went through the program one workout, one exercise at a time.
Each exercise I checked. Can I do it? Do I know how? Do we have the equipment?
If the answer to any of these was no I checked Mish's instructions and watched her video links.
9 times out of 10 this calmed my fears.

The last three exercises that I had no clue on, I rocked up to my gym.
I felt silly asking them ... But common sense told me I AM PAYING THEM GOOD MONEY! And this is what they are for!

So - yes it took time - but I know what I am doing in theory.

Now I just need to do it in practise.

Will it all come together perfectly? Probably not. But doing something is better than doing nothing.

Right now I'm sure most 12wbt ers are overwhelmed. Somehow the wait to start is harder than actually doing it.

But stop. Breathe. Use the resources available to you. Ask on the forums. And give it a go.
Don't let paralysis by analysis stop you.

Change is just around the corner.

Truth

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If you run, want to run, or try to run READ THIS

Today it is raining. Thankfully ... The new edition of runner's world came in the mail which makes it the perfect day to curl up, drink a coffee and get a few minutes of inspiration.

I read a question and answer in the "ask miles" section that brought tears to my eyes.

If you are a runner, a plodder, or want to run please take the time to read this!

Dear miles
I'm new to running. Why do so many runners dislike being called joggers. David b.

Answer
Jogging implies that you lack passion and commitment, that you're out there on the road in $200 running shoes simply for show that you could take running or leave it ( and often do leave it). Ask any runner, and he or she will tell yiu that we run with passion, we run to push our limits, and to live healthier lives, we run races not because we think we will win but to be members of a larger community. Most important, whether we clock 3-minute or 7-minute kilometres, we don't jog -we run.

October 2011 runner's world


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Wenesday I ran

Wednesday was a beautiful day.

It was also very very busy.

Somehow I forced myself to find a few spare minutes in the day.
My heart had to run.
It was meant to be easy.
But I went a little harder and it felt awesome.
4km in just over 25min.




By the final km I felt great so I pushed it hard home. My last km average pace was 6:02:13 a km. SO much faster than I normally run! I felt like a rockstar! So glad I ran. So glad I pushed the pace. Some days this running caper is just the very best fun!











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Letting you in on a secret

Even now ... one year on .. some days are hard.
Yesterday for example. Yesterday I wanted chocolate bad. No idea why ... I just wanted it.
And I'm not talking the small controlled have a few squares and get on with it craving.
I wanted it in bulk.

Yesterday I got to my favourite class - step.
And my heart wasn't in it.

Yesterday I was lucky to get one on one time for free with the pilates instructor to help with my core and stretching - and I was full of the I can'ts.

Last week I was 100% fully decided I hated running and was going to give it up.
Serious.
It didn't feel fun and I didn't feel good enough.

And we won't even talk about my blasted plateau.

But you can't give in.
You are going to have days like that.
Heck - you might sometimes have weeks like that.

All I did was follow the motions.
I still ate well.
I counted my calories.
I went through the motions at training, turned up and gave my all.
I just did what Mish tells me to - no more no less.

And then you get days like today. Days when the sun comes out.
Days when your heart feels free!!

Today is a good day!
Today I ran.
Today I ate well.
Today I was busy and productive and although I'm still not caught up with life I'm on my way.

But most of all I am proud I didn't give in.
Some days you are going to feel down.

These are the days that test us ...
But these are the days that show how far we have come

Size 10 jeans baby!!

OK - they are target which is definately generous in it's sizing.

And yes - I can still see plenty of areas I can tone up ...

But let's celebrate!!

This time last year my target 18's were TOO SMALL!!! (which I guess made me a 20 but I wouldn't admit it!)

SIZE 10 JEANS BABY!!!!!

Monday done and dusted!

Our gym doesn't have pump ... But it does have group power.

I haven't been for a while ... The time of day made it hard to get there over winter with miss 6 ... But today the gorgeous spring weather made it easier.

I trained hard, lifted heavy in squats, lunges, and shoulders... And am feeling it now!

What I really loved was catching up with three other local 12wbt girls at the same time!

It is amazing me how much my body is changing ... I may not be losing weight, but I am looking stronger.

I followed up Group Power with zumba.

Love to do this to start a week! Zumba on Monday doesn't even feel like exercise ... Some time I even feel co ordinated now days!

Sss ... Run time!

Today is father's day! Happy father's day to my amazing dad. One of my fondest memories is seeing him demonstrate trampoline tricks to my daughter last year ... In his 60s! That's how i want to live my life - fit, agile and full of life!!

Happy father's day also to miss e's dad. You rock. You are the king of quality time with her ... She and you always seem to be having adventures. And because of you - fit, healthy, active is what she knows! Happy father's day!

Anyway ... Onto my run. Today is my SSS. In this case it's a super sunday session since saturday was my rest day. I had no plans ... Just knew I wanted to find some hills. No idea on distance. No idea on time.

Right from the start the run felt good. Really good. During the first 3 k I was running a lot faster than I expected. And it felt so strong. I found a new route and was really enjoying the change. Their was still enough cool breeze to make it pleasant. It was great.

Then I went hill hunting. And I found me some good ones.
One question I have is, why do photos of hills always make them seem less steep than the reality?
I'll admit it. This hill beat me. I walked up the last steepest section. But that's ok. Now I have a new challenge. Watch me push hard all the way up in week four!




Right up to 7 k it felt awesome. I thought I could run forever. And then the headwind hit.
But I got through, despite an ever tightening right hamstring. And a twist tp my ankle at the end.
And I felt on top of the world!

It aint pretty ... But if you're still pretty at the end you didn't try hard enough!



My garmin ripped me off 10m! I swear it was 10km! Either way I'm claiming it.

The overall pace is a bit slower, but I'm ok with that. It was a much harder route ... And did I mention those hills??

Bridge to Brisbane .. I feel a whole lot better now! I might be almost ready for you!



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Father's day breakfast ... By miss 6

For those starting 12wbt next week , and worried about the food being boring or missing out ... Do not fear!

Miss 6 made pancakes for daddy's fathers day breakfast this morning!

The only adaptation we made was to use gluten free flour as daddy is coeliac.
Oh and Miss 6 put toppings on of here choosing.

12wbt buttermilk pancakes! So yum!
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My Commitment - Preseason task #5

Hand on my heart, golden handshake, say it out loud.
This is my commitment to Round 3 , 2011.

To My husband, my family, to Mish and most importantly to me...

This round ... I am going to live with intensity and integrity.

I will follow the plan with integrity. I will eat clean, whole foods that nourish my body. I will train as the plan. I will trust Mish and follow her lean and strong program. I will listen to every video, do every task, give what it takes to follow her program honestly.

Beyond this though - I promise to live this round with INTENSITY

In this round Mish I promise to live with INTENSITY
When I train, I will train hard.
I will push beyond barriers.
I will try things that scare and challenge me.
I will leave nothing in the tank.
I will not say NO or I CAN'T during a session.
I will let myself suprise me.
I will dream bigger than I imagined possible.
I will open my heart, and share triumphs and struggles on the forum with passion.
I will leave myself vulnerable and open to failure - so I can also leave myself open to succeed beyone my wildest dreams
I will lift hard, run long, strive to succeed.
And also take time to rest.
I will live life loud, so at the end I can say no regrets.
AndI will do Mish and 12wbt.com proud.

Inspiration from the forums: What I'm doing different this round.

Megalicious asked on the returning members sub forum on http://www.12wbt.com/

Ok so we have completed a round, and come back for more. I asked myself this question, what are you doing different this round to achieve your goals.

I answered there ... but I thought it was such a good question I wanted to blog about it too.
This is my fourth round of 12wbt.com - but every round has been different. Every round I have focussed on something new ... and met new challenges.

Right now - as I start round four - I am generally happy with my size (still a little to lose but a long way from where I was). My fitness suprises me all the time with what I am capable of. And my mindset is pretty good too.

So this round - definately has a different focus to other rounds where I was challenged just to get up and train, or try new ways of eating.

In this round 3 2011, the five things I will be doing differently are

1. I am doing lean and strong this round, a big mindset change


2. I’m utilising PT this round to help push me beyond those I cants in my head


3. I’m working on getting local events happening in this round and trying to pay it forward


4. I’m tightening up even more on my eating and trying to choose consciously and mindfully. ( not just having wht i want for snack cause it fits in my 100 cal but choosing protein, carbs etc by my body’s needs at the time)


5. I am focussing on total health, not just cardio to try to lose weight faster. In particular I am committing to give real time to my core and to stretching. I have already committed to stretching every single night before bed. Up to day 3 already!

Great question Megalicious! Thanks for making me think!

FINALLY a decent run!

Yesterday I woke up, and knew I would run.
I had PT booked in the park ... but have decided to drop this to one session a week. It's getting too hard to find time for everything I wanted to do.

And my heart wanted to run.
Lately all my runs feel like a struggle. But spring brought a beautiful day ... and I was ready. And with a little over a week till Bridge to Brisbane I needed the run more than PT

And it was a great run. 5km complete. I could have kept going ... but occasionally you have to do housework!
I was really thrilled with my pace. Back under 6"30/km pace, and that was even after hunting down hills.

Oh and check it out .. Paul bought me a new toy to help me time my pace, distance etc on my runs! My new Garmin!






It was warm. I was sweating. And I felt awesome. It was one of those runs that bring joy to your heart!




My first run of spring and it was a beauty!

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I think my PT is trying to break me ...

I think my gym pt is trying to push me until I say no.

But I'm not going too.

The way I think of PT is if I want to go easy on myself, I could go easy on me for free.
If I'm going to pay a PT ... Then I expect him to smash me.

And smash me he did.

Honestly ... When i went to the gym yesterday I was NOT in the mood to train hard,
I had finished a long shift, and was just exhausted. Nothing was working to regain my energy, but I had committed.

So I went.

Warmup xtrainer
Treadmill 10k/hr

Then he decided to get started.

Latpull downs
Chest press
Both heavier than I ever imagined possible.
Sometimes I did the move independantly, sometimes he loaded it up and helped me with the down movement so i could focus on the return.


Leg press 120kg. Not as heavy as last week but more reps and deeper.

Every set I struggled. And every set when I finished he would ask how that was. "hard but fun" was my standard answer! I might struggle ... But it is SO empowering!

Then he told me it was time for fun :) Never trust a trainer's idea of fun.

Circuit x 3
Over the fence jump
Stairs
Pushups
Stairs
Tricep dips
Stairs
Squat jumps on step
Stairs
Star jumps
Stairs
Squats with 10kg dumbbell elbows to knees
Stairs
Triceps with dumbells
Stairs
Burpees
Stairs.

And yep ... This was repeated 3 times!

Final blast
X trainer.
Easy on 8 for 1 min.
Hard and fast on 10 for 30 sec. Has to hit 150 ( got up to 170!!)
Repeat 5 times!

By the end of the session my grumps were finally gone. I felt alive!! I could do it all again! Way to blow the cobwebs away.

We had a chat about my goals and plans after. He reckons I'm well on my way. In his words ... "Christmas could be looking very nice for you missus"

One more week till round three starts.

I. Cannot. Wait.

Bring on lean and strong!! Ready for you!




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Some days you just have to take what life throws at you ...

Tuesday morning I turned up to the gym ready for GroupStep.
It's an awesome class that leaves me invigorated, burns a lot of calories and is FUN.

I was pumped! What a great way to train on a Tuesday morning.

Till I turn up to the gym and the instructor tells me StepGirl is sick. And Step is off.

Bummer.
My invigorating workout gone - I had visions of bashing it out on the stupid treadmill AGAIN. Not happy.

Then he tells me ... instead of step ... I'm running Boxing.
Cool!



Boxing is a class that never seems to fit with my life at my gym.
It's never on a day that suits.
Or for some reason I talk myself out of it.

I was pumped! No excuses. After all I was already there! Ready to train!

And train we did! Skipping, pushups, burpees, mountain climbers, squats, stair runs ... oh and we punched stuff too!

450Cal in an hour and sweat was POURING off me!

I'm sorry Sweatgirl was sick ... but BoxingBoy might have given me a taste of a new way of training that I love!

Think I'll go see if I can fit a class into my week!