Well I survived week one of the pushup challenge - well no problems really. But week two looks a little harder, and I think the real challenge will come in week three. This is when it is really stepped up. I have had to change my push up days to match my weight training days – as I found that my chest and shoulders were not getting any rest. So I will “push up” first, then following through with my weights all in one session.
I have just finished reading The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl, and although part of me is well past the whole dieting thing – I did really relate to a whole range of things in this. Like the need to ditch weight watchers at some stage and stop relying on this sort of external crutch, the transition in focus from numbers on a scale to achievements in fitness, the joy in seeing your body adapt to all sorts of new challenges, the struggle in learning to run, but the enormous sense of achievement from it, and the awakening of inner self and learning what I am all about/who I am! Shauna did a wonderful job of writing it – I’m not much of a non-fiction reader, but I read the whole thing in about 4 or 5 days as it was written in a wonderfully entertaining way. I would thoroughly recommend it.
I’ve had two sessions on the elliptical now – using cardiocoach. I’m once again reminded of what a fab program this is and how good the elliptical is when you are injured. My calf is recovering well, and Wednesday I plan a return to combat – but low impact options only. Once I came up with this option, I thought to invite a friend who has recently joined the gym. Classes are very daunting at first, but if you have someone who will go with you, and more importantly is willing to do the low level stuff with you so that you are not worried about looking out of place – it must be easier. Right? Anyway – she said yes, so that’s good.
The “threat thing” has raised some interesting comments, which I may expand again on later, but I am also planning another thought provoking blurb about another aspect of the impact of weight loss – so stay tuned.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Week One Day Two
Well - my next effort on the push up challenge was fine - although my arms are quite sore - and I can't ever imagine doing all these pushups consecutively
Todays effort
Scheduled: 5 sets of 12, 12, 10, 10, max reps (min of 10) with 60secs rest
I achieved - 12, 12, 10, 10 and 21 - total pushups for the day - 65
I've also been "playing" at the gym - don't know that I could actually call it exercise.
As I am know able to walk pain free - I tried the treadmill tonight - managed to walk at 4.5kms/hr for all of 10 mins - feeling like an absolute fraud - you know, one of those people who go to the gym but don't really exercise!
Anyway - also managed to spend some time on the elliptical (Level 1 - no resistance) and checked my HR every now and then - but couldn't get it over 100.
So the only exercise I've been able to do that gets me huffing and puffing is rowing. An interesting cardio activity because I find it really hard to do over any length of time. So I have been racing myself. How fast can I row 1 km? I've only had 3 time trials - and so far my best effort is 3mins 58secs. This is probably a woeful effort - but I have nothing to compare it to, but myself. What I do know is that I am going all out/as fast as I can, and am extremely puffed at the end. Hey, if I intersperce (cant spell that tonight) it with lazy lumbering on the treadmill - I could almost be interval training - LOL I do love watching the metres fall away as I race as hard as a I can, and watching my 250 m splits to see if I'm going to "win". Oh have I ever mentioned I'm somewhat competitive???
Todays effort
Scheduled: 5 sets of 12, 12, 10, 10, max reps (min of 10) with 60secs rest
I achieved - 12, 12, 10, 10 and 21 - total pushups for the day - 65
I've also been "playing" at the gym - don't know that I could actually call it exercise.
As I am know able to walk pain free - I tried the treadmill tonight - managed to walk at 4.5kms/hr for all of 10 mins - feeling like an absolute fraud - you know, one of those people who go to the gym but don't really exercise!
Anyway - also managed to spend some time on the elliptical (Level 1 - no resistance) and checked my HR every now and then - but couldn't get it over 100.
So the only exercise I've been able to do that gets me huffing and puffing is rowing. An interesting cardio activity because I find it really hard to do over any length of time. So I have been racing myself. How fast can I row 1 km? I've only had 3 time trials - and so far my best effort is 3mins 58secs. This is probably a woeful effort - but I have nothing to compare it to, but myself. What I do know is that I am going all out/as fast as I can, and am extremely puffed at the end. Hey, if I intersperce (cant spell that tonight) it with lazy lumbering on the treadmill - I could almost be interval training - LOL I do love watching the metres fall away as I race as hard as a I can, and watching my 250 m splits to see if I'm going to "win". Oh have I ever mentioned I'm somewhat competitive???
Monday, July 21, 2008
"The Threat" thing
Thanks Em for raising the concept of "the threat" after reading my last post.
Yes, yes, yes - I know exactly what you mean. This is a new issue to contend with. Actually for me its the remembering of an old issue - I experienced this when I was younger (and thinner) but had forgotten that it existed. Men seem more happy to talk to me these days - and women less so than they used to. Of course, with my new found confidence I am proud to wear clothes that show off my figure, and this doesn't always go down so well with my female counterparts. I'm always careful to do a"trash check" ie - am I showing too much (in my case any) cleavage, is my skirt too short, is my clothing too suggestive etc, but even with all of that in mind - I still get that sort of reaction from some women. The other thing is that jealousy has raised its head in our relationship - I was very surprised by this at first - thinking it had never been a problem for us - except that I eventually remembered that it was an issue before we were married - once again when I was thinner.
So what does this say about how society views relationships with overweight people vs normal weight people? Does it say that the potential for relationships are shallowly judged by appearance, with no regard for the personality of the individual? Or - to stretch the thinking - how much of this is influenced by how confidently people act and how confident they are with their shape and fitness and body image - could this be projected enough to others that it wouldn't actually matter what shape you are, but its your comfort level with it that conveys a level of attractiveness??? I dont know. Are there are aspects that contribute to this? Lots of food for thought...
Yes, yes, yes - I know exactly what you mean. This is a new issue to contend with. Actually for me its the remembering of an old issue - I experienced this when I was younger (and thinner) but had forgotten that it existed. Men seem more happy to talk to me these days - and women less so than they used to. Of course, with my new found confidence I am proud to wear clothes that show off my figure, and this doesn't always go down so well with my female counterparts. I'm always careful to do a"trash check" ie - am I showing too much (in my case any) cleavage, is my skirt too short, is my clothing too suggestive etc, but even with all of that in mind - I still get that sort of reaction from some women. The other thing is that jealousy has raised its head in our relationship - I was very surprised by this at first - thinking it had never been a problem for us - except that I eventually remembered that it was an issue before we were married - once again when I was thinner.
So what does this say about how society views relationships with overweight people vs normal weight people? Does it say that the potential for relationships are shallowly judged by appearance, with no regard for the personality of the individual? Or - to stretch the thinking - how much of this is influenced by how confidently people act and how confident they are with their shape and fitness and body image - could this be projected enough to others that it wouldn't actually matter what shape you are, but its your comfort level with it that conveys a level of attractiveness??? I dont know. Are there are aspects that contribute to this? Lots of food for thought...
Week One, Day One
Here's the update on my first day of the hundred pushup challenge.
My baseline test was a maximum of 21 consecutive pushups, so my sets/reps for today were as follows
1 - 10 pushups
2- 10 pushups
3 - 8 pushups
4 - 6 pushups
5 - max pushups able (minimum of 7)
with 60 secs rest between sets
I achieved sets 1 - 4 ok although I was feeling a little sore from my weight training the day before. Not sure how I'd go with set 5. However yesterday obviously really wasn't my maximum as I managed to push out another 22 pushups in a row - after doing 34 over the previous 4 sets! (Thats a total of 56 pushups for those who are mathematically challenged!)
Bring on the rest of the challenge! (Although I am a little sore - don't know whether its the pushups or the workout from yesterday)
My baseline test was a maximum of 21 consecutive pushups, so my sets/reps for today were as follows
1 - 10 pushups
2- 10 pushups
3 - 8 pushups
4 - 6 pushups
5 - max pushups able (minimum of 7)
with 60 secs rest between sets
I achieved sets 1 - 4 ok although I was feeling a little sore from my weight training the day before. Not sure how I'd go with set 5. However yesterday obviously really wasn't my maximum as I managed to push out another 22 pushups in a row - after doing 34 over the previous 4 sets! (Thats a total of 56 pushups for those who are mathematically challenged!)
Bring on the rest of the challenge! (Although I am a little sore - don't know whether its the pushups or the workout from yesterday)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Now I'm Fit and Fab...
I know I know - 3 posts from me in one day is enough to make your head spin....
I've been thinking for some time about writing about the impact losing weight and becoming fit has had on a range of aspects of my life - and they are not all positive.
Many people will relate I'm sure, when I talk about the fact that after my "transformation" I not only look different, but I act differently. I eat differently, I exercise regularly, I have different interests and some would say - obsessions. I am possibly more confident and outgoing - and because of my increased energy - engage in a lot more outdoory types of things. I also have more interest in clothes, gym and fitness gear, makeup and going out. My husband however, finds some of this a bit difficult. Whilst he appreciates "the improvements", he is having to learn to live with someone who has changed in many ways. I feel like I'm still the same old person (just released from some of my hindrances), but he sees many of my actions as new. (Actually I'm pretty similar to how we were when we got married - but that was a long time ago to remember). He also finds that he is more insecure about our relationship - worried that I will want to "trade him up" for a newer and better model.
I'm interested to know if others have had similar experiences, where the positive changes they have made in their health and fitness - have had negative affects on their relationships. So how has it affected you?
I've been thinking for some time about writing about the impact losing weight and becoming fit has had on a range of aspects of my life - and they are not all positive.
Many people will relate I'm sure, when I talk about the fact that after my "transformation" I not only look different, but I act differently. I eat differently, I exercise regularly, I have different interests and some would say - obsessions. I am possibly more confident and outgoing - and because of my increased energy - engage in a lot more outdoory types of things. I also have more interest in clothes, gym and fitness gear, makeup and going out. My husband however, finds some of this a bit difficult. Whilst he appreciates "the improvements", he is having to learn to live with someone who has changed in many ways. I feel like I'm still the same old person (just released from some of my hindrances), but he sees many of my actions as new. (Actually I'm pretty similar to how we were when we got married - but that was a long time ago to remember). He also finds that he is more insecure about our relationship - worried that I will want to "trade him up" for a newer and better model.
I'm interested to know if others have had similar experiences, where the positive changes they have made in their health and fitness - have had negative affects on their relationships. So how has it affected you?
The 100 Push Up Challenge
I've come across this little/great challenge which I am going to start tomorrow.
Its a 6 week program that will see you being able to do 100 consecutive pushups.
I did the pretest - 21 consecutive pushups with good form was my max.
I've even decided to be a little crazy and buy the Tshirt that says I'm doing the challenge! I like this sort of challenge because its easy to add into your routine - and there is a sense of real achievement at the end.
Do you wanna join me? Details can be found here
Its a 6 week program that will see you being able to do 100 consecutive pushups.
I did the pretest - 21 consecutive pushups with good form was my max.
I've even decided to be a little crazy and buy the Tshirt that says I'm doing the challenge! I like this sort of challenge because its easy to add into your routine - and there is a sense of real achievement at the end.
Do you wanna join me? Details can be found here
Is Fickle Foe or Friend?
I think I've posted a few times about the scales being fickle.
I've had a few weeks of not eating so well - I've been away a lot and have just relaxed by eating and drinking and had a few extra treats - like a Ham and Cheese Croissant for breakfast (no I don't want to know how many thousand calories are in this!) and I've discovered Subways white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies (at 200 cals a pop (i've only just checked this out) and you buy them 3 for $2) this is half my daily cals in one hit! Exercise has been a little limited because of all the travelling. I knew I might have gained a little, but was ok with this, because I truly believe that eating healthily is now the norm not the exception, and a return to routine sees a return to good healthy eating habits. Of course the day I returned to "normal" I did my calf muscle in - so that's made cardio a challenge.
Anyway - earlier in the week I made myself face the music and stepped on the scales - 60.6kgs - eek - ok - how quickly can I get back to 58? Can I do it before the wedding at the beginning of August?
Well - goal achieved. I "stepped" on the scales on Friday to see 58.6, and Saturday 58.3. I've highlighted "stepped" because this is what made the scales fickle. You see earlier in the week when I stepped on - I leaned heavily to the right because of my calf injury. Friday - I realised I could weight bear much more evenly - and hey presto - 2 kg weight loss! If only we could always have the fickle scales work in our favour!
I've had a few weeks of not eating so well - I've been away a lot and have just relaxed by eating and drinking and had a few extra treats - like a Ham and Cheese Croissant for breakfast (no I don't want to know how many thousand calories are in this!) and I've discovered Subways white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies (at 200 cals a pop (i've only just checked this out) and you buy them 3 for $2) this is half my daily cals in one hit! Exercise has been a little limited because of all the travelling. I knew I might have gained a little, but was ok with this, because I truly believe that eating healthily is now the norm not the exception, and a return to routine sees a return to good healthy eating habits. Of course the day I returned to "normal" I did my calf muscle in - so that's made cardio a challenge.
Anyway - earlier in the week I made myself face the music and stepped on the scales - 60.6kgs - eek - ok - how quickly can I get back to 58? Can I do it before the wedding at the beginning of August?
Well - goal achieved. I "stepped" on the scales on Friday to see 58.6, and Saturday 58.3. I've highlighted "stepped" because this is what made the scales fickle. You see earlier in the week when I stepped on - I leaned heavily to the right because of my calf injury. Friday - I realised I could weight bear much more evenly - and hey presto - 2 kg weight loss! If only we could always have the fickle scales work in our favour!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The will to look fab
Well life's been a little grand - that is of course until Combat on Monday night when my calf went "ping" and I couldn't stand up any more! Nothing like a dramatic exit in front of lots of people...
I put ice on it immediately and have spent the last two days resting it - I can now bear weight and am concentrating on trying to get the heel back on the ground. Of course its these few days that my husband is away....
It has been somewhat frustrating exercise wise as I'd had a fairly lax couple of weeks both on the exercise and the nutrition week - and was making a concerted effort to get back on track when this happened - and being laid up and miserable is not a good recipe for great nutrition either. Nevertheless I have persevered in cleaning up my diet again. I'm going to a wedding in the Blue Mountains in three weeks and have bought a lovely slim fitting dress that I want to look fabulous in - so I need to focus on reducing any temporary bloating and being in the best shape I can.
On another note - I've been looking at Katie and LizN's new team..... and I've looked at their inspirational photos for today. They do look good - but hell - I can match that... (LOL - I've been drinking too Katie) I might do it on the quiet and see how I go (its very quiet when you publicly announce it on the internet isn't it? - well not many people actually read my blog - so I might be quite safe) Anyway - lets see who ends up the biggest....
And I may be injured - but there is always something you can do exercise wise....I've been doing bench pressing, incline abs work, seated quads work, pull ups and even one legged deadlifts.
Cardio is a real challenge at the moment - I was able to use the elliptical when I did my hamstring - but I tried this tonight and its definitely a no-go at the moment -the only thing I think I could do would be rowing (and not push with my left left calf) but I don't have a rower at home Could this be an opportunity to convince my hubby to lift the 12month ban on buying anymore fitness equipment??? - after all - I have served 7 months of my sentence.... I think I might be pushing it - but I can always ask. I spied in the sports store a few months ago a recumbent bike that converts to a rower - I don't have either of these - any one know what they are like?
I put ice on it immediately and have spent the last two days resting it - I can now bear weight and am concentrating on trying to get the heel back on the ground. Of course its these few days that my husband is away....
It has been somewhat frustrating exercise wise as I'd had a fairly lax couple of weeks both on the exercise and the nutrition week - and was making a concerted effort to get back on track when this happened - and being laid up and miserable is not a good recipe for great nutrition either. Nevertheless I have persevered in cleaning up my diet again. I'm going to a wedding in the Blue Mountains in three weeks and have bought a lovely slim fitting dress that I want to look fabulous in - so I need to focus on reducing any temporary bloating and being in the best shape I can.
On another note - I've been looking at Katie and LizN's new team..... and I've looked at their inspirational photos for today. They do look good - but hell - I can match that... (LOL - I've been drinking too Katie) I might do it on the quiet and see how I go (its very quiet when you publicly announce it on the internet isn't it? - well not many people actually read my blog - so I might be quite safe) Anyway - lets see who ends up the biggest....
And I may be injured - but there is always something you can do exercise wise....I've been doing bench pressing, incline abs work, seated quads work, pull ups and even one legged deadlifts.
Cardio is a real challenge at the moment - I was able to use the elliptical when I did my hamstring - but I tried this tonight and its definitely a no-go at the moment -the only thing I think I could do would be rowing (and not push with my left left calf) but I don't have a rower at home Could this be an opportunity to convince my hubby to lift the 12month ban on buying anymore fitness equipment??? - after all - I have served 7 months of my sentence.... I think I might be pushing it - but I can always ask. I spied in the sports store a few months ago a recumbent bike that converts to a rower - I don't have either of these - any one know what they are like?
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Motoring Along
Weight: 57.7 kgs
Waist: 72 cm
I know what you're thinking - she hasn't blogged for a while - must have fallen off the wagon....
Wrong - things have been going fine - I've just been so busy working and DOING the exercise that I haven't had time to write about it.
As you can see from my weight - it is still dropping, and so are my waist measurements, which I am really pleased about. I am back in a healthy weight range for my height (yes I'm very short) - and pretty much at the lowest weight I have been at in 20yrs. This was my initial goal weight back in 2005 and I achieved it Christmas 2006. It remained fleetingly and then I slowly returned to the low 60's where I have basically been ever since. The really exciting thing is that I have been weight training for approx 2 yrs now, and whilst I am at the same weight as I was 18 months ago - my waist is 6 cms smaller! I good sign of how I have changed shape. I have new track pants on today (black shiny, no stretch fabric) and they are a little too loose in the waist and a fraction tight over my right thigh - just how they should be if I've been doing everything right! (well symmetry of the thighs would be better)
Weight loss challenge
The weight loss challenge has finished - and I lost 6.5 kgs over the 12 weeks. Its not a rapid loss but exactly what I think it should have been - anything more than 500gms/week suggests I would be losing muscle as well as fat - and I certainly don't want that. The team lost about 45 kgs overall, and we came second in the competition. I really did want the first prize of a trip to Queensland, but oh well, I guess 6 months free membership to the gym will have to do. As you know the challenge wasn't really about me losing weight - but encouraging my workmates to do so, and two of them are so close to goal weight now that its not worth worrying about the remaining few kilos. One of the interesting things is that they are both around the same height (6'1") and whilst about 8 kgs apart in weight - both look as skinny as the other. Interesting.
Running
Running is going well, I am basically running three sessions a week, a normal/tempo run on Tuesdays, speed intervals on Thursdays, and a long run on Sundays. I have found my running legs again and running reasonably well. The speed sessions are a killer - I am sore and exhausted afterwards but always have two running free days afterwards before I tackle the long run. The speed sessions also seem to be working - the speed is getting easier and I am finding that I keep finding new "all time fastest" speeds. At the moment I am running a 400m lap (on the tready of course) the first quarter at 11 kms/hr, the next 1/2 at 11.5 and the last quarter at 12 kms/hr. Its all reasonably manageable until I hit 12, and this is quite an effort. Times this by 20 laps (1/2 laps of walking in between) and I can barely walk afterwards! Anyway - on a 10 sec speed interval with cardio coach the other day - I found I can sprint at 14kms - so I'm suitably encouraged.
Other Exercise
Don't be fooled into thinking I'm only running 3 days/week. I am continuing my other interests with 2 combat classes and 3 weight training sessions - giving me a total of 8 workouts/week. By the way - has anyone tried the new release of combat? There is a track in there to a Rogue Traders song (split room power track) that I've found really challenging with high knee running and jumping lunges. In fact its the first track in ages to really push me - all the others I have to add extras (jumps etc) to keep my heart rate up - but this one really pushes me. Of course I make sure I'm jumping through all the punches so I don't take it easy but....
Waist: 72 cm
I know what you're thinking - she hasn't blogged for a while - must have fallen off the wagon....
Wrong - things have been going fine - I've just been so busy working and DOING the exercise that I haven't had time to write about it.
As you can see from my weight - it is still dropping, and so are my waist measurements, which I am really pleased about. I am back in a healthy weight range for my height (yes I'm very short) - and pretty much at the lowest weight I have been at in 20yrs. This was my initial goal weight back in 2005 and I achieved it Christmas 2006. It remained fleetingly and then I slowly returned to the low 60's where I have basically been ever since. The really exciting thing is that I have been weight training for approx 2 yrs now, and whilst I am at the same weight as I was 18 months ago - my waist is 6 cms smaller! I good sign of how I have changed shape. I have new track pants on today (black shiny, no stretch fabric) and they are a little too loose in the waist and a fraction tight over my right thigh - just how they should be if I've been doing everything right! (well symmetry of the thighs would be better)
Weight loss challenge
The weight loss challenge has finished - and I lost 6.5 kgs over the 12 weeks. Its not a rapid loss but exactly what I think it should have been - anything more than 500gms/week suggests I would be losing muscle as well as fat - and I certainly don't want that. The team lost about 45 kgs overall, and we came second in the competition. I really did want the first prize of a trip to Queensland, but oh well, I guess 6 months free membership to the gym will have to do. As you know the challenge wasn't really about me losing weight - but encouraging my workmates to do so, and two of them are so close to goal weight now that its not worth worrying about the remaining few kilos. One of the interesting things is that they are both around the same height (6'1") and whilst about 8 kgs apart in weight - both look as skinny as the other. Interesting.
Running
Running is going well, I am basically running three sessions a week, a normal/tempo run on Tuesdays, speed intervals on Thursdays, and a long run on Sundays. I have found my running legs again and running reasonably well. The speed sessions are a killer - I am sore and exhausted afterwards but always have two running free days afterwards before I tackle the long run. The speed sessions also seem to be working - the speed is getting easier and I am finding that I keep finding new "all time fastest" speeds. At the moment I am running a 400m lap (on the tready of course) the first quarter at 11 kms/hr, the next 1/2 at 11.5 and the last quarter at 12 kms/hr. Its all reasonably manageable until I hit 12, and this is quite an effort. Times this by 20 laps (1/2 laps of walking in between) and I can barely walk afterwards! Anyway - on a 10 sec speed interval with cardio coach the other day - I found I can sprint at 14kms - so I'm suitably encouraged.
Other Exercise
Don't be fooled into thinking I'm only running 3 days/week. I am continuing my other interests with 2 combat classes and 3 weight training sessions - giving me a total of 8 workouts/week. By the way - has anyone tried the new release of combat? There is a track in there to a Rogue Traders song (split room power track) that I've found really challenging with high knee running and jumping lunges. In fact its the first track in ages to really push me - all the others I have to add extras (jumps etc) to keep my heart rate up - but this one really pushes me. Of course I make sure I'm jumping through all the punches so I don't take it easy but....
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Still Here
Weight: 59.8
Waist: 75
Exercise: 45 mins weights, 35 mins cardio coach yesterday, 10 km hill run today and 5 km walk
Well - I had psyched myself up to expect a return to the 60's today - but was ecstatic to see I'm still in the 50's - even 100gms down from yesterday.
I've started David Greenwalts Leanness Lifestyle program (well just whilst I read it first to see if it offers anything different to what I am doing already), but the book is 494 pages long and I haven't really got to the guts of it yet. So really all I've changed is the daily calories - I am following his plans for zigzagging them. This has me a little worried as today I have to eat 1578 - (which I wont make -but I'll probably get within 150 cals), and I'm worried about what impact it will have on the scales tomorrow - I sooo want to stay in the fifties. But its the only day in the week that I have to eat so high and the rest are a little lower than what I'm used to. It actually averages out to the same over the week as what I am used to - so I guess the risk is fairly small - and the opportunity for different results higher - Right? Actually I nearly didn't follow it at all as the original calculations only had me eating about 900 cals/day which I think is way too low, but once I added my exercise level in - it boosted up the cals to a level that I'm comfortable with. I'll give you more updates as I work my way through the book.
Waist: 75
Exercise: 45 mins weights, 35 mins cardio coach yesterday, 10 km hill run today and 5 km walk
Well - I had psyched myself up to expect a return to the 60's today - but was ecstatic to see I'm still in the 50's - even 100gms down from yesterday.
I've started David Greenwalts Leanness Lifestyle program (well just whilst I read it first to see if it offers anything different to what I am doing already), but the book is 494 pages long and I haven't really got to the guts of it yet. So really all I've changed is the daily calories - I am following his plans for zigzagging them. This has me a little worried as today I have to eat 1578 - (which I wont make -but I'll probably get within 150 cals), and I'm worried about what impact it will have on the scales tomorrow - I sooo want to stay in the fifties. But its the only day in the week that I have to eat so high and the rest are a little lower than what I'm used to. It actually averages out to the same over the week as what I am used to - so I guess the risk is fairly small - and the opportunity for different results higher - Right? Actually I nearly didn't follow it at all as the original calculations only had me eating about 900 cals/day which I think is way too low, but once I added my exercise level in - it boosted up the cals to a level that I'm comfortable with. I'll give you more updates as I work my way through the book.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Back to the Fifties!
Weight: 59.9 !!!!!!
Waist: 75cm
Exercise - not much - read on
Well - I'm back in the fifties where I think I really belong - don't know if it will last till tomorrow - but considering my weight has had a considerable downwards trend over the last few months - I should see it again. I think KatieP's Whoosh Fairie visited me, as after about 3 weeks of being in the low 61's - yesterday the scales showed me 60.6, and then this morning the magical 59.9. Despite this not being my lowest ever weight - I am at my smallest by waist measurements, which I think reflects a change in body composition. I am also now about 1 - 2 cm's away from fitting into the waistband of my wedding dress that I wore when I was 20. And when I fit into this in the next few weeks (lol) I'm going to take a photo!
Yesterday I also started something new. I am trialling taking Hydroxycut (supplement aimed at increasing metabolism and fat burning). I've been thinking about this on and off over the last two years, and with just 3 weeks left in the weight loss challenge, I thought, well if I was ever going to try it, might as well do it now. Will let you know how it goes.
Exercise wise - I have had seven full days of no exercise, apart from some attempts at walking. Wednesday night I just about thumped the treadmill in disgust. I walked for 5 mins, then started adding some inclines in, but after a measly 17 mins the pain in my back was intense and I had to stop and go home. The frustration levels were huge and I was going stir crazy! I was still taking pain killers on day seven (Thursday) and finding getting in and out of the MG quite painful, so I thought I might have to actually seek some treatment. But low and behold, Friday i woke up pain free, and Friday night managed to walk, walk inclines, run and then even run at an incline of 12! It was like a miracle! It ached a little afterwards but it was short lived. This morning I managed my weights session - and I'm back in happy land. Oh - and you remember I said chin ups were something I can't do and keep trying? This morning, I managed to get up to the bar and move up and down miniscule amounts - so miniscule that probably noone else could tell I was moving - but I could! At last - I have something to work with and actually improve on! Between the magic weight this morning and the chin-ups - I'm one happy gal!
Waist: 75cm
Exercise - not much - read on
Well - I'm back in the fifties where I think I really belong - don't know if it will last till tomorrow - but considering my weight has had a considerable downwards trend over the last few months - I should see it again. I think KatieP's Whoosh Fairie visited me, as after about 3 weeks of being in the low 61's - yesterday the scales showed me 60.6, and then this morning the magical 59.9. Despite this not being my lowest ever weight - I am at my smallest by waist measurements, which I think reflects a change in body composition. I am also now about 1 - 2 cm's away from fitting into the waistband of my wedding dress that I wore when I was 20. And when I fit into this in the next few weeks (lol) I'm going to take a photo!
Yesterday I also started something new. I am trialling taking Hydroxycut (supplement aimed at increasing metabolism and fat burning). I've been thinking about this on and off over the last two years, and with just 3 weeks left in the weight loss challenge, I thought, well if I was ever going to try it, might as well do it now. Will let you know how it goes.
Exercise wise - I have had seven full days of no exercise, apart from some attempts at walking. Wednesday night I just about thumped the treadmill in disgust. I walked for 5 mins, then started adding some inclines in, but after a measly 17 mins the pain in my back was intense and I had to stop and go home. The frustration levels were huge and I was going stir crazy! I was still taking pain killers on day seven (Thursday) and finding getting in and out of the MG quite painful, so I thought I might have to actually seek some treatment. But low and behold, Friday i woke up pain free, and Friday night managed to walk, walk inclines, run and then even run at an incline of 12! It was like a miracle! It ached a little afterwards but it was short lived. This morning I managed my weights session - and I'm back in happy land. Oh - and you remember I said chin ups were something I can't do and keep trying? This morning, I managed to get up to the bar and move up and down miniscule amounts - so miniscule that probably noone else could tell I was moving - but I could! At last - I have something to work with and actually improve on! Between the magic weight this morning and the chin-ups - I'm one happy gal!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Week 1 of Training Plan
Weight 61.1
Waist 75.5
Exercise - Read on...
Well the training has not gone according to schedule. This week I have suffered from fatigue, shin pain, hamstring pain, nausea and this weekend - back pain.
Monday's Combat class was fine, and I had done my weights in the morning, and then followed the class with hill climbs as our weight loss team has a pact to burn 1000 cals per day. Mission accomplished Day 1
Tuesday however - I had a tempo run planned for the evening - but I really struggled and had to put some breaks in. I was feeling sick and exhausted, I had left shin pain that wouldn't ease, and my right hamstring felt swollen, and eventually left the gym thinking I would have to rest and then do some more after tea. But I didn't really recover enough - so let myself have a night off, both exercise and nutrition wise. I didn't overeat , but I had some BBQ chicken, pasta salad and peanut M&M's. I actually felt better for it, and the weight was still good in the morning
Wed morning I got up and did my weights - no probs there, and my Combat class in the evening, but after that I struggled to do too much more - the leg pain was getting to me
Thursday I decided I needed to have a low impact day to rest my legs. The speedwork session I had planned would have to wait. Have you ever tried to contemplate how you can burn 1000 cals on all low impact exercise? The night before I had cycled on the recumbent bike to increase my total - cycled for about 15 mins to see that I had burnt 30 cals! Thursday night seemed like a daunting night of training. I did some hill climbs for half an hour, and then rowed a Km (cal total so far - 200cals) and then hit on the idea of doing Cardiocoach on the elliptical. I have all 7 cardiocoach workouts on my ipod - and just go through them in turn. Unfortunately for me, I was up to Workout #6 - which is quite hard and goes for an hour (For those who don't know cardiocoach it is basically interval training). So I killed the elliptical for 60 mins with high resistance sprints, and by the time I got off I felt quite ill. I stumbled off to my daughters drama performance, and grabbed a banana on the way.
Friday was a scheduled rest day which I readily embraced. I also got my new sandshoes off layby to see if this would reduce the shin pain. (although I did walk for an hour in the morning -that's not really exercise - right?)
But Friday night when I got home from work, as I got out the car i noticed a sharp pain down the left side of my back and radiating into my leg. I don't know what I have done, but I have been in quite acute back pain ever since. It seems to be nerve related, and so I have avoided any exercise this weekend, as I am worried about exacerbating it. This has meant ditching my weight session, and Sunday's long run.
So I have done no real exercise for three days. I've focussed on making sure I eat well, as I don't want to let the team down. There is only 4 weeks left in the challenge, and we are in there with a chance to win 1st prize - which is I think a trip to Queensland! Of course I'm not exactly their star weight loser -only averaging about 500gms a week - but I need to at least do that to support them!
The legs are feeling much better, and my energy may be returning. I'm wondering if I may be a little overtrained, and the rest with the back might not be a bad thing. But what I really want is to see the scales move downwards again - I keep seeing low 61's and no dipping below this. For the weight loss challenge, I have committed to the team to be in the 50's by the end, but if I don't see some movement on the scale soon I might not make it!
Waist 75.5
Exercise - Read on...
Well the training has not gone according to schedule. This week I have suffered from fatigue, shin pain, hamstring pain, nausea and this weekend - back pain.
Monday's Combat class was fine, and I had done my weights in the morning, and then followed the class with hill climbs as our weight loss team has a pact to burn 1000 cals per day. Mission accomplished Day 1
Tuesday however - I had a tempo run planned for the evening - but I really struggled and had to put some breaks in. I was feeling sick and exhausted, I had left shin pain that wouldn't ease, and my right hamstring felt swollen, and eventually left the gym thinking I would have to rest and then do some more after tea. But I didn't really recover enough - so let myself have a night off, both exercise and nutrition wise. I didn't overeat , but I had some BBQ chicken, pasta salad and peanut M&M's. I actually felt better for it, and the weight was still good in the morning
Wed morning I got up and did my weights - no probs there, and my Combat class in the evening, but after that I struggled to do too much more - the leg pain was getting to me
Thursday I decided I needed to have a low impact day to rest my legs. The speedwork session I had planned would have to wait. Have you ever tried to contemplate how you can burn 1000 cals on all low impact exercise? The night before I had cycled on the recumbent bike to increase my total - cycled for about 15 mins to see that I had burnt 30 cals! Thursday night seemed like a daunting night of training. I did some hill climbs for half an hour, and then rowed a Km (cal total so far - 200cals) and then hit on the idea of doing Cardiocoach on the elliptical. I have all 7 cardiocoach workouts on my ipod - and just go through them in turn. Unfortunately for me, I was up to Workout #6 - which is quite hard and goes for an hour (For those who don't know cardiocoach it is basically interval training). So I killed the elliptical for 60 mins with high resistance sprints, and by the time I got off I felt quite ill. I stumbled off to my daughters drama performance, and grabbed a banana on the way.
Friday was a scheduled rest day which I readily embraced. I also got my new sandshoes off layby to see if this would reduce the shin pain. (although I did walk for an hour in the morning -that's not really exercise - right?)
But Friday night when I got home from work, as I got out the car i noticed a sharp pain down the left side of my back and radiating into my leg. I don't know what I have done, but I have been in quite acute back pain ever since. It seems to be nerve related, and so I have avoided any exercise this weekend, as I am worried about exacerbating it. This has meant ditching my weight session, and Sunday's long run.
So I have done no real exercise for three days. I've focussed on making sure I eat well, as I don't want to let the team down. There is only 4 weeks left in the challenge, and we are in there with a chance to win 1st prize - which is I think a trip to Queensland! Of course I'm not exactly their star weight loser -only averaging about 500gms a week - but I need to at least do that to support them!
The legs are feeling much better, and my energy may be returning. I'm wondering if I may be a little overtrained, and the rest with the back might not be a bad thing. But what I really want is to see the scales move downwards again - I keep seeing low 61's and no dipping below this. For the weight loss challenge, I have committed to the team to be in the 50's by the end, but if I don't see some movement on the scale soon I might not make it!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Classic 2008
Weight - ??? No scales available in hotel room!
Waist - as above
Exercise - 7.2 km Mothers Day Classic
Well the run was both good and bad. As I've been easing back into running lately - I've been taking regular walk breaks - hence my woefully slow time from last week. This week - being a shorter run, I wanted to at least run it all. I went out a bit fast though with this one, probably more out of frustration as there were so many people on the path that I couldn't even choose my pace - but was spurred into running around them. By about the half way mark, there was a steep hill (one of many little hills) and so I decided to walk half of it as I was breathing hard, and not sure about my pace. Started to run again and then saw the drink station. Walked a few metres whilst having a drink then started again in earnest. The break had really helped and before long I had hit my stride and was running quite comfortably. I really wanted to stop at times but forced myself to continue - slowing my pace if I felt I needed to. With 1 km to go I picked up the pace again, then increased my efforts at the 400 m and 200 m, managing to sprint to the finish line - with Garmy telling me I hit 13.6km/hr. Total time - about 46 mins, a good 3 mins slower than I would have liked. But I did run the majority of it, and my legs now tell the tale. I guess if I hadn't walked the bit in the middle I might have come closer to usual running pace.
Talking to my husband later (who also ran it in about 36 mins) I asked him how I looked coming down the finish line. He told me that I looked strong and fast, and that in fact, he wonders why then, I'm finishing 2/3 way in the pack. He also reflected that knowing how fit I am, and looking around at "the fairly average looking competition" that I should be able to run rings around them. I have to admit, its something I've wondered about too. Between me and my fellow bloggers, I think I am pretty fit, and frankly - I don't know why I am so slow. It could be that I over think the race, and pace myself too slowly - after all I can always sprint to the end. My average heart rate was only 80% so maybe i'm not pushing myself. But the other major thought is that I simply don't run enough and don't have the strength/endurance in my legs. I don't really think that my aerobic fitness is holding me back (after all I can maintain high HR levels for several hours), but I probably always take my runs too slowly in training, and don't expect myself to run fast. From todays run I have one heck of a lot of work to do to even get close to the goals I described yesterday. But maybe its time I really went for it - and really pushed myself to my limits. Heck I dont even know what my limits are!
Nutritionally today I made some good decisions out of not so helpful alternatives, although I didn't eat enough. With the race in the morning (and I don't eat before exercise) and by the time we got back to the hotel, showered changed and packed up - it was lunchtime before my first meal. The family wanted Barnacle Bills (aka deep fried seafood), so I compromised by also buying a fresh vegie salad. I had a couple of calamari rings and prawns (deep fried I know but kept to a minimum), skipped the chips and had salad. Unfortunately I was still hungry afterwards. Afternoon tea and cheesecake was on the menu. Luckily I had thought ahead, and when I bought the salad, also bought a yummy greek style yoghurt. Now these things are relatively high in calories compared to normal yoghurt, but I knew if I could eat this when everyone else had cheesecake, I would feel like I was having a treat too, and not so deprived. It worked. Tea was whilst travelling again, so I stopped at the one servo I know that sells chicken kebabs (skewers) and had two of these. Not a very balanced meal , but I think the better of any of my alternatives from other service stations as everything else is fried . Haven't counted the cals, but I'm pretty sure I have too many left. Ah well, hopefully I will still see a nice number on the scales tomorrow.
Well - I'm off to bed as I'm tired and sore, and tomorrow morning start my new training program. Weights in the am before work, and combat in the evening. I hope I'm up for it!
Waist - as above
Exercise - 7.2 km Mothers Day Classic
Well the run was both good and bad. As I've been easing back into running lately - I've been taking regular walk breaks - hence my woefully slow time from last week. This week - being a shorter run, I wanted to at least run it all. I went out a bit fast though with this one, probably more out of frustration as there were so many people on the path that I couldn't even choose my pace - but was spurred into running around them. By about the half way mark, there was a steep hill (one of many little hills) and so I decided to walk half of it as I was breathing hard, and not sure about my pace. Started to run again and then saw the drink station. Walked a few metres whilst having a drink then started again in earnest. The break had really helped and before long I had hit my stride and was running quite comfortably. I really wanted to stop at times but forced myself to continue - slowing my pace if I felt I needed to. With 1 km to go I picked up the pace again, then increased my efforts at the 400 m and 200 m, managing to sprint to the finish line - with Garmy telling me I hit 13.6km/hr. Total time - about 46 mins, a good 3 mins slower than I would have liked. But I did run the majority of it, and my legs now tell the tale. I guess if I hadn't walked the bit in the middle I might have come closer to usual running pace.
Talking to my husband later (who also ran it in about 36 mins) I asked him how I looked coming down the finish line. He told me that I looked strong and fast, and that in fact, he wonders why then, I'm finishing 2/3 way in the pack. He also reflected that knowing how fit I am, and looking around at "the fairly average looking competition" that I should be able to run rings around them. I have to admit, its something I've wondered about too. Between me and my fellow bloggers, I think I am pretty fit, and frankly - I don't know why I am so slow. It could be that I over think the race, and pace myself too slowly - after all I can always sprint to the end. My average heart rate was only 80% so maybe i'm not pushing myself. But the other major thought is that I simply don't run enough and don't have the strength/endurance in my legs. I don't really think that my aerobic fitness is holding me back (after all I can maintain high HR levels for several hours), but I probably always take my runs too slowly in training, and don't expect myself to run fast. From todays run I have one heck of a lot of work to do to even get close to the goals I described yesterday. But maybe its time I really went for it - and really pushed myself to my limits. Heck I dont even know what my limits are!
Nutritionally today I made some good decisions out of not so helpful alternatives, although I didn't eat enough. With the race in the morning (and I don't eat before exercise) and by the time we got back to the hotel, showered changed and packed up - it was lunchtime before my first meal. The family wanted Barnacle Bills (aka deep fried seafood), so I compromised by also buying a fresh vegie salad. I had a couple of calamari rings and prawns (deep fried I know but kept to a minimum), skipped the chips and had salad. Unfortunately I was still hungry afterwards. Afternoon tea and cheesecake was on the menu. Luckily I had thought ahead, and when I bought the salad, also bought a yummy greek style yoghurt. Now these things are relatively high in calories compared to normal yoghurt, but I knew if I could eat this when everyone else had cheesecake, I would feel like I was having a treat too, and not so deprived. It worked. Tea was whilst travelling again, so I stopped at the one servo I know that sells chicken kebabs (skewers) and had two of these. Not a very balanced meal , but I think the better of any of my alternatives from other service stations as everything else is fried . Haven't counted the cals, but I'm pretty sure I have too many left. Ah well, hopefully I will still see a nice number on the scales tomorrow.
Well - I'm off to bed as I'm tired and sore, and tomorrow morning start my new training program. Weights in the am before work, and combat in the evening. I hope I'm up for it!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
I have a new plan....
Weight - 61.8
Exercise - 2 x 1/2hr hill climbs and 45 mins weights
Waist- 76cm
I was talking to the manager at my local gym about my plans for the City 2 Bay in September. Although I'm doing the Mother's Day Classic tomorrow, I'm really just seeing it as a training run, and the C2B is my next real challenge. I had previously planned to work hard and try and improve my time from 72 mins last year (a 6 min/km pace) to 66 mins (a 5.5min/km pace). But when talking to him he planted the idea that if I really wanted a sub 60 (which is my ultimate goal and a 5km/min pace), why not go for it now. His view was that being this far out from the race (19 weeks - I've counted) - I might juuuust be able to make it.
So - I've spent about an hour and a half devising my training schedule for the next 19 weeks, being careful to ensure I still get to do combat twice a week (my fave) and 3 weight training sessions, along with a speedwork day, a tempo run and a long run. It took a lot of juggling to make sure that the timing of each session ensured enough rest of relevant muscle groups between different types of training. I think I've come up with a sound plan. Of course as I worked out what speed sessions I would need to achieve a 5 min pace over 12 kms - it became quite scary. The speed sessions I've designed on this plan would be totally UNachievable if I attempted them tomorrow - I simply am not fast enough. However I have to remember that the ones in September for example, don't need to be done until September, and by then I will have hopefully done a lot of other sessions that will have me ready for them.
There is a reasonable chance that this program is too ambitious for me. But I guess I can only try it, and if I can't keep up with the speed sessions, I will just need to be prepared to readjust my goals and my schedule to my original plans. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess.
So the big plans start Monday........
I will have to try and workout how I link it to my blog so you can read it and laugh at how ambitious I am!
Exercise - 2 x 1/2hr hill climbs and 45 mins weights
Waist- 76cm
I was talking to the manager at my local gym about my plans for the City 2 Bay in September. Although I'm doing the Mother's Day Classic tomorrow, I'm really just seeing it as a training run, and the C2B is my next real challenge. I had previously planned to work hard and try and improve my time from 72 mins last year (a 6 min/km pace) to 66 mins (a 5.5min/km pace). But when talking to him he planted the idea that if I really wanted a sub 60 (which is my ultimate goal and a 5km/min pace), why not go for it now. His view was that being this far out from the race (19 weeks - I've counted) - I might juuuust be able to make it.
So - I've spent about an hour and a half devising my training schedule for the next 19 weeks, being careful to ensure I still get to do combat twice a week (my fave) and 3 weight training sessions, along with a speedwork day, a tempo run and a long run. It took a lot of juggling to make sure that the timing of each session ensured enough rest of relevant muscle groups between different types of training. I think I've come up with a sound plan. Of course as I worked out what speed sessions I would need to achieve a 5 min pace over 12 kms - it became quite scary. The speed sessions I've designed on this plan would be totally UNachievable if I attempted them tomorrow - I simply am not fast enough. However I have to remember that the ones in September for example, don't need to be done until September, and by then I will have hopefully done a lot of other sessions that will have me ready for them.
There is a reasonable chance that this program is too ambitious for me. But I guess I can only try it, and if I can't keep up with the speed sessions, I will just need to be prepared to readjust my goals and my schedule to my original plans. Nothing ventured, nothing gained I guess.
So the big plans start Monday........
I will have to try and workout how I link it to my blog so you can read it and laugh at how ambitious I am!
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The BEST sort of compliments!
Weight - 61.6kgs
Waist - 77 cm
Exercise yesterday - exhausting sprint and hill intervals - so stiff and exhausted afterwards that it was spa and bed for this chickybabe - had to skip the weights.
I had one of the best sort of compliments at the gym tonight.
We've been getting to know some of our "competitors" in the weight loss challenge. Tonight I was introduced to a girl named Jenny who is a similar weight/height to me. When introduced she said that she thought she knew me - was I out at netball last weekend? Yes, I was, and we got talking about all things fitness whilst we warmed up on the treadmills. After a little while it was puzzling me that she recognised me from netball - I didn't play or anything, was just a parent on the sideline - certainly not doing anything noticeable, so I commented she must have a very good memory. She replied by saying that she actually recognised me at netball from seeing me at the gym. She said "I watch you during the classes from up the back - you are sooo fit - it really stands out in the class." Wow - I was rapt (did I mention she only looks to be in her twenties? so this was high praise indeed!) And then then a few minutes later whilst discussing our respective weights, and the fact that she is a few kilos lighter than me, she said "yeah, but you pack a lot of muscle, that's really noticeable too" Did I mention I LOVE THIS GIRL! She actually repeated both comments several times talking about how impressed she was and how much I stood out in comparison to every one else in the class. I think I'm in heaven. For me, this is what its all about. I don't mean getting lots of praise (although that's nice), but to think that my fitness and muscle tone is good enough for people to take notice. And having just read that - I don't mean that's everything, because I do it for me - but I guess this is one way of getting feedback on my achievements.
I am now one exhausted, but happy, chickybabe!
PS - Magda - my weight usually drops the longer I sleep to - but I don't know what was going on that morning!
Waist - 77 cm
Exercise yesterday - exhausting sprint and hill intervals - so stiff and exhausted afterwards that it was spa and bed for this chickybabe - had to skip the weights.
I had one of the best sort of compliments at the gym tonight.
We've been getting to know some of our "competitors" in the weight loss challenge. Tonight I was introduced to a girl named Jenny who is a similar weight/height to me. When introduced she said that she thought she knew me - was I out at netball last weekend? Yes, I was, and we got talking about all things fitness whilst we warmed up on the treadmills. After a little while it was puzzling me that she recognised me from netball - I didn't play or anything, was just a parent on the sideline - certainly not doing anything noticeable, so I commented she must have a very good memory. She replied by saying that she actually recognised me at netball from seeing me at the gym. She said "I watch you during the classes from up the back - you are sooo fit - it really stands out in the class." Wow - I was rapt (did I mention she only looks to be in her twenties? so this was high praise indeed!) And then then a few minutes later whilst discussing our respective weights, and the fact that she is a few kilos lighter than me, she said "yeah, but you pack a lot of muscle, that's really noticeable too" Did I mention I LOVE THIS GIRL! She actually repeated both comments several times talking about how impressed she was and how much I stood out in comparison to every one else in the class. I think I'm in heaven. For me, this is what its all about. I don't mean getting lots of praise (although that's nice), but to think that my fitness and muscle tone is good enough for people to take notice. And having just read that - I don't mean that's everything, because I do it for me - but I guess this is one way of getting feedback on my achievements.
I am now one exhausted, but happy, chickybabe!
PS - Magda - my weight usually drops the longer I sleep to - but I don't know what was going on that morning!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Daily Blogging
Well - I must say blogging daily is somehow a little easier than every now and then. No need to think about which "gems" to share - just one day to consider each time.
Calories yesterday- well under allowance
Exercise yesterday - 11km run, plus my first weights session of New Rules for Lifting for Women
Weight - well do you want the 4 am, 7 am or gym weigh in figure......
Couldnt sleep last night - well - probably because I went to bed to read at 8pm where it was nice and warm. Not surprising that I then woke at 1 am and had trouble getting back to sleep. At 4 am a quick trip to the loo - and I know, I know I should be thinking about the scales - but my weight has been looking so good lately, and I'd had a great weekend - sooooo - I stepped on. My eyes were a bit blurry but I'm sure I saw 60.7 wooooohooooo - fabo I thought. And went back to sleep a happy camper.
7.00 am did the routine daily weigh in (and yes, I know that's not normally recommended) and my weight read somewhere between 61.6 and 62. (it kept changing every time I stepped on) WTF!!!! Anyway - no breakfast for me yet - have to do the weekly weigh in at the gym. (Which by the way I only do every couple of weeks!)
My grand weight at the gym? And grand it was let me tell you 63.o0 NOT *HAPPY *JAN!
Well on the official gym records it shows a loss of 1.1 kgs since the last weigh in - but I was really hoping to contribute to the team tally with a good number. And it seems so far away from my next goal of sub 60 AGGGHHH!
Oh well, maybe I'm keeping a few kilo's of weight loss up my sleeve for the final weigh in.
Calories yesterday- well under allowance
Exercise yesterday - 11km run, plus my first weights session of New Rules for Lifting for Women
Weight - well do you want the 4 am, 7 am or gym weigh in figure......
Couldnt sleep last night - well - probably because I went to bed to read at 8pm where it was nice and warm. Not surprising that I then woke at 1 am and had trouble getting back to sleep. At 4 am a quick trip to the loo - and I know, I know I should be thinking about the scales - but my weight has been looking so good lately, and I'd had a great weekend - sooooo - I stepped on. My eyes were a bit blurry but I'm sure I saw 60.7 wooooohooooo - fabo I thought. And went back to sleep a happy camper.
7.00 am did the routine daily weigh in (and yes, I know that's not normally recommended) and my weight read somewhere between 61.6 and 62. (it kept changing every time I stepped on) WTF!!!! Anyway - no breakfast for me yet - have to do the weekly weigh in at the gym. (Which by the way I only do every couple of weeks!)
My grand weight at the gym? And grand it was let me tell you 63.o0 NOT *HAPPY *JAN!
Well on the official gym records it shows a loss of 1.1 kgs since the last weigh in - but I was really hoping to contribute to the team tally with a good number. And it seems so far away from my next goal of sub 60 AGGGHHH!
Oh well, maybe I'm keeping a few kilo's of weight loss up my sleeve for the final weigh in.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Make A Wish
Weight - 61.6 (woohoo)
Food yesterday- met all my goals - kept it light
Exercise - rest yesterday (apart from some bench pressing) and the 11km Make-A-Wish Foundation Fun Run
Well, no super time for me on the fun run - but still quite respectable - 74mins. Considering I ran the 12 km C2B last year in 73, its hardly a PB - but then again - when you've basically only put in one long run/week for the last few weeks (and next to no running before that) its not half bad either. I basically averaged a 6 min pace but put in walk breaks every 10, so that slowed down my overall pace. If I want to run the C2B at a pace of 5.5 with no walk breaks (translates into a 66min time) I am really going to have to start training hard. But I'm ready for it. And I want it.
I'm really happy with my weight for now- I'm only about 3 kgs out of my healthy weight range/goal weight again, and have lost a total of 5kgs over the last 7 weeks, which is not bad going given my starting weight. 5 weeks left of the weight loss challenge - and I think I will be ok with my moderate results. Speaking of which, I'm so very proud of my team who all did the run today. Bill ran the race in 64mins - and until a few months ago didn't run at all, Syd walked it and took out first place, and Matt - who has knee problems and walks with a cane, walked it in 1:44 - which is over 6kms/hr. They are all absolute champs!
Food yesterday- met all my goals - kept it light
Exercise - rest yesterday (apart from some bench pressing) and the 11km Make-A-Wish Foundation Fun Run
Well, no super time for me on the fun run - but still quite respectable - 74mins. Considering I ran the 12 km C2B last year in 73, its hardly a PB - but then again - when you've basically only put in one long run/week for the last few weeks (and next to no running before that) its not half bad either. I basically averaged a 6 min pace but put in walk breaks every 10, so that slowed down my overall pace. If I want to run the C2B at a pace of 5.5 with no walk breaks (translates into a 66min time) I am really going to have to start training hard. But I'm ready for it. And I want it.
I'm really happy with my weight for now- I'm only about 3 kgs out of my healthy weight range/goal weight again, and have lost a total of 5kgs over the last 7 weeks, which is not bad going given my starting weight. 5 weeks left of the weight loss challenge - and I think I will be ok with my moderate results. Speaking of which, I'm so very proud of my team who all did the run today. Bill ran the race in 64mins - and until a few months ago didn't run at all, Syd walked it and took out first place, and Matt - who has knee problems and walks with a cane, walked it in 1:44 - which is over 6kms/hr. They are all absolute champs!
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Going Down...
Weight - 61.9
Waist - 77cm
Exercise - not much this week - Nail Can Hill Run yesterday (my run, not the official one) in Albury
Well - I've been in NSW for the last 4 days and have successfully managed to eat fairly cleanly and see my weight continue to go downwards - woohoo!
Exercise was hard due to the break in routine, travelling with someone else, and the work schedule. Had time to run on Thursday but it poured with rain. With no steady tready available, or a gym of anysorts - exercise was just too hard. But Friday I managed to get up early and go for a 50 min hill run - up Nail Can Hill in Albury - and it was awesome. There is nothing more exhilirating (after doing the hard yards up the hill) than running full pelt downhill, surrounded by beautiful trees, the wind through your hair, feeling your legs power on and your heart pumping positively. As I said - Awesome! After that great run I am now really looking forward to the Make a Wish fun run tomorrow (11kms), after being a bit worried about it over the last few weeks.
I had dinner with the lovely Katiep on Tuesday - and even managed to meet her other half. It was a lovely night and she looks terrific in person. All ready for the big event I'd say.
Physically I've hit a new goal, with my waist measurement hitting an all time low of 77cm. (Quite big by many peoples standards, but for me its the best I have seen in a long time.) I've been recording waist measurement over the last little while as another way of measuring progress. After my holidays in Jan/Feb my waist measurement had risen dramatically - to about 85cm - and I've managed to see this drop quite quickly again which I am pleased with. Its also really interesting to note that my waist is now less than (or maybe the same) as it was when I was at my goal weight of 58kgs. I think its just a good sign that my body is changing shape, and a better indicator than the scales.
Am going to try some of the sets in The New Lifting Rules for Women this arvo - provided they don't work my legs too much - am resting up for the big race tomorrow!
Waist - 77cm
Exercise - not much this week - Nail Can Hill Run yesterday (my run, not the official one) in Albury
Well - I've been in NSW for the last 4 days and have successfully managed to eat fairly cleanly and see my weight continue to go downwards - woohoo!
Exercise was hard due to the break in routine, travelling with someone else, and the work schedule. Had time to run on Thursday but it poured with rain. With no steady tready available, or a gym of anysorts - exercise was just too hard. But Friday I managed to get up early and go for a 50 min hill run - up Nail Can Hill in Albury - and it was awesome. There is nothing more exhilirating (after doing the hard yards up the hill) than running full pelt downhill, surrounded by beautiful trees, the wind through your hair, feeling your legs power on and your heart pumping positively. As I said - Awesome! After that great run I am now really looking forward to the Make a Wish fun run tomorrow (11kms), after being a bit worried about it over the last few weeks.
I had dinner with the lovely Katiep on Tuesday - and even managed to meet her other half. It was a lovely night and she looks terrific in person. All ready for the big event I'd say.
Physically I've hit a new goal, with my waist measurement hitting an all time low of 77cm. (Quite big by many peoples standards, but for me its the best I have seen in a long time.) I've been recording waist measurement over the last little while as another way of measuring progress. After my holidays in Jan/Feb my waist measurement had risen dramatically - to about 85cm - and I've managed to see this drop quite quickly again which I am pleased with. Its also really interesting to note that my waist is now less than (or maybe the same) as it was when I was at my goal weight of 58kgs. I think its just a good sign that my body is changing shape, and a better indicator than the scales.
Am going to try some of the sets in The New Lifting Rules for Women this arvo - provided they don't work my legs too much - am resting up for the big race tomorrow!
Monday, April 28, 2008
1+3=2
Weight - 62.7
Exercise - 12 kms on the steady tready last night, and combat tonight
Calories - too many of the wrong kind
It is soo true that weight loss is not an exact science - eat x, exercise y does not equal exactly z the next day. I had a shitty weekend nutritionally - not that I ever really binge because I only eat small quantities- but I was far from clean eating, I enjoyed some of the no-no foods and I'm sure above my calories on both days. But this morning - a loss, after probably a week or so. Of course there have also been some hormonal influences in there, and the fact that I exercised late in the evening and had eaten nothing since then in morning, but still....
Anyway- back to the clean eating again today. Whilst running at infinitum on the treadmill last night (only because Sat and Sun attempts at a long run outside were thwarted by rain), I was thinking about the fact that I have now maintained my weight loss for about 15 - 18 months - and how most people regain most of their loss within a year. I feel very lucky to have managed to do this, and I was thinking about what keeps me motivated. Without a doubt the exercise is an essential component. I struggle so much with the eating, that I think that if I didn't exercise, I would forget all about wanting to be fit and fall back into old habits. But the other thing that really helps, is reading everyone's blogs every night. This has an enormous impact on me, and reminds me of what I want to achieve, and keeps me focussed on health and fitness. So I want to say a really big thanks to all of you that put the effort into their blogs and provide me with the privilege of having an insight into your worlds. It's making an enormous difference to at least one person!
Anyway - I'm off to Sydney and country NSW for a few days for work, and will be catching up with the lovely TD and KatieP tomorrow night! Yeah! Cant wait.
Don't know what internet access I will have so may not be blogging again till Saturday. Can I keep up the clean eating for the next 5 days with no access to a kitchen or even a fridge during the day? Time will tell.....
Exercise - 12 kms on the steady tready last night, and combat tonight
Calories - too many of the wrong kind
It is soo true that weight loss is not an exact science - eat x, exercise y does not equal exactly z the next day. I had a shitty weekend nutritionally - not that I ever really binge because I only eat small quantities- but I was far from clean eating, I enjoyed some of the no-no foods and I'm sure above my calories on both days. But this morning - a loss, after probably a week or so. Of course there have also been some hormonal influences in there, and the fact that I exercised late in the evening and had eaten nothing since then in morning, but still....
Anyway- back to the clean eating again today. Whilst running at infinitum on the treadmill last night (only because Sat and Sun attempts at a long run outside were thwarted by rain), I was thinking about the fact that I have now maintained my weight loss for about 15 - 18 months - and how most people regain most of their loss within a year. I feel very lucky to have managed to do this, and I was thinking about what keeps me motivated. Without a doubt the exercise is an essential component. I struggle so much with the eating, that I think that if I didn't exercise, I would forget all about wanting to be fit and fall back into old habits. But the other thing that really helps, is reading everyone's blogs every night. This has an enormous impact on me, and reminds me of what I want to achieve, and keeps me focussed on health and fitness. So I want to say a really big thanks to all of you that put the effort into their blogs and provide me with the privilege of having an insight into your worlds. It's making an enormous difference to at least one person!
Anyway - I'm off to Sydney and country NSW for a few days for work, and will be catching up with the lovely TD and KatieP tomorrow night! Yeah! Cant wait.
Don't know what internet access I will have so may not be blogging again till Saturday. Can I keep up the clean eating for the next 5 days with no access to a kitchen or even a fridge during the day? Time will tell.....
Saturday, April 26, 2008
1001 Books
Well you can't exercise all the time (shame - because I would really enjoy it) and so to ensure I have balance in my life, I like to have quiet times reading. I have set myself a (lifelong) goal to read all of these books that are listed as the 1001 books you must read (NB the book of the list is 1000 pages in itself!) In fact, I would eventually like to own them all - maybe set up in a bookshelf (or 2!) that could be handed on to future generations. So today I started Ebay searching and have bought a couple. Some of these books look a little heavy going - but I guess its like setting fitness goals - they can be hard and daunting at the time, but at the end you have gained something unachievable without the effort.
Team training yesterday at the gym went well, and we all went out for coffee afterwards. It was quite a lot of fun. Would like to do it again next weekend, but I will be driving the new car back from Adelaide (Damn) and Sunday is an 11km fun run which we are all doing anyway.
Was meant to do a long run today- headed out but then got caught in the rain and turned around and came back. Weak I know, but I might have soldiered on for a 1/2 hr run, but when I was facing 1 1/2 hrs and a fair distance from home in the middle of nowhere, with no shelter in sight, it was enough to put me off. So tomorrow I will have to get up extra early to fit it in before 9.00 am church, and if its raining again - I will have to do it on the treadmill. BORING!
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