The halfway mark

Ok so I'm a rubbish blogger- but at least I came back and didn't just chuck it in :) Plus I'm not even sure anyone is out there!

Back to the blogging though! The end of this week marks the halfway point of my 12WBT journey! It's gone pretty quickly I'll have to say. I'm still enjoying it- I'm switching up the meals a bit more now though and not doing a big cook-up rather doubling dinners to get lunch the next day. Most of them are pretty quick to prepare so doing it at night is fine. Plus I enjoy cooking at night, it's a bit of a release from the day.

On the fitness side of things I've been fairly consistent in following the gym program to a tee. Bar this week where I only got through four workouts- my lapse was a bit of I can't be bothered. But I kicked myself from Thursday and got my butt back to the gym. I also did an outdoor boot camp last weekend that I really enjoyed but find it hard to justify the extra money when I've got my gym membership. I might attend on weeks where I have a red flag event to give an extra boost.

I've had a few blow out moments too this week- having a chicken parma with chips from the pub on Thursday and then on Friday having a sausage sizzle and beer at an after work do. But I figure I need to be realistic and I'm not going to be a saint forever. I think I've been a little disappointed with my progress- I'd hoped it to be more since I'd been following fairly strictly and I had a few moments of well I'm trying hard and it's not working so why can't I have that Parma and chips. Getting to the nitty gritty I'm actually doing really well- I think comparing myself to other people who may have more weight to lose than me is what's getting me down. I'm going to focus more on me! And on that note- check out my awesome SSS workout. I may have been guilted to go a bit harder after I indulged in cake with my coffee but am proud I did an extra 30 mins on the treadmill after the program. Toot toot :)

Hope everyone is smoothly sailing along xo

No more girly pushups for me!

I just wanted to blow my own trumpet- I decided to actually try some pushups on my toes this morning (I've always told myself they would be too hard and I wouldn't be able to do any) and I could actually do them! And more than I expected. I'll have to try more things I think. I don't think I'm brave enough for burpies not on the bench yet though!

Week 4 already?!?

Week 4 of 12WBT has kicked off with a bang! After completely disregarding my resolve last week to make smart food choices and exercise while I was away I'm here to own it. I went a bit stupid, and I don't really know why. Cos I could? Cos I was away? And I knew I was doing it, but still did it. I need to learn to say no, or make the smarter choice. I don't need 2 scoops of creamy gelato. Just one of a fruity sorbet would be fine. I don't need to eat all the sour cream on top of my baked potato, just put some to the side. It's like I was out to defy myself- my head told me what to do, but then I just did the opposite. No more. I've joined up to make changes. Over indulging for the sake it is stupid. Everyone now and again and a one off is fine. But 4 days solid. No deal.

Now thats out of the way! This week is also a mini milestone, where we do measurements and the fitness test again. I'm not going to pretend I wasn't a little disappointed with my results- my measurements haven't done anything dramatic (my thunder thighs got more thunderous, go figure) and my fitness test wasn't really any better from the start. But these things happen. I was tired from the mornings gym session, so maybe that slowed me down. Next time I guess. I'm not going to make any excuses though or chuck in the towel either. I've got twelve weeks. Fingers crossed things change by then, as I've been following the program pretty darn closely bar last weekends blowout.

My chin is up and I'm solidering on. Good-luck to all with this week- hoping everyone has a positive one :)

Week 3 starts!

Ok. So I'm a fairly sporadic blogger. I'm now starting week 3 of the 12WBT, so I'll back track a bit!

Week 1 went really well, I followed the meal plan, did all the training and had a bit of success on the scales. I haven't weighed in to see how week 2 went, but I was pretty good in what I ate and once more did all my training. I only really digressed and had churros on Sunday. But I had a kids serve so I think that's a step in the right direction ;)

I'm feeling really good with myself. I've been getting up at 5.15am (with the hubby) and doing my workouts then so I have no excuses at the end of the day. Its out of the way and then I don't have to worry or feel guilty and not do it. The food I've been liking too. I've made sure I've spent one weekend night doing a big cook up so I'm prepared for the week ahead, and being in control like that feels great. I've got a bit of a stock in the freezer too so when I feel a little less enthused I've got stuff to fall back on :)

My first real test will be this weekend- we are heading interstate for a few days, so I am going to have to crack out the big guns and stick to my resolve. I'm not going to pretend I'll be a saint, but I am going to try to make good choices. I'm also going to do my training- I've checked out the place we are staying has a gym so I'll do my stretch Friday and some version of cardio on Saturday. My hubby has gotten quite into the gym thing too so having him onside certainly helps. All in all, I'm going pretty well. I hope everyone else's journeys have gotten off to as good a start. Fingers crossed for a good weigh in tomorrow!

No love

Temptations (of the plastic kind)

Well I'm 2 days into the 12WBT, and haven't cheated yet (unless you count only doing 8 reps of burpees yesterday, and doing them on a bench today). Totally loved the dinner last night- Cajun Fish Stew, amazing! I was hesitant, as were lots I think, but it was delish. And a recipe I'll put into my trusty book. I swapped dinner around tonight, had the soup for lunch and am trying out Mediterranean Chicken. I cut everything up for it on the weekend, so just need to bung in the chicken and we're off and racing. I was really full yesterday, usually I'm dying by mid afternoon, I'm not sure if my mind helped me out, or I wasn't hungry, but I got there. Nearly time for my arvo yoghurt now.

I've also managed to make it to the gym both days too- and followed the program to a tee (bar those damn burpees). I'm feeling a little sore and sorry for myself at the moment, I've been pretty sedentary in the past few months, so I'm rediscovering muscles that have been laying dormant. I'm on the hunt to find a cheap aerobic step so I can complete the SSS in my backyard, and not flop about the gym, but the cheapest I've seen is $70 and I'm not forking that out. My hubby has also crawled out of bed and joined me, so we'll see how long his regime lasts ;)

I told myself when I started this, that I wasn't allowed to buy myself any new clothes (bar a few workout bits and bobs) until I'd lost some weight. I might make it my 5kg reward. But I keep getting emails from all the store cards I've signed myself up for. I'm really hoping it all stays in fashion, how amazing is this sequin skirt from Sussan? And the blazers, oh the blazers out there! Online shopping really makes everything so easy, just a simple click and its on its way. But I will remain strong and keep my credit card out of harms way.

Hope everyone partaking in the 12WBT is having a fantastic first week! I hope this enthusiasm of mine lasts.

Twas the night before christmas

Wowsers, the eve of the third round of Michelle Bridges 12WBT is upon me (and everyone else joining the ride)! In twelve weeks time, my body shall have undergone a transformation, and I'm hoping for a massive one :) To all those fellow 12WBTers out there, and I know there are heaps, you would understand my excitement and nervousness. I've just finished up the final preseason tasks- deciding to do my workouts at my gym, did my fitness test, took my measurements and posed for my glorious before shot. That was an eye opener, looking in the mirror seemed completely different to what I saw on that camera screen.

I was pleased to get the nutrition & training plans on Thursday, that helped seal the deal for my workouts- rather than paying even more money for group fitness classes that I may or may not go to, I figured I have a perfectly good Jett's across the road, a membership already, and the workouts looked pretty good, it also allowed me to get them knocked over first thing, rather than fitting them in around a group fitness timetable. After bragging about starting the C25k program last week, that fell by the wayside, I got busy (excuses, excuses) and didn't do any more than those first 2 days. I may try and incorporate those 30 minutes into my cardio days though. My fabulous new sneakers arrived and got tested for my 1km time trial, totally made all the difference I'm sure ;) 

No more excuses from me.

The meals look pretty good, I set about working around what I didn't want to eat, and fitting in Father's Day, to adjust slightly, and then picking through and adding in my snacks. I've tended to make these fruit and yoghurt, mainly so I get enough calcium, and my 2 fruits a day. Hubby has decided to join me in most lunches, and all dinners, so that is great to have the support. I did my big cook up and preparation for the week yesterday, after doing all my grocery shopping. 

I'm ready now. I have lists and charts to follow. I like being organised and I am, and I like to follow a routine. Being able to tick things off will be satisfying. I picked up a few goodies at Kikki K yesterday, a nice shopping list, and meal planner for the fridge, and also a daily checklist. Now I have no more excuses. And I'm going to try and apply that attitude to my PhD too. I'm going to put it out there- I am going to finish my PhD in the next 6 months. I don't have to worry about what I'm going to eat, or how I'm going to exercise, I'm going to take an hour each morning for myself, and time on the weekend to get the meals prepped so I can concentrate on the other evil in my life.

Bring it all on I say.

Diarise and organise!

Today saw the unveiling of Preseason Task 6 for the 12WBT- and is all about getting organised and using your diary. I'm a major stationery nerd- I adore the stuff, so I'm looking forward to filling my Kikki K diary with all my dates. I'm still undecided on what to do for my fitness program- I was a total gym class junkie for ages but since moving a bit further from my then gym I've slumped. I'm currently shopping around for options at the moment, but just can't seem to commit to one yet.

I have started a running program- I'm following the C25k program- it's supposed to get you from the couch to running 5km in 9 weeks by doing 3 days a week of training - I'm currently in week 1 and have done 2 days worth so I'm pretty pleased with myself. I've never been a runner but decided to commit myself to being able to run 5km at the end of the 12WBT. I downloaded a nifty free app for my phone that tells me what to do- you alternate running with walking to build up stamina, and the nice lady cuts into my music and tells me when to run or walk. I figure for 30 minutes 3 times a week I've got nothing to lose but those extra calories ;) My trusty heart rate monitor informs me I'm burning about 330 calories.

I've found most of the other preseason tasks fairly easy to complete- gearing up was fun (any excuse for some new gear- my sneakers are enroute from the US as I type, hey if I'm going to be a runner.......); my pantry was fairly free from crap- I've boxed up what there was and given it to hubby to do with as he pleases; I committed to the program, to lose weight and be a healthier, happier me, now I just need to figure out how to bring my fitness fully to the party so I can fill my diary with dates! Time to get my A into G.

And so begins another blog

I'm thirty and fabulous and I need a blog to declare that to the world :) I'm not really sure that the world needs another blog to do this, but oh well.... Here I am.

No, really, I'm currently about to embark on  Michelle Bridges 12WBT program so I thought a blog would be a great way to share my successes and digresses with the world with some anonymity until I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops. Kicking off on August 27, this will be the 3rd round for 2012, but my very first. I am currently undertaking pre-season tasks in readiness. Now, I'm well aware of what I need to do to be fit and healthy and lose some weight, but like most, I lack the motivation, and sometimes the effort to do so. I like being told what to make for lunch, or dinner. In such a time poor society, those extra minutes of planning to decide on what to make for dinner I'd much prefer be spent doing something else! 

Like eeerrr blogging. And what a brilliant tool for procrastinating too. I'm finishing up a PhD and those of you that have suffered that pleasure wrath will understand how great procrastination is. So here I am. Welcome to my journey xo