And so begins a new round of 12wbt

Well nearly a year on from the start of my journey and I'm back on 12wbt (and back at my blog!) After a really successful first round last year (Round 3, 2012), I half-heartedly participated in Round 4- Christmas and life got in the way and hey I'd lost around 10kg and felt pretty good about myself. I started a new job in January and my priorities slowly changed- I lost motivation at the gym, I tried a new gym and then rejoined my old one. I stopped making time for myself and rather than get up in the morning I opted to stay in bed for that little bit longer. Stress at work reached an all time high and all those good habits I learned and those bad ones I had banished came back with a vengeance- emotional eating featured daily. Rather than try and deal with the reasons that made me feel like I needed chocolate I just ate chocolate. And here I am. Right back where I was 12 months ago I think. Depressed because the dress I bought to wear to a wedding next month no longer fits, as don't any of the nice things I bought myself after I lost weight and toned up. I went full circle and went downhill pretty hard in the last few months- what I had managed to maintain through to about March, blew out as I made so many bad decisions and knew it. I completely sabotaged myself and knew I was doing it.

In a spur of the moment decision last night I joined this round of 12wbt. I am not following the meal plan to a tee- rather counting my calories so as to keep a little bit of the norm in my household. I am doing the learn to run program which I am looking forward to- I think the exercise program was what I missed most, I enjoy mixing things up and hate making decisions myself, so to have something different to follow each week it was a no-brainer to come back :) I can't say I'm not disappointed in myself and how hard I worked and how quickly it all went back to the way it was. But I'm giving it another go and hopefully will relearn all the tools I need to go it on my own eventually. Baby steps.

So here I am, shouting it out to the world. I am going to kick these bad habits. I am going to eat better and exercise. I am going to look after respect myself. I am going to take responsibility for my actions.

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 :)

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.