The first week of duathlon training went really well. The weekend 10km ride got pushed to 12km, and as well as my run/walk session yesterday we went for a great MTB ride in the reserve near where our caravan is parked at the moment. I have to admit though, some of those steep climbs were pretty hard on the thighs after running only a couple of hours earlier.
I am enjoying having a structured training schedule again. Although I was exercising most days before, it was easy to slack off by doing slightly fewer exercises or less distance. Now I have my expectations down in writing, I'm much more likely to hit my targets. For instance last week Craig didn't feel like going to the gym one day, so I did circuit training at home instead of using that as an excuse to do nothing.
Of course not wanting to be shown up by my workmates adds extra motivation!
Also, Craig and I have decided to do the 50km ride at Waikanae again this year. That's mid-October, so 5 weeks before the duathlon.
Eating-wise, still feeling my way, but enjoying this style of eating much more than a rigid plan. I'm paying most attention to portion sizes and getting rid of mindless eating.
I get a whole week at home this week too, which is nice. Off to Christchurch next week as we have a new company down there, so some poor sucker needs to be trained on the World According to Sue.
Monday, September 08, 2008
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Idle observations
- Sitting in the club lounge at the airport. The only people who don't look tired are the ones speaking in irritatingly loud voices. Does constantly striving to be noticed give you an energy boost? I would have thought it would be dreadfully exhausting
- Why are drivers so reluctant to give way to emergency vehicles now? Don't they get the whole life-saving situation thing?
- Exercise done when you really don't feel like it truly is doubly rewarding
- Most men wear their trousers at least 3cm too short
- I know having all this lovely oestrogen racing round my body keeps me looking young, but, really, I'm over getting pimples with every period, like some cruel gift-with-purchase
Sorry folks, guess I'm tired and grumpy!
Monday, September 01, 2008
BHAG time (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
We were talking duathlons at work this morning. As you do.
Somehow, I seem to have challenged all my staff to join me in one. Well, my three Wellington staff anyway. The two in Auckland don’t yet know what a lucky escape they’ve had.
The four of us haven’t just decided to do a duathlon. We’ve decided the short course is too easy. We’re doing the medium instead – 4km run, 24km ride, 4km run. Of course, I could just wimp out and walk instead of running. But no-one else seems to be going for that option. And I do hate to be shown up. Even if I am the oldest.
The good part about it – we’re doing it in mid-November. So when it was suggested we should go the whole hog and do a triathlon, I could legitimately point out the necessity of a wet suit when swimming in the sea at that time of year. No-one here has one, so we dropped that idea. Phew! I swim about as well as a three toed sloth does aerobics. I don’t think even the Grade 4 AC dislocation/torn rotator cuff excuse would have got me out of that one – but luckily the cost of wet suits did.
Of course, I once did fancy I could do triathlons. The biggest relief of my life was when they cancelled that swim.
So, serious training time again. And at the perfect time of year to get fit for summer. At least it’s only 5 weeks till daylight saving starts. That always makes training easier.
Hence – the return of Sue’s exercise-geek sidebar.
Somehow, I seem to have challenged all my staff to join me in one. Well, my three Wellington staff anyway. The two in Auckland don’t yet know what a lucky escape they’ve had.
The four of us haven’t just decided to do a duathlon. We’ve decided the short course is too easy. We’re doing the medium instead – 4km run, 24km ride, 4km run. Of course, I could just wimp out and walk instead of running. But no-one else seems to be going for that option. And I do hate to be shown up. Even if I am the oldest.
The good part about it – we’re doing it in mid-November. So when it was suggested we should go the whole hog and do a triathlon, I could legitimately point out the necessity of a wet suit when swimming in the sea at that time of year. No-one here has one, so we dropped that idea. Phew! I swim about as well as a three toed sloth does aerobics. I don’t think even the Grade 4 AC dislocation/torn rotator cuff excuse would have got me out of that one – but luckily the cost of wet suits did.
Of course, I once did fancy I could do triathlons. The biggest relief of my life was when they cancelled that swim.
So, serious training time again. And at the perfect time of year to get fit for summer. At least it’s only 5 weeks till daylight saving starts. That always makes training easier.
Hence – the return of Sue’s exercise-geek sidebar.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Spreading hips
This is the photo that really drove home to me that the creeping weight was starting to show. Of course it was after a week in Paris and 10 days in London, so all the eating and boozing with my sisters and my boy hadn’t helped. I used to be able to take those pants off without undoing them. Not anymore.
Nice story to the photo though. Jake and I are standing in front of the church in Willesden (NE London) where my parents got married – 53 years ago. Mum and Dad are were an ‘item’ at training college in Auckland. They both headed off on their OE in the early 50s – separately of course. They met up again in London, got married and stayed until Mum got pregnant with my oldest sister. The first time they went back was in their golden anniversary year – and they visited the church too.
Nice story to the photo though. Jake and I are standing in front of the church in Willesden (NE London) where my parents got married – 53 years ago. Mum and Dad are were an ‘item’ at training college in Auckland. They both headed off on their OE in the early 50s – separately of course. They met up again in London, got married and stayed until Mum got pregnant with my oldest sister. The first time they went back was in their golden anniversary year – and they visited the church too.
Isn't my boy looking fine?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Easily derailed
In fact, it sometimes seems the tracks aren’t there at all!
Having decided I really want to get my weight down, at least back into the (once briefly visited) mid-70s, I am struggling to keep my focus going for more than a few days at a time.
I know exactly why this is happening, but that doesn’t help me get it under control.
When I first lost a large amount of weight – 46kg in that first year – it was easy to become very self-centred in my approach. I didn’t realise it fully at the time, but my life was not really a very happy place. Apart from my son and my work, I wasn’t getting much fulfilment. So, it was easy to throw myself into eating plans and exercise schedules. More importantly, it was easier to stick to them when I had so few distractions.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not moaning about being deliriously happy. No way, baby!
But now I need to take a new approach, and it’s taking me some time to get my head around. In the long run, it will be a more realistic approach, because it will be how I live the rest of my life.
It’s no longer about being strict, about firmly defined limits. It’s about being flexible. There will be much more ‘listening’ to my body, and thinking about whether I really want something, or if it’s just a short term urge that will go away if resisted.
I’m actually very excited about this. There are lots of things involved that I’ve only be playing lip service to for a long time – portion sizes, healthy choices, self control. But it will take a bit of trial and error to get right.
Exercise continues to be very important to me. Not just because I love it, but because it helps keep me focused. I know how much better I run if I haven’t had those two glasses of wine the night before – so if I have a run planned it is easier to abstain. Basically, it is easier for me to eat well if I am exercising well.
So, in a world where sustainability is the buzz word of the moment, here’s to a more sustainable approach to my health.
Having decided I really want to get my weight down, at least back into the (once briefly visited) mid-70s, I am struggling to keep my focus going for more than a few days at a time.
I know exactly why this is happening, but that doesn’t help me get it under control.
When I first lost a large amount of weight – 46kg in that first year – it was easy to become very self-centred in my approach. I didn’t realise it fully at the time, but my life was not really a very happy place. Apart from my son and my work, I wasn’t getting much fulfilment. So, it was easy to throw myself into eating plans and exercise schedules. More importantly, it was easier to stick to them when I had so few distractions.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not moaning about being deliriously happy. No way, baby!
But now I need to take a new approach, and it’s taking me some time to get my head around. In the long run, it will be a more realistic approach, because it will be how I live the rest of my life.
It’s no longer about being strict, about firmly defined limits. It’s about being flexible. There will be much more ‘listening’ to my body, and thinking about whether I really want something, or if it’s just a short term urge that will go away if resisted.
I’m actually very excited about this. There are lots of things involved that I’ve only be playing lip service to for a long time – portion sizes, healthy choices, self control. But it will take a bit of trial and error to get right.
Exercise continues to be very important to me. Not just because I love it, but because it helps keep me focused. I know how much better I run if I haven’t had those two glasses of wine the night before – so if I have a run planned it is easier to abstain. Basically, it is easier for me to eat well if I am exercising well.
So, in a world where sustainability is the buzz word of the moment, here’s to a more sustainable approach to my health.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thank you Shauna
How often have you rolled your eyes as you spot the latest bestseller wonder-diet book on the shelves? Are we really convinced that ballroom dancing changed Norm Hewitt’s life, or that the Movie Star Diet is the thing for us?
I certainly won’t waste my time reading books that tell me everything I’m doing wrong, or spend money to be preached at about how I should live.
The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid fits into none of these categories. Shauna isn’t claiming she can change your life or save you from yourself. She is, quite simply, telling you her story.
Not that the story is simple. Shauna takes her readers through not just the journey of her weight loss, but the journey of a huge part of her life – the influences that created her weight issues, her struggles with social isolation, and her battles with depression. But it’s not all about the hard stuff – what superhero adventure would be complete without triumph: overcoming evil, exciting travel adventures and a great love story?
I chose to read Dietgirl in two sittings – three hour flights to and from Sydney. I was crying within the first dozen pages and cursing Shauna for wreaking havoc on my makeup. Sleepy passengers were several times close to lynching me for snorting with laughter. But mostly there was most un-Sue-like silence as I devoured the story of this amazing woman.
I suspect Shauna would tell you she is just an ordinary person. If she is, then she has an extraordinary ability to communicate. If you have visited the Dietgirl website you know that, but reading the book shows the depth of her ability.
So Shauna, thank you for bring us your story. You may have changed your own life, but you have touched mine profoundly.
I certainly won’t waste my time reading books that tell me everything I’m doing wrong, or spend money to be preached at about how I should live.
The Amazing Adventures of Dietgirl by Shauna Reid fits into none of these categories. Shauna isn’t claiming she can change your life or save you from yourself. She is, quite simply, telling you her story.
Not that the story is simple. Shauna takes her readers through not just the journey of her weight loss, but the journey of a huge part of her life – the influences that created her weight issues, her struggles with social isolation, and her battles with depression. But it’s not all about the hard stuff – what superhero adventure would be complete without triumph: overcoming evil, exciting travel adventures and a great love story?
I chose to read Dietgirl in two sittings – three hour flights to and from Sydney. I was crying within the first dozen pages and cursing Shauna for wreaking havoc on my makeup. Sleepy passengers were several times close to lynching me for snorting with laughter. But mostly there was most un-Sue-like silence as I devoured the story of this amazing woman.
I suspect Shauna would tell you she is just an ordinary person. If she is, then she has an extraordinary ability to communicate. If you have visited the Dietgirl website you know that, but reading the book shows the depth of her ability.
So Shauna, thank you for bring us your story. You may have changed your own life, but you have touched mine profoundly.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Owwweee!
Oooo, it hurts. Somehow it doesn't matter how fit you think you are, there is always something that will prove you're not.
Last night I couldn't face running in the freezing cold again, so I decided to do my kickboxing DVD instead. For the first time in like 18 months.
And it burns. Thighs, butt and that bit at the top of my calves.
Of course adapting the routine to fit in a living room the size of a bread bin was interesting too!
Last night I couldn't face running in the freezing cold again, so I decided to do my kickboxing DVD instead. For the first time in like 18 months.
And it burns. Thighs, butt and that bit at the top of my calves.
Of course adapting the routine to fit in a living room the size of a bread bin was interesting too!
Monday, August 11, 2008
What a lovely weekend
The weather was still vile on Friday night – no surprise there, it really has been a hard winter. We wandered into Petone to see how opening night was going at Lone Star. Had a margarita there and then bailed because of the crowd. Very nice meal at Gusto though.
On Saturday the forecast looked better for Paekakariki than Petone, so we headed up to the caravan about lunchtime.
It was still less than 10 degrees, but we headed off for a ride on the trails in Queen Elizabeth Park. Great fun and great exercise. Good for my confidence too, which I’ve been struggling to get back after my accident. If I went any slower downhill up be peddling backwards up the hill!
We got caught in a heavy downpour, but were only about 5 minutes from home, so toughed it out and got back to the caravan dripping wet.
Freezing overnight, but Sunday dawned to one of those magnificent winter days – clear and still, so the cold doesn’t seem to matter any more. Back on the bikes for another great ride – down to the beach for coffee, along the beach to Raumati and then back on the trails again.
Then it was time for the great shift – we needed to get off the site we were on at the caravan park as it had a long-term booking. After much wandering about, scratching of chins and working out the angle of the sun, we decided where to go.
So, pack a few things away and hook up the truck. Easy. Did I mention it’s been a vile winter? And that the ground is really wet? And that our truck and caravan combined weigh in at over 3.5 tonne? That’s right; we got stuck in the mud. Chewed the hell out the grass and then couldn’t go either forward or back.
Had to go and get the tractor from the camp owners and pull the van to another site. We’ll leave it there for a month or so till the ground dries out.
Of course now there’s lots of mud to clean off both vehicles…
All round, it was a great week of exercise. I aim to do at least 240 minutes a week, spread over 6 days. This week I got to 320 minutes.
On Saturday the forecast looked better for Paekakariki than Petone, so we headed up to the caravan about lunchtime.
It was still less than 10 degrees, but we headed off for a ride on the trails in Queen Elizabeth Park. Great fun and great exercise. Good for my confidence too, which I’ve been struggling to get back after my accident. If I went any slower downhill up be peddling backwards up the hill!
We got caught in a heavy downpour, but were only about 5 minutes from home, so toughed it out and got back to the caravan dripping wet.
Freezing overnight, but Sunday dawned to one of those magnificent winter days – clear and still, so the cold doesn’t seem to matter any more. Back on the bikes for another great ride – down to the beach for coffee, along the beach to Raumati and then back on the trails again.
Then it was time for the great shift – we needed to get off the site we were on at the caravan park as it had a long-term booking. After much wandering about, scratching of chins and working out the angle of the sun, we decided where to go.
So, pack a few things away and hook up the truck. Easy. Did I mention it’s been a vile winter? And that the ground is really wet? And that our truck and caravan combined weigh in at over 3.5 tonne? That’s right; we got stuck in the mud. Chewed the hell out the grass and then couldn’t go either forward or back.
Had to go and get the tractor from the camp owners and pull the van to another site. We’ll leave it there for a month or so till the ground dries out.
Of course now there’s lots of mud to clean off both vehicles…
All round, it was a great week of exercise. I aim to do at least 240 minutes a week, spread over 6 days. This week I got to 320 minutes.
Friday, August 08, 2008
I told you it was cute
Actually, you can't help but say 'cute' when you see it. And just wait until we finish the renovations inside....Our perfect little love nest!
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Hellooooo?
Just in case anyone notices I’m here, here’s some of the stuff that has gone on in the last six (!!) months.
I went to Paris and London with two of my sisters – and got to spend over a week with Jake
My shoulder took a long time to get really better, but I’ve been back on full time exercise since the middle of May
We now live in a cottage in Petone – it is incredibly cute and tiny, only 70 square meters, but just perfect for us and less than half a block from the beach
We are also the proud owners of a caravan. It is very flash and luxurious – but I am now officially trailer trash, apparently. We have left it up the coast for now and pop up for as many weekends as we can
Between lack of exercise and being incredibly happy, my weight had gone up to over 88kg. I've been working on that for the last six weeks and am back under 83kg. I still have a hankering to get down to that 72kg mark
Not sure if I'm back to full-time blogging - will try for a weekly update for now.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Best laid plans...
Okay, having a bit of a sulk now.
The conversation at physio this morning went something like this:
Her: How’s the arm?
Me: A bit sore today, actually.
Her: Why do you think that is?
Me: Because I went for a run. (failing to mention the second one this morning)
Her: It is way too soon for you to be running. Those poor ligaments are just hanging on by a thread. Stop torturing them.
So there goes the original return-to-fitness plan. Oh well, shit happens.
Change the plan. I’m allowed to walk. I’m allowed to ride (on nice flat surfaces).
That means, this year, it will be a walking and riding duathlon. No running for Sue.
The conversation at physio this morning went something like this:
Her: How’s the arm?
Me: A bit sore today, actually.
Her: Why do you think that is?
Me: Because I went for a run. (failing to mention the second one this morning)
Her: It is way too soon for you to be running. Those poor ligaments are just hanging on by a thread. Stop torturing them.
So there goes the original return-to-fitness plan. Oh well, shit happens.
Change the plan. I’m allowed to walk. I’m allowed to ride (on nice flat surfaces).
That means, this year, it will be a walking and riding duathlon. No running for Sue.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Return to fitness
It's two months now since I last did any real exercise - gosh, that sounds like something that should be said in the confessional!
The lead-up to Christmas meant the usual slacking-off about exercise. But that was all going to be put right during our 2 week holiday in the South Island - camping, mountain biking and kayaking.
Then all those plans were blown on New Year's Day. We'd just ridden the lovely track around Lake Hayes and were zooming down the access road back to the car. Gravel road, lots of potholes, riding too fast - crash! I cart-wheeled my bike and landed in a very messy heap.
End result - small fracture in my forearm, dislocated elbow, grade 4 dislocation of my AC joint (shoulder). Lots of pain, lots of drugs and major change to the holiday plans.
So, here we are almost at the end of February. My recovery has, of course, been much slower than I would like. But the last couple of weeks has seen quite a lot of improvement and it looks like I will escape the surgery that was on the cards.
The most fitness work I've done is a few walks - not very far, not very fast, not very many.
Hence, I have forced myself to concentrate once more by setting a deadline - the REAL duathlon on 6 April. I've signed up already, so somehow I need to be able to walk/run 3.5km, ride 10km, walk/run 1.5km. And I'd really like to run, not walk.
I have just got home from doing day 1 of week 1 of the couch to 5km. And at least I managed to do it. Not sure about riding though - I think I'll start that later this week in the gym, rather than on a real bike.
And my other motivation - I want to be fit when I go to see Jake in London in April.
The lead-up to Christmas meant the usual slacking-off about exercise. But that was all going to be put right during our 2 week holiday in the South Island - camping, mountain biking and kayaking.
Then all those plans were blown on New Year's Day. We'd just ridden the lovely track around Lake Hayes and were zooming down the access road back to the car. Gravel road, lots of potholes, riding too fast - crash! I cart-wheeled my bike and landed in a very messy heap.
End result - small fracture in my forearm, dislocated elbow, grade 4 dislocation of my AC joint (shoulder). Lots of pain, lots of drugs and major change to the holiday plans.
So, here we are almost at the end of February. My recovery has, of course, been much slower than I would like. But the last couple of weeks has seen quite a lot of improvement and it looks like I will escape the surgery that was on the cards.
The most fitness work I've done is a few walks - not very far, not very fast, not very many.
Hence, I have forced myself to concentrate once more by setting a deadline - the REAL duathlon on 6 April. I've signed up already, so somehow I need to be able to walk/run 3.5km, ride 10km, walk/run 1.5km. And I'd really like to run, not walk.
I have just got home from doing day 1 of week 1 of the couch to 5km. And at least I managed to do it. Not sure about riding though - I think I'll start that later this week in the gym, rather than on a real bike.
And my other motivation - I want to be fit when I go to see Jake in London in April.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Okay, yes...
Okay, yes, I'm still alive.
Okay, yes, I still love ALL of you.
Okay, yes, my life is bloody wonderful.
Okay, no, I don't know if I'm going to get back into blogging.
Okay, yes, I still love ALL of you.
Okay, yes, my life is bloody wonderful.
Okay, no, I don't know if I'm going to get back into blogging.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Bit of a ride!
Sunday being a day of rest, we thought we'd go for a quiet ride.
50km.
The Tour of Waikanae is based on a 25km loop - you can do it 1, 2, 3 or 4 times.
It's a lovely ride, without too much hill work, but once again we got nailed by the wind.
This was Craig's first event, and the first time either of us has ridden over 20km. Our first aim was to finish, and we did it dead-on our target time of 2:30.
Very pleased with our efforts; let's see how we feel tomorrow!
50km.
The Tour of Waikanae is based on a 25km loop - you can do it 1, 2, 3 or 4 times.
It's a lovely ride, without too much hill work, but once again we got nailed by the wind.
This was Craig's first event, and the first time either of us has ridden over 20km. Our first aim was to finish, and we did it dead-on our target time of 2:30.
Very pleased with our efforts; let's see how we feel tomorrow!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Great weather for ducks!
I went for a lovely run last night - in the rain. I'd had enough of people for the day, so headed out to the waterfront, instead of in to the gym.
I did 5km - and ran about 3.5 of that. It would be no fun if it was windy as well, but the rain itself didn't worry me (I know you girls with glasses feel differently). I just made sure I wore a cap to keep my head and face fairly dry.
Things I like about running in the rain:
The shower afterwards felt wonderful
Hardly anyone about
Makes me feel like I'm really tough
I know everyone going by thinks I'm insane
I ran more and faster than usual
Everything feels so clean, despite being in the middle of the city
I did 5km - and ran about 3.5 of that. It would be no fun if it was windy as well, but the rain itself didn't worry me (I know you girls with glasses feel differently). I just made sure I wore a cap to keep my head and face fairly dry.
Things I like about running in the rain:
The shower afterwards felt wonderful
Hardly anyone about
Makes me feel like I'm really tough
I know everyone going by thinks I'm insane
I ran more and faster than usual
Everything feels so clean, despite being in the middle of the city
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Bruises
You can tell when I'm getting lots of exercise. Not by how fit and trim I look - by the number of bruises I've got.
I've never been the most graceful soul (Mum, stop snickering) and my full clumsiness comes out when I exercise - particularly when there's equipment involved.
There are always a few around my ankles and lower shins where I knock the bike pedals or the cross trainer as I get on and off.
There's a beaut on my back at the moment - I got tangled up getting off my bike on a bridge and back-slammed the concrete balustrade.
A couple of big bruises on my thighs from walking into various weight machines.
The one on my knee where I tripped over my big feet and fell while walking (honest, I don't need any obstacles, I can trip over all by myself).
So, there's Sue - fit, healthy and damaged!
I've never been the most graceful soul (Mum, stop snickering) and my full clumsiness comes out when I exercise - particularly when there's equipment involved.
There are always a few around my ankles and lower shins where I knock the bike pedals or the cross trainer as I get on and off.
There's a beaut on my back at the moment - I got tangled up getting off my bike on a bridge and back-slammed the concrete balustrade.
A couple of big bruises on my thighs from walking into various weight machines.
The one on my knee where I tripped over my big feet and fell while walking (honest, I don't need any obstacles, I can trip over all by myself).
So, there's Sue - fit, healthy and damaged!
Monday, October 08, 2007
More bloody rain
DG has put up a great post about how to keep yourself exercising during the winter months. Perfect timing for us Wellingtonians - after all, we're well into spring so the weather is complete crap! Blowing 40 bastards and pissing with rain again today.
Last night we had a spectacular electrical storm - not something seen in Wellington much. The lights in our apartment kept dimming and then slowly coming back up again.
Still, the weather matches everyone's mood today - what a bunch of gloomy guts! Yes, I'm upset that we lost the RWC quarter final but really, IT IS ONLY A GAME! Get over it.
Like so many things, it all comes down to passion - and they wanted it more.
Last night we had a spectacular electrical storm - not something seen in Wellington much. The lights in our apartment kept dimming and then slowly coming back up again.
Still, the weather matches everyone's mood today - what a bunch of gloomy guts! Yes, I'm upset that we lost the RWC quarter final but really, IT IS ONLY A GAME! Get over it.
Like so many things, it all comes down to passion - and they wanted it more.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Certifiable!
By Friday I was really sick of not being able to ride my new bike. So we went for a 17km waterfront ride after work, regardless of the gale-force northerlies.
Going there was great, of course - going at over 40kph without even peddling. Coming back, not so much.
Not only did I get blown off the bike (stepped off before I fell off), but the wind then picked the bike up in the air, only connected to this earth by my grip on the handle bars. Still, it was a great ride.
The wind has pretty much continued all weekend - I think it's the only time I've heard a forecast for Wellington that included the words 'gusting hurricane force'!
Managed to get another good (18km) ride in yesterday morning though, when the weather was a bit calmer.
And then this morning (after the ABs got humiliated by the French) I went and took my angst out on the cross trainer and treadmill - and my abs - so it's been a great weekend of exercise.
Now there are a couple of blokes parked in my lounge watching Bathhurst - oh well, guess I can't have the perfect weekend!
Going there was great, of course - going at over 40kph without even peddling. Coming back, not so much.
Not only did I get blown off the bike (stepped off before I fell off), but the wind then picked the bike up in the air, only connected to this earth by my grip on the handle bars. Still, it was a great ride.
The wind has pretty much continued all weekend - I think it's the only time I've heard a forecast for Wellington that included the words 'gusting hurricane force'!
Managed to get another good (18km) ride in yesterday morning though, when the weather was a bit calmer.
And then this morning (after the ABs got humiliated by the French) I went and took my angst out on the cross trainer and treadmill - and my abs - so it's been a great weekend of exercise.
Now there are a couple of blokes parked in my lounge watching Bathhurst - oh well, guess I can't have the perfect weekend!
Friday, October 05, 2007
Love your kids? Make them poo!
Anyone else seen it? An ad on TV recommending we feed (a famous brand fibre product) to our kids!
That's right folks! Forget about proper nutrition. Let your kids eat all the fat-filled fast food they want. Don't worry that their protein-rich, vegetable-poor diet is bunging up their bums. Just sprinkle a handful of this stuff on their sugary breakfast cereal and all those dietary short-comings will be solved.
Forget about teaching your kids about proper nutrition. Just show them there is a supplement for every need - including the need to poo. Don't worry that all that fatty meat is increasing their risk of colon cancer, because this fibrous wonder-food will fix all that.
Oh, please!
That's right folks! Forget about proper nutrition. Let your kids eat all the fat-filled fast food they want. Don't worry that their protein-rich, vegetable-poor diet is bunging up their bums. Just sprinkle a handful of this stuff on their sugary breakfast cereal and all those dietary short-comings will be solved.
Forget about teaching your kids about proper nutrition. Just show them there is a supplement for every need - including the need to poo. Don't worry that all that fatty meat is increasing their risk of colon cancer, because this fibrous wonder-food will fix all that.
Oh, please!
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
A few simple steps
There are lots of different theories about how to lose weight and keep it off, lots of plans for being fit and leading a healthy lifestyle. I found a plan that helped me to lose the life-restricting weight I was carrying; what worked for me may not be right for others - we all need to find our own way.
I do think, however, that most plans boil down to a few simple steps. Following these steps might not show a drastic change in your weight and fitness, but will eventually lead to a healthier, sustainable lifestyle.
Water
The massive upsurge in bottled water sales shows how much everyone is buying in to this. It's one of the easiest things to change in your lifestyle - simply DRINK MORE WATER. You don't have to buy it; most of us are lucky enough to live in places where the tap water is fine for drinking.
I make sure I drink two litres a day, with about an extra litre per hour of exercise. It's simple to work out if you're getting enough water - if your pee is dark, you need more; if it's clear you're probably drinking too much and making your kidneys work too hard. Aim for a pale, lemony yellow.
Food
Simple changes here, too, can make such a difference. Less fat, sugar and salt, more whole foods, fibre and lean protein.
As well as the type of food, look at the volume. Whether you eat 3 'large' meals a day or go for the approach of having 5 or 6 small meals, look at how much you are eating. Reducing portion sizes, particularly of protein and high-carb foods, will make an enormous difference.
Exercise
Again, this is simple. Get more of it. If you're not getting any exercise, start doing something. If you're already exercising a bit, increase it - maybe track it for a couple of weeks and then work how how/when to do more. If you're a complete fit-freak and exercising for hours everyday - good on you (but make sure you're doing quality exercise and that you give your body recovery time).
Okay, so you've decided you want to make some changes in your life. How will you do it?
Again, this is different for everyone. You might feel comfortable making all these steps at the same time - I did, and it worked for me. But if the thought of all that change completely freaks you out, try this:
Make a list of the 10 things you'd most like to change (and I would suggest you start with the water thing and have exercise fairly close to the top of the list). Then write a schedule of when you're going to make those changes - maybe one on the first of each month? That way, each change will become a part of your life (a habit) before you move on to the next one.
No matter which approach you take to change, you will be making change for the better.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Best laid plans...
I really wanted to go for my run last night. And yes, Helena, I even would have done an extra 5km for you (not).
But the weather and the airline intervened. Quite a few planes got turned back from Wellington yesterday afternoon - couldn't land because of high winds. Which meant by the evening the schedule was pretty well stuffed.
So my flight was nearly 90 minutes late (and it was one of the worst landings I've ever had). By the time I got home just after 8 o'clock, there was no way I was putting on my sneakers and heading out the door.
Now I just have to make sure I follow the 'never skip two days in a row' rule and move my butt today. Preferably on my new bike.
But the weather and the airline intervened. Quite a few planes got turned back from Wellington yesterday afternoon - couldn't land because of high winds. Which meant by the evening the schedule was pretty well stuffed.
So my flight was nearly 90 minutes late (and it was one of the worst landings I've ever had). By the time I got home just after 8 o'clock, there was no way I was putting on my sneakers and heading out the door.
Now I just have to make sure I follow the 'never skip two days in a row' rule and move my butt today. Preferably on my new bike.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Now, cut that out!
I just re-read yesterday's post and realised I've started October with a defeatist attitude!
Just because I'll be getting back from Auckland a bit late doesn't mean I should give up on getting any exercise.
So, when I get home, I will be going for a 5km jog (with maybe as bit of walking).
That's a better attitude.
Just because I'll be getting back from Auckland a bit late doesn't mean I should give up on getting any exercise.
So, when I get home, I will be going for a 5km jog (with maybe as bit of walking).
That's a better attitude.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
All-about-exercise-post
September exercise wrap up
Days I did something: 27/30
Days I did nothing: 3/30
Days I did something I rate as significant exercise: 20/30
Number of gym visits: 8/30
Number of non-gym days where I did exercise that I consider a worthy replacement: 7/30
October exercise aims
No more than 6 days without significant exercise (September was 10)
Although I really like the gym, at the moment I'd rather be out riding, weather permitting.
Cool shit from the weekend
Craig bought me a bike computer. How geek-cool is that? I can measure distance, time on the bike, top speed, average speed...
Much application of ice (external) and gin (internal) meant my knee felt not-too-bad on Saturday, so we rode all over the place, stopping to drink coffees and cruise the Lyall Bay mega centre and clocked up 17.5km.
Some dickhead tried to kill me again (cut in front of me at an intersection), so I went and bought a BRIGHT yellow cycle top (and an orange one for Craig) along with some cool sunnies to make me go faster on the bike.
Sunday the weather in town was yucky, so we went out to Paekakariki to eat brunch and rode the trails in QE2 park. Only 8km, but LOTS of grunty hills.
I remembered DG's post about spending the first part of any exercise adventure freaking out about not being able to do things, as I crept/skidded down steep gravel-pathed hills, terrified of leaving half my skin on the stones if I came off. But I did it, and got very brave as time went on!
Finally got sick of my shonky gears and bought a bike off TradeMe tonight. Have already picked it up. Very cool and can't wait to try it out.
Phew!
Off to Auckland for the day tomorrow so I suspect the first day of October may be without significant exercise...
Days I did something: 27/30
Days I did nothing: 3/30
Days I did something I rate as significant exercise: 20/30
Number of gym visits: 8/30
Number of non-gym days where I did exercise that I consider a worthy replacement: 7/30
October exercise aims
No more than 6 days without significant exercise (September was 10)
Although I really like the gym, at the moment I'd rather be out riding, weather permitting.
Cool shit from the weekend
Craig bought me a bike computer. How geek-cool is that? I can measure distance, time on the bike, top speed, average speed...
Much application of ice (external) and gin (internal) meant my knee felt not-too-bad on Saturday, so we rode all over the place, stopping to drink coffees and cruise the Lyall Bay mega centre and clocked up 17.5km.
Some dickhead tried to kill me again (cut in front of me at an intersection), so I went and bought a BRIGHT yellow cycle top (and an orange one for Craig) along with some cool sunnies to make me go faster on the bike.
Sunday the weather in town was yucky, so we went out to Paekakariki to eat brunch and rode the trails in QE2 park. Only 8km, but LOTS of grunty hills.
I remembered DG's post about spending the first part of any exercise adventure freaking out about not being able to do things, as I crept/skidded down steep gravel-pathed hills, terrified of leaving half my skin on the stones if I came off. But I did it, and got very brave as time went on!
Finally got sick of my shonky gears and bought a bike off TradeMe tonight. Have already picked it up. Very cool and can't wait to try it out.
Phew!
Off to Auckland for the day tomorrow so I suspect the first day of October may be without significant exercise...
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Thanks a bunch
I'd just like to say thanks to the woman driving the Fiesta who pulled a U-turn in front of me while I was riding my bike in Evans Bay last night.
Thanks for missing me.
Thanks for being completely unaware of my existence.
Thanks for opening your door without checking your wing mirror.
Thanks for making me stop so suddenly that I managed to wrench my knee - again.
Thanks for at least driving so badly I had already started to slow down before your idiotic stunt with the door. That way I didn't hit your door and fly off my bike into the wild blue yonder.
Thanks for checking to make sure I was okay before getting back into your car and driving off.
Thanks.
It's okay, my knee has been vastly improved by applying gin. Internally.
Thanks for missing me.
Thanks for being completely unaware of my existence.
Thanks for opening your door without checking your wing mirror.
Thanks for making me stop so suddenly that I managed to wrench my knee - again.
Thanks for at least driving so badly I had already started to slow down before your idiotic stunt with the door. That way I didn't hit your door and fly off my bike into the wild blue yonder.
Thanks for checking to make sure I was okay before getting back into your car and driving off.
Thanks.
It's okay, my knee has been vastly improved by applying gin. Internally.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Never skip two days in a row
Not a bad rule this one – and it can apply to eating and to exercise!
We all skip a day now and then – we’re human and sometimes these things just happen. But how you cope with the next day can make all the difference. Because if you skip two days, it’s even easier for it to become three, then four…
One day off track with your eating won’t do much harm – but a whole week will! Try not to just shrug your shoulders after a self-indulgent day and say “Well, this week is shot, might as well eat whatever I like”!
If you missed your run yesterday when it was pouring with rain, or didn’t make it to the gym because you bumped into a friend on the way home and went to the pub instead, you might be feeling a bit lazy today. GET OVER IT! Get those running shoes on your feet and get out the door – you know you’ll feel better if you do.
Now, if I can just practice what I preach…
We all skip a day now and then – we’re human and sometimes these things just happen. But how you cope with the next day can make all the difference. Because if you skip two days, it’s even easier for it to become three, then four…
One day off track with your eating won’t do much harm – but a whole week will! Try not to just shrug your shoulders after a self-indulgent day and say “Well, this week is shot, might as well eat whatever I like”!
If you missed your run yesterday when it was pouring with rain, or didn’t make it to the gym because you bumped into a friend on the way home and went to the pub instead, you might be feeling a bit lazy today. GET OVER IT! Get those running shoes on your feet and get out the door – you know you’ll feel better if you do.
Now, if I can just practice what I preach…
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Look for inspiration every day
Daily inspiration will help sustain long-term motivation.
Inspiration can be found in all sorts of places. Lots of us find it other people’s blogs and online forums. There is inspiration to be found in magazines, in books (especially biographies); in music and in the people you see everyday.
It’s not just stories of other people’s weight loss which are inspiring. I love to hear about people who have achieved success through determination and hard work, or overcome supposedly overwhelming obstacles to get what they want (Mark Inglis is a perfect example, even if he did cause a bit of controversy on the way).
On days you struggle to find inspiration in the world around you – look back at your own success. Read some of your old posts; remember how it felt when you lost the first 5kg or how much it thrilled you the first time you ran instead of walking.
Inspiration is all around us. And it’s much easier to see if you actually look for it.
Inspiration can be found in all sorts of places. Lots of us find it other people’s blogs and online forums. There is inspiration to be found in magazines, in books (especially biographies); in music and in the people you see everyday.
It’s not just stories of other people’s weight loss which are inspiring. I love to hear about people who have achieved success through determination and hard work, or overcome supposedly overwhelming obstacles to get what they want (Mark Inglis is a perfect example, even if he did cause a bit of controversy on the way).
On days you struggle to find inspiration in the world around you – look back at your own success. Read some of your old posts; remember how it felt when you lost the first 5kg or how much it thrilled you the first time you ran instead of walking.
Inspiration is all around us. And it’s much easier to see if you actually look for it.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
My fabulous weekend PART TWO
Well, we had our romantic night away, a lovely time looking at beautiful glass – so how to fill the remaining day of our weekend?
By kicking our arses on a gnarly bike ride of course!
Okay, not really gnarly, but pretty challenging for us. We rode round from Burdans Gate, past Pencarrow Light and almost to Baring Head.
It’s mostly flat all the way, but harder than a normal ride because it’s a gravel track. We rode 40 minutes there, and then 50 minutes back because of the head wind.
Amazing scenery – a lot of ships were wrecked on this coast. It’s all quite bleak, and yet the city is just over the other side of the harbour.
Stopped at the ‘car gate’ to catch our breath – and for me to wash some of the crud out of my brakes after getting stuck in some swampy stuff.
Craig tried to catch a pic of me taking a pee behind a bush. Luckily he was too slow so all you get to see are my legs, not my hairy butt! 
I found the last 20 minutes hard work (not helped by a downpour of rain) and think I would rate this the toughest ride I’ve done. Boy I loved it though.
It’s so cool to be with someone who wants to do these things with me – and I’m sure that pushes me into doing more things too.
Weight this morning was 80.2kg, so managed to keep steady over a couple of fairly hectic weeks.
By kicking our arses on a gnarly bike ride of course!
Okay, not really gnarly, but pretty challenging for us. We rode round from Burdans Gate, past Pencarrow Light and almost to Baring Head.
It’s mostly flat all the way, but harder than a normal ride because it’s a gravel track. We rode 40 minutes there, and then 50 minutes back because of the head wind.Amazing scenery – a lot of ships were wrecked on this coast. It’s all quite bleak, and yet the city is just over the other side of the harbour.
Stopped at the ‘car gate’ to catch our breath – and for me to wash some of the crud out of my brakes after getting stuck in some swampy stuff.
Craig tried to catch a pic of me taking a pee behind a bush. Luckily he was too slow so all you get to see are my legs, not my hairy butt! I found the last 20 minutes hard work (not helped by a downpour of rain) and think I would rate this the toughest ride I’ve done. Boy I loved it though.
It’s so cool to be with someone who wants to do these things with me – and I’m sure that pushes me into doing more things too.
Weight this morning was 80.2kg, so managed to keep steady over a couple of fairly hectic weeks.
Monday, September 24, 2007
My fabulous weekend PART ONE
Whipped off after work on Friday to Wanganui. I know, not a glamorous holiday destination - but there was GLASS to be looked at! And we got to stay here. It was just glorious...
Arrived just on dark on Friday night and had a BBQ - steak and salad we'd picked up on the way. All the provisions for breakfast were supplied (bacon, eggs, cereal, bottled fruit, coffee....). And the next morning the woman who runs the place walked over the paddocks from her place with a loaf of fresh-baked bread. And her gorgeous golden Labrador brought us the paper. Aww...
Then, into Wanganui for coffee and some serious glass viewing. And a bit of buying.
Home again on Saturday evening. That made it feel like a long weekend, because we got home and still had another day before we went back to work - and Sunday is another post.
Later with photos.
Our room...
Do I look as happy as I feel?
Arrived just on dark on Friday night and had a BBQ - steak and salad we'd picked up on the way. All the provisions for breakfast were supplied (bacon, eggs, cereal, bottled fruit, coffee....). And the next morning the woman who runs the place walked over the paddocks from her place with a loaf of fresh-baked bread. And her gorgeous golden Labrador brought us the paper. Aww...
Then, into Wanganui for coffee and some serious glass viewing. And a bit of buying.
Home again on Saturday evening. That made it feel like a long weekend, because we got home and still had another day before we went back to work - and Sunday is another post.
Later with photos.
Our room...
Do I look as happy as I feel?
Friday, September 21, 2007
What a fabulous day yesterday!
The weather was great – 18 degrees, clear, sunny and still.
My day at work was great – everything I needed done just feel into place.
Exercise was great – 45 minute bike ride, 15 minutes of which was uphill so I really put in some good work. And we had fun doing it.
The man was great – I got home and ALL the housework had been done. He'd gone home during the day to do it. Just gotta love that!
Overall, I just feel fantastic at the moment.
My day at work was great – everything I needed done just feel into place.
Exercise was great – 45 minute bike ride, 15 minutes of which was uphill so I really put in some good work. And we had fun doing it.
The man was great – I got home and ALL the housework had been done. He'd gone home during the day to do it. Just gotta love that!
Overall, I just feel fantastic at the moment.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Continuing in yesterday's theme...
NEVER under-estimate the power of positive thinking. Focus on why you can instead of why you can’t, and so many obstacles fall away.
Watch what you are thinking. Be aware of your self-talk. I know this sometimes sounds a bit touchy-feely, but we talk to ourselves all the time.
I don't mean the nutty lady wandering down the street muttering to herself. I mean those thoughts we usually aren’t even aware of. You know the ones – I don’t have enough self-control to eat well, I can’t get fit because I’m not a sporty person, it will never work.
Start listening to yourself. Catch those negative thoughts and push them away. Replace them with positive thoughts – eating well will make me feel good, I’ll find an activity I like and then getting fit will be fun, I can make these changes.
The positive thinking habit can be hard. You might even feel a bit silly doing it – but our thoughts have a powerful influence over our lives.
LBTEPA wrote a great post about this a while back, and it has been going through my head a lot in the last few weeks. I hope you don’t mind me quoting you, but the ‘Act as if’ idea struck a real chord with me:
This week has been such an “Act As If” week – Act As If I’m disciplined, motivated, cheerful, organised. And let me tell you, as strategies go, it’s worked a TREAT. Really. I’m sure the effortlessness will return soon. It WILL.
What this says to me is: when things are a bit too hard, act as if you can do them. Then suddenly they’re habits again and doing them comes naturally.
It’s another form of positive thinking. And it doesn’t just apply to weight loss or getting fit. It applies to all parts of our lives.
Watch what you are thinking. Be aware of your self-talk. I know this sometimes sounds a bit touchy-feely, but we talk to ourselves all the time.
I don't mean the nutty lady wandering down the street muttering to herself. I mean those thoughts we usually aren’t even aware of. You know the ones – I don’t have enough self-control to eat well, I can’t get fit because I’m not a sporty person, it will never work.
Start listening to yourself. Catch those negative thoughts and push them away. Replace them with positive thoughts – eating well will make me feel good, I’ll find an activity I like and then getting fit will be fun, I can make these changes.
The positive thinking habit can be hard. You might even feel a bit silly doing it – but our thoughts have a powerful influence over our lives.
LBTEPA wrote a great post about this a while back, and it has been going through my head a lot in the last few weeks. I hope you don’t mind me quoting you, but the ‘Act as if’ idea struck a real chord with me:
This week has been such an “Act As If” week – Act As If I’m disciplined, motivated, cheerful, organised. And let me tell you, as strategies go, it’s worked a TREAT. Really. I’m sure the effortlessness will return soon. It WILL.
What this says to me is: when things are a bit too hard, act as if you can do them. Then suddenly they’re habits again and doing them comes naturally.
It’s another form of positive thinking. And it doesn’t just apply to weight loss or getting fit. It applies to all parts of our lives.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Thought about your reasons lately?
Instead of giving yourself reasons why you can’t, give yourself reasons why you can.
I know I can reach the level of health and fitness I want because:
I have come so far already.
I understand so much more about nutrition than I did two and a half years ago.
I have learned to modify my behaviour and curb unhealthy eating impulses.
I love to exercise.
I love feeling fit and strong.
I know that being fit and healthy makes me feel good!
I know I can reach the level of health and fitness I want because:
I have come so far already.
I understand so much more about nutrition than I did two and a half years ago.
I have learned to modify my behaviour and curb unhealthy eating impulses.
I love to exercise.
I love feeling fit and strong.
I know that being fit and healthy makes me feel good!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
D'oh!
Oops - forgot to weigh this morning. May have been subconscious self-protective amnesia - there hasn't been much exercise and food has been a bit 'grab whatever you can find'.
Oh well, I'll just leave it till next week.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts, comments, texts and emails. This has been a tough time for Craig, but after the funeral today we can start looking forward again.
Oh well, I'll just leave it till next week.
Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts, comments, texts and emails. This has been a tough time for Craig, but after the funeral today we can start looking forward again.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
A bit all over the place
Not our usual pleasant weekend. Gave the trip to Wanganui a miss; might go next weekend. Lots of things to be sorted out here for the funeral on Tuesday.
Went for a lovely walk through the Botanic Gardens today. Did the lazy version - caught the Cable Car to the top and walked down. Lots of pretty tulips to be seen. Had late lunch at Picnic (the new cafe by the Begonia House) - yummy chickpea salad. Made sure I wore a cap; the wind would have me looking like Sideshow Bob in no time!
Went for a lovely walk through the Botanic Gardens today. Did the lazy version - caught the Cable Car to the top and walked down. Lots of pretty tulips to be seen. Had late lunch at Picnic (the new cafe by the Begonia House) - yummy chickpea salad. Made sure I wore a cap; the wind would have me looking like Sideshow Bob in no time!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Plenty of cups of tea
There's lots of cups of tea being made at our place at the moment. Craig's Mum passed away yesterday. She had been ill for a long time, but this makes it no less sad.
I talked to my Jake yesterday. He was on the booze with his mates in Reading; first day off after working 45 days straight, so it wasn't a particularly coherent conversation. They've put off the Turkey trip until November - he's going to Oktoberfest instead.
Catch you all soon.
I talked to my Jake yesterday. He was on the booze with his mates in Reading; first day off after working 45 days straight, so it wasn't a particularly coherent conversation. They've put off the Turkey trip until November - he's going to Oktoberfest instead.
Catch you all soon.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Hotel headache
Woke this morning with one of those awful headaches you get sleeping in a hotel room without enough fresh air. Mind you, I feel much better after reading about the diving pigs...
Forgot my towel when I went to the gym last night - so of course I sweated like a very sweaty thing indeed. Much surreptitious wiping of face on tee shirt sleeve.
Anybody know when blueberry season starts? Hanging out for those little globes of yumminess.
My favourite spring food will soon make an appearance, too - asparagus. Hooray. Saw some in the Wairarapa at the weekend - but still well over $10 a kilo. It will come down though, and then I'll be scoffing it by the bunch.
Think a day trip to Wanganui might be on the cards this weekend - the glass festival is on.
My hair turned very dark brown last week (not all by itself, the hairdresser was involved too). Must get a new photo.
Forgot my towel when I went to the gym last night - so of course I sweated like a very sweaty thing indeed. Much surreptitious wiping of face on tee shirt sleeve.
Anybody know when blueberry season starts? Hanging out for those little globes of yumminess.
My favourite spring food will soon make an appearance, too - asparagus. Hooray. Saw some in the Wairarapa at the weekend - but still well over $10 a kilo. It will come down though, and then I'll be scoffing it by the bunch.
Think a day trip to Wanganui might be on the cards this weekend - the glass festival is on.
My hair turned very dark brown last week (not all by itself, the hairdresser was involved too). Must get a new photo.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Much more better!
The direction the scales are moving in, that is. 80.5kg this morning.
Here are the promised pix from the weekend.
The Pinot Noir vertical tasting tray at Vynfield - the house in the background was built in 1908, in Lyall Bay, Wellington. It was moved over the hill a few years ago. The vertical collection was 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006 - the 2006 is definitely too young to be let out of the bottle on it's own! Okay, so I had a couple of sips...
The view from our room - no people, just cows and pukekos.
The car and bikes - we're such urban sportspeople!
Monday, September 10, 2007
Rugby, riding and wine
Somehow that doesn't have quite the right ring to it...
Anyway, had a carefully planned weekend, based around wanting to get away for the weekend, but without rushing and without missing too much of a sport-filled weekend.
So, booked Saturday night at Margrain Villas in Martinborough. The plan was to watch the Warriors win their (rugby league) semi on Friday night at home, then wake up early on Saturday to watch the opening game of the (rugby union) World Cup. After that we would drive to Martinborough with our bikes on the back of the car, then ride around some of the vineyards. Out for an early dinner, then home for a sleep before watching the All Blacks play about midnight in their first World Cup game. Then drive to Carterton on Sunday for the Daffodil Festival and some more riding, then home for a quiet night in.
A plan that worked well, except for a few minor points:
Anyway, had a carefully planned weekend, based around wanting to get away for the weekend, but without rushing and without missing too much of a sport-filled weekend.
So, booked Saturday night at Margrain Villas in Martinborough. The plan was to watch the Warriors win their (rugby league) semi on Friday night at home, then wake up early on Saturday to watch the opening game of the (rugby union) World Cup. After that we would drive to Martinborough with our bikes on the back of the car, then ride around some of the vineyards. Out for an early dinner, then home for a sleep before watching the All Blacks play about midnight in their first World Cup game. Then drive to Carterton on Sunday for the Daffodil Festival and some more riding, then home for a quiet night in.
A plan that worked well, except for a few minor points:
- The Warriors didn't win. Nor did they deserve to. But at least they have a life and get another crack next week.
- Riding round the vineyards is great. Except that I'm not drinking for the whole month, so wine tasting was a bit of a bust!
- Made sure I booked a room with a TV, but didn't check the size - 14".
- Riding in the Wairarapa in spring is really silly for two hayfever sufferers.
Actually, we had a lovely weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our mini break.
Photos to come.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Looking back
I've just done a bit of a cruise back through some old posts.
This time two years ago - I has just hit double digits - a loss of 33kg.
This time one year ago - I was just under 80kg.
And this year - I'm basically in exactly the same place.
Oh well, sometimes that's just the way things go.
This time two years ago - I has just hit double digits - a loss of 33kg.
This time one year ago - I was just under 80kg.
And this year - I'm basically in exactly the same place.
Oh well, sometimes that's just the way things go.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
MORE incentive
Guess who booked a holiday on the Gold Coast yesterday? We're going for a week in mid-November. Just want to be somewhere warm and away from people we know!
Boy, does that cause a dilemma with the reverse reward. How can I go to Surfers and NOT buy new clothes...
But I'm not going to put pressure on myself to get to 72kg before we go - it's less than 10 weeks and there's no surer way to make me fail than to set unrealistic goals.
I might just have to work out some sort of compromise. Maybe only buy clothes I need for while I'm there. You know - new bathing suit and a couple of light dresses. And some shorts. And some sandals. And some strappy high heels for going out at night. And a matching handbag. And a nice hat to protect my pale skin. And...
Oh bugger!
Boy, does that cause a dilemma with the reverse reward. How can I go to Surfers and NOT buy new clothes...
But I'm not going to put pressure on myself to get to 72kg before we go - it's less than 10 weeks and there's no surer way to make me fail than to set unrealistic goals.
I might just have to work out some sort of compromise. Maybe only buy clothes I need for while I'm there. You know - new bathing suit and a couple of light dresses. And some shorts. And some sandals. And some strappy high heels for going out at night. And a matching handbag. And a nice hat to protect my pale skin. And...
Oh bugger!
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Wrong way!
That's what I yelled at the scales this morning when they showed me 81.5!
Pretty much expected that to happen, in fact almost glad it did. I know I can't spend 4 days a week being kind of good with my eating and 3 days a week being nowhere near good with my eating.
So, time for some 7 day efforts. And I know how to do it - planning, discipline and keeping the end game in sight!
I've always struggled with finding rewards for reaching mini-goals. This is mainly because I indulge myself all the time, so there's nothing left to use as rewards!
Instead, I've taking the reverse-reward approach. Every week I'm giving Craig $100. When I reach my goal of 72kg, he'll give it back to me to go and spend on new clothes. And here's the kicker - until then, I'm not allowing myself to buy any new clothes. Not even underwear!
Trust me, that's going to be damn tough on this girl.
Pretty much expected that to happen, in fact almost glad it did. I know I can't spend 4 days a week being kind of good with my eating and 3 days a week being nowhere near good with my eating.
So, time for some 7 day efforts. And I know how to do it - planning, discipline and keeping the end game in sight!
I've always struggled with finding rewards for reaching mini-goals. This is mainly because I indulge myself all the time, so there's nothing left to use as rewards!
Instead, I've taking the reverse-reward approach. Every week I'm giving Craig $100. When I reach my goal of 72kg, he'll give it back to me to go and spend on new clothes. And here's the kicker - until then, I'm not allowing myself to buy any new clothes. Not even underwear!
Trust me, that's going to be damn tough on this girl.
Monday, September 03, 2007
We can rebuild her...
Another lovely weekend gone - and we even had some lovely spring weather.
I've put a link on my sidebar to another wee blog where I'm going to track my exercise (keeps it off this main blog). It's good for me to be able to review it, to make sure I really am doing enough, increasing my effort AND having the occasional recovery week - where I back off a bit and let my body catch up with itself.
It's too easy to get caught up in always pushing yourself harder - ride further, lift heavier, cross-train faster. Your body needs time to recover and rebuild - not doing that is a great way to lead to injury and exhaustion.
I always have one day off a week, but I know I need those 'slower' weeks as well.
Spring is also making me think about events again. Do I have the commitment to train for another duathlon? Maybe it would be a good idea...
I've put a link on my sidebar to another wee blog where I'm going to track my exercise (keeps it off this main blog). It's good for me to be able to review it, to make sure I really am doing enough, increasing my effort AND having the occasional recovery week - where I back off a bit and let my body catch up with itself.
It's too easy to get caught up in always pushing yourself harder - ride further, lift heavier, cross-train faster. Your body needs time to recover and rebuild - not doing that is a great way to lead to injury and exhaustion.
I always have one day off a week, but I know I need those 'slower' weeks as well.
Spring is also making me think about events again. Do I have the commitment to train for another duathlon? Maybe it would be a good idea...
Friday, August 31, 2007
Bye bye winter
Spring is sprung,
De grass is riz,
I wonder where dem birdies is?
De little birds is on de wing,
Ain’t dat absurd?
De little wing is on de bird!
Well, spring will be sprung tomorrow. Hallelujah to that.
I can tell it’s nearly spring, because I wake up every morning with a sore throat – which means there’s lots of pine pollen floating about.
And I can tell it’s nearly spring because people are more active, more positive and more motivated.
We finally feel like the long haul of winter is coming to an end (and we Wellingtonians can pretend we don’t know it will now blow forty bastards till Christmas).
Take advantage of that upsurge in motivation that spring brings, exploit it for all it’s worth. Get those bodies into the great outdoors and get moving!
And for you northern hemisphere readers facing the slide down to winter – tough shit.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
De grass is riz,
I wonder where dem birdies is?
De little birds is on de wing,
Ain’t dat absurd?
De little wing is on de bird!
Well, spring will be sprung tomorrow. Hallelujah to that.
I can tell it’s nearly spring, because I wake up every morning with a sore throat – which means there’s lots of pine pollen floating about.
And I can tell it’s nearly spring because people are more active, more positive and more motivated.
We finally feel like the long haul of winter is coming to an end (and we Wellingtonians can pretend we don’t know it will now blow forty bastards till Christmas).
Take advantage of that upsurge in motivation that spring brings, exploit it for all it’s worth. Get those bodies into the great outdoors and get moving!
And for you northern hemisphere readers facing the slide down to winter – tough shit.
Have a nice weekend everyone.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Fitness focus
Last night after work Craig went to have a couple of beers with one of his sons, so I went for a walk on my own for a change.
I needed some stuff for dinner, so walked to the supermarket in Thorndon (instead of the one straight across the road), and walked there the looooong way, which took me half an hour.
With my backpack weighing an extra 5 kilos or so, I then walked back a different way - 40 minutes this time, with plenty of hills as well.
While walking, I found myself doing those things I used to do when I was really committed to fitness and weightloss. You know, things like taking the longer way around, or choosing the route with the big hill in it, or skipping the slow song on my ipod because I always inadvertently slow down.
And I felt really great when I got home - I could feel how hard I'd worked - even if I didn't move my butt like M.
I needed some stuff for dinner, so walked to the supermarket in Thorndon (instead of the one straight across the road), and walked there the looooong way, which took me half an hour.
With my backpack weighing an extra 5 kilos or so, I then walked back a different way - 40 minutes this time, with plenty of hills as well.
While walking, I found myself doing those things I used to do when I was really committed to fitness and weightloss. You know, things like taking the longer way around, or choosing the route with the big hill in it, or skipping the slow song on my ipod because I always inadvertently slow down.
And I felt really great when I got home - I could feel how hard I'd worked - even if I didn't move my butt like M.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Resources
One of the great things about the electronic age is the number of resources we now have right at our fingertips. You can find information about just about anything on the Internet - in some cases way too much information! Healthy living is a perfect example of this. There is so much you can find about exercise and eating and associated topics, I think if it was all printed out we'd have to chop down every tree on the planet to do it.
Of course, a vast amount of this information is absolute shit. Anyone can put anything they like on the Internet, no matter how ill-informed they are, no matter how flawed their research, no matter what their own personal (or corporate) agenda.
So, the new trick is not getting information, but working out if it's any good.
I think it's one of the good things about blogs. Everyone has their own opinion, everyone has access to slightly different resources, lots of people have tried lots of different things. Instead of trawling through 432 million web pages (75% of which are actually thinly disguised porn sites), I can read the blogs of people I know have similar interests to me. Then I can take the pieces of information that interest me, choose the things I think might work for me, and include them with my own research and experience - and come up with my own vastly ill-informed opinion!
It's very interesting to watch trends in blogs, too. We all reach plateaus, lose motivation, get lazy or generally lose our way at different times. At the moment, lots of people seem to be searching for ways to kick-start their weight loss. This has brought some interesting fads (go on, you detox girls, you know I'm talking about you...), some of which work for some people. Not all things are right or wrong for all people, it's just a matter of figuring out what works for you.
I still think the best thing about blogs is the sense of community. Think of all those people out there who you would have never otherwise had any contact with - people who you know are interested in what you're doing, who care about your ups and downs, who are in turn either inspired by you or giving you inspiration. People from NZ, Australia, Scotland, Canada, America, Spain.....
In my long-winded way, I'm just saying thank you to you all.
Of course, a vast amount of this information is absolute shit. Anyone can put anything they like on the Internet, no matter how ill-informed they are, no matter how flawed their research, no matter what their own personal (or corporate) agenda.
So, the new trick is not getting information, but working out if it's any good.
I think it's one of the good things about blogs. Everyone has their own opinion, everyone has access to slightly different resources, lots of people have tried lots of different things. Instead of trawling through 432 million web pages (75% of which are actually thinly disguised porn sites), I can read the blogs of people I know have similar interests to me. Then I can take the pieces of information that interest me, choose the things I think might work for me, and include them with my own research and experience - and come up with my own vastly ill-informed opinion!
It's very interesting to watch trends in blogs, too. We all reach plateaus, lose motivation, get lazy or generally lose our way at different times. At the moment, lots of people seem to be searching for ways to kick-start their weight loss. This has brought some interesting fads (go on, you detox girls, you know I'm talking about you...), some of which work for some people. Not all things are right or wrong for all people, it's just a matter of figuring out what works for you.
I still think the best thing about blogs is the sense of community. Think of all those people out there who you would have never otherwise had any contact with - people who you know are interested in what you're doing, who care about your ups and downs, who are in turn either inspired by you or giving you inspiration. People from NZ, Australia, Scotland, Canada, America, Spain.....
In my long-winded way, I'm just saying thank you to you all.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Oops!
Weight crept up by 100 grams this week. Not really a big surprise - that big night of drinking followed by a day of over-the-top eating obviously caught up with me. So, just need to be a bit more disciplined this week.
Auckland sister was down yesterday, so we got to see her and Wellington sister and the two Wellington nieces for dinner last night. Craig copes remarkably well with all those women - we're having Christmas Day at our place, so he probably needs the practice. At least there will be a couple of other blokes there for Christmas though.
Had planned to make a curry for dinner, so I just made it a bit bigger to cope with the four extras, and sent the girls over to the supermarket to grab some roti to go with it - evil, fat-filled stuff that it is...
We didn't have time for the gym, so went for a 45 minute walk instead, including the evil steps. Both of us coped much better with them than we did a few weeks ago, so the exercise really is helping.
Monday food:
Breakfast - cereal and yoghurt
Lunch - roast vege salad with smoked chicken and spinach
Dinner - red chicken curry with rice and three quarter of a roti
Snacks - two trim flat whites, bean sprouts, dried cherries (yum, I love dried fruit but I think I need to banish it from my pantry), two greengages, a mandarin
Auckland sister was down yesterday, so we got to see her and Wellington sister and the two Wellington nieces for dinner last night. Craig copes remarkably well with all those women - we're having Christmas Day at our place, so he probably needs the practice. At least there will be a couple of other blokes there for Christmas though.
Had planned to make a curry for dinner, so I just made it a bit bigger to cope with the four extras, and sent the girls over to the supermarket to grab some roti to go with it - evil, fat-filled stuff that it is...
We didn't have time for the gym, so went for a 45 minute walk instead, including the evil steps. Both of us coped much better with them than we did a few weeks ago, so the exercise really is helping.
Monday food:
Breakfast - cereal and yoghurt
Lunch - roast vege salad with smoked chicken and spinach
Dinner - red chicken curry with rice and three quarter of a roti
Snacks - two trim flat whites, bean sprouts, dried cherries (yum, I love dried fruit but I think I need to banish it from my pantry), two greengages, a mandarin
Monday, August 27, 2007
Weekend wrap-up
Hmm, let’s see, what have I been up to for the last three days?
Friday
The work do was fun. Didn’t eat too much, but drinking was definitely WAY over the top. Of course, the three large bourbons while we were getting ready wouldn’t have helped!
Saturday
Was a very, very slow day. Had planned to go for a nice long ride. Luckily the gusty wind gave us a good excuse, because the hangovers (something I hardly ever have) were definitely not flash.
Made it to a local caf̩ for brunch about 11.30 РI even indulged in a big breakfast. Wandered about doing some shopping for new exercise gear (cheap running shoes and expensive running tights from Rebel) and then off to the stadium for the 5.30 rugby game.
Went to the Black Harp to watch the Shield challenge after that, and have roast pork for dinner.
Finally felt better just in time for an early night – and not the best food day!
Sunday
Definitely the highlight of the weekend.
Rode to the gym, did a one hour workout then rode home.
Met all the blog girls for brunch at 10.30. Boy, we all can talk. Then off to the lifestyle expo (thanks Helena). That was fun – everything from gyms, financial advisers and walking tours, through fudges, soaps and waxing to condoms, Tupperware and a rather odd looking gadget that was apparently for helping strengthen those muscles – it looked more like a cross between a vibrator and a medieval torture device.
Then just a quiet night in for Craig and I, with steak and roast veges for dinner.
All ready for another week.
Friday
The work do was fun. Didn’t eat too much, but drinking was definitely WAY over the top. Of course, the three large bourbons while we were getting ready wouldn’t have helped!
Saturday
Was a very, very slow day. Had planned to go for a nice long ride. Luckily the gusty wind gave us a good excuse, because the hangovers (something I hardly ever have) were definitely not flash.
Made it to a local caf̩ for brunch about 11.30 РI even indulged in a big breakfast. Wandered about doing some shopping for new exercise gear (cheap running shoes and expensive running tights from Rebel) and then off to the stadium for the 5.30 rugby game.
Went to the Black Harp to watch the Shield challenge after that, and have roast pork for dinner.
Finally felt better just in time for an early night – and not the best food day!
Sunday
Definitely the highlight of the weekend.
Rode to the gym, did a one hour workout then rode home.
Met all the blog girls for brunch at 10.30. Boy, we all can talk. Then off to the lifestyle expo (thanks Helena). That was fun – everything from gyms, financial advisers and walking tours, through fudges, soaps and waxing to condoms, Tupperware and a rather odd looking gadget that was apparently for helping strengthen those muscles – it looked more like a cross between a vibrator and a medieval torture device.
Then just a quiet night in for Craig and I, with steak and roast veges for dinner.
All ready for another week.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Do the Friday dance
Oh yeah, here's comes the weekend!
Craig had an early start today, so I'm getting my post done before I go to work. Usually I have an 8am meeting on Fridays, but that was canned (due to lack of interest) today, so I feel like I've got all the time in the world.
Busy day coming up though. Still got far too many meetings for a Friday. Tonight we've got a work do at Monsoon Poon, partners included, to celebrate our great year-end result. Might be a bit slow getting to the gym tomorrow morning.
Had my favourite kind of breakfast meeting yesterday morning - a non-work one! Met up with Helena. Always such a treat to see her, and boy is she on fire. But pretty on edge too, understandably, so if I catch anyone being mean to her they'll have me to answer to. AND, YES, I AM SCARY WHEN I'M MAD!
Craig and I went for a lovely 15km ride after work last night - I just love these clear winter evenings and exercising outside always beats the gym hands-down.
And the food list was:
Breakfast: yoghurt and fruit with honey (with Helena)
Lunch: leftover pasta
Dinner: salmon with potatoes, beans and spinach, fruit salad
Snacks: banana, apple, mango, yoghurt, two trim flat whites
Craig had an early start today, so I'm getting my post done before I go to work. Usually I have an 8am meeting on Fridays, but that was canned (due to lack of interest) today, so I feel like I've got all the time in the world.
Busy day coming up though. Still got far too many meetings for a Friday. Tonight we've got a work do at Monsoon Poon, partners included, to celebrate our great year-end result. Might be a bit slow getting to the gym tomorrow morning.
Had my favourite kind of breakfast meeting yesterday morning - a non-work one! Met up with Helena. Always such a treat to see her, and boy is she on fire. But pretty on edge too, understandably, so if I catch anyone being mean to her they'll have me to answer to. AND, YES, I AM SCARY WHEN I'M MAD!
Craig and I went for a lovely 15km ride after work last night - I just love these clear winter evenings and exercising outside always beats the gym hands-down.
And the food list was:
Breakfast: yoghurt and fruit with honey (with Helena)
Lunch: leftover pasta
Dinner: salmon with potatoes, beans and spinach, fruit salad
Snacks: banana, apple, mango, yoghurt, two trim flat whites
Thursday, August 23, 2007
No, I don't go nuts for donuts!
It's that time of year. Everyone around me at work is flat out raising money for Daffodil Day. There are lots of raffles, golf putting competitions, bike-a-thons - and people selling food!
The won tons are safe - bought a few dozen and put them in the freezer. But yesterday someone was selling donuts! The best approach for me is to tell myself I don't like them. I bought half a dozen for Craig and didn't even have a bite myself. Pat on the back...
But then one of my guys brought in some chocolates to give to the clients! Little bugger! Got me at weak moment - and I ate three. And, boy, they were good.
Apart from that, had a good day yesterday. 25 minutes cardio at the gym and a lower body workout - have to make sure the legs are strong for riding.
Food-wise:
Breakfast: cereal and yoghurt
Lunch: chicken, walnut and blue cheese salad with mango chili dressing
Dinner: pasta with chicken, mushrooms and snow peas
Snacks: two trim flat whites, banana, carrots, yoghurt, two apples and the bloody chocolates.
And it's a beautiful day today.
The won tons are safe - bought a few dozen and put them in the freezer. But yesterday someone was selling donuts! The best approach for me is to tell myself I don't like them. I bought half a dozen for Craig and didn't even have a bite myself. Pat on the back...
But then one of my guys brought in some chocolates to give to the clients! Little bugger! Got me at weak moment - and I ate three. And, boy, they were good.
Apart from that, had a good day yesterday. 25 minutes cardio at the gym and a lower body workout - have to make sure the legs are strong for riding.
Food-wise:
Breakfast: cereal and yoghurt
Lunch: chicken, walnut and blue cheese salad with mango chili dressing
Dinner: pasta with chicken, mushrooms and snow peas
Snacks: two trim flat whites, banana, carrots, yoghurt, two apples and the bloody chocolates.
And it's a beautiful day today.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Ow, ow, ow!
Went on my first bike ride last night since...hmmm...I think March.
Finally got my bike fixed (last ridden by Jake, appeared to be missing some bits) and Craig has just got one, so we rode to the Zephyrometer and back - about 12km on the flat, around the edge of the harbour. Bit chilly, but so nice to be out in the fresh air.
Now I remember how different from the bike at the gym this is! The main bits to suffer are my wrists and shoulders - my upper body strength has always been crap. And it hits the bottom part of my thighs, rather than right in the middle.
So, better make sure I get some push ups and shoulder presses back into my routine, especially as we plan to take the bikes to the South Island with us this summer.
Ate well yesterday:
Breakfast: bircher muesli
Lunch: chicken soup
Dinner: tortilla pizza with pumpkin, smoked chicken and prosciutto on it and a green salad
Snacks: 3 (!) trim flat whites, pear, banana, carrots, handful of wasabi peas
Finally got my bike fixed (last ridden by Jake, appeared to be missing some bits) and Craig has just got one, so we rode to the Zephyrometer and back - about 12km on the flat, around the edge of the harbour. Bit chilly, but so nice to be out in the fresh air.
Now I remember how different from the bike at the gym this is! The main bits to suffer are my wrists and shoulders - my upper body strength has always been crap. And it hits the bottom part of my thighs, rather than right in the middle.
So, better make sure I get some push ups and shoulder presses back into my routine, especially as we plan to take the bikes to the South Island with us this summer.
Ate well yesterday:
Breakfast: bircher muesli
Lunch: chicken soup
Dinner: tortilla pizza with pumpkin, smoked chicken and prosciutto on it and a green salad
Snacks: 3 (!) trim flat whites, pear, banana, carrots, handful of wasabi peas
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
New scales, new weight
Just couldn't stand those old, whirring scales anymore, so went and bought some new digital ones - these ones even do body fat percentage!
Of course, this means I can't squint up my eyes and make the numbers appear kinder than they are. Or round down to the nearest kilo.
Official weight is now - 80.8kg.
First goal - in the 70s by the end of August.
Body fat percentage - 30%. That seems huge to me (I've never done the body fat thing before), but apparently the range for my age is 24-36%, so I guess it's not too bad...I'm looking at it more out of interest than with any aim to hit a certain number.
Another good workout at the gym last night - no weights, just a good cardio blast. 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 15 minutes on the bike, 15 minutes on the treadmill (with 4 x 1 minute running intervals). Burned 560 calories.
And food was good, too.
Breakfast: bircher muesli
Lunch: lamb salad
Dinner: chicken and udon noodle soup
Snacks: 2 trim flat whites, 1 banana, 1 pear, some grapes, a carrot, a yoghurt and a little piece of fruit toast (with no butter or anything on it)
NO ALCOHOL! YAY ME!
Of course, this means I can't squint up my eyes and make the numbers appear kinder than they are. Or round down to the nearest kilo.
Official weight is now - 80.8kg.
First goal - in the 70s by the end of August.
Body fat percentage - 30%. That seems huge to me (I've never done the body fat thing before), but apparently the range for my age is 24-36%, so I guess it's not too bad...I'm looking at it more out of interest than with any aim to hit a certain number.
Another good workout at the gym last night - no weights, just a good cardio blast. 20 minutes on the cross trainer, 15 minutes on the bike, 15 minutes on the treadmill (with 4 x 1 minute running intervals). Burned 560 calories.
And food was good, too.
Breakfast: bircher muesli
Lunch: lamb salad
Dinner: chicken and udon noodle soup
Snacks: 2 trim flat whites, 1 banana, 1 pear, some grapes, a carrot, a yoghurt and a little piece of fruit toast (with no butter or anything on it)
NO ALCOHOL! YAY ME!
Monday, August 20, 2007
And now it's Monday again
And it really feels like Monday! Not only did I have to drag my sorry butt out of bed this morning, now it's hailing!
Made it to the gym both days this weekend. I really like weekend gym sessions, as I have plenty of time and can have a full body workout AND do lots of cardio. No crowds either - I guess everyone else is out having a life...
I have the exercise thing well and truly sorted now (last week was four visits to the gym, two 'planned' walks and lots of other walking - like to the gym and back, to the movies, that sort of thing). The food thing - not so good.
So, this week, for the first time in who knows how many months, I've written a food plan for all my meals for Sunday through to Thursday. Friday I've just planned the first part of the day and Saturday will have fend for itself.
Hopefully this will mean the kilos starting to come off again, rather than me just maintaining.
And it's definitely time I went back to no alcohol during the week...
Made it to the gym both days this weekend. I really like weekend gym sessions, as I have plenty of time and can have a full body workout AND do lots of cardio. No crowds either - I guess everyone else is out having a life...
I have the exercise thing well and truly sorted now (last week was four visits to the gym, two 'planned' walks and lots of other walking - like to the gym and back, to the movies, that sort of thing). The food thing - not so good.
So, this week, for the first time in who knows how many months, I've written a food plan for all my meals for Sunday through to Thursday. Friday I've just planned the first part of the day and Saturday will have fend for itself.
Hopefully this will mean the kilos starting to come off again, rather than me just maintaining.
And it's definitely time I went back to no alcohol during the week...
Friday, August 17, 2007
How much do I love the weekend?
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and, yeah, quite a bit.
It's amazing how rarely I work in the weekend now - got lots of motivation not to. Craig and I just spend as much of our time together as we can - soppy, I know!
Tonight we're off to the movies - Die Hard 4 - for some mindless drivel.
Forgot to mention, one of my lovely sisters and two of her girls were in Europe last month and had a few days in London, so they caught up with my boy. Yes, I was insanely jealous, but here's a nice photo.
It's amazing how rarely I work in the weekend now - got lots of motivation not to. Craig and I just spend as much of our time together as we can - soppy, I know!
Tonight we're off to the movies - Die Hard 4 - for some mindless drivel.
Forgot to mention, one of my lovely sisters and two of her girls were in Europe last month and had a few days in London, so they caught up with my boy. Yes, I was insanely jealous, but here's a nice photo.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Gee thanks, you lot!
Thank you, everyone who managed to point out to me how warm it is where they are!
It's not that I mind the cold, but when it's constantly accompanied by howling wind, driving rain and the occasional hail storm, I'm definitely over it! That, and the fact winter now feels like it lasts 9 months of the year...
I think I can only last one more winter in Wellington. I love this city, but maybe it's getting close to time for a change. My beloved coffee capital will always be here to come back to.
80kg again this morning, so no loss or gain this week. No worries.
It's not that I mind the cold, but when it's constantly accompanied by howling wind, driving rain and the occasional hail storm, I'm definitely over it! That, and the fact winter now feels like it lasts 9 months of the year...
I think I can only last one more winter in Wellington. I love this city, but maybe it's getting close to time for a change. My beloved coffee capital will always be here to come back to.
80kg again this morning, so no loss or gain this week. No worries.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Officially useless
Posting once a fortnight really isn't up to scratch, is it!
So, what have I been doing in the meantime?
Had a great trip to Queenstown. Got really cheap (Wellington to Queenstown direct for $69) flights off grab-a-seat a while back, so Craig and I flew down Tuesday morning and back Thursday afternoon. Got cheap accommodation off wotif too, so that left me heaps of money to spend on clothes and fabulous Central Otago pinot noir!
The weather was fabulous - typical South Island winter days where the temperature stayed under 10 degrees, but it was so still and sunny it didn't matter. We spent most of time just wandering around and stopping for coffee, but did get a car one day so we could go to Arrowtown and visit a few vineyards as well.
Loved it so much we're going to head back down that way for a couple of weeks after Christmas and do some camping.
Craig has joined the gym too, so now I'm back into much better exercise habits. Last week we managed three visits to the gym and two nice long walks.
Food - mostly good. Weighed dead on 80kg last Tuesday, so I've managed to shave off a kilo.
Rugby has now finished for my lot for the season. I was at the stadium to watch Tana's last game on Saturday too - yes, I did cry when he left the field. Sook!
That's about all the (minor) excitement in my life.
So, what have I been doing in the meantime?
Had a great trip to Queenstown. Got really cheap (Wellington to Queenstown direct for $69) flights off grab-a-seat a while back, so Craig and I flew down Tuesday morning and back Thursday afternoon. Got cheap accommodation off wotif too, so that left me heaps of money to spend on clothes and fabulous Central Otago pinot noir!
The weather was fabulous - typical South Island winter days where the temperature stayed under 10 degrees, but it was so still and sunny it didn't matter. We spent most of time just wandering around and stopping for coffee, but did get a car one day so we could go to Arrowtown and visit a few vineyards as well.
Loved it so much we're going to head back down that way for a couple of weeks after Christmas and do some camping.
Craig has joined the gym too, so now I'm back into much better exercise habits. Last week we managed three visits to the gym and two nice long walks.
Food - mostly good. Weighed dead on 80kg last Tuesday, so I've managed to shave off a kilo.
Rugby has now finished for my lot for the season. I was at the stadium to watch Tana's last game on Saturday too - yes, I did cry when he left the field. Sook!
That's about all the (minor) excitement in my life.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
That delicious ache*
On Friday morning, I felt that almost forgotten sensation in my thighs. That slightly achy feeling brought on by exercise - in this case our walk the night before, which included climbing the considerable number of steps from the bottom of Boulcott St to the top of The Terrace.
Ah yes, that's one of the reasons I love exercise - you can actually feel the progress.
Tomorrow I think I'll feel it even more, after today's gym workout.
It really feels great to be exercising again - and that feeling is one of the best motivations I can find.
*No, not THAT delicious ache! Stop being filthy.
Ah yes, that's one of the reasons I love exercise - you can actually feel the progress.
Tomorrow I think I'll feel it even more, after today's gym workout.
It really feels great to be exercising again - and that feeling is one of the best motivations I can find.
*No, not THAT delicious ache! Stop being filthy.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Talked to my boy!
I had a lovely chat to Jake on the phone last night. He sent me a text about 2am (!!!), so I called him then.
The amazing thing is, this is the first time I've talked to him since a couple of days after he got there at the end of April. I don't know why I've never rung him - I think to start with I was trying to give him space and he was travelling, so I just fell into the email habit.
The pub he's working in is near Twickenham - something he discovered when he got lost while out running and found the stadium. And he's starting to make plans to go to varsity in Christchurch next year to do a commerce degree. At least the South Island is closer than England!
I'll certainly be ringing him more often now.
Eating was good again yesterday. Didn't go for a walk, but hadn't planned to every day this week anyway.
The amazing thing is, this is the first time I've talked to him since a couple of days after he got there at the end of April. I don't know why I've never rung him - I think to start with I was trying to give him space and he was travelling, so I just fell into the email habit.
The pub he's working in is near Twickenham - something he discovered when he got lost while out running and found the stadium. And he's starting to make plans to go to varsity in Christchurch next year to do a commerce degree. At least the South Island is closer than England!
I'll certainly be ringing him more often now.
Eating was good again yesterday. Didn't go for a walk, but hadn't planned to every day this week anyway.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Line in the sand
Right, so now I have my starting point. On the scales in my apartment I am 81kg - can't do the decimals like I used to with my other scales, so I'll just have to work with round numbers from now on.
81kg means I have 9kg to lose to reach my goal. I would like to do that before the end of 2007.
Ate well yesterday and went for a walk after work - walking is good at the moment because Craig joins me, which makes it a special part of the day.
I no longer have my flash digital scales, because basically all I have taken from the house is my clothes. I have since picked up a few other things (important stuff like my good knife and some of my beautiful glass), but the rest is still there. It's no problem - just don't have room for all that stuff in a furnished apartment. Mark is quite happy for it to still be there. It's mostly all been moved into Jake's bedroom now, so that's become a bit of a storeroom.
The situation with the house (and therefore our settlement) is very complicated. It goes something like this:
Moved into house January 2005, but didn't pay for it because it wasn't finished and didn't have Code Compliance Certificate.
Paid rent to developer for about a year while we waited for him to complete it
IRD put developer into liquidation for non-payment of tax in February 2006. We stopped paying rent.
Developer's finance company took over responsibility of completing house (and the 6 others in the complex) so they could get their money back.
Finance company put developer into receivership February 2007. We expected them to then finish the houses and go to mortgagee sale so they could get the capital gain for themselves, instead of selling to us at the original contracted price.
July 2007 - finance company went into receivership themselves. That's right folks - our house is owned by Bridgecorp. Bloody hell, could it get any harder?
What we expect to happen is that eventually the receivers will sell the places and we'll lose the house and our deposit. In the meantime, Mark is living there rent-free.
I guess it will all get worked out eventually.
81kg means I have 9kg to lose to reach my goal. I would like to do that before the end of 2007.
Ate well yesterday and went for a walk after work - walking is good at the moment because Craig joins me, which makes it a special part of the day.
I no longer have my flash digital scales, because basically all I have taken from the house is my clothes. I have since picked up a few other things (important stuff like my good knife and some of my beautiful glass), but the rest is still there. It's no problem - just don't have room for all that stuff in a furnished apartment. Mark is quite happy for it to still be there. It's mostly all been moved into Jake's bedroom now, so that's become a bit of a storeroom.
The situation with the house (and therefore our settlement) is very complicated. It goes something like this:
Moved into house January 2005, but didn't pay for it because it wasn't finished and didn't have Code Compliance Certificate.
Paid rent to developer for about a year while we waited for him to complete it
IRD put developer into liquidation for non-payment of tax in February 2006. We stopped paying rent.
Developer's finance company took over responsibility of completing house (and the 6 others in the complex) so they could get their money back.
Finance company put developer into receivership February 2007. We expected them to then finish the houses and go to mortgagee sale so they could get the capital gain for themselves, instead of selling to us at the original contracted price.
July 2007 - finance company went into receivership themselves. That's right folks - our house is owned by Bridgecorp. Bloody hell, could it get any harder?
What we expect to happen is that eventually the receivers will sell the places and we'll lose the house and our deposit. In the meantime, Mark is living there rent-free.
I guess it will all get worked out eventually.
Monday, July 23, 2007
The rise and rise of Smaller Sue
Boy has my life changed a lot – not just in the last couple of months, but in the last couple of years!
*insert wavy flashback image here*
On my 40th birthday, I weighed over 130kg. For quite some time before that, I had been moving toward the decision to lose weight. I believe that making this decision slowly made me more committed to it. It wasn’t a rash decision and therefore also wasn’t easily brushed aside once made.
In late March 2005, I started with Weight Watchers. I did the At Home programme, as I know that meetings are not my style. I weighed 132.5kg on my flash new home scales. I was wearing NZ clothes size 24/26 and my BMI was 43. Walking 2km around the block with the dog was an enormous effort for me.
By February 2006 I had lost 46kg and had just completed a triathlon. My size 16 jeans were too big for me.
The following year was just one long plateau really. I briefly touched 76kg on the scales, but spent most of the time in the high 70s and low 80s. But at least I was very fit and healthy. And wearing size 14 jeans!
At the end of April 2007 I was about 78kg. My only child (Jake) had just left home to travel and work in Europe. I had come to the realisation that my partner of 15 years and I had no future together and I had moved out of our house.
And the change didn't end there. There has been more good change, like getting together with Craig. And some not so good change, like barely going to the gym for two months and letting my eating and drinking get very, well, relaxed.
*wavy flashback image brings us back to the present*
So, it’s time for even more change. Or maybe that should be un-change? I need to take back control of my lifestyle. The main points are:
Good portion control
Snacks to be fruit and vegetables only
Reduce alcohol intake
Reduce treats
Get back to regular exercise
Tomorrow, I will weigh myself for the first time since 1 May. I’m guessing the number will sit around 83kg. I will go back to weighing myself every week.
This week, I will follow the NoCount eating plan again. I will not drink alcohol during the week – Friday and Saturday only. And no sweet things at all. I will go for three 45 minute walks and go to the gym once.
I know that I have achieved an awful lot so far. But I really do want to get to 72kg. And I really do want fitness to be part of the rest of my life.
I am a happy woman, and I know I can be even happier.
*insert wavy flashback image here*
On my 40th birthday, I weighed over 130kg. For quite some time before that, I had been moving toward the decision to lose weight. I believe that making this decision slowly made me more committed to it. It wasn’t a rash decision and therefore also wasn’t easily brushed aside once made.
In late March 2005, I started with Weight Watchers. I did the At Home programme, as I know that meetings are not my style. I weighed 132.5kg on my flash new home scales. I was wearing NZ clothes size 24/26 and my BMI was 43. Walking 2km around the block with the dog was an enormous effort for me.
By February 2006 I had lost 46kg and had just completed a triathlon. My size 16 jeans were too big for me.
The following year was just one long plateau really. I briefly touched 76kg on the scales, but spent most of the time in the high 70s and low 80s. But at least I was very fit and healthy. And wearing size 14 jeans!
At the end of April 2007 I was about 78kg. My only child (Jake) had just left home to travel and work in Europe. I had come to the realisation that my partner of 15 years and I had no future together and I had moved out of our house.
And the change didn't end there. There has been more good change, like getting together with Craig. And some not so good change, like barely going to the gym for two months and letting my eating and drinking get very, well, relaxed.
*wavy flashback image brings us back to the present*
So, it’s time for even more change. Or maybe that should be un-change? I need to take back control of my lifestyle. The main points are:
Good portion control
Snacks to be fruit and vegetables only
Reduce alcohol intake
Reduce treats
Get back to regular exercise
Tomorrow, I will weigh myself for the first time since 1 May. I’m guessing the number will sit around 83kg. I will go back to weighing myself every week.
This week, I will follow the NoCount eating plan again. I will not drink alcohol during the week – Friday and Saturday only. And no sweet things at all. I will go for three 45 minute walks and go to the gym once.
I know that I have achieved an awful lot so far. But I really do want to get to 72kg. And I really do want fitness to be part of the rest of my life.
I am a happy woman, and I know I can be even happier.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
It's me!
Hi everyone. I hope you've all been having a lovely time while I've been missing. Actually, I have kept a bit of an eye on you, but haven't posted or commented at all.
As some of you know - I am very happy and deeply in love. His name is Craig. We've been friends for a long time. And now that has developed into something much more. It's wonderful!
Yes, I did (very) briefly worry that this might all be too fast. But I will not let this chance at happiness slip away.
But why haven't I been blogging? Mostly because I haven't felt the need to. I have someone close to me who is interested in what I have to say, and I don't want to spend time on a computer when I could be spending it with him.
Blogging has been very important to me over the last two years, and the support I've received has been immeasurable. But just now my needs and focus have changed.
What has all this change done to my eating and exercising? To be honest, that's all gone to the pack! No, I'm not an out-of-control slob, stuffing my face and sitting around doing nothing. But my exercise is practically non-existent, and eating is, well, pretty average really.
I haven't been near the scales for nearly two months, but my jeans tell me I've probably put on a few kilos. I guess I'm hovering somewhere in the low 80s.
I'm not completely freaked out by that, but I do know it has to stop. In the last week or so I've started to reduce the number of treats and the amount of alcohol, and we've been going for walks along the waterfront in the evening when we can - the Kiwis among you will know the weather has really been too awful much of the time.
By the end of July I want to have a new routine established - one where exercise is part of my daily routine, but doesn't consume my life and isn't used as an excuse to not be at home. Eating will have to settle into a new pattern and I will need to be vigilant about portion sizes and sneaky treats.
I've been through so much change in my life in the last few months, I think this will really show whether I have really managed to change my lifestyle for good.
Jake update:
Jake is working in a pub in London. They did a bit of travel - Valencia and Paris included - and then he was flat broke. So he's got a job with bed and food provided and still gets a decent amount of cash as well. Apparently he's made friends with the cook, so in exchange for a few beers he gets extra-size staff meals - typical Jake! His mate that he left NZ with has come home. He enjoyed the travel, but decided he didn't want to work there. I have to admit being very jealous that his mother gets to give her boy a hug!
As some of you know - I am very happy and deeply in love. His name is Craig. We've been friends for a long time. And now that has developed into something much more. It's wonderful!
Yes, I did (very) briefly worry that this might all be too fast. But I will not let this chance at happiness slip away.
But why haven't I been blogging? Mostly because I haven't felt the need to. I have someone close to me who is interested in what I have to say, and I don't want to spend time on a computer when I could be spending it with him.
Blogging has been very important to me over the last two years, and the support I've received has been immeasurable. But just now my needs and focus have changed.
What has all this change done to my eating and exercising? To be honest, that's all gone to the pack! No, I'm not an out-of-control slob, stuffing my face and sitting around doing nothing. But my exercise is practically non-existent, and eating is, well, pretty average really.
I haven't been near the scales for nearly two months, but my jeans tell me I've probably put on a few kilos. I guess I'm hovering somewhere in the low 80s.
I'm not completely freaked out by that, but I do know it has to stop. In the last week or so I've started to reduce the number of treats and the amount of alcohol, and we've been going for walks along the waterfront in the evening when we can - the Kiwis among you will know the weather has really been too awful much of the time.
By the end of July I want to have a new routine established - one where exercise is part of my daily routine, but doesn't consume my life and isn't used as an excuse to not be at home. Eating will have to settle into a new pattern and I will need to be vigilant about portion sizes and sneaky treats.
I've been through so much change in my life in the last few months, I think this will really show whether I have really managed to change my lifestyle for good.
Jake update:
Jake is working in a pub in London. They did a bit of travel - Valencia and Paris included - and then he was flat broke. So he's got a job with bed and food provided and still gets a decent amount of cash as well. Apparently he's made friends with the cook, so in exchange for a few beers he gets extra-size staff meals - typical Jake! His mate that he left NZ with has come home. He enjoyed the travel, but decided he didn't want to work there. I have to admit being very jealous that his mother gets to give her boy a hug!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
This girl never fakes it!
No, you bunch of suspicious (but kind and well-meaning) old bags, I'm not just putting on a brave face! My life really is going great.
It's just over a month since Mark and I separated, but I've realised I was much further down that track than I had admitted to myself. And because it was me who made the ultimate decision, it was all pretty much settled in my head before it happened.
Yes, it was really hard and I was devastated at the time. But I have quickly picked myself up and moved on.
The question has been asked (by lots of people) - how much did my weight-loss have to do with this other major change in my life?
That's a hard one to answer. I certainly didn't wake up one day and go "I'm not fat anymore, think I'll leave my man!".
I do think that making such a major change in my life over the last two years has made me recognise I have the strength to change things I am not happy with. That I don't have to settle for things that don't give me what I want.
It's not that I was desperately unhappy with Mark. I describe it more as 'absence of happiness'. And that's not what I want from my life.
Nor did I give up at the first sign of trouble. Relationships really have to be worked at, but you also have to be able to recognise when something is no longer worth the work.
So, that part of my life is over. And I'm moving on. And I'm happy.
It's just over a month since Mark and I separated, but I've realised I was much further down that track than I had admitted to myself. And because it was me who made the ultimate decision, it was all pretty much settled in my head before it happened.
Yes, it was really hard and I was devastated at the time. But I have quickly picked myself up and moved on.
The question has been asked (by lots of people) - how much did my weight-loss have to do with this other major change in my life?
That's a hard one to answer. I certainly didn't wake up one day and go "I'm not fat anymore, think I'll leave my man!".
I do think that making such a major change in my life over the last two years has made me recognise I have the strength to change things I am not happy with. That I don't have to settle for things that don't give me what I want.
It's not that I was desperately unhappy with Mark. I describe it more as 'absence of happiness'. And that's not what I want from my life.
Nor did I give up at the first sign of trouble. Relationships really have to be worked at, but you also have to be able to recognise when something is no longer worth the work.
So, that part of my life is over. And I'm moving on. And I'm happy.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Don't worry
Thanks for your concern, I'm absolutely fine.
- Living in a furnished 2 bedroom apartment right in town
- Hardly ever drive my car because I can walk everywhere
- Joined a new gym that absolutely suits my extreme geek-ness - you log in and it tracks all your exercise and lots of other fancy stuff
- Jake has been in Valencia and Paris and is now trying to find work in England to shore up the state of his finances
- Lots of good things happening in my life
- Blogging is low on the priorities at the moment
See ya later!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Photo time!
For all those tedious reasons you've now read about, I hadn't got around to posting photos of Jake's departure.
The day before he left was ANZAC Day, so I had a whole day off to help him rush around and get things organised. His lovely Wellington auntie took this photo that day:
The day before he left was ANZAC Day, so I had a whole day off to help him rush around and get things organised. His lovely Wellington auntie took this photo that day:
The next morning the boys left Wellington airport at 8.30. A crowd of friends turned out to say goodbye, which was lovely and also helped distract me. Here Jake is with his mate Jacob - the one he's travelling with. And yes, Jake is still slightly drunk from going out the night before. His hangover hit somewhere between Auckland and Kuala Lumpur.
And a last shot with his mum before he went off to discover the world (I wonder if anyone thought to warn the world before he went?).
As far as I know, they're in Spain at the moment - that's what his very brief email on Tuesday said. Don't ask me where in Spain, all I got was a country, no details.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Looking forward
Not looking forward to anything specific, just looking forward instead of back.
Thanks you all for the support. Your comments, texts, emails and calls have meant the world to me.
During the weekend I sent Jake an email to tell him what had happened. It wasn't the ideal way to tell him, but calling him is difficult for lots of reasons.
I had an email back this morning - typically short but all I needed was to hear from him. As I expected, his main concern is that I am okay and things aren't too hard. He's in Spain at the moment - that just seems so exciting to me!
The rental market in Wellington (particularly for city apartments) is a bit nuts - lots of people looking. The first couple I looked at I walked straight back out of. There was nothing wrong with them, I just wasn't coping with the situation and didn't want to fall apart in front of strangers. I'm past that now and will be able to approach it more calmly.
The duathlon on Sunday was great. I didn't feel like doing the whole thing, so I walked with Felicity and didn't bother with the bike. Felicity was amazing - she overtook lots of people on the bike and kept a huge smile on her face the whole time. It was lovely to see her again and catch up with a few other bloggers too.
I have been managing to exercise every day - yesterday was an hour of walking with 15 minutes of running thrown in. Because I'm living in the city my incidental exercise is higher too. I walk to work (just leave my car at work all the time), down to the supermarket for supplies, across town to look at apartments, that sort of thing. Eating is mostly okay too - helped by the completely empty pantry!
And last night I had the best night's sleep since all this happened, so things really are on the up.
I know I will still have moments of feeling very down, but I am in a positive frame of mind most of the time.
And I'm a very resilient woman!
Thanks you all for the support. Your comments, texts, emails and calls have meant the world to me.
During the weekend I sent Jake an email to tell him what had happened. It wasn't the ideal way to tell him, but calling him is difficult for lots of reasons.
I had an email back this morning - typically short but all I needed was to hear from him. As I expected, his main concern is that I am okay and things aren't too hard. He's in Spain at the moment - that just seems so exciting to me!
The rental market in Wellington (particularly for city apartments) is a bit nuts - lots of people looking. The first couple I looked at I walked straight back out of. There was nothing wrong with them, I just wasn't coping with the situation and didn't want to fall apart in front of strangers. I'm past that now and will be able to approach it more calmly.
The duathlon on Sunday was great. I didn't feel like doing the whole thing, so I walked with Felicity and didn't bother with the bike. Felicity was amazing - she overtook lots of people on the bike and kept a huge smile on her face the whole time. It was lovely to see her again and catch up with a few other bloggers too.
I have been managing to exercise every day - yesterday was an hour of walking with 15 minutes of running thrown in. Because I'm living in the city my incidental exercise is higher too. I walk to work (just leave my car at work all the time), down to the supermarket for supplies, across town to look at apartments, that sort of thing. Eating is mostly okay too - helped by the completely empty pantry!
And last night I had the best night's sleep since all this happened, so things really are on the up.
I know I will still have moments of feeling very down, but I am in a positive frame of mind most of the time.
And I'm a very resilient woman!
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Time to tell all
I know you're not a stupid bunch, so many of you will have picked up that my life hasn't been all roses of late.
Yes, Jake leaving has been hard for me, but the other thing that's happened is that Mark and I have separated.
It actually happened the day after Jake left, but things had been building towards that decision for some time.
I have held off blogging about it until I had told my parents. Those few of you who do already know - thank you for your support, it means the world to me.
You can imagine the last week or so has been pretty rough for me. Something that helps get me through is that I am quite clear I have made the right decision. That makes the other stuff easier to handle, as I am not sitting around trying to decide if I've done the right thing.
I have moved out of the house and am living in a temporary apartment while I try to find somewhere to live. I'm looking forward to having my own space and just having some time to get my head together.
At least I have not boarded the emotional eating wagon. I haven't stuck to my training plan this week, but I have done something every day - usually a 30 minute run.
So, life is tough at the moment, but I have every hope that it will all start to get better soon.
Yes, Jake leaving has been hard for me, but the other thing that's happened is that Mark and I have separated.
It actually happened the day after Jake left, but things had been building towards that decision for some time.
I have held off blogging about it until I had told my parents. Those few of you who do already know - thank you for your support, it means the world to me.
You can imagine the last week or so has been pretty rough for me. Something that helps get me through is that I am quite clear I have made the right decision. That makes the other stuff easier to handle, as I am not sitting around trying to decide if I've done the right thing.
I have moved out of the house and am living in a temporary apartment while I try to find somewhere to live. I'm looking forward to having my own space and just having some time to get my head together.
At least I have not boarded the emotional eating wagon. I haven't stuck to my training plan this week, but I have done something every day - usually a 30 minute run.
So, life is tough at the moment, but I have every hope that it will all start to get better soon.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
I'm not a good example!
Okay, so I have done basically no exercise for the last two weeks, although I was very active for the first two weeks of the month.
And my eating hasn't exactly been exemplary. Although, again, I did well at the start of the month.
And for all this half-arsed effort? My monthly weigh-in shows - a 100 gram loss!
Completely, utterly, fine by me.
I guess what this does say is: my incidental exercise is higher than it used to be, and, even when I'm not strictly tracking my food, I naturally have much better eating habits. So smug!
But I do need to get myself organised and into a routine again.
Action plan for the rest of this week (Monday and Tuesday having already been rest days!) goes:
Wednesday: 45 minute walk
Thursday: 20 minute cross trainer, upper body and core workout
Friday: 30 minute run
Saturday: 45 minute cardio blast and full body workout
Sunday: supposed to be doing the duathlon, but I'll make that call when I see how much my fitness has suffered
And my eating hasn't exactly been exemplary. Although, again, I did well at the start of the month.
And for all this half-arsed effort? My monthly weigh-in shows - a 100 gram loss!
Completely, utterly, fine by me.
I guess what this does say is: my incidental exercise is higher than it used to be, and, even when I'm not strictly tracking my food, I naturally have much better eating habits. So smug!
But I do need to get myself organised and into a routine again.
Action plan for the rest of this week (Monday and Tuesday having already been rest days!) goes:
Wednesday: 45 minute walk
Thursday: 20 minute cross trainer, upper body and core workout
Friday: 30 minute run
Saturday: 45 minute cardio blast and full body workout
Sunday: supposed to be doing the duathlon, but I'll make that call when I see how much my fitness has suffered
Monday, April 30, 2007
It's all good
Sorry, I know you all must think I've dropped into the depths of despair with Jake's departure, but I just haven't got around to blogging.
The departure wasn't as bad as I expected - the lead-up was much worse! Once we got busy with packing, washing, shopping, etc, I was pretty much fine.
Lots of his mates came to the airport to see him off on Thursday morning. And now that he's gone, well, I just keep thinking what an exciting time they're having.
Jake rang on Saturday from London and we've had an email as well. The flight was hellish - not helped by his hangover! They were overawed by London on their first day, but got their bearings by doing an all-day bus tour the next day. Jake reckons it was like visiting the Monopoly board.
I went to watch his old rugby team play their first game of the season on Saturday. And, of course, while I was there I got roped into managing a team - the 2nd XV this time. I just couldn't bear to see the coach struggling to organise it all himself. And I do like to stay in touch with the boys. So that will help fill my weekends!
My exercise has been rubbish for nearly two weeks, but eating has been okay. I'll weigh in tomorrow on the first of the month, (expecting a gain) and then hit the routines again.
Auckland tomorrow - life is never quiet!
The departure wasn't as bad as I expected - the lead-up was much worse! Once we got busy with packing, washing, shopping, etc, I was pretty much fine.
Lots of his mates came to the airport to see him off on Thursday morning. And now that he's gone, well, I just keep thinking what an exciting time they're having.
Jake rang on Saturday from London and we've had an email as well. The flight was hellish - not helped by his hangover! They were overawed by London on their first day, but got their bearings by doing an all-day bus tour the next day. Jake reckons it was like visiting the Monopoly board.
I went to watch his old rugby team play their first game of the season on Saturday. And, of course, while I was there I got roped into managing a team - the 2nd XV this time. I just couldn't bear to see the coach struggling to organise it all himself. And I do like to stay in touch with the boys. So that will help fill my weekends!
My exercise has been rubbish for nearly two weeks, but eating has been okay. I'll weigh in tomorrow on the first of the month, (expecting a gain) and then hit the routines again.
Auckland tomorrow - life is never quiet!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
This time tomorrow...
Yes, Jake leaves tomorrow morning.
As the time draws near I am finding this increasingly hard to face with good humour. So far my meltdowns have been in private, but the airport tomorrow is going to be incredibly difficult.
We haven't seen much of Jake in the last week or so, as he rushes about fitting in all the social things he wants to do before he goes. I suspect there is also an element of keeping busy so he doesn't have to think about leaving.
Last week we gave his poenamo so he could carry his homeland and family with him.
His bag isn't packed, his washing isn't done, his room isn't tidied. No doubt his loving Mum will help him get all the essential things done this afternoon and then finish the rest after he goes.
And somehow I will find the strength to let him get on that plane.
As the time draws near I am finding this increasingly hard to face with good humour. So far my meltdowns have been in private, but the airport tomorrow is going to be incredibly difficult.
We haven't seen much of Jake in the last week or so, as he rushes about fitting in all the social things he wants to do before he goes. I suspect there is also an element of keeping busy so he doesn't have to think about leaving.
Last week we gave his poenamo so he could carry his homeland and family with him.
His bag isn't packed, his washing isn't done, his room isn't tidied. No doubt his loving Mum will help him get all the essential things done this afternoon and then finish the rest after he goes.
And somehow I will find the strength to let him get on that plane.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Quickly
Hi, y'all!
Flat out, back soon, not much news anyway.
Chris - not ignoring your lovely compliment, just thinking on my nominees.
Eating good, exercise average, life good too.
Flat out, back soon, not much news anyway.
Chris - not ignoring your lovely compliment, just thinking on my nominees.
Eating good, exercise average, life good too.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Likes to get his gear off!
No, the painting didn't go down any further than the top of his jeans. If it did, believe me, he would have been showing you the whole thing!
This boy has no body issues at all. In fact, one of nick names is Ridgey (we all know how much Matthew Ridge likes to get his gear off in public!).
Remember, this is the boy who posed for this:
And he's the boy who turned up at his girlfriend's school on Valentines Day, wearing a cowboy hat and a sequined thong.
And he's the boy who walked into McD's in his boxers to order his meal - because someone else would pay for it if he did.
The list goes on...no body issues at all!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
It's an jungle out there
Last night (Saturday) I heard Jake come home in the small hours of the morning. The fact that I heard him come home made me suspect he'd packed away a fair bit of booze at whatever party he'd been to - if he's sober he usually manages to not wake me.
After listening to him rattle up and down the stairs a couple of times, I called out to see if he was okay. He came into our room, turned on the light and looked like this:
After listening to him rattle up and down the stairs a couple of times, I called out to see if he was okay. He came into our room, turned on the light and looked like this:
What a classic. He and his mate Casey were going to an dress-up party - animal theme - so Casey's father painted them to look like this. Apparently there was a guy at the party wearing a tiger suit - he took it off when these two guys arrived!
Spent the afternoon with Lucinda today. I dragged her along to a water polo game - Jake's old team made (and then won) the national secondary school finals today. Then we just hung out at my place until I fed her a homemade roast dinner and dropped her home.
And so the weekend is over and another hectic week begins. I do feel rather like I need a holiday.
Edit after Mandy's comment: the father is a mural painter and cartoonist, and did lots of backdrop work for Lord of the Rings.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Yay for the weekend!
The last few days have been very hectic, so exercise has fallen by the wayside, but my eating has been fine. I'll be able to make up for much of the missed exercise over the weekend - starting with a nice long walk around the shops today; feel the need for some new winter clothes!
The house has been full of teenagers this week. Jake's not working anymore and quite a few of his friends are on varsity holidays, so there have been many marathon X-box sessions and some all-night cricket watching. The wheelie bin is full of beer bottles and pizza boxes!
It's not just Jake I'm going to miss - I'll miss having my house full of young people having a good time.
Last night we were firmly reminded that rugby is a winter game - it was about 8 degrees at the stadium. Good win by my beloved Canes though.
Escaped a Black Friday without any major incidents - and not being in Auckland I didn't have to follow the office tradition of black Sambuca shots!
The house has been full of teenagers this week. Jake's not working anymore and quite a few of his friends are on varsity holidays, so there have been many marathon X-box sessions and some all-night cricket watching. The wheelie bin is full of beer bottles and pizza boxes!
It's not just Jake I'm going to miss - I'll miss having my house full of young people having a good time.
Last night we were firmly reminded that rugby is a winter game - it was about 8 degrees at the stadium. Good win by my beloved Canes though.
Escaped a Black Friday without any major incidents - and not being in Auckland I didn't have to follow the office tradition of black Sambuca shots!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Slightly stuffed
Things I have learned today: I cannot run 5km at 7.30 at night. It is just too late. Especially on a day when I've got up before 5am, flown to Auckland and spent much of the time training a new staff member.
So I gave up after 5 minutes running and just walked for half an hour. Hard. Still worked up quite a sweat.
Haven't had a great day with eating - succumbed to a chocolate hit this afternoon. And a Burger Fuel burger tonight (threw away the top half of the bun, though). I'm not too worried about it - it's not like it's a daily lapse.
11 April summary
Breakfast: muesli, yoghurt and bran
Lunch: salmon, potato and egg salad
Dinner: burger with bacon and avocado
Snacks: juice blend from Tank, trim flat white, 60 grams bittersweet chocolate
Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill
So I gave up after 5 minutes running and just walked for half an hour. Hard. Still worked up quite a sweat.
Haven't had a great day with eating - succumbed to a chocolate hit this afternoon. And a Burger Fuel burger tonight (threw away the top half of the bun, though). I'm not too worried about it - it's not like it's a daily lapse.
11 April summary
Breakfast: muesli, yoghurt and bran
Lunch: salmon, potato and egg salad
Dinner: burger with bacon and avocado
Snacks: juice blend from Tank, trim flat white, 60 grams bittersweet chocolate
Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Slightly confused
Anybody else struggling to work out what day it is? I'm bad enough most weeks, because I so often travel on different days, but chuck in a week the starts on a Tuesday and I'm screwed!
Oh well, so long as I remember to turn up for my flight in the morning...
The other struggle I had today was convincing my legs to work properly - especially my quads. And my hamstrings. And my calves. That's okay though, I punished them for their reluctance with another gym session tonight.
10 April summary
Breakfast: wholegrain rolled oats with apple juice and blueberries
Lunch: grilled eggplant salad with feta and sunflower seeds
Dinner: spag bol with plenty of mushrooms
Snacks: more blueberries, two crackers with fig and olive salsa (no, I didn't bloody make it myself), banana, cherry tomatoes, three trim flat whites, a glass of bubbly
Exercise: 10 minute warm-up on the cross-trainer, tricep pulldowns, chest press, shoulder press, chest flyes, hamstring extensions, Swiss ball squats, leg press, inner thigh machine, outer thigh machine, prone bridges, oblique bridges, back crunches, medicine ball exchanges, 1o minute run on the treadmill, 7 minute cool down on the treadmill. And stretch.
Oh well, so long as I remember to turn up for my flight in the morning...
The other struggle I had today was convincing my legs to work properly - especially my quads. And my hamstrings. And my calves. That's okay though, I punished them for their reluctance with another gym session tonight.
10 April summary
Breakfast: wholegrain rolled oats with apple juice and blueberries
Lunch: grilled eggplant salad with feta and sunflower seeds
Dinner: spag bol with plenty of mushrooms
Snacks: more blueberries, two crackers with fig and olive salsa (no, I didn't bloody make it myself), banana, cherry tomatoes, three trim flat whites, a glass of bubbly
Exercise: 10 minute warm-up on the cross-trainer, tricep pulldowns, chest press, shoulder press, chest flyes, hamstring extensions, Swiss ball squats, leg press, inner thigh machine, outer thigh machine, prone bridges, oblique bridges, back crunches, medicine ball exchanges, 1o minute run on the treadmill, 7 minute cool down on the treadmill. And stretch.
Monday, April 09, 2007
(More than) slightly stoked
Today I ran five km for the first time ever (without stopping). 
The 5km took me 31 minutes - not that fast, but actually better than I thought I would do. Once again I would like to thank the Wellington City Council for installing these little doohickeys around the waterfront - there's one every 500m for 6.5km.
Woodiddlyhoo!
And not on the treadmill, on the road. I drove to the gym, then went for a run around Evans Bay before my workout.
The 5km took me 31 minutes - not that fast, but actually better than I thought I would do. Once again I would like to thank the Wellington City Council for installing these little doohickeys around the waterfront - there's one every 500m for 6.5km.After that I did a full body workout - gotta admit the leg stuff was getting pretty hard after that run.
Been another gorgeous day here - can't remember the last time we had such a lovely long weekend. It did mean I didn't get as much work done as planned, but tomorrow is another day...
There's still lots of chocolate lying about the house in post-Easter temptation style - but I'm not tempted. Okay, actually I am, but I'm resisting. Successfully.
9 April summary
Breakfast: poached eggs on crumpets
Lunch: chicken and brown rice with pasta sauce
Dinner: steak, potatoes, mushrooms and leeks
Snacks: 2 apples, banana, 3 vita wheats with vegemite and cottage cheese, pineapple
Exercise: 5km run with 5 minute walk before and after, lat pulldowns, seated row, tricep extensions, chest flyes, bicep curls, travelling lunges, leg press, hamstring extensions, Swiss ball squats, Swiss ball frogs, crunches, held crunches, oblique crunches, ten minutes on the cross-trainer and streeeeeeetch
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Slightly sick!
Ate my whole 200 gram chocolate bunny! Just can't pack away the choccy like I used to! It was yummy though...
It was a simply stunning day here in Wellington. A bit of drizzle when I went for my run at 7.30, but that soon cleared away and we had a lovely blue-sky day.
So, I couldn't bear to go to the gym this afternoon - had a lovely walk on Lyall Bay beach instead. Then cups of tea on the balcony with the Wellington sister, followed by cups of tea on the balcony with dear friend Ruth.
I have completed my whole exercise plan for the week. I also stuck to my eating plan - except for the creme egg slip yesterday!
Because this week I only did cardio exercise (plenty of it!), next week I will focus more on resistance training. That, and the last week of the C25K training programme.
8 April summary
Breakfast: 2 crumpets with cottage cheese and banana
Lunch: chicken cooked with tomato
Dinner: roast chicken and corn on the cob
Snacks: 2 coffees, an apple and the planned and simply enormous chocolate bunny
Exercise: C25k week 8 and a 45 minute beach walk
It was a simply stunning day here in Wellington. A bit of drizzle when I went for my run at 7.30, but that soon cleared away and we had a lovely blue-sky day.
So, I couldn't bear to go to the gym this afternoon - had a lovely walk on Lyall Bay beach instead. Then cups of tea on the balcony with the Wellington sister, followed by cups of tea on the balcony with dear friend Ruth.
I have completed my whole exercise plan for the week. I also stuck to my eating plan - except for the creme egg slip yesterday!
Because this week I only did cardio exercise (plenty of it!), next week I will focus more on resistance training. That, and the last week of the C25K training programme.
8 April summary
Breakfast: 2 crumpets with cottage cheese and banana
Lunch: chicken cooked with tomato
Dinner: roast chicken and corn on the cob
Snacks: 2 coffees, an apple and the planned and simply enormous chocolate bunny
Exercise: C25k week 8 and a 45 minute beach walk
Slightly smug
It's Sunday morning and I've already done all my exercise for the week - not necessarily all on the planned days, but done all the same. Might have to throw in an extra hour at the gym this afternoon.
Enjoying my four day weekend - will need to work tomorrow, but having three days off is a treat for me anyway.
Jake's visa for the UK arrived yesterday, so there's nothing holding him back now.
7 April summary
Breakfast: crumpet with vegemite and cottage cheese
Lunch: pumpernickel bagel with hummus
Dinner: baked pasta dish with tomato based sauce, 2 eggs and cottage cheese
Snacks: 2 apples, one trim flat white and one long black, a Cadbury Creme Egg - damn your gooey sweetness, blueberries
Exercise: 60 minutes of kick boxing - couldn't be bothered dragging my arse to aqua
Enjoying my four day weekend - will need to work tomorrow, but having three days off is a treat for me anyway.
Jake's visa for the UK arrived yesterday, so there's nothing holding him back now.
7 April summary
Breakfast: crumpet with vegemite and cottage cheese
Lunch: pumpernickel bagel with hummus
Dinner: baked pasta dish with tomato based sauce, 2 eggs and cottage cheese
Snacks: 2 apples, one trim flat white and one long black, a Cadbury Creme Egg - damn your gooey sweetness, blueberries
Exercise: 60 minutes of kick boxing - couldn't be bothered dragging my arse to aqua
Friday, April 06, 2007
Slightly mystifying
This time last year, I was a couple of days out from doing a duathlon. I had decided that running was a stupid idea and I would never do it again after this event.
This morning, I got up and went for a 4km run. And enjoyed it.
What's up with that?
I can't quite remember when running went from something I didn't like doing, but did because it burns more fat than walking, to an enjoyable activity!
Although I didn't enjoy it when I went to the gym last night. I did a day trip to Auckland yesterday and fell asleep on the plane on the way back. When I got on the treadmill I had that awful disoriented feeling one gets after a nap and just couldn't hit a decent rhythm. So I did a one hour cardio blast instead, with my treadmill work being walking with the incline set at increasingly high levels.
But this morning's run? Lovely!
6 April summary
Breakfast: rolled oats, apple juice and raspberries
Lunch: cheese on toast
Dinner: steamed wontons with chilli dipping sauce
Snacks: apple, nashi, some bagel crisps, 4 tomatoes
Exercise: C25k week 8
Didn't have my promised hot cross buns today - had them at morning tea yesterday.
This morning, I got up and went for a 4km run. And enjoyed it.
What's up with that?
I can't quite remember when running went from something I didn't like doing, but did because it burns more fat than walking, to an enjoyable activity!
Although I didn't enjoy it when I went to the gym last night. I did a day trip to Auckland yesterday and fell asleep on the plane on the way back. When I got on the treadmill I had that awful disoriented feeling one gets after a nap and just couldn't hit a decent rhythm. So I did a one hour cardio blast instead, with my treadmill work being walking with the incline set at increasingly high levels.
But this morning's run? Lovely!
6 April summary
Breakfast: rolled oats, apple juice and raspberries
Lunch: cheese on toast
Dinner: steamed wontons with chilli dipping sauce
Snacks: apple, nashi, some bagel crisps, 4 tomatoes
Exercise: C25k week 8
Didn't have my promised hot cross buns today - had them at morning tea yesterday.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Coffee is my food
At least that's what the barista at our local cafe reckons.
It's not that bad! I really do eat! It's just that it's often coffee that keeps me going during the day. And I am back up to at least three of them a day (which is fine so long as I'm getting plenty of exercise to work it off).
And, okay, it is 6.05am and I am sitting in the Koru Club waiting for yet another flight to Auckland and I am having my second macchiatto of the day.
Okay, so I'm a caffiend.
4 April summary
Breakfast: bran, yoghurt and strawberries
Lunch: Thai chicken salad
Dinner: steak and salad
Snacks: four trim flat whites, bean sprouts, apple, nashi pear
Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill - 20 minutes of that running, with 2 x 5 minute HIITs included, 30 minutes on the bike - 90 second alternations between level 6 and level 9 at 100rpm (sweaty)
It's not that bad! I really do eat! It's just that it's often coffee that keeps me going during the day. And I am back up to at least three of them a day (which is fine so long as I'm getting plenty of exercise to work it off).
And, okay, it is 6.05am and I am sitting in the Koru Club waiting for yet another flight to Auckland and I am having my second macchiatto of the day.
Okay, so I'm a caffiend.
4 April summary
Breakfast: bran, yoghurt and strawberries
Lunch: Thai chicken salad
Dinner: steak and salad
Snacks: four trim flat whites, bean sprouts, apple, nashi pear
Exercise: 30 minutes on the treadmill - 20 minutes of that running, with 2 x 5 minute HIITs included, 30 minutes on the bike - 90 second alternations between level 6 and level 9 at 100rpm (sweaty)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Moving right along
Okay, no more wallowing about Jake going away - no point in being sad before it even happens!
Bumped into Lucinda in the street today - I think she now believes me about what a small town Wellington really is!
My schedule is still pretty insane. Starting work before 6 each day to keep on top of things, so most of my exercise is taking place in the evenings - and running between meetings, of course. After aqua this evening, it was still so mild (with a beautiful big harvest moon) that I couldn't resist taking the dog for a run. It was lovely! He's snoring his head off on his bed now.
3 April summary
Breakfast: bran and yoghurt
Lunch: pasta with veges and chorizo
Dinner: chicken, tomato, chili and coriander with (more) pasta
Snacks: three (!!!!!) trim flat whites, blueberries, apple
Exercise: deep water aqua AND 30 minute run
Bumped into Lucinda in the street today - I think she now believes me about what a small town Wellington really is!
My schedule is still pretty insane. Starting work before 6 each day to keep on top of things, so most of my exercise is taking place in the evenings - and running between meetings, of course. After aqua this evening, it was still so mild (with a beautiful big harvest moon) that I couldn't resist taking the dog for a run. It was lovely! He's snoring his head off on his bed now.
3 April summary
Breakfast: bran and yoghurt
Lunch: pasta with veges and chorizo
Dinner: chicken, tomato, chili and coriander with (more) pasta
Snacks: three (!!!!!) trim flat whites, blueberries, apple
Exercise: deep water aqua AND 30 minute run
Just in case I've forgotten to tell you...
Jake leaves on his OE on 26 April.
Yikes! He really can't be old enough to be doing this. Where did my little boy go?
Monday, April 02, 2007
Week one round up
Pretty good first week on the 12 week action plan. Did all my planned workouts except one and almost stuck to the no sugar points - undermined by a particularly yummy carrot cake. No alcohol though. Feeling pretty smug. This week's plan is on the sidebar now - I'm allowing myself Easter treats. So far, I've managed to give away every piece of chocolate I've been given.
It was lovely to meet Lucinda yesterday. She's taking a big step - says it all feels very surreal - but she sure is meeting the challenge head on. She's a lovely, positive woman. I took her up Mt Victoria when I picked her up, to hopefully help set her compass so she has some idea of the layout of Wellington.
2 April summary
Breakfast: half an English muffin and some fruit (all that was worth eating at the charity breakfast I went to - Eric Rush was a very funny speaker, though)
Lunch: an OSM - not something I try to make a habit of, but great when you just have no time to stop
Dinner: stir fry with chicken, prawns, mushrooms and brown rice
Snacks: two trim flat whites, apple juice, mango, grapes
Exercise: C25K week 8
It was lovely to meet Lucinda yesterday. She's taking a big step - says it all feels very surreal - but she sure is meeting the challenge head on. She's a lovely, positive woman. I took her up Mt Victoria when I picked her up, to hopefully help set her compass so she has some idea of the layout of Wellington.
2 April summary
Breakfast: half an English muffin and some fruit (all that was worth eating at the charity breakfast I went to - Eric Rush was a very funny speaker, though)
Lunch: an OSM - not something I try to make a habit of, but great when you just have no time to stop
Dinner: stir fry with chicken, prawns, mushrooms and brown rice
Snacks: two trim flat whites, apple juice, mango, grapes
Exercise: C25K week 8
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Weigh in and hairy bits!
1st of the month, so I weighed myself this morning. 400 gram loss this month - but I'm quite pleased with that as things were pretty out of control until about a week ago.
Okay, Chris, which hairy bits?
Well, I had my usual brow shape, but for the first time ever I had a Brazilian!
I've never had so much as a bikini wax before, not being of a particularly hairy nature, but I've been building up the courage to do this for a couple of months.
Yes, it did hurt, but not as much as I expected. And now it feels great! Not sure I'm so keen on how it looks, though. Perhaps I'll get used to that.
It was nice to go to the stadium last night and actually seen the Hurricanes win. Of course the game was as boring as bat shit, but I can put up with that for a win.
31 March summary
Breakfast: cheese and Vegemite on toast
Lunch: a few crackers, fruit salad with yoghurt
Dinner: chicken and coleslaw
Snacks: two trim flat whites, two apples, bean sprouts, apple juice
Exercise: total of 40 minutes on the treadmill, travelling lunges, leg press, Swiss ball squats, hamstring extensions, Swiss ball frogs, tricep extensions, chest flyes, push-ups on the barre, shoulder presses, back crunches, those evil medicine ball exchanges and side-to-sides for my abs!
Okay, Chris, which hairy bits?
Well, I had my usual brow shape, but for the first time ever I had a Brazilian!
I've never had so much as a bikini wax before, not being of a particularly hairy nature, but I've been building up the courage to do this for a couple of months.
Yes, it did hurt, but not as much as I expected. And now it feels great! Not sure I'm so keen on how it looks, though. Perhaps I'll get used to that.
It was nice to go to the stadium last night and actually seen the Hurricanes win. Of course the game was as boring as bat shit, but I can put up with that for a win.
31 March summary
Breakfast: cheese and Vegemite on toast
Lunch: a few crackers, fruit salad with yoghurt
Dinner: chicken and coleslaw
Snacks: two trim flat whites, two apples, bean sprouts, apple juice
Exercise: total of 40 minutes on the treadmill, travelling lunges, leg press, Swiss ball squats, hamstring extensions, Swiss ball frogs, tricep extensions, chest flyes, push-ups on the barre, shoulder presses, back crunches, those evil medicine ball exchanges and side-to-sides for my abs!
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