FFS Friday!

Greg posted today about FFS Friday - which was started by another blogger DearBabyG.  Greg has called his post "Friday Fist Pump" and the lovely Maz has called hers "Glass Half Empty/Full".  I'm just going to stick with "FFS" - For F***'s sake!  So basically it's just a brief run down of my week & what has been giving me the shits & what hasn't.

I managed to drink my body weight in wine this last week......FFS

And I weigh a lot, so that is a lot of bloody wine!.... FFS

Lots of chocolate and general naughtiness was consumed over this last week.....FFS

Why does bread with butter and jam taste so good???....FFS

Being premenstrual, I wanted to rip of Greg's head, and sell the kids on eBay.....FFS

Or maybe give the kids away as I don't think I'd get much for them.....FFS

I located my "Mojo" which must have just been hiding out in my cupboard somewhere....No FFS

I managed to get out on the bike, get on the xtrainer and also do some weights these last couple of days with my newly found mojo....No FFS

Fostered a 6mth old cat, as the kids have never had a cat before, but had forgotten how much I hate changing kitty litter....FFS

Said cat has discovered clawing the carpet & the couch.....FFS

Why do I love chocolate so much?...FFS

And wine?....FFS

And Yumi's Hommus?......FFS

And Peckish rice crackers?........FFS

And wine?  Did I say that already??......FFS

Have had a chest cold with nightly coughing keeping me awake....FFS

3 days off work in a row with another 3 day break coming up.....No FFS

Have been enjoying cooking (did I just say that?!?!) lovely 12wbt meals again and being organised in the kitchen.....No FFS

Have been complimented AGAIN this week about how good I am looking.... No FFS

Have allowed myself to be honest about my struggles this last week, not only honest with myself, but my closest friends, who are AMAZING in their support of me and I love them to bits (you know who you are!!).... No FFS

Booked our flights for Adelaide Finale.... No FFS

My husband is still as sexy as all hell, mankini or not....No FFS!!

So, although the week started with me on Struggle Street, I managed to turn things around and there were lots of positive things to come out of it.  YEAH BABY!

Food Glorious 12wbt Food!

 Just thought I'd share some of the yummy foods we eat on the 12wbt.  We don't follow the menu for our brekkie or lunches, but every night we have a 12wbt recipe for dinner.  Just delish!!!!

Meat Pie with Mushy Peas

Minestrone Soup with Lentils & Zucchini

Bunless Burger

Jacket Potato with Tomato & Coriander Salsa

Owen's little special heart potato

Leaving Struggle Street

Wow, I've been struggling greatly this week.  Even after my last post of starting afresh, the wheels fell off completely.  I've not cared, and just couldn't be bothered.  TTOM (That Time of Month) arrived.  Too much bread, pasta, and wine, and the scales reflected it with a gain of 1.6kgs.


But the gain was just what I needed to shock me back into reality.  I don't want to be that person anymore.  I don't want to be the lazy, fat person from 12 months ago.  I love the new me. I love the new Greg.  I love what our family has become.  So, to rephrase Michelle Bridges, it was time for me to get off Pussy Street, and get on Man Up Road!!!!

Enough is enough.  Time to shift this weight!  I weighed in heavier than I started this round, but that's okay.  I deserve every single gram I put on , and I will work hard to get rid of it again.  I need to get back to double digits next week & I will work my arse off to ensure I am never EVER in triple digits again.  I am tracking every morsel of food in My Fitness Pal, I will exercise like a Trojan, and I will drink my water.  I can do this and I will do this.

Flights, hotel & babysitter are booked for the Finale in Adelaide in August.  And I will be in the 80s by then.  And we have our Bali holiday in only 14 weeks, and of course I want to feel comfortable in bathers & summer clothing.

Yes I can!!!

Mission: Guns Like Michelle Bridges!

We have been waiting for a while to get a weights bench, when I stumbled across a bargain in the next suburb on eBay.  We snapped it up quick smart & Greg picked it up Monday night.

Our new toy

This is my 5th round of the 12wbt and I am embarrassed to admit I have never done a weights session.  It is essential to build my strength & for toning, but I just kept putting it off and told myself I'd get to it next round.  And then that round would pass, and I'd say "Next round I'll do weights". And so on.

But finally, no excuses!  I'm doing weights!!!

My BEFORE picture.  Watch these arms transform!!!

Yesterday was my first weights session & Greg put me through my paces.  I survived, although the arms & shoulders are killing me today.  

I've started a new page on this blog called "Mission: Guns".  My mission is to reduce my tuckshop arms/batwings/Bingo wings, whatever you want to call them.  And to build me some guns!  I know they're there somewhere!!!

I want arms like Michelle Bridges!

Recharging the Batteries & Starting Afresh

Recharging the batteries (aka PJ Day)

Unfortunately for me, my flat mood that I posted about last week continued on for a few more days.  I think I bottomed out on Saturday - I'd had enough of EVERYTHING.  The kids, Greg, work, cooking, cleaning, everything.  I just hated everyone & everything & wanted to curl up in bed & not get out.  But of course, as a working Mum of four kids, I couldn't do that.  Sunday we had a pajama day that involved being in our PJs all day long, eating crap, drinking wine (Greg and I - not the kids!!!) and watching movies, snuggled up on the couch under our doonas with the kids.  It was absolute bloody bliss, and just what I needed!!!  My mood has now definitely shifted.

I did however spend 4 hours in the kitchen on Sunday (yes in my PJs!) cooking up a storm of 12wbt meals to ensure we were well set up for the fortnight ahead.  Monday morning, I continued the cook up.  The freezer is now chockers!! The 12wbt meals I made are

• Roast Pumpkin & Garlic Soup
• the filling for the Meat Pie with Mushy Peas
• I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Chicken
• Cajun chicken stew (supposed to be made with fish but I used chicken instead)
• Mexican Shepherds Pie
• Spaghetti & meatballs
• Cupcake Quiches

As well as non 12wbt meals for the kids - mini quiches & Mango Chicken.  No excuses now not to have something on hand for busy nights when I am working.  Both Greg & I have decided this is something we need to continue once a fortnight - a huge Sunday afternoon cook up of meals.

The huge cook up!

Did someone say meatballs & spaghetti???

So, here's the thing.  I know the 12wbt works.  I know that if I stick to the program, eating clean, drinking water & exercising, that I lose a great deal of weight.  I know it makes me feel fantastic, fit, strong & healthy.  I know I am happier when following the program.  So why don't I just bloody well do it?  Why is it so hard to conquer the mindset and just do it?  

I know I can.  I've come this far.

Greg & I are such a great team.  We support each other by allowing the other to exercise when they need to.  By helping each other keep on track with nutrition.  But the downside to the partnership is that we also support each other in the wrong way when things aren't going well.  I'll stop & get wine on the way home from work.  He'll bring home a block of my favourite Cadbury Fruit & Nut chocolate from the Supermarket.  I'll jump onto the couch with a pack of chips & throw him a pack without even asking if he wanted them!  We support each other in both good & bad times, and in the bad times we feed off each other's negativity. 

I gained 200gms this week. I deserved it.

I start afresh today.  TODAY is the start of the round for me.  I've had my few weeks of fun, of eating badly, drinking copious amounts of wine, and having too many lazy days, feeding off any lame excuse I could find.  I need to stop talking the talk, and start walking the walk.  I need this, hell, I want this.  And the thing that absolutely shits me, is that I know I can do it.  I know I can smash it.  I know I can.  I have it in me.  

So why the bloody hell don't I!?!?!?

I just bloody well will!!!!!!

Winter Blues???

Weigh in this week was a great one with a 1.4kgs loss in 2 days!  Woot Woot!  Absolutely over the moon about being in double digits again, and just goes to show what perfect nutrition and good, hard exercise can do.  I was feeling on top of the world.

And then the wheels fell off.  On my way home from work on Wednesday night, I stopped at the bottle shop.  Why?  No idea.  I wanted a glass of wine.  But of course with the wine, comes the mindless snacking, and there goes my perfect day of tracking calories & drinking water.

Greg has posted today about feeling flat this last week.  And I've been feeling that way too.  I think our moods may have rubbed off on each other, and I can see the downward spiral appearing.  I've been feeling stressed & rushed after a week of working 7 days/nights straight, and I just feel overwhelmed with housework, cooking, kids' activities and just life in general.  I just feel like I am drowning in it, and unfortunately it's been a great excuse to use not to exercise.  And if I had wine in the house, I would have been drinking it every night as well!

Winter blues with the cold weather?  Hmmm,  I don't know.  I do know that I need to snap out of it quick smart.

Onwards & downwards.....

Round 2 2013 - It's on Like Donkey Kong

These last few weeks have been tight ones financially for us,  and both Greg & I hadn't signed up to the next round of the 12wbt.  I was disappointed that I wasn't starting anew with everyone else.

VIC CREW ROCKS!

And then, bloody amazingly, came the unflinching support of the 12wbt Vic Crew.  Via Facebook they managed to receive enough donations to get my next round paid for, as well as 3 other girls who also were struggling financially.  To say I am grateful is an absolute understatement - these women have no idea how much their generosity means to me.  But I will be honest, and admit I struggled with the whole idea of others paying for me.  When I was initially told about it, I felt embarrassed & guilty.  But after speaking to Greg, and some supportive friends, they made me realise I should accept it, and in turn, I can help out another member in the next round.  So, my commitment to all those who have contributed to enable me to start off this round is that I am going to SMASH it!  I will make sure they have not one regret about supporting me, and I will in turn pay it forward to another member in the next round.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you!  VIC CREW rocks!!!!

7.5km walk with some Western Warriors & a gorgeous sunrise! 

So, we're now on to Day 2 of the new round.  And I am so pumped for it.  I have set myself a HUGE goal of losing 20kgs in 12 weeks.  It might seem a huge goal, but I am going to give it my all to do it.  I can honestly say that over my last 4 rounds, I have not pushed myself with my exercise.  So I am going to up the anti!  Some of my key goals this round are:-

• Stay under 1200 calories daily.  Although I am quite good at eating cleanly, I quite often go over calories with my snacks & coffee
• Exercise a minimum of 6 days a week - and do double sessions on most days.  I want 500cals to be the absolute minimum I burn on weekdays.
• Burn 1000 calories at SSS.  I usually do my SSS over two days on the weekend, but not anymore.  I am going to get up early before our garage session & either walk or get on the xtrainer to get those extra calories burnt!  No more excuses!
• Water, water, water
• To start running

So weigh in yesterday saw me at 100.9kgs.  Up above the 100kg mark & a hefty 2.9kgs heavier than last weigh in a couple of weeks ago.  I put it down to not counting calories, wine & lots of bread consumed.  Surprisingly, I'm not too bummed about it, as I plan on being back in double digits in no time at all.  And in the 80s half way through this round.  Just cannot imagine what that will feel like!!

A couple of my work colleagues Di & Christine have smashed their first round, and now are signed up to this round.  To make things interesting, and to keep us pushing hard, I suggested we have a little bet between the three of us - whoever loses the least % of weight, will take the other 2 out for breakfast.  Can't wait to see what results this brings, and at the end of the round, I guess it doesn't really matter who lost the most, or the least, we're all winners!!

Me, Di & Christine - THE BET IS ON!!!

So a big round ahead, with lots of hard work for me.  And I'm just so excited for it!!!  BRING IT ON!

Mothers Day Classic

Paige & I at the MDC

I decided a while ago I wanted to partake in the 8km walk for the MDC.  Unfortunately, as the date drew closer, it became a logistic nightmare - I was rostered to work, Greg & Callum had to be at footy in the morning, and a few other hassles came up.  With lots of support from Greg & some babysitting from my parents, I was able to still do it. I did have to swap to the 8km run (even though I was walking it) just so I could finish in time to get to work.

Paige decided to join me, and although she spent the day complaining about how slow we were going, how long the 8km was, how sore her feet were, and how she was bored, looking back on the event a day later, I quite enjoyed spending the morning with her, just for some one on one girl time.

Ready to go

Unfortunately I had made the silly decision on Saturday to do a 7.5km walk, that resulted in blisters on both balls of my feet. I also decided to go crazy with a squat challenge, that resulted in me doing 1000 squats, not including all the squats I did in our morning garage session as well.  CRAZY!!!

The morning of the MDC I could hardly walk!  And although I had intended to try running part of the MDC, my sore legs and the blisters on my feet were just not having any of it.  It was still an enjoyable day, and next year I can't wait to actually run the WHOLE 8km!!!

Paige & I battling the Anderson St Hill

The Sweet & The Sour

WOW!!  What a weekend!  It has gone by in a blur of exhaustion & wine!  Let's do a little recap....

Thursday I had airport pickups.  I had underestimated how time consuming airport pickups would be.  I don't regret helping out my interstate 12wbters, I do however regret offering to pickup so many.  Each trip turned into a 2 hour round trip (home to airport, waiting at airport, airport to CBD, CBD to home or back to airport).  I also had an interstate friend staying with me who I wanted to spend time with, so after a couple of drinks Thursday night with her & Greg, I didn't see bed until after 1am.

Friday Night Drinks - Dayna, Bec, Greg & Me!

The best city in the world, Melbourne!

That's where the blur of exhaustion set in for the weekend.  Friday morning I was up early to the kids.  Greg kindly offered to do some airport pickups for me, but I still had to get out to the airport to pick up a friend, and then had lunch with some girlfriends back in the city.  Home to see the kids before they were packed off to the grandparents for the weekend, and a mad dash to have my nails done.  Has anyone ever fallen asleep while having nails done?  I wonder if I'm the first?!!?

Home to get ready and off to our Pre Finale drinks at the Boatbuilders Yard on South Wharf.  What an amazing venue!!  The view of the Melbourne skyline was nothing short of spectacular.  The platters of food we had ordered were amazing, the staff friendly and attentive & it seemed everyone had a brilliant time.  We had a great night, with great friends, new & old (and over 150 people in total), and lots of wine!

All fun & games & hangovers!

Going downhill rapidly

Saturday we were up at the crack of dawn for a group brekkie with the 30+ crew in Albert Park.  Let's just say HUNGOVER is an understatement to how I felt!!!!  And then off to the 12wbt workout.  The rain held off, and we had an awesome morning.  Dayna, Bec, Greg & myself had decided to dress up, and we took out the title of best dressed for the day, although I think that had something to do with Greg in his mankini.  Such a shy & retiring husband I have!  He loved every minute of all the attention!!!  Unfortunately I was so sick from my wine consumption the night before I couldn't work out, but I had a ball regardless.

The Western Warriors 

The dress up competion - WE WON!!!

And then of course, the event we'd all been waiting for - the 12wbt Finale Party, held at Crown Casino.  A huge sold out event with 1500 people attending.  It was a great night, and so lovely to party with our Western Warrior crew that we train/run/walk with, my workmates that joined me on 12wbt, and all my gorgeous friends - Heather (who came all the way from Perth!!), Megs (from Sydney) & Sez (a fellow Victorian). And that was the "sweet".

Hi There Pussycat!!

But now for the "sour".

Me & my sexy new husband!  Can't keep my hands off him!!!

I was definitely left feeling flat after the party.  The last 3 finale parties I had been to (Perth, Sydney & Brisbane) were brilliant, and I walked away feeling revved up & raring to go in the next round.  There are always prizes and a top 20 contestants on stage at each finale, and it is so brilliant to see their transformation.  But the one thing that I really, REALLY loved, was a big video montage that showed before & afters, workout sessions, and inspiring members of the 12wbt.  But this time they had a little clip (Click here to view it on You Tube) of a few people's before & afters and that was it.  Yes, Greg was included in that, but still, it was so disappointing.  Michelle Bridges appeared on stage & hardly said a thing, and then disappeared as quickly as she arrived - where was her motivational pump up to everyone like she'd done at the other parties?  They'd cut down the Top 20, to only 10, and didn't give much of a background to the winners. It was all so disappointing & left me uninspired.

So many people are disillusioned with the whole money making cash cow that the 12wbt has become.  I've even realised this last weekend that some of my friends have distanced themselves from me because of the 12wbt, and although that hurts, and it's taken me a few days to process it all, I've decided to cut them loose.  Yes, it's a business, and yes, Michelle Bridges & her partners are rolling in the dough, but good on them!  They came up with a bloody excellent concept.  Just look at all the copycats out there with their 12 or 10 week programs, cashing in on the money train.   And after the sour taste the presentation part of the party left in my mouth, I have just come to the realisation that I have to separate myself from the 12wbt as a money making business, and just move forward with it as the tools for me to get to goal.  I have my support network, including Greg & the kids, my beautiful girlfriends and my Facebook groups.  I'll keep giving the 12wbt my hard earned cash to get me there.  They've got the winning formula, and I'll keep working my arse off with those tools to get there.

Megs, Me, Heather & Sarah - gosh I love these girls!!!

Partying hard!!!

And now the hard work begins again as I recover from my four day hangover!

Onwards & downwards.....

Time to Party!

It's week 12 weigh in, and I was a disappointed with a STS (stay the same).  TTOM has arrived, and at least I didn't gain.  I've also let the reigns loosen as I wind down & prepare to go hard for the next round in just over a week's time, so really instead of being disappointed, I should be thankful I didn't gain!

My final weigh in was 98kgs, so a total loss of 7.4kgs for the round.  I haven't done my final measurements & fitness test yet, but regardless of the figures, I am so pleased with my overall results from this round.  I feel the best I've felt since I can remember!  I've managed the following achievements -

• Partially running a 4km fun run
• Doing a few pushups on my toes for the first time EVER
• Doing situps for the first time I can ever remember (and now I can do heaps!)
• Double digits (yes, figure related, but was a major hurdle for me to get through with my mind!)
• 12 weeks without booze!

Bec, Dayna & Moi

I've mentioned in previous posts about how thankful I am to the local 12wbt group we have called the Western Warriors, who train with us in our garage on Saturdays (and some Tuesdays).  But there are a few people I am particularly thankful to.  They keep me motivated, inspired, and even though they don't know it, they push me that little bit harder to better myself every single day.

Bec & Dayna are part of our local 12wbt group.  They train with us regularly, and we also communicate with them on a daily basis via message or text.  Both are such beautiful souls, who just don't realise what a positive impact they've made to my life.  You girls rock!!!   THANK YOU!!!

Heather, Sar, Sez, Wendy and Megs are part of a group of beautiful girls I met on the Weight Watchers forums way back when.  These girls joined up to the 12wbt after me, and all (bar Sez) joined me in Brisbane for the last 12wbt Finale party.  Although Sar has left the fold and gone back to what works for her (Weight Watchers), all of the girls have been such a constant support & backbone for me.  Heather has been my stalker on My Fitness Pal, ensuring I am tracking & being honest with my calories.  And together with the other girls, they constantly inspire me to do better.  Love you girls dearly and I'm so glad to have you as part of my life xx

Wendy, Megs, Sar, H & me.  Sez not pictured.

A big thankyou goes to my kids.  Although they don't know it, their acceptance of what we are doing is amazing.  When we first started 12wbt there were many questions about why we were going for a bike ride.  Or why we were working out with a group of people in the garage.  Or why is dad doing for a run.  But there aren't any questions anymore, just acceptance that this is what we do.  This is our life now.  And it makes it just that much easier when we see the pride and happiness in their faces.  They love the new healthier version of their parents.

Owen, Paige, Callum & Aidan

Of course, my biggest thankyou goes to Greg.  Never in my wildest dreams did I expect him to have the drive & commitment to the 12wbt that he has!  When I phoned him to tell him of my intention of joining up the 12wbt in May last year, I expected the usual groans (combined with him thinking "here she goes again on some weightloss fad she'll just fail at") and when I ever so gently suggested he have a look at it & think of signing up, I was surprised he did it!  Greg makes me push myself that little bit harder, he makes me keep going when I think I can't.  He is always encouraging & supportive and although he can be a moody son of a bitch sometimes, I love him to bits.  Thank you Boof for making me strive to be a better version of myself.

Greg during his half marathon

So a big weekend is upon us.  Both Greg & I have taken annual leave for a few days.  In Brisbane I was picked up from the airport by a lovely local & driven to my hotel.  So, I am paying it forward, and picking up 21 people from the airport over the next 2 days, and driving them to their respective hotels.  A few of us have organised drinks at a bar in the city on Friday night as a 12wbt meet & greet, and we've been overwhelmed with over 150 people RSVPing & paying their $20 per head for nibblies on the night.  Cannot wait for a fantastic night!!!

Saturday will be an early start with a group brekkie at Albert Park Lake, followed by the 12wbt workout.  And then of course the big party at Crown casino.  

Big thanks to my Mother-in-law & my parents for looking after our cherubs this weekend!

Early to bed tonight I think!!!  

Who's The Cat That Got the Cream??

Ah, wedded bliss!!!

I met Greg when we were both working at the major petroleum company's head office in the Melbourne CBD.  It was my first (and only) job in the city, and God how I loved working at the top end of Melbourne, near Parliament house.  Lunchtimes were spent shopping (goodbye pay-packet!!), or eating out (hello expanding waistline), and Friday's after work were spent with work colleagues drinking to excess (Well Hi There Sailor!).  I look back so fondly on those days - some of the best days of my life!  It was an enjoyable job, a great company to work for (with a nice discount on petrol!!), and brilliant work colleagues that were great to socialise with after hours.  I was single for the most part, and living on my own, and life was just one big friggen fantastic party!!!!

Those calves!!!

I'd been working there a few years when this big red haired fella started contracting there.  He was full of himself, obnoxious, crude, overweight, drank too much and he fancied one of my friends.  Of course, I was smitten!!!

It wasn't until a week before I was moving overseas to the UK that we finally got together.  My trip overseas was cut short to 3 only months, as I came home for him.  Not long after that, the big red head and I got pregnant, moved in together & got married (yeah, not quite the traditional order of way to do things!!!!).  We were both overweight, unhealthy, drinking too much, but happy & in love.  I look back now & wonder what I saw in that big oaf.  Bu then he could probably say the same thing about me!!!

Fast forward 14 years.  

I'm now married to a fit, healthy and handsome forty year old.  A terrific father to our kids.  With great calves to boot!  And no, I didn't have to get remarried!!  I couldn't be prouder of him & his achievements in the last 10 months!

Who's the cat that got the cream?  Yep, that's me!!

Our 11th Wedding Anniversary in Sydney

Why Do I Want to Lose Weight?

Someone asked this in one of the 12wbt groups on facebook the other day.  It made me stop in my tracks.  "Why do I want to lose weight?".  I've never thought about it so bluntly before.  The list of "whys" is probably endless, but here are some I've come up with...

1. I don't want to be fat anymore.
2. I hate the feeling of embarrassment that comes with being fat.  Like when I am eating out, and people look to see what food choices I am making, because as a fat person, sometimes you shouldn't be eating "that".  Yep, it's true, and I know it's true cause I have found myself recently walking through a food court at a shopping complex & looking at what overweight people are eating!!!
3. I want to have a healthy body, to enable it to live for a long time to be around to see my kids grow up
4. I don't want my kids to be fat by following in the footsteps of their mother.  I want to be the best role model I possibly can be!
5. I want to feel strong and fit.  I love the feeling that exercise brings to me now, and how strong & fit I feel in comparison to what I used to be!
6. I want to look good and feel sexy
7. I want to be able to buy & wear nice clothes, not just something that I wear because it fits.  
8. I want to be able to do anything I set my mind to.

I could go on & on with this list, but I think they are the 8 most important to me.

Another question that was asked : What's you ultimate reward for goal & what's your magic number.

65 has always been my magic number, but I'll just go by whatever my body is comfortable at.  I never thought I'd see the day I was in double digits, so I now know anything is possible!  And it's bloody exciting.  I have no idea what I will reward myself with when I get there - maybe just a nice piece of jewellery or a family portrait.  Just something to remind me of the special occasion.  Can't wait!

I had a visit to the physio last week & did some acupuncture in my leg.  Since then, I have been in such pain, so much so that it actually wakes me from my sleep when I move my leg.  Will organise another visit to see what's going on. It's not the first time I've had it done, although it has been a few years.  I don't recall it hurting as much afterwards.

Weigh in this week saw me lose 300gms.  I have eaten over my 1200 calories on too many occasions and not exercised very much at all.  I'm not phased by it though - I'm cemented in double digits & that's where I'm staying.  I am going to take it easy the next 2 weeks, as there is just SOOO much going on with Finale & I am working a hell of a lot, and then I'll get ready to go full throttle in my next round.

The family before the run

Saturday night we did the Glow Run with the kids. Greg wasn't very impressed with the organisation of it.  It definitely wasn't what we expected.  There were 4 small tents along the route that had DJs and lighting.  We both expected the whole course to be lit up.  Running proved difficult as I had sore toes & Paige wore inappropriate footwear (of course you wouldn't wear runners to a FUN RUN!!!!), but we all had a ball (except Greg!) and I will do it again with the kids next time.  The 2 little ones fell asleep in the pram early on into it, but Owen did wake up to cross the finish line.

Running over the finish line.

Onwards & downwards....

The Dreaded Gastro Bug

I've nothing much to post since my last entry.  On Sunday I woke up with an upset tummy, which seemed to go away as quickly as it came on.  But then Monday both myself & my 5yo Owen were unwell.  Then my daughter came down with it Monday night.  It seems everyone is now fit & well in the house except for me, as I am still feeling nausea with my belly in knots.

Weigh in this week saw a loss of 700gms.  I honestly thought it would be more with the bout of gastro. It's been interesting to see the scales not move, as obviously my body went into survival mode and stored everything I had to get through the sickness.  Unfortunately no exercise the last few days, and I will wait until I am 100% to get back into it.


So, that's my boring update!  2 more weigh ins to go & then Finale.  Cannot wait!

No Holds Barred - 3 Weeks to Go!

Weigh in this morning saw a measly loss of 600gms.  Thinking about what I consumed whilst away (and to be honest the day after I got home from holidays as well), I am lucky to have any loss at all!  But I have worked hard with exercise & trying to keep on track with my eating.  I started tracking my food again on My Fitness Pal, and quickly discovered I was eating well over my 1200 calories a day - it's so easy to do, even with clean food!  A handful of almonds here, an extra coffee there, a rice cracker or five as I pass the kitchen, and I was over my calories!  My gorgeous friend Heather in Perth is keeping an eye on my food diary, so I am keeping myself in check.

The Western Warriors punching it out

Exercise has been consistent!  Saturday we had our usual garage session.  It was our 8 week Mini milestone week on the 12wbt, so 13 of is got together for a great workout.  Such a great bunch of local people we've met on the 12wbt.

Sunday I had a Vic Crew workout.  It consisted of a triple class workout - Body Step, Body Pump & a choice of either RPM or Zumba.  I was late & missed the Body Step class due to being in Geelong that morning (will explain why further on), but made it for Body Pump & RPM.  I'd never done Pump before, and loved it!  And I really wish I had of been brave enough to give my unco-ordinated body a go at Zumba, as it looked like a lot of fun.  Monday I had a nice 7.2km stroll with some local 12wbters & last night another garage session.  I always find exercise difficult on school holidays, so haven't been stressing too much about it with the kids home, but thankfully it's been easy to get some workouts done. I know I'll get right back into my riding next week when our routine is back in place, and the kids are back at school & Kinder.

The 12wbt Vic Crew Triple Workout

On Ya Bike!

Body Pump... Loved it!

Greg had a huge day on Sunday with his first attempt at a Half Marathon.  He has signed up for one in July, but when a friend had to pull out of the Geelong one on Sunday, he thought he'd take her place & give it a crack.  What was the worst that could happen?  He would have to walk some of it.  To date, his longest run had been 14km.  And I couldn't believe it when he finished it on Sunday morning & he announced he ran the WHOLE BLOODY WAY!!  21.1kms!  I still can't believe it!  So very, very proud of him & how far he's come, my half marathon man!!!!

Crossing the finish line, with Owen & Aidan cheering on

Absolutely stuffed!

So only 3 more weeks to go on this round of 12wbt, and I'm keen as mustard to sign up for the next round as well.  As usual, I'm not going to hit the goals I've set for this round.  I always aim high & expect to do as well as I did in my first round, but as long as I keep going, the scales will get there.  I weigh 99kgs as of this morning, and I've set myself a short goal of finishing under 95kgs by the end of the round.  4kgs in 3 weeks should be a piece of piss if I work hard & stick with the nutrition.  I just cannot imagine what it would be like to see the scales staring back at me with a number in the 94s!

Bring it on!  25 days left!  LET'S GO!