Been a bit quiet lately...

I'm still here, plodding along, still loving crossfit as well as running and doing gym sessions - but it's that time of semester where every minute is precious, and between work, uni and exercise i just haven't been able to find the time to blog! It's a crazy juggling act but i'm getting there!!

Will pop back at a later date when i have time for more of an update :)

Also - find some people to help support you and keep you on track - i love my partner and family, but they aren't fat, infact they are annoyingly skinny! lol

This round - the two people that have helped keep me on track have to be Gabby and Jayne. They are people that i 100% own up to if i have fallen on track, and vice versa! Also Zoe and Michelle that i went to Brisbane with, without these people, the stress of trying to fit everything in really could have beaten me!
Their blogs are http://pythasnewlife.blogspot.com.au/ and http://jayne12wbt.blogspot.com.au/ - have a read and u might just realise that there are some pretty inspiring people out there :)

Battered and bruised!

Ok so i'm not really battered, but i am bruised, and kinda feeling violated by the location of some of the bruising haha

Firstly i will recap my week

Mon - crossfit - it was the workout "Karen" which involved a stupid amount of wall balls!
Tues - crossfit - olympic lifting - ummm unco comes to mind, but my coach said i was doing it all fine it will just take some getting used to of the moves :)
Wed - rest day, had a work meeting till late
Thurs - TPT at my normal gym
Fri - lazy day :(
Sat - had to undo the damage from yesterdays lazy day so off to crossfit for me.
Last night the box was having drinks etc so i wasn't even sure if it would be on, but luckily for me it was and even better i was the only one there so it was a 1 on 1 with my coach. He knew i found the oly lifting hard because im not used to it so today was snatches :) there i was thinking it would be as simple as lifting the bar over my head. hellll no. so much more complicated then that!! lol i only managed them from starting above my knees, going off the ground is going to be an entirely different challenge lol so anyway, i managed to do 32.5kg, i attempted 35kg and couldn't get it, i was pretty fatigued after having already done the movement for 40minutes so im ok with not getting it :) Then i finished off with 30 reps for time. I was slow, really slow, 7 minutes something where as everyone else on the board was 3 minutes for the same weight, but that's ok, i will smash it next time :) As for the bruising, i have NEVER been so bruised from exercise! lol i feel them when i walk and sit, and not to mention the fact i tore skin off my hand. And to think, this is what i am in love with!! haha

Fitter....Stronger....

That moment you go and do a workout, and not only do you leave feeling amazing, but you leave realising you are stronger and fitter then you knew - that is what crossfit has shown me. I'm still new, i've only done two workouts - but both of those workouts have left me with an amazing sense of achievement. A feeling that i won't be giving up in a hurry!!

My first workout proved that my fitness is way more then i believed - don't get me wrong, many people can outrun me, but endurance wise, i'm not too bad. Today was 13:2 - due to my amazing counting ability - i only did 30kg (it was meant to be 35) - but that's ok, i didn't do it to compete with anyone other then myself, i was looking forward to getting a benchmark, i've done deadlifts before, i've done push presses before, but never in a fast format, never transitioning from one straight into the other - the workout was 5 push presses, 10 deadlifts and 15 box jumps - 10 minutes AMRAP. I smashed it and i loved it!!

^^^^^
That was written a week ago and clearly i got too busy to post it lol

Crossfit trial!

Today i spent 10 minutes in a laundry mat, was i doing laundry? Nope, it was next to the crossfit place i was going to, i needed to sit there and psych myself up! It was a turning point for me, it was the first time in a long time i've gone somewhere like that on my own! A friend bailed, perfect excuse to not go, i hurt my wrist at work today, another great excuse not to go - but i realised that's all they were - excuses - and i'd wanted to try crossfit for too long to not go, basically if i chose not to go, then i would be saying no to crossfit ever (or so i told myself).

Few deep breaths, in i went. Well, luckily for me there was a lady from my gym there, i'd seen her around and never spoken to her, but it was only her second time at the crossfit place so helped put my nerves at ease, we talked while we waited - and then comes the warmup, a 700m run - well, lucky i didn't try crossfit a few months ago the voice in my head was saying, it was good to know i could run the distance!! About 500m in i realised that it was just a warmup and i still had to get through a workout afterwards, but i didnt need to walk which felt good.

Here was the workout - i loved how on the board there were 3 different versions of the workout depending on what level you are at!

This is the one i did (the middle option)

Long Chipper!  *Endurance!!!
50 Ball Slams (10/5)
30 Burpee Box Jumps
30 Sit ups
20 Wall Balls
10 Regular Push Ups
40 Ball Slams
20 Burpee Box Jumps
20 Sit Ups
10 Wall Balls
7 Regular Push Ups
30 Ball Slams
15 Burpee Box Jumps
10 Sit Ups
5 Wall Balls
5 Push Ups

This is the time i would like to point out that i have never done to the floor burpees before, i have also only recently started doing box jumps! (and always switch to stepups!) so combining the two? umm, yeh that sucked! haha
The above took me 15 mins, when he said that the cutoff time as 38mins (remember the full version was harder and had handstand pushups instead of regular pushups) i was terrified i wouldn't finish and people would laugh, so i was absolutely stoked with my time (and pretty chuffed that i was the first one finished, even if i did have the easy option lol)

So tonight i overcame a few mental barriers - doing something on my own, realising i'm fitter then i thought, and i didn't whinge once! haha

LOVING life right now!! haha

Laying it all out.......

Today i read an extremely honest blog from a fellow 12wbter, i guess it prompted me to fess up and get it all out. As she said, what's there to lose?

So, here i go.....

Some people know i've been struggling, food - too much of all the wrong stuff. Exercise is fine, but what use is exercise if i'm inhaling crap?

I've managed to lose weight this round, and an ok amount, but i don't feel that i've really put in all the work, i feel that there is so much room for improvement, that unless i really get it together then i'm not achieving all i am capable of.

My goal is 10 more kgs for the round.
My commitment to achieve that is no more shit! I read a quote today - You put junk in, junk comes out. You put good in, good comes out. Time to make sure that good is a part of my life much more then junk.
I want to finish this round with collarbones that are always there, not just when i am standing a certain way
I want to know with certainty that i will fit into clothes in any shop
I want to be proud of what i have accomplished, instead of wondering if it was a fluke.

When i board that plane to Melbourne at the start of May, i WILL be able to tick off all the things listed above!! And if not, then maybe i shouldn't be boarding the plane!

There's no current pics to post, but in the next few days i will get some and see if i can see any changes since week 1!!

Pre-Season tasks

A little bit behind? YEP!!!! I kind of just glossed over them, i did them, but i never really sat down and nutted out the details, I'm hoping that going back to the start of Mish's instructions will help me get ready to nail the rest of this round.

Get Real - No More Excuses

Excuses  

I'm too tired
It's too hot
I'm injured
I have a migraine
I don't have time

Solutions 

Suck it up and just do it
The gym is air conditioned, so is my house and i have videos
Do other body parts
If its genuinely a migraine, rest and get straight back into it the next day, if it's just a headache suck it up
Make time!! I'm more productive when im happy, and working out = happy

Now, sometimes things pop up, sometimes i genuinely don't have time, but i need to focus on what i want more, and that's what my solutions are aimed at! 

Take Control - Set Your Goal

1 month goal 

Lose 5kg
Run 3kms 

How will i get there

Stay focused! choose clean food
Follow the 10km running program

I am stoked that i can tick both of these off my list!

3 month goals

Lose 15kg
Run 10kms
Try cross fit
Complete true grit

How will i get there

Follow the plan
Follow the 10km running program
Get out of my comfort zone and try something new

6 month goal

Be at goal, doing lean and strong
Run a half marathon

How will i get there

Sign up for lean and strong
Also do the half marathon training program

12 month goals

Be at goal and be toned
Eating healthy be a way of life
Possibly be aiming for a marathon

How will i get there

Continue on the program and continue mixing with like minded people! 

Gear up 

Nothing really that i need to do for this, i have videos, i have good gym shoes - on my list is a treadmill but it can wait till i have the money :)

Say it out loud

Again, nothing really i need to do for this one, i told my partner and the friends that support me back at the start :)

Kitchen Makeover

My partner still has his treats in the house, but i have recently done a complete cupboard and fridge clean out! 

Organise and Diarise

This is a work in progress, i didn't like the diary i had, it didn't have enough room for everything i needed to fit in it so i'm in the process of ordering a new one that i can customise :)

Fitness test

Done!

Measure up

Done!  

 PHEW!! That feels a little better, now i am back on track, up to date with weekly surprises, pre-season tasks are now done in black and white! Lets see if Mish is right and doing the pre-season tasks really is the key to success!

   

  

 

 

Peace!!

I've been a bit quiet this week, my life is back to being pretty crazy. Working 6-7 days a week, full time uni - literally not enough hours in the day for what i'm expected to do!! I managed it last semester, so this semester my goal is to be more organised, fit in as much exercise as i can and make smart food choices. None of the easy options that end up making me feel like shit! This time round the thing that i have to limit is my internet/facebook time, last semester the thing i limited was cooking and exercise - what a change in priorities hey!! :)

So, how has the past week been? I'm proud to say that i've fit in all my exercise sessions. Uni has been on the back burner but as i type this i'm watching my lectures and will get all my questions done this weekend so i'm caught up :) Food has been so so, i know exactly where i have gone wrong, and my body has been sure to let me know when i've made some bad choices!! that was my big break through this week, my body tells me what it wants and doesn't want, so it really is my mind that i need to work on!!

My goals at the moment - to maintain my crazy schedule AND SUCCEED AT MY GOALS!! To not let myself get bogged down with it all, to not let myself become overcome with stress. To do it all and maintain peace and calm within my life! That may sound a bit more hippie like then anything i normally say, but i love the quote above, and if i can find peace while living my life the way i need to at the moment, then that will be an accomplishment that i am truly proud of!!

Looks like im not superwoman!

Today I want to cry, everything just all seems too hard, iv still got so far to go, weight wise and mind set wise!

Monday my run didn't happen, it was pouring and pitch black, I run behind a prison so not something I feel safe doing in the dark! If I wait till it's light I don't have time before work. Not a big deal, I went to the gym and smashed over 1000 calories

Getting down to business, exercise isn't (and rarely has been) the issue.

Food. Food. Food

What the f*#k is wrong with me?!! Seriosuly?!! I manage to be perfect all day up until I get home from the gym, while im cooking dinner I raid the cupboards (or my partners lunch bag) and eat crap!!

Plan of attack - days i get home from the gym later ill chuck a muesli bar or protein shake in my gym bag so I dont get home starving!

Weigh in Wednesday? Outcome to be determined tomorrow! Combination of me forgetting and my scales being annoying meant it just didn't happen this morning. A little bit crap since im not feeling very good bout tomorrow, expecting a gain, scientifically speaking, I havent eaten enough over to gain weight, but I think when ur head gets in the way it holds onto everything!

Bring on tomorrow, regardless of the scales I will prove to myself that I can do this!!

Feeling very lucky to have some people that i can message (my version of saying I need help) and get replies of exactly what I need to hear!

Keeping myself accountable!

Just putting it out there, I WILL get up tomorrow morning before work to do my 3km run that is scheduled on the 10km running program, and I will also do my normal gym session in the arvo. Aiming for a few 1000 cals day to get me back on track for weigh in!

Hope everyone has a great Monday :)

Week 2 Weekly Surprise

The task this week was to nominate a blog, whether it be your own or another 12wkers - i love/hate this task. I love getting to read so many amazing blogs, and adding them to my list to follow, but i hate having to narrow it down!! I also hate how it becomes a popularity contest, some people decide its a perfect time to spam people and groups with links to their blogs.

My nominations had to go to the two blogs that ALWAYS have inspired me and motivated me to keep going!

Jayne (GI Jayne) is one amazing lady!! I still remember staying up late the night i discovered her blog so i could read all of the entries!
http://jayne12wbt.blogspot.com.au/

and

Kate (Coco girl), she reminds me that we all have what we perceive to be failures, but as long as you don't give up u can get there!!
http://cocogirlbutter.blogspot.com.au/

also some others that i love to read are;
http://daynamorphic.blogspot.com.au/
http://pythasnewlife.blogspot.com.au/
http://www.shehascuterunners.com/
http://www.kathytyndale.com/ (Blogger of the round - round 4, 2012) 
http://donna83-my12weekjourney.blogspot.com.au/

All of the above have inspired me in some way or another!!

Also i need to say a HUGE thankyou to Jayne and Zoe for nominating my blog!! It's great to know that some people read my ramblings :)

That time of the week again!!

Weigh in time!!
Who would have thought i actually look forward to it every week! Stoked with a loss of 2.2kg - could not wipe the smile off my face. I was a little nervous that i would struggle this round, luckily enough i didn't seem to get any post finale blues, thanks to some lovely SA ladies i was able to get closure on a few things, and with that came the determination to absolutely smash this round!!

I am within reach of goal (by within reach, i actually mean around 15kgs), but that absolutely feels doable this round!! I've decided to aim for the lower end of what my dexa scan said to aim for, and in Melbourne i will have another one and reassess from there. I'm not going to beat myself up if i dont get there, but i am going to give it my absolute all!! I will have to beat myself up if i don't lose atleast 10kg though! My roomies from finale in Brisbane and i made an agreement that we all have to lose 10kg this round, or we have to do a brutal workout involving lots of burpees and turkish getups come finale weekend! I am proud to say that we have all had a great loss this week!

Must head off to bed now, i've been a sick one the past week so am making sure i'm getting plenty of sleep and drinking a bucket load of water! (not literally a bucket load, but seriously, get water into you! it definitely has played a big part in my awesome start to the round cos im making such a conscious effort to get 3L during the day and an extra L when i exercise!) Just a tad excited to get back to the gym tomorrow now i'm starting to feel a bit more human!!

Bullying

 “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” - Dr Seuss

This may not be the most up-beat post, but i believe it is something that effects so many of us, and sadly, the first time i experienced it since moving states was once i started this program. Obviously, a bunch of women get nasty, but the experience of trying to get healthy is hard enough without saboteurs getting in the way.

Since Brisbane, i've received a lot of messages, some from strangers, some from friends, and some from people that i had thought were in my past. Now, them coming back into my present is by no means a bad thing, these people either judged me based on other peoples opinions of me, or were people i had had a small falling out with, or basically were people i'd just drifted away from. It made me wonder, did these people only want to reconnect because of my success, or had i changed? was i a person that people wanted to be around more so then the version of me i was 12 months ago? Personally, i believe the only thing that i changed about myself was removing toxic people from my life, Mish had mentioned it atleast once each round, but i didn't realise the power it would return to me until i did it last round. I think that's where this message is heading, whether you have been bullied or are being bullied, remember that you hold the power to guide ur life in whichever direction you choose, you can let them win, but it is by far more empowering to know that u have risen up against all that life has thrown at you, and you have come out on top.

Next time you hear something has been said about you, take it with a grain of salt. It says more about them then it does about you. Those that are worthy of being in your life will ignore it, those that believe it are doing you a favour by judging you, they're not the people you need in your life.

And most importantly, believe in yourself!

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” - Dr Seuss

Inspiration board - Week 1

For the past few rounds, i've used the same inspiration board, why? because it inspires me, and i am lazy! lol
Decided to stop being lazy this round, so here is my inspiration board :)

Week 1 Recap

Week 1 is nearly over, many moons ago this is when my excitement would disappear, these days, i'm only just getting started!!

Weigh in after Brisbane, 2.5kg down!! This round is starting out perfectly!!
What are my goals for this round? well, i'm yet to sit down and do my pre-season tasks (on my to do list for this weekend), but i think my ultimate goal for the round is to hit goal weight. After having a dexa scan in brisbane, i found out that my original goal weight was impossible (55kg), as i have 55kg of muscle, revised goal is now around 65kg, give or take, and will have another dexa when i get closer and see where im at, so, is goal possible this round? we will see. i know it means committing 110%, and that is ok with me. I'm back working 7 days a week, and uni is about to go back (i'm also at uni full time), so its make or break time. Organisation is going to be crucial for me this round, but organisation is what saw me succeed last round! Bring it on i say!!

This week i did no shop, i spent my money in brisbane so the budget was tight, and i figured i had enough in the freezer to get me buy - for those that have asked what my routine is, breakfasts i did smoothies all week, lunch was a bit of this and a bit of that (fruit salad featured a few days), and dinner was leftovers, tonight i tested out my new George grill (part of my prize from last round), and it was amazing! it was just grilled chicken with Moroccan seasoning with salad and vegies, but it was so so good!! so those that say they can't afford the food, every few weeks look in ur freezer and u will see that u can skip a week of shopping, and just buy the bare minimum! and even if u have nothing in the freezer, fajitas, nachos etc are super cheap and can easily do a few nights!
Exercise this week has been the 10k running program, plus boxing mon, wed, and team pt tues :) 

Tomorrow i have to make sure that i get my before pics uploaded, get my inspiration board done, and get through a shift at work without caving in the food department! And on top of that its a 3k run on the schedule, eeek, i haven't tried to run that far in years! i'm hoping its raining in the morning or else im gonna struggle to do it in this stinking weather!

FINALE!!!!!

This is going to be one BIIIIIIG post (and one full of photos), so if you're gonna read it all, might be time to settle down with a cuppa first!!

I guess all good stories should begin at the start, (because right now i feel like i'm still living in a fairytale!)

Fri - 8th Feb - 4am alarm! Off to the airport to board my flight, arrived in Brisbane and had to wait about half an hr for my roomies to rock up. Now i use that term loosely, i had never met these people before, i was hoping they weren't crazy people, but how can one tell?! Well, luckily for me, my weekend started off pretty damn good. This was what greeted us at the airport, the lovely Kate! After squishing bags into the back of her car, and squishing people into the back seat, it was off to the hotel :) 

 

 

 

And so began my weekend with a bunch of strangers, that i now gladly call friends!

Fast forward a rainy afternoon in Brisbane, to a workout put on by former Biggest Loser winner Margie, I knew another 12wker that was doing the workout, so met up with her there :)

 Liz ended up being another person that played a huge part in an amazing weekend!

The workout was good, not run as well as i thought it would have been, but it was a workout all the same, and it was a way to see a bit of Brisbane by ferry :)

Dinner ended up being at Satay hut, was reminded once again that anything deep fried now tastes disgusting! But was still a great way to end my first night in Brissy!!

Saturday - 9th Feb - This round i decided to volunteer at the finale, mainly because knowing the workout was indoors, i figured it may be carpet and my shoes are too grippy (my knee would probably choose that moment to dislocate!), in the end, as much as i wanted to join in, it was wayyyy too crowded and i had fun watching everyone! I was part of the water crew, next round i'll probably volunteer, but will also jump in the workout :) Favourite part of volunteering, was seeing Mish in a relaxed environment, she was so willing to talk to everyone, sign people shirts, get photos etc. I look like a complete gronk in them, but here is one i got (note to self - next finale, hat off for photos!)

How AMAZING does she look?!!! I spent a good part of the workout watching her on the screen drooling over her body!! hehe

What happens after the workout? Lunch and time to frock up!! This is the part where i should probably insert that all i ate all day was half a sandwich! Why?! Because i was a nervous wreck all day!!



I received this email Thurs night, (why on earth would they send it at night? it meant limited sleep before my 4am wakeup Fri! lol) Anyway, obviously i was stoked!!! BUT it meant going on stage infront of over a thousand people! That terrified me, and was the reason for all of my nerves!! So my lack of food meant that i had to make sure i didn't drink much at the party, or i'd become a trashy mess!

After hair and makeup was done, it was time to frock up (after eating a peanut to keep my roomies off my case about eating :P) I don't want to sound up myself, but i absolutely loved the way i looked. I loved my hair, i loved my makeup, and i loved my dress, i'm getting there in the loving myself department!
Here are some pics pre-finale :)

The time came to head to the stage and get ready to go up, i was lucky to find the wonderful Kate, Logan and Kathy there! (as well as all the other wonderful people, but these three i knew in person, i had been in contact with on the forums), knowing that they were all terrified as well calmed my nerves, right up until we were called on stage, IN THE WRONG ORDER!!! i was meant to be towards the end, but nope, Mish decided to call me second! ARGHHH!! anyway, i managed to get through my little cat walk attempt without falling flat on my face, so that in itself was a win!

Here are the results of the awards, (insert Mish's voice reading them out)

The Round 4 WINNERS are: Quiet Achiever: Jenelle Connors (Jensy1974). Inspirational Role Model: Steve Ball (StevieB) and Sarah Ziino (missz). Blogger of the Round: Kathy Tyndale (Ozgoddess). Lean & Strong 1st Place: Karen Dunick (Jemma), 2nd Place: Kellie Socratous (Kel28), 3rd Place: Louise du Toit (Louise 971). Overall Transformation 3rd place: Logan Madeley (Dustyfaith), 2nd Place: Tracey Bennett (Tracey) and Overall Transformation Winner: Belinda Marshall (Bel.M)

I think i'm still in shock that i finally got my shit together, i lost a huge chunk of weight, AND I CAME SECOND!!!!! 

This was my prize

2nd Place Prize valued at over $8,000 includes:
Trip for two to the Golden Door, 5-day retreat
3-month membership to Fernwood Fitness
Natures Way Protein Figure
Starshots Perfection Gift Card Pack including 20 × 24 inch portrait valued
George Foreman Pack including Steamer, Juicer & Jumbo Grill
Fitbit ONE
Philips Actionfit headsets

 

After this, i was asked if i would do an interview for the 12wbt blog, to be honest, if i wasn't in shock i'm not sure i would have said yes, but if it can help even just one person then it was worth it!

Again, i think i'm still in shock! This program has been totally life changing, i've made amazing friends from all over Australia, i've gotten to a place where i know that without a doubt i will get to goal, i had the courage to go to finale on my own, and it was the best finale i've been to!! 

 I've heard some people say that the 12wbt is a cult, while i don't believe that, for those that do, what better cult to be part of then one that is focused on having a healthy mind and body?

And of course to the people that supported me throughout the entire round, the 30+ crew, SWSYD crew and the Pirates from the Den, thank you for cheering me on when i was on stage, and calming my nerves prior. Without your encouragement over the 12 weeks, i would not have gotten to where i have! 

To the SA people that i have reconnected with recently, thankyou for always believing in me :) 

To the haters, haters gonna hate, i was the one on stage, not you, so i clearly kicked ur ass :P 

My fairytale continues with 12wbt sending me this email, after thinking on it, i'm going to do it, but request that they hold off until closer to the end of this 12 weeks, that way it gives me some more time to just focus on myself.  

My advice for anyone doubting themselves, consistency!! and focus on nutrition, without the foundations of that, you will find it so much harder then it needs to be xx

And finally, because so many people asked to see them, here are my before/afters  

 

Wow!!

Words can't really express how I'm feeling right now!

I was absolutely stoked a few weeks ago to win a weekly surprise, and Brisbane well and truly topped that feeling!!

Will post more once I touch down in Adelaide and get myself organised for next round!!

Finally, this round, i get it!!

This round, i've been brave, i've posted half naked pictures in a few facebook pages, to the horror of some i am sure! Why would i do such an embarrassing thing? Well, it was kind of liberating, and terrifying, and basically, because i have finally achieved something that i am ok with sharing!!

I've had some people tell me that i have inspired them, that i have shown them what is possible in a round, i never thought i would ever inspire anyone!!

I've also read a lot lately about people saying the program doesn't work, or that they've failed and should they sign up again. I think it is all personal choice, but from my experience, sign up again!!
I'm a repeat offender, and i repeatedly failed! but i kept telling myself, even though im failing on the program, im still aware of my health etc, so in a way im winning. Now i told myself that bullshit story for long enough, that the day eventually came where i realised how much money i'd wasted! At the start of this round, it was basically i've wasted enough money, so i need to earn back some of the money i've wasted - how am i earning it? By finally feeling good about myself!! Don't get me wrong, i'm still fat, but i've made changes, and i'm chipping away at my body slowly!!

Walking into the gym and having a trainer tell me to keep doing what im doing because im shrinking before her eyes, and having my gym buddy have to look twice after not seeing me for nearly 6 weeks - that is WINNING and worth all the money i have spent!!

Gratitude

I feel the need to do another thank you post lol

Every round, for as long as i can remember, my goal has always been to get into the 80s, this round i didn't make that a goal, whether that was because i didn't believe i would do it, or i just didn't want to put that pressure on myself. This round i also chose to remove myself from numerous local groups, recently i re-joined for the purpose of reconnecting with a few select people, but other then that, 90% of my support has come from the SWSYD group, the 30+ group, and another small group made up of people that are pretty much at their goal weight. I have also made use of the forums this round, which is something i haven't done in a long time. I was always under the thought that the more groups you are in, the more support you will get. WRONG. The best piece of advice i can give, is to find groups where the people are genuinely kind and supportive, where they are willing to experience the highs and lows with you, and most of all, where there is no 'clique'. I look forward to the day i am able to meet some of these amazing people, some i may meet at finale, and others i may meet next time i head to NSW to see family, but regardless, i completely believe that they have played a huge part of my experience and success this round, and i am truly grateful!

The other 10% of my support has to be my family, this round, without a doubt the biggest change in attitude has been from my partner, he has jumped on board 100%, and i never realised how much this meant to me until this round when he helped do a bit of pushing and reminding to keep me on track! The rest of my family, regardless of being interstate, have also been a huge support, without spending a few weeks with them over christmas, i wonder how i would have gone without their encouragement and early morning walks.

So, anyway, i made the 80's!!! 12.8 kilos down for the round, and planning on getting to 85 by the end :)

It's easier to fit my arms around you!

At this point in the round, its all of the 'little' wins that are keeping me pushing on.
Last night, my partner said that he noticed the other night that he can easily put his arms around me now, win number one, is that it's easier, win number two is that he told me!!

Hope everyone has a fabulous week :)

Biggest piece of advice - Do your before and afters!

I guess this kind of follows on from my previous post about being a bit down, so, on Friday morning i decided to do some pictures to see if iv made any changes. Now, when i look in the mirror, i see absolutely no change!!

Well, i was blown away by the changes I could see! and i was equally blown away by the kindness i received after posting the pictures on a few facebook pages!

So, purely for your own eyes, please please please do your pictures when it comes up in the pre-season tasks! I've done numerous rounds and never ever dreamed i would be posting my pictures for anyone to see!

The week 8 blues

How is everyone going?
Me? pretty damn flat actually!!

Had such big dreams this round of absolutely blitzing it, now im doubting myself and need to get my head back in the game!

Need to stop snacking on everything that appears within sight!

Onwards and downwards!

So you're eating vegetables now?

Why must people think that because i got fat, that i am dumb?? That if id just eaten more vegetables that i would have lost weight sooner?

As great as it is having people say that they can tell i've lost weight, it detracts from that statement a little bit when they can't grasp the fact that i have always eaten healthy dinners (80% of the time), and vegetables arent just some new discovery for me! My intake of vegetables hasn't changed one bit this round, even though this round is when im seeing the results.
Snacking has, and continues to be my demon. Organisation is fixing that. Hence seeing results.

ugh. ok. rant over.

On a positive, all of my family were really encouraging when they saw me and all could tell id lost weight, one morning when i was in my workout gear my 6 year old niece told me that i was looking very skinny that morning. Made my day!!

Xmas, New Years, and Mountains!

Where to begin?
The past 3 weeks have been spent interstate with family, on the drive over we did the great ocean road, before heading to Tathra in NSW for christmas with my family, after a week there it was off to Thredbo area for a week of camping.
So i guess the big question is - how did i go?

The diet
The drive to my sisters - we ate out quite a bit, but made good choices, and was never left with the sick, over-eaten feeling.
I guess the big thing that helped, was my sister had already said i could choose the meals for dinner etc while i was there (other then on xmas day), and seeing as my sister is healthy, she was happy to do healthier options on xmas day. I was able to enjoy a little bit of everything, and feel good :)
Weigh in on boxing day saw me lose 1.5kg - absolutely stoked!
Camping - again i was camping with my sister and her family, so dinners were healthy, quick and simple! had a few days a bit more relaxed, but overall was pleased with how i went.
Weigh in this week saw me lose 700g

The exercise
I was a little nervous about how id go with the exercise, especially being in holiday/relaxed mode
Luckily, our first night of camping was done at the start of the great ocean road - so it was kinda perfect to motivate me to go for an early morning run and watch the sun rise!
At my sisters she lived a short walk to the beach, which made it easy to get up cos i love beach walks/runs!
with my nieces around, strength work was able to be done in the form of playing and throwing the girls around :)
Camping proved to be the easiest place to exercise - doing early morning walks with my sister, then climbing Mt Kosciusko and doing some other walks in Thredbo

Overall? I was stoked with how i stayed on track!!

2 years ago i climbed Mt Kosciusko at my heaviest, i struggled, i cried.

This time around, i was able to run between my partner and sister (they were going different speeds), and i was smiling most of the way.
Was a little bit liberating to get a photo at the top with my nieces, which equal the weight iv lost, and the weight i was last time i did the climb!

Hope u all had a great Christmas and new year!