Compliments

It is a great feeling to get compliments on how you look, and I have had a few lately.  It is good to hear that other people can notice the differences and while I am doing this for myself, it makes the hard work feel so much more worth it.

It is also good that other people are noticing, because (I don't know if anyone else feels like this) some days I feel really good and can notice the difference, and other days still feel like a 'frump'!  If other people are noticing, it can't be all in my head right!!

I am also notice a lot of my clothes getting looser, so feel great about that too. I can feel a bit more confident, especially with summer coming up.

WIth only a few days left of the challenge, I have a few exercise sessions planned - including one more fitness track with Ron (lets see if the monkey bars are any easier). 

I have been pretty good with exercise over the last week or two, but will admit to a couple of evenings of overeating -- the annoying this is, it is just mindless, boredom eating and I get so frustrated when I do it!!

Oh well, I am getting better at recognising it (thats all I can ask for)!!

Noticing the changes

With only 10 days left of the challenge, I am definately starting to notice some of the changes a lot more.  I thought I would reflect on some of those things:

• I am getting fitter!!
• I have been pushing myself harder
• My jogging is improving
• I am more conscious of my eating
• I am making good decisions (most of the time) with meals out and morning teas etc
• I have been to the gym several mornings (I am NOT a morning person)
• I have tried some new exercises - bounce class, fitness track
• I have more energy!

So, while I have struggled in parts and probably could have done better overall if I had stuck 100% to the challenge, I am definately proud of my efforts and extremely pleased I have taken part in this challenge.

I have felt that this has been a realistic challenge, which I will be able to continue after the challenge ends, to get to my goal weight and body shape.

Social Occasions

So, with the long weekend came a number of social events.  In the past three days I have had a hens party, a wedding and a family BBQ....which adds up to a bit of food...and a couple of beverages!

I think it is important to still enjoy life and take part in activities and one of the key things is 'everything in moderation', so that is what I did...okay, so I probably over indulged in a couple of areas, but the rule is 80/20, so its okay every now and then!!

I have also fitted in a bit of exercise over the weekend, with two gym sessions and two decent walks, so hopefully that evens things out somewhat.

Two weeks left of the challenge and time to go hard and see what results I can get at the final weigh in (it sounds a bit daunting really doesn't it...a bit like 'D-Day').  At least one more of Ron's fitness tracks and hopefully some more of Jacquie's spin classes as well as some more jogs out around Hagley Park when I can get out at lunch times.

It's nice to look in the mirror and notice the changes and I am starting to see some of the effects of the last 10 weeks, as well as feeling better in my fitness, especially my jogging - which, while my legs are still hurting a bit, I am getting in some longer jogs and I am now considering a half marathon in May...(maybe)...

A small run in....

So, I had a wee run in with some chocolate again the other night...and then a bit of cheese (not at the same time) - damn evening snack monster!!! It just creeps up on me, just when I think I have one up on it!

But, hopefully I have outweighed that incident with exercise!  I am pleased to say that I jogged for a whole hour last weekend, which is a big effort for me since injuring my legs.  It was quite painful by the end of it, but other than the sore legs, I felt like I could have kept going (fitness wise), so slowly starting to feel back on track.

It took me a good few days to recover from Ron's fitness track last week!!  Luckily my netball match was cancelled because I don't think I would have been able to lift the racket above my head to serve!

I have noticed through this journey a number of small changes, which I feel great about - such as passing on the morning tea snacks during cookie club and upping the intensity in some of my workouts as well as feeling fitter for it....this makes it worthwhile.

I have a hens party tonight and a wedding to contend with on Saturday.  I will pace myself, not eat mindlessly if I don't need to and may resort to driving so that not too much alcohol is consumed...we will see!!

Back on Track

So, this week has been much better! I have felt like I am getting back on track and am pleased with how I have gone in the past week.  I have curbed the evening snacking (mostly), which was the big thing for me.  It is totally about a mindset for me.  It is so easy to 'eat without thinking', but when I actually stop to say..'no, I'm not even hungry', I can get through an evening without spending most of it in front of the pantry!!

Today,  I am feeling a bit tender and tired....due to Ron's fitness track yesterday! It was great though, really enjoyed it and hope to do it again.  It's funny though, made me realise how weak I am in certain areas, like when I tried to do just one chin up unassisted and was left hanging there with no hope (thanks Chris for your assistance with that one!!!).

I had my weigh in last night at QEII.  Am pleased with my results (considering a bit of a struggle in weeks 7 and 8).  I am down another 1.1 kg and (I think) 2.6(ish...can't quite remember)% body fat.

Now, to go hard for the last three weeks and push myself where I can...I do have a hens night and wedding thrown in next week, so we'll see how that goes!!

Mind Set...failing...

So, I have been struggling a bit of the last couple of weeks.  Mainly in the food department.  I have found myself eating more than usual, particularly at night.  I don't even think I am hungry - more bored and feeling slightly down...I hate that that means I eat. 

I have still been exercising and am pleased that I am keeping that up, but after a sneak peak at the scales this morning, I am dissappointed in myself and nervous about weigh in this week.

I really want to go hard in the last three weeks and really put myself right into this challenge.  I just hope my mind doesn't get in the way.

Food is something I always struggle with.  Even though I know all the nutrition and health facts. I read health mags and am aware of the benefits.  I obviously haven't found my trigger yet, or figured out how to stop myself before it is too late!

I am fine during the day and eat well, but when I get home it is a different story.  I think partly because I am by myself at the moment, I have nothing to distract me and noone to 'suggest I keep out of the pantry'!!

So, from now on, I am determined not to sabotage myself. I will be concsious about what is going in my mouth and I will distract myself in the evenings so that I stay out of the kitchen!

This is the point that I really need to listen to my blog title and CHOOSE MY ATTITUDE

Right, now I am off for the group walk up Rapaki Track

Ooops!!

So, I had a bit of a chocolate blowout on Tuesday night....I'm really peeved off with myself, because I didn't really want or need it.  I think I was just bored and the box of chocolates in my cupboard were calling me. I scoffed my way through about 10 chocolates before throwing the rest out to stop myself from going way too far!

Now, with that small set back over, time to get back on track!!  I must admit that this week has been a bit of a struggle motivation wise.  I don't know if it is a natural lag in the 12 week challenge or I was getting to comfortable with what I have been doing.  I am still exercising, but think I need to push myself again, otherwise I keep doing what I've always done.

Eating wise, I have found the dreaded evening snacking creeping back, and again, I think it is because I am bored...and therefore I eat...

So, for the last four weeks, I want to really go for it and I want to push myself that little bit further.

I did get out for a walk/jog last night and was quite pleased with that.  I am trying to build my running up bit by bit and seem to be increasing in 5 minute increments, with a 25 minute jog last night.  I just need to keep up the momentum,  otherwise its back to square one!

My goals for this week -

• Exercise every day. 
• Push myself in at least two sessions. 
• Avoid chocolate
• Keep myself busy in the evenings and my mind occupied