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

Push It!!

Well, it has been a while since I have posted, but its okay - I haven't disappeared into the big black hole!  I have still been getting on with the challenge...for the most part!!

Often after I have a good weigh in, I relax a little too much in the days following.  This didn't happen to the same extent after the half way mark, but I will admit that I let my defenses down a couple of times.  What I mean is, there were a few times (mostly when I get home from work) where I have snacked from the pantry without really thinking about it. 

But, I have been keeping on track other than that.  I had my 1:1 session with Ron the other day.  He switched up my programme and took me through the whole thing.  It was a great thing to do - particularly because there were a few things I was doing slightly wrong!!  One thing I am quite pleased about is my ability to do push ups.  Okay, okay they are the girly style ones, but when I first started this challenge, I did 7 in a row before collapsing in a heap...yesterday at the gym, I did 22 in a row (and then 12 and 10 in the next two consecutive sets). It is a really great feeling to see the results from the effort put in - not just on the scales.

Often, people struggle with the long weekend - socialising and chilling out.  Saturday, I will admit to probably eating far too much in what started as a champagne breakfast, followed by pretty steady snacking while at the Band Together concert.  Thoroughly enjoyed though!! I have made up for it with a good gym session, big long walk and a cycle ride through the port hills so far - so feel like I have redeemed myself somewhat!

In our new offices, we are up on the 6th floor.  I have managed a couple of times to walk up the stairs, but need a bit of a rest when I get to the top!! Will aim for at least 2-3 times a week (maybe not every day)!

Hard to believe there is only a few weeks left of this challenge.  Have to make sure I keep my motivation up and go hard right to the end -  at least it is warmer and lighter, which i feel just lifts spirits so much more.  I'm enjoying the salad season and can't wait for strawberries to get cheaper - they are soooo good!!

Half Way Mark

Well, we had our 6 week weigh in tonight.  It was great to get people together and hear the tips from Jax and Dan - its great to know they are there for support and advice.

I am happy with my half way weigh in.  Down another 2.2kg and I hit a wee milestone which had been alluding me for some months now, which has made me feel pretty good!  Just have to keep up the momentum for the next 6 weeks.

Tomorrow is our last day working at Pioneer, which means no more gym on tap!  I have thoroughly enjoyed being able to get into the gym before and after work and get along to one of the classes and will have to make sure I keep this up when we are back at the Civic Offices.  I intend to book in my motivational 1:1 with Ron next week.

I have had a good week exercise wise, finishing off the treadmill challenge at 31.31km.  I am happy with that result and pleased that I managed to get onto the treadmill at least once each day.  I went to a bounce class on Tuesday - a new one for me - and i really enjoyed it.  I took a spin class with Dan on Wednesday - that one really pushed me.  Having not fully recovered from the stair session on Sunday, I found myself pushed to my limits by the end of the class.  I had to have a little lie down afterwards!! 

I suffer from compartment syndrome, which is where the muscles in my legs do not have enough room to contract and become very tight and sore.  I have torn both of my calf muscles and continue to have trouble with my calfs and archilles.  At the moment I am suffering a bit and it gets dissapointing at times when I feel limited by it. 

...I suspect I will be very sore after tennis on Saturday!

I have just watched the silver ferns win gold against Australia - wow, what a game!  Extra time and then constantly equal until the ferms got ahead by two to win gold!  They are such strong athletes - it is really inspiring!

"Shut Up Legs"

Well,  What has been happening in the last few days - another week down and nearly half way through this challenge!

Yesterday morning I got out for a cycle ride - we went from Lyttelton to Diamond Harbour return.  It was great to get out into some hills and push my legs. I really enoyed the ride, except for a bit of wind which came along part way through.  I was meant to have tennis yesterday afternoon, but the rain came just at the right time to call it off!  A little bit of a blessing because my legs were quite sore after the ride!!!

But that meant there was no excuse not to go to the torture session - oops I mean workout session - with Jacquie and Dan Sunday morning. We met at the stairs by Rapaki track and continued to go up and down them until my legs felt like they had detached themselves from my body and turned to jelly!!  I thoroughly enjoyed it and it felt great to be pushed.  The funniest part was the last sprint up the stairs, where I got to half way and my legs literally stopped working!!!  Also quite amusing was the ride home, where my leg was constantly shaking while trying to hold the clutch in!!

Yesterday I made some apricot fudge to send to my husband who is serving overseas.  I had been putting it off because I know how weak I am around it!!!  I will admit that I did have two pieces, and thoroughly enjoyed them - everything in moderation right!! Now I just have to send them before I eat any more!

I went out to dinner last night to a thai restaurant - usually I order a pad thai - yummo!  But last night I ordered a chicken salad, so I was quite proud of that decision...maybe I am making some progress! I also love that it is asparagus season and summer salads - yum!

Today's phrase - "If you want it, go and get it" - reach your goals

(I'm not talking about that piece of apricot fudge!)

Challenge On

The muscles are slowly starting to return to normality after tennis on the weekend - after a few funny looks at my walking technique over the last couple of days!!!

I have had a good week so far, with a couple of gym sessions and a spin class with Jax.  That spin class definately works you hard - I highly recommend it!!

This week's challenge - to clock up as many k's on the treadmill as possible, is off to a good start.  I plan to get to the gym before work each morning to strut out a few k's each day!  While I probably wont win the challenge (I am sure there are people out there who will be running miles), it is a good motivator to do that extra bit of exercise for the week...I'll see how far I can get!!

400 step ups - today's challenge...sounds like a lot!!!  I did them while I was watching the commonweath games tonight - definately made it easier!  I think thats a good tip, if I am watching tv at night, I try to pick at least one tv programme where I do crunches or step ups or some other exercise during the ad breaks.

My victory so far this week - avoiding the chips and dip that were in front of me last night!!!  Thats a biggun for me - and I knew that if I started, i'd get the taste and not want to stop!!

Feeling the Pain!

I am loving this weather and hope that it sticks around!  This weekend was the first match of the tennis season.  The first game is always interesting - as I get back into the swing of it...and then there is the sore muscles the next day!!  I played four matches on Saturday and I definately felt it on Sunday - those butt and quad muscles were definately making their presence known!!

I got out for a nice walk at Bottle Lake with the dog today - I love that we have such great places to get out and about in Christchurch.

The weekends go far to fast though and here we go full swing into another week!  This week I plan to try a new class - I am thinking either a step, bounce or pump class.  I think it is time to mix things up a bit.  I also hear that Ron's circuit last Thursday night was a pretty good workout, so will aim to go to that this week if it is still on (...not sure about the torture though)!!

Right, now its time to do some bicep curls and push ups (anything to avoid the legs)!!

Just Keep Pedalling

Today was all about pedal power!  I cycled to work today, and it was great to be out on the bike again!  It took me about 30 minutes each way - not bad!!  I also took a spin class with Jax this morning.  It was great - definately feel pushed in her classes and thoroughly enjoy them!!  Of course, when it was  time to ride home, the enthusiasm is never quite the same!! The south-west wind had started to pick up and I found myself a couple of time saying 'just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling'!! 

I am planning to cycle to work as much as possible now that it is warmer and lighter! I am also training for a cycle event in early December (in fact one week after this challenge finishes).  It is the Long Bays Cycle Ride - an 80km ride through the Port Hills.  Eeek! I really need to get training in those hills!

I've started doing a few at home exercises with the aim of doing them (or at least part of them) each day - they include crunches, plank, push ups, bicycles, bicep dips, step ups and free weights.  I usually do these in the evening, as I am watching some tv programme.

Todays tip:  In the weekends I make up a couple of big batches of meals to put in the freezer (chicken risotto, savoury mince, sitfry, casseroles..).  These are great for an easy lunch or for dinner on nights I am home late, or just don't feel like cooking! It is definately a saviour having these in the freezer!

Small Changes, Big Victories

I am happy to say that I am no longer sick, and in fact,  I am feeling loads better - both mentally and physically!

These past few days have been about small changes for me, that can make a big difference!  This started on Friday at morning tea ("Cookie Club") at work.  I went along with my bottle of water and nectarine and didn't touch the food!  I didn't feel like I was missing out and was quite happy to sit there (when normally I just couldn't have resisted, nor stop at one...) without having anything - a small victory for me!

I am also happy to be back into exercise - going to the gym yesterday felt like a breath of fresh air.  It is amazing how the endorphins kick in, even when I don't feel like exercising - I know I will feel better for it!

I have always had a problem with snacking in the evening, often when not even hungry! So, I have to always be concsious of what I am doing after dinner - I find, keeping my hands busy helps and have taken to brushing my teeth earlier so that no food can make it to my mouth!!

The next thing I need to work on, is early morning exercise...eek! I am not a morning person and usually get up at the last possible minute I have to in order to get ready for work and go.  I even eat brekkie at work (because I need an hour or two before I can eat)!  So, I would like to get into the habit of either getting up and going for a walk with my dog before work, or getting a gym session in before work once or twice a week...we shall see!!!

Now that daylight savings is upon us, I intend to start biking to and from work again and am loving the lighter, warmer evenings already!

Down, But Not Out

Well,  i mentioned the burning cough last week...unfortunately it turned into the full blown flu and finally bought me down on Saturday night.  So, for the last 4 days I have been out of action with all the flu symptoms - fever, temperature, rash, cough, nausea, headaches...not fun!

I am so gutted that it has hit me in the middle of this 12 week challenge.  I feel so helpless lying at home, when i should be feeling healthy and out there exercising. But I know full well I couldn't have done anything if I tried.

I am starting to feel better now, no more high temperature or nausea.  The cough it still lingering but that will also be in part because of my asthma.  I am itching to get back into exercise and this 12 week challenge, but am scared if I go out to hard right away, it will just land me on my back again...

I may need to enrol in the help of my motivational voucher for a 1:1 with Ron - to get me on the right track again and make sure I'm doing the right things.

Well, I did manage to get along to Jellie Park tonight for my weight in.  I was quite nervous to say the least as with zero exercise in the last 5 days and not much thought put into my eating, not to mention my lack of water intake - well, the scales could say anything!

Anyway, I had a small loss.  Only 1.4kg...but (I tell myself) it is a loss and it is in the right direction.  I am not planning on letting a flu (or an earthquake) get in my way again, so the next 9 weeks should be obstacle free!

I hope you are all pleased with your results at week 3 and making the most of all the resources out there.

Weekend Warrior

With another week down, I have done my three centre based exercise activities, including a spin class and two gym sessions. It really is great having the gym at Pioneer right on our doorstep - I intend to make the most of it while I am there! I have to admit that I have been a bit sick over the last week with a burning chesty cough, which makes exercise feel as though my lungs are going to catch fire and jump out my throat, but it is important for me to keep going.  Granted, I have to take care of myself and take it easy, but I don't have to let it stop me in my tracks.

With the weekend upon us, I always have great plans to do loads of exercise and things like walks, jogs, mountain bikes, gym cross my mind.  Well, today I managed a big walk with the dog - much to her joy - and tomorrow I hope to do the same again, with possibly either a mountain bike or gym session thrown in as well...I'll let you know!

Food wise this week I have been pretty good - feel like I am getting back on track again so pleased about that. My danger zone is when I get home from work, before preparing dinner, and again in the evening, post dinner.  As long as I am aware of these times and put measures in place, I am usually safe...its not always easy!

With our first weigh ins next week, I am not really sure what to expect in terms of body fat loss, but am hoping for a small decline in the scales - and hopefully there won't be another catastrophic event to throw me off my game!

Today's quote:  "If you always do what you've always done, you will always get what you've always got!"

Back on the Horse

Well, I think it is time I post again, after what has been a pretty big and emotional 10 days. The week after the earthquake struck, I was still in a state of surealism - exercise went out the window and with it, my bad eating habits came back.  It is totally a mindset with me, as I know I am eating badly, but seem to do it anyway like it is going to solve things...it does not.

I started exercising again on Saturday and I had missed it! I have been trying to get back into jogging and so managed a small 3 km jog in the middle of my big walk, it felt good to be able to do that and I only hope it improves. Sunday I decided to get on my road bike and go for a bit of a cycle - well that soon turned in to a frustrating 2 hour walk home after I got a puncture and didn't have a bike pump...not fun (but got my incidental exercise in)! Lesson learnt...ride with someone who has a pump!!!

Since the earthquake, I have been working out of Pioneer and am determined to make the most of the gym and classes while I am there! On Monday, John G took us for a spin class - it just about killed me, but it was great!! 

The first week was great and I was pleased with my efforts and results.  However, I think I put it all back on in the second week  - which disheartens me, but I have to keep going or I will never get there, so....

...I am going to go hard this week and hopefully show something on the scales at our first weigh in next week!

Today's lesson - push through. When life puts up hurdles, keep going - exercise and nutrition is one thing you can control in your life, so use these to make smart choices and surprise yourself with what you CAN do.

Its all about the motivation

Well, its day two of spring and it certainly feels like it.  Its great!  I feel my mood lighten and motivation increasing (it would be great if I felt this way all the time, but it never works that way!). 

In Civic Office we work on the fourth floor and I have made a conscious decision to walk those stairs everytime I come and go from the office - no more lift.  However, we are moving to the 6th floor of a new building soon...I'll see if I can keep my intentions up!!  Just this small change makes a big difference and if I keep at it, I know I will soon stop walking towards the lifts before realising I'm taking the stairs and it will become a habit!

I'm off to Sydney tomorrow - just for a three day weekend - and at first it made me panic a bit about whether I could 'be good' and 'stay on track'.  Then I realised, this isn't really a test and doesn't need to be feared - this is life!!  Being conscious of what I am doing and accountable for my actions means that I can still have a great time, but not strip all traces of fun and relaxation by being ultra strict...that would just end in disaster! So, this will probably be my last post until I return on Sunday night and I will let you know how I get on.  My aim is to walk lots, eat lots of fruit and enjoy myself...as it is my birthday, I will probably have a wine or two, but I'm okay with that!!

There is a lot of support on offer during this challenge, and I intend to use it! The tips and advice from the team is great and the support on offer from the instructors is really motivating (go team metro!!!!), so make sure you utilise it.  I just need someone to come home with me and tell me to 'stop eating that'....yep, thats my downfall - evening snacking!  That is definately a habit I have to break as for some reason I mindlessly eat in the evenings...and then have the attack of the guilts after the fact!  This is something that I am coming to grips with and for me comes back to that whole notion of 'be conscious of what you're eating'.

My tip for today - it is all about moderation.  But just remember, a packet of M&M's consumed over the course of a day is still a packet of M&M's (it took me a while to come to terms with this one)!

Getting started

The shape up challenge has begun! I am feeling really good about it and know that this is just the challenge I need to kick me into gear! I know what needs to be done - watch what you eat; exercise regularly....easy! Not really - there are emotional, social and psychological factors that come into play as well and that is what always drags me down! I have always been an active person and continue to exercise a lot. I know about good nutrition and what not to eat, but my problem has always been snacking and boredom eating mixed in with a bit of lacking motivation.

This challenge will help to ensure that I am on track and mindful of what I'm eating as well as pushing me physically. It helps to be conscious about what we're doing and having the motivation / support behind us really helps to ensure we are on the right track and heading in the right direction. The fact that our colleagues are also doing this, encouraging us and keeping us honest is great - no more sneaking cakes and slices at morning teas!

 My goals for the next 12 weeks? To lose body fat and feel confident about my body. To increase my fitness levels. To do some form of exercise everyday. To strengthen my core and tone my body. To establish a regular running (more likely jogging) routine. To create concrete habits of healthy eating.....no sweat (well lots of sweat actually)!



I am so far on track to achieving my goals. Today I had my fitness assessment with Ron at Centennial (who is fantastic by the way) and he has created a fail-proof programme to help me achieve my goals and get through the 12 weeks. No backing out now.

My tip for today: Keep mixing things up. Mix up your breakfasts and lunches and mix up your exercise routine...keep your body guessing and challenged!

Until next time...