Week 3 weigh in (my week 17)

Current Weight: 78.3kg
Last week:      79.4kg
Week's loss:         -1.1kg 
So far:         -18.7kg   




It's getting harder and harder to shift these stubborn kilos.  If you play along at home (all 3 of you who read this at least), you'll remember that last week I was majorly pissed at only donating 500 measly grams to the un-fat cause, so made a commitment to burn 800 cals a day from 2 hours of exercise.

Shit I worked hard last week;
Wednesday                Treadmill & Sh'bam = 65 mins, 463 cals
                                      Powerwalk = 61 mins, 396 cals
Thursday                   Lake walk = 50 mins, 376 cals
                                      Morning walk = 45 mnins, 320 cals
                                      Evening walk = 25 mins, 137 cals
Friday                        Sh'bam = 47 mins, 413 cals
                                      Core class= 30 mins, 100 cals
                                      Boxing = 61 mins, 409 cals
Saturday                   Dance party @ gym = 121 mins, 887 cals
Sunday                        REST!
Monday                       Lake walk = 40 mins, 314 cals
                                       Evening walk = 25 mins, 213 cals
                                       Exercise bike = 22 mins, 201 cals
                                       Free weights & strength - upper body = 26 mins, 242 cals
Tuesday                      Step class = 61 mins, 549 cals
                                       Walk (in pouring rain) = 40 mins, 261 cals
                                       Exercise bike = 31 mins, 283 cals

And for ALL of that I'm rewarded with 1.1 shitty kilos?  Come the f$%& on!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                     

Before and now(ish)

I don't know if others are the same, but BEFORE, I didn't really consider myself to be FAT.  We didn't own scales.  Didn't need them said I.  I can feel it in my clothes.  BULLSHIT.  I was F.A.T.  In fact, I was technically "obese".  See for yourself...

When Laurie found these for me the other day, I was shocked and spent the rest of the day either in tears or bloody angry with myself.  But now I am SO FREAKING MOTIVATED to get these last 7 or so kilos off, and be right in the mid-range of a healthy BMI.

This was taken very early Feb;

Another 4kg has been donated to the cause since this was taken, and I've probably got another 7 or so to go until I'm done.  (and yes, I'm publicly wearing bathers!) (AND my favourite top). I'll never be super-model type slim, and at 43 I wouldn't want to be.  My goal is to look as healthy as I feel...and I'm getting there!

wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle...yeah!

I spent two fantastic hours with some lovely ladies from the local 12wbt crew today, shaking our money makers and getting our sweat on.

In 38 degree heat.

In a carpark.

And it was awesome.

If, a year ago, someone had told me that this is how I'd be spending my Saturday morning, I would have thought they were a little cuckoo.

12wbt IS an awesome program, but what (so far) has made it for me has been this 2 x awesome Casey/Cardinia group on FaceBook. Having a (120 strong) group of motivated chicks to encourage and support and workout with has CHANGED MY LIFE.

Today I danced, in public, in broad daylight, without a drop of alcohol in sight.  Has anyone seen my comfort zone,it appears to have gone on a holiday.

Week 2 weigh in (my week 16)

Current Weight: 79.4kg
Last week:      79.9kg
Week's loss:         -0.5kg 
So far:         -17.6kg  



There's no point having a sook about a 500g loss.  Sure, I would have liked more, but it hasn't really come as a surprise.

I didn't have the same bounce in my step this week.  Felt sluggish in the stomach.  Made a few excuses for missing exercise. I was "too busy" to walk at lunchtime on Monday, then it rained. Pretended it didn't matter that the Penang Chicken recipe served 6, but I only dished it into 4 bowls.  And ate 3 of them myself.  Didn't even take my water bottle to work on Monday, so drank nothing during the day.

I've confessed before that I'm a daily weigher. On Friday 10th I hit 80kg, and since then I've just bounced around slightly above or slightly below that mark. So effectively, in 12 days, I've lost 600g.  That's 50g a day.

I NEED a big week next week.  A 1.5kg loss or even more.  How am I going to do it?  1150 calories in.  650 calories out.  2 hours of exercise EVERY day.

So here's my plan;
Wednesday          1.5hour walk (9km) & 40min bike ride
Thursday            1hour lunchtime walk, 30min DVD before work & 30min bike ride after work.
Friday                 Sh'bam class followed by boxing + 30min walk
Saturday             2 hour Sh'bam dance party @ gym
Sunday                 Group workout, DVD & 30min on bike
Monday                 same as Thursday
Tuesday               Pump class + step + 20min warmup on treadmill.

I will NOT be defeated by stubborn scales!

.org

I have re-found my .org side...and I like it!

My ex-husband was a bit lot of a control freak, and not usually in a good way. So when I left 7 years ago, so too did my organisational skills.  I completely boycotted anything that vaguely resembled a list, a plan, or a schedule (and Imperial Leather soap). Once I was no longer being controlled, I should have picked up the reins and exercised the hardest form of control of them all - self. Buuuuuut, thats not how the story goes, and all this lovely, creative freedom I've had has seen me make some shit awful choices around food and nutrition.

I was a breaky skipper (too busy), lunch buyer (too busy), dinner stop-off-at-supermarket-when-I-could-be-arsed-on-the-way-home or takeaway buyer (too busy).  And yet I cursed my sluggishly non-existent metabolism for making me fat.  REALLY?

What this program has done for me (so far) is to help me see that lists and plans GIVE you back time.  You spend half an hour charting your food, shopping list, exercise for the week, and you no longer have to worry about what's for dinner, or not having any food in the house, or missing exercise sessions, or appointments of any kind - BECAUSE YOU'RE ORGANISED.

Here's my very organised monthly planner that hangs on the inside of my very organised pantry;

Wanna see a close-up?

In my old life, planning weighed me down and made me feel trapped.  Now, I get to choose what goes on this board and in choosing I feel free.  In control.  Alive.  And it's good.

Week 1 wrap up

And what a first week it's been!

We've eaten some brilliant low cal meals;

Carrot, basil & ricotta wrap

Choc-berry toast

Steak sanga with caramelised onion - in pita

Steak sanga open style sans onion (for the man)

Alison's Penang Chicken (with a tiny bit of rice)

Sweet potato & roasted capsicum pizza (YUM!)

Also had Nat's Lasange this week but it was soooo yummy I couldn't wait to eat it, therefore, no photo!

Most days I managed a 500 cal burn;

Monday                 45 min Power walk around the lake near work + another 15 minute wander
Tuesday               Semi-rest day.  45 minute walk + 20 min exercise bike
Wednesday           Sh'bam class (addicted!) with a 30 min treadie walk as warm up
Thursday             45 min power walk around lake + outdoor program strength work + 20 min exercise bike
Friday                  Was supposed to be Sh'bam but teacher sick, so we just moved for an hour which was okay + treadie warm up, + an actual Sh'bam class at night with same warm up.
Saturday              60 min power walk around Botanic Gardens
Sunday                   1hr group workout session (tough+++)

Mindset - some serious self-evaluation has had me questioning a LOT of choices I've made in the past.  Probably more on this another time :)

Organisation and me are becoming friends.  Meal plan for week 2 is done, as is the weekly shop.  I tend to puff my chest out when I'm grocery shopping - it all looks so healthy and yum.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd put week 1 down as an 8.  Pretty damn good, but room for improvement.  Come get me week 2.  I'm ready!!!

Blogger Challenge Week 1: Introduction

As part of my commitment to get the most I can from this experience I've decided to join Whirlsie's weekly blogger challenge.


1.  Tell us a little bit about yourself.  What makes you, you?
It's all pretty much in my profile, but; I'm not far off 44, live with the love of my life and our 2 furkids in a gorgeous new home we built last year.  Had my kids REALLY young (they're 25 & 22) and their dad and I divorced amicably 7 years ago.  In many ways I never really learnt who I was, and I'd still consider myself under investigation.


What makes me, me?  Well, I'm driven to succeed but revel in watching other's successes.  Passionate for a cause but only until I find a new project.  Hard on the outside but butter soft on the inside (not that I remember what butter tastes like).  And I'm sure I'll find out a while lot more about myself by the end of these 12 weeks...

2.  Why did you decide to do the 12WBT?
While I was recovering from back surgery, I stumbled across the blog of a 12wbt'er. At that point I could barely walk 500m and was so inspired by what I read that I read some more.  And as my back became stronger, I started to think that maybe, just maybe I could do it too.

3.  What are you hoping to achieve through the program?
Well, the obvious is weight loss.  My original goal was 75kg, but I've shocked myself and now sit just a whisper under 80kg, so I'm re-setting to 70kg to challenge myself. But its so much more than that. The health improvements are just as important to me, and I'm determined to make these changes permanent.


4.  Why have you decided to blog about the 12WBT? What will be the main focus (eg, food, exercise, a bit of everything?
I caught the blogging bug last year while we were building our new home, and as well as being an invaluable form of support through the stress of it all, we have formed some incredible friendships as well. I also love the idea of paying it forward - who knows, maybe someone might stumble upon my blog and decide to change their lives??

So far it's been a bit of everything; food, exercise, weigh in on a Wednesday, and I'm planning on a weekly wrap up on a Sunday that puts it all together (work in progress)


5.  How will you be exercising this round? Gym, home, outdoors or a mixture?
So far I've been mixing things up. Love my power walks in the fresh air. Love love the few gym classes I've tried, and don't mind throwing in one of Mich's DVD's on occasion. But group workouts with the local girls, led by Lisa Farmer (a 7 time 12wbt'er) make me sweat like crazy and work in ways I never thought possible.

6.  What is your greatest strength that will help you?
I'm a competitive bitch.  Usually with myself & very occasionally towards others, but never at their expense!

7.  What are you afraid of?
Re-injury.  Just the thought of it makes my stomach turn.

8.  What are you looking forward to the most over the next 12 weeks?
Probably the social side of the program - belonging to a team, encouraging each other, sharing other's successes.    

9.  What is your downfall? Food? Exercise? How will you overcome this?
If I repeat my past patterns, I'll get busy at work and struggle to justify going for a lunchtime walk, which will then make me feel more tired and I'll grab takeaway on the way home and veg out in front of the TV.  I HAVE to make myself a priority and not feel guilty about doing things for myself.

10. If you had to pick one word to motivate you over the next 12 weeks, what would you choose?

12wbt week 1 (my week 15)

Current Weight: 79.9kg
Last week:      81.0kg
Week's loss:         -1.1kg 
So far:         -17.1kg  




This morning I'm alternating between head shakes, happy dances and loads of tears.  The first number on the scales is a 7.  I haven't seen that since 1986. I have ribs. I'm starting to like how I look. I'm finding self-confidence.  This program is changing my life.  I'm happy being me.

xxx

Kitchen makeover

Pre-season task #6 was finally ticked off over the weekend, much to the panic of "the old boy" who still likes his after dinner snackage of the Smiths variety, always crinkle cut, sometimes chicken.  "You're not going to chuck out MY food, are you?"

Nope.  But I'll hide your stash down low coz these days my legs are so sore from squats and lunges that I have ZERO interest in getting down there to steal any :)

The furkids food has now been moved to a squat-free area for easy access.  And all the good stuff is higher up so I get a calf stretch every time I reach for something.  May as well get a little bit of a workout while I'm cooking!

Run baby run

As part of Michelle Bridges 12WBT program we complete a fitness test before we start and re-assess every 4 weeks as an additional measure of how far we've come and as an incentive to better your results.

I took my 5 part test yesterday in a group session with the local girls and just quietly, I'm so freaking proud of myself.

I ran, yes, RAN, 1km in 6:23.  It's soooooo not about the time for me.  Like, I'm happy with it, but really, who cares?  I RAN.  At the age of 43, 14 weeks after back surgery.  This would have been in the impossible category a few weeks ago.  Hell, even a few years ago if I'm being honest.

Some of the girls in our group did their tests the day before, yet still came down to support us - cheer us on - and whoop at our results.  Finding this group, and losing my FaceBook virginity has been the unexpected bonus of this program.

And it's only day 1.....

Hopping in to 12wbt

One of the gorgeous blogs I stalk follow, Flab to Fab (inspirational & really cute!) posted about a "blog hop", which I've now discovered is a cool way to link up with other bloggers & have your post listed at the bottom of their post.

It's being hosted by Kate & Natalie every Friday and the intention of this first week is a quick intro, sooo...

I'm Raelene. 43. Was a really young mum, so both kidlets have found independence leaving me and my gorgeous man (MGM) to enjoy a peaceful second-time-around lifestyle. I'm sure I had reverse anorexia. Struggling to get into size 18's I hadn't even considered that I was FAT. Worked LONG hours. At a desk. No exercise. Loads of takeaway. Bad back. Moved house.Worse back. Left leg paralysis. Emergency surgery. Time to lose weight.

And so I have.

16kg to be exact.

I'll be sticking to this 12 week plan like glue to reach my goals & make this our permanent lifestyle + Ill be keeping my mind and heart open to the experience & hope to meet like minded people along the way :)

40 year rewind

I had a light bulb moment this morning over breakfast, which took me back to my younger years...

Most of my really young memories were of being in Nan's kitchen.  I used to marvel at the way she could peel veggies with a knife and not cut herself. There were so many veggies on the plate - always a little potato - that sat alongside a steak or chicken or fish on Fridays.

The recycled coffee jars she had lined up in her pantry full of colourful things that she'd then spoon out into her breakfast bowl, top with fruit and then yoghurt. I remember thinking how disgusting it looked and made a mental note to NEVER eat anything that dry looking - I'd stick to coco pops forever!

And my breakfast this morning...

I now eat the way I watched Nan feed her tribe all those years ago.

I don't ever remember my Nan being "fat".  She didn't get her license until Pa had a stroke 30 years ago. Never needed to.  She walked everywhere. Pushed a shopping cart to and from town (usually with me sitting on top for the walk home) to do the groceries.

She'll turn 87 this October. She lives independently. Still gets out in the garden too.

Nan, you taught me everything I needed to know about how to fuel my body.  I just forgot somewhere along the way.  I hope to make you proud of me little Nan.  Much love always Sylvia Jean xxxxx

Week 14

Current Weight: 81.0kg
Last week:      81.9kg
Week's loss:         -0.9kg 
So far:         -16.0kg  




In a week where exercise was more difficult than it needed to be - thank you back for making your presence felt - I'm hap hap happy with just under a kilo gone.

And I've got curves now rather than just blubber. May or may not have spent a bit of time checking myself out in the mirror...ha ha ha.

This week also marks the last weigh in before 12wbt actually starts. Thank God, coz I was in danger of reaching goal weight before it even kicked off! With only 6 kilo to go, I MAY just have to re-think those early goals.

Lets get physical

The last week or so I've really shaken up the way I exercise and have tried out a few different things.

Group PT session;
Its outdoors.  Its sweaty. Its hard. And I love it.  The chicks are great. The instructor is perfect. And I burn calories like a crazy woman.  As in over 500 a session.

Body Step class;
I did this on Tuesday, today is Friday, and I'm STILL sore in the quads.  It was hard. REALLY hard.  I found it difficult to know what they were doing as the moves weren't logical (for a first timer) and the instructor spent more time talking, like general chit chat, than she did telling everyone what was coming up next.  I sweated, but I didn't love it.  Also don't know what I burnt as I forgot to take Big Red with me.

Sh'bam class;
This was THE funnest thing I've ever done.  Time went so quickly.  At times I was laughing out loud I was having such a great time.  It was liberating.  I felt free.  Alive.  The burn was pretty good too @ 359 cals for 45 minutes. And my average HR was 129, which I'm impressed with.  The instructor MADE this class. She broke every move down before trying to add them together.  Feet right before adding the arms. LOVED IT!!!!!!!

Water Workout;
This was my first EVER water aerobics session, and quite possibly my last.  I tried to work really hard, but the water just makes it difficult to make your body do what you want it to.  282 calories for my hour investment & then you've got to get out of the pool, dry off, put clothes on.  Such a lot of hassle and really not worth it. BUT, there is a plus side. It was stress free on my body, and I did this Tuesday night after Step that morning.  But at the moment while I'm trying to get these kilos off, it wasn't worth my time.

Wogging;
This is a walking jog, which I do a lot of around Albert Park Lake. This is my lunchtime treat to myself and I really enjoy it.  The burn varies dramatically from a low of 281cals to a high of 373, and this is totally dependent on how hard I start, which in turn is dependent upon how my back is feeling, which is dependent upon how much I've been sitting at my desk.  I also love it coz I have my ipod on, tunes pumping, fresh air filling my lungs and sun shining down on me.  It's as good for my soul as it is for my weight.

So thats pretty much my last 10 or so days.  I'll keep on trying new things, but wogging and Sh'bam are locked in, Eddy.

Same same, but different

Just to prove that not all devices are the same, I took 3 pieces of equipment for a test walk today; my Heart Rate Monitor (Big Red), the myfitnesspal app (MFP) & Nike+ running ap.  They all float my boat in different ways.

I love Big Red coz it makes me walk faster.  But I do feel like a bit of a dick wearing a Heart Rate Monitor to go for a 40 minute walk.
I love Nike+ coz its a GPS, and will track the actual distance, plot a map of my course, show me where my fast and slow points are, plays me tunes, has a powersong button for when you need a burst of aural adrenalin, and you get a chick telling you your stats every kilometre.
And I pledge my undying love to MFP for no other reason than it's awesome.  Like, anything that can scan a barcode and tell you its calories has GOT to be a winner, right?

So here's what all 3 had to say about my calorie burn today...

Walk stats;
Distance         4.81km
Duration       44:21

Big Red         281 cals
MFP             300 cals
Nike+            357 cals

As much as I wish it wasn't true, Big Red is right & the others are just too generous. But i love their optimism :)

Week 13

Current Weight: 81.9kg
Last week:      83.7kg
Week's loss:         -1.8kg 
So far:         -15.1kg  




After last week's complete and utter dummy spit at my first GAIN in weight, I worked my ass well and truly off this week to make sure there was no repeat.

NEVER in my wildest dreams did I think I would lose almost 2 kilos in a week at this stage of the journey.  I'm so freaking proud of me right now!

Some weeks when I have a great weigh in I'll burst into tears, but this week I did a massive fist pump yelling YEAH at the top of my voice (sorry neighbours!).

I'm so completely committed and focused to getting this last 7 or so kilos off.  Speaking of 7, it wont be long until its the first number on the scales.  Me.  In the 70's.  Crazy talk!!!!!