Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday Afternoon Eye Candy
This is what Donna and I will have to keep us entertained whilst exercising on Saturday arvo...
I don't feel like doing work
I am so distracted this morning! I feel like doing anything but what I am supposed to be doing! So far I have read everyone's blogs, read SMH online, checked the weather for both Sydney and Melbourne and discussed getting icecream at lunchtime with my colleagues (they aren't working either!). Bring on the weekend!
Back at the Gym :)
I'm back! OK I am totally broken, but a good type of broken! Trained with Rusty this morning for the first time in 2 weeks. I missed it soooo much. I feel like I am back on track now. Weight has stopped at 79 so need to get kick started again. Here's the plan for this week:
Friday - 1 hour PT Rusty (cardio & weights)
Saturday - 1 hour Cycle plus some other kind of class in the arvo with Tiny Donna and Shannon
Sunday - 2 hour walking, 30 min run
Monday - 30 min run (intervals)
Tuesday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Wednesday - 1.5 hours walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Then Friday is my birthday and I'm going to Melbourne!!! Yay!! No training ALL weekend for me. Probably lots of walking but that is all I have planned cause I am only taking cabin luggage and my gym stuff won't fit.
Friday - 1 hour PT Rusty (cardio & weights)
Saturday - 1 hour Cycle plus some other kind of class in the arvo with Tiny Donna and Shannon
Sunday - 2 hour walking, 30 min run
Monday - 30 min run (intervals)
Tuesday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Wednesday - 1.5 hours walking
Thursday - 1 hour PT Dan (weights)
Then Friday is my birthday and I'm going to Melbourne!!! Yay!! No training ALL weekend for me. Probably lots of walking but that is all I have planned cause I am only taking cabin luggage and my gym stuff won't fit.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Company B
I went to check out Company B this morning - I so have to work there! They have a poker table (they play at lunchtime), a pool table for Friday drinks which start at 2pm and a view of the harbour! I don't need anything else... where do I sign????!!!
Waiting on contracts and stuff now. Hopefully that will be all good.
Waiting on contracts and stuff now. Hopefully that will be all good.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Stuff and that...
I have lots of stuff going through my head at the moment. I have been trying not to think about it, because for the past few weeks it has been totally out of my control, but it is getting close to decision time. I need to empty my thoughts... so here goes!!!
I started a new job 2 months ago at 'Company A'. To start with I loved it, but sometimes I do get a bit bored. Our GM is fantastic and very approachable, so I had no concerns that I could take on more responsibility to make my job more interesting.
Then... it was announced that Company A was being sold to Company B. This was all exciting cause Company B would offer great career opportunities for me, plus it is in North Sydney so I would be back working near the gym and all my friends and closer to home.
Then the sale fell through and Company A was taken off the market. Then it was announced our GM had resigned and is going to work at Company B. Still with me here?!!!
I have a couple of issues with this. Our GM is great and a large part of why I took the job here. I don't know any of the directors and they don't know me - I am still on probation for another month. Part of the reason the sale fell through is that none of our clients are contracted - most of our work is project based and I don't see a hell of alot of security in that. I don't know what the future plans for the business are, cause as I said, I haven't met the directors. 3 weeks ago they were selling. Now they aren't. Our GM quit and they haven't even been here to secure staff or clients - that concerns me.
Since then, Company B has approached me about a job. That was a couple of weeks ago, and I still don't have an offer in writing. I am meeting with them tomorrow morning, so hopefully I can find out more then. It could be really exciting - but they have been a bit slow in formalising the offer. It also doesn't quite feel ethically right - the sale has fallen through and now they are approaching staff directly.
So here's my dilemma. I could stay where I am, but I'm not really excited about the job or the company. It is good experience though, and will look good on my resume. Leaving after 2 months won't. I could take the job at Company B, or I could look for something else. I have found 2 jobs worth applying for, but haven't actually done anything about it yet. Maybe I will wait til after the meeting tomorrow - that should hopefully make the decision making process a little easier. Stand by for an update tomorrow!
I started a new job 2 months ago at 'Company A'. To start with I loved it, but sometimes I do get a bit bored. Our GM is fantastic and very approachable, so I had no concerns that I could take on more responsibility to make my job more interesting.
Then... it was announced that Company A was being sold to Company B. This was all exciting cause Company B would offer great career opportunities for me, plus it is in North Sydney so I would be back working near the gym and all my friends and closer to home.
Then the sale fell through and Company A was taken off the market. Then it was announced our GM had resigned and is going to work at Company B. Still with me here?!!!
I have a couple of issues with this. Our GM is great and a large part of why I took the job here. I don't know any of the directors and they don't know me - I am still on probation for another month. Part of the reason the sale fell through is that none of our clients are contracted - most of our work is project based and I don't see a hell of alot of security in that. I don't know what the future plans for the business are, cause as I said, I haven't met the directors. 3 weeks ago they were selling. Now they aren't. Our GM quit and they haven't even been here to secure staff or clients - that concerns me.
Since then, Company B has approached me about a job. That was a couple of weeks ago, and I still don't have an offer in writing. I am meeting with them tomorrow morning, so hopefully I can find out more then. It could be really exciting - but they have been a bit slow in formalising the offer. It also doesn't quite feel ethically right - the sale has fallen through and now they are approaching staff directly.
So here's my dilemma. I could stay where I am, but I'm not really excited about the job or the company. It is good experience though, and will look good on my resume. Leaving after 2 months won't. I could take the job at Company B, or I could look for something else. I have found 2 jobs worth applying for, but haven't actually done anything about it yet. Maybe I will wait til after the meeting tomorrow - that should hopefully make the decision making process a little easier. Stand by for an update tomorrow!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
I've been tagged
Miss Tiny Donna has tagged me... so here it is!
Jobs I’ve Held; photographer, graphic designer, production manager, studio manager, account manager
Movies I Can Watch Over & Over; Briget Jones, Love Actually
Places I have lived (in order); Pakenham Upper, Hallam, Elsternwick, Pakenham, Crows Nest, Cremorne
Shows I enjoy; Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Thank God You're Here, Spicks & Specs
Places I Have Been on Holiday; most of eastern Australia, Tassie, Europe x 3 times, Cook Islands, NZ, Vietnam, Thailand
Favorite Foods; strawberries, banana bread, chocolate, thai
Websites I Visit Daily; http://www.facebook.com/ - new obsession, http://www.hotmail.com/ , http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/ , http://www.blogger.com/
Body Parts I Have Injured; have torn the ligaments in my ankle, but that's about it!
Awards I’ve Won; lots of school stuff for photography and the school magazine etc. but not alot since then!
Pick 5 Other Bloggers; hmmm.... i'm tagging Lisa, Kate, Sue, Kerrie - who else reads this?
Jobs I’ve Held; photographer, graphic designer, production manager, studio manager, account manager
Movies I Can Watch Over & Over; Briget Jones, Love Actually
Places I have lived (in order); Pakenham Upper, Hallam, Elsternwick, Pakenham, Crows Nest, Cremorne
Shows I enjoy; Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty, Thank God You're Here, Spicks & Specs
Places I Have Been on Holiday; most of eastern Australia, Tassie, Europe x 3 times, Cook Islands, NZ, Vietnam, Thailand
Favorite Foods; strawberries, banana bread, chocolate, thai
Websites I Visit Daily; http://www.facebook.com/ - new obsession, http://www.hotmail.com/ , http://www.fitnessfirst.com.au/ , http://www.blogger.com/
Body Parts I Have Injured; have torn the ligaments in my ankle, but that's about it!
Awards I’ve Won; lots of school stuff for photography and the school magazine etc. but not alot since then!
Pick 5 Other Bloggers; hmmm.... i'm tagging Lisa, Kate, Sue, Kerrie - who else reads this?
I'm still here!
Just not much to report. I am feeling a bit better - but definitely not well yet. Another week away from the gym and it is really killing me! I miss it soooooo much. Ahhh well, the body needs a rest. I did walk home last night, and to work again this morning. It's 8km each way. I figure I have started getting my appetite back, so I can start putting in some exercise. Nothing too strenuous - just a nice stroll. I might go back to the gym Friday morning - I'll see how I feel.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Personal Trainers
Lisa asked on her blog about Personal Trainers. I thought seeing that PT is my current obsession I would post my thoughts for all to see.
I got to Fitness First, so I pay my membership and then pay for PT on top of that. The trainers there are self employed - so they operate as their own business. They pay rent to FF which gives them access to the gym and clients. The cost depends on what type of training I am doing, and I do get a discount cause I train so much, and have been doing so for 12 months - generally for a one on one session you are looking at between $65-100 an hour. I also train with a friend once a week, which costs us $42 each. And then there's running group which works out at around $30 a session cause there are lots of us. Although sometimes it is just me, so I get a bargain!
For me it is worth every cent - and there are a hundred reasons! Motivation, accountability, advice, counselling, fun. I find if I book in a session then I have to go even if I don't feel like it. Once I get there I am fine. I also train alot harder when someone is standing beside me, and get better results. I lift heavier weights when I am with my PT because I am less worried about injuring myself or dropping them. I get pushed to do things I didn't think I could do. This was really highlighted in running group - Rusty would tell me something like - "run for 3 minutes on level 11". Yeah right! I was used to running on 8 or 9. Anyway, I did it every time. He always had faith in me, even when I didn't. This has made a huge difference to my self confidence and self belief. I have achieved things I didn't think were possible.
PT may not be for everyone. But if you are going to try it, find a trainer you like and stick with it. The more trust you have, the better results you will get. For me, having a PT (or two!) has been the best thing I have ever done - both mentally and physically.
I got to Fitness First, so I pay my membership and then pay for PT on top of that. The trainers there are self employed - so they operate as their own business. They pay rent to FF which gives them access to the gym and clients. The cost depends on what type of training I am doing, and I do get a discount cause I train so much, and have been doing so for 12 months - generally for a one on one session you are looking at between $65-100 an hour. I also train with a friend once a week, which costs us $42 each. And then there's running group which works out at around $30 a session cause there are lots of us. Although sometimes it is just me, so I get a bargain!
For me it is worth every cent - and there are a hundred reasons! Motivation, accountability, advice, counselling, fun. I find if I book in a session then I have to go even if I don't feel like it. Once I get there I am fine. I also train alot harder when someone is standing beside me, and get better results. I lift heavier weights when I am with my PT because I am less worried about injuring myself or dropping them. I get pushed to do things I didn't think I could do. This was really highlighted in running group - Rusty would tell me something like - "run for 3 minutes on level 11". Yeah right! I was used to running on 8 or 9. Anyway, I did it every time. He always had faith in me, even when I didn't. This has made a huge difference to my self confidence and self belief. I have achieved things I didn't think were possible.
PT may not be for everyone. But if you are going to try it, find a trainer you like and stick with it. The more trust you have, the better results you will get. For me, having a PT (or two!) has been the best thing I have ever done - both mentally and physically.
I am so over feeling sick :(
My sore throat has turned into a cold/flu/aching everything. I have no energy whatsover and I am bored. I came into work today cause I am sick of lying in bed all day, and cause I have just started this job I don't get sick leave yet. Hopefully they will give me the last 2 days as annual leave so that I am not too poor this week.
The good side of all of this is that I have lost 2.4kg this week. I'm down to 79.0kg. Some of that I attribute to being sick and having no appetite - so it has been easy to stay away from banana bread and such atrocities! I haven't trained since Friday, but until then I had changed my program and really watched what I have been eating. So that has to play a part as well.
My other news is that I have spoken to a nutritionist. I was going to wait and see if my new training program makes a difference, but I decided to try it anyway. Firstly because it gives me some reassurance that I am eating the right types of foods, and secondly the right amounts. I found someone who specialises in weight loss as well as sports nutrition so I could get advice that takes both into account.
She said that generally my diet is very good, but has made a few small alterations to see how I go. I am probably only eating just enough, or slightly under what I should be eating for the amount of exercise that I do. So I can afford to eat a bit more, and her suggestion was to add a serve of low fat dairy each day, as my calcium and Vitamin D intake is a bit low. All my other vitamins and mineral intake looks fine. She also encourages one "free" meal a week, which is what I am doing now anyway. And my occasional treats could be lower in fat, however with the training I am doing it might not matter (my occasional treat might be something like some hot chips once a month). My meat and fish intake is good, fruit good and vegies very good for someone with salicylate allergy. I am happy with that because my food allergies make things so much harder sometimes.
I need to follow up with her in about 4 weeks. As long as the scales keep moving I am happy.
The good side of all of this is that I have lost 2.4kg this week. I'm down to 79.0kg. Some of that I attribute to being sick and having no appetite - so it has been easy to stay away from banana bread and such atrocities! I haven't trained since Friday, but until then I had changed my program and really watched what I have been eating. So that has to play a part as well.
My other news is that I have spoken to a nutritionist. I was going to wait and see if my new training program makes a difference, but I decided to try it anyway. Firstly because it gives me some reassurance that I am eating the right types of foods, and secondly the right amounts. I found someone who specialises in weight loss as well as sports nutrition so I could get advice that takes both into account.
She said that generally my diet is very good, but has made a few small alterations to see how I go. I am probably only eating just enough, or slightly under what I should be eating for the amount of exercise that I do. So I can afford to eat a bit more, and her suggestion was to add a serve of low fat dairy each day, as my calcium and Vitamin D intake is a bit low. All my other vitamins and mineral intake looks fine. She also encourages one "free" meal a week, which is what I am doing now anyway. And my occasional treats could be lower in fat, however with the training I am doing it might not matter (my occasional treat might be something like some hot chips once a month). My meat and fish intake is good, fruit good and vegies very good for someone with salicylate allergy. I am happy with that because my food allergies make things so much harder sometimes.
I need to follow up with her in about 4 weeks. As long as the scales keep moving I am happy.
Me in my new jeans
I took this Saturday night before I went out - I love my new jeans! These were the motivational ones I bought 1 size too small about 2 months ago.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Mushroom and Corn Fritters
As per Lisa's request, here's the recipe for Mushroom and Corn Fritters. Very quick and easy to make.
Recipe from Calorieking.com.au
Serves: 4 person(s)
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup self raising flour
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Combine eggs and milk in a bowl. Beat well. Stir in flour, corn, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil and paprika.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan. Cook spoonfuls of mixture on each side until golden. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Serve immediately.
Variations:
If using as a main meal, serve with steamed vegetables or salad.
If using for a snack or finger food, cook smaller sized fritters and accompany with a sweet chilli or tomato dipping sauce.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional information.
Recipe from Calorieking.com.au
Serves: 4 person(s)
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Ingredients:
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/3 cup self raising flour
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp paprika
2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Combine eggs and milk in a bowl. Beat well. Stir in flour, corn, mushrooms, onion, garlic, basil and paprika.
Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan. Cook spoonfuls of mixture on each side until golden. Drain on absorbent kitchen paper. Serve immediately.
Variations:
If using as a main meal, serve with steamed vegetables or salad.
If using for a snack or finger food, cook smaller sized fritters and accompany with a sweet chilli or tomato dipping sauce.
Serving suggestions are not included in the nutritional information.
Monday, August 20, 2007
70s 70s 70s 70s 70s 70s!!!!
79.8kg!!! I am so excited - it has finally happened. Yesterday was 79.9, so I think I can take 2 days in a row as official. Changing the plan really works! With my eating I have gone back to what I was doing at the start (not sure why I changed actually) of 6 days of being super good, and one day of not worrying too much at all. Saturday night I had pizza (just 2 slices of vegie pizza) and too much vodka. That was backed up with a bacon and egg roll Sunday morning. Apart from that I have 100% stuck to clean, healthy eating.
I am supposed to be running today - for the first time since City2Surf, but I have a sore throat and a cough so I am going to rest up for a few days. I can't get sick - I have a big week of training planned :(
I am supposed to be running today - for the first time since City2Surf, but I have a sore throat and a cough so I am going to rest up for a few days. I can't get sick - I have a big week of training planned :(
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Day 1 of the New Plan
I have managed to go a full day without banana bread - in fact it has been almost 36 hours since my last piece! I am a little hungry, but still have dinnner and some nuts to nibble on after so I think I have survived on a day of all healthy food and slightly less carbs. Yay me!
Here's what I've eaten today:
2 x weetbix with no fat milk and some apricots
1 punnett strawberries
1/2 pita bread with roast beef and salad
10 BBQ Sakata rice crackers
1 skim hot chocolate
And for dinner I am having mushroom and corn fritters with salad. Yum!
No running group tomorrow (we're having a week off), so am going to do a 6am weights/cardio session with Rusty instead. Looking forward to it - well not the 6am start so much, but the session.
My other news is that I am freelancing for my old work. They just couldn't let me go! I am going to do some design and proofing work for them occasionally because they still haven't replaced me in the Sydney office. My plan is to get enough hours to pay for my personal training - I want to be able to afford to do 4 sessions a week.
Must go get some food into me now... I'm hungry!
Here's what I've eaten today:
2 x weetbix with no fat milk and some apricots
1 punnett strawberries
1/2 pita bread with roast beef and salad
10 BBQ Sakata rice crackers
1 skim hot chocolate
And for dinner I am having mushroom and corn fritters with salad. Yum!
No running group tomorrow (we're having a week off), so am going to do a 6am weights/cardio session with Rusty instead. Looking forward to it - well not the 6am start so much, but the session.
My other news is that I am freelancing for my old work. They just couldn't let me go! I am going to do some design and proofing work for them occasionally because they still haven't replaced me in the Sydney office. My plan is to get enough hours to pay for my personal training - I want to be able to afford to do 4 sessions a week.
Must go get some food into me now... I'm hungry!
Assessments and a new plan
I did my assessments last night with Dan Dan the Trainer Man. I was a bit down that I had only lost 2.2kg in 6 weeks, but as he said, I shouldn't be. I have lost 3% body fat and a heap of centimetres, and I am heaps fitter. Becuase I am expecting more from myself we have devised a new plan for the next few weeks. 3 weeks til I go to Melbourne for my birthday, and I am on a mission!
I am only going to have banana bread once a week. I believe I have said that before, but I am going to try harder this time! I am going to keep a food diary and show him, so that if I am not happy with my results next time we can look closely at my diet. He also suggested I might like to see a nutritionist, because what I am eating generally is pretty good. But we'll try change the training a bit first and see if that boosts me along again.
He said that doing my long runs, whilst good for my fitness, are not helping with fat loss. After about 45 minutes of running, the benefits taper off - I keep running but I am reducing the amount of fat being burnt. So I am reducing my running and increasing my weights.
Here's the plan:
Monday - 45 min running - tempo or interval work
Tuesday - weights/intervals PT Dan
Wednesday - cycle/RPM class
Thursday - weights PT Dan
Friday - running group PT Rusty
Saturday - walking and yoga class or weights PT Dan
Sunday - rest
So there it is. Last night I weighed in at 81.4kg. Let's see how much difference this plan makes.
I am only going to have banana bread once a week. I believe I have said that before, but I am going to try harder this time! I am going to keep a food diary and show him, so that if I am not happy with my results next time we can look closely at my diet. He also suggested I might like to see a nutritionist, because what I am eating generally is pretty good. But we'll try change the training a bit first and see if that boosts me along again.
He said that doing my long runs, whilst good for my fitness, are not helping with fat loss. After about 45 minutes of running, the benefits taper off - I keep running but I am reducing the amount of fat being burnt. So I am reducing my running and increasing my weights.
Here's the plan:
Monday - 45 min running - tempo or interval work
Tuesday - weights/intervals PT Dan
Wednesday - cycle/RPM class
Thursday - weights PT Dan
Friday - running group PT Rusty
Saturday - walking and yoga class or weights PT Dan
Sunday - rest
So there it is. Last night I weighed in at 81.4kg. Let's see how much difference this plan makes.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
City2Surf Photos
I actually look like I am in as much pain as I thought I was... not the most attractive shot, but here it is!
And here's Rusty the Super Trainer. Without him I couldn't have done it - he put up with me at 6am twice a week for 10 weeks! But I'm worth it :)
And here's Rusty the Super Trainer. Without him I couldn't have done it - he put up with me at 6am twice a week for 10 weeks! But I'm worth it :)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Damn scales!
My scales are stuck. Or maybe it is just me? I am hovering around 80.7 - 81.0kg and have been here for at least 2 weeks. Why? I don't understand! I have trained HEAPS - lots of running, weights, boxing, walking. My eating has been pretty good and I haven't had any alcohol since 22 June - that is ages! I have dropped centimetres, cause I can feel it in my clothes. But I want to see the 70s!
I am going to do my assessments with Dan Dan the Trainer Man on Thursday night, so I will see exactly how much fat I have lost. Maybe I will ask him about my food and see what he recommends to get me started again.
I am going to do my assessments with Dan Dan the Trainer Man on Thursday night, so I will see exactly how much fat I have lost. Maybe I will ask him about my food and see what he recommends to get me started again.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Half Marathon
Had a discussion with Rusty the Super PT (he has earnt that title after City2Surf!) I have decided to do the 9km Bridge Run on 23 September, and then do the half marathon in May. That gives me time to keep training to improve my time, rather than just complete it. Plus hopefully I won't break myself in the process!
I did it!
I RAN THE CITY2SURF!!! Didn't quite make my time goal of 100 minutes - I did 107 minutes but am very happy with that because it was a hell of a lot harder than what I thought it would be. Dodging people and watching those cutting in front of you takes alot of your energy and focus. It makes it very hard to maintain a constant pace. But anyway, it was very very hard but alot of fun. We had a little picnic afterwards and then hobbled home for a nap!
I don't have any pics, cause didn't want to get my camera stolen as we just had a bag that was taken to the other end for us. I didn't even take my phone! I do however have some pics of me looking glam the night before...
Here's me and my besty Hannah
And here's Lucy, Hannah, Dan Dan the Trainer Man and me
I must also tell of my shopping success on Saturday. Hannah and I went for a wander up Military Rd in Neutral Bay and ended up in some really nice shops. She made me try on dresses in a really expensive shop - which I loved! But I wasn't in a position to spend $500 on a dress even if I did love it. But it made me feel good about myself, which was the aim. It was nice just being able to fit into such attire! After that we ended up in another little shop and found some much cheaper dresses. I tried on one which I loved, and then while I was there found another one which was $20 - so I got that as well!!! I spent a total of $130 and now have 2 pretty dresses. This is most exciting cause I can wear a bra with both of them (an essential for me!) and they look hot. I am so excited. I will post photos in a couple of weeks cause I am not going to show them off before my birthday.
So all in all a fabulous weekend. I bought 2 dresses and I ran the City2Surf. Now I am tired and resting!
I don't have any pics, cause didn't want to get my camera stolen as we just had a bag that was taken to the other end for us. I didn't even take my phone! I do however have some pics of me looking glam the night before...
Here's me and my besty Hannah
And here's Lucy, Hannah, Dan Dan the Trainer Man and me
I must also tell of my shopping success on Saturday. Hannah and I went for a wander up Military Rd in Neutral Bay and ended up in some really nice shops. She made me try on dresses in a really expensive shop - which I loved! But I wasn't in a position to spend $500 on a dress even if I did love it. But it made me feel good about myself, which was the aim. It was nice just being able to fit into such attire! After that we ended up in another little shop and found some much cheaper dresses. I tried on one which I loved, and then while I was there found another one which was $20 - so I got that as well!!! I spent a total of $130 and now have 2 pretty dresses. This is most exciting cause I can wear a bra with both of them (an essential for me!) and they look hot. I am so excited. I will post photos in a couple of weeks cause I am not going to show them off before my birthday.
So all in all a fabulous weekend. I bought 2 dresses and I ran the City2Surf. Now I am tired and resting!
Friday, August 10, 2007
2 more sleeps...
and I can stop obsessing about City2Surf!!! It will all be over soon. I have decided that I am not going to run next week - I am taking a few days off from running to let my body recover. We are going to continue running group once a week - if it starts again next Friday I might do it, but no earlier than that!
I was stretching at the gym this morning before running group, and a girl came up to me and asked how the running was going. She said I looked like I had lost alot of weight too! How cool is that?!! It was the biggest boost at 6am! I see her around alot, but I have never spoken to her. It is amazing how one comment can change your outlook for the day.
I am looking forward to my pasta on Saturday. Bring on the carbs!!! I can't remember the last time I ate pasta. Maybe this running idea isn't so bad after all.
I was stretching at the gym this morning before running group, and a girl came up to me and asked how the running was going. She said I looked like I had lost alot of weight too! How cool is that?!! It was the biggest boost at 6am! I see her around alot, but I have never spoken to her. It is amazing how one comment can change your outlook for the day.
I am looking forward to my pasta on Saturday. Bring on the carbs!!! I can't remember the last time I ate pasta. Maybe this running idea isn't so bad after all.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
To Half or Not to Half
I wasn't going to EVER consider doing a half marathon. But now I am thanks to Cath, Kate, Anita, Donna, Rusty.... the list goes on! As has been pointed out by my ever encouraging friends, the half marathon is only 5km longer than my longest run (16km) - which sounds like alot less than saying 21km. It is 6 weeks away - can I train hard for another 6 weeks so I can make it in the allocated time? Probably. Actually I could probably do it in the allocated time now - you need to average 8min/km. I am planning to do City2Surf in 7min10sec/km. Another 6 weeks of training, and I should be able to maintain that pace for 21km. Maybe? God that sounds like a long way!
Here's what else is going through my head. I have been training full on 5-6 days a week since mid April. I am ready for some time out. Maybe I take it easy next week and that will be enough rest? I've also got my birthday weekend 7/8/9 September for which I am boycotting all exercise unless it is walking around the shops/to the pub/on the dance floor. Hmmmm - that could do the trick.
I also need a new goal after City2Surf as I am concious of my need for a goal with a defined and measurable outcome (can you tell I've done managment courses?!!). Until this afternoon I had no idea what that would be. Well, except for the obvious - get to goal weight! But I need to focus on something other than the scales. I already have my fitness age for strength and cardio down to 18. I need to improve my flexibility. Not that running helps with that though! In fact the opposite. Perhaps it could be the half marathon after all....
Look how far we've come
Do you ever take the time to sit back and look at where you have come from? Every time I do running group I think about it, because in just 10 weeks I have come such a long way that I have totally amazed myself. I never thought I could do it. I didn't believe in myself enough to think that I could actually be a 'runner'. But I am! The boys at the gym are so encouraging as well. They take the piss most of the time though! I give as good as I get, and that is what makes going to the gym so much fun.
I also have some really exciting news. My work is moving to North Sydney! It will be so good to be working back in North Sydney again. I am looking forward to frequenting all my fav lunch spots and fav hot chocolate shop. Plus I will have lots of lunch dates again. Not sure when it will happen yet, but I can't wait.
I also have some really exciting news. My work is moving to North Sydney! It will be so good to be working back in North Sydney again. I am looking forward to frequenting all my fav lunch spots and fav hot chocolate shop. Plus I will have lots of lunch dates again. Not sure when it will happen yet, but I can't wait.
Monday, August 06, 2007
City2Surf
The countdown is on. This time next week I will have completed the big event in less than 100 minutes (how's that for positive thinking!). Here's my very own number...
I am feeling pretty nervous about it. There has been such a big build up with all the training I have been doing. For the past 10 weeks I have dragged myself out of bed at 5.10am twice a week to do the hardest training sessions I have ever done. I have woken up Sunday mornings with the dread of having to do a long run. My thoughts have been consumed with eating right the night before a run or timing my Sunday mornings so I can have a little bit of breakfast a couple of hours before running. I have fallen asleep during House on a Wednesday night because I got up so early, plus did a weights PT session the night before. Friday nights have been total non-events and Saturday nights haven't been much better, because it is all about the training! Running between 10 and 16km is hard enough - there's no need to add the after effects of a big night out into the mix!
So because this has all been so hard, I am putting alot of pressure on myself to run the 14km in under 100 minutes. I want it all to be worth it. And I can't wait for it to be over so that I can have a big night out and then a sleep in!
I am feeling pretty nervous about it. There has been such a big build up with all the training I have been doing. For the past 10 weeks I have dragged myself out of bed at 5.10am twice a week to do the hardest training sessions I have ever done. I have woken up Sunday mornings with the dread of having to do a long run. My thoughts have been consumed with eating right the night before a run or timing my Sunday mornings so I can have a little bit of breakfast a couple of hours before running. I have fallen asleep during House on a Wednesday night because I got up so early, plus did a weights PT session the night before. Friday nights have been total non-events and Saturday nights haven't been much better, because it is all about the training! Running between 10 and 16km is hard enough - there's no need to add the after effects of a big night out into the mix!
So because this has all been so hard, I am putting alot of pressure on myself to run the 14km in under 100 minutes. I want it all to be worth it. And I can't wait for it to be over so that I can have a big night out and then a sleep in!
The Elite
It was Dan Dan the Trainer Man's bday last week, so Hannah and I had special tshirts made for him and ourselves. We wear them every Tuesday night when we train with him! It is a bit of a long story, but a while ago Dan had a medical done, and the end result was that he had the fitness of an elite athlete. He therefore tells us he is elite, every chance he gets! So we put Elite on the back of our tshirts. All the other things are little jokes we have between us - the sort of thing you have to be there for. He thought it was hilarious (as did we!).
Friday, August 03, 2007
Me as a Simpson...
Here's me as a Simpson character. By the way, I saw the movie and it is awesome! I am not a diehard Simpsons fan, but I do enjoy it occasionally. The movie was unreal.
Check this out... http://simpsonizeme.com/#
Check this out... http://simpsonizeme.com/#
What a morning!
Firstly, thanks Tiny Donna - I didn't quite do 41 hours of walking the other day! He he! Nice typo.
It has been a big morning, and it is not even 11am yet. Had running group this morning and ran til I was sick. So gross, but my trainer is very proud! I am trying just to think of the weight loss - although I hadn't eaten anything. Then, as I have sold my car, I had to drop it off in St Leonards and do the whole exchange thing, which is all done now. While I was doing that I got a call from Dan Dan the Trainer Man (one of my PTs) cause my besty Hannah hadn't turned up for her training session. She is super reliable, super organised and always on time. So after numerous phone calls I went round to her place and rang the bell. She eventually answered - crawled out of bed with a hangover! Very big night it seems. Anyway, she is safe and well. At least she will be well tomorrow - the rest of today might be a bit of a struggle :)
So all that is done already. I made it to work a bit late, but had planned for that. Have already approved several jobs for print and got the design team working well so I feel like I could go home now and feel like I have achieved something! It might be a very long day. Bring on the weekend!
It has been a big morning, and it is not even 11am yet. Had running group this morning and ran til I was sick. So gross, but my trainer is very proud! I am trying just to think of the weight loss - although I hadn't eaten anything. Then, as I have sold my car, I had to drop it off in St Leonards and do the whole exchange thing, which is all done now. While I was doing that I got a call from Dan Dan the Trainer Man (one of my PTs) cause my besty Hannah hadn't turned up for her training session. She is super reliable, super organised and always on time. So after numerous phone calls I went round to her place and rang the bell. She eventually answered - crawled out of bed with a hangover! Very big night it seems. Anyway, she is safe and well. At least she will be well tomorrow - the rest of today might be a bit of a struggle :)
So all that is done already. I made it to work a bit late, but had planned for that. Have already approved several jobs for print and got the design team working well so I feel like I could go home now and feel like I have achieved something! It might be a very long day. Bring on the weekend!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Confessions of a gym junkie
I think I am obsessed with training at the moment. I am so focussed on City2Surf, I am training as much as I can to be as fit as I can for the big day. Feeling really tired today, so going to have a rest day. Just some walking for me. I will not go to the gym! Not really surprising though... here's what I have done over the past week.
Friday - 1 hour running PT session(400m sprints), 45 min walking
Saturday - 1 hour walking, 30 min cardio, 30 min weights, 30 min stretching
Sunday - 16km run (2 hours), 30 min walking
Monday - 1 hour walking
Tuesday - 41 hour walking, 1 hour cardio/weights PT session
Wednesday - 1 hour running PT session (fartlek work), 20 min stretching, 20 min weights, 45 min walking
Thursday - 45 min walking
Man that is a big week of exercise! A little insane perhaps. As next week is leading up to City2Surf it will be a little easier, especially towards the end of the week. Here's the plan:
Friday - 1 hour running PT session (tempo work), 45 min walking
Saturday - 2 hours walking, 30 min stretching
Sunday - 13km run (1.5 hours)
Monday - 45 min walking, rest
Tuesday - 1 hour walking, 1 hour PT cardio/weights session
Wednesday - 1 hour running PT session, 45 min walking
Thursday - rest
Friday - 1 hour running PT session... lots of stretching
Saturday - rest
Sunday - CITY2SURF!!!!
Friday - 1 hour running PT session(400m sprints), 45 min walking
Saturday - 1 hour walking, 30 min cardio, 30 min weights, 30 min stretching
Sunday - 16km run (2 hours), 30 min walking
Monday - 1 hour walking
Tuesday - 41 hour walking, 1 hour cardio/weights PT session
Wednesday - 1 hour running PT session (fartlek work), 20 min stretching, 20 min weights, 45 min walking
Thursday - 45 min walking
Man that is a big week of exercise! A little insane perhaps. As next week is leading up to City2Surf it will be a little easier, especially towards the end of the week. Here's the plan:
Friday - 1 hour running PT session (tempo work), 45 min walking
Saturday - 2 hours walking, 30 min stretching
Sunday - 13km run (1.5 hours)
Monday - 45 min walking, rest
Tuesday - 1 hour walking, 1 hour PT cardio/weights session
Wednesday - 1 hour running PT session, 45 min walking
Thursday - rest
Friday - 1 hour running PT session... lots of stretching
Saturday - rest
Sunday - CITY2SURF!!!!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Weigh in and City 2 Surf
Weighed in last night, and I didn't make it to the 70s. Boo hoo! I am the same as Saturday... 80.7kg. So next week it is then. I WILL BE A 70S GIRL NEXT TUESDAY!!!
Had running group this morning. I am now slumped in my chair at work not planning on going anywhere in the near future cause me legs don't work so good no more! I have decided to aim for a time of under 100 minutes for the City 2 Surf. It sounds like a good round number, it will push me and encourage me to keep going. Although, walking to work this morning I did think that it doesn't actually allow for slowing down amongst thousands and thousands of people. Oh well - I will just have to work harder at avoiding them! 100 minutes it is.
Had running group this morning. I am now slumped in my chair at work not planning on going anywhere in the near future cause me legs don't work so good no more! I have decided to aim for a time of under 100 minutes for the City 2 Surf. It sounds like a good round number, it will push me and encourage me to keep going. Although, walking to work this morning I did think that it doesn't actually allow for slowing down amongst thousands and thousands of people. Oh well - I will just have to work harder at avoiding them! 100 minutes it is.
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