12WBT day fifty five – Post triathalon

So yesterday was triathalon day. I had been dreading this day from the moment I heard about it, and even more so because I didn’t get a chance to do the mini triathalon the week before, so I really had no idea what to expect. I mean, I’ve not been the most dedicated person in respect to the exercise part of this program. I stand by the fact that I don’t really enjoy exercising, I am by nature a lazy person who likes to sit and read, and I really don’t enjoy the sweaty stinky feeling of exercise. The most I have ever done was two classes when I was going to Fernwood gym and those classes only went for 45mins and well one of them was a BodyBalance class and I never really got much of a sweat up doing BodyBalance (it was my cheats way of exercising I always felt).

But yesterday I was under instruction from Michelle Bridges to do a triathalon. We had choices – we could do a set of a 5km walk/jog, 800m swim and 10km bike ride if we were doing it at home or if we were doing it at a gym we had options of doing 3000m on the rowing machine, 10km on the bike and 5km on the treadmill or if we weren’t inclined to do that (which I wasn’t….) we could do three classes back to back. So here is me looking at this trying to work out what to do and I thought hmmm I’ll take the option of the classes, because classes are only 45mins each, which will get me in and out in just over 2 hours. Did I take into consideration that just because Fernwood classes were only 45mins didn’t necessarily mean that The Lodge would have classes of the same duration? In a word – no. So I got sucked in to doing three one hour classes back to back – BodyPump followed by BodyCombat finishing with Zumba.

And you know what. I DID IT. Oh yeah, I’m shouting it from the rooftops, because it is the first time I have ever done it (and quite possibly the last). I was joined in my endeavor by the wonderful Miss Kathy who kept me bolstered and going (by threatening to hold onto my leg and drag me back into the class if I tried to leave I admit), but who just made the whole thing more bearable and fun. Yes I did say fun. Because it really was. It was mind numbing, and draining and painful, but it was kind of fun. And I have never felt so accomplished in my life. I’m so damn proud of myself for dong it, but I’m also pretty damned proud of myself for not dying afterwards (though today, the pain really has set in and everything just hurts).

The trainers who were teaching the classes were great. The BodyPump class wasn’t my favourite, only because there were parts of it that were very hard for me to do with my wrist, but at those points I modified somehow. The BodyCombat class was a tag-team affair between two of the instructors and it was by far my favourite of the three classes (in fact I will be doing this class at least three times next week), with a lot of boxing moves in it, which I LOVE The Zumba class at the end was my least favourite. I love doing Zumba at home, but in a class situation I just didn’t like it. The instructor really didn’t take time to explain the steps very well, just seeming content with the fact that there were a lot of returnees. However, there were also about 7 of us newbies in the class, so I found for most of the hour I was quite lost and just doing whatever I wanted. All in all though – a great three hours.

So I didn’t blog last night because I was knackered (went shopping with my mum after the gym, and got some great material for my little sisters baby quilt – pictures shall come soon) so tonight, I give you my daily stats for yesterday (day fifty four) followed by daily stats for today.

FoodCalories in
BServe of All Bran with 1/2 cup milk226
SBanana99
LTuna 6" subway – no cheese300
DChicken stew400
Total1025

ExerciseCalories out

3Hrs Triathalon – BodyPump, BodyCombat & Zumba1521
Triathalon details, 35% fat – avg HR 132 (71%), Max HR 169 (91%) 
BMR1781
Total3302
Calories surplus/defecit-2277

Daily stats for Sunday:

FoodCalories in
B 2 pieces toast with cheese306
SBanana99
LTuna 6" subway – no cheese, missing half the bread250
DLamb roast400
Total1055

ExerciseCalories out

No exercise today0
BMR1781
Total1781
Calories surplus/defecit-726

12WBT day forty five – Weights to go go

Had to push myself to go to the gym this afternoon. I was driving home, with everything packed in my bag, all ready for me to just rock up to the gym and change and I kept thinking of different reasons why I shouldn’t go. I had this to do, I had that to do, I could be doing this instead. But in the end, I think the car must have been on automatic pilot because I ended up at the gym just like I should have. And to top it off:

I RAN!!!!! Yes it’s true. I jumped on the treadmill and started doing intervals, and I did 15 mins of running intervals. Big thing for me that was, because the last time I tried to do jogging I ended up having a panic attack because I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But this time I just sucked it up and did it, and what’s even better (for me at least) is: I TOOK MY HANDS OFF THE TREADMILL. Yes I know I’m shouting I’m shouting, but that’s how excited I feel. I had such a big big fear of taking my hands off the treadmill in case I tripped and fell, thereby breaking my wrist again. Silly, irrational fear I know, but it’s a very big fear for me. But tonight, I did it. So I’m pretty chuffed with myself tonight. Not only did I go to the gym after I was so totally not going to, but I ran. Yep I ROCK. 🙂

So, daily stats for today:

FoodCalories in
BOats with 2t brown sugar, ½ cup milk & medium apple 307
S3 dim sims308
LChicken salad200
DNats lasagna300
Total1115

ExerciseCalories out

1hr cardio/weights: 45% fat, Avg HR 133 (72%), Max HR 170 (91%)600
BMR1791
Total2391
Calories surplus/defecit-1276

12WBT days forty three & forty four – Nothing new to report

Well as the title suggests there is nothing new to report. I’ve been a bit slack on the upkeep of my food journal, but rest assured I have been making good food choices, with nothing bad thrown in the way. In fact Nat’s lasagna has been a real hit at home and we have it at least once a week now, and I’m making up an extra dish of it this weekend so that I can freeze it for ease when I have nights at the gym.

Speaking of the gym. I went in last night for my official induction and to get my personal weights plan worked out – don’t get me wrong, I love that we get it supplied with the 12WBT program, but I’m looking for something specifically for me. I have my own problem areas that I want to target, so I feel that this is the best way for me to go. I got set up with all the weights I’m going to be doing, we went through them all to work out what each individual machine should be set to, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that I haven’t lost all my strength – lower body strength anyway. My weights were only a little lower than when I was previously going to the gym, so I’m pretty sure that in no time I will be surpassing my old weights. I’m so enthusiastic to get back into it again, I realised last night just how much I missed working out with weights. I was never much into the cardio side of things – always pretty much detested the treadmill, still don’t like it much, but I always loved jumping on and doing some weight work. So I’m pretty enthused about heading back to the gym tonight. I just wish my wrist would allow me to do a bit more of the upper body weights to really target my flabby yucky tuckshop arms. But I’ll work on that, and do the weights that I can for now.

So tonight, I promise I will put up my daily stats. Oh and yesterday was weigh in. I lost 900gm which I’m happy with. It’s not the bigger numbers I was getting when I first started, but I was pretty slack last week and only exercised twice, so I can’t be too surprised at smaller numbers. 900gm is still impressive for me. All up, 13.3kg lost now, so I’m pretty chuffed with myself.

12WBT day thirty eight – Farewell biscuits

We had a farewell do at work this afternoon and out came the Arnotts biscuits. I admit, I caved. Nothing else of note to say today, except I didn’t do any formal exercise, but I did go for a walk at lunch and was gone for an hour and a half (some of that time was in the shops) so while I can’t actually log the time (due to non wearing of HRM) I did do some, so I’m just putting that exercise in the back of my head as a pleasant surprise for later. Oh and on non 12WBT news, got some wicked black and silver shoes today. Shweet 🙂 Daily stats now:

FoodCalories in
B2 pieces toast with cheese306
SSmall apple45
LLeek and Potato soup213
SArnotts biscuits244
DHoisin beef stir-fry with spring vegetables300
Total1108

ExerciseCalories out

No exercise0
BMR1811
Total1811
Calories surplus/defecit-703

12WBT day six – I think I might possibly die =)

Today has been a WOW day. I didn’t do my Super Saturday smash it day yesterday, so I decided to do it today. My partner is a pretty keen bike rider (he’s also pretty fit so riding for him is no big deal) so I convinced him that we needed to go for one of his rides. I figured I’d be able to burn a few calories going with him, and it’s also outside in the fresh air. Apart from the fact that it’s exercise, I generally enjoy going for a small ride. So he was up for the ride, had the track all planned out, so off we went.

OMG did I regret asking him or what? I think I am possibly going to die from this bike ride. I admit I feel energised and absolutely fantastic that we have done the ride, but oh god oh god oh god, the pain is immense right now. We did a 16km round trip and I managed to burn off 1241 calories, which I don’t think I have ever burnt in my life. (Did I mention OMG THE PAIN…)

Eating hasn’t been a big deal for me today. I had baked beans and toast for brekkie and Nat’s lasagna for lunch. A pretty rich carb diet today, but I knew I was going to need that energy for the ride that. And boy did I or what. Did I mention – 16km – a major feat for me. I’m so proud of myself right now I could almost swing from the ceilings. Apart from the pain 🙂

I’m really looking forward to the week to come. I’ve been doing 12WBT for a week now and feel great. I know I’ve had my flat days, getting used to smaller portions and getting used to exercising. I know I’ve also let it slip a bit with the exercise and haven’t pushed myself as hard as I should have. But for a couch potato, I think I’ve done alright. I like to think so anyway. I’m sure Michelle Bridges would probably disagree with me and tell me that I SHOULD have done more. But while it’s not baby steps, it’s toddler steps for me.

Next thing for me to work on is to start getting my confidence back in relation to falling over. I need to try and get over this fear that every tiny little slip is going to end up with me falling and breaking a bone. I also really want to get the confidence to wear my high heels again. I miss wearing heels, but I’m so afraid of falling, I don’t wear them. I’m not sure these 12 weeks are going to help me fix that, but it’s something to work on.

So for those who are interested, below is our bike ride mapped out (who knew there were websites like MapMyRide – I love love love). As soon as I get them off my phone, I have a few photos taken of the scenery of the ride too. It really was absolutely gorgeous and a lovely day to be out there.

And let me also not forget – Daily food and exercise stats below ride map.

FoodCalories in
B200g Baked beans in tomato sauce with 2 soy & linseed bread352
LNat’s Lasagna325
S1 Medium apple78
DBeef, creamy mushroom sauce & spinach & 200g sweet potato425
Total1180

ExerciseCalories out

2:10:54 Bike ride (16km round trip). Avg HR – 139 Max HR – 1591241
BMR1863
Total3104
Calories surplus/defecit-1924

12WBT day five – Feeling better

Today I felt so so so much better. I wonder if it could have anything to do with the fact that it was the weekend? I had so many other things to do that I didn’t have time to sit and think about food. I have definitely linked up the fact that I sit at a desk all day with time to think, and the fact that I literally only think about food all the time (there is nothing else to think about).

Today when I woke up I had so much energy and I didn’t feel at all hungry. I got up, got dressed and did my fitness test and felt great. Had a shower and then, and only then, did I have breakfast. Up until that point I hadn’t even thought about eating. I was a little disappointed with the time I did on my 1km time trial. I mapped out my track with the car, so I was happy with it, as it was around home and I knew the streets well. I got out there, started walking at a really good, quick pace and was just about to up the pace with a bit of jogging (big achievement for me – I never jog) and then I hit mud and started sliding. It knocked the wind out of me. All I could think was “Oh Shit, I’m going to fall and break my wrist again”. That was it. My speed slowed right down and I just couldn’t get it back up there again to even think about jogging. Once that fear got back in my head, it was all over red rover for me. I don’t know how to break this (irrational, I know) fear that I am going to fall again and hurt myself. It’s been 18 months since I did it. It’s not going to happen again like it did. But there we go, I let it get in my head and affect my time. I have to work on that for next time.

Overall had an okay day eating. Had to go to the shops to do food shopping today and had such a busy day, and we weren’t home in time for lunch, so we had to do the dreaded Food Mall. OMG the smells of that place nearly did me in. KFC, McDonalds, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, all my favourite foods. In the end I had a lamb yiros, with lettuce, tomato and a tiny tiny bit of garlic sauce. Had the chickpea rissoles for dinner and I have to say that I really quite enjoyed them. Very yummy.

So as I said earlier I did my fitness test today – and am sad to say that with everything else that I had on today I just didn’t get to do any other exercise. But my results for my fitness test were as follows:

1km time trial: 10min 46sec
Pushups: 26 (Intermediate)
(I have to modify my pushups as I have a plate in my right wrist. I have my left hand flat on the ground and my right fist on the ground)
Abdominal Strength Test: Stage 1 – Wrist to kneecaps (I did a whole ONE sit up)
Wall sit: 49seconds
Sit and reach test: -3cm (Intermediate)

Am really looking forward to seeing how much better I do in 4 weeks when I do the fitness test again.

And as usual, here are my daily food and exercise stats:

FoodCalories in
B200g Baked beans in tomato sauce with 2 min paninis342
L3/4 yiros with lettuce, tomato and 2t garlic sauce350
S1 Ferrero Rocher72
DChickpea Rissoles with salad250
Total1014

ExerciseCalories out

Fitness test125
BMR1863
Total1988
Calories surplus/defecit-974

I think I may just be getting fitter!

Okay so major revelation for me this morning. When I started my current job 8 weeks ago, we had to go to a meeting. Considering everyone here is younger and a LOT fitter than I am (they’re quite the sporty types), they all walk to the meeting, rather than cabbing it. Which is a good thing, considering that at my last place of employment, the cab charges were handed out like party favours – and believe me I made use of that. So when we did that walk 8 weeks ago – not a long walk, probably only about 10 minutes or so – by the end, I felt like I was dying. I was hot, sweaty, uncomfortable and just plain miserable, wondering why I had joined a team of healthy, sporty people that I was nothing like. Today however, different story. I am very proud to say, that I made that walk with ease. In fact walking quicker than half of the team members and arrived at the meeting fresh as a daisy and ready to do the walk back. I know it’s only a short walk, and a small step, but my god I was proud of myself. I can only imagine how I’m going to be in 12 weeks. I’m so excited.

Proud moment number two – I did my 12WBT weigh in this morning and since my last weigh in (on Saturday, my ritual weigh in day with Nicole) I have lost 1.2kg. I’m a little unconvinced about this – I do believe it’s fluid loss and possibly not all fat, but hey, I’m going to take that loss, and look forward to my next official weigh in on Wednesday 30 June. Unfortunately this means that I’m not going to be able to do my weigh in days with Nicole anymore, as I refuse to start obsessing quite that much over my weight that I weigh twice a week. So my little weight chart on the sidebar here, is now going to have a couple of close dates, but by next week it will be all right again.

Negative moment of the day – Having done so well yesterday of avoiding the temptation of fresh scones, with jam and cream, which our team members bought in, I did cave today, when another team member bought in muffins for some celebration. I do believe I have used up all my snack allowances on that half a muffin I ate. However, I have to say, it really was quite lovely and I savoured every single bite of it. I will make sure though, that next time, I stick an apple in my mouth so that I can’t be tempted to do the muffin thing again. Really quite scared to look at the calorie count of that ½ muffin too. Oh dear.

12WBT day two – Still on track

Am absolutely knackered today. Been a big day of work and exercising and a late night last (which I MUST stop doing). So tonight is just a very quick post with today’s stats. Only because I still have dishes to do and I need a little bit of down time before I go to bed tonight. So stats for today:

FoodCalories in
BPorridge with 2t brown sugar, mixed fruit and 1/2 cup milk300
S1 Forme Vanilla yoghurt and 140g carrot135
LThai Beef Salad310
S1 Orange & 50g celery75
DCajun chicken with sweet potato wedges & avocado salad300
Total1120

 

ExerciseCalories out
35 minute power walk at lunchtime (Average heart rate 138)300
46 minute bike ride and power walk 441
BMR1863
Total2604
Calories surplus/defecit-1484

Oh and did everyone else find the Thai Beef Salad absolutely huge and so yummy and delicious because I certainly did.

12WBT day one

WOW, what can I say about today except for WOW. I went to bed last night with the intention of getting up at 5.30am to get some extra exercise in today. Well, as I half expected, the warmth of my bed kept me there, tucked in nice and tight and I didn’t get up until 6am when the alarm went off. I made sure that I was all prepared for my breakfast last night though, so all I had to do was add my water to the oats and put it in the microwave and then watch the news while eating my lurvely porridge.

So to make up for my lack of 5.30am exercise, I went for a great power walk at lunch time, through the botanical gardens (I’m that lucky that I work right next door to the gardens) and burned up a nice 300cals. Completely stuffed me for the rest of the day though, but I still did the Jillian Michaels Kickboxing DVD with Nic when I got home.

Dinner was lamb cutlets with mushy peas, ricotta and mint and that was surprisingly nice.

Overall, this was a great first day. I’m not hungry – even though I am constantly thinking about food, and just feel invigorated overall. And really looking forward to tomorrow. Bring it on.

So below are my stats for today, and also my starting weight and measurement stats, which I will update weekly.

FoodCalories in
BPorridge with dates and 2t brown sugar316
S1 small pear &
100g celery
69
L2 cups pumpkin soup227
S1 Forme Strawberry yoghurt & 140g carrot130
DLamb cutlets with mushy peas297
Total1039

 

ExerciseCalories out
33 minute power walk at lunchtime (Average heart rate 140)306
Jillian Michaels Kickboxing DVD (26mins)250
BMR1863
Total2419
Calories surplus/defecit-1380

 

Weight Chest Waist Hips Thighs Arms
Start 110.5 108cm 122cm 137cm 72cm 45.5cm
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12

So a new week is about to begin

Oh the excitement I am feeling right now is quite indescribable. I got my nutrition and workout plans for the official kick-off of the 12 Week Body Transformation program this afternoon. Lots of exciting meals, that have been all worked out for me, all I have to do is cook them. Again, can I say – EXCITED! My 1200 calories a day are now sorted.

I suppose I should be a bit more excited about the exercise plan, but lets face it – my life revolves around food. I spend pretty much most of my day thinking about it, and the other part of my day eating it. So there really isn’t much room left for me to get excited even thinking about exercise let alone doing it. However, as a new fitness guru in the making (ahem, yes that would be me), I am determined to start enjoying my exercise and not putting it off with dumb and weak excuses.

So excuse me, but I must now go and read over my menu again for the coming week (and perhaps do a few modifications for breakfast – baked beans on a Monday morning isn’t really my thing).

Oh and just a quick P.S. – My black work pants are now a little loose on me. I have only lost about 4kg so far, but already they are looser. God it’s a nice feeling.