6km this morning BOOYAHHH!

It felt awesome to be running again. I was able to run the entire distance at a pace only slightly slower than my normal pace PLUS just under 500 calories burnt.

At the moment I have NO niggles. I did lots of stretching afterwards so hopefully it stays that way. No running tomorrow, maybe a swim. I am due to do 12km on Sunday and I think I am ready for it! That will be my last longish distance before the Half marathon the following Sunday - eeekk.

Have a great day, Mons X

A small loss - I'm OK with that!

Given I did only light exercise for most of the week plus I had a mini blowout Saturday night. I lost 100g - a loss is a loss, right???? I am now 71.1kg. I have set a mini challenge for myself. I want to be at 69.9kg by next weigh in. I figure if I can run again it is totally achievable. It is 1.2kg, thats it!

Pulled up OK this morning so I did 5km run/walk, abs and lots of stretching. My knee is still not quite right, but not any worse. Pain in the top of my foot is completely gone and my achilles are holding up quite well. No running tomorrow morning, cross trainer, toning and stretching will do me. I will try for a run again Friday.

Eating just OK today, three squares of caramello chocolate after lunch and small piece of bread this afternoon. Not a great start to my mini challenge...

Mons X

Plans change...OK

Haven't had a computer for a couple of days, but I'm back now!

My weekly plan has changed now that I have discovered I CAN run, but not too far. Walked for 2km today and RAN for 2km. It felt sooo good. I did it to see if there would be any further knee, top of foot or achilles issues. So far, so good. We will see in the morning. If, at 5:30am tomorrow, I am feeling good I am going to run 5km followed by some serious stretching. My plan now looks like:

Wednesday - 5km run & lots of stretching (maybe a 5km walk instead)
Thursday - core & toning
Friday - spin or 5km run (depending on how I feel)
Saturday - toning (probably a pump class)
Sunday - 10km long(ish) run
Monday - swim

Eating wise, I have been pretty good. Still picking here and there darn it! Nothing major. Hopefully on track for some sort of loss in tomorrows weigh in. Half kilo to a kilo would be great, we will see.

Cheers, Mons X

Change of plan...for now!

Okay, so I am over my self pity, poor me I can't run at the moment thing. I have a plan for next week to get me back on track. I have been assured my current fitness will get me over the line (perhaps not in the time I had originally hoped) for the Melbourne half marathon in two weeks today.

My plan for next week now looks like this:

Monday: Spin class
Tuesday: Pump class
Wednesday: Spin class
Thursday: Try a 5-6km run on the treadmill
Friday: Spin class or swim (depending on how I pull up from the run the day before)
Saturday: Swim
Sunday: 10km run

Food wise - I lashed out a bit last night - 2 glasses of red wine with dinner and some garlic/cheese pizza entree. Been kind of good today. I had 3 squares of caramel chocolate - it was REALLY good, enjoyed every bit. Thankfully I was able to stop at three!

I have a good plan for the week and will be back on track.
No more feeling BLAH, get on with it Mons.

Cheers X

First massage

Had my first ever massage today, it was great. Very sore now though. He was really informative. Being a runner himself, and seemed to know what I was going through. His main point was to listen to my body, if its too much, back off! He gave a some great stretches to do in between runs.

The swelling in my knee is almost gone, but the top of my foot is still really sore. Too sore to run so far. I will see tomorrow if I will do a run on Sunday. It is 16km, but I may just do 10km.

Eating today was OK to start. Had a tiny piece of birthday cake this afternoon and more dinner (not the program dinner - a dry curry chicken rice thingy) than I needed. On the flip side, I didn't have any wine and it was actually poured for me because I initially said yes!

Feel very lethargic, probably a combination of the massage and not doing any exercise. It seems the less I do the less I want to do!

Have a great weekend! Mons X

Did I say I was injured???

Yes I did, and yes I am. Went to the physio today and it is not as bad as it seems - YAY. I will still be able to run (walk, crawl) the Melbourne half marathon on the 9 October in some fashion. I have to rest though, not happy Jan. Will do the full rest thing for tomorrow and maybe the next day, but that's IT. I will at least be swimming, walking or something (anything) after that.

This all means my eating needs to be SUPER clean. I had a great day today with the exception of a couple of edges (which amounted to a piece in the end) of the raspberry coconut slice I made for the school fair. The next item I made was a chocolate cake so I could not sample. I did lick the spoon for the icing!

These little licks and tastes are adding up, it needs to stop, particularly when I cannot exercise. I need a miracle here...HELP I don't want to be injured anymore, I want to get on with it!

Mons

Loss :) and injured again :(

A great start to the day with the weigh in. 1.8kg loss to take me sooooo close to the 60's. Feeling good, great clean eating day. Had a fruit chew after lunch and a teeny tiny bit of a cupcake (well, the icing), but no major stuff ups.

BUT...

I am injured again! What a whinger. My slightly swollen knee and sore top of foot is not getting any better, actually a bit worse as the day has gone on. I took a rest day today from the gym thinking that would help. I guess I will see tomorrow. I will do cross training tomorrow as I don't have any knee pain as such and see how that goes.

If its not better tomorrow I will go to the physio. I hate to think what she will tell me. I'm scared! I HAVE to get through the next 2.5weeks, do the run THEN concentrate on recovery. I know exactly why I am injured - too much on Sunday after not doing enough the weeks leading up to it. Idiot.

Cross training for a while me thinks, and lots of clean eating. I can get through this.

Mons X

Groundhog day

This is getting a bit boring but...I had another great day today. I am very proud of myself!

Eating was smashing, although I was super hungry this morning after my run so I had extra cereal and milk than my set portion.

Resisted cupcakes this afternoon - I bought them for my husband and son when I went shopping for avocado for tonight. Not sure why I did that, perhaps to prove that I can resist. I did eat crumbs off the plate when they had finished, a bit sad really!!!

Also ran 6km this morning plus some abs and core, blew 530 calories. It is TTOM for me, but I think weigh in should be pretty good anyway, I am expecting a loss of some sort. I will be happy with around 1kg me thinks.

Toning/core tomorrow morning, it will give my poor legs a rest, they need it. My right knee has been a little swollen since Sundays long run, not sore though which is great.

Hope everyone out there had a good day as well. If not, tomorrow is a new day!

Cheers, Mons X

All good today

My achilles did not pull up nearly as sore as I expected today after my long run yesterday. Feeling pretty happy about that.

Went for an early swim this morning, I think it really helped with all over aches and pains. I think I must be quite tense around the shoulders when I run because I was really tight before the swim. Took a couple of extra magnesium supplements yesterday and today, it may have helped too.

Easy 6km tomorrow morning, I should manage that OK. Might go the great outdoors if the weather is OK. Purchased a foam roller today to loosen the calves to assist with the achilles as recommended by my physio, will give it a whirl when I get home tomorrow morning.

Eating has been great, although today for my afternoon snack I had an apple and it did not cut it so I had yogurt as well, went over on the quota by about 130 calories. I have also been having a sugar in my latte in the morning, just not the same without it!

Said NO to marble cake and cookies and cream slice today - go me! Also resisted a melting moment -my absolute favourite.

I have been slightly over 1200 calories most days so far. I need to reign that in ASAP.

Night, Mons X

P.S - saw this quote somewhere, love it:
"Running is the greatest metaphor for life, because you get out of it what you put into it." -Oprah Winfrey

20km today and stuffed!

Was supposed to be 21.1km in preparation for the Melbourne Half Marathon on 9 October, but I was too stuffed to run the extra 1.1km. Bit sore & tired now, but all generally OK. Ran the 20km in 2.14. It felt really slow and heavy, particularly last few kms. I will be happy with a 2.15 or less for the Melb event, think it may be achievable if all goes well in the next 3 weeks.

Big test will be tomorrow when I get out of bed, my achilles will cane I am sure of that. Active recovery swim tomorrow morning will help a bit.

Didn't use my HRM as it gives me chaffing on my long runs, but I am thinking over 1000 calories considering what I burn on my short runs - 6.5km I burn about 450-500 calories, but I go faster on a short run.

I have also had an AWESOME weekend of eating. Weekends have been my downfall in the past, not this time! I did snack a little here and there to go slightly above calorie quota, a piece of raisin toast after my run with a smidge of butter this morning and two licorice (sp?) allsorts tonight.

Very proud of myself and pumped for next week. I was meant to do shopping today but didn't happen. Will organise tomorrow. I am already sorted for breakky and lunch tomorrow so no biggy.

Off to bed now to nurse my aching legs!

Mons X

Awesome!

Flexed my willpower muscle today as Michelle Bridges would say!

No to donuts at work at morning tea, no to sparking wine this afternoon (Jansz, my favourite) AND said no to chocolate pudding tonight - BOOYAAHHH. On top of that blew 500 calories with a 5km run this morning and some toning/abs

I did do a little bit of picking - 3 x brazil nuts this afternoon because I felt hungry and a little dizzy at about 5pm, couple of crackers right after that. My goal for this weekend is NO picking - ALL weekend. Big call I know, especially for me!

Weekend eating will be the big test. In the past it has always been a stumbling block for me. I am so determined though. It feels different this time.

Saturday AM toning and Super Sunday is the big 21km, I'm nervous.

Cheers, Mons X

Back in the game baby!

Ran 6.5km this morning and blew 450 calories.

Eating this week (apart from my red flag Monday) has been great. I have stuck to the 1200 calorie quota. Not quite as hungry today as yesterday. I suppose it will get easier each day. I may be able to forfeit the odd snack, will look at that next week.

Another run tomorrow probably only 5km as I have the dreaded 21km this Sunday in preparation for the Melbourne half marathon on 9 October.

Cheers, Mons X

Blogging challenge!

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.
So NOT creative...! Fun/ny (mostly), family orientated, organised (well, kind of, tend to procrastinate though), love animals - I am a dog AND cat person!

2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??
Losing weight! I am a repeat offender, lost 6kg in round 1 in 2011, kind of gave up halfway through. I am here to finish this thing!

3. Why do you blog??
Accountability, 12wbt diary and after that a marathon training diary, to look back, get thoughts down and try to make sense of it (its not working so far)

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)
Hmm made me think....no-one in particular. Lots of inspirational people over many years with combined wisdom. I think Richard Branson is spiffy (not in that way)

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?
My family, sunny days, running (more so how I feel after a run) and my animals. Good wine, cheese and coffee!

6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?
Consistency, seeing it through. Organising myself EVERY DAY.

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?
Aaahhh the possibilities on the clothes racks for a size 10-12, swimwear and summer in general.

8. And what scares the pants off you?
Failing (is that going to be everyones????) and a lack of wine and cheese.

9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words
Love running. Need to eat less to make it count.

10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling AWESOME!

First weigh in - 0.2kg gain

I kind of expected that considering my red flag long weekend and all (see last couple of posts). Not happy with the gain, but fair enough! You get what you put in.

I am proud to say however, I spent a few hours last night planning for the remainder of this week. More planning Thurday for the following week. Counted all my calories until Saturday on Calorie King.

Just made salad wraps for all our lunches today. Need to remind myself to ask for my latte with NO SUGAR today. It will take a bit of getting used to, but I think I will cope!

Amazing how a bit of planning changes the mindset!

Have a great day...Mons X

Day 2 - OK, getting into the swing - slowly

Up at 5:30am to go to gym - check

Good breakfast - check

Morning snack - Skinny latte - check...BUT I ordered in auto mode "regular skinny latte with one sugar please" not realising until I was walking to the car! It is such a habit, I didn't think.

I had a (large) biscuit with my green tea just before lunch, I was really, really hungry.

Lunch - held off until 11:50am, really, really hungry again. Was hoping to last until 12:30pm.
Another biscuit (I love biscuits - aaarrgghh) and a couple of rice crackers this afternoon, really really hungry again!

Its 5pm, still to do my shopping for the week (I was away until yesterday afternoon OK!), BUT I am sorted for dinner tonight. MUST GET ORGANISED, it will bring me undone. I need to be smarter with my snacks - yogurt may be an option for an afternoon snack to fill me up a bit more.

By the way, biscuits in the bin - check.
Mons X

Day one - was a red flag for me! Not as bad as I thought.

Relatively unscathed from a relaxing long weekend with the family. Ready for MY kick off tomorrow.

Today was not the disaster I thought it would/could be. The worst was I had a banana milkshake with my lamb & salad wrap for lunch, a biscuit and two chocolate eclair lollies.  I ran (a very slow) 9km this morning, so all was not lost.

Sorted for tomorrow breakfast and lunch, still need to get dinner tomorrow night and beyond organised.

Out of whack with my training after the run today. Today was meant to be active recovery, so I will do some core/stretching tomorrow and 4-5kms depending on how I feel. Wednesday back to normal - toning/core. Nutrition should be totally organised by then too.

Focus Mons, I can do this. Here we go...X

It feels gooood!

To be running again! After over a week of doing nothing due to the flu and a few foot niggles I managed 5.5km this morning. I felt really good, but didn't want to overdo it. Plus I needed time at the end to do some stretches and core work. My feet feel fine, chest a bit heavy but OK.

Makes me wonder how long it takes to lose fitness!

Menu planning and shopping today, bring it on! Those natural feel good endorphins have kicked in.

Have a great day, Mons X

Nutrition plan, my plan

Well, I like the meals, most of them anyway! There are three of us in this family and I think I may need to make some adjustments here and there for the hungry (one of them growing) boys. Adding potatoes, pasta or frozen chips to some dinners is a good option and I know won't be tempted by that.

The other issue is I am a creature of habit, particularly at breakfast time. I am thinking the breakfast I currently have everyday now (All Bran Honey and Almond) would be OK with (Pura Tone) No Fat milk in the right quantity/calorie range. I am usually in auto pilot in the morning and it is one less thing I have to think about. Although the smoothies look good!

Last time I did the 12wbt I alternated between 3-4 lunches for most of the program, again, this was a time thing and it worked for me.  I have some serious planning to do over the next few days before shopping.

Mons X

Weekly training schedule

This is what my training will look like on an ideal week, early mornings work for me. My Super Saturday will actually be a Super Sunday instead, it works for me as I join a running group on Sunday mornings for my long run, its boring otherwise:

Monday: Swim (active recovery)
Tuesday: Run (6-10km)
Wednesday: Toning/stretching at gym
Thursday: Run (6-10km) or Spin class

Friday: Run (5-8km) or Spin class

Saturday: Core class & toning

Sunday: Long run (12-20km)

Got to do those pesky measurements next, probably tonight once everyone is in bed. May even get a photo done...hmmm.

My diary is coming along nicely. There are a few red flags, the biggest being my 40th birthday at the end of October, ouch!

Mons X

No running since last week, but still managed to lose 1.2kg!

Very frustrated, have not run since last Thursday. In fact I have not done much exercise at all apart from 2 hours bushwalking on Saturday! A head cold and a sore left foot have not helped (trying hard not to use too many excuses!).

I have, however, managed to lose 1.2kg since last week! My eating has just been OK, better than usual, but just OK. It has given me a glimmer of hope, hard to be positive when you feel like crap.

I will work on getting rid of this cold over the next few days so I am fresh for the official kick-off of the 12wbt on Monday. I have started the organise/diary thing. Looking at a few other blogs, I think the way to go is to be accountable here in my blog on a daily basis.

Have a good day, Mons X

My commitment...finally!

Nice weekend (apart from a head cold) bushwalks on Saturday, relaxing Sunday. Bummed that I did not complete a long run Sunday, but 5 weeks out from the Melbourne half marathon I didn't want my head cold to develop into something more and put me out of action for longer than a weekend.

I took a couple of days over the weekend to really think about what my commitment was. I wasn't feeling it last week and didn't want to put just anything down. So, here it is:

I commit to the 12 Week Body Transformation for the entire 12 weeks. I commit to being mindful about what I am eating and why. I commit to losing 10kg. I commit to finding the time to plan and prepare healthy meals. I commit to exercising six days per week and making it count. I can do this!

Phew! I have done it. The mindful thing is a big one for me. Often I gobble something down and get the guilts afterwards and ask myself WHY?? The other big one is committing to this for the entire 12 weeks as I didn't last time.

I am looking forward to the diary thing.

Have a great day, Mons X

2 glasses of red, no exercise :(

That is the summary today. My little fella was up most of the night last night with a cough/cold thing so I decided to sleep in when my alarm went off at 5:15am. Never feels right sleeping in like that, bit I did.

Hubbys out at a "kind of" work do, so I am home. Ate a little too much after a reasonably good day including 2 (and a bit) glasses of wonderful red. Doesn't feel right drinking it on my own. Friday night is my night to let loose a bit, I usually have a glass or two. I don't drink any other night (usually) but I do usually have company!

My little fella was asleep by 6pm due to cough/cold thing. So here I am blogging, contemplating another glass of red...I probably won't do it... I am only a glass and a half kinda gal.

Smashing day forecast here tomorrow, will make amends. Plus I have this 12wbt commitment to make.

Mons X

Physio today and a hard slog 6.5km.

This morning was my 6.5km run, boy it was tough! Some mornings its a breeze (well, kind of) this morning I felt I had lead in my shoes. I did it, but not at the pace I should have. Could not seem to go past the 9.9 on the treadmill!

Second physio visit to deal with my (mild) achilles tendonitis. She suggested deep water running and trying not to heel strike. We have agreed that all is OK (well, kind of) I will see her again after the half marathon no point now while in training. Good news is I don't have to completely stop running after the half, just peg back my long runs under 10-12kms for a while. Thats cool with me.

We talked about my major goal of a full marathon http://www.goldcoastmarathon.com.au/ in June 2012 and she thinks that is a good timeframe to work with and totally achievable. NICE!

So, another 6.5km tomorrow, outside me thinks, that may perk me up a bit. So happy its spring :)

Mons X