Fit Mumma

Week 3...

 

This week I've only lost 200grams... I think my body has just realised I've flipped the switch again.

That and I've upped my training considerably this week. Most days I get two workouts in and burn around 1000cals each day. I am starting my rode riding and training for triathlons.

I am trying to be really strict with my nutrition... but this week I did allow a few extra latte's... and a couple of "treats"... like a lindt chocolate (80cals).

I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed... I have worked hard, I've stuck pretty closely with my nutition plan... but here's the thing: some weeks are like that!

For the first time in a very long time... I am not going to let this small loss derail me... I will not get emotional.

I will not make excuses.

I will not self sabotate...

I will knuckle down and be stronger.

I will continue to work on the most important aspect of all of this for me, my mind.

"Train your mind, and your mind will train your body" Tiffiny Hall.

Hopefully next week I'll have a better loss, and if not, then I'll just have to keep on perservering. 

This is not a 'quick fix'... this is my life.

I really notice when I am requiring more water too.... the past 3 days I have probably required another litre or even 1.5ltrs more, that makes a huge impact on me.

So more water, more green tea, more of the same same... smashing workouts & eating clean.

Happy Weigh in Day... I hope you smashed the scales, and if not I hope your resolve is stronger than ever.

Bxo

Dear Running...

  Photo I took myself, here.

I want you to know that I miss you terribly. 

I think about you all the time...

I can't wait until we can hook up again.

But I know I need to be patient.

So I will.

And in the meantime, I'll be spending some time with White Knight getting our ride on.

Please don't be upset with me, don't be sad.

You're still my number one love, but I quite like White Knight and I think we could get pretty close too.

Then I guess I'll have to juggle you both a bit, I hope you don't mind.

I do have a request tho... Ms Adductor Magnus injury will have to go. I'm sorry - but I just don't like her. I mean she's the reason why we have to take this little break from each other... it's just not fair!

We can't both have you... and frankly - I really feel the right to you, is mine. 100% without a doubt!

Plus you've also been spending a fair amount of time hanging out with Ms Rest & Recovery these past few weeks. I understand you are really enjoying yourselves. I promise I don't mind if she hangs out with us still. I really like her! I mean I can totally see the benefits of having her around more...

In fact... I am totally promising you a LOT more time with her on our next season of get togethers. 

Especially on our really long dates, yeah? Deal?!

This may sound a bit daft to you... but by mixing it up some with White Knight and Ms Rest & Recovery... it will actually make us much stronger, I know - sounds strange... but it is SO true.

We cool? yeah, of course we are!

Anyway... don't forget your my #1... and I'll be back with you as soon as I can.

I may not talk about you incessantly like I have done for months... but I think about you that much still :)

I LOVE YOU! Running, I really do! Chin up, you hang in there dear friend!

Just 2-3 months to go and I'll be seeing you :) and I have a feeling we'll be stronger than ever this time round.

Yours truely, madly, deeply...

Bx

Oh, PS... I just remembered to remind you that Ms Swimming is going to join us soon too. You knew about her already, we talked about that before.

PPS... IronMum says hi, she's missing her running too. Can't wait till we're all back together again.

Round 3 of 2011 Blog Challenge, Week 2...

Kath has set us another challenge, week 2 is: I'm asking you to paint me a picture. What is (to you) a picture of health? What is health?

So I did this layout to represent my life right now, and my aspirations:

The journalling reads:

At the top of the page:

I have decided to go for it... to live the life that I truly want. I have decided to believe I am deserving, worthy and capable to go all the way. I have decided to embrace my inner athlete. I have decided to make time for training... to schedule my races, to make it happen.  I have decided to take the emotion out of the equation {as much as i can}... and to live the best life I can, for me and my family. I have decided to be the best me ever! forever!

And below:

I am living my ideal life, an active life... a healthy life. nutrition and exercise are paramount for me and my family... I am up at 510am most mornings to get my sweat on. I sweat once a day, if not more... I run, I bike, I swim... I lift weights... I run with my daughter, I play with my boys.  We take holidays, to relax & recharge, we apprecate and have so much grattitude for our family, our home... our sanctury. I run on the beach during our holidays, I seek out the local gym and get a class in everyday... I watch what I eat.  I train and eat like an athlete. I am an althlete... I compete in marathons and triathlons. I have a super supportive husband who is my best support crew and cheerleader... he runs fun runs with me and our children. I have a fabulous training partner & inspiration & confidant... I am living my dream life. 

Oh, I can also say that curing myself of a lifetime illness would have to be my IDEAL picture of health... this past 6months I have cured myself of hypothyroidism... which is amazing. My doctor took two sets of bloods just to make sure.... but the evidence is there, I no longer have hypothyrodism. I can only put this down to my clean diet and amount of exercise. I know that diet and lack of exercise contributes to most people's illnesses, especially when obesity is involved too. I will not allow that to happen to me or my immediate family. That is my picture of health. Nutrition is key. Exercise is critical. It's such a simple formula and yet so many people just ignore those facts... or they do some fluffy class once a week and claim "oh I exercise"... well goodluck with that! You're just kidding yourself! I'll have to do a whole separate post on the hypothyrodism cure, it is rather amazing and huge!

I am very big into visual inspiration. This is a dreamboard I created for 2011. I have a theme word for each year, this year my word is Results, you can read more about it here.

More recently I created these two pages, as cover's for my nutrition plan & exercise diary. Please feel free to take a copy for yourself if you like!

I want those abs!!! Any set of them will do just nicely!

Thanks for another great challenge Kath. Visual aids are definitely one of my favourite motivation and inspiration methods.

So I went out on my bike this morning, 1hour @ 26km/hour pace. My first long{ish} ride and I'm happy with that. IronMum was right with me to help me gain my confidence (thanks IronMum)...

Now off to the gym for a RIDE class, see how I go backing it up.

My main aim today... WATER >>> I need more H20 that's for sure!

Happy Tuesday.

Bxo

Round 3 of 2011 Blog Challenge, Week 1...

The super organised and lovely Kath from Courage2Start has set us 12wbters a weekly blog challenge, and here are my answers to the first set of questions:

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play. 

Hiya, I am Rebecca... wife, (stay@home) Mumma and friend. I am passionate, determined.. filled with perserverance and the ability to see the silver lining in most situations.

2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender?? 

This is my 3rd round, a repeat offender. Initially I first got into it (Round 3 of 2010) because my youngest was a year old, and it was time to get back into shape. I am here again to lose a few more kgs and to continue to get fitter every day. I just love this community, the enthusiasm, support and encouragement can not be beat!

I was training for a marathon... got badly injured and gained a few kgs. Right now I am focused on fixing my injury, doing triathlons, eating clean.... and then training for a marathon (again)... only this time I will run and finish the marathon injury free. I am enlisiting the help of a renowed team, a soft tissue therapist & running specalist trainer.

3. Why do you blog?? 

I've had a personal blog (or two) since 2006.  I love recording our everyday, for me and my children, {my husband reads it regularly too:)}. I am a scrapbooker, a memory keeper. I create hard coverbooks with blurb from the content in my blog. I hope my kids might like to read about the real me when they get older. A woman who was determined, had dreams and challenged herself to reach them, who had opinions and ideas, lots of passions.

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)

 My three children... they are the reason I got into the fit lifestyle I am living.

This post here sums it up pretty well. The reasons why.

My training buddy (who is a two time IronMan finisher)... I call her IronMum... she is a total inspiration to me everyday! She shows me what we really can achieve with some guts and determination... our bodies are amazing, and we can do so much with them. Our minds are the real tester!

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?

These guys & the family we've created. I had a pretty temultuous upbringing... and to be able to create a happy family that I have... it really is a dream come true. I know that sounds sappy and sentimental, but it is exactly how I feel. I am very lucky!

6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?

I am really trying to nail this as a lifestyle... not a 12week challenge, or a "fit into a fabulous dress" aspiration... for me this is a lifetime aim to be fit and healthy. I may never (ehh-ehm, positively) ever be a speedy marathon runner, but I will finish one many. I know I will never be an elite athlete... but I will train like one and I will eat like one for the rest of my life. That's my goal. That and to still be competing in my 70s. Why not?

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt? 

I just love that it is such a no fail, easy to follow program... I love the simplicity of it all. I love the comaradere we share in our aims to live a healther and better life. I love the friendships formed, the enthusiasm of a new life... a new vigor. I love the buzz at the after party... the tears and the pride I feel for people I don't even really know... but their stories touch my heart, and I am inspired by them.

8. And what scares the pants off you?

Heights... I am really scared of heights... I'd love to bungee jump, or skydive and really face that fear. One day. Mmmm... maybe my 40th birthday next May? 

9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words

Strong, determined, focused, fit, pain, tears... jubilation, consistent, victorious & committed.

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

AMAZING!! And proud of myself that I gave this round absolutely everything! and will continue to do so. 

Thanks for this great challenge Kath !

Bxo

My White Knight has arrived...

And I have officially found a new love.

I even got myself a new pair of shoes... as my vintage mountain bike ones are only for RIDE classes!

Yesterday IronMum and I went out for a spin... it was awesome.

To be frank, I was quite scared before we took off... what if I can't get my feet out to the cleats, what if I fall over, what if I can't stop and my feet get stuck... and I fall over!

I have never ever used cleats on the road, and it's quite a daunting propositon. For years when I was mountain biking {see above, vintage shoes} I was terrified of making the leap from slide in cages to cleats... but yesterday I DID IT...

I was pleasantly surprised to find.... it was easy peasy and I LOVED it so much.

That's not to say I won't have some difficulties in the coming weeks as my kms ramp up and my road time increases. Fingers crossed, I'll go okay!

I am looking forward to doing the Tour de Femme training (and race itself) with my FIT crew.

And while I can't run for now, I can certainly pedal my legs as hard as they'll go.

This summer I'll complete my first triathlon (baby ones), and I am so looking forward to that.

I just have to watch IronMum doesn't think I can keep up with her, and do her crazy rides out to Goulburn and back too soon... I have to keep my enthusiasm in check here! I am sure my body will do it for me in any case :)

This morning I did a water running session... and after a few weeks away from the pool, boy oh boy did my core feel it!

Today I am returning to Persona Training (PT) with the wonderful Fiona, who has put me through many a smashing session. She sent me an SMS last night telling me to carb load!!! Meanie. Wish me luck - or guts and determination! Watching this clip before I head out the door always helps!

Happy Days.

Bx

Sunday Inspiration...

And a REST day, yah-hoooo! Okay, today is an active rest day for me... as I'll do a yoga/pilates class this morning.

My big aim this round... is to really focus on being mindful about this being a lifestyle, MY lifestyle. This is not just a quick fix, or a "fit into a dress" thing... it is a forever fitness thing. My life. No excuses. Ever.

I have been right where I wanted to be, only months ago... and I let it slide...

I made excuses: I was training for a marathon - I was running heaps. Bottom line, I let my nutrition slip. BIG time.

Not that I ate really badly, I didn't binge eat, I didn't eat until I could not breathe. I would not eat clean, I would eat biscuits and cakes... coffee and little water... I would simply eat too much. 500-1000 cals a day too much, adds up to gaining about one half to one kilo per week. It adds up quickly.

I have learned that I must keep track of my calorie intake. And I am really enjoying taking note of everything I am eating... I am writing it all down.

I am not making any excuses!

I am working on a new me.

And I am getting strong & lean again, this week my calorie expenditure was 5752. Last week was 5594.

Also I've been training really well :)

In the past week:

• Saturday:  2 RIDE classes
• Sunday:   REST day
• Monday:  SPIN @ Sydney City Gym
• Tuesday:   SPIN @ Sydney City Gym
• Wednesday:  Bootcamp with my FIT crew, PT with Paul Slater & Yoga/Pilates session
• Thursday:   2 RIDE classes
• Friday:  RIDE class
• Saturday:  2 RIDE classes.
• Which brings me to today... an active rest day :)

I have officially found my happy again, and I am loving it !!! 

Bx

Super Saturday...

Well Saturday's are the day's that Michelle Bridges challenges us to burn in excess of 1000 calories...

WOW, what???

Yes, I know - I thought this was near impossible for me, unless I ran 16-18kms, and you may know that running for me right now... is a no go zone.

Lucky for me, I have found another way to smash out 1000cals, by way of back-to-back RIDE classes.

Saturday mornings I do the 730am extended RIDE class, followed by the usual RIDE class at 9am.

Last Saturday I managed to smash out 1428 calories, this week only 1124... I felt tired today. I also did a 1000+ burn on Thursday, by doing two RIDE classes (530+535 cal burn).

So all in all, I am humming along nicely with this round of 12WBT. And the results are starting to show.

Awesome!

Bxo

Torn Adductor Magnus...

Friday I went to see this amazing doctor... Dr Wes Cormick he is simply the best frankly! 

My STT {Soft Tissue Therapist} (aka Mr Big Hands) put me on to him... as our weekly, sometimes forntightly appointments were not seeing improvement in my hamstring/butt (what is it???) injury.

I was starting to feel I was going a little nutty...

Seems not. AT.ALL. 

I, in fact, have a 3.4 x 5.2cm {and nooo, that is not a typo, it is cms, not mms... I KNOW!!!) contusion/bruise & tearing in my Adductor Magnus... and that is what has been causing me considerable pain. And the inability to run.

Image from here.

Good news >>> I know what my injury is.

And we know how to fix it.

Back to see Mr Big Hands and (poor guy) has to mangle me back into health. If that does not work, then we move to plan B (read: $$$) ultrasound guided fenestration of the area.... basically needling work with ultrasound assistance.

Nice.

Wes tells me it may only take 2-3 months to heal the injury... and he sees no reason why I can't run the marathon in April. SWWWEEETTTT !!!

I can tell you I was grinning my head off silly, ALL day.

I am still doing my SPIN/RIDE classes, and weights sessions, see what Steve says about that. But I don't feel any pain, so I think it should be fine.

It's all up from here!

Bxo

Putting to rest the marathon that never was...

ONCE and FOR ALL, I promise.

So this was THE marathon that never was, for me. It most certainly WAS a marathon for many, many others.

We'd already booked & paid for our accomodation for the weekend that I was supposed to run the marathon.

So, instead of running (in case you are new here and haven't been privy to my banging on and on about it... due to injury)... I did the next best thing. I took a tonne of photos and cheered and yelled for hours supporting all the marathon runners that passed me in Hyde Park. My family joined me too, until I got to embarrassing for my husband to bare any longer. 

It was such a bittersweet experience for me... bitter because I could not run, sweet because I still felt I was with my tribe, and supporting them was an awesome experience in itself.

My tribe who know what it's like to run a 35km slow and long training run... my tribe who run 50-70kms a week for months. Sob. I so miss running right now! Can you tell??

On the day, I paid homage to my tribe, quite literally, for hours... I was yelling:

• You're awesome
• You're amazing
• You're an inspiration
• Dig in
• You got it
• You're trainings paying off now
• You're on the home stretch
• You're getting a finishers medal... and it says MARATHON
• You're daughter/kids/family are waiting for you at the finish
• You're living the dream!!!
• Keep it up
• You're doin' it
• 5% of the population have a marathon finishers medal, you are one of them!! (I really have no idea what the percentage is, but it sounded about right to me *haha*)

Yep, I was (am) seriously nutz (and in my element)... and you know what?  I really hope there is a seriously nutty injured runner in Hyde park yelling any one of these words of encouragement to me as I get my first marathon on!

Seeing the winner fly (quite literally) by me... was amazing, and again, something I very rarely see, as I am running WAY behind him:

Joel Kiplimo Kemboi came in first with a time of 2:17:39. Amazing!!

 Letay Hadish, 26, of Ethiopia was the first female to cross the line in a time of 2:43:22.

I have my bib... and there will always be some sadness at my first marathon never realised... but I know there will be plenty more, and I hope to be running for many years yet! I would rather opt out of this race and get better, than to be sidelined for 2 years. I am sure the first finishers medal will help to disipate that saddness...

Did I mention I am missing my running? Humpf !!! Two more sleeps till I get an ultrasound and try work out where to go from there... hopefully running again real soon!

In the meantime I just have to keep on keeping on with RIDE and weights, and smashing myself as much as I can. I am getting a road bike this week to start triathlon training. Sweet!

And given this is a tribute to putting the saddness and this first marathon to bed... I want to thank my husband for being so super supportive and awesome every step of the way (esp. all the long training runs). And my ever fabulous running buddy, IronMum (who is also injured and can not run)... you guys have been the best!!!

Bxo

Week 2...

1.3 seems to be my number right now.

That's how much I'd lost for Week 1, and that's how much I've lost again today.

Takes me to a total loss of 2.6kg so far.

Happy Happy.

I'm off to bootcamp with the FIT chicka's...

I hope you are smashing your fitness and weightloss goals.

Bx