Fit Mumma

Variations on what is honest...

I find this hard to digest at times... that honesty has a variation, really?

For me it doesn't... I express my heartfelt truth here on this blog... which includes both GOOD & BAD days.

Sometimes I post the "rainbow, light and sunshine" stuff... sometimes I post the blue and down and out, even BAD days...

Then there is the grey, the variations... it's not intentional - I am not lying as such, but you can be sure that when I am posting the same kinda post for about 7 posts in a row... I may be having serious trouble with my sticking to my nutrition plan, or exercise agenda - and you can be sure I am having issues if I clearly ignore addressing those matters here. I see it in many other blogs too.

Which is the case with my intended "Wednesday weigh in" posts... I think know I've missed the last two of them. The truth remains, even if I don't post about it... I've gained 2kgs (and lost the same 2kgs) many times in the past few weeks... & I am in struggle city to rid them for good... and get down to the late 50's where I was just a few weeks ago.

I am trying very hard not to get down about it... I am still training heaps, and each day is a new day that I try and stick with a low cal nutrition plan. Or I could just give myself a break and try maintain where I am at. For now.

Where is that? Right now I am 62kgs and I really don't like it... tho most peeps say they can't tell.. and I am quite sure they can't. I can.

Here is the thing for me though... I have to question whether I get obssessed... then I found this quote on a great blog today:

Which makes perfect sense to me. Most the time I choose to describe myself as obsessed would be when I am feeling lazy and trying to worm out of a workout... or eat something I know I would be better off not eating. So no, not obsessed, just dedicated. Check.

I have to ask myself if I am really eating enough when I stick with my nutrition plan? No, not likely. I eat less than the recommended 1200, I shock my body to lose those last few kgs... then surprised {really??} when they return super quick. I know I need to add in protein drinks, and I will do so in the next round. Check.

I exercise like mad {not total crazy}... I love it, so that's not an issue, except when I go overboard and need to take a forced break for over doing it. My PT's both frequently telling me to take it easy.

So... it seems to me that the question I must ask myself is - do I need to find some more balance? The resounding answer is a big YES.

Right now it's nearing Christmas... and I have a clean, delicious & healthy menu organised. Plus a couple of small indulgences. Lucky for me as a Stay at Home Mumma... I don't have many parties to avoid, or tempt me... I have two this year, and both have been fine.

I do however want to enjoy my holiday with my family... I'll stick with a clean diet most of the time, and induldge a little.

As Mish says... while on holidays', I am in maintenance mode... my aim is to come home the same weight as I was when I got on the plane at the start of my holiday. That's realistic, that's achieveable.

There is a gym where I am travelling to, and I have lots of awesome workout's planned... but I will not expect to see anymore weight drop off me until after I get back from my holiday's. Okay, I can deal with that.

As a new year begins... what does 2012 bring for me... MUCH more of the same.

With.

Balance.

Added.

And a renewed desire & passion to reach my goals... each day I am closer than the day before, that's for sure. This time last year... I did not have the muscle definiton I have today. This time next year you can be sure I'll be even better. This fitness journey, has no ending... it's my life.

As my PT Fiona says to me... she has been doing this long enough... over 25 years to know that there is a cycle... I have only been really committed to this for 18months... and when certain area's of the cycle arise, I freak out - I need to ride the wave and just keep going. Which is exactly what I do after the initial freak out subsides. It's all good.

Image from here.

 

I post this for those of you who think you are the ONLY ones on the planet who EVER deviate from your clean nutrition plan.... ah HELLOoooooo?

People who can and do stick to it religiously, I admire tremendously... but for me, it's just not so simple or easy to do it 24/7/365-366. And I am still perfect, just as I am. SO.ARE.YOU! Just sayin'.

Love out.

Bxo 

70.3 IronMan Canberra 2011...

I missed seeing Row by about 10 minutes at the start. I did see her start her race though.

I was disappointed to not see Row start, it totally sucked actually, and I had a bit of a teary... but REALLY, I was just grateful I made it in one piece... during the last 1hour, I had quite a few micro sleeps... I had to wind down the windows and blast the musak. Coffee, water. Rest stops all became necessary tools of survival. I get bored easily... I NEED someone sitting beside me babbling away and keeping me happy. Not so at 3am Sunday morning, no company... nothing but darkness...

AND a sign telling me that the M5 was closed. WTF??? 930pm-5am 10th-12th December. Yep right when I was driving. I decided to ignore the 17 BIG red flashing signs I encountered along the way... and push on. Thankfully I was able to get through without any drama. A diversion would have been more than a slight annoyance.

So back to the start of the race. I park my car, I grab my backpack and camera... I run as best I can to the start line. I don't see her. I call her hubs... I go stand with him for the start, and say a hello to their two eldest girls.

Almost to the end of the swim leg... it starts to rain. I get some photos of Row coming out of transition for her first lap (of three) on the bike leg:

By this stage it was pouring... I went in search of a latte, only to find I had no cash on me. Of course there are no ATM's. Damn. 

I got chatting to a women named Cathy, who kindly offered me some shelter under her brolly. Turns out she was Matt Bailey's Mum... a very proud Mum too and rightly so!! Today marked almost a year to the day that Matt had major surgery on his hip... today's 2nd placing was a great celebration for more than just the place itself.

I called my hubs to drop off our brolly, which is massive and would be sure to keep my dry and warm. Row's hubs gave me a waterproof jacket... I had a change of clothes and after getting all warm... got back into position to get some more photos of Row:

By this stage I had to go down and join my FIT gals to volunteer at the finishers refreshments tents:

This may be the only IronMan shirt I ever get !!!

I was in prime position to see Row during her running leg of the race... 4 times we get to see them from this vantage point, which is awesome!

She finished strong and finished a great race, a PB and 6th place for her age division... 30th female overall, top 11% of females... top 24% overall. Fantastic results Rowie !!! I am super proud of you gutsy woman!!!

Now... we riding on Sunday, yeah?

Hugs

Bxo

12wbt finale weekend, Round 3 of 2011...

Went something like this...

Jaq and I hit the road about 930am Friday morning... and hot footed our way to the Sydney CBD and straight to the shops.

Lulu, Zara, Jet Cycles and Clarence Street Womens Cyclery were our MUST hit spots. Lulu did not disappoint, but did hurt my purse. Onto Jet Cycle store and two cycle tops {that fit me well} later... I have run out of dosh. No more cash.

Go over to Clarence street... try on the MOST delicious cycle jersey ever. CRAZY perfect was this cycle top. I am not kidding. Slight hitch - $200 was it's price. Jaq's had to physically remove it from my body as I tried to consider how much marital strife I could possibly get into by putting $200 onto the credit card... after spending the most generous amount of cash-oilo hubs had already given me. A SHIZ load is the answer {rightly so}... tho when I told hubs about it later, he remained rather calm... had me considering going back to get it the next day. Only Jaqs (smart girl) told me I could get it cheaper online... which incidentally, I can not. Dear little Italian Capo sleeveless jersy.. I'll be back for you one day, I will. And I'll get these too.

So after spending quite a bit of mula between us, and $80 in parking (Ouch-a!!)... we headed to our apartment, which was lovely... well, I loved it mineself... I love how buildings are carved into rocks and cliff faces, amazing to me. It was bright and airy... modern and clean lines. We could hear the beach. A short week to the shore. Gorgeous views. Love that.

Image from here.

Friday night we went to Chowder Bay for dinner... what ?? thank goodness for my super smart friends who know all these beautiful places to go.  We had a magic dinner. Delicious. Gorgeous views and fabulous company!

Image from here.

Next morning... Jaq's makes us all Quinoa, berries and yoghurt for breaky... yum. (thanks lovely!!) I have my usual bowl of coffee and we nervously head off to the 12WBT group workout.

We see Mish, we're all like "too cool for school"... oh yeah, there's Mish... no biggy. Then I say to the girls. If we want a group photo with Mish... we have to go NOW!!! NOW! Bags are dropped like hot potatoes and we bolt over to her side... she is graciously talking with a fellow 12wbter who is teary and thanking her... it takes all my will power to gently place ourselves into position beside Mish... tho from an outside perspective, it may well have looked as though we'd just shoved the dear woman aside.

We got a few pics taken. I had a quick word to Mish... we've met before you know, and I've won a blogger award from her {personally you realise}, so I am quite SURE she KNOWS ME!! haha :) Poor woman! She is everyone's bestie!

Then Julia realises she may not get another chance to thank Mish... or even talk to her ever again in her whole life... and just lets out a total gushing and incomprehensible "Mish, we run together, we're from Canberra, everyone is doing it next round" in her very excited and high pitched (almost a squeal) manner. At this point I was just backing away, slowly and with a huge grin. Mish is very gracious... Julia was just adorable & I totally understood where she was coming from and how she felt... I think I did the same to Mish in my first round. Mish is changing lives... and everyone of us has a story, a journey to share. It's a powerful thing to be able to change lifes.

So then - the workout, I tell you it was funny to watch my running buddies doing an activity that required a whole lot more coordination than simply putting one foot in front of the other... all be it quite quickly and for many kms... these girls are runners, not so much group workout aerobics queens.

Same for me, hence, I stopped about 10 mins into the workout, or more likely 5-6... you know I am so unco I could have seriously injured myself or someone else. Asides my pf doesn't like all that jumping about biz. So I took photos and chatted with lovely peeps... like Sarah who came up to introduce herself (so awesome to meet you Sares - I call her Sares now, cause we're like new besties and all)...

After the workout we went down to the bay for lunch... we SERIOUSLY lucked on THE best health conscious cafe ever... and the best service too. They all ate like poached chicken and spinach leaves... I had a minute steak sanga... man I needed me some iron.

Then I went off to Toni & Guy to get my tresess tamed. When I made the booking, I chose to have my hair done by Ben... cause you know, if he has the same name as my 2 year old... he MUST be a good hair stylist. True!

After getting hair done, went to catch up with Jaq who was just window shopping (and spending BIG $$$)... I happened to wander into the Mosman Lulu store... I managed to leave the store sans purchase. Achievement peeps. A.chieve.ment! (reality - just lack of any more funds).

Back to the apartment and we all start to get party ready. shoes. makeup. under garments... and even with undergarments... my dress was rather firm fitting.

We get some group pics:

Here I am doing my fakkk this dress is TIGHT, let me just yank it down so it's not all creased up to my armpits in the photos:

THEN my I'm not a tranny, I just look like one shot:

Then our ... are we adorable cute little friendzies or what? pose... fools I think is what we really are, but we have fun being so :) Did I mention how much I adore Jacqui... seriously the girl is a darling heart!!

I must say, I was disappointed not to get an opportunity to get another pic with Mish... but I can totally understand why... there were about 1200 peeps at the party... I loved the venue, tho the flooring was a bit uneven in places, and me no likey that. My shoes were skyscrappers.

I met Donna and Sare's (again)... and got some pics iwth them. Super sweet women. Looking forward to catchin up with them in 2012 when they visit the berra. Fantabulous!

Our FIT gals did not party into the wee hours or anything like that... we were back at the apartment at the respectable hour of 11pm... where we giggled, cackled and carried on some before I crashed on the couch before waking at 3am to head home and support IronMum in her Half Iron Man... start is just 3.5 hours away.

And that’s where I leave you for now… the drive, a few micro sleeps {argh!!!} and 3 hours away is where the next post begins… and a whole (well actually only half - 5 hours or so) day of IronMan racing fun, rain, blood, sweat and tears begins…

If you read this blog... and you saw me at the workout, or the party... and you wished you'd come over to say Hi-Di-Hey... ME TOO !! :) don't yah know?... I love this big 12WBT family, it's awesome!!!

Hugs

Bxx

Back in the saddle...

Ride this morning was a fabulous workout. I LOVED IT!!! And burned some 580cals or so for my efforts. That's a HUGE effort for me... 

 

my little feet spinning as fast as they can!

 

My fitness has come so far in the past 6 months {even with my injury}. I used to think I could only burn 350-400 cals per session because I'd reached my weight goal... and my BMR was low and therefore my ability to smash my sessions by way of calorie usage was limited. NOT SO... apparently I just wasn't working myself hard enough.

That said, I don't always work myself as hard as I did today.... probably 4-5 out of 10 workouts a week are ones where I am quite sure I could vomit. Nice hey!

We had two instructors today, twice the amount of fun :)

And I got myself this little gift today:

My heart desires a few other colours, my wallet does not! The fushia and jade would be nice tho!

And my darling toddler boy had himself a kip on the way to school pick up. Bless him!

I've had a rough few days... gained a cupla kegs (3 kilos)... beating myself up about it. Soooo helpful! Also TTOTM and lordy knows that is a hormonally challenging time for the entire household. Oh the joy! NOT to mention the FRICKEN injury that is going to take another 2 months to fully heal.

I had dreams of running again.... like SOON, not later!!! Frick it - that is another (whole other boring) post. Le Sighhhhhhh!

So I wallowed, and I am still kinda wallowing some.

But I decided to give myself a fricken break... to look at the positives of my fitness journey and be grateful for how far I have come, for all I have achieved, and for what I am capable of.

It's pretty darn good really.

If you are being all nasty with yourself... write a grattitude list my friend... you will surprise yourself, I promise. You ROCK way more than you think you do :) Certainly WAY more than that nasty pasty little inner critic, who knows nothin' !!!

Love out.
Bxo 

What are you, right now...

Here's a fun little Q & A for you, inspired by the Sunday papers. I've posted previously on my family blog here & here:

WHAT ARE YOU...

Buying~ Triathlon suits, and riding gear. Saved myself quite a pretty little packet at the DFO 2xu store - by spending $120 on 2 x tri suits, 1 x bib and brace and 1 x cycle jersey - I saved myself $920 apparently. Nice!

Yes, I am aware I have no boozies left :) Nothin', nadda, zilch!! I'm okay with that. I am also aware that tri-suits may be the MOST UNATTRACTIVE attire in the world !!!

Doing to relax~ taking a bath, playing Mahjong on my ipad before bed.

Reading~ mainly magazines lately, running, cycling and triathlon ones. I don't buy ALL of them ALL the time, just one every now and again for inspiration and product info. Also love my Wellbeing magazine, which I subscribe to. The book I have on my bedside {but usually too tired to bother reading} right now, is "A Place of Yes by Bethenny Frankle" I like her, what can I say?

Listening to~ usually Pete Murray. LOVE him !!! And Lior is an all time fave too. Damien Rice is also magic, but quite sad really. I guess I am all about the guys and the tunes. Tho there is always the Mac.

Wearing~ - A long a-line maxi dress, black and white stripes, barefoot.

Doing for dinner~ 12WBT tonight is Cajun Chicken with Sweet Potatoe Wedges and Avocado Salad.

Pampering yourself with~ WHAT???? what? oh, um... maybe I'll get a pedicure in the next two weeks, or I could shave my legs? I have been trying to book in a sports massage, which is painful, so I am not sure that comes under the "pampering" umbrella. Can I say exercise and good nutrition? that's pampering right?

Collecting~ sports gear. Anything from Lulu is going to make me smile. I am needing lots of tri stuff lately too. Ditto for Mikaela, sports gear. Suits for Nathan. Lego for the boys [oh, lets be honest here... Nath has about 17 boxes of Star Wars stored up... that's not even touching on the stash at his parents house. Nerd alert!!].

Doing with the kids~ Lately Mikaela has been doing lots of swim and basketball. We try have a Mummy+daughter date at a cafe once a week. Joshua is all about the little lego right now. Benjamin is just a beeserka and I am just constantly chasing him about, and picking up after him. 

Planning for your next holiday~ We're going to our holiday home in PalmCove for the Chrissy break. 

Enjoying most about your life~ Having just spent a wonderful weekend (alone in forever) in Sydney, I have to say it's my love for my husband. The family we have created together, the simplicity of our days and our lives. I could not wish for more than we have.

Striving for your future~ Uhmmm so many things, but mainly that my children remain healthy and grow into confident, strong and happy adults. Also, with my physical aspirations... triathlons of all distances, marathons, cycling - just keeping fit and active for as long as I can, forever really! I see cycling tours in Africa... marathons in Venice... endurance races in the US of A.

Constantly focused on~ living in the moment, being mindful with my children... seeing the magic in the tiny moments of our simple days. Trying not to be the cranky Mumma, the busy, frantic... too-many-things-on-her-plate Mumma. So, saying no as often as I can... and just being with my family. Also constantly focused on my fitness and nutrition... the health of me and my family. Trying to be a good person, Mumma, wife, sister, friend. Living the best life I can. One day at a time.

What about you? What are you .... right now? Cut and paste this list and link your blog post here if you like :)

Peace!

Bx

36 hours romantic getaway...

WOW... it seriously felt like days!! We were so lucky that IronMum took care of our kiddies for us on Saturday and Sunday so that Nath and I could get away to see Kings of Leon. We (well he slept in... I went to the gym and the pool)... had a relaxed breakfast, wandered the streets of Sydney and did some shopping.

I bought this lovely top on Friday night, to wear to the concert:

And I even managed to do my hair and make up - shock horror !!

What's with that bruise on my arm? I have no idea!! Came up over a few days and I don't remember doing it. Ah well !

I now feel all energised and ready to tackle PT this morning... excepting I feel like I have the flu. Will see how I go this week before considering antibiotics. Off to take a berocca.

Oh... and the catered food in the Suite at KOL - easy peasy - I had salad and some protein, portion controlled. No desert. But a couple of choccies with coffee.

This morning on the scales... looking good. Let's just say I look to smashing any of my previous weigh in's for this round. My goals are looking SWEET !!!

Peace!

Bx

Husky, here we come...

I know my mental implosion earlier this week had a lot to do with this weekend being the first triathlon I was supposed to be competing in this season. And I can't, still not ready. Even when I offered to walk the run (I think Mr Big Hands knows me too well... and knows there is no way I'd walk the run)....

I'm okay with it... I mean I would have LOVED to be out there and having fun, but I am just as happy to be going and cheering on my friends who are competing.

Mikaela, Ines and I are heading out of town very soon.

Hopefully I'll at least get a 40km bike ride in this arvo, and some swimming and beach action. Mainly just floating in the ocean action, actually :)

I did a 1km swim this morning... and not sure what I'll do tomorrow, maybe another ride, or swim when I get home?

I still need to give a weekly training summary for this week, and last week too (totally forgot).

Plus I need to give you an update on the injury. Basically same/same, excepting I can now ride out of my saddle, so long as I stay out of the saddle for about 5 mins. Hmmmm, easy, no?

Also a bit of an update on our speculation on how long I've had the injury, and how its impacted my running... etc etc... yadda yadda. Basically all the running I've done this year, has been with major injury. I'll be taking it real slow to get back into running. Doesnt look like I'll do a full marathon in April after all. Plan is to do a string of halfs and get my time right down. Then aim for Sydney marathon next October and my intention is to secure a solid finish time. Sweet!! Psssst. I've got a coach sorted to help me achieve my goals. More sharsies on all that soon.

Happy Weekend.

Bxo

Going all the way...

So here I have made a little {mmm... okay 6+ minutes of my babbling} video just for you! I hear you groan, but trust me, you'll likey like, I hope :)

Basically a six minute ramble about my commitment to sticking with the next 6 weeks of the Michelle Bridges 12WBT program, of recording every little part of my nutrition. Which I have been doing, and now do not want to get complacent - at all. I really can't afford to if I am to meet my aspirations!! NOW is the time to really dig deep and work hard. 

This is the page I use in my food diary to record my nutrition plan & my calorie in/out details:

If you think it will help you, please print of a copy to use :)

Also mentioned in the video, Camel China Green Tea, Gunpowder Grade 1 - the box I showed is 500 grams and I paid $6.50 at my local Chinese Grocers. It really is the bomb!

I also mentioned I would linky link to the two other posts on this matter. Go here & here for those.

Here is my commitment to remain consistent with my goals and aspirations...

So, I am going all the way with this round of Mish's 12WBT, how about you? You going all the way with me?

Hugs

Bx

So you think you can run?

Yeah, well... you can't! I can't 

I can't run more than 2km right now... without pain.

I am are nursing an injury... High Hamstring Tendonopathy also know as Hamstring Tendonosis and/or ischial tuberosity. You can take a look at some deets on the injury here, here, here and here.

To put it very simply, it is a pain in the butt {huge, pain/butt... whatever}. It is preventing me from running very far at all, and when I do run I have a nice little limping style going on. Not good.

Causes for injury:

-tight hip flexors - check 
-weak glutes - check 
-Too much too soon - check 
-Horrendous hamstring strength - check ... horrendous is a harsh term, but true!

Add to that a terrible core strength, which baffles me somewhat... but there is no denying... If I do not STICK to my core strength workouts like glue... I suffer BIG.

So the long and the short of it - I wont be running my marathon in two weeks.

Now you can see why I've been quiet here on my blog for a few reasons:

• Working through this issue mainly. 
• Being in major denial that this injury would put me out of the race.
• Coming to terms that it would put me out.
• Realising that running injured did not make me mentally strong, but rather stupid.
• That this is not an injury I could run with... not without perhaps putting myself out for up to 2 years, and I didn't want to risk that.
• Hating myself for not being able to run the marathon... letting myself down, not following through - all those things, some justified, most of them absolutely not. 
• Recongnising that the training was the tough part, and I did most of that, up until I was injured. I ran around 500km for training these past few months, and that for me is a HUGE achievement.
• I took my training very seriously... I miss it tremendously right now!
• Although I took my training seriously, I also wasnt really the BEST novice trainer... I would skip shorter runs in favour of long runs and my body paid the price. Then there were times I would overtrain considerably... then I'd have to rest for a few days and throw my schedule out.
• Initially I was shattered about the realisation that I could not run... I cried many tears & I am sure I will shed more on the day also. However I also put this energy into realising there will be other marathons & other events I will be participating in... and this is what it is all about for me >> the longevity, not the quick tick of the box which is often my style.

So the future looks bright, I am planning for a marathon in April. I have a season of novice Triathlons to participate in... my first is in November & I have lots of swimming and biking to do before then. I need to dedicate another post to my triathlon aspirations soon. I have some big plans for 2012, both on the bike and with triathlons... see how I go. I still need to check the marathon off my list before I will feel entirely comfortable about committing to any other major rounds of event specific training.

Right now I am back at the gym, doing RIDE classes, strength sessions to fix up the hammy, yoga and personal training...

Running, I'll take very slowly, and really its not like I even have a choice with that one, I just can not run right now. I have more sessions with Mr Big Hands to get me all fixed.

Moving forward.

Bxo

Similarities of a running buddy and a dog...

Well, you know how they say that a dog and their owner are usually similar looking?? **

The same could be said of running buddies after months of running together, so it seems:

IronMumma and I now sport the {very near} same hairdo. hahaha. We'll have to start co-ordinating our running gear and then we'll be tre's chic, no?

And, no... not intentional... because we have no real idea of what each other's hairdos are like ... especially in the middle of winter when we are running. Think: beanie. Then afterwards when we catch up for a coffee. Think: cap or beanie. ie. we are both very low maintenance gals. Our.super.lucky. husbands! Also, as many of my friends will attest... my hairdo changes as often as I get to the hairdresser... so every 6-12 weeks. I am funny like that. Hair bores me!

** if I did have a dog... I'd have a chocolate labrador. Yes I would. Fowh shoawr! I had one when I was a kid and he was the bestest! The likelihood of me ever getting this cute little {quickly to become HUGE} nugget is about as likely as me having another bubba. Not.VERY. Don't get me wrong... I LOVE my kiddies, but I am done :) xox

Happy Training!

Bxo