tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90883140661457050292024-03-14T02:26:53.114+08:00I am not an emotional eater ... anymoreGeorgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-51244297585012223982011-11-20T19:07:00.001+08:002011-11-20T19:07:48.303+08:00New blog!I've combined both my existing blogs into a more all-purpose one and imported all my old posts:<br />
<br />
https://worklifefamilyfitness.wordpress.com/<br />
<br />
Come and join me!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-13162697477334296062011-11-14T21:10:00.005+08:002011-11-14T21:32:06.751+08:00Why the new SKINS ad campaign is sexist<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB7_5xi_tigCN4BSZFKdkN6_P2BPVWfUtAZAik-JMgru4ooktq1pE4ZNPNkwWEKS7xxPM7zW4pfro9C7gLdTInvP4J3D2d6EA4gh-o_g1yuEUOrlmwMtM7mRl_x4WoHBQ2A6DeWE6-y-j/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-14+at+9.18.22+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB7_5xi_tigCN4BSZFKdkN6_P2BPVWfUtAZAik-JMgru4ooktq1pE4ZNPNkwWEKS7xxPM7zW4pfro9C7gLdTInvP4J3D2d6EA4gh-o_g1yuEUOrlmwMtM7mRl_x4WoHBQ2A6DeWE6-y-j/s400/Screen+shot+2011-11-14+at+9.18.22+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674839420229757698" /></a><br /><br />What's wrong with this picture? Not a whole lot, you might answer. Think on it for a second, and now look at this one:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe3HtrOtAGnttjOVDIHxLIgnVal9gG2PGy2mdVt-clBq_VIzQivdrcQJozXeTvJIdCCGxlX06lcsh5PFV3yrfAOCwQgfUL7RzKWg_HCSti4m1lgtL4o21aI2mg45viOco1uVv2rRkgR9I/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-14+at+9.18.50+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe3HtrOtAGnttjOVDIHxLIgnVal9gG2PGy2mdVt-clBq_VIzQivdrcQJozXeTvJIdCCGxlX06lcsh5PFV3yrfAOCwQgfUL7RzKWg_HCSti4m1lgtL4o21aI2mg45viOco1uVv2rRkgR9I/s400/Screen+shot+2011-11-14+at+9.18.50+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674839424177897922" /></a><br /><br />(photos are screencaps from the <a href="http://www.skins.net/en-AU/index.aspx">Skins website</a>)<br /><br />Still confused? I don't have a picture, but apparently the new print ad that accompanies the new women's line, running in magazines like Women's Health and Grazia, highlights our need to "hide our wobbly bits".<br /><br />Whoa, hold up a minute. Am I buying shapewear - you know, those 'suck it in' undies and slips to smooth all those horrible wobbly bits and make us look more like a "perfect woman" without actually being any healthier - or am I buying performance compression sportswear? (Confession: I own shapewear. Part foolish vanity, partly my propensity to bloat due to food intolerances. However, that's beside the point in this particular case.)<br /><br />If I were a man, obviously I'd be buying Skins for the improved recovery and purported performance benefits. Since I'm a woman, I obviously don't want or need strength and performance, I simply want to look better.<br /><br />Actually, I am a woman and I am a runner, and I did buy Skins to improve my recovery times from long runs and tough workouts. Since I DO want strength and performance, I guess I'll be looking for a different brand of compression sportswear to help me meet my goals.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-15013417508651745712011-10-20T23:09:00.003+08:002011-10-20T23:13:19.647+08:00This is NOT my week!Last week was my week. I smashed my workouts every day, and ate well. Of course I did, I usually have three children and suddenly had none for a week!<br /><br />I missed them, but this week they are back home, and back to school, and it's coincided with a busy week at my main job, and deadline rapidly approaching for my second job. Ho-hum. Not going so well.<br /><br />On the bright side, we're heading down to Margaret River for a family weekend tomorrow afternoon - a 10km fun run on Sunday with some fellow Perth Crew members, and staying in lovely chalets until Monday morning, where the kids can feed animals and run about. Should be lovely!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-30379214190614200362011-10-13T22:04:00.003+08:002011-10-13T22:30:52.786+08:00Shopping!<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5D6Shmr7HhCCRRmtDAw1dA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-o-fU-bKnRxE/Tpbw1ArnPCI/AAAAAAAAJ0E/bshgsFWRjZk/s400/SAM_0400.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br /><br />My partner and I went and bought this tonight - it has 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12.5 & 15kg dumbbells on. I am not lifting the heavier ones yet, they are for him! We also got a compact incline bench that can easily be put away, so I should at least be able to improvise some decent workouts at home now (we have a barbell and plates, plus adjustable dumbbells but the dumbbells are such a pain to adjust when you're trying to do various exercises that require different weights), for days when I can't get to the gym.<br /><br />After five weeks I'm finally starting to get the hang of doing weights, of feeling like I belong in the gym and in the lean and strong program. Yay!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-70030262368783439892011-10-12T17:03:00.002+08:002011-10-12T17:05:59.081+08:00Life is good.I'm feeling happy today.<br /> <br />Another person told me that it was my pictures and my journey that had convinced them to join 12WBT. I am doing this for me, not for others, but it is gratifying to be thought of as a success story. I know this program works and I love it, but I'd be just as happy if someone said they had started exercising or started eating healthier food - I want all my friends to be healthy and happy*.<br /> <br />I'm sitting here in new size eight work pants, which fit without being uncomfortable. In January this year, when I sat down in size 14 pants it was uncomfortable and tight. My body has changed THAT much, and it's not just about a size on a tag, it's about no longer being bloated and constantly uncomfortable, it's about no longer having a waist measurement that puts me at increased risk of heart disease and other health problems. It's about being able to move around and lift things, like my children, without pain because I have a stronger core. (Although "without pain" is not always the case, I worked my triceps yesterday and they are a little sore today! That's good pain though, not pain that indicates a malfunction within my body.)<br /> <br />It's nearly time to finish up for the day and head to the gym where I am going to smash my legs and even brave the Smith Machine for the first time (that big rack thingy so I can put more weight on my barbell squats without taking my head off).<br /> <br />Life is good.<br /> <br /> <br />* Just a note - this does not always mean thin. You can be thin, unhappy and unhealthy.<br /><br />(So I wrote that and didn't have time to post it before going to the gym. At the gym, I actually asked one of the trainers how to use the Smith machine, because I couldn't work it out on my own. This is HUGE for me. Smashed the set workout and then walked home for my extra cardio, had to walk fast to make it in time for the live feed!)Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-50585568975159635692011-10-10T16:44:00.002+08:002011-10-10T16:52:30.263+08:00This is my week... generally, if I am not blogging it is not a good sign! It usually means I feel guilty about something. ;)<br /><br />The past few weeks haven't been that bad though; just really busy. I have been struggling badly with sugar cravings recently, so I'm going to try taking chromium, which is supposed to balance out your blood sugar and help combat sugar cravings.<br /><br />Last week and this week are school holidays here in Perth. Last week was pretty chaotic childcare-wise, and this week was going to be worse, because my mother, who usually helps me out a lot with childcare, is interstate for the week. In the end we have shipped them off to the in-laws for the week, down past Mandurah, which is a couple of hours south of here. MIL and I don't see entirely eye-to-eye parenting-wise, but I know she loves the kids and will take good care of them and they will have a great time. I miss my babies, but that does mean this is MY week - I can get to the gym before or after work instead of having to rush through a workout in my lunch break. I can go for a run in the morning without having to factor in getting the kids ready before getting to work. I can cook just for hubby and me instead of working around fussy children. And okay, tonight we are going out to eat because we can. Vietnamese :) I am thinking fresh rice paper roll entree & something with heaps of vegies for a main. Nom nom.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-87686914720819375882011-09-21T22:34:00.002+08:002011-09-21T22:52:01.838+08:00Mini-challenge<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlEkWuJ34ADSBJqU3CSSnOv6wRWfg3bI5E36ATye6CzamYsj9YLOFo3IEdMGowd6ZbXn8SLeiCiChA2ORzA0be84g9YKw_lbAVCNe9hGRmD8yw3Yq__YNAxUnopHT0DXKIcdndGfYUO1/s1600/332606_10150401249065625_728485624_10184664_938404981_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnlEkWuJ34ADSBJqU3CSSnOv6wRWfg3bI5E36ATye6CzamYsj9YLOFo3IEdMGowd6ZbXn8SLeiCiChA2ORzA0be84g9YKw_lbAVCNe9hGRmD8yw3Yq__YNAxUnopHT0DXKIcdndGfYUO1/s400/332606_10150401249065625_728485624_10184664_938404981_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654822539619565730" /></a><br /><br />So one of the awesome Perth Crew members threw down the challenge - 4km in 20 minutes using intervals. I like a challenge, and I can argue that this kind of running is not incompatible with Lean & Strong - it builds strength!! I hopped on the treadmill at the gym today, I'd done my maths, figured 1 min at 10 / 1 min at 14 would do it. Of course, it doesn't work that way because of all the time spent changing speed. I worked this out after 2 and a half minutes when I hadn't gotten to 0.5km yet! I bumped up the intervals to 14.2/11.2. 11.2 is about the pace at which I can run a half-marathon so I figured it was manageable.<br /><br />DONE!<br /><br />Today was core day on the program and I didn't neglect that either, did an Abs Butts & Thighs class before the treadmill, with lots of planks and crunches.<br /><br />I am sore, but I can do this. I AM doing this!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-29694617175084642011-09-19T22:48:00.003+08:002011-09-19T22:57:01.837+08:00Hard.I went hard today; I had to do the workout in two parts but I got it all done. Mostly in the gym this morning before a quick meeting at work - followed by a site meeting with the supervisor for our renovation, since I'm not even supposed to work Mondays. THAT'S another story, major stuff-up and huge stressor.<br /><br />I had to leave the single leg calf raises and ab circuit for home, which isn't ideal but isn't really a huge problem as they don't require equipment. I struggle to get more than 45 minutes in the gym due to fitting in work, school drop-off and school pick-up, and I can't let it become an excuse again.<br /><br />Today was legs (quads and calves) and at least on these ones I can make the bottom end of the recommended weight range!! When I did back and biceps last week it was quite pitiful, really. I'm sure I'll see improvements in 12 weeks :)<br /><br />I think I will be sore tomorrow.<br /><br />Food-wise, this week hasn't been perfect but it has been good. Lots of good choices, and some better-than-they-might-have-been choices ;)<br /><br />In more exciting news, I have booked flights and accommodation for the Round 3 finale in Sydney. The Perth Crew are coming over in force!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-67628514651522909932011-09-13T21:22:00.003+08:002011-09-13T21:39:59.656+08:0012WBT Blogging Challenge, Week 1The blogging challenge is <a href="http://courage2start.blogspot.com/2011/09/round-3-bloggers-challenge-lets-go.html">here, on Kath's blog.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play. </span><br />mum to three, being me<br />running half-marathons, now<br />lifting some weights too.<br /><br />(in haiku form!)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender?? </span><br /><br />This is my third round, I've lost most of the weight I want to lose - I was at goal but to be perfectly honest I put on a kilo and a bit since Round 2 ended. This round is mostly about getting stronger, physically and emotionally.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">3. Why do you blog?? </span><br /><br />I suppose I like to kid myself I am interesting! I like writing, and online communication is a huge part of my life. My 'other' blog is about the creative 'domestic' stuff I get up to - but unfortunately I only seem to have time for updating one.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)</span><br /><br />I think my mum is pretty awesome. She had a career before children when that still wasn't really the done thing. Then she had and raised four children in a country on the other side of the world from her family and most of her friends. She breastfed us all to toddlerhood, again, in an era where this was not encouraged, giving us the best possible start to life. She has always believed in and campaigned for causes - not always the same ones as me, but always with a good heart and with compassion. And now that I have young children, she helps me out a lot because she remembers what it was like to raise children with no family support.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">5. What things in life bring you the most joy?</span><br /><br />I'm sure it's a cliche, but my children. A sunny spring day before it gets too hot (this time of year!). A good run. Hearing joyous news from friends (a friend had a baby boy this morning after losing a son last year soon after birth. She and baby are well and this news has made me smile all day).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?</span><br /><br />Being consistent. Consistently going into the weights area of the gym and learning/doing new exercises. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7. What are you most excited about 12wbt? </span><br /><br />Pushing my boundaries and uncovering some muscles!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">8. And what scares the pants off you?</span><br /><br />Same as the previous question, haha.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words</span><br /><br />Happy, grateful, tired.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling ____________________</span><br /><br />stronger than I thought I was.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-65373350027165562182011-09-11T21:32:00.003+08:002011-09-11T21:43:00.000+08:00Ready, set ...... GO! Tomorrow morning, anyway.<br /><br />It's a busier week than normal for me as I'm working extra hours with my Business Development Manager in town from Sydney. It's also my birthday on Tuesday! Workouts are diarised - all squeezed in somewhere. Food plan is adjusted for the nights I need to cook something quicker. Lasagne was made tonight, for example, for eating a couple of times during the week, and I'm about to go boil my eggs for lunches.<br /><br />I did my fitness test this afternoon and FINALLY got past stage 0 in abs, well, I think I did. I worry that maybe I was swinging my arms a little to get momentum?? But it's definitely an improvement and I'll take it. 1km time trial was 4:09, which included dodging half a dozen groups of wedding photography, the downside of running in a notoriously picturesque park on a beautiful spring day. Pushups 32, I definitely need to work on that and hopefully Lean & Strong will see that figure increase significantly.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-9858958676321372442011-09-09T23:01:00.003+08:002011-09-09T23:16:12.267+08:00Determination<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k3U3D_zN4lL22SPxawJ9uzwxH-goKdodE59iaDBQL5M2SelmGhTiNeJfgVJR7Kn-kMN__IsQ0bSPSSGhMLjOByOe22HdO_2eCAaOklPwolJIV7P2p2ij8z35qIoBy3zzikUoA88q6jyJ/s1600/328038_10150379924275625_728485624_10038886_7564163_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1k3U3D_zN4lL22SPxawJ9uzwxH-goKdodE59iaDBQL5M2SelmGhTiNeJfgVJR7Kn-kMN__IsQ0bSPSSGhMLjOByOe22HdO_2eCAaOklPwolJIV7P2p2ij8z35qIoBy3zzikUoA88q6jyJ/s400/328038_10150379924275625_728485624_10038886_7564163_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650376504106170274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwn284yKOzJ6aKR6-DwNUgZddjVLsNBUibIojQkssUa2SAmJi4T4GGkYfb9ngrV8d-qNxUF4K5-FAg-Dx9AlWJchROlc33ePJngKRkeplpo8RPSeTzADN0bGOlSpibFz1mGYhyv0cnNr5/s1600/SAM_0279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwn284yKOzJ6aKR6-DwNUgZddjVLsNBUibIojQkssUa2SAmJi4T4GGkYfb9ngrV8d-qNxUF4K5-FAg-Dx9AlWJchROlc33ePJngKRkeplpo8RPSeTzADN0bGOlSpibFz1mGYhyv0cnNr5/s400/SAM_0279.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650376178157285762" /></a><br /><br />I think I should ask my kids for some lessons in determination. Here they are at our school athletics carnival today - E1 (eight years old) winning her 400m and A (five years old) winning his 50m. I'm quite proud to say they swept their individual events - 100m, 200m and 400m for E1, and 50m and hurdles for A. Plus their faction won!<br /><br />They're always competing against each other, but they manage to be really good sports when it comes to their friends and classmates, luckily. Competitive spirit is good as long as it goes hand in hand with sportspersonship.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ427K-6J9WBW5Of_8AwemoxFp7VjlyBOA0pJmn9gwq8RoQ5AotAYkAPeVxgbGdOc05XKRo8EvlbGOmv1th4SSpBSjarXXsdhZpPsu_kDFfjStrBR4NAch4pOQEqp2iMKf0BiswSVfCi7/s1600/SAM_0265.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJ427K-6J9WBW5Of_8AwemoxFp7VjlyBOA0pJmn9gwq8RoQ5AotAYkAPeVxgbGdOc05XKRo8EvlbGOmv1th4SSpBSjarXXsdhZpPsu_kDFfjStrBR4NAch4pOQEqp2iMKf0BiswSVfCi7/s400/SAM_0265.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650375887456775490" /></a><br /><br />Bonus pic: I am so envious of E1's running stride!! I never was a sprinter.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-80990199436391066762011-09-06T20:08:00.004+08:002011-09-06T22:45:10.800+08:00My four favourite fitness appsOK, so I'm sure there are hundreds out there that I haven't even begun to explore, but these are my favourites.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Honourable Mention</span> goes to <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/">My Fitness Pal</a>, I don't use it for anything related to exercise but it is a useful way to check or keep track of calories consumed on the run (not literally :P) I love the 12WBT meal plans because I don't really need to do that unless I'm eating out - I know I have my three meals taken care of, and as long I stick to two 150-cal snacks, or three 100-cal snacks, I know I'm fine with my calories for the day.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fourth place</span> goes to <span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.c25kapp.com/">Couch to 5k</a></span>. This is the app that originally got me running last autumn before I slacked off over winter. It is great for beginner runners, and completely idiot-proof. You can set your own playlist, pause, see how long you have left. It's interval training simplified because it tells you when to walk and when to run. I will add that when I 'graduated' the program I was not running 5km, for a beginner female runner 5km in 30 minutes would be a pretty good pace. But that's not really important; I was running for 30 minutes straight and from there it's quite simple to build distance. There's also a Bridge to 10km app to go from 5 to 10, but I just did it on my own.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Third place</span> goes to <span style="font-weight:bold;">100 Pushups</span>, of which there are many out there essentially the same. Like C25k, you gradually build up your push-up reps with the idea you'll be doing 100 by the end. I'll update you on my progress at the end of the round. Again - simple but effective, takes the thought out of the exercise. JFDI!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Second place</span> goes to an old fave, <span style="font-weight:bold;">RunKeeper<a href="http://www.runkeeper.com"></a></span>. It tracks how far I've run, it tracks my pace, I can link it in to the website to graph my progress over time. I pick which playlist I want, there are coaching options, the list goes on! Downside is the GPS often plays up around water or under lots of trees, but overall, it's brilliant. I can post straight to Facebook and show off my long runs too.<br /><br />And my brand new favourite is the <a href="http://www.nike.com/nikewomen/features/ntc?locale=en_US"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Nike Training Club</span></a> app. If you, like me, need to work out at home sometimes, but just can't get into DVDs or want a change, this is a brilliant app. Even Michelle Bridges's DVDs, I just don't enjoy that much. With the NTC workouts, there is so much choice. You can choose the focus of your workout, the length, the fitness level. And then I can pop on the TV or some music while I do it. It also has video instructions for all the exercises if you need them, and requires minimal equipment. Absolutely love it and it's going to make my life easier this round!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-69879117053478540852011-09-05T21:00:00.002+08:002011-09-05T21:10:57.450+08:00What was I thinking?I thought it would be a good idea to put my hand up for Amelia Burton's Twitter '#CrackofArse' challenge this week, that is, training between 5 and 7 each morning.<br /><br />OMGWTFBBQ I am tired.<br /><br />But in all seriousness, it WAS a good idea, because this week is crazy busy and I need that motivation to get me up in the morning so I can actually fit my training in.<br /><br />I have a second job that I do from home, for a magazine, and it has a monthly deadline. Today was deadline and somehow even when I try to do things well in advance, I always end up having heaps to do the night before. So I was up until 2 and then up at 6 to train. Tonight I should get to bed a *little* earlier, but not much.<br /><br />I will say, though, that for most of the day I felt better than I would have if I'd gotten up at 6.45 and NOT trained. I know this, but I manage to forget it over and over again ;)Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-81654441862316178682011-09-02T21:12:00.004+08:002011-09-02T21:37:05.022+08:0012WBT on a budgetI hear a lot of "it's so expensive to eat healthy" in general, and then at the start of 12WBT, "it's so expensive to eat this way/cook these recipes". It is entirely possible to eat healthy, 12WBT-style on a family budget (or a single person's budget, but my tips probably don't work so well for that).
<br />
<br />I spend about $200 a week on food and groceries for two adults and three big-eating children. I know plenty of people who spend less, but I do believe this is below the average. About half of what I buy, on average, is organic, and I try to buy ethically where possible (free-range chicken and eggs, no Nestle as I boycott them due to their shoddy marketing of formula in third-world countries, no slave chocolate - oh wait, chocolate is not 12WBT-friendly anyway, LOL).
<br />
<br />Here are some of the tips that work for me:
<br />
<br />1. Learn what meat cuts/types you need, and look out for them marked down or in catalogue specials. I always pick up lean beef mince, turkey mince, chicken breast, kangaroo, whole chickens, lamb cutlets and lean pork if I see them on special, as these are all used in 12WBT recipes or in my own 12WBT-friendly recipes.
<br />
<br />2. If you have the freezer space, buy in bulk and freeze in suitable portion sizes for your family's needs. This works for meat - many good butchers will sell cheaply in bulk - as well as 'luxury' items like frozen berries. Additionally, many, many things can be frozen to reduce waste. Try freezing sliced ham, Weight Watchers bacon, ricotta cheese, milk, chopped fruit, chopped vegetables, bread, Mountain Bread wraps - www.mountainbread.com has free delivery and is much cheaper than supermarkets - homemade stock, cooked shredded chicken breast, the list goes on.
<br />
<br />3. Do not buy fruit and vegetables from the supermarket! The quality is usually poor (long storage times, produce selected for appearance instead of quality/taste) and the prices expensive. Find a good local growers' market, fruit and vegetable shop, or even better a farmer's market. Buy as fresh as possible for eating raw, but if you're going to cook with it (e.g. soup or stews), keep an eye out for marked-down bags of produce. I get my produce delivered from www.aussiefarmersdirect.com.au due to the time and convenience factor, and the prices are comparable to the supermarket. Occasionally I go to the bulk overstock markets at Canning Vale and purchase big boxes of various fruit and vegies that I either cook up, or chop and freeze.
<br />
<br />4. Learn about seasonal fruit and vegetables. Joy of joys, it is spring and I can finally eat fruit other than apples, pears and oranges - strawberries and cherries are coming into season! The recipes on the program don't always use seasonal fruit and vegetables, so learn to substitute. If you're new to cooking, ask on the forums for suitable substitutions.
<br />
<br />5. The substitution rule can be applied in other instances too. Smoked salmon too expensive and you got lean ham on special? Use the ham. Have an open packet of something needing used up? Either substitute it into the day's planned recipe, or switch the recipe entirely.
<br />
<br />6. Get to know the recipe index. Tight week? Shop from your pantry - take a look in there and work out what recipes you can make with what you already have.
<br />
<br />In addition to these tips, remember that if you're anything like me, you'll be spending less on takeaway, dining out, and processed foods than you were before. That helps me when I want to buy, say, some cherries, which at $12.98/kg sound expensive, but I can buy a good few cherries for the price of a chocolate bar - and a lot fewer calories. Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-26919020877426648322011-09-02T17:47:00.006+08:002011-09-02T18:01:51.877+08:00Potato and leek soup (Thermomix) - 196 calI love, love LOVE potato and leek soup, but I always figured it would be quite high in calories (and perhaps it usually is, depending on the recipe). I cobbled this together after looking at various recipes tonight and it's delish at under 200 calories without bread - a slice of bread would bring it in at just under 300 calories which would also be good. Not for accelerator days due to the potatoes of course, and for that reason I'll probably have it for light lunches during the week instead of dinners.
<br />
<br />It serves three because that's the quantity that fits in the Thermomix. Calorie contents are taken from Calorie King.
<br />
<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Potato and leek soup</span>
<br />
<br />Ingredients
<br />--------
<br />
<br />1 large leek, chopped roughly (include as much of the green as possible)
<br />1 small onion, halved
<br />500g potatoes, peeled and cubed
<br />10g olive oil
<br />700mL water with 1tbsp vegetable stock concentrate (if you don't have this, use 720mL vegetable or chicken stock)
<br />120mL milk (I used full-cream, you could use skim for even fewer calories)
<br />Freshly ground pepper to taste
<br />
<br />
<br />Method
<br />------
<br />
<br />Place leek and onion in TMX, chop approx. 10 second on speed 7. Add olive oil and saute for 5 minutes at 100deg on speed 1.
<br />
<br />Add potatoes, water & stock concentrate. Cook for 20 minutes at 100deg on speed 1.
<br />
<br />Add milk. Turn dial from 1 to 8 for approx 30 seconds or until desired consistency.
<br />
<br />Season with pepper to taste.
<br />
<br />If you don't have a Thermomix, chop the onion and leeks more thinly to start with. Saute with olive oil in a pan until soft (10g is 2 teaspoons). Add stock & potatoes, bring to the boil, simmer for a while (LOL, I don't know, I never make soup on the stove top anymore, 30 minutes?). Remove from heat, add milk and blend with a stick blender or in a blender jug/food processor until desired consistency.
<br />Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-43198050367621240702011-08-31T21:36:00.002+08:002011-08-31T21:39:12.079+08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HXmhjXRKCRlsTKrzR62bY618P1aQUO1q2ZIw6-ybADZum99H0OLZVYJ2aTSiom4cLK0NXKlbSHLjXk1TANRP7YvXgj10VarWKmUR6zIfCmKu0eF-D44m8pq0jwOlICOGxPSwp_tRn_hh/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-31+at+4.31.47+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5HXmhjXRKCRlsTKrzR62bY618P1aQUO1q2ZIw6-ybADZum99H0OLZVYJ2aTSiom4cLK0NXKlbSHLjXk1TANRP7YvXgj10VarWKmUR6zIfCmKu0eF-D44m8pq0jwOlICOGxPSwp_tRn_hh/s400/Screen+shot+2011-08-31+at+4.31.47+PM.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647013823615104530" /></a>
<br />
<br />That's me!!
<br />
<br />That aside, I need a good talking-to. I've been waaaaayy off track since Sunday. Not sure why, but tomorrow is time for some 'spring cleaning'. 12 days until Round 3 starts, but I don't want to have an extra few kilos to lose again.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-11573341184815496822011-08-29T21:37:00.002+08:002011-08-29T21:41:38.850+08:00First Pilates class tomorrowTomorrow I'm going to my first Pilates class at the gym. Ever since I started 12WBT I have been saying I'll go to Pilates, but haven't. I think I really need personal Pilates reformer classes, but I just can't find a time and location that works for me to commit to regularly, so I figure this is better than nothing. My core is not quite as hopeless as it was six months ago, anyway. I'm trialling a lunchtime class, 12.10-12.50. I'll see how I go!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-9520628051737308662011-08-28T19:07:00.004+08:002011-08-28T19:16:48.670+08:00City to Surf<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Da-5I0bM42N-6ZGQLqKpZZge-f-burBrZtEQPPvdtACTZDhb6u4754MP35mMXgrhxcwVXz4WbDXZIpmUbRk4X6soUQRpebnaLyMA3YMH0jrSwm3veL68ZzHexGItaNYpeZD0cbKbj8vt/s1600/317150_2257482753133_1130280053_2826617_1373745_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Da-5I0bM42N-6ZGQLqKpZZge-f-burBrZtEQPPvdtACTZDhb6u4754MP35mMXgrhxcwVXz4WbDXZIpmUbRk4X6soUQRpebnaLyMA3YMH0jrSwm3veL68ZzHexGItaNYpeZD0cbKbj8vt/s400/317150_2257482753133_1130280053_2826617_1373745_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645862331805254866" /></a>
<br />
<br />We did it!! Fellow Perth Crew member Karin and I completed the City to Surf half-marathon this morning. Firstly, I have to say Karin is an absolute rockstar. She originally had this race as her goal, but injured herself towards the beginning of Round 2 and had to have six weeks off running. She hadn't trained towards this (though had still been running approximately 50km a week), and made a last minute decision YESTERDAY AFTERNOON to register. Karin absolutely smashed it in 2:08, I take my hat off to her!
<br />
<br />I was absolutely ecstatic with my unofficial time of 1:59.35 - that's from my RunKeeper app which I started as I crossed the start line. The race clock said 2:01 as I crossed, but I'm hoping like mad my official time scrapes in under the two hour mark!! 5-6 minutes quicker than my first half-marathon three weeks ago, and this is a much tougher course. If you're from Perth or have visited, you may know it's pretty flat. I think this course manages to find every hill in the Perth metropolitan area ;)
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn3a72Zjrw7OeXyK39LJ563TODLDVLSg7epn1auoXonShxvWzTos82rYQILP91sJTpeNbhcGNuzhpEqrwF8gtNiKIzddrdwJFJMeT6OjEd8DPKpecHTMncJArsUOweyAAtcRENGG5N4H1/s1600/254605_2257482993139_1130280053_2826618_6673182_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn3a72Zjrw7OeXyK39LJ563TODLDVLSg7epn1auoXonShxvWzTos82rYQILP91sJTpeNbhcGNuzhpEqrwF8gtNiKIzddrdwJFJMeT6OjEd8DPKpecHTMncJArsUOweyAAtcRENGG5N4H1/s400/254605_2257482993139_1130280053_2826618_6673182_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645863803856656706" /></a>
<br />
<br />The 12WBT Perth Crew were represented in every distance today from 4km to the amazing three women who completed their first full marathon. We are all achieving much more than we ever thought possible, and I don't think we would be there if not for Michelle Bridges and the 12 Week Body Transformation. I know I wouldn't.
<br />Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-78766197649113672682011-08-27T21:41:00.003+08:002011-08-27T21:49:28.125+08:00Half-marathon prepCarbs for dinner: check
<br />
<br />Picked up race kit: check
<br />
<br />Filled bottles for Fuel Belt (one water, one electrolyte drink): check
<br />
<br />Clothes laid out: check
<br />- shoes
<br />- special race day socks (toe socks! Love 'em)
<br />- leggings
<br />- Perth Crew singlet (of course)
<br />- sports bra
<br />- comfy undies
<br />- old too-big jumper to toss at the start line (City to Surf do 'Flick your Kit' so I can donate this and it saves having to pick up clothing at the finish, will need a jumper for the walk to the start though)
<br />
<br />Accessories laid out: check
<br />- Fuel Belt
<br />- armband for iPhone
<br />- Halo headphones-in-a-headband
<br />- visor for when that sun hits
<br />
<br />Fuel belt pocket loaded: check
<br />- $20 note (for emergency coffee/food/drink purchases afterwards)
<br />- credit card (for same, or for emergency taxi ride home if necessary - hubby can't pick me up)
<br />- front door key
<br />- <a href="http://www.completehealth.com.au/Products/GU_Chomps_~_Energy_Chews_~_With_Caffeine__60g_Strawberry.aspx">GU chews</a> (carbohydrates + caffeine) - these work for me, I don't think I could take a gel but these are good.
<br />- <a href="http://wellnaturally.com.au/info/high-protein-mini-bar">mini protein bar</a> for afterwards - yes, these are the ones that were given out at finale, love them.
<br />
<br />Timing chip threaded onto shoelaces and tested for comfort: check
<br />
<br />Breakfast planned (wholemeal English muffin with jam): check
<br />
<br />Playlist programmed into my iPhone: check
<br />
<br />And running is supposed to be simple!!Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-70747647610971389742011-08-26T21:39:00.002+08:002011-08-26T21:59:03.746+08:00Two days until my second half marathonOnly two days to go until I run in my second half marathon, in the Perth City to Surf. It's a tougher course than my first, lots of hills, and the sheer scale of the race is a little intimidating. With that in mind I don't think I'll beat my previous time of 2:05.34 - but I am excited because it's such a feel-good event simply because it's so huge! There's a really good atmosphere in runs like that.
<br />
<br />Thankfully I don't have much time to be nervous!! I have to say my arms and legs are still sore from the weights workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday, maybe I should have left those until next week.
<br />
<br />Once I'm done with this run, I won't be doing anything over 10km until the end of the year, as I'm focussing on strength in this round. Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-39629241452368388492011-08-24T21:57:00.003+08:002011-08-24T22:05:05.815+08:002nd session and I'm hurting!Owwww. Today: pec fly, chest press, shoulder presses, tricep pushdowns, tricep dips. Followed by a quick 20 minute run around the oval where my children were having soccer training. I feel like I can hardly walk!!
<br />
<br />I am loving the buzz on Twitter, Facebook and the 12WBT forums around this round. It is going to be BIG. Even the Perth Crew is getting BIGGER (but smaller!) I love the social and community aspect of this program. I have made friends that I never thought I would, from all walks of life. I have more confidence to put myself into new situation.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJapL7pjcuUx2R-RKk75C0sbbcJ2NIHYmwgBpEwtYkjF2UudPzz1m8kNWAYU-4kiXd6n_l0j_hjR0Qt5i_wc3pxugxxaGyd5-RdqstRd86551iWIMYyHEUEIFBCTg_Jm1h7JqTgf9gA8FH/s1600/321861_10150258737436056_208945146055_7822094_8251730_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJapL7pjcuUx2R-RKk75C0sbbcJ2NIHYmwgBpEwtYkjF2UudPzz1m8kNWAYU-4kiXd6n_l0j_hjR0Qt5i_wc3pxugxxaGyd5-RdqstRd86551iWIMYyHEUEIFBCTg_Jm1h7JqTgf9gA8FH/s320/321861_10150258737436056_208945146055_7822094_8251730_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644422567237561986" /></a>
<br />
<br />A photo of fellow Perth crew member Ginny and me with Michelle Bridges. Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-79665123282344824612011-08-23T16:26:00.002+08:002011-08-23T16:31:30.202+08:00First weights workout at the gymI did it!! I actually went into the weights section of the gym and did a full work-out. Legs, back & biceps today, according to the program the PT made up for me (and tried to talk me into PT sessions, but I'm too cheap to pay for them on top of gym membership, 12WBT and the running course I've signed up for). I'll do these programs - the other one is for other muscle groups so that I can alternate - until Round 3 officially starts and I get my Lean and Strong programs from Mish.
<br />
<br />I did leg presses, squat jumps, lat pulldowns, seated row, bicep curls, rotating curls & finished off with some leg raises and crunches - plus warm-up and cool-down on the treadmill. Go me. I think I'm going to be sore tomorrow, but I will go back in and do the other muscle groups, JFDI.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-4358576230714069092011-08-22T20:46:00.002+08:002011-08-22T21:12:48.527+08:00Finale wrap-up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAXF05T6vsD9aH7WQE0ZRrMoqqQEPiRXJB8aRp-hmN6xFw60QlyXsPViMgLxFkVneIt50_wKEV7HiPO938Bh1lu3vS2fMQ45q5dCD3uSvEPMmHK7imkdeKThn3SmK0jYt-95pL2TT63rg/s1600/SAM_0117.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAXF05T6vsD9aH7WQE0ZRrMoqqQEPiRXJB8aRp-hmN6xFw60QlyXsPViMgLxFkVneIt50_wKEV7HiPO938Bh1lu3vS2fMQ45q5dCD3uSvEPMmHK7imkdeKThn3SmK0jYt-95pL2TT63rg/s320/SAM_0117.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643663135713647042" /></a>
<br />
<br />Welcome to Brisvegas! The weather on Friday afternoon and on Saturday was perfect; quite a change from Round 1 finale in Melbourne. I must say that by Friday night I was absolutely wrecked though. I did the red-eye that left Perth at 1.30am Friday morning (was meant to be 12.30am but was delayed, gee that was fun waiting around Perth's boring domestic airport at that hour), so I got into Brisbane at about 8am. The hotel room wasn't ready until 2pm, so I walked around Brisbane all day - down into the city, across the bridge to Southbank, along Southbank to the Goodwill Bridge and then through the Botanic gardens. Very pretty - but I was tired!! I grabbed about half an hour's sleep before going in to the Hilton to help pack gift bags for a couple of hours. A not-very-quiet dinner with the Perth Crew and then an early night for me.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXI46th3iB-YuuR-XpbMt22tNizRHhv6FYF8zkhynp5PSUF8B0Ifx3r8YETZzp2QLPyZPbprddX7g8NYHWrKN7IeacJMBlnxSwiPZ2Cs1LR34-BSjFXTgCFojnXOOEa_QdrTtJQ0Geg_V/s1600/298604_10150256838106056_208945146055_7803082_3375156_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXI46th3iB-YuuR-XpbMt22tNizRHhv6FYF8zkhynp5PSUF8B0Ifx3r8YETZzp2QLPyZPbprddX7g8NYHWrKN7IeacJMBlnxSwiPZ2Cs1LR34-BSjFXTgCFojnXOOEa_QdrTtJQ0Geg_V/s320/298604_10150256838106056_208945146055_7803082_3375156_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643663142116351554" /></a>
<br />
<br />Saturday morning: workout time. I had heaps of fun helping to register people and matching up a few faces to usernames, before it was time to get sweaty. I did advanced and I really felt like I kept up better than I did in Melbourne - possibly because there were very few sit-ups!! My number one goal for Round 3 is going to be do a damn full sit-up.
<br />
<br />It was just really fun and uplifting; such a good vibe around the group.
<br />
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u53R6JhyfLYb1EvySbSuoxpI6m1QLmIfvXAOeiJB_b-kxqxh9Ms0wx5p0SmnHh-HFS1nAGbL29NOnkafzNbIsCFPHUqtcEBl-EcgJ3ihDBKkoUYBJwlpLwmNVqkHHQNTkOMO8i-N4kLi/s1600/SAM_0192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1u53R6JhyfLYb1EvySbSuoxpI6m1QLmIfvXAOeiJB_b-kxqxh9Ms0wx5p0SmnHh-HFS1nAGbL29NOnkafzNbIsCFPHUqtcEBl-EcgJ3ihDBKkoUYBJwlpLwmNVqkHHQNTkOMO8i-N4kLi/s320/SAM_0192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643663141414717234" /></a>
<br />
<br />Saturday night: party time. I need to get some better photos off other people's cameras, but this is me and the absolutely gorgeous and inspiring Noala Gotsis (aka Tink on the forums). She's a Perth girl and just so lovely, I can't wait to see her hit her goal weight this round because I KNOW she's going to do it.
<br />
<br />Overall it was such a huge weekend but so much fun. The winners - and everybody I met - inspired me so much, and I can't wait to hit Round 3 hard.Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-3646180298157566022011-08-17T23:20:00.002+08:002011-08-17T23:27:42.034+08:00Lean and StrongTo be honest, I am sh*tting myself. Me and weights, just don't mix. Running, I can do. I hadn't done it for years, but my body and my mind did remember how to do it. I have never been strong; unless you're talking about my baby-carrying muscles, which are finely honed (I can still carry my 18kg three-year-old on my back all day in a good carrier).
<br />
<br />Last round I said i was going to do it, but chickened out because I really wanted to do that half-marathon instead.
<br />
<br />I need to break down my comfort zone. Running is great, but I need some muscles to underpin the cardio. On that note, today I visited the gym behind my work, and I am going to cancel my current membership and join up there. It is small, and hopefully I can become comfortable in the weights area. Also classes like Powerbar and Abs Butts and Thighs run at lunchtimes.
<br />
<br />HOWEVER, because I'm a sucker, I've also signed up for <a href="http://therunningcentre.com.au/?page_id=598">this running course</a>. Haha! It's aimed at a 10km run i'm doing in October, I would like to beat my personal best and get below 50 minutes, but also I haven't had any running coaching since I was in high school and it will be interesting to get professional advice.
<br />
<br />If I update this blog regularly, is anyone actually going to read it? If a tree falls in the forest ...Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9088314066145705029.post-80962627172738946832011-08-16T22:59:00.003+08:002011-08-16T23:05:24.959+08:00Fired up for Round 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY837rInwlrD1od_h6jBcuQJKyuUK97aGwTpnvrEjkJ8rSvIwFhyphenhyphenfS0DFAlNIhcjeAC2uU7dZT6RA2zvJqXz6ApySL0tCnNavkRHnvQoH0jgbyHs39wEvQ7cAfeT9f7znh3fCJyex-G5OO/s1600/228967_10150250976181090_597266089_8106157_49253_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY837rInwlrD1od_h6jBcuQJKyuUK97aGwTpnvrEjkJ8rSvIwFhyphenhyphenfS0DFAlNIhcjeAC2uU7dZT6RA2zvJqXz6ApySL0tCnNavkRHnvQoH0jgbyHs39wEvQ7cAfeT9f7znh3fCJyex-G5OO/s320/228967_10150250976181090_597266089_8106157_49253_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5641469201820190274" /></a>
<br />
<br />I'm sorry, my poor neglected blog.
<br />
<br />What have I been up to? Working! New job, trying to establish that routine, not just for me, but for the whole family. Business trip to Sydney. Chicken pox for each of the three children.
<br />
<br />Somewhere in there - actually, the day of my flight to Sydney - I managed to run my first half-marathon. Official finishing time was 2:05.34. I am absolutely stoked with that time!
<br />
<br />What is next? I have signed up for Round 3 of the 12WBT. This time, I am doing Lean and Strong. I've met my running goal, I can put that on the backburner for a while. I have a couple of 10km runs lined up, but L&S is my focus this time.
<br />
<br />Before that I have the City to Surf half-marathon in 12 days, and the finale party weekend in Brisbane THIS WEEKEND! I'll see some of you there :D
<br />Georgiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09018368652374716825noreply@blogger.com0