Phew - feeling the burn!

Well - no excuses now I'm back!

After the past few weeks off with bronchitis (well timed 2 days after my last post ...) I have chipped away at my plan.  

In that time, 2 games of hockey (1 week of bye), 2 parkruns (1 sick/soccer duties) and a bit of walking - a couple of PT sessions.

Last Monday that ALL changed.  My PT was ill and cancelled quite late (not her fault - a sudden illness).  I was in the car ready to go, and figured - why not just go.   So I did.  I did arms/chest/back and broke myself :P   I also went Wed and Thursday.

This week, 2 days, 2 session.   Monday legs with the other half and worked hard.   Did legs and DOMs in the calves today.  Ouch.  Today chest/back/biceps. Feeling 'toasty' right now.  Have made the decision if not working - gym.  Going well so far!

Weight wise, nothing has shifted.  I need to work on nutrition more but pleased with the ptogress :)

Oh and to please my PT more.  11 days - breakfast EVERY day.  Beyond pleased with that!

2015 - so far the year of excuses.

Excuses, excuses, excuses.  That is what 2015 has been about.  I'll own it - my first foray into a work/life/sport/kids balance was not successful for my training - every other ball managed to stay in the air though.

Why is it that it is me that has been put last?  Interesting point to ponder.

The buck stops here.   I'm over my own excuses.

My hip - tried an oesto and situation has improved.
My knee - it's due to the hip.  Work on posture!
 I don't have time - use the mornings.
Kids have afterschool sport - exercise there
I'm tired - will feel better after exercise.
Sore - up the magnesium.
No one wanted to walk with me - well then walk by yourself.
Haters - haters are going to hate regardless
I hate tracking - well, that's life.
I don't know what to have other than sandwiches - plan.  Look at soups.



I'm back.   I'm happy - and I'm strong.  I can re start and finish this.  Life is too short to be unhappy.  Putting yourself first sometimes isn't being selfish - if it means my kids have a mum for longer, then it is what needs to happen.


Goals:

3X gym sessions (Legs, arms, whole body)
2X walks
1x hockey

for 4 weeks.

After that, get clearance to start C-5km.

Races -

- Run for a Wish.
- Australia Day (or around that time - plan to run full 5km for it)
- Women's 5km
- Run Devonport 5km
- Launceston 10 (doing 10 - run the whole way)
- Run Melbourne half.  (using run/walk if needed :) )

It is a lofty dream - but achievable.  I can and I will do this.  I've put it out there.  No excuses.  Let's get this done!

The year didn't quite pan out as I had planned

Firstly, my running journey started, then faltered then fizzled out thanks to injury and denial.

I managed to put on 12 kilos.

I've managed to injure my hip.

I've managed to grow out of 2 pairs of jeans - and not in the good way.

I've stopped tracking.

I had to back out of joining a running group, as I still can't run.

But,


I've learned about my inner determination

I've seen who are a good influence on me and my exercise, and who isn't.

I've had what I thought were good people judge me, and I've had people who I thought weren't become friends and encourage me.

I've continued to parkwalk to keep my brain going and legs moving

I've got through 2 months of no husband (working away) fairly well

I've kept smiling.

I've kept PTing, and am exercising at least 5 times a week.
 -
I've seen the positive in this injury - even when there was little to be positive about.

I haven't given up.  Roll on 2015 - you will be my b*tch!

In the week of challenging myself

This post has taken ages to write - I'm still stunned I did it.

A few weeks ago, a friend offered me an opportunity to come to a pole cardio class.  In otherwise, poledancing with cardio activities.

I very nervously said yes.

On Tuesday, I rocked up.

It took me ages to walk through these doors!  I really worried about how I could do it, and whether the poles had a weight limit - and what if I was over it:?  Stress, stress!

I looked in and saw this.   Everyone relaxed, lots of welcoming looks and comments.  I still felt like a twit though!  

Warm up started with a skip and run interchangeably, and then lead to an intro of all the turns needed.  It all came unstuck.  I just could not trust myself to get my feet off the group.  It didn't help that the person next to me seemed to be a natural at it.

Nevermind, we tried all the moves, and then were led into the dance/turns.  I found through each of the songs, I did improve.  All but one of the turns I could manage.  I couldn't climb the pole in one of the tracks, but this didn't phase me - I knew I would have no hope!  My fears dissipated the longer it went.

I am a little annoyed with myself though - I forgot to start the HRM until after the first 2 parts.  So, I'm rounding up my burn to 700 :)

Needless to say, I was so pleased I was given the opportunity, and so glad I got through my fear.  Thank you to Sheri and Sarah from Pole Revolution.  If you can, check out the classes.  A great full body workout - can't wait until next week!

Cadbury Marathon and 1st year fitaversary.

For this race - Husband is doing the 1/2 marathon - Miss G, Boy child 1 and Boy child 2 doing the 5km with me.

Well, lets preface this with P, M and D asking me to come for a run with them last Thursday (so 3 days before the cadbury marathon).  I told them I could run, but was damn slow (and needed breaks).  All told me that was fine.  We started to run, and I ran 1.1 kms before stopping.  We then walk/ran back to the start and then I ran 1.1km again.  During this run I realised that once you get past the burning lungs at the 300m mark, it wasn't as hard.  I think I've always given up at this stage to walk.  A plan began in my head to run 2 km at the 5k.  If I could run 1 I could run 2 right?

Friday we headed to Hobart for the race.  We checked out the 1/2 marathon course on the way, with Husband noting the hills, and the areas where he could surge (he loves hills the crazy man!).  We started driving across the bridge and it was long.  I said to him 'wow it looks like 5km' - he replied 'well, 5km always looks long, but it really isn't'.

At that moment, I decided I would just run on Sunday.  Run as far as I could, and screw the time.  It is my first year fitarversary, and I needed something to show to me what I had learned.  I went to tell Husband about the plan, and then he was getting slightly toey about the race.  Mentioning how it had more hills than he expected - and really sounded nervous.  I changed the subject after offering some platitudes - and by the time we had got to the hotel I was just happy to get changed and hit the pool there!  That night I tossed and turned until I fell into a fitful sleep. I had a dream I ran the whole way in 47 minutes.  Needless to say I was pissed at the time!



Saturday we were busy, and Husband was not really talking about what he wanted to do about the race.  It sounds awful submissive of me, but I really didn't want to bother him with my thoughts about running, and resolved to do it and just blow him out of the water.  We went out to tea with The Running Group participants, and all were (or seemed) really nervous.  Lots of pinning numbers onto tops afterwards, and a good nights sleep :)

Sunday, we were up at 4.50.  In the am.  Ugh.  Early.  Wrong!

Far too early!  Kidlets coped rather well I must say (but were very excited to run!)

The 1/2 began at 6.30.  Well 6.33 to be precise - a group of runners were held up by late busses.  At 6.33, they were off and running.  728 runners looking fresh and ready for 21.1kms.

There were a heap of TRG people in there.  They all finished, and all did so well.  Well done x

Here is husband sprinting past at the 1 and a 1/2 km mark -

He ended up with a 1.39.49.  A 9 minute PB.  My hero - he ran so strong, and so well!

Onto the 5km.  It started about 1/2 an hour after he finished (which meant I didn't see a lot of the running group finish (sorry - I love seeing you guys finish the last of a 1/2 - you all give it all!)

The course -

There were 532 at the start.  It was more crowded than I expected!

I started out slowly (well I thought :P )  I was running with Miss G for the first 1.4 km.  She then announced I was too slow and took off.  This was one of the proudest moments of my race - her first self motivated run/walk.  I saw her a few times from then on, but from what I saw - she ran a lot more than she walked.  Without prompting to keep going - so bloody proud!

I got to the drink station (about 1.6km) and felt like dying.  I had a quick drink, but kept going (just quietly, I knew if I stopped that was the end of my running).  I kept moving, watching the walk/run crowd smashing me as I went.  I did get disheartened at the almost 2km spot, with the headwinds and the potholes.  I talked myself out of it.

I got to 3kms, and figured I'd shuffled 3, I could do 3.5.  Stupid.  At 3.5 there was a BIG arsed hill.  Bigger than I had even trained for.  Nevertheless, I figured if I looked 1m ahead on the ground, I could run it.  I got to 4.5 and that hill was over.  I looked at my watch and uttered 'holy fuck' (sorry kidlets who were around!) and figured there was only 500m to go, I'd smash it out.





I so didn't.  It was my shuffle at best.  It didn't look pretty in any way.









I came 440.  I did a 46.01.  Boy child 1 - 31.25, Boy child 2 - 37.24 (he ran every step - so proud!), Miss G - 42.50ish.(again proud.  She ran with me for 1.4km without stopping - not only that - she self motivated to the finish - a huge step for her!)

I'll be honest.  I hate the way I look.  I look fat and uncomfortable and well - completely exhausted.

You know what though - I am two of those three. I am fat, and exhausted.  I ran as fast as I could, and although I was uncomfortable at the time, it was a push myself one, not how I looked.  I did it, and I survived.  I ran the whole f*cking way!  1km farthest run to 5km run in 3 days?  Man, that's crazy - but I believed on the start line I could do it, and I did.

A message I got from A on my FB wall.  The best thing I could have seen Sunday - thank you!

The face of a 5km non stop runner.  Who knew a fat chick could run that far?

I'm proud.  I am so disappointed at the time ( 46.01).  I had more in me I think. My PB is 39.20.  I can go faster.  But, OMG - I ran 5km.  I ran 5 times more than I have ever imagined running before. I didn't stop once - even though the course was tough - with hills and headwinds.  I ran, and ran and ran.  It was slow - it was slower than a lot of peoples walk :(  But, I kept going.  Not a walking step at all.  Every time I feel down about the time, I remind myself about the run. I beat the 400,000 Tassie people who didn't attend (LOL - lets face it - most of those would kick my arse too - they just weren't there :P )

So, I've made a decision.  My PB for parkrun is 39.20.  It is mostly walking right?  I ran a 5km like a boss at 46.01.  So .... I have a walk pb and a run pb.

My new aim (since I ran a PB about 6 weeks ahead of schedule) is to beat my walk PB.  Not only to beat it - but I need to run the whole way.

No excuses.  Lets do it!

Wow - what a year.

This year has been such a roller coaster.  I've learned so very much about myself and others - but also I've learned what not to do.

I've learned to like new foods.  Healthy foods.  I've learned the importance of water.  I've learned that exercise can be fun.  I've learned that exercise goals need to be set - and there is no shame in reaching for those stars.  I've made some awesome new friends, I've firmed up friendships with others.  I've laughed, I've cried.  I've experienced DOMS that have had me in tears.  I've joined a gym, I've got a PT (two things I'd never thought I would do).

All in all, I'm proud of what I have achieved.

A big shout out to thank A, F, C and K.  All have got me walking.  And listen to me bitch.  LOL  Oh and mum if she is stalking this :P

A massive thank you to the Lonnie Crew - L and P have been a support the whole way through.

A big thank you for J - who had me in her home for 3 days so I could achieve my dream to run the color run.

To 12WBT.  I can not thank you enough for what you have taught me.  Food to nourish and enjoy.

To B (Check this out).  Fantastic PT.  Who gets it.  Who pushes further than I thought was possible.  Who gets bad days with nutrition and helps without the lecture (which is the last thing you need when you feel like crap)

To the parkrunners and the running group.  Both hold a dear spot in my heart.  P persuaded us to come on the 3rd March, for a 12WBT opportunity.   It was a stinker of a day, and Miss G and I were dirt dead last.  Every single volunteer cheered us on at the end, not to mention a heap of runners that had finished.   There was no judgement in being the fattest there coming last.  Just a load of support.  The family have become regulars :)

My husband did his first parkrun then, and was hooked.  This lead to joining The Running Group (site).  From there, we have both met some of our biggest supporters - who cheer us on (even little old lowly me doing a 5, while they do 1/2 marathons).  Coach (or CC as he is known) has written me a running plan - and what is better, I can follow it and achieve.  There are a couple (that I know of!) that have great blogs.  A's with - (blog) and L with (blog).  Both blogs have taught me a lot about running, about never giving up, and dreaming big.

The biggest thank you is for my little family - L, Miss G, Boy child 1 and boy child 2.  All have had unwavering support - entering stuff they never thought was possible, smiling and never giving up on me.  Love you all x

I'll write more about my one year fitaversary - but just wanted to get that all out.  Thank you one and all.  Thank you.

Rest day.

And boy, did my body need it!

This week I've burned 4646 calories in exercise.  I've done some running training, a run (well run walk), a hill walk, a 10km walk and a couple of 5kms.  I've also done a legs workout in the gym.

I've checked and rechecked my macros for my intended weight loss, and settled into a pattern that seems to be working for me.  I'm really enjoying the challenge of macros, and how to get things to fit in - or whether I want something to fit in.

I'm currently preparing  for a 5km run in Hobart next week.  The kidlets and I are all doing it, with the husband pulling out the big guns and doing a 1/2 marathon.  As a treat, I've booked him the VIP package.   He gets fed, watered, massaged and all round spoiled.  The plebs (aka us 5ker's) get 2 chocolate bars at the end of ours.  LOL

I am hoping I can do a 40 or below for this run.  39.20 is my PB, but I haven't come close to it in my running attempts (Yes, I can walk with speed, quite surprising for a fat chick).  If I can squeeze out a 40 I will be over the moon!

So the plan this week -

Monday - fartlek session (either outside if the weather is nice or treadmill).  Arms session.  Walk when G has gymnastics perhaps?
Tuesday - PT.  Walk in afternoon (?)
Wednesday - Run session.  Run 2 min 30, walk 2 min 30.  Go for about 20 minutes.  + Walk
Thursday - Sprints.  Walk
Friday - Walk with husband and kidlets (in Hobart.  Will do a walk run (run as long as can, walk - rinse and repeat).  Hopefully a swim
Saturday - rest day.  Probably walk around town
Sunday - race day.  Also want to do at least a 2km walk as a cool down.  Also swim hopefully :)

Cals are around 1900 - 2200.   Am using a macros calculator that has me at 45% Carbs, 30% Fats, 25% Protein.  Will keep this up for a month with tracking and see how it all goes.  Cals are higher than what I am used to with 12WBT - but I had to try this - for me.

My lifestyle isn't perfect, but my goodness, I'm trying to make it fun!