Thursday, December 20, 2012

Six months on...and look at the difference!


So, you have probably realised by now that I'm a very visual person!

I take photos each and every Wednesday of me standing on my scales. I love nothing more than to compare photos, to see the change that has occured during my journey.

On Sunday we attended our cousin's wedding. I loved the dress I had bought and couldn't wait to wear it! It's completely different to anything I usually wear. I have always steered away from short, tight fitting dresses. Never wore them and never had the confidence to wear them.

Well, that has all changed! I'm so proud of all that I have achieved this year.

I have:
- shed close to 15kg
- competed in 2 triathlons
- re-discovered swimming
- been thinking more positively
- started to like what I see in the mirror.

Hubby took a photo of me in the dress and I immediately compared it to two photos...the first taken at a Kitchen Tea in June (at the start of my journey) and the second taken at a Wedding in August (after shedding 7kg)...now almost 15kg down and what a difference!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 19th December 2012

This week has been so hectic. We had our cousin's wedding on Sunday and my husband's Christmas Party last night.

I ate a lot more than usual and exercised a lot less than usual.


The results today aren't great...but I know where I went wrong so am 100% certain that the scales will move in the correct direction next week!

School finishes today, which means I get to swim 3 times a week! Looking forward to adding an extra swim session to my weekly routine and walking on the days in between...I feel a step challenge coming on!

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 66.9kg
WIW: +1kg
TOTAL LOSS: 13.8kg

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 12th December 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday this morning...is that a 65.something I see!


I'm a very happy woman in deed!!!

SW: 80.7
CW: 65.9
WIR: -600g
LOSS: 14.8kg

Sunday, December 9, 2012

The Biggest Loser - The Next Generation 2013


So, it's no secret that I am a fan of The Biggest Loser.

I know that the contestants lose a massive amount of weight in a short amount of time, I know that they train hours a day and I know that they stick to a strict calorie controlled diet...

but I love watching them transform.

I love seeing them train hard, complete challenges and change physically, as well as mentally.

Last night, my mum and I were lucky enough to attend an event at the Whitlam Centre, Liverpool. We had seats to watch a taping for the new season. We were both extremely excited to meet the trainers, as well as the contestants.

When we arrived, we met Sharlene and Craig (The Westrens) from TBL Family Series 2011. They are truly beautiful people. They chatted with mum and I and were so lovely. They look amazing and have definitely maintained after finishing the show. I asked Sharlene how it's been maintaining...and she admitted it was hard. It's a daily decision to train and eat well...and she must be doing something right, as she looks amazing!

Once the doors opened and we were seated, we met the trainers. I met Michelle a month ago, but was just as excited to see her this time round! Shannon and The Commando...well what can I say...HOT! The three trainers looked amazing and were very friendly to the audience. They asked us who had trained and eaten clean!! They look so lean and are a picture of health.

We were told that TBL 2013 was all about The Next Generation and each contestant was going to come out and make a pledge to themselves, as well as their team mate.

The contestants were very brave...they stood up on stage and shared their journey and pledged their promise. Tears were shed as I listened to each contestant. I could relate to so many of them. I want them all to succeed. I wish all the contestants the very best of luck on their journey.

I can't wait for the new series to begin...and keep an eye out when it aires, as you might just see me on TV! :)

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 5th December 2012

Had a horrible day today. I'm officially unemployed.

Have no energy to type, so just going to post my Weigh-in-Wednesday picture for this week.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 28th November 2012

A quick one tonight...


SW: 80.7kg
CW: 67.4kg
WIR: - 400g
TOTAL SHED: 13.3kg

Finding that the rate of weightloss is slowing down...shedding only a few hundred grams a week now. As they say, slow and steady wins the race!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Women's Triathlon Festival

Today I competed in my second ever triathlon...Women's Triathlon Festival at the Penrith International Regatta Centre.

I have been down all week and was not in the mood to attend. It wasn't until this morning, after having a pep talk from my hubby, that I decided to suck it up and just fricken do it! I've been training with a friend for the last few months and did't want to pull out and let her down, or myself down for that matter.

It was HOT out at Penrith...and our race didn't start until 11:30am...yep, we were racing during the hottest part of the day.

The thought of swimming in the lake had really been freaking me out...but was a welcome relief from the hot sun. We were swimming against the current and I was a little panicked when I realised I couldn't see past my nose. I'm used to swimming in the clean pool, where I can see the floor. Today all I could see was green...YUK!

My transitions were slow...

Loved the cycling track...didn't love that I was riding in 36 degree heat...with no water to drink. My mouth was so dry by the time I entered the transition area. I had a big swig of Powerade and water, waited for my friend to catch up, then left on the run.

Let's be honest...it wasn't a run...it was a power walk and jog...it was soooooo bloody HOT. I raced today a lot slower than I had hoped, but with the heat...I just wanted to finish alive! I walked most of the first kilometre, interval jogged the second kilometre and sprinted home. I was so relieved to have my finishers medal given to me...I'm beginning to have quite a collection...and I love it!



My goal was to complete the course (250m swim, 10km cycle, 2km run) in an hour...

My official time...59.18mins

Swim = 11.30min
Cycle = 33.29min
Run = 14.18

Transitions really slowed down my times...but I have to be happy with the fact that I actually turned up for the event, swam in a lake for the first time, cycled 10km for the first time...and I did all this in the scorching heat!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Weigh-in-Wedesnday: 21st November 2012

I have had an amazing week. 

I...
  • celebrated my 9 year wedding anniversary
  • met Michelle Bridges
  • took part in the 12WBT Round 3 group workout & finale
  • taught my first casual day at my old primary school...and saw some of my old teachers (...yes, 19 years after leaving primary school some of my teachers are still there!!!)
I tracked almost every day and ate all of my weekly PP. I didn't exercise as much as usual, so I knew a loss was out of the question.

The results...


SW: 80.7kg
CW: 67.8kg
WIR: +300g
TOTAL SHED: 12.9kg

So a small gain. I'm ok with that. I know why it happened and I'm going to work so hard this week. It's the second last week of my Summer Slim Down Challenge. I'm 1.8kg away from my 12 week goal...I want it bad...and I know what I have to do...

Sunday, November 18, 2012

12WBT Round 3 Workout and Finale

Yesterday I attended the Michelle Bridges Round 3 12WBT workout and finale. As I mentioned in my previous post, a friend of mine completed the program this round and got tickets for the event for my husband and myself.

The workout took place at Queens Park, Sydney. We arrived just in time to see Michelle present her new OneActive workout gear, which is exclusive to BigW. I have quite a lot of the range and I love it! It's super comfortable to exercise in and as casual wear. We then watched the finale of the fitness challenge...and let me tell you...those ladies were inspiring! They were machines!!

Mish and her team then lead the giant workout. Over 1000 people exercising together. The workout was a high-intensity aerobics workout, with some group activities and running thrown into the mix. I loved it and enjoyed every moment. It was great to be doing a workout with such an inspirational and motivating instructor...Mish is one fit chick!! I was so excited to meet her and extremely happy that I got to have a photo taken with her as well!


After spending the afternoon getting ready for the finale, we headed to the Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park. Everyone looked amazing and Michelle was as exquisite as always! The night began with the Top 20 being announced and the overall winners being awarded their prizes. After the formalities concluded, canapes were served, drinks flowed and the dancing began!

The beautiful SWSyd Crew all dressed up at Finale

It was an unbelievable day...and the best part about it was sharing the experience with my beautiful husband. 


I am so thankful to have met Michelle and am so inspired to continue on my weight loss journey.


I'm sitting down tonight to write out my meal plan for the week, plan out my exercise and get ready to lose the last few kilos to see me back at goal.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Michelle Bridges, here I come!


Today I will be meeting Michelle Bridges and attending the 12WBT Round 3 Workout and Finale! I'm so excited!

I participated in a previous round of 12WBT and like most of you know,  I'm part of the SouthWestSyd Crew (we have a Facebook Page for past and present 12WBTers) and we're all rocking up in our super sexy shirts this morning! A friend of mine got us tickets for the workout and finale and am so thankful to her!

The event kicks off at 9:30am...and there is a fancy dress competition this morning...do you like me workout attire?!!!

Will post more pics later on!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 14th November 2012


A quick one from me tonight...but wanted to actually post a weigh-in Wednesday post on a Wednesday!

Had a good weigh-in this morning...after a very indulgent week (daughter's birthday, relaxing Saturday and a kitchen tea on Sunday) I ate a lot more food than usual...and really paid the price! A sneak peak on Sunday saw me up a kilo...yep...pull on the reigns lovie and regain control...

To compensate for extra eating, I had a WW Filling & Healthy Day on Monday and Tuesday. It was great eating so cleanly and I feel so much better...

The results...

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 67.5kg
WIR: -400g
TOTAL SHED: 13.2kg

Very happy with my 400g loss this week. Am getting closer and closer back to goal which is awesome!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Running Clinic


Last Sunday I attended a running clinic presented by Kaz Muddell from Mind Body Motion.

The clinic ran for two hours. It was a great session, whereby she gave us a lot of information about how to keep ourselves safe while running, how to avoid injury, the correct running technique, as well as other tips and tricks.

The last half-an-hour was a practical session. We had to run for a minute whilst counting the number of times our right leg struck the ground (to assess our cadence) and then we each had a turn at running so Kaz and the group could critique our running style (she also videoed us).

As soon as I ran, I realised my arms were swinging across my body...I need to learn to keep them at my sides.

I enjoyed the session and learnt a few tricks I'll put into action. It was also great to complete the clinic with friends.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 31st October 2012


An early post for me as I'm off to work...

Had a big week with my sister in hospital and my girls' birthday party...I ate lunch at the hospital almost every day, enjoyed some cake and pizza at the party...so I knew I wouldn't have a big loss this week...but it's ok because I had two big losses in a row...

So this morning, I stepped on the scales and...

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 68.4kg
WIR: -400g
TOTAL SHED: 12.3kg

Happy with the 400g shed...need to up my water intake. I have also started a new project...but will leave that for another post.

Enjoy your day :)

Saturday, October 27, 2012

My new toy...


I was a very spoilt girl this year and received a spin bike from my family for my birthday! My brother is manager at WorkoutWorld Penrith and I have purchased a lot of equipment from him over the years!

He's helped me set up an awesome home gym and I love my new bike...I look forward to having my first workout on her on Monday!

The last piece of equipment I'd like to purchase is a full rack of free weights (1kg - 10kg). I'm saving up and hopefully soon my gym will be complete!

I love working out at home! I've got some awesome equipment and enjoy getting up early and working out before the kids wake up. It's my me time and I now get cranky when I miss a workout....(come to think of it, that would explain the foul mood I'm in at the moment!!!)

Missed a few workouts this week, so look forward to getting back into routine on Monday and smashing it in my gym!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 24th October 2012


Yep...a weigh-in Wednesday post on a Friday.

My sister has been extremely sick, so my week has consisted of driving back and forth from the hospital. She's still in until at least Monday, but hopefully she'll be feeling better very soon.

Due to this, I haven't had a chance to jump on here and update my blog.

So...

Wednesday I was exhausted as I had been at the hospital until 10pm the night before. I almost forgot to weigh-in, as I was dead tired and I couldn't remember what day it was.

Luckily I remembered just before eating breakfast, so I jumped on the scales and was very happy with the number staring back at me...

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 68.8kg
WIR: -800g
TOTAL SHED: 11.9kg

I haven't fit in many exercise sessions this week, so will be interested to see how the scales react next week.

Monday, October 22, 2012

My amazing birthday cake!


Yesterday my daughter turned 4...and today I turned 31.

Unfortunately we've spent most of the last two days at Liverpool Hospital, as my sister is very ill. When we got home tonight, my hubby wanted to do something special for me...so he made me a birthday cake...

...fresh FRUIT cake!

I absolutely loved it!

My family have been extremely supportive of my journey and I received some amazing birthday gifts...
  • my family all put in together and bought me a spin bike...
  • my beautiful sister-in-law bought me a WW magazine subscription and the brand new WW 2013 calendar...
  • and my gorgeous husband made me the best cake ever!

I love all my family so much and I know I would not have achieved so much over the last few months without their love and support. It's been a pretty tough year emotionally...and they have been there whenever I needed a hand, a chat, a hug or a shoulder to cry on.

I have the most amazing family in the world :)

Sunday, October 21, 2012

My miracle pants...


Today is my baby girl's 4th birthday and this morning I searched through my wardrobe searching for a pair of 3/4 pants to wear...and was excited to find that everything was too big!! YAY!!

So hubby pulled out my miracle pants...threw them to me and said "Here, try these on."

Now let me explain a little about my miracle pants. I was only just thinking of these pants yesterday and was upset as I thought they had been thrown out. You see, thesemiracle pants have not fit me in 5 years...but I kept them, as encouragement to keep going...but earlier this year, looking at them made me depressed, as I couldn't even pull them up past my knees and it would take a miracle to be able to fit into them again...

...hence the name miracle pants.

Well, I thought hubby had tossed them out, as he knew how upset I was the last time I saw them...but in fact he had hidden them...waiting for the perfect opportunity to reunite us.

"Here, try these on."

I looked at him, a little stunned as I realised my miracle pants were still in the house...and a little smile crept onto my face...

Should I?

Do you think?

I pulled them up...past my knees...past my thighs...and what do you know?...

THEY FIT!

A huge smile broke out on my face as I realised my miracle pants were on! I did a happy dance and was so excited!

You couldn't wipe the smile off my face all day and I loved being back in them. They felt great on...and they are a SIZE 10!

So in the end, it didn't take a miracle to fit back into my miracle pants...

...it just took a lot of focus, determination and hard work!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 17th October 2012

I had a few sneak peaks at the scales this week and I knew I was getting very close to the 60s...

I was nervous weighing in this morning, as I desperately wanted to see a 69.something looking back at me.

My alarm went off at 5:30am and I nervously approached my scales...and I was over the moon when I saw 69.6kg flash in front of me!

After four very long years, I'm finally back in the 60s! My journey is in no way complete...I've still got a lot of work to do...but my biggest obstacle was been over come...I'm out of the 70s.

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 69.6kg
WIR: -1.3kg
TOTAL SHED: 11.1kg

It's my birthday on Monday and I could not have asked for a better present! I'm so proud of myself for putting an end to emotional eating and remaining focused on my goals.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

My headless lunchtime visitor...

I was preparing lunch today when I heard a loud knock at the door and a shout for me to get a shovel...

Um...what?

So I opened the roller door to see a friend of my neighbours in my driveway screaming at me to grab a shovel...

"Why?"

"You've got a brown snake in your front yard?"

A what???

Oh yes...you read correctly...a brown snake in my front yard...AND I LIVE IN SUBURBIA!

I ran to my shed and couldn't open the damn thing as hubby had locked it, so in a panic ran to my neighbours house...knocking and screaming for a shovel! (...thank goodness I've been working on my running!!!)

"This isn't a long-handed shovel. You're going to have to help me get it?"

"Are you serious? There's no way I can do that."

"It's eaither you help, or this snake will end up in your garage...then we're up s**t creek."

Oh man...

Well...I won't share the ordeal...but I had to pass the utensils as my saviourdecapitated the brown snake. 

Thank god for my saviour! Thank God he saw it make it's way into my yard and thank God he disposed of it for me!

I've never seen a 'wild snake' before and I hope I don't see another ever again! I was worried about snakes at my daughters school (as she's just moved over to a semi-rural school...and it's our first summer term there)...and instead a snake visited me at home...

Bring on summer??!! :(

Oh yeah...and I finally had the stomach to eat my lunch around 2:30pm...snake anyone...joking, joking!!!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Pizza perfection...

Being from an Italian background, I love my pizza and pasta...and tonight I tried my hand at making my own pizza dough!

The pizza dough recipe came from the Weight Watchers Takeaway at Homecookbook and then I added my own toppings...ham, mushroom and light mozzarella cheese.


The pizza was delicious and my kids loved it! It's definitely a winner and I know I'll be making these quite often. I found the dough to be quite crispy and my hubby...also known as the pizza maker extraordinaire...suggested that I add less oil next time round.

So here is my tweaked...

Pizza Base Recipe
ProPoints: 8
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 sachet dry yeast (7g)
- 1 tsp caster sugar
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1tsp salt
- 1tsp oil

Directions:
  1. Place yeast, sugar and 3/4 cup warm water in a jug. Whisk until yeast has dissolved. Set aside in a warm place for 10 minutes or until frothy.
  2. Sift flour into a large bowl. 
  3. Add the flour, salt, yeast mixture and oil into a mixer fixed with a paddle hook. Mix until the dough forms, is smooth and comes away from the sides of the bowl. (Alternatively, place on a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic.) 
  4. Place in a large oiled bowl. Cover and set aside in a warm place for at least 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  5. Top with your favourite toppings.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Got my skates on...



I went roller skating yesterday...for the very FIRST time!

I wanted to reward myself for shedding 10%, 10kg and competing in my first triathlon...and I didn't want the reward to be food related.

So, I told hubby and the kids that I wanted us all to go roller skating! With three first timers and hubby who admitted he wasn't very good at skating...this was going to be one interesting and hilarious event!

We went to a brand new skating rink that has opened about 20 minutes away from our house...and I have to admit...I was nervous! I was nervous about staying upright...and how on earth was I going to look after the girls if I couldn't even stand up?

Well...there was nothing to be worried about! The staff were amazing and very encouraging! They showed us a few basics...like how to get back up after a fall...and gave the girls a 'skate mate' (a triangular frame with wheels that they use to help teach people how to balance and skate).

Thank goodness for the skate mate! I used one skate mate with my older daughter and my hubby was with our younger daughter! I skated tandem around the rink with my princess until we both got our confidence...then she used it by herself and I attempted to skate without an aide!

We had an absolute ball! I have to admit...it wasn't as scary as I first thought...and I didn't fall once...must have been beginners luck! The four of us laughed and laughed...and enjoyed being active as a family! I've had a bit of an emotional week...and it was just what I needed...to have fun!

The girls are starting skating classes next Saturday...and we're going back next Saturday night for my younger daughters and my birthday (we're a day apart). I bet you can guess what my girls requested as their birthday presents.....

...you guessed right...a pair of skates.

...But guess what...

...I requested a pair of skates for my birthday too!

Fun times ahead!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Just keep swimming...

Image via HERE.

I've been back in the pool again for just going on two weeks and I love it!

I was never a 'sporty' kid, but mum put me into swimming as a child to help with my asthma. My brother and sister are both natural sportspeople...but I just never 'had it'. I was always big as a kid because of all the steroids I was on to manage my asthma. I could never run, I never played sports...I danced (for a few years) and I swam.

I swam until high school and then that stopped too.

But just like you can never forget how to ride a bike, I never forgot how to swim.

I love swimming and absolutely adore summer as it means I can get back into the water.

When I'm in the water, I'm transported back to my childhood. I'm a kid again and enjoy swimming lap after lap. I feel confident in the water and feel that I'm good at something. I may not be good at any other sport...but swimming feels like home. I'm relaxed in the water and all worries or stresses in my life disappear while I'm there.

At the moment I'm swimming two sessions a week and today I swam 1km! My brother has written a swimming program for me to follow and I'm loving it! He's got a mix of flippers / kick-board / pool bouy work, shorter distances, longer distances and sprints. It's a good workout and the time flies!

Now that I've rediscovered swimming, I don't think I'll be able to give it up again. I was chatting to two other swimmers this morning...the women I was speaking to swims 100 laps each morning (2.5km) and the man I spoke to swims 80 laps in the morning and 100 at night (total of 4.5km daily). He's lost a total of 75kg to date and is inspirational!

My daughters both do swimming lessons and I'm so proud of them. My eldest daughter cried for over 2 years and now swims beautifully. Her freestyle and backstroke are fantastic and she's just started learning how to breaststroke. My younger daughter is a little fish and looks forward to her lesson each week. I love that we are a family of water babies! My girls were so excited to see mummy compete in the triathlon on Saturday and enjoyed watching me swim...I love being a good role model for my beautiful daughters :)

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 10th October 2012


I had a great weekend...my first triathlon...such an achievement and still on a high.

Weighed-in yesterday...and I had a gain :(


SW: 80.7kg
CW: 70.9kg
WIR: +300g
TOTAL SHED: 9.8kg

I've written up my new exercise program and will be interested to see how the scales react with the different activity...

Monday - run
Tuesday - swim
Wednesday - weights
Thursday - run
Friday - swim & pilates
Saturday - run & cycle

I'm really sick of being in the 70s...so hopefully I can be 69.something next week!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A funny mood...and lunch...

Image via HERE.

As most of you would know, I competed in my first triathlon on Saturday. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and can't really put into words the high that I felt when I crossed the finish line.

...You see, I achieved something I never thought I would. I've wanted to compete in the Triathlon Pink for a few years, but never had the courage to give it a go. This year, I've shed 10kg, but I've gone through a tough time emotionally. I've had two miscarriages within 6 months, the last being only five and a half weeks ago. When I came out of surgery on the 31st of August, I was sore...sad...and never in my wildest dreams thought that I'd be strong enough to compete in a triathlon.

When I miscarried in February this year, I turned to food, which lead me to gain weight and stand at my heaviest (non pregnant) = 80.7kg. After my miscarriage just over five weeks ago, I've turned to exercise and blogging to cope. I knew I could either deal with my emotions with food (like I always have) and gain all the weight I've worked so hard to shed in the last few months, or stop the vicious cycle of emotional eating.

...and that's what I did.

I no longer search for food if I'm feeling down...I'll go for a walk, do an exercise session in my home-gym or come here and blog.

And that's why I'm here right now. I'm in a funny mood today. I don't feel like doing anything...there is a list of things a mile long that I should be doing but I'm avoiding all of them.

I should be programming for school, I should be doing my units for my graphic design course, I should be cleaning the house, I should prepare dinner as I'm tutoring tonight...but I don't want to do any of it.

Why am I in my funny mood?...

I return to work tomorrow after 7 weeks leave...and I'm s**t scared. I don't want to be asked questions about where I've been and what happened. I haven't been there in so long, and with only working there one day a week, I feel like a fish out of water. I miss the kids like crazy and am so excited to see them, but I'm not looking forward to seeing the staff. I don't want to talk about what happened and I just want to stay home in my protective bubble.

Image via HERE.

These feelings of anxiety have pulled at my emotional strings. I've found myself in the pantry the last few days and I stare inside at the contents. I've had the little devil on one shoulder saying "eat, eat" and the little angel on the other saying "don't do it, don't do it". I'm pleased to say that I've listened to the angel each time I've found myself inside the pantry but it's funny how my mind is trying to go back to the way I used to deal with things.

The funny thing is, there is quite a bit of 'junk' in the pantry at the moment. Not the usual contents. When I've been looking at all the stuff, it's not appealing. In the past, I would have ripped through it all and wouldn't have stopped for a moment to think what I was doing. Now I analyse...I think "Is this really what I want? Do I want to eat this crap?" and the answer is no.

So after a weekend of highs, I'm feeling nervous and anxious and have been faced with the old thoughts...

"Marianne, you did so well on the weekend! You DID a triathlon...but you are feeling like s**t...so go and eat...come on, do it."

I'm not going to do it.

I don't feel like doing anything today...and had no idea what I was going to eat for lunch...debating with my angel and devil again. Thank God for my beautiful daughter. She wanted to cook something (she turns 4 next week), so I helped her make lunch...


She made us bacon and egg sandwiches...with english spinach on mine. She had sliced bread on hers, I had a Helga's Sandwich Thin. It tasted great...was very filling...and only 6PP (226 calories). She saved me from doing something I know I would have regretted.

Going swimming training tonight...then off to bed early...it's a school day for me tomorrow :(

Wish me luck.

Monday, October 8, 2012

My Triathlon Pink results...

I'm still on a high after competing in my first triathlon on Saturday and still can't believe I actually did it!

Considering I didn't have a lot of preparation, I'm very happy with my overall time and splits. Definitely need to work on my running and have put together a new training program...in preparation for my next event!

Here are my results from Saturday...

Swim - 5:33 mins
Cycle - 17:57 mins
Run - 6:48 mins
TOTAL TIME: 30:18 mins

My swimming is definitely my strongest leg and I'm ecstatic to have placed 29th (out of 146) overall in the swim leg! I placed 58th overall, which is great for my first triathlon! It was an amazing experience and I look forward to my next event!

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Triathlon Pink - Saturday 6th October 2012



Today I competed in my first ever triathlon! I loved every minute of it!

I created a video of my amazing day...I hope you enjoy it!

Friday, October 5, 2012

One more sleep...

One more sleep until I compete in my first ever triathlon!

I'm nervous and excited, especially because I've had less than 2 weeks of preparation for the event.

I had decided I wasn't going to take part in the triathlon, rather sign up for the Pink Fun Run instead...that was until some dear friends encouraged me to still enter and give it a go ;)

So, Triathlon Pink short course, here I come!

Some of us ladies in the SWSyd Crew are going to wear our team shirts, pink hats and tutus!

My girls wanted to dress up too...so here they are ready to cheer for mummy and the SWSyd Crew tomorrow!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 3rd October 2012

Really stepped up the exercise this week in preparation for Triathlon Pink this weekend. I ran, swam and rode around the beautiful Vincentia and thoroughly enjoyed my time away with the family.

With no access to scales...I was a little apprehensive...

no scales = no sneak peaks

...and I really didn't know what to expect this morning. I knew I had stuck to my daily PP allowance and exercised every day...but you just never know how the scales will react!

Well, I'm one happy woman this morning!


SW: 80.7kg
CW: 70.6kg
WIR: -900g
TOTAL SHED: 10.1kg

I reached my 10kg milestone!

It feels great to be 10kg lighter!

Now onto the next milestone...

To be in the 60s...need to shed 700g...I hope to get there next week!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

What a view!



This morning hubby and I went on a 6km bike ride. We're loving our time down the coast and the view this morning was amazing!

We're heading home this afternoon :(

I've had a great time away. While we've been here I've eaten really well and stuck to my daily PP allowance. I've gone for a swim, a run and a bike ride. Have gone for beautiful walks and accumulated more then 13,000 steps daily. I wore a costume on the beach and felt more confident in my own skin.

I've still got another 12kg to shed, but I'm concentrating on how far I've come...9.2kg down, fitness has improved immensely and I'm starting to run! I love my new lifestyle and I love the changes that have already occurred.

I have enjoyed our 'time-out' down the coast and it's given me even more determination to keep travelling on my journey and achieve my goals.

Friday, September 28, 2012

I've signed up for the Triathlon Pink event!

Yesterday I finally got together with some ladies from our SWSyd Crew for a 6km power-walk around Mt Annan Botanical gardens and then a swim session last night.

The walk was fantastic, with the real champions of the day being the kids. It was great to finally participate in a group event and my girls loved being with the other kids. It's great that we have a Crew where even the little ones can get involved.


Last night a few of us hit the pool for a swimming session. It's been a long time since I've been in the water, and I realised last night just how much I've missed it. I loved doing laps up and down the pool, with freestyle and backstroke being my strongest strokes. I'm going to make swimming part of my weekly exercise routine from now on.

At the beginning of the week, I had decided that I'd do the Pink Fun Run instead of the Triathlon Pink event due to lack of preparation...but last night Geanina and Rachel encouraged me to compete in the triathlon...and I did the craziest thing by accepting the challenge! 


We've decided to do the Triathlon Pink short course 100m swim/3km cycle/1km run. I think it's a good distance for our first ever triathlon and if I do well, my aim is to compete in the Women's Triathlon Festival at the Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith on the 25th November. The distance is longer for this event with a 250m swim/10km cycle/2km run. A distance that will definitely be a challenge.

I'm excited about next Saturday and can't wait to get in there and have a go. It's something I've always wanted to do and I'm finally going to try and tri!! I told my daughter that I'm racing for her next week. As many of you know, she suffers from General Anxiety Disorder. I told her that mummy is racing for her to show her that it's fun to try new things and the most important thing is to give it a go, have fun and smile. She promised she'll cheer me on the whole way!

I would love to crack the 70s and be in the 60s by next weekend for the event, so I'm determined to shed the 1.6kg to get me there...I've increased my workouts so fingers crossed the scales go in a downwards direction!!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 26th September 2012



After a big weekend, I'm happy to report that I stayed the same...no loss - but most importantly no gain!

SW: 80.7kg

CW: 71.5kg
WIR: 0g
TOTAL SHED: 9.2kg

That 10kg loss is still taunting me! I want to get it this week! I've been mainly walking the last few weeks...and now I think it's time to up the intensity. Running...here I come!

Monday, September 24, 2012

My transformation so far...

In June this year, I was obese and extremely unhappy. I let my emotions rule what went into my mouth and let my 'emotional eating' be my number one reason why I couldn't lose weight. I was the biggest I had been (non-pregnant) and knew that if I didn't get my act together the scales were going to continually rise.

I was committed and determined to get myself healthy. I began to eat cleanly, track and exercise fiercely. I knew what I had to do and I just did it. The journey this time has been different.

Why?

I have stopped emotional eating.


I'm not letting my emotions dictate what goes into my mouth. My emotions have had a battering the last few weeks but instead of heading to the pantry, I head to my homy gym. I'll jump on the treadmill and walk my worries away.

We celebrated my sister's 21st birthday Saturday night. I hosted the party at my house and had over 70 people here. It was a black,white and red theme and I loved the outfit I chose. I felt confident in my own skin and had a brilliant night. I received so many compliments from my family and friends on how well I'm looking. I feel good on the inside and I think that it shows on the outside.

I put together a slide show for my sister's party and I was shocked to see how I looked just over 3 months ago. I looked big, frumpy and old. I now feel confident, healthy and in control.

Sunday 10th June 2012 - Saturday 22nd September 2012

I'm only half-way in my journey and still have close to 12kg to shed. But this time I realise it's not the end that is important, it's the journey.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 19th September 2012

After a big loss last week, I wasn't expecting to pull high numbers this week. Am happy with the 400g loss.


SW: 80.7kg
CW: 71.5kg
WIR: -400g
TOTAL SHED: 9.2kg

We're getting close to the 10kg mark...800g to go. My aim is to get there next Wednesday.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Our WW Chinese Banquet

My sister-in-law bought us the new WW Takeaway at Home Cookbook last week and after checking out the new recipes we decided on creating a WW Chinese Banquet for dinner at our next family night.

My mother-in-law is also doing WW, so the three of us were designated dishes to prepare. Here is what was on the menu tonight...


All recipes came from the new cook book and all the dishes were quick and easy to prepare and tasted soooo good! We had a small portion of each dish and the whole banquet came in at 15PP.

We had a lot of fun tonight and will definitely be making more dishes from the cookbook for future family night dinners.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Beef in Black Bean Sauce


A classic asian dish, cooked in just 10 minutes!

ProPoints: 12 | Calories: 304
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
- Kan Tong Inspirations Sauce Pouch, Sizzling Black Bean
- 450g lean rump steak
- 125g fresh baby corn, sliced in half
- 1 medium capsicum, cut into 2cm cubes
- 100g snow peas
- 450g Hokkien Noodles                 
- 1tbs peanut oil

_________________________________________________________________________________

Heat oil in a wok, add meat and stir-fry until brown. Remove from wok.

Add vegetables and stir-fry for 3 minutes.

Return beef to wok. Stir in the black been sauce and heat through.

Prepare hokkien noodles as per packet directions.

Add hokkien noodles to the beef and black bean mixture. Stir and heat through.

Serve and enjoy!
_________________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Weigh-in-Wednesday: 12th September 2012

Stepped on the scales this morning and was one very happy chappy!


I shed 1.9kg this week...I reached my 10% and now have only 2kg to shed to be back in the 60s!

SW: 80.7kg
CW: 71.9kg
WIR: -1.9kg
TOTAL SHED: 8.8kg

Next goal...to shed 1.2kg to reach my 10kg loss.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The hardest post I've had to write...

I haven't posted in over a month and so much has happened in that time.

I should have been in Perth tonight, partying hard with the SWSyd girls at the Round 2 12WBT finale but unfortunately am unable to travel. I thought tonight was the best time to reflect on the last few weeks and share with you what has been happening.

So here goes...

During Week 8, I found out I was expecting. I was extremely excited, but nervous as I had had a miscarriage in February this year and hoped that history wouldn't be repeated.

I eased off the exercise, but continued to eat really well. I felt fantastic...but extremely tired! My blogging fell behind, as all I wanted to do was sleep...I was so exhausted and would be in bed by 8:30pm most nights.

I hit 6 weeks and was relieved...I had gone past the dreaded 5 weeks...where I miscarried last time.

I continued to walk most days and stuck to my healthy eating. I felt fantastic and on Monday 20th August I had a dating ultrasound (I was 8 weeks pregnant). Our little jellybean was doing well...a great size and had a strong heartbeat.

My precious little one

We were so excited and told our two gorgeous girls. They were going to be big sisters and were very happy. Life was great...

...that was until I woke up the very next morning.

I was bleeding and I broke down. I went straight to my GP and she took bloods. They raced through the results and told me that my HCG levels were great...not to panic and to have bed rest. So that's what I did. I tried to stay as calm as possible and rested. It got to Thursday (23rd Aug) and I was still bleeding. I rang my obstetrician and explained what was happening. He brought my appointment forward and I saw him on Monday (27th Aug). He examined me and performed another ultrasound...he could still see the baby and heartbeat. Even though I was relieved to hear this news, I was still extremely worried. I was still bleeding and the baby's growth had slowed down. I was instructed to continue on bed rest and was to return on Thursday (30th Aug).

Thursday morning came and back to my obstetrician we went. I walked in and the first words I said were "I'm still bleeding". He performed another ultrasound and explained that he could see the baby, but couldn't get a good picture of the heartbeat. I was sent for further ultrasounds and my worst fears were confirmed...at 10 weeks pregnant, my baby's little heart had stopped beating.

I was booked in for surgery the very next day (being last Friday). I came out of theatre and was in recovery for two hours. When they moved me back into the day surgery ward, my blood pressure dropped really low. I had absolutely no energy and just wanted to sleep, but the nurses brought me some food to eat, to try and get my blood pressure back to normal. It stayed quite low for the remainder of the day but I was allowed to go home.

We were devastated...and the hardest thing was telling our girls. My family have been so beautiful and extremely supportive. My hubby, my mum and dad have been amazing. They knew when I needed a cuddle, a shoulder to cry on and dropped everything to make sure I was ok. They shared school drop-off and pick ups and looked after our girls whilst I was on bed rest. I love them all so much.

I was in a lot of pain last weekend (both physically and mentally). I didn't do much for the first few days after surgery...I was just totally exhausted. I'm feeling a lot better this weekend (and have even managed a few walks on the treadmill)...but I'm STILL bleeding...19 days now. I'm over it. I just want the bleeding to stop. I see my obstetrician for my post-op appointment this Thursday. Hopefully he has some test results and can shed some light on what caused the miscarriage.

I want to thank three special SWSyd ladies who have been so supportive over the last few weeks. To Carly, Jayne and especially my gorgeous Rose...thank you for your words of encouragement and your prayers. Your messages really helped me through this difficult time and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.


So to reflect on Round 2...
I am so proud of my achievements.
- I managed to shed 7.8kgs and maintained (and even had a few small loses) during my pregnancy.
- My fitness increased...and I even ran 3km without stopping.
- I've lost heaps of centimetres from my body and am starting to like what I see.
- I was in the top 15% of Round 2.
- I made some amazing friends...and love our SWSyd Crew.
- And my biggest  achievement...I beat emotional eating. Through everything that has happened, I have not had one binge. I have not had the urge to turn to food...and that is just mind blowing! I'm in control of my emotions and I'm not letting them rule me.

So, where to from here?
I missed Round 3 registration, so am unofficially doing 12WBT this round. I have decided to not count calories, but to go back to counting my ProPoints (Weight Watchers). I've counted points for the last 12 years (so it's kind of embedded in my brain!!!). I enjoyed the break that counting calories gave me, but I'm a true WW at heart and just feel more comfortable with the points system.

As soon as I get the all clear next week, I'm going to start training again. I'm going to follow the 12WBT Intermediate exercise plan and look forward to running again...did I actually just say that?!! I really want to participate in our SWSyd group workouts and events this round (as I missed out on all of them last round due to illness and then the pregnancy).

I hope to fall pregnant again in the future and pray that everything goes well. For now, I'm giving myself a few months break. We've been trying to conceive since November last year and have had two miscarriages within 6 months. I emotionally need a break. I want to concentrate on my health and my weight-loss journey. I am determined get to my goal weight by the end of the year. I know that I can do it...I've overcome my biggest hurdle...emotional eating...and know that with the amazing support from my family, our SWSyd Crew...and my two little angels...I will get there.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

KidsMatter

I have been pretty quiet over the last few weeks. As many of you may have read on our SWSyd Facebook page, my daughter suffers from Generalised Anxiety Disorder and last week she moved to a new school. I know I typically write on this blog about my 12WBT journey, but today my post will be on raising awareness of childhood anxiety and depression...an illness that is very often overlooked.

Image via HERE.

Anxiety and depression run in my family and I have watched many of my family members suffer from these disorders. It is crushing to see your loved ones break apart in front of your eyes and watch them struggle from day to day. Watching my daughter suffer from anxiety and being told by her psychologist that she was on the verge of childhood depression absolutely broke my heart. Isabella is only SIX years old, and was diagnosed with her disorder at the age of FOUR. Too young to have to be dealing with these debilitating feelings and sadness, but unfortunately childhood anxiety and depression are on the rise.

The problem is, teachers in our primary schools do not know enough about childhood anxiety and depression. I should know - I am a teacher, and I've seen first hand how a lack of knowledge can disadvantage children suffering from mental illness. Unfortunately unlike a broken arm or a broken leg, mental illness can not be "seen"...and if it's out of sight, it's out of mind.

Well, that is not good enough.

What schools are failing to understand is that mental health and wellbeing is vital for learning and life. Children who are mentally healthy learn better and are better equipped to deal with the transition into adolescence and adulthood. If children struggle with their mental health in the primary school years and it's not dealt with, then it is quite often guarantied that they'll suffer depression later in life.

Some hard facts...
  • The early years are a crucial time for growing healthy minds.
  • It is estimated that one is seven school-age children has a mental health problem, and only one in four gets the help they need.
  • In addition to feeling highly anxious, children’s thinking is usually affected. The threat or danger they are concerned about appears to them to be much greater than it actually is.
  • Anxiety can result in physical difficulties such as sleeplessness, stomach aches, headaches, or diarrhoea. It can also involve irritability, difficulty concentrating and tiredness.
  • Children with anxiety problems are often quiet and obedient. This can lead to their difficulties being OVERLOOKED.
  • Feeling depressed is more than just feeling sad and depression in children is more common than most people would expect.
  • Studies carried out in Australia and in the USA have estimated that 3% of children may suffer from depression.

The good news is that there is a program that is raising awareness of mental health in primary schools.

Image via HERE.

KidsMatter Primary is a national collaboration between the education and health sectors. It was jointly developed by the Principals Australia Institute, beyondblue, and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

KidsMatter Primary aims to help:
  • improve the mental health and wellbeing of primary school students
  • reduce mental health problems in students
  • achieve greater support for students with mental health problems and their families.
  • nurture happy, balanced kids.
Isabella now attends a KidsMatter primary school. We made the decision to move her to a smaller school and one that truly cares about the mental health of their children. She has settled in quite well and wakes up in the morning wanting to go to school. She is smiling more and is happier. We have a long way to go in helping Isabella deal with her anxiety, but with a strong partnership between school, her psychologist and her loving family, I know we'll get there.