A smashing SSS!

Call me enthusiastic, call me excited or maybe just call me fricken scared...my body decided to wake itself up this morning at a very early 5am...on a SATURDAY! I work Saturday mornings so knew I had to get up early (but not that early). I woke up with a mixture of emotions...knowing that I would have to get up and work my little heart out to smash 1000 calories.

I was nervous, as not once last year did I burn 1000 calories in a single SSS (Super Saturday Session)...yes that's right...not one time in 12 weeks. I lay in bed wondering if I'd achieve it this round and then thought "JFDI"! I told hubby to come and check on me throughout the session to make sure I hadn't passed out...he laughed...I didn't...I meant every word!!!

I started the session with the Intermediate Learn-to-Run program. I did this for 45 mins and then jumped off ready for Becky's Ignite & Burn 400. I was a little scared...but I gave it all I had...completing the circuit in 18min 30 sec. I then jumped back on the treadmill and power walked for a further 30mins (with four bursts of 40sec jogs). By the time I did my final blast of ski jumps, my legs felt like jelly!

It was a great workout...and the best is that...

I did it! I'm so pumped and proud of my effort this morning! A smashing SSS!

How was your first SSS for Round 2?

12WBT Blogger Challenge: Week 1

Jayne @ On a Mission to Prove Anything is Possible! has started a 12 week blogger challenge for those who are documenting their 12WBT journey. I think it's a fantastic idea and look forward to the various topics she'll post each week! Head on over to her blog and join in the fun!

This week's challenge:

Introduction

Introduce yourself?

Tell us why you are here? 

Why did you decide to join Round 2 of Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation? 

How have you prepared for the challenge?

For those new to my blog...Hi! My name is Marianne and welcome to Life is a Journey. This is a blog dedicated to my journey in discovering the fit and healthy {ME}!

I'm 30, married to a wonderful man and we have two adorable daughters, aged 6 and 3.

I've struggled with my weight pretty much my entire life. I've gained weight, lost weight, maintained weight...you name it, I've done it!

I'm determined to reach my goals and become happy with who I am. This will be a hell of a journey, but I'm ready for the challenge ahead!

I completed 12WBT R2, 2011 and shed 10kg. I was extremely proud of my achievements, but knew deep down that I could have pushed harder. I went back to Weight Watchers after the round, but after a stressful time at work, I turned to my old habits and turned to food for comfort.  

Image via HERE.

During the months that followed I managed to gain back all the weight I had lost. I had a miscarriage in January and I again turned to food for comfort. I gained more weight and I knew I couldn't go on like this, especially if I wanted to have another child. 

- Was I disappointed in myself for gaining back all the weight plus more? YES 

- Was I frustrated with myself for always turning to food for comfort? YES 

- Am I sick of going on this roller coaster? HELL YES!

....So here I am, ready for another challenge and this time I plan to give it my all. I need to change my mindset and learn that when the going gets tough...DON'T TURN TO FOOD!

I know it's only day 5, but I can already feel that this round is going to be different...and I think it is due to the commitment I made during Pre-Season...

My commitment is to TRUST in the 12WBT Program and follow the nutrition and exercise plans wholeheartedly. I commit to JFDI!

Image via HERE.

I'm planning more this time round, and TRUSTING in the program. I know I didn't trust 100% last round, so I'm following the nutrition plan, working out hard and staying accountable.

Here's to a great round and...

Original Image via HERE.

What will you trust in this round?

Weigh-In Wednesday: Week 1

Our first Weigh-In Wednesday is here and what a great weigh-in it was!

I only completed my fitness test and measurements on Sunday, so was not expecting to see much of a result.

Task 8: Measure Up

Got up this morning at 5:20am and was dreading stripping off in the bitter cold...but my mood suddenly lifted when I saw the following appear on the scales...

A loss of 1kg!

So excited with the result, after only 2 days on the program! I'm really enjoying the workouts and the meals have been delicious.

Hope you all had a great result...and if you didn't, shake it off and don't let it get you down...you can do this!

How was your first Weigh-In Wednesday?

Inspirational Prints

So Round 2 has officially started and I've had a great first two days.

I am loving all the support from the 12WBT Members in the forums and SWSYD Crew and I thought I'd pay it forward!

Not many people know, but I've just started a graphic design course. I'm only teaching one day a week this year (on a beautiful year 2 class) but I miss teaching my art and music. So the creative chick in me needed an outlet. I've always LOVED creating and have designed digitally (logos, website graphics, advertisements, business cards, invitations, candles etc...) for over six years! I love designing as much as I love teaching, so I thought it was time to get a formal qualification! I'm currently studying a Diploma in Graphic Design through CATC Design School.

So, I know what you're thinking...What the heck does that have to do with 12WBT?

Well, in an aim to keep myself motivated this round, I have created a series of inspirational prints...and I want to share them with you!

I've created them in A4 size, so you can download, print and insert these into a frame...too easy!

The first print I am releasing is...

Click on image to download the PDF file.

I hope you have had a great start to this round.  

Look out for more prints soon!

What inspires you and keeps you motivated?

Fitness Test #1

I completed my first fitness test for 12WBT Round 2 on Sunday morning. The weather was horrible and I was reluctant to get outdoors...but I thought JFDI!

I walked out the door (decked out in my one active gear!!) and walked to Greenway Park. I did a quick warmup, and then set off for my 1km time trial. I was feeling quite nervous, but was determined to do my best! I alternated between jogging and power walking...and completed the 1km in...

I was so excited as I slashed 40 seconds off my R2 2011 Time Trial (...and I know that I haven't been consistent with my training since the end of that round). I am very happy with that result and it's a great starting point!

I walked back home and completed the rest of the fitness test. Here are my results...

I am now an official Intermediate 12WBTer!!

I'm really looking forward to the next 12 weeks and comparing my fitness tests during this round!

How did you go in your fitness test?