Fitness friday - The finish line

I have been really slack here of late, but not with my 12wbt tasks!

 Hanging Rock, a place I have not visited in years was the backdrop for my 5K fun run. I didn't run the whole way, but was amazed at my finish time of 36 minutes 31 seconds. I felt so proud of myself to be out in the fresh air, instead of sitting at home on my butt!

Yay me!!

                                           
Last night I attended a Body Attack class and put myself through an hour of high intensity aerobics. My muscles are feeling it today, but loved every minute!

In preparation for the last week of the program, I am trying to print off as many recipes from the website that I won't have access to, seeing I am not joining in with Round 2. I will continue to train every fortnight with Evan, and the group of wonderful people I have met through the "Western Warriors" facebook page. We are all heading into the group workout, and most will be dancing the night away at Finale on the 19th of May.

Weight wise , I have now lost a total of 10% of my starting weight! I know I will have to work hard to maintain where I am now, but I love my new shape, the strength my body has now, and trying new training styles.
On my wish list is to participate in a mini triathalon, and try indoor rock climbing!

Starting out nearly 4 months ago (including pre season) I must admit I was a little sceptical that I wuold acheive anything beyond a couple of kilos weight loss, but I have gained SO MUCH from this, which I will explain in my round up post next week.

A huge congratulations to all who have stuck it out, hopefully 12 weeks really is long enough to change our lives!

Fitness Friday - Walking Tall

Anyone who has known me for a while can tell you I am not a shrinking violet. Even so, I feel a change in the way I am presenting myself these days. I am making more of an effort to dress nicely, even just to pop down the shops. I find myself smiling for no particular reason - I suppose when you take the time to look after yourself, your whole body wants to show it.

Another good loss this week, I gained the week before, so to see those scales drop back again was great! I was telling some work mates the other day that if I lose one more kilo I will be the weight I was for my deb. ball in year 11. That was 19 years ago, can you believe it?

All in my training group are preparing for the final group workout and Finale party on the 19th of May. Hard to believe it is so close, and yet, I don't want to consider it the 'end' of my journey. I will not be participating in Round 2, but the lessons I have learnt, how far I have come physically and mentally will NOT be undone.

I have learnt that I enjoy challenging myself to run that extra 100 metres, to up the spin bike resistance, do one extra rep. If I ever wane, all I need do is come back here and remind myself. Next Saturday I will be running my first of what I hope will be many fun runs. My next aim? Mini triathalons (OMG!!)

Source: Uploaded by user via Dina on Pinterest

What has been your biggest acheivement? Come and share with Kate Says Stuff and Mummy Smiles!

                                               

You know your'e a 12wbt'er when....

1) You spend your hard earned day off doing this....

For the uninitiated, this is also known as the 1000 steps, in the Dandenong Ranges. I must admit I could have pushed a little harder than I did, but it was packed!! Also the fact that I went with a group of fellow 12wbt girls and we gossiped non stop probably didn't help our progress!

2) Your new uniform seems to be runners, and your excersise gear.

3) Your are reading a book to your daughter with a character called Hamish in it. She says "I know someone named Hamish" Assuming she means at school you ask if he is in a different grade. "No, Hamish from The Biggest Loser!" Epic Mum fail there!

4) You have the strength to say no to warm, buttery hot cross buns being passed around the office at work. You also receive two Easter eggs from the boss but take them home for the girls!

Forty million, billion, zillion calories!!

 5) You used to look forward to a pie and chips at the footy, but now the thought of eating them makes you gag.

6) You are debating whether or not to do Round 2 which starts soon. I think I have decided to see if I can keep it up solo, and then join Round 3 if I fall off the wagon.

Wishing every one a Happy Easter, don't go too crazy!!

Thankful Thursday - the First World Edition

    Anyone who hasn't been living under a blogging rock will know that a very awesome woman by the name of Eden is in Niger right now.  As a World Vision ambassador she is posting her little tail off to bring attention to the hunger crisis there.

     Tonight, as I was rinsing off the dinner plates, taking for granted how easy it is to put a meal on the table, turn the tap on to get clean water, I stopped to be greatful for these little things.

     After dinner, Shannyn asked me to test her on her word flashcards - I love how enthusiastic she is to learn, and again, Eden's powerful images came back into my mind. I have to be greatful that my girls have the opportunity to not only go to school, but to have the tools to make learning easy and fun.

      While I sleep tonight in a warm, comfortable bed, many are making do in ramshackle huts, while I will choose to go for a hike tomorrow (for fun?!), many have to walk miles to access basic medical care, or food supplies. I have so much to be greatful for, I should try to remember that more often.

       To read more of Edens eye opening journey, or see how you can make a difference;

                                      HERE    .....................    AND HERE

   To rip off an old saying - Eden, to the world you may be one person, but to SO MANY PEOPLE, you are bringing the world.


   Sharing my gratitude with Kate Says Stuff - are you sharing too?

                                                   

Small Fish

    

Source: nancyrivers.tumblr.com via Enzie on Pinterest

About 20 minutes into the first session of DPCON12, I was thinking "OK, I am WAY out of my depth here." All the talk of working with charities, brands, what I am 'selling', what I am 'worth' (more than a bottle of moisturiser seemed to be the agreement!) was starting to make my brain fry. The recurring thought that I am a very small fish in a very big pond was ever present.

But then, the 'AHA' moment struck; that every person in that room was there for the same reason, and it had nothing to do with page stats, Klout scores, or how many bottles of moisturiser you've reviewed.  Every person in that room was there to be inspired, to learn, to share. To connect with others who "GET IT." This strange, wonderful and much misunderstood world of blogging is growing, and the opportunities that brings are only just starting to be realised.

To be a part of a community that are breaking the rules, pushing the boundaries, opening doors or even just sharing the everyday 'sameness' of life is so exciting. To finally put faces to names (or Twitter handles!) was one of the most gratifying parts of my day, as was the realisation that people HAVE read my blog!

I am still very new to this - even after a year I am not sure what direction I want the blog to take, but I do know I will continue to swim in this very large pond. I will continue to connect, to learn, and explore the possibilities. After Friday, I know I am not swimming alone.