Task 8: Measure Up

Ok... so now we are up to the final task... what I have been putting off doing since week 11 of the last round... measurements...

So, I spose I should just get straight into it!!

Week 1
Saturday 11 February

		Change	Total Loss
Weight:	tbc	n/a	n/a
R Arm:	29.5cm	n/a	n/a
L Arm:	30.5cm	n/a	n/a
Bust:	114cm	n/a	n/a
Waist:	124cm	n/a	n/a
Hips:	125cm	n/a	n/a
R Thigh:	71cm	n/a	n/a
L Thigh:	70.5cm	n/a	n/a

So, the measurements were as expected. When I weigh in tomorrow morning I will update it and will probable also put in my body fat % as well.

I just had B take my before photo... looks about the same as last round one... so glad no one else gets to see that one!!

I am planning on doing my fitness test time trial tomorrow morning before I have to go to work... to be honest, it's probably the only time I will get to do it.

Task 7: Organise & Diarise

Ok... here we are!

This is my favourite part of the pre season tasks - planning!!

Luckily for me, I have had my upcoming schedule booked in for a couple of weeks now as I am now at uni and definitely need to plan my life to avoid catastrophe!

I have created a pic of my schedule (below) - please try not to be scared (as I am!!) at how full it is.  I have had to fit in uni, work and my workouts into my week as well as taking some time out for me (saturday mornings).  It all looks a little chaotic, but I really hope that it's doable.  I have spent every moment of my free time in the last week dedicated to studying and I'm not yet where I would like to be! Hopefully the exercise and healthier foods will help my concentration levels!

To keep it simple, basically all of the purple are my workouts :)

Milestones

So, another part of this task is to come up with a 4, 8 and 12 week milestone.  Luckily for me, there are 3 fun runs in Canberra around those times!!

Week 4 - Sri Chinmoy 4km Fun Run/Walk - 12th March 2012

Week 8 - ActewAGL Women's & Girls 5km Fun Run/Walk - 1st April 2012

Week 12 - Mother's Day Classic 5km Fun Run - 13th May 2012

This one will be the BIG one - I have actually signed up to do the run!!!! (You can sponsor me below by clicking on the picture if you would like to)

I also have no excuses for not doing them, as I have already signed up to the Sri Chinmoy and the MDC.  I would have signed up to the other one as well, but their registrations aren't open yet.

Can't believe I want to be a runner... lol!

Task 5: Say It Out Loud

Last round I got stuck on this pre season task, however, I have to say that this time I have found it even harder.

I have lost pretty much all of my self confidence when it comes to the program.  I am struggling to honestly believe that I can do this; that I can stick to it and that I can just get it done.

I struggle with the belief that this will be the last time I do this, that it's for life and overall that I can stick to the program.  It is amazing how many mind games there are when it comes to weightloss, and I think that battling your inner demons has to be (for me at least) the hardest part of the whole journey.  I mean, how do you get yourself up and out of bed and on your way to the gym when you can't find a positive thing to relate to yourself and your weightloss journey?

The key is (and what I keep trying to tell myself) to become a robot and just do it (or JFDI as Mish says). I know that when I exercise and eat right I feel amazing - and that includes my mental health, but it doesn't mean that it isn't hard.

So, in saying that, I am making my commitment.

1. Exercise each day.  Don't beat myself up if you don't crack 500 calories each session. Push myself, but not so that I burn out
2. Eat the best that I possibly can.  Eating veges every night and no more take away.
3. Eat atleast 1 piece of fruit per day.
4. Drink more water! Lay off the diet coke
5. Learn to run - do the C25K program so that I can run the whole way in a fun run
6. Don't compare myself to others! Everyone is different and has different lifestyles.
7. Exercise in the mornings - it's done and dusted and my day hasn't started yet
8. Focus mainly on excercise - just get it done. The weight will come off - just do the right thing.
9. Get to more group workouts - I feel so much better when I don't feel like I am on my own
10. Remember that I can succeed at what I want - just keep going and keep exercising.

Task 4: Gearing Up

Task 4 is all about Gearing Up, or basically getting yourself ready equipment wise for the upcoming round.

I am pretty lucky in the sense that over the last few years I have built up quite a collection of exercise tools, so that I am now at the stage where I don't really need to buy anything major.  

For me, what I look at is basically having everything I can to avoid using my excuses to stop me from working out.  I guess an example of this is if I sleep in; rather than missing an entire workout, I would just go downstairs and do a fitness DVD or Xbox game.

So, for me, these are what I have:

My new workout shirt!

• Heart Rate Monitor - a pink FT4 to be exact!
• A variety of gym clothes
• I now have 4 sports bras (seriously - find the one that works for you and grab a couple!)
• Brand new sports shoes - bought them today at the Athlete's Foot - they cost a little more, but the fitting and service is awesome!
• A gym membership (which allows me to use 2 gyms)
• A treadmill at home (although I do need to remove the clothes that have gathered on it lol)
• Mish's exercise DVD's
• Your Shape Fitness Evolved 2012 for the Xbox - seriously - Best. Game. EVER! So much fun!
• Boxing gloves and mitts
• Skipping rope
• Ab roller - I want to use this to really improve my core strength this round
• Swimmers
• Goggles for swimming
• A yoga mat - although I would like a thicker, better quality one
• A fit ball - I do have this, but I am unsure if I will use it
• A gym bag!  I bought one today.  It seems silly, but it's just so nice to have an actual gym bag for all my workout stuff!

My new workout shoes! All nice and purple!!

So, this is it!  Overall, I want to be 'gymming' it, but I think that I will be doing a few outdoors workouts as well as a few xbox ones too.  I am looking forward to trying to plan it all out and really coming up with a workout schedule that will work for me - with what I have, and what I want to achieve.

My super cool gym bag!

Task 3: Set Your Goals

It's time to set some goals.  This round I have put a focus on exercise more than anything else. Exercise seems to be my downfall as I just don't like it. I also know that if I exercise I am more likely to eat healthier.

So, these are my goals so far, but I may be adding to them over the coming weeks.

Overall Goal: Lose 15-30kg

1 Month Goals

• Lose 4kg - 1kg per week
• Be able to run 1km without stopping
• Not give up on the program when going gets tough
• Swim more - teach yourself technique
• Be able to swim 5 laps without stopping
• Do a fun run

How I will get there

• Follow Mish's exercise and eating plans
• Focus more on getting exercise in as this is a hard point for me
• Follow Mish's learn to run program
• Keep it simple, try not to stress so much, just get it done. Analysis Paralysis
• Go to the pool once a week, push yourself a little further each time
• Find out when the fun runs are and sign up straight away
• Train for the fun runs

 
3 Month Goals

• Lose 12kg - 1kg per week
• Be able to run 4km without stopping
• Advance to the intermediate level
• Not give up on the program when going gets tough
• Swim more - teach yourself technique
• Be able to swim 10 laps without stopping
• Do some fun runs 

How I will get there

• Follow Mish's exercise and eating plans
• Focus more on getting exercise in as this is a hard point for me
• Follow Mish's learn to run program
• Keep it simple, try not to stress so much, just get it done. Analysis Paralysis
• Go to the pool once a week, push yourself a little further each time
• Find out when the fun runs are and sign up straight away
• Train for the fun runs 

6 Month Goals

• Lose 22kg
• Be in the fit & strong category
• Be in more fun runs - Run a full one!

How I will get there

• Follow Mish's plan
• Eat healthy, balanced meals
• Don't beat myself up if I go off the rails
• Find out when the fun runs are and sign up straight away
• Train for the fun runs

12 Month Goals

• Maintain my weight
• Be slim and fit for Casey's Wedding 

How I will get there

• Continue eating healthy, balanced meals and exercising

Upcoming Fun Runs

• Canberra Day Fun Run/Walk - 12 March (unsure if I can do this one as I am supposed to be working)
• Women & Girls Fun Run/Walk - 1 April
• Mothers Day Classic - 13 May

Task 2: Get Real

Ok - time to list all of my excuses.  I had a look at last rounds excuses, and I have to say that I don't really use some of them anymore - how cool is that!!!

Internal Excuses
I'm too tired
I'm too lazy
I won't finish it, why bother?
I need more sleep
I can't be bothered cooking/I'll just buy food
I just want to relax
I'm too sore from exercise
I'll start again later
But, I love chocolate -  one piece won't hurt
I should be able to eat the 'fun' stuff too - what's life without living?
I can't be bothered driving to Canberra
I'm too scared to swim
My work is too physical
I can’t go to the gym today, it’s going to hurt and I’ll be too tired and tomorrow
Working out too much stresses me


Solutions
Go to bed earlier - you don't need to wait up with B before you can go to bed
Just get up earlier and go to the gym - you already know you can do it!
You are only as lazy as you allow yourself to be
You can finish it, only you can do it - and you have done it before!
Making lunch/breakfast/dinner won't take as long as you think
If you do the exercise int he mornings, then you can relaz int he afternoons
The best cure for muscle soreness is another (gentle) workout
Start again now
One piece makes all the difference, once you start you can't stop
What's life without being happy?  Take care of your body
Pick which workouts you will go to, you don't have to go to them all - make the effort
Find a swimming teacher - you have already started, follow through and you won't be too scared
Exercise in the mornings, then you don't need to worry about it - consider work as a bonus workout
Just go to the gym. It's gonna hurt anyway, just do it now and then you don't need to worry about it!
Have a schedule - work out times, uni times and work times - PLAN!

External Excuses (Within My Control) 
When I am at someone else's house for dinner I need to eat everything they serve
There is a morning tea at work
There is dinner on at work (staff meetings) which is always pizza
There is a big uni assignment coming up, I'll skip the workout and just work on the assignment

Solutions 
Make the best choice you can.  If possible, eat before you go.
There is fruit on the table, eat that
Take in an extra meal for dinner, or eat before you go.
Time management - don't leave the assignment until the last minute.  Also, exercise is good at getting you thinking.

External Excuses (Outside My Control)
I get migraines
I get sick

Solutions
Don't eat crap, keep it clean and just keep going.  You can't do anything about them, just do the best you can.

Task 1: Introduce Yourself

Hi All

Thought I would pop in and introduce myself :)

My name is Leeana (aka whirlsie) and I am from Canberra.  This is my second round of the 12WBT, and I will be honest, I really hope that this round goes better for me lol!

In all fairness, my issues las round had nothing to do with the program, but mostly to do with the huge lifestyle changes I was going through and constantly getting sick.  I am hoping that all of those times I was sick last year have helped to give my immunce system a boost so that I can really give this round my all!

I have just changed from working full time to working part time so that i can go to university.  I have never been to uni on campus before, so that will be another learning curve!  I am really looking forward to going back to being a full time student, but I have to admit that it fightens me too!

I have been blogging about my journey since the beginning of last round, I find that being open and honest on my blog really keeps me accountable... plus when I have a 'win' I can't wait to shout it out there, so it's a great tool for that.

I am really looking forward to getting more involved with the Capital Punishment team here in Canberra - I really think that doing more events with them will help me succeed.  They are a great bunch of people, so motivating and inspiring!

Anyway, that's a little about me!

Getting back into it

Hi All

I had my first pump class last night, and boy oh boy am I feeling it today!!

My whole body aches!!!

Last week when I did pump, I found that a couple of tracks were probably a little bit too easy, so I decided that for my next class (last night) I would up my weights.  So, as it was only my first class back, I thought I would just up it slightly on the leg track (I went from 5kg total to 7.5kg total).  Then the instructor informed us that there were a couple of tracks that were designed to have heavier weights as there were less reps.  So, I did those at the heavier weights too! Overall I burned 371 calories and I had some serious issues trying to walk down the stairs of the gym afterwards!! lol!!

So, while I am tired and exhausted today, I do feel good, but I think that's mostly because I am glad that I went and did it.  I have to admit that last night I was hating exercise, and trying to figure out how anyone enjoys it... maybe that will just come with time?

Last night I also watched Mish's 'live' chat last night (my computer was having Flash issues on Wednesday night) and I have to say, I love watching her.  She is much funnier than I thought she would be (you know, that cruel trainer on the biggest loser! lol) and while there have only been 2 live videos so far, I am amazed by the timing of them.  What she was talking about last night (struggling with the "I want" demons), really hit home for me, as that had been me all week.  It made me realise that I'm not alone in dealing with all of this.

Yesterday I redid my Preseason Task 7: Organise & Diarise as the schedule I had set myself just wasn't working for me, and now I think I have made it much more simple.  Plus, I am hoping it will fit in with my friend (the one I was telling you had broken her collarbone) so that we can still exercise together :)

so, this is my plan now:

	PM
Monday:	Gym Machine Program
Tuesday:	Group Power (Pump)
Wednesday:	Gym Machine Program
Thursday:	Group Power (Pump)
Friday:	Gym Machine Program (SSS)
Saturday: AM	Centergy

Fitness

Toning

Light

I'm hoping that this will help to keep it all simple and a little less stressful.  Plus, (and I can't believe I am about to say this!!) but this way I can do the learn to run program...

Before I go though, I just wanted to say that we had the Not So Naughty Nachos last night and OMG!!!!!!!!  SO good!!!!! I actually think that these will also become a favourite too!!  There was just so much flavour!!!!  I will be having the leftovers for lunch, and then dinner as I will be the only one at home tonight. 

Speaking of food, our brand new fridge (which we have had for 2 months) died yesterday :(  The thermostat has gone in it.  We lost pretty much all the food including the meat in the freezer!  Luckily we had a little bar fridge in the garage, so I had to quickly go to the shops last night (in the midst of a chocolate craving no less!!) and pick up some essentials to get us through today until we know what the deal is with the fridge.  I am happy to report that I didn't buy or eat any chocolate, although I spent most of the drive to the shops trying to justify it to myself (this was before Mish's video lol) before I just told myself to suck it up.  I had already decided before I got there that I wanted to look at the paddle pops or skinny cows to see if I could have something like that as a treat, and I found the Skinny Cow Icecream Sticks (80 calories).  I have to make sure I don't have them too often, and only when the cravings are bad and I really need a sweet kick, but they were a lot better than I was expecting!

Ok... so I think that's it for me for now!! 

Task 6: Kitchen Makeover

Whoops!!!!


Forgot that I hadn't posted about this!  We did this task (by we, I mean my boyfriend and I) on Friday night.  We did did a little out of order, simply because things have been hectic and we needed the convenience over the last couple of weeks.

However, as of Friday night, we got our Week 1 food delivered by woolies.  We have been converted to online ordering.  I think it costs a little more, but it is soooooo convenient!!  We don't have to walk up and down the aisles or wait in queues or have tempting foods sneak their way into the trolley.  I actually really enjoy doing the grocery shopping, and thought I would miss it, but at this stage, I don't at all!

Anyway, back onto the task.  The point of this one was to go through the cupboards, fridge and freezer and throw out all of the processed junk that has managed to worm it's way into our lives.  I have to admit that we didn't need to throw out much which was good, and a few things did stay, but these were things for my partner, and mostly stuff that I don't eat anyway, so it worked out well.

Our cupboards are now full of "Mish Approved Foods" and our fridge looks incredibly green and leafy.  I can't wait to really get cooking with it all.

What I really love about having the shopping list and meal plans is that at the end of the week we should have little to no food wastage - which I love!!!

On a random side note, I came across a couple of interesting pages which I don't want to lose the links to, so in case you are interested, here they are

Geometry Clothing - clothing for women to help hide those wobbly bits
Simply No Knead - Bread making at it's finest!

Task 8: Measure Up

Well, here we go! It's the first official weigh in of the 12WBT!  Sadly, the weight has crept up over the preseason, but I don't want to focus on this, I want to focus on how much my body is going to transform over the next 12 weeks from all of the hard work I will be putting into it from exercise and eating right!

I have taken my before photo (very confronting and all kinds of rolls that I didn't know that I had)  I think it will be awesome to see how much my body can (and will!) change over the next 12 weeks.  I have also done up my measurements (below) so I can track how much this changes too.

Week 1
Thursday 8 September

		Change	Total Loss
Weight:	96.5kg	n/a	n/a
Arms:	29.5cm	n/a	n/a
Bust:	114cm	n/a	n/a
Waist:	123.5cm	n/a	n/a
Hips:	124.5cm	n/a	n/a
R Thigh:	58.5cm	n/a	n/a
L Thigh:	58.5cm	n/a	n/a

We got our shopping list and meal plans for the upcoming week.  Brian and I sat down tonight and placed our grocery order.  It was really reasonably priced overall.  We had a few extra things on the list, but it came to about $175, which I think is pretty good considering it's the initial shop and there would be a few things that we didn't have in the cupboard.  The recipes looked really good! There wasn't really anything that I turned my nose up at, although there were a couple of interesting dishes.  I think because I have gone into it open minded, I am more willing and likely to try new things.  I have noticed a few people on the forums seem to be turning their noses up at the food before they had seen it.  I used to be a really fussy eater, and I know how hard it was for me then when I didn't eat what was on offer, however I think that the only way I got over that was to retrain my taste buds and to keep trying new things. I really hope that they can get as much out of the program as possible.

There is also a fitness test that needs to be done.  I had planned on doing it at the gym, but Mish wants us to do it unaided (ie that we are running on our own, not having a machine set at a certain speed to aid us).  There are also some push ups, sit ups (if you remember from my PT session, I struggled with both!) theses weird sitting reach things, wall sits... i think thats it... as well as the 1km run (omg!!)  I am so nervous about the run!  1km is quite a lot!  We worked out that if I ran around the local football field (about a 5 min walk away from our house) I would need to run around it one and a half times... thats a lot!!  I don't think I will be able to run the whole thing, but as Mish said, I just need to do it, it doesn't matter if I run, walk or crawl it, I just need to finish it.

Tomorrow night, the grocery shop will arrive so I will try to remember to take some pics of our healthy foods and I would also like to do the fitness test so that it is done and out of the way.

Task 7: Organise and Diarise

Here is task 7 (yes, I know, before task 6 is completed! lol).  This task is built on from my commitment task where I have to commit to my exercise plans by organising and diarising my time for exercising - 6 times a week where I need to burn 500 calories each time except one day where I need to burn 1000 calories to make up for my 1 day off.  I have had a look at my gym schedule for classes, as I find that I tend to work out harder in a class than I do on my own, however that said, if it comes to it, I am prepared no, committed to working out at home or on the gym floor if needs be.

Below, is my ideal workout schedule, however I haven't tried all of these classes before, so if I don't like one, I may need to reorganise it all.  I also need to make sure that what I have planned will work with my friend who I am doing the 12WBT with, so we have decided that after Saturday's Centergy class, we will get a coffee and look at our upcoming week to make sure that we can work with each other.  To start with, Michelle has laid out our workouts as:

• 3 days of Fitness
• 2 days of Toning
• 1 day of light fitness, core and stretch

I have managed to work it out as follows:

	AM	PM
Monday:	Hook Up
Tuesday:		Group Power
Wednesday:	Centergy	Group Step
Thursday:		Group Kick
Friday:	Group Power
Saturday:	Centergy

Fitness

Toning

Light

As well as the regular exercise component, there is also needing to look at milestones at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks.  I have set these to correspond with my goals as follows:

• 4 weeks - go for a bushwalk in a national park
• 8 weeks - go paddle boating
• 12 weeks - undecided 

As you can see, I don't have a milestone at this stage for my 12 week mark.  Some people are setting marathons, some are using the end of round workout with Michelle, but for me, I really like the idea of doing something I have always wanted to do, but never done, whether it's because I have been too big, not had anyone to do it with or just sheer laziness.  Once it is locked into the calendar, that's it!  I have even been trying to narrow it down even more and pick which bushwalk to do!  Michelle does say to make it specific! lol So, it has been decided that I will do the Devil's Gap walk at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (here is a pdf of the walking tours).  It is 6km, at 2 hours (moderate level) and this is what the brochure has to say about it:

A short but steep walk up the fire trail through dry mountain eucalypt forest. The walk ends at the boundary gate and returns along the same trail.

I can't believe I am about to say this, but I am pumped to do this challenge, and you know what?! I have diarised it for Sunday 9th September to do with my awesome partner.

I was a little concerned that the paddleboating milestone wouldn't be 'enough' and that maybe it was too much of a reward than a milestone/challenge, but my boyfriend assured me that it's a definite workout and can be quite hard to do!  So, all those pump classes should come in handy at this point in time as I will really need my legs for this.  I have added this to my calendar for Saturday 5th November.



The other thing that needs to be added to the diary are the red flag days. These are days where something is on, such as a party, or travelling or something which can trip you up.  The point of doing this is to ensure that these days don't become a major blow out and to teach us to prepare for events like this by either modifying our eating patterns or adding in an additional exercise - or both!  For me, I am quite lucky in the sense that I don't really have anything planned.  All of the family birthday's are done, Christmas isn't until after the 12WBT, and the only thing that we currently have locked in is a trip up to Sydney for the Harry Potter Exhibition in November, so I have asked my boyfriend when we go up there if we can try to get a hotel with a gym, or I might actually just get a casual pass for a gym up there. The other alternative is that I might fit in an extra workout before we go up, that way I won't need to worry about it at all over the weekend.

Well, this post definitely turned into a novel, but is was SO FUN to plan and organise it all!!  I can't wait to do my bushwalk now!!!  Better get to the gym and start getting fitter!!

Falling behind

I'm falling behind in my preseason tasks.  I really need to sit down and do tasks 6-8 (8 came out this morning, but I am kinda looking forward to it!)

With task 6 I need to clean out the cupboard and fridge.  I haven't really pushed this yet as we have only just moved into our place and tbh, we don't have that much food there... plus I knew that we would be time poor this week (as I mentioned in the last post) so we wouldn't be ready to start until Monday.  It's a lame excuse, but there it is lol

Task 7 I need to set some milestones (I have the 2 mini ones, but no big one) and diarise my workout schedule - which admittedly is kinda hard as I don't know if I will like all of the classes I have picked and it's also a little difficult trying to come up with a schedule when you plan to go to the gym with someone else, but it's getting there.

Task 8 is to measure up.  While I know that I am not going to like my pics or my measurements (horrified probably! lol) I have decided that I am going to try and see how much I can lose in the round and how much I can transform my body!

I will post about each of these in more detail over the next coming days, but at least they have now been mentioned and the blog isn't looking so sad lol.

I am also so excited about getting our first week's meal plans tomorrow with the shopping list!  We did our first ever online grocery shop the other night and it was so great!!  As much as I love doing the grocery shop (not even kidding lol) the time we saved was incredible!  Plus, I don't need to worry about temptations in the supermarket!!

I'm so incredibly hungry today, but I also know that at this point in my cycle (sorry for the TMI guys!) I am just so famished!  I am looking forward to having a nutritionally balanced diet to help me out with this - I know from the past that it really does work wonders!!

Task 5: Say It Out Loud

I have really struggled with this preseason task.  As a natural planner, it seems a little strange that I struggled with this task.  I mean "say it out loud" seems so easy really.  You would think that all I would need to do is tell people that I am doing the 12WBT - but it's not.  There is actually a very big scary word involved... commitment...

Up until this point in time I wouldn't have ever thought that I would have an issue with making a commitment to anything.  I think that I love freely and am a fairly open person. however, making a promise to myself it believe it or not, one of the hardest things I think I have had to do.  Believe it or not, the thoughts I have had over the last few days have actually left me feeling panicky and a little tight in the chest.

I realised tonight that I think this is because there are a couple of things that i really hate.  One is lying, and the other is breaking a promise.  How do I ensure that the commitment I make to myself is honest, and a promise that I can keep?

I know that my partner supports me in anything that I do, however, this has nothing to do with other people supporting me.  I am quite independent and I know that if I want something bad enough, I will just get it done.  This program is all about me.  It's all about making sure that I hold myself to my promises and I am honest with myself when I make them.

The only problem is, I'm not entirely sure that I can do this... I know that I can do it, but will I??  Will I stick it out?  Will I make the changes?  What if I fall off the wagon?  What if I screw up?  What if I just turn into a lazy sack of crap and come up with excuses not to exercise? What if I don't cook the foods I should?  What if I continue to eat crap because I am too lazy to cook?

I know that this is all down to me, and I am scared that maybe I will fail myself... and I don't like failing...

Why is it so hard to do this for me and to believe in myself enough to know that I can?

So, after much thought, this is what I commit to myself and to Michelle:

• I will exercise 6 times a week - if I don't get to the gym, then I will exercise at home using the resources I have here
• I will eat the diet that Michelle sets out - I know that I will be healthier and have more energy because of it and it will also bring a much healthier lifestyle to the household
• I will lose 15 kilos in the 12 weeks of the challenge because I will stick to the first 2 points.
• If I stuff up, I commit that I will just keep going and keep trying my best

So, there it is.  This post is as honest as I could possibly be about how I have been feeling over the last few days.  It's great to finally get it out there.

Task 4: Gear Up!

I thought I was geared up and all set to go, but after reading through some of the posts on the forum I thought I should probably have a back up plan...

I am planning on gymming it, but I was thinking, "What if I am away?" or "What if we have unexpected guests over and they don't leave until after the gym closes?".  And then I just happened to be looking through the Aldi and Big W catalogues and realised that i need to go shopping... (ok, so maybe not need, but more of a want lol)

So, this is what I am thinking and I would love to hear what you all think :)

* Boxing gloves - these are on sale at Big W atm, and I remember doing a boxing class at the gym a couple of years ago and the inside of the shared gloves were pretty gross.  Plus, I could use these at home with my partner.
* Magic Sit Up - (on sale at Big W) usually I am not into these kinds of weird gym equipment things, but after going to the gym the other day and couldn't do one unassisted sit up, I thought it might be useful to do at home where no one can see me and i won't need anyone to hold my feet. I put a pic in so that you can see what this is - do you think it would be good for a beginner like me or just a scam kinda thing?
* a small set of dumbbells (which are on sale at Aldi lol), this way I have no excuse not to do weights at home if needed.
* some DVD's for at home - I don't really have any, plus they would be good to take away with me and watch on my laptop

I currently have:
* good shoes (my netburners for netball which will need replacing next season)
* a HRM (had this for a couple of years now)
* some longer tops for working out in so that I don't need to keep pulling it down during classes
* a gym mat (which hasn't been used in years! lol)
* a fit ball (which hasn't been used in years! lol)
* xbox and wii fitness games

I have decided that I really want to focus on core strength, because I have always avoided working on it in the past.  I think that I really do need to think seriously about what if I can't get to the gym for whatever reason.  I know I tend to get a bit fluffy when I am at home and don't do anything (the last 3 nights have proven that!!) so I think that I need to think seriously about having a plan in place for when things don't go the way I plan.

Task 3: Take Control - Set Your Goal

(Updated)
I have been a little lagging in getting this post up, mostly because I have really struggled with setting some goals this time around.  I don't know why I have struggled so much with this as I am a goal oriented person, but I think it's because (and I am being totally honest here), I wonder if I really can achieve them... I have set myself so many goals in the past, and I have struggled to reach them as I usually lose focus or go off track with my eating.

On one hand, I know that an all or nothing approach doesn't work, as you tend to binge, but on the other, how do you make sure that you are able to 'treat' yourself without going completely in the opposite direction??  This is something that I struggle with all the time because as soon as I let myself 'treat' myself with a chocolate or something, i just keep 'treating' myself until all of a sudden those 20kg have crept back on...

I need to change my mindset that I am not missing out on anything, that I am choosing this way of life.  I just don't know how to stop when it comes to food that I love... other than just cutting it out completely.  I do remember when I initially lost weight, I didn't have chocolate for 6 months, and by the end of it I didn't actually need chocolate, but one day I thought, why not?! and that was that... I brought it back into my life...

Where is my will power, and will it stay?

Anyway, onto goal setting, I have been thinking long and hard about what I want to achieve, and it has been really hard to figure out what I want and how to harness that into a motivator, but these are some of the things that I have come up with:

1 Month
Goals

1. Lose 6 kg
2. Stay on plan with food and exercise
3. Start exercising in the mornings
4. Do more core exercises - don't be afraid!
5. Try new classes (like boxing)
6.  Go on a hike in a National Park

How will I get there:

• Follow 12WBT program
• Do what Michelle tells me
• Make sure I visit the gym
• Go to bed earlier to get up earlier
• Talk with B about helping me out where needed
• Do more classes at the gym, like core and boxing 
•  Organise a trip out to the National Park

3 Months
Goals

1. Lose 15 kg
2. Run 3km without stopping
3. Fit into my work uniform
4. Go Paddleboating on Lake Burley Griffin
5. WIN 12WBT!!!!! (just putting it out there - I would love to win whatever category I am in! lol)
6. Burn 40,000 calories
7. Have a waist measurement of under 100cm
8. Up my weights in pump class to 3.75kg for upper body and 5kg for lower body
   

How will I get there:

• Follow 12WBT program
• Do what Michelle tells me
• Make sure I visit the gym
• Follow the running program
• Organise a trip out to the lake and hire a paddleboat.  Work out enough to be able to handle the energy required.
• Do core exercises and cardio to get a flatter tummy 
• Continue to go to pump classes and up the weights after 6-8 weeks

6 Months
Goals

1. Get to my goal weight of 74kg or a size 12
2. Wear a bikini on our holiday to Port Douglas
3. Swim in the great Barrier Reef
4. Walk in the Daintree Rainforest
5. Be trim, toned and curvy - not bumpy
6. Have a pin up photo shoot
7. Have a waist measurement of under 80cm
8. Fit into my size 12 netball uniform

How will I get there:

• Sign up for the next round of 12WBT program
• Do core exercises and cardio to get a flatter tummy 

12 Months
Goals

1. Maintain my healthy weight and lifestyle and prepare my body for having children
2. Be able to run a full game of netball

How will I get there:

• Continue to go to the gym and eat healthily by eating plenty of fruit and veges
• Continue with the running program

Well, I definitely expanded that goal list!! lol

Task 2: Get Real - No More Excuses

I have been thinking really hard about everything I tell myself about why I don’t exercise or eat right, and I am amazed by how long it is!! I started it last night, and as I have thought of more I have come back to continually update it. I thought I would share some of mine with you:

• I don’t enjoy exercise
  - Not all exercise is grunting and moaning – find the fun stuff to do!

• I get dizzy in the mornings if i exercise too hard
  - Eat something beforehand to give you energy – like a protein bar or something (note to self – find a good protein bar lol)

• I always quit – why will this be different
  - This program gets results, you have seen it! This program offers a lot more support and Mish is going to be around to kick your arse!! The people on the forums will also be around to support you – be as open and honest as you possibly can and you WILL SUCCEED!!!

• I can’t go to the gym today, it’s going to hurt and I’ll be too tired and tomorrow (pinched this one from someone else on the forum – thank you for reminding me that I use it too lol)
  - seriously?! you are TIRED now! It might hurt or feel a bit sore and stiff tomorrow, but how HOT are you going to look?! You can’t get the body you want by sitting around on the lounge eating chocolate and watching Stargate!

• It’s too much effort to go to the gym
  - The gym is on the same street as your work – you drive past it in the mornings AND the afternoons – suck it up princess and move it!

• I should be cleaning/cooking instead of working out
  - You don’t live on your own anymore, you have a supportive partner who has no issues with cooking or cleaning

• I have to be home in time to let The Boyfriend in to the garage (only one remote)
  - give him the remote and tell him you will be late home (also told him this excuse last night and he said that wasn’t gonna fly and he was gonna get another remote done up today lol)

• I deserve to have chocolate because I work hard
  - You have a chocolate addiction – when you don’t eat it, you don’t want it! You don’t need the chocolate to make you feel better and in the long run, it won’t because it will be a step backwards from your goal. When you eat 2 serves of fruit a day you don’t have the same sugar cravings because you are satiated.

• I need to knit to relax (yes, I am a knitter lol)
  - who says you can’t have both? you might not be able to knit as much, but you can make it work – try exercising in the mornings – you can have the nights to knit.

• Working out too much stresses me
  - have a plan. Know what you want to achieve out of each session. Follow Michelle’s plan – it works! Plan it into your schedule/routine and stick with it!

• I cant say no to chocolate/food
  - self control is not a bad thing. You have done it before. Find foods that you love that you look forward to eating. Plan ahead for parties and such so that you know what you can have.

• I still don’t really like fruit and veges
  - I have learned to like LOTS of new foods, including fruit and veges – this list will continue to grow as I try more things and change the way foods taste as I am eating healthier.

• I can’t exercise in the mornings, I need sleep
  - Go to bed earlier! Just an hour or half an hour – get into a routine where you read in bed for half an hour or so – you know that as soon as you get into bed you will be sleepy

• I don’t have anything to wear
  - Why do you need to be a fashionista at the gym?! You have a hot spunky man – you don’t need to impress anyone other than him or yourself – you are not going to the gym to look got there – you are going to look hot from all the work that you are putting in! As long as you have the basics, you are fine.

These are just some of mine, some of them I found really silly when I actually realised the were there – the sad thing is that I am sure I will be finding more excuses over the next few days to add to my list.

Task 1: Introduce Yourself

The last few weeks I have put on most of the 20kg I have lost in the past, and after seeing my friend’s success during Round 2, I have been thinking about the 12WBT more and more.
So, here I am! 27, with big life changes going on (read: instant family lol) but ready to lose some weight! I want to have energy back in my life and I want to learn to love exercise again – although that seems far away at the moment! haha!

I can’t believe I have almost put on all of the weight I have been losing over the last 4 years!! The sad thing is, most of it has been put on in the last 5 months since I started seeing my boyfriend lol – just couldn’t say no to food and thought that the chocolate and desserts wouldn’t hurt… whoops!!

So here I am, with 20kg to lose, trying to change some of my new (and old) mindsets and looking forward to seeing my before and after photos! lol

I am really lucky that my boyfriend is super supportive (he even offered last night to wake up first, make my coffee and then make sure that I went to the gym in the mornings lol) and is willing to help me out where he can, which I totally love about him. However, in saying that, I know that this is all about me and my mindset and how I approach this program.
Right now I am so incredibly tired all the time, I know my diet isn’t right and I haven’t exercised in weeks. I am 27 and I am scared that all of my health issues will come back (pre-diabetic, high cholesterol, PCOS) and that my weight will impact on me falling pregnant.

 I have to admit that I am a little terrified at the moment, mostly of failing… but as my friend pointed out to me today – I’m already doing that! It’s time to shine!