LIFE 4 WEEKS ON FROM FINALLY HITTING MY TARGET WEIGHT................

Firstly yep, it was 4 weeks ago to the day today that I finally saw a number 68kg or 150lb or under. 4 weeks ago I saw 2 dehydrated reads of 67.5 and one of 67.9 and 149.2lb. The reads depended on how the scales were positioned on the tiles or other stupid factors. I say I was dehyrdrated as I'd consumed quite a bit the wine the evening prior while watching the Royal Wedding on 29 April and I note I can weigh anything up to a kilo less the next morning following some wine! I therefore hit target on Sat 30 April 2011. I hit under 70kg first time this year on 18 April.

Secondly I'm proud to report I haven't seen a number above those ones since either.

Today I decided to take a visit to the scales after almost a week of keeping off them. No wine last night and infact a late but lightish tea last night. I therefore felt powerful enough to perform a decent 5-10km run rather than depleted or dehydrated or in dire need of a good brekkie before a run. I saw one read today of 65.4, another of 64.9 and another of 65.0kg. As for pounds I came up as 143.5lb.

I am not really an overly analytical precise person but this has been fun.

I will note another pleasing experience last night was taking a rushed visit to the shop 'Cue'. I had noted at 70-72kg my most regular size had been a 12. OK, sometimes I needed a bigger top to fit across bust etc but average close to a 12. Infact when getting under 76kg I remember being pleased to be able to get into size 12 pants instead of bigger from shops such as Cue, Target, Country Road, Colorado. As you could imagine my size 12 Cue suit I bought last year at 75-76kg is now rather big.

Basically I wanted to go in there to see if I could get away with a size 10 suit! I believed I may have been able to. Until last night I hadn't bought any new clothes since reaching target. The size 10 dress pictured above was a purchase! Infact it was a non stretch size 10 and the pics were taken an hour ago today.

I did try on a beaut grey suit and the assistant looked at me and gave me a 10 jacket and believe it or not size 8 grey suit pants! I put them both on over a beaut lace size 10 fitted top and paraded out feeling comfy! She then told me the pants were an '8' and I thought she was joking! I tried on the '8' skirt but felt that was a bit uncomfy and tight with the 10 being much better. Still seriously, - I think they must be big fitting '8's as my waist at smallest point is still a comfy 29 inches, not tiny or anything. OK, maybe 28.5 inches first thing in morning over bare skin before brekkie. I found another size 10 black mini and other tops to try on. I was advised it's the fashion and often a better look to tuck non bulky tops into skirts. That's a first for me but it was great to feel I looked acceptable in doing so!

I didn't buy then and there. I went and swithered about it while doing my fastest treadmill 30 min run at gym. I achieved my fastest 30 min run for ages at 5.75km in 30 mins so decided um.............stuff it! I'd buy the dress, black mini skirt and a navy lace fashionable formal top. Being sweaty and all I didn't try it on again!

I have decided upon achieving under 68kg..........I sure wanna stay under it. I always used to say 68kg was target one and 62kg was ultimation. I still think along those lines. For example finally getting my body fat under 30% after being 40% was fantastic and I have taken time to feel thrilled but 20-25% body fat is awesome!

I remember via a DEXA scan 3 years ago lean mass was 46.something kg. I maybe able to do slightly more pushups but I just hope it hasn't decreased. If I put on a kg or 2 of muscle, - fantastic. I've decided to make my ideal fitness range 60-65kg.............but if I go travelling etc NEVER to get above 68kg. By keeping up a small amount of regular challenging resistance training as well as my other stuff I believe this is actually achieveable. That will have me maintaining a nice maintainable body fat of 20-25% in the 'fitness' but not 'athlete' range. If I get into the 'athlete' range I'd be stoked but believe that is a bit seasonal etc. I'd be stoked to get and maintain in the fitness range!

SO, WHAT HAVEN'T I BEEN DOING:

* Following a 'no' carb or even 'low' carb diet
* Having set precise mealimes and eating 5-6 mini-meals
* Sticking to my training regimes religiously
* Banning alcohol
* Keeping a food diary
* Following a precise plan
* Prob sleeping enough
* Being strict
* Ringing up restaurants scrutinising their menus in advance or electing to only eat my own food if visiting others

WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING

* Mental rough calorie, nutrient balancing
* Common sense
* Often but not religiously sticking to about 3 meals a day during week, 1-2 snacks if needed. At weekends may have a good brekkie, train an hour or two later then not eat till tea if going out unless I feel hungry which is then often something light like fruit.
* Staying away from bingeing
* Have been keeping sugary options out of day to day life. But if it's occasional and I really want something I can plan for it, keep to a moderate portion and budget it in. Not that hard once ya start.
* Getting in at least 3 hard intense training sessions of at least 30 mins each week, a couple of good short resistance workouts and am just generally active with my job etc day to day.
* Really keeping an eye on portion sizes. If out etc I may have a bit more than normal, even dessert as well if say at a dinner party and it's specially made but must feel I'm in control and whatever I do I can't let it turn into getting 'off track'.

Wine is the next big thing I must get a bit stricter on regarding moderation :-)

What I have wanted to achieve since getting under 68kg was:
* staying comfortably under there, (it not being a fleeting one day visit)
* not getting (or appearing) to others too obsessed or completely hardcore about it either.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

5.23 min/km time.................!!!

I received my offical race stats from '14km Run for a Reason' back today.

My net time is 1 hr, 14 mins, 7 secs. My average speed was 5 min, 23 sec kms!

Last years net time was 1 hr, 28 mins, 15 secs so I'm well and truly proud :-) I was anticipating being a total happy queen if I got under 1 hr, 20!


Family: - if you are interested in seeing my race pics or finishing video please visit
www.hbfrun.com.au

Then check out 2011 results and under 'search' type 'Pip Dodds' There is a video of me finishing and some running pics of me. I'm the one with the pink headband.

Talk soon!

Pip :-)

2011 14km RUN FOR A REASON.........22 MAY plus LEANEST ABS SINCE 2002!!!


OK, firstly today was race day. 14km Run for a Reason 2011!

I guess I will start with my GUN time. I crossed the finish line just a small tad under 1 hour, 15 mins, (maybe 1 hour, 14 min, 50 sec or so). I would guess my NET time to be 30 secs to 1 min faster, (you know the time it actually takes to get from your place in the starting herd actually to the start line where the race actually takes place from).

Now to say I'm stoked with that is an understatement! I'm super mighty impressed. It's a shaving of about 14 mins off last years time. My goal this year I was shooting for was c) to beat last years 1 hr, 28 something, b) to beat 1 hr 24 so I average 10kmph, and a), - I decided I'd be super pleased if I could get under 1 hr 20. So you may understand that sub 1 hr 15 is extremely thrilling!!! The day started at 5am when BF and I got up. I didn't get lots of sleep due to anticipating the run for some reason. It was a cold night by Perth standards and a cold morning. I reckon well below 10 degrees at 6.45am if not below 5 degrees LOL.

Alrighty: - I must say that my last few runs have been pleasing. My long run 'cruising' pace seemed to have increased. And I'd had a few consistent 'good' runs! That is despite a cold a couple of weeks back and then a lightly sprained/turned ankle. I hadn't got all the runs I'd wanted to get in, (that being 4 per week). Quite often I'd only got in 2 runs, a swim or two and my bit of resistance training. However work has been very active and busy, (ok not quite sweat busting that often but just in general flat out, on the go with lots of bending, lifting, constant movement for many hours on end)! If overtime is needed it's hard to get motivated to train after an active work day!

The other pics in the bra, dark grey trackkies are from Thurs morn this week before putting on work top and having brekkie. Just thought I'd have a look. I would have to say that is my flattest stomach and leanest torso since 2002! I didn't weigh in that morning but yesterday morn was 65.3 first thing before brekkie. That is my lightest since 2002 as well.

Anyway I've kept under the 68kg now for 22 days and have been under 70kg for 34 days. I don't weigh daily but haven't seen numbers above these since then. And I want it to stay that way. Infact ideally I think a maintenance of between 60-65kg would be awesome to forever maintain. That would roughly be between 20-25% BF unless I gained a heap of muscle. So I will exercise my cut off point to still be 68kg but will aim for the lower half of the 60's to get and stay with!

A bit to do, - talk soon. In my run photo I was wearing a sports bra, - hence possible lack of chest definition!

Pip :-)

NICE RUNNING HAPPENING AT THE MOMENT!!!........

Well, - I completed the 'Bridges' 9.6km effort in just on 51 mins today. I'm sure that is a PB for 'The Bridges' and probably almost betters my 50 min 5 sec PB on my 9.3km effort back in 2006. It's a mainly flat run but there are a couple of flights of steps on it, - down one and up the other!!! If I could keep up that pace, (or close to it) for my 14km run this weekend and my looming half marathon I would be super stoked now.

Just recently I've noted my 'cruising' pace to be at least 10kmph and race pace is slightly above that which I'm super pleased with. I'm sure losing weight and body fat and getting the nutrition mix suitable has helped. However it takes time and patience.

When heavier when trying to eat less and notably cut carbs..........it can effect running pace at times as can not enough sleep or water or too much alcohol the night prior!

I am still tentative with how I place my injured ankle last week with each foot strike. By that I slow down slightly when turning corners suddenly and make sure I place foot/toes squarely on the ground. If doing all that it's not sore.

Another thing I am pleased with is that I resisted temptation to be a 'pig' after my social yummy lunch/dessert yesterday. After my moderate amount of dessert, lunch and wine yesterday I did feel like over-eating on all types of yummy sweet things followed by lots of cheese when I got home till I'd consumed an insane quantity and got over full! I know once I lose control, - it's a bugger to get back and can take a while and too much self loathing!

However I resisted, stuck to a sensible tea, woke up without a 'junkfood or overeating hangover' and was fully on track today nutrition wise and trained hard, (see run story above). I didn't weigh self though incase I was a couple of hundred grams more than yesterday morning cause of Sunday lunch and didn't want to start bloody Monday with a defeated attitude about that!

Another thing I will mention is:
* I'm suddenly not overly worried about how others perceive me.

For sure I'm still a natural people pleaser to a degree and like to impress others and make life easier for them if I can. But that's to a degree as well.

Also I guess lots of the time I haven't had lots of confidence in myself. Admittably I've thought of myself fat, (to different degrees at various times), someone who wastes/undos any hard work or effort I make therefore can't maintain control. Have thought of myself as a bit (or quite) clueless/hopeless at times. On the positive I did always know I'm relatively friendly, helpful, (or try to be) means well, reliable and do at times perservere with stuff. But I shot myself in the foot thinking I wasn't that talented or good at anything.

Amongst all that I did crave validation that I'm cool, worthy etc.

However lately I'm suddenly not so bothered at all about validation. I may certainly not be 'perfect' but am a reasonable worthy person with strengths and weaknesses like most of us!

15 MAY 11 TALK..........

G'day,

Short update time here.

Firstly with ankle, - it's nearly good again but I'm still a bit tentative with it. Yesterday morning I did a 12km hilly run with it. I didn't push myself as hard as I possibly could because of ankle and the fact that 12km is a reasonably long distance. When turning corners or on uneven surfaces such as gravel I slowed down to watch every stride. I stood on a big rock at one stage on run and for that split second felt my ankle but it was fine thereafter. However my slower comfortable running pace has seemed to increase. I averaged 6 min km or 10km/h at that run where I wasn't really pushing myself to full and lots of uneven surfaces and uphill was included so I'm happy with that.

I did intend on a sprint 5km this morn............slacker Pippi didn't get organised and didn't get up and do it early!

BF's Mum picked me up today late morning to attend BF's cousins baby shower. It was a great fun day, a beaut spread for lunch was had by us. BF's cousin is due in 3 weeks. The party was at her sisters and she is an awesome cook, - always has been!

All her mains and salads are beautiful. However........if you are having dessert she's the dream! Wbatever type of cake, slice or dessert you are having, - she seems to make it better than any shop/cafe ever and it's presented in an immaculate manner. Over the past 3 years I've tasted and have eaten a few of her delicacies. Her fruit cake is laden with fruit, brandy stuff and is MOIST! Her choc mud cake as I had her make for my 30th last year is so moist and rich! I had a bit of her lemon meringue cake today and the lemon flavour was bursting, - the best lemon meringue cake I've ever had and I've tried a few! Awesomely tangy! Her cupcakes are moist, fruity with tangy icing.

With my mission of fatloss/fitness gain/weight loss or maintenance I generally try to now keep away from all sugary stuff on a general day to day basis. When in the mindset it's not that hard. I knew today would be a special occasion and did budget myself to indulge with a 'reasonable' amount of sweets from the sweets table! They did taste awesome! Particularly after a beaut lunch with champers!

Now the Pippi challenge begins. I'm not worried about what I ate at lunch. I didn't binge. I had a moderate plateful of healthy choices at lunch and a small bread and butter plateful of fresh fruit and a few but moderate amount of bite sized delicacies for dessert. I've had a couple of extra glasses of champers this evening and 2 slices of wholegrain toast with small amount of low fat cottage cheese, slither of avocado and vegemite with chopped fresh tomato and cracked pepper. Am now on water.

I'm not physically hungry but am in mood morso than for a while for chocs and mini cupcakes from today in fridge, thickly cut cheese and icecream in large quantities. However I know I will be happiest if I don't go there and won't do it. Instead I will do some resistance work, drink water and get to bed at decent hour for a Sunday. Then normal brekkie, lunch, snack, training and tea tomorrow.

I did get on the metal monsters this morn and was shocked but stoked to see the number 65.8kg! I had 3 glasses of wine yesterday evening, - otherwise trained hard and was on track food wise. I know if I eat and train well but don't drink any wine, (just more water) the day before I'm often a few hundred grams heavier haha!

Unbelieveably I'm wearing awesome size 10 Just Jeans mid blue jeans with a slight stretch in them today and wore them out. They fit great just now. In 2006 I slipped into the 66's for a day or two before a huge slip up and bought those jeans then. So today is first day of wearing them since. I will note today is the first time since 2002 that the 65's have been seen! Infact at the moment I'm proud to say I have no items at all in my wardrobe that are too small for me. Either clothes fit perfect or they are slightly big but I wear them anyway or they are far too big and in a bag at back of wardrobe! My winter coat from 2003 is a size 14 when now I'd get a 10-12 depending on shop However I cinch it in with a stretch size S womens belt! That works nicely over cocktail dresses to show off a waist too. (Me wanting to show off a waist is saying something!)

So I definitely need to keep under the 68kg for mark for good. I've always said 60-62kg is ultimation. I don't want to push myself to un-natural or unsustainable measures to reach ultimation. I do want and need to maintain a fit lifestyle, am happy to watch how clean my diet is along with portion control but don't want to take it to precise hardcore standards on social occasions and want to feel whatever I do can be maintainable.

I'm looking at starting a distance learning course with Cengage Education over the next few years. Maybe a sports nutrition certificate or nutrition certificate or retail pharmacy certificate or dental assistant cert 4 or a business or tourism/travel course. I've done no study since the 90's and can't afford to leave full time work. But gaining new skills would be great. Will let ya know the outcome.

Talk soon

Pip :-)

MAINTENANCE UPDATE AND DOINGS...........

G'day,

Am just doing a late evening quick report again lol!

Firstly I had what I considered an awesome training session on Monday. After a busy work day I did my 9.1km outdoor hilly run. That includes hills all the way, - some down, some downward steps but lots of continuous uphill. Completion time was just on 51 mins which I was super stoked with!

Work is hands on, active and busy as per norm!

HOWEVER, - due to slight disorganisation on Tuesday morning I was out the door 2-3 mins later than norm and felt uncomfortable about it. Maybe left the house at 5.47am rather than a more comfy 5.44am. I had my swimming gear backpack on back as well as my general handbag over shoulder. I decided to sprint to the bus stop incase the 'thing' was early lol!

Alas, - these surfaces are uneven, potholes and stones to navigate which I forgot about at that time of the day without coffee! So I turned on my ankle and luckily (only slightly sprained or rolled it). Crapola!! I did make it to the bus though but ran the rest of the way slower!

Ankle was an inconvenience at work that day. I googled light sprains/rolls later that evening and freaked out! A couple had told me...........all my hard work for nothing!

It feels slightly sensitive today and my cardio was a good swim session. But it's impoving and I feel confident of able to do next weeks 'Run for a Reason'.

Weight wise have hit the 66's and now sit around 147 lb! And torso is improving by the week/fortnight or so! Awesome! Getting and staying under 68 was always the main target I'd assigned myself and it's awesome to be there! 62kg was what I considered ultimation and it's unbelievable to note that I'm less than 5kg away from that! There is still a bit to go so I could do it. I still wanna keep up my resistance work though! Keeping active, some hardcore training, keeping away from most sugar, portion control over time seems to be doing it. Have now been 12 days under 68 and 24 days under the 70kg mark.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

PICS FROM THIS LAST WEEK...........

G'day all! Sorry about all the pics. The bikini ones are there cause I always said I'd take some when under the 68kg or 150lb mark. The bikini ones were actually taken this morning, - one week officially after hitting 68kg or under! I think I should have got a spray tan! Last Saturday was 67.9, this morning 67.1 even though I should learn to stay off them! But have stayed under 68 all last week and under 70 for 3 weeks on Monday. Not sure of my body fat %. I'm confident it's under 30% and would love to get it under 25% permanently!

The bikini is a Roxy size 12 one purchased back in 2006 which was the last year I got under 68kg for a short tad of time.

The boots were purchased earlier in the week, - my first pair of tan boots that come up quite high. I also own a pair of black leather ankle boots with high heels which I got for my 24th birthday and still wear. The jeans are stretch Lee ones, - I've had them since 2006 I think. And my lil sis Diana got me the blue singlet and gold hoop earrings.

I've done no training for almost a week. I came down with a cold. Last Sunday and Monday had the sore throat and went from sweating to cold and back a few times. And then it turned into a head cold and the sore throat luckily went. Still went to work etc every day and went hardcore there. No cough or chest infection though so need to get back into consistent training for the half marathon in 8 weeks and my 14km run in 2 weeks! Yay to me though, - despite a cold I didn't give in to any gorging or comfort eating on chocolate, sugary foods, comfort Boost Juice or Wendy's smoothies, icecream or cheesy savoury stuff. I know if I start, it's harder to stop so am training myself to be satisfied with suitable stuff.

My diet these days varies but very often brekkie is
* a heaped 1/3 cup oats with some boiling water over top and left to steam for a bit. Then I stir in a teaspoon of goji berries, a teaspoon sultanas, a few grapes or grated apple and cinnamon OR about 100g non fat greek yoghurt, a heaped 1/3 cup bircher museli and a chopped up bit of fruit.
When at work generally have a medium skinny flat white, no sugar.

Lunch is mostly a long skinny multigrain crusty baguette with inner dough scooped out with hand, then spread with a bit of dijon mustard, then good serve of full garden salad, (sometimes a bit of avocado) and either a 95g tin tuna OR cold chicken from home OR 50g smoked salmon from work and cracked pepper. (Free at work).

Probably throughout day I'd have another small skinny flat white, (1 coffee shot and no sugar) and also a bit of fresh fruit or yoghurt.

Then in evenings it's 100-150g serve of lean protein, (steak, lamb, chicken, fish, kangaroo or egg white omelette) and quite a few vegies or salad and mostly a small carb serve such as some microwaved then grilled sweet potato, 1/4 cup steamed basmati or brown rice or one small jacket potato. I have a few variations on how I construct these dishes, I like herbs, lemon juice and BF and I eat lots of onion and garlic! As for water I like to have at least 3L throughout day.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

Just a couple of quick pics here of hair style and the new boots bought today on sale at Zu, (a shoe shop here in Perth). I could have tried a bit longer to get better angles etc but here goes, things to do!

SHORT HAIR, COPPER HIGHLIGHTS, FUN FUN FUN!!!

Howdy! Yesterday had a haircut. Now I have a short rather layered but not concave bob! And bright copper highlights throughout! I do like it! After looking at myself from all angles I decided long hair didn't suit me optimally unless I spend a great time either trying to straighten, curl and style it. So back to short. Pics will be up soon. Still under the 68kg. 67.2 today in though I shouldn't have looked. And have been under the 70kg mark for 17 consecutive days now. Keeping busy and all, - I enjoyed watching the Biggest Loser Finale, - dunno if I got my short hair again inspiration from Emma the winner or Lara or Bec, - they all did look fab.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)