THE DAY HAS ARRIVED, THIS WILL GO DOWN IN MY MEMORY!!!

Wait for it! I got on the metal monsters. 67.5 at first glance! WOW, first time I've seen 68 or under in many years!

I then moved them to a different area of tiles and turned mode to pounds. 149.2 lb!

I then shifted them and turned dial back to kg. 67.9 this time. I moved them to another area on the tiles. 67.5 again.

Now for me that is a great feeling of accomplishment! 68kg or under or 150lb or under!

Am about to head off for a run now! BF and I then went out for tea, I cracked the expensive bottle pictured and shared some. Run was good. All pics with this post are from today!

27 APRIL 2011 RAMBLE.............

G'day! Gee, wasn't it sad to go back to work after a 5 day break! I reckon it sure sucked!!!

I have failed with my goal of keeping away from the metal monsters till 1 May. Therefore today was 68.3 which was exactly the same as last Thursday morning so I am very happy to have not let loose over Easter. Of course they bounce around by a few hundred grams but 10 consecutive days under 70 is good. And also the fact that 68.3 wasn't a one off fleeting visit to the 68's not to be returned to for a year or so. I've infact seen that number 3 different days recently which is the lowest for the year. So times are a changin'!

I had a very pleasing treadmill workout today. 5.60km in 30 mins which absolutely pushed me to the max. I was planning on the 9.6km Bridges run but Perth was actually having very rare rain, a few sudden strong downpours, some wind, some puddles and I guess that's not an excuse. I just didn't want to risk getting my 3 week new runners muddy already or slip.

Am swimming tomorrow after work and am gearing up to watch the Royal Wedding after work on Friday.............prob dressed up slightly with maybe some champers just at home haha! So after maybe a bit much wine at Easter I'm holding out till then for wine.

Bedtime now, Easter was a good one.

Pip :-)

EASTER SUNDAY< MUM'S BIRTHDAY, A WEEK IN THE 60's!

Hello, Happy Easter Sunday all! Happy Birthday for today Mum!

Oh and I've been a bit obsessed with the scales and have got on them each morning this week, (naked before brekkie of course). 7 consecutive days under 70kg achieved!
The 68.3 in my last post last Thursday was a fleeting visit and looking at it I think I was a bit dehydrated that morning due to 3 largish glasses of wine the evening prior. After eating exactly the same, (as it was convenient) on Thursday as I did on Wednesday I somewhow managed to be a whole kilo heavier on Friday morning. The only difference was more water and less wine on Thursday haha! 69.0 today,
(152 lb).

I do want to stop the daily weighing though. I think once a month weigh ins would be good. Such as the 1st of every month or as close to it as convenient. Now that I'm under 70 I REALLY don't want to get above it again. I feel somewhat leaner when I inch into the 60's so need to be here for good, (not just a week or so each year). The big thing is I still want to consolidate under 68 and stay there but under absolutely no circumstances see the 70's again.

So.........can I keep off the scales for a week, (until 1 May)? That's my first goal. And I still intend on being under 70. Maybe I could be under 68 as well? I want to train hard and eat well and drink enough water next week but I'm not prepared to starve and dehydrate for a day or two before weigh in or take a laxative for the first time. Then for the 1st of June and first of each month after the objective is that my weigh in figure is under 68kg/150lb.

I am liking my shoulders, arms, legs, calves. Midriff could still lean down a bit but improvement has been great. I tried on the Cue size 12 suit I bought in August last year. I definitely would now need a 10 in the trousers or to have these ones tailored. The size 12 jacket is roomy, can get buttoned up with extra room rather than there being a slight strain to get up buttoned up, (on the occasions I wore it I found it best to leave the jacket open).

I did the Bridges run in 56 mins, 30 secs on Wednesday, (9.6km). I did a 9.1km rather hilly run with gravel etc involved in 54 mins last week. Yesterday I did a 13km run, lots of hills on it as well. Hard work but made it! The rain has pelted down for a bit this morning but has stopped for a bit so I'm off to try and do my 5.4km run as fast as poss. Would LOVE to achieve under 30 mins for that, (there are a few hills!) I enjoyed my swim this week.

4 weeks till Run for a Reason.
10 weeks till Gold Coast half marathon.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

RUNNING, DOINGS, HAPPENINGS.............

First news first. 68.3kg today, (151.0lb). Last years lowest read was 68.6, the year before the lowest was 68.4, back in 2008 my lowest read was 68.5. In 2006 I think I may have actually got under 68kg for a couple of days and in 2007 I didn't make the 60's.

The thing is..........the pattern is that I seem to have managed to just see the 60's most years for about a week before they somehow seem to slip away. And the joy of hitting the 60's is awesome. Size 12 waistbands are comfy if not a little loose sometimes! Today I fitted into and comfortably wore some Target size 10 work 3/4 pants that a mate gave me a year ago brand new as they were surplus to her requirments. First time they have been wearable! Gosh, I bought a size 12 Cue suit last year at 75.3kg which fitted well at the time. I wonder if now 7kg down I could manage a size 10 haha! The sizing must have been on the biggish side as I would still consider myself more a 12 than a 10 mostly.

Admittably I've been weighing myself daily this week and have been training well, haven't felt too carb depleted or dehydrated.

Hmm, I'm luvin the 60's and my big target is to get and stay under the 68kg/150lb. Easter weekend may prove a slight challenge. I have had a 2kg or so drop in the last week which has been a bit uncharacteristic of late and running performances have improved! I think it may be best to keep off the scales for a few days/week or two as I don't want to feel disheartened at a 400g gain or something. However sub 68 it will be soon. Then want to head at aiming for under 66kg. Then I want to drop my weigh ins to once a month or so with the target of staying under the 68kg. If I miss the 68kg crack down by a whisker, - I MUST not get above 70 and must crack down harder! So 70 is the final absolute cut off point but ideally wanna get/stay under 68.

Am stoked it's now Easter break. Training is going well, sorry for all the numbers talk haha.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

69er's finally arrive!!!..........

Haha, wonder if that may have grabbed someone's attention!!! I'm sure most of you know what I may mean, - here today!!!

I had a quick Monday jump on the metal monsters this morn. I wasn't expecting much change from my last visit of 70.5 read. I'd done some training but had kind of a restful weekend otherwise. However I didn't overeat, (just a couple of extra wines on Sat night). I kept out of the iced coffee and sugar. So just thought I'd take a peek.

First read was 70.5 again which I was OK with and if similar to last weigh in such as within a kilo my scales often jump back with the same read. Then for fun I changed the mode to pounds and noticed I was about 1.5lbs less than my last read, (the same time I last weighed 70.5). So I switched it back to kilos thinking I may see 70.1 or something and got 69.9 jumping back at me twice.

So I've seen it this year, now am on track to consolidate the 60's, get fitter and get under 68kg or 150lb!

Had my first swim session today which was fab. I have a bit to work on before the tri season starting next summer!

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

.............AGEING.................

Firstly 2 posts from me in one day! It looks as if just today I may have some free time haha! Okey Dokey, I'm writing a bit on ageing today. A kinda sombre, (however that is spelt) topic for me and prob a few people. Dunno why I'm feeling brave.

Anyways...........over the last few months I've noticed a couple of permanent creases that seem to stay on my face, (still rather small and faint hopefully). One on the forehead and 2 vertical frown lines just above my eyes with one being a bit more prominent than the other. They seem to look worse without any makeup, - ie a moisturisor and liquid foundation on. Luckily light to moderate makeup disguises maybe 80% of the ageing lines.

I also colour my hair. My natural colour is a dark brown. It still is.............but I see a few single grey strands now in every square cm once the re-growth gets to about 2 months. By 3-4 months I REALLY feel I need to put a colour in, - (today was one of those days and I coloured my hair today). My hair maintenance is still rather cheap at about 4 colours a year at about $15.95 a pop and 4 trims at about $19.50 a pop. But over the few months I notice the volume of greys aren't decreasing as re-growth pops through.........instead increasing slowly and surely. I either use supermarket shampoos or take advantage of cheaper salon shampooing/conditioning packages and specials. But I really need those colours! I used to get lighter foils in my hair at a salon...........but in an effort to try and save money for other things I've moved away from that the last 20 months or so. I've thought about a fringe to cover the forehead line and pulled my hair over that way to check it out. But I still see the faint vertical lines and I'm not prepared to have my hair covering my eyes!
Dammit, - maybe I can't pass for 18 anymore!!!

I remember as a kid and in my teens I was told I had perfect vision, - sharp and all! Last year I noticed it took my eyes a bit longer to fully focus early mornings, (I get up early for work). Small print looked a bit blurry in a distance. I put my head down a bit closer to read tiny print. Therefore I decided to take advantage of free optical tests on offer last year. I had a great assessment and the conclusion I was told was my vision wasn't perfect, (but still good enough not to warrant contacts or glasses). But it would diminish ever so slighly over the years so in about 10 years I would need driving/reading glasses.

A few years ago I actually spent a bit on expensive skincare regimes in the belief I may always look just a 'bit' younger than my age. But I accumulated credit card debt back in those days in doing so amongst other careless spending. Today I use mostly Nivea Visage from Woolworths and make sure I use either/and a moisturisor/foundation/sunscreen on my face with at least SPF 15 each day, (SPF 30 if outdoors for long periods). Finances are in better order these days.

The thoughts of Botox I can't afford have crossed my mind, (I haven't contemplated having it, just wished I've had the money I was able to consider it and keeping it up). However that sometimes is all a bit vain..................no-one important is gonna like ya better for it.

What I am grateful for is I'm now not in the position where I feel I need to lose huge amounts of weight. A couple, - 5 kgs nice.........yep, getting fitter and a bit more toned.......yep. But not oodles. My thing of lowering my cut off point, (of rebounding weight gain) has been successful for a few consistent years.

So as a result I am more worried about trying to cover up/use sunscreen/hats etc rather than getting a tan, I don't spend money I can't afford, (chopped up credit cards maybe a year ago), my weight fluctuations have become lots more minimal and actually my BMI is a couple of kg under 25 now.

I don't want to settle here though................I've entered two races as per above post in the nearish future and wanna be happy with my prep! However.......it's fun to acknowledge progress! And I'm on track for my overseas big holiday/adventure in a few years.

Guess I can't get too caught up in greys/permanent facial lines and realise I've kinda grown up LOL! BTW I turn 31 on July 19 this year. The pics at top of this post are of today and there is one with no makeup or nothing. Today I went a shade lighter with my hair colour, - a 4.0 instead of a 3.0 but don't notice much difference :-)

Finally, - I can't really figure out how to delete the right photo. The one of me in my maroon top with my mate are from a Christmas party last December, not to be disturbed with this post. The one with the pink top of me 2 weeks ago was the one I was meaning to put here.

ENTRIES DONE AND DUSTED..............

Howdy gang!

Well, as of this morning I actually entered the HBF Perth 14km Run for a Reason on 22 May. AND I secured my spot in the Gold Coast Half Marathon held on 3 July 2011. So all is on. Sometimes I wonder why I do this to myself! But it's all good!

I did the HBF run last year and reckon it was more 14.5km rather than 14km as there was about a 500m finishing bit to run after seeing the 14km sign. My time last year for that was 1 hour, 28 mins. Therefore I need to beat that this year, - at least I aim to finish under 1 hour, 24 mins to keep above 10kmph pace. I remember I was 74-75kg when I did that race last year and training hadn't at all been consistent. This week I put a reasonable effort in and have another 5 weeks to produce some consistency for that race.

Oh yeah, I weighed in @ 70.5kg this morning, (155.5lb). Lightest this year to date and can tell in my clothes now just a bit. Still flabby around the middle......but improving! Good to be a comfy size 12 now in general.

Talk soon

Pip :-)

QUICK UPDATE..........................

G'day! I see I haven't blogged in close to three weeks! This hasn't been intentional......................just guess I haven't had lots of spare time and it's bedtime now pretty much so will try not to go on too long now!

So what's been happening?:
* Work has been rather full on, - doing some overtime and have been going full steam at the fastest pace I can muster most of the time haha! Nah, I've been working hard!

* BF and I have been having quite a social life the last few weekends and have a dinner out with BF's family planned for this weekend. BF is planning on some overnight motorbike trips with his mates and is eventually planning for a really big 3-4 week type one incorporating heading up north to Broome, maybe across to NT even before heading back to Perth. We caught up with his mate's family for tea last weekend. His wife swam at state and national level a few years back, she knows I occasionally attempt triathlon and came forward to help me with swimming which is fantastic and of great help to me. She has written me out a 5 day program with each day looking to incorporate 3-5kmish a hit! I'm to do a swim session twice a week and rotate the 5 days. She has offered to come, help me with my stoke etc. That's a lot of swimming, - more than I'd ever do without a program but if I improve and get stronger at it I will be stoked!

* 9 days ago the work team went to play Supa Golf in the Swan Valley, - lots of fun. Bigger balls and bigger clubs than regular Golf. I'd get frustrated with golf and my hits but could see myself really getting into Golf. This was my first attempt at any Golf bar mini Golf!

* I've booked my accommodation on the Gold Coast for the half marathon on 3 July. Have yet to book the race and part of me is wanting to just do the 10km but I still want the satisfaction of doing the half marathon so intend to enter that event. I still am striving to go under 2 hours! My excitement would be unstoppable if I did that! However finishing under 2 hrs, 6 mins would be awesome as I would have maintained 10km/h pace or 6 min kms! My PB is 2 hrs, 15 mins, 14 secs in the half in 2008 so I guess I'd be pleased to improve on that. In theory that shouldn't be hard as I was 13-14kg more then than I am today.

* I have quite a bit of work to do with running but! I did 30 mins as fast as poss on the treadmill yesterday achieving 5.56km. So that's just over 11km/h pace. The last 7 mins or so though I felt physically sick, stuffed and everything and just wanted to get off but thought of those Biggest Loser contestants and went minute by min and was glad to get to the end of 30 mins without slowing down the treadmill. Scary thing is I have to do almost 4 times that distance at a similar pace to that to do the half in under 2 hours. However I was happy with yesterday's treadmill run as it was my fastest in almost a year on the treadmill. I managed the turbo trainer today for 30 mins.

* Lately I've been maintaining my weight rather than it going down, (or up for that matter) either. Just up and down but about a kilo depending on my focus for the week but it's done that a few times. Just a bit more consistency would get it down another few/couple of kilos and help with a bit more core toning, - easy in theory haha! Was surprised/pleased to be told I was more a 12 than a 14 when using BF's Chrissy voucher to get fitted for bras last weekend! 12DD -12E! I fitted into a nice pair of demi curve size 12 Levis from the Levi shop recently but left them on the shelf.
71.4kg or 157 lb today.

* Oh, I decided to take advantage of the strong current Aussie dollar and ordered some sunglasses from USA! They retail for $320 here in Sunglasses Hut in Aussie but I am paying $183 all up to get them sent to me from the States, ($US189)! Should get them soon, - whoohoo :-)

So that's about it, till next time,

Pip :-)

RECENT DOINGS AND HAPPENINGS...............

G'day all! A while since I've written I know. Just seem to have been crazy busy of late, (not totally in an organised way mind you).

First mention is that unfortunately I knew of one of the victims of the Christchurch Earthquake. She was in my year at school in 1997, (my last year of school and I changed schools and stayed in a hostel that year). She infact boarded in the room beside mine along with about 10 of us from my year. She was lovely, someone I looked up to in terms of being organised, into everything, great at sports and also an A student. She was much more popular than me so I didn't get to know her really closely but she was nice and friendly to me and many others on a general level and the group in my year at the hostel had many good times together. She unfortunately left behind a husband and a 3 yr old and 1 yr old daughter. The whole situation makes me shudder to think of. Not to mention the Japanese disaster since then. But onwards and upwards, I can't use her as an excuse to be a drain on others however it again illustrates that we can't take our lives for granted.

Work has been mega busy. We've had some bad luck with machines breaking down. Also we had no water for 2 mornings last week and had to carry cold water in buckets a block away to wash the produce etc we use. The water was turned off due to roadworks and re-construction of the city directly outside our building.

I don't have much to report regarding training. I'm going hard at work with moving, walking fast, bending, lifting etc trying to think ahead and be as productive as possible. Have been doing some overtime which is very helpful at the moment too. And just general jobs. However outside of work have been a little disorganised but flat out otherwise. Eating wise, um, not the best but 2-3 coffees a day and constantly being on go must have kept metabolism ampped up enough to at least not gain weight. I braved the scales this morning at 72kg. I was 71.8 at the beginning of the month feeling rather hungry and dehydrated before the scales mind you. I had a decent tea and quite a bit of water last night and didn't feel at all famished when waking up so I will say I weigh the same.

I really need to kick it to the next level to fine tune organisation. Work will still be flat out but still need to fit in training. 15 weeks today till Gold Coast half marathon. And that requires 15 consistent weeks of prep and really cutting back the alcohol to just social occasions again.

I've been mindful of getting my accommodation booked for the Gold Coast. I'm there for 4 nights. I arrive on 1 July, the race is 3 July and I leave on 5 July. I'd normally be happy to stay in a backpackers but with race relaxation, early starts etc I prepared myself to check into a cheapish apartment, hotel or motel for those 4 nights. I didn't want all the cheapies to go to be left with only options costing $500 a night or more. Anyway I found somewhere today! It's called 'BreakFree St Tropez' and is located on Orchid Ave in Surfers. They have a current deal of 'book 4 nights, pay for 3' and the total cost is $381 for those 4 nights. They required a $200 deposit to guarrantee the room which I could afford to pay today without shifting money around and cheating on my budget. It's also less than 500 metres from nearest free shuttle to take us to start of race. (Race starts at 6am but I wanna be there at least 30 mins prior).

Starting tomorrow my training prep will go something as follows:
* 1 long run every week, (prob Sunday) Maybe start at one hour, adding another 5 mins on each week

* 1 session of interval training per week, (either outdoors or on treadmill) covering 30 mins minimum

* either a 5km speed run or as far as poss on treadmill in 30 mins.

* Some weeks will want to add another run, maybe a 5-10km effort.

* Still need to do my 15 mins resistance 3 times per week.

* Still need to get a 30 min turbo bike ride in every week and a swim at least every second week.

Gosh it's lots hey! Most half marathon and marathon training programs seem to recommend running 4 times a week, (some are lighter effort/recovery weeks) plus some other cardio and resistance work is recommended.

So I plan on aiming for 3-4 runs per week, (sometimes 3, sometimes 4). A challenging ride every week of at least 30 mins to keep those legs turning over. A swim at least every fortnight focussing on developing an effective technique working toward triathlon season next year. The resistance stuff is painful at times but I think great with muscle tone, strength, and I hear to help with preventing some injuries.

Gosh, if I can pull off completing the half marathon under 2 hours and being comfortably under 68kg, (72 now) having body fat at or under 25%, I will feel like I'm floating on clouds after that race! My last attempt at that race was 2 hrs, 15 and I was about 85kg then.

Talk soon,

Pip :-)

SHORT POST TONIGHT.............

Howdee!

Just decided to post to say I'm back safely from my trip to South Aussie. I had a fantastic busy fun time and was very lucky to stay with and be shown around by Kristy. Also I was very lucky to meet Magda.

I have just posted 75 new pics with descriptions of each pic on facebook.

I feel very lucky to have taken that trip. I have learnt heaps. I've started making a photo album with the pics I've developed and am writing captions with each pic.

I will be back with a SA report very soon. I feel very much on track as the first thing I did today, (after returning home at 11.30pm last night) was to infact go on a 9km hilly run today. This involved quite steep hills, gravel, steps, very skinny pathes on route etc etc. Anyway I knocked off over 4 mins since my last attempt. I was pleased to see it was still possible for me to run 5km in 26 mins, 50 secs on a flat track in Adelaide, (my best outdoor 5km in ages). Now if I can maintain that pace for just over 4 times that long I will easily get under 2 hours in my half marathon in July! And found out I can still even do 20 pushups, plank and the rest.

Will be back to talk soon.

Pip :-)

MARCH 1 WEIGH IN...............

Righteo, I weighed in at 71.8kg today before brekkie today.

We compare that to 72.5 on 1 Feb and 74.5 on 31 Dec 2010.

Not that weight number is the most vital thing at all, (but it's an easy accurate immediate gauge). I'd love to get my skinfolds done or know my body fat %. In general when around my weight my BF is about 31-32%. Physically what I can see on me is that my shoulders, upper arms, calves are toning up rather nicely, even to the point of seeing a small bit of muscle definition in photos when just looking casual. Nice to perhaps see the arms and shoulders as a new area to aquire definition through the hard work of pushups, dips, some weights and training resistance work as well as my normal lifestyle. Thighs aren't bad, they are in proportion but not lean enough to see muscle, still a couple of dimples lol! I can see face is leaner than when 10-15 plus kg heavier, same with neck, - all good! Torso is the last to go. It still has quite a bit of annoying flab although it has definitely reduced. Actually upper back is kinda looking better. Just area around stomach is most stubborn and is a while from looking anything lean but tape measure says it's reducing. So there has it.

Something I noted last night was I tried on my sis's original size 12 bridesmaid dress. It actually fits enough to the point of in my way being acceptable to wear out in my view. My stomach still shows through a bit, I've gotta be careful of how I move my chestline however in my opinion.......it's OK! Now I can't wait to find an excuse to wear it out. When I was actually a bridesmaid for my sis in Nov 2009 I was about 10kg more and wore a different homemade dress in about a size 16ish. A couple of months ago I was 75-76kg but just felt sis's original bridesmaid dress didn't yet look 'wearable'. I may post a couple of late night pics of me with it on all done up properly, no make up and they are a bit fuzzy.

So.............Feb started off great, we had BF's birthday party. I was a bit slack for the 2nd and 3rd week of Feb, firstly with bushfire disasters in Perth and BF's party leftovers, then having a sore back for a week. Training almost stopped, nutrition was a bit slack but work was very busy and full on. However only went up by about 1.3kg those 2 weeks. This past week have gotten back into training and better dietary control. So I guess a big win is being able to rein it in sooner or not let things get out of hand in the first place.

Anyway: Goals for March:

* No weighing till 1 April!
* Shooting for below 70kg by then!
* Keep to training standards unless of injury or reason I'm satisfied with and ideally improve strength and see some speeding up on run, bike and swim times.
* Keep to alcohol goals.
* Be happy with my eats for a month.........I'm not that strict either.

BF gave me a lingerie voucher for Christmas that doesn't have an expiry date. When I see 68.0kg or below I allow myself to use it! And at that point want to get either my skinfolds done or body fat done to see where it stands and am hopeful of not being too far off 25% BF at that point!

I've decided to stop one guideline too. That is the one about only eating confectionary based sugar on social occasions where I feel rude if I don't blah blah blah............ It's mostly quite an easy thing to stick to at times when I do. However I decided to break that rule 2 weeks ago when I bought a takeaway skinny flat white from a shop that is also famous for local handmade chocolates. I avoided them choccies. However on top of my coffee I was served one homemade choc button about the size of a 20 cent coin as part of the service. I wanted to try it...........but was hesistant about my rule of breaking not eating any confectionary by myself. I could have thrown it........but I ate it.

Not a bad thing though! In the past deciding off hand to have just 'that' would likely have resulted in heaps of self loathing, it would have erased self confidence, I would likely have felt 'burnt'. I may have dug deep and with a huge effort got back on track at times.........only to a few days/weeks later do the same and totally lose focus and feel a um kinda failure for a bit. The result being mega bingeing, putting off stuff and putting on 10-15-20 plus kilos in only a couple of short months before 'getting serious' again. My 'cut off point' used to be 90kg, it got lowered to 85kg successfully for a year so I made the goal of lowering it to 80kg and succeeded at that one all last year.

This year cut off point is 75kg, (successful to date). My little episodes of getting 'off track' seem to be heaps shorter, (however still long enough to gain 3kg or so and lose momentum) if I allow. Also I find I just can't shed the kg as quick as I used to but then again it's not so out of control these days so that's cool.

So the message of my post rigmarole etc is:.........no rules about food other than if I'm gonna feel good enough/in control/ok with my choices I can go ahead with what I consider a controlled amount I'm happy with. If feelings like........'I shouldn't be eating this', 'I'll have to pay for it next week but can't be bothered controlling myself now' then yep.........no! Water and control! Less ways for mishaps!

Pip :-)

ADELAIDE THIS WEEK............!!!

Almost here now, am feeling excited. 2 days of work this week so I can't wait till I finish on Tuesday!

I have quite a few things to do in the next 2 days.............will get them done though! I got a run of just over 9km over heaps of hills and various terrains in on Sat morning. I'm eventually aiming to get that down under 50 mins but it took an hour exactly which is a bit long! However it was already 33 degrees by the time I started just after 7.30am, (it got to 38!) I managed 20 pushups again on toes, a real struggle!

Today I got in 31 mins on the turbo, hardcore! Again in warm weather and no aircon and I went hard so am happy with that effort while drinking lots of water. Should go and do some resistance now before I have a quick shower before bed!

I did the stupid thing of misplacing my ATM card on Friday evening but didn't realise till yesterday arvo as I was about to do food shopping! Urrgh! As I don't have a credit card these days (a good thing) I have no way to access money till tomorrow and I don't carry much cash in wallet! So that meant pantry food such as tinned tuna and frozen veg nuked in microwave, toast and cottage cheese and finishing up the fruit! Can't wait for some fresh produce! BF got into the frozen pies in the freezer. So I will order another card, withdraw cash and do banking the old fashioned way for a few days.

Food hasn't been too bad otherwise. I confess to 2 beers both days as well as heaps of water but still think daily cals were around 1500 and felt in control.

Can't see msyelf getting time for a workout tomorrow with particularly long workday and food shopping! However Tuesday, Wed morning there really aren't any excuses!

My thoughts are with the terrible situation in Christchurch.

Over and out,
Pip :-)

QUESTION THINGIE...........

I followed Magda's list and thought I'd try to do the A to Z thing as well.

A: Age: 30
B: Bedsize: Queen
C: Chore ya hate: Scrubbing grouting......once I start I hate to stop till there is a big difference and it takes too much time! Don't like leaving it half done!
D: Dogs: BF has one!
E: Essential start to day: Breakfast and coffee if doing anything physical or important!
F: Fave colour: Aqua blue/turquoise/ocean blue colours!
G: Gold or silver: Both have their place that I like! Gold is very special but!
H: Height: 1.71m, (5 ft 7)
I: Instruments I play: Used to play piano as a kid, could prob still play a few simple songs and read really simple piano music
J: Job: Cafe/bakery/catering outlet/coffee shop assistant type manager
K: Kids: None
L: Live: Perth
M: Mum's Name: She is a very private person and I'd be in trouble if I let it slip!
N: Nicknames: Pip, Pippi, Pipster
O: Overnight Hospital stays: Yep one night when I had gas burns to face in 2005!
P: Pet Peave: No-one dare better try opening a toilet door that says 'engaged' when I'm in it! I just wanna punch them when I come out!
Q: Quote from movie: 'Run Forrest Run'
R: Righty or lefty: Righty
S: Siblings: 1 younger sister, 1 older half sis
T: Time you wake up: 5am alarm these mornings generally, later on weekends, (better than the 3.30am ones I used to do!
U: Underwear: I mainly wear it!
V: Vegies I dislike: I love them all! Just don't over boil then, then over salt them, then smother them in butter or some white thick type of sauce!!!
W: What makes me run late: Disorganisation by trying to do too much at once but not concentrating.
X: X-rays I've had: teeth, knee, breasts.
Y: Yummy food I make: Lots! Sushi, salads, a healthier lasagna version, hopefully most things I do!
Z: Zoo fav animal: Toss between giraffe and zebra!

UPDATE.............

Firstly: Am in total shock still about the Christchurch earthquake, ..........all the people missing and all the destruction and the heartbreak of all involved.

Luckily all my family and relatives have survived, no injuries. I just hope I don't recognise any names when I read the dreaded list. Being trapped, not being able to get out, sore, not being able to be heard, still alive....................the worst.

Today hit the treadmill again. Couldn't beat my 5.47km on treadmill but not through lack of trying. 5.45km today. I started the treadmill at 11.1kmph and maintained that pace for 25 mins, (I really struggled after 15 mins haha). But I think I reached my max at 25 mins at that speed so dropped the pace down to just over 10kmph to slog out the rest of that run! Will head for some pushups and plank etc before my shower! I skipped a workout yesterday..............hmmmm. Very busy and active at work this week, it's a challenging game at the moment there!

I checked out my weight thing, 74.5kg on 31 Dec 2010. 72.5kg, (160lb) on 1 Feb 2010 72.9 (160.6lb) today.

I went hard the first week of Feb, got down to 72.0, then had back injury and a few more party leftovers and limited training other than being very active at work for 2 weeks. Climbed back up to 73.2kg last weekend. I don't weigh daily and the numbers bounce around by a few hundred grams due to how body has digested food, hydration levels etc. So no real change...........but it would be nice not to see a number above 72.5kg on 1 March haha! As of 1 March I will really give it a go to only weigh in once a month on 1st of each month or as close as poss. A drop of 2kg or more a month will be the target.

Holding my own but. Can't wait till Adelaide!

Pip

EARTHQUAKE DESTRUCTION..........

I dunno what to say here really..........just so awful. Another addition to a long string of natural disasters. My family are located 500km south but I know quite alot of people from my school moved to Christchurch to work. I dare hope all of them, (and my relatives who live in Christchurch are safe). My thoughts go out to everyone involved and to those who have family and friends near the area.

After that horrible unwanted distraction in the day and another busy one at work I will say I hit the gym, (instead of wine bottle) and actually had my best tempo running workout in months. 5.47km in 30 mins, increasing the speed by an increment every few mins. I felt as if I could have even done a bit more even though I ran the last min at 12.8kmph just to finish me off. And hit the rower for a 5 min blast thereafter. Still feel a bit of backstrain, particularly after being at work on feet, bending etc after a few hours but it seems to be getting better. Guy at bus stop this morn was asking today and still thinks I should have seen some specialists etc and gave me a concerned look about soldiering on and reckons I'd be really pushing it to run in the Gold Coast half marathon in July..................hmmm. He sounds like he has had some unfortunate back probs over time.

Not sure of tomorrows workout yet...............will decide and then hopefully do it.

Pip :-)

PERTH BOMB SCARE..............

Howdy, my plans to visit the gym today didn't eventuate due to reasons out of my control.

After a busy day at work, feeling a slight ache in back (but less than last week) I hurled it toward the gym. I walk down one arcade to make it to the necessary mall. I noticed exit to the mall was blocked off and many security guards, police etc were around so I then walked around the long way, still the mall was blocked off! Police etc were ushering us away, I did note ALL businesses in the mall were closed just after 4pm......hmm. So I turned back and headed for the bus, police speeded down footpaths in cars and all us puzzled people out and about had no clue what was happening. The bus was late, trip home was slow, then I turn on the news as there was a dodgy looking package somewhere near David Jones with some dangerous note attached to it which obviously caused great alarm. Apparently it turned out to be a scare, nothing yet but it sure caused lots of caos. There were weird people on the street trying to introduce themselves and shake our hands............creepy! I could have gone on a run tonight outdoors but a) it was late, b) I wanted to catch the news regarding terroists before heading outdoors, c) it was still about 34 degrees at 6.30pm just before it started getting dark.......I love the heat so that wasn't really a pertinent issue! d) sore back, gotta ease it back kinda slowly and today was sure busy and active! A beer and cooking a healthy tea was more inviting. Full of excuses aren't I??? Haha!

Pip :-)

Definitely a gym visit is on agenda after work tomorrow provided the mall isn't blocked off due to bomb scares...........

BACK UPDATE AND TRAINING PLANS...........

Howdy team!

Firstly I will say that I still feel some back strain.........enough that I'm aware it's there, particularly if on feet for too long or bending in various positions. However I feel it's lessened a bit since early/mid last week. In all fairness this back pain isn't diabolical, (however that is spelt) but a bit annoying and I have a fear about aggrevating back pain.

Also I'm on a budget and as ya know if ya visit a doc, they seem to refer to to either a physio, osetopath or similar and order you to have x-rays somewhere else, then there are recommended follow up visits and the end result is many hundred $$$ spent if not more! If I was in total severe pain and couldn't move..........there would be less choice. But for me I'm doing stretches, carrying on as norm etc.

Today I decided on my first run for a week. Did a 5.3km hilly outdoor run and while I felt my back, nothing abnormal etc was felt. I didn't time myself and pace felt about norm for now. I could pick up the speed somewhat when wanted. Came back and did many core exercises and stretches and tried on the pushups. First set on toes I only managed 10 but on the second set I pushed out 15 consecutive! As a couple of weeks ago I managed 20, I want that to be a regular thing and now to work on going lower and absolute top controlled form! The plank make my strain feel the stretch I think but in a good way!

I weighed in today, - result was 73.2kg. Am alright with that for now as while last week was totally/active/busy at work I seemed to make excuses up and get into the mindset to eat muffin scraps, chocolate bars, skinny mochas instead of skinny flat whites and a bit more cheese than norm and tried a couple of crusty new white bread rolls as they came with fillings for a couple of lunches instead of my home lunch or 'doughed out crusty multigrain roll'. The day of BF's party I got down to 72.0kg, (ok actually 2 reads of 71.9 and one of 72.1kg, - it all depends on how scales are positioned on tiles!) Party leftovers and a bit of slackness occupied the first week, back injury last week and dietary disorganisation! No big bingeing, just less than desirable habits started coming to the forefront! This morn I also felt as if I could have gone for a number 2 but not quite.............2 weeks ago I felt rather starved at the morning weigh in due to not wanting to mess up the kitchen the previous night after sorting for BF's party, (so tea then.....an apple and a small 95g tin tuna).

However still need to organise training schedule, - will get that up tomorrow. At this stage think back is on the mend and strain should leave soon :-)

SPANNER IN THE WORKS...............

As you may gather from my training updates this week.....................you can prob guess and would be indeed right, no ticking stuff off!

On Monday I woke up with a notably sore lower back. I can't think of anything I did to injure it outright.

I do know that about a year ago I did hurt my back worse than what it is hurt now. I think the injury a year ago may have been the delayed aspect of road cycling with heavy uneven loads on my back! Anyway a year ago I woke with a bad hunched cripple, could only walk slow, took a few mins to do such things as get out of bed, in or out of the shower etc thinking.......whoops, this way won't work! Because I would have been lucky to be even 30% of my normal capacity I had to take 2 days off work a year ago. I had to get a doc's certificate and he recommended rest then physio etc. I didn't do physio or anything due to cost but did my own stretches and within 5-6 days my back felt back to norm, - pretty much anyway. Over the past year or so my back has felt pretty much OK, a little sore every now and then but not enough to stop my normal regime or think about it further and the following day any slight pain seemed to ease. However I guess I wasn't always diligent about looking AFTER my back.............that kinda invicible feel, thinking I'd deal with it later, wanting to think of myself as TOUGH!

This week my back pain wasn't as bad as last year, it hasn't gotten any worse since Monday but no better. I can walk pretty much at full pace, have to think about how I bend and bend at knees all the time. Jogging 20 metres aggrevates it. Work has been frantic this week for various reasons, have done some overtime and feel aware of my back all day at work, (making faces when bent down where customers wouldn't see). Am in slight pain, more at times but I manage to plod along and work at mostly full pace I think, (maybe with slight exception to bending and picking stuff up). The stop start nature frustrates me LOTS at the moment but bit by bit have sucked it uo. I just didn't expect or call for this to happen............but as much as frustration at times hits I can't really whinge I guess!

However diet hasn't really been on this week either...............that..................and doing rehab stretches etc needs to improve! Despite charging around in some pain at work feeling frustrated about it............my middle gets larger if I habitally eat sugar and cheese as a daily thing............and lollies, muffin scraps etc etc. That's what's gotta stop for good!!!

ALRIGHTY< WEEK 4 UPDATE and WEEK 5/1/DOINGS...........

Alrighty gang, I dunno how to score myself for last week! If I had The Commando from 'The Biggest Loser' or even a personal coach/trainer I'm sure I'd get a score close to a big fat ZERO!

On self analysis: I didn't pull myself back from BF's b-day party. On Sunday after the party I ate a modest, (or slightly more than modest but not binge worthy) portion of leftovers and had no real prob about that. In Perth (but not me personally) there were some fire disasters. BF is a firefighter and was out for 2 nights helping to fight them. The first night I didn't manage to keep to my non-negotiable behaviours.............I found it just too hard to pull back into line, (but it would have been possible). Not the best place to be. I found excuses to pick at muffins, skinny mochas, cheese, chocolate, un-needed extras for rest of week to a degree where I felt slightly too full to train at end of day. After consuming a little confectionary that 'I know it was best if I didn't'...........I just wanna gorge!

When not having it............I'm fine, don't think about it and do like healthy nourishing type options.

So.........no excuses, beating oneself up sure doesn't help. However I know if I had a pro trainer monitoring me............there would be hard questions!

To re-iterate........my main goals/behaviours aren't that hard and need to be non negotiable if I'm to head toward my objectives. They are:

* confectionary sugary products and deep fried or pastry laden products are only acceptable in social situations in moderation, (where I feel out of place if I don't have a little), - on average once every 4 weeks or so. That means no buying for self, eating leftovers non socially etc etc Iced coffees and soft drinks etc and any similar sweet tasting stuff..banned!

* the alcohol one is and stays non negotiable: That is: I'm not allowed to drink anymore than 3/7 days in a calendar week Mon to Sun. Maximum quantities allowed in a day are either: 2 glasses/400ml wine OR 2 beers, (stubbies, pints, schooners etc) OR 60 ml spirits. Up to 12 times a year I can exceed these amounts............but not more often. These days and amounts must be recorded! Unsused drinks or drinking days can't be saved up. If on annual leave holidays I can drink more days if I want but must keep to general day drinking limits, (no more than 400ml wine, OR 2 beers OR 60 ml spirits per day) except for the 12 day a year allowance.

Rules above are the non negotiables and I feel need to be adhered to for the rest of my life. They are strict enough but not overly strict! It's better to feel a little annoyed at not overindulging occasionally then the annoyance from overindulgence after the party has finished and thoughts about further un-needed indulgences are!as I found out yet again.

I know I CAN do this..............it's not a question of that. It's keeping it up as a lifestyle without the annoying fluctuations in these areas!

Other lifestyle rules are doing upmost best to my satisfaction regarding keeping to training standards, also to keep in line with organisational standards and to keep to budget and do my best to keep to goal of being in bed, lights out at least 7 hours at least 5 nights a week.

Scales and body tell me I've put on 1.5 to 2kg in the last week:-(

However onwards and upwards and tomorrow marks day one of 20 week half marathon training plan for the Gold Coast half marathon on 3 July 2011! Most half marathon training plans at an intermediate level seem to have 4 running sessions a week and up to 2 cross training sessions if wanted. I've been debating whether to follow one to the letter OR get a personalised plan or coach OR whether to make up my own plan from the base plan which sort of gears toward triathlon building as well.

In the end I've decided to make up and follow my own plan and see where it gets me! I intend to give myself at least 3 running sessions per week with one of them being a long run. Then also at least one bike and one swim session, (maybe more) and at least 2 resistance sessions weekly.

Performance goal for half marathon is completion under 2 hours! Wanna feel good for this holiday and also Airlie Beach kayaking etc and skiing in NZ after that! Wanna keep self in line for triathlons the following spring/summer.

Weight goal before leaving Perth is under 66kg, (with intention of staying under 68kg for good thereafter), (73.5-74kg now).

With body fat % goal is under 25%.

WEEK 5/1 TRAINING PLAN :-)

MONDAY 14 FEB: Treadmill 30 mins as fast as poss running. 15 mins resistance (pm) workout

TUESDAY 15 FEB: Rower 15 mins, Body Pump class performing best as poss (pm)

WEDNESDAY 16 FEB: Turbo trainer 30 mins as fast as poss (pm)

THURSDAY 17 FEB: Either 5.3km run outdoors OR treadmill 30 mins as fast as poss, 15 mins resistance (pm)

FRIDAY 18 FEB: 30 min swim session somewhere, no matter what it takes me!

SATURDAY 19 FEB: turbo 20 mins followed by 20 min run, (am)

SUNDAY 20 FEB: Run around block which is just over 9km, (am)

UPDATE AND TRAINING WEEK 4 PROGRAM:

Howdy, first up the pic of me is just a random I took quickly 30 mins ago using the self timer mode for the first time with this camera. So please excuse the background mess, I do like the wide angle on this camera now. Hair is getting longer I see and these are jeans I haven't gotten into for a few months! Size 11 Just Jeans ones but I'd have to say they are a big fit cause I'm still more a size 12 in most bottoms and more a 13 I think in most Levis. I can see arms and shoulders toning up.

Now regarding last week I'd give myself a 7/10 again. Am still disappointed I haven't gotten to the pool but that situation is gonna change! One of BF's and now my friends has offered to give me some swimming training and she is an elite swimmer who used to represent Australia. We've just got to organise a time we are free.
Am very happy to have got to Body Pump last week and very happy to manage 20 push ups on toes. I still need to work on organisation and prioritising training but am liking my discipline to do at least 80% of what I set out to do! Last night was BF's 30th party which was a fun night at our place with just over 30 guests. He had a rissole party, (he loves them and made a heap!!!) We had beef ones, chicken ones and lamb ones. Also heaps of ham, BBQ cold chickens, a big garden salad with all sorts of goodies, heaps of potato salad, nibblies, pavlova, cheesecake and lemon meriange cake for dessert with heaps of beer and wine. So I had a bit more than norm to eat yesterday night but not out of control. There are heaps of leftovers so need to be very careful not to overdo it and stay in control! Now that's a challenge! With the wine leftovers I want to limit it to one bottle a week ideally to be enjoyed over 2 nights, (Friday/Saturday) and no more than 2 beers a week unless there are social functions. I weighed in yesterday morning at 72.1kg but I'm sure that would have spiked by a kilo or so today.

I think for the eventual goal I'm looking at getting down to the range of about 64-68kg and under 25% body fat. If I comfortably go under that and get near 60kg I'd love that too but if I maintained that 64-68 range while feeling fit with body fat under 25% I would be stoked. I want to maintain a minimum of at least 3 intense cardio workouts of at least 30 mins each, and a minimum of 2 resistance intense sessions of at least 15 mins each every week. When training for events or wanting to reduce fat or in the mood I will do more but if I ever slow down I need to keep to my minimum workout requirements unless of really proper reason. And of course keep up clean controlled diet with lots of water.

3.5 weeks till Adelaide! I'm really looking forward to that! Waitangi day in NZ as well!

TRAINING PLAN AS PER FOLLOWS:

MONDAY 7 FEB: 30 mins treadmill as fast as poss and 15 min resistance workout

ACTUAL: DID 30 MIN RUN ON TREADMILL. MANAGED 5.37KM TODAY, A BEST FOR A WHILE, THE FINAL 10 MINS ALMOST KILLED BUT DID IT. HAVE STRUGGLED TODAY, BEING A MONDAY ETC AND AT WORK. AM SAD TO HEAR AT THIS STAGE 59 HOMES HAVE BEEN BURNT DOWN BY PERTH HILLS LATEST BUSHFIRE, ANOTHER 28 HAVE BEEN BADLY DAMAGED AND THE NUMBERS SEEM TO KEEP INCREASING AT THE MOMENT. BF WAS OUT FIGHTING FIRES ALL LAST NIGHT AND IS AGAIN TONIGHT AFTER A 5 HOUR SLEEP IN THE DAY. DISASTERS WHERE PEOPLE EITHER LOSE LIVES OR ALL THEIR POSSESSIONS/LIVES SEEM TO BE KEEPING ON HAPPENING AT THE MOMENT. IT'S A BIT OF A FEELING OF 'WHAT'S NEXT'? I'VE BEEN FEELING LIKE DOWNING HEAPS OF THE PARTY FOOD LEFTOVERS...........A BIG GLORIOUS INDULGENCE I DON'T NEED TO PAY MORE CASH FOR! AND SWEETS AT WORK HAVE BEEN MORE MENTALLY INVITING THAN FOR A WHILE! I DIDN'T WEAKEN TO ANY MORE CAKE LEFTOVERS BUT MOST OF US FELT FLAT AT WORK AND I DID EAT HALF A MUFFIN MID ARVO. THEY HAD MY FAV FLAVOUR OF DOUBLE CHOC/CARAMEL AND I WEAKENED TO HALF, (OR MAYBE EVEN JUST A THIRD) OF ONE MUFFIN SHARED WITH OTHERS. HOWEVER AM PLEASED I MADE IT TO GYM FOR A HARD SLOG AND DIDN'T ALLOW MYSELF TO INDULGE IN LEFTOVERS WHEN HOME. THEREFORE STILL AM ON TRACK AND DIDN'T GET OUT OF CONTROL. REGRETS ABOUT MISSING RESISTANCE TRAINING...........VOUCH TO MAKE UP THIS SESSION LATER IN WEEK!

TUESDAY 8 FEB: Body Pump class and 10 mins rower

ACTUAL: CRAPOLA DAY, NO TRAINING, MUFFIN SCRAPS, CHOCOLATE, SKINNY MOCHAS AND CHEESE POPPED INTO DIET. HMM, TOO MUCH WINE LAST NIGHT AFTER MEANING ONLY TO HAVE A GLASS TO RELAX IN HEARING ABOUT BUSHFIRE DISASTERS, TOO MUCH EATING LEFTOVER CHEESECAKE AFTER WINE AT NIGHT AND CHICKEN AFTER WINE WHICH I BARELY BUT DO REMEMBER. FELT TIRED, LIKE CRAP ALL DAY WITH THOSE SELF LOATHING/UNDOING THOUGHTS ARRIVING! THE MORE I TRY NOT TO DWELL ON IT, THE MORE I SEEM TO BUT MUST BE BACK TO NORMAL TOMORROW

WEDNESDAY 9 FEB: Outdoor Run 9km hilly route

ACTUAL: HMMMM...............YOU PROB GET THE PICTURE!

THURSDAY 10 FEB: 30 mins turbo, 15 mins resistance training

ACTUAL:.................30 MINS TURBO. THIS IS CRAP............I VOW TO STICK TO MY NON-NEGOTIABLE RULES WHERE I CONTROL FOOD RATHER THAN THE OTHER WAY AROUND. OCCASIONALLY HARD WORK BUT SO WORTH IT! ENOUGH SAID. AIM FOR NO WEIGH IN TILL JUST PRIOR TO ADELAIDE AND WOULD BE STOKED TO BE DOWN UNDER 72kg AGAIN BY THEN AND STAY ON TRACK!

FRIDAY 11 FEB: Day off

SATURDAY 12 FEB: Pool, swimming 30 mins focussing on freestyle. May look up some drills but wanna keep heart rate up consistently

SUNDAY 13 FEB: Brick session of 20 mins turbo followed by 30 min run

* Thursdays resistance session can be transferred to Saturday if I really want!