Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Excuses

I'm currently working my way through the excuses I use to wheedle my way out of exercising and eating well. This has been a valuable exercise for me as more and more these excuses are cropping up in my vocabulary and they need to stop. No more I say!

So here they are.

1. I'm too tired
Solution: Go to bed by 8.30, don't over commit.
2. I don't feel like eating that today.
Solution: Have a few options (particularly for lunch) that you can choose from so that this excuse goes out the window. Have options for a hot meal, a wrap, something to put on toast or ingredients to whip up a smoothie in the TMX.
3. I've come far enough, I don't really need to do anymore
Solution: You've already gone backwards since finishing last time by putting back on 5kg. You feel yuck from the yucky food, you feel yuck from not exercising and you're not liking what you see in the mirror. Stop saying you don't need to keep going when clearly easing off the pedal is not doing anything for you.
4. I'm not motivated
Solution: How many times have you said to others that it's not about motivation, it's about making a choice? Make the choice to get out of bed, get on the treadmill, do a DVD ANYWAY, even if you don't feel like it.
5. I've failed at maintaining and fallen off the wagon.
Solution: You have not failed if you're sitting here working through these excuses. This is just another phase in your journey. You're discovering more about yourself and it's ok that you've taken a couple of backwards steps, as long as you start moving forward again. You have got this.
6. You've earned it (dodgy food, slacking off etc)
Solution: You have not 'earned' the right to eat food low in nutritional value when you have exercised. You have merely treated your body well by getting moving. Reward your body with a good food and a big glass of water. You'll feel better for it and not yucky and like a sloth.
7. I'm too busy.
Solution: Everyone is busy. Be super organised, pre plan where possible and schedule in your exercise.
8. The kids wake up too early so I can't exercise.
Solution: Get up and go on the treadmill downstairs or go down and do a DVD. Take Levi with you and put him in the portacot with some toys.
9. I can't pick the kids up from kindy then leave them to go and exercise after being away from them all day.
Solution: Get Toby to pick the kids up, go to Spartan at 4.30 pm and you'll be home just after them anyway.
10. I haven't taken any meat out of the freezer for dinner.
 Solution: Make a quick lentil base 'meat' and have nachos or spaghetti. Whip up a quick beetroot salad or coleslaw.
11. My day is too busy so just stop for takeaway for lunch.
 Solution: Buy a cooler bag and take your lunch with you in the car, no matter if you think you'll make it back to the office or not. Your day is very unpredictable so minimise the chance that you'll be stuck without food and being forced to make decisions when you're hungry. Always keep a muesli bar in your handbag for emergencies. Drink lots of water.

I am worth making the effort for. I am allowed to feel comfortable in my own skin. I am stronger than I think. 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Bring on Round 3!

As many of you know, I signed up to Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation in late December this year for Round 1. I just need to say from the outset that I love this program. I love that it spells everything out so clearly. I love that I now understand a lot more about my body, what it needs by way of nutrition and exercise but most of all I LOVE that I know have a community of people that I can tap into for motivation, inspiration, support and a kick in the pants when I need it! I am constantly amazed by the level of support that the crew offer one another, whether it be on the forums and for me here in Townsville it's the 12wbt Townsville Crew. We have the most AMAZING team of people up here. We do regular training together, support one another and share how we are doing and when we have 'failed'. This group of people have picked me up time and time again.

I went solo during Round 2 and I'll be honest, I really struggled. I did manage to lose a couple of kilograms and was very pleased to get well into my healthy weight range, however my mental battles were really tough! I struggled big time with food and my addiction to it. There was not enough moderation and too much binging. I was super frustrated with myself and felt myself sinking back into a hole. 

So this brings me to Round 3. There really was no question of 'if' I was going to sign up for this round. I'm in. 100%. I still have many lessons to learn. I still have so much to learn about myself, my habits, my weaknesses, my strengths, my passions and my desire to learn new things. I commit to utilising the 12wbt page, watching the mindset lessons, using the forums, accessed the 12wbt Townsville Crew Facebook page. I WILL say when I'm struggling and reach out for help. I WILL blog and motivate myself to keep going. I will 'just do it' even when I don't feel like it. I'm in this, long haul, life long. I want my health, vitality and that of my family to be top notch so that we can enjoy a long and happy life together. Who's with me?!

Sunday, August 5, 2012

10k Townsville Airport Classic

Today was the day! The 10k Townsville Airport Classic in the Townsville Running Festival. I woke up with a really sore knee and was the nerves were well and truly kicking in! I've barely done any training this past 2-3 weeks, let alone much running. I really didn't know how I was going to go but I kept telling myself that I had to give it a shot. I figured if worst came to worst, I'd be able to walk if I really needed to.



I arrived nice and early, and saw all the half-marathon people set off on their 21k run. It was such a beautiful day, quite chilly at 10 degrees. We were marshaled to the starting area and all of a sudden, we were off! I was determined to run as much as I could. I got through the first 3k and found a good rhythm. The kilometre leading up to the turn around point was the hardest mentally. It felt like forever to get there. Once I got onto the esplanade of the Strand and past the final drink table, I was fired up.


 With about 2.5km to go, I glanced down at my watch and was stunned to see that I had 14 minutes left to complete the last leg and that my chances of finishing under and hour were looking good. My previous best time was 1:06:28 so to cut 7 minutes off would be a HUGE achievement. I got the last 300m and really dug deep. I picked up my pace and set off at a sprint, passing a number of people as I went. It really was exhilarating! I crossed the finish line, was handed my medal and it was over! My time was 58:27!!! Absolutely thrilled. It just goes to show what's possible when you put your mind to it!

Bring on the half marathon next year!!!