Sunday, December 18, 2011

So another round ends but a new begining awaits

Well after the slow start I had, 5.9kgs since official weigh in have gone and they are not ever coming back. I am looking at others stats and thinking why have I done so bad? Then I shut up the little voice and remind myself this is not a competition and each persons journey is different. NO COMPARING! My journey has been a long one but I can finally say that I am on my way and not stuck at the station anymore.



I started off my exercise with the Lake to Lagoon fun run in Wagga (9.4km in 1hr 30 minutes) right before kick off of this round. I think this helped me on my trek to find myself and my mindset. My walking each week goal I smashed during November when a lovely 12WBTer set a challenge to walk 100km during the month. I cam it just under since I was ill at around 97km but it certainly was a lot further than what I had set myself to walk each week. I finish this 12 week having walked/ran a total of 279.1km!!! WOW! Now to reset it once the new 12WBT starts. I have certainly set the bar high for next time huh!


With all the walking/running, the cross trainer has been a bit of a dust collector other than cold wet mornings. It is still nice to know it is there though.!

Even the younger children got in on the action! Those weights that Tilly has each weigh 4kg!






My biggest most ultimate achievement though I think I did get to this round. My mindset is finally in a good place. Blogging has certainly helped that and to also come in the top 20 overall was a massive boost for self confidence too. What I have learnt and realised this round will help me get in a get to goal weight sooner rather than later. I plan to keep blogging since that keeps me honest and also helps me get my thoughts in place when everything seems all mumbo jumbo and making no sense.

I have also learnt......


And am happy if this check list is completed each day with ticks in each box.....



This is very different points of view to the Cath that started this program......I realise now that my very first round I pushed myself too hard too fast. It was great for the weight loss but bad for the mindset. I know that now. I also know that I can be inspiring to others and that is not a bad thing nor is it a constant burden. It is actually an honour to know that there are people out there losing weight cause they think if you can do it then they have no excuses left. Mwah to all of you! It is you lovely people that help me on those hard days.

The Huggies crew are amazing and it will be sad should they choose not to run this again. Either way though, I will be back to conquer my 6th round and my very first back to back round....sounds funny thinking of 6 rounds but only really participating in 2.....soon to be 3 though! I hope to be at goal weight by the end of next round though! Means no silly season for me so I can continue on my weightloss journey throughout the holidays. Next time may be a bit harder than this one as uni is back so will need to be fully prepared and ready to face that.You know what though.....this weight loss thing.....




I think  KNOW I can do it!!

Thank you to Michelle, Amelia, Billy, Tim, Nina, Dane, Chelsea, Amiee and the 12WBT crew. You guys are just amazing in what you do for people. To Michelle, it was nice to be able to hold my head high when I saw you on Saturday and stand proudly beside you. Thank you xoxo

I think to sum up the journey, nothing says it better than a video journal made by the fabulous Lizzy who has spent her weekend gathering photos to make sure that the Huggies Crew werent left to feel like the 'poor cousins'. It really is a great vid!




Again, thank you to EVERYONE who has helped me make this a successful round. Mwah! this Blog will continue. It keeps me honest and in control and if it helps even just one other person jump on board the weight loss train then it has served its purpose :)

I guess I should add in my transformation pic too huh. It is still a work in progress!



Cath xoxo

Friday, December 16, 2011

What a whirlwind of a weekend! (Part Two!)

Well here is part 2 as promised. Sorry its a little late but uni has taken priority. Even pulled the #JFDI and the #NoExcuses card today to get it done!

So where did I leave off.......

Oh yeah. I was all dress and ready but still felt so uncomfortable. I dont do dresses....not ever. Ok twice before. My wedding day, and last Finale I went too back in September last year. I am more a jeans and shirt girl....nice big baggy ones preferable to cover up the lumps and bumps!

So there I was in a dress and the biggest high heels EVER ready to walk out the door. We decided on a cab to which we had to walk a block from our motel since there cabs were flat out and the guy at the counter said it would have been quicker that way. Ah yep might be better but one problem......

I AM IN HEELS PEOPLE! I DONT DO HEELS!

So wasnt I a site to see. Walking down a busy street trying hail a taxi in a black dress and high heels......the whole comfort thing was quickly leaving me and I was feeling so overwhelmed. I was glad to get to the Fox & Lion Pub so that I could have a nice cold lemon, lime and vodka. Ah! That hit the spot and the nerves settled.


I saw so many amazing looking ladies in there before the doors were open. You could tell the ones who had been at the workout cause we all had the 'Michelle Bridges Tan Line' happening. It might have looked weird but we could all be proud of the workout we had done that morning!

So enough blabber....onto important stuff!!

Doors opened at the Hall of Industries and we were set to start our partying! on arrival, we were greeted by a red carpet to which photos were taken. None with Michelle this time which was a little disappointing but I guess smiling for the camera with over 1000 people would be tough! With pics done it was time to do the walk of champagne! and I mean the walk of champagne. There was literally 15 or so waiters all standing in a line as we walking in with trays of champagne. It was like being a superstar.



I quickly found us a seat cause in my heels, there was no way I could stand for too long. Mind you it was the back corner near the back bar and toilets. Always have to think ahead as you never know when things might become too overwhelming and you have to hide oops I mean go to the toilet.

The formalities of the evening started and I was getting more and more nervous. Remember I mentioned in my last blog about having news that I couldnt share just yet......well it was about to be shared.....with every person who was doing the 12WBT!

A quick chat with Mr Mish (Billy), Lisa and Amiee, I was being whisked away by the arm. The fantastic Amelia had hunted me down as I never got the second email about the whole meeting place.....lol. OOPS! Sorry Meelsy.
With the fabulous Amiee! She has been with 12WBT since its inception and has been a wonderful support to me on my journey too. She will be missed greatly next round that is for sure!

What more can I say about these two people. Mr Mish (aka Billy) and the amazing Lisa F who I am so proud of. Both of these people are just wonderful. I can only begin to imagine how proud Billy is of Michelle when he attend these events.

So here we go......my first lot of news was to be shared.....

I WAS IN THE TOP 20 OVERALL TRANSFORMATIONS!!
The Top 20~ There are a couple missing though that were unable to be there on the night.
My excitement could finally be let out of the bag. I had almost let it slip earlier but contained myself. It was my moment. Doing the whole walk on the stage and down the catwalk and then joining fellow 12WBTers who had also made the top 20.

My Walk of fame. I was actually crapping myself here as there was so many people out there!

Michelle started her awards speeches.....and out came this....

Blogger Cath Perkins (cathperko) Been with 12WBT since Round 2, 2010. Joined the Huggies program to help inspire other Mums. She was very active on the forums and did over 20 thoughtful, moving and motivating blog posts and countless tweets to keep members going.

It really is an honour to have someone like Michelle say "I am proud of you!" 


OMG not just top 20 but also blogging too! I didnt realise that people even read my blog other than a couple. EEK! Major excitement now. My prize was a medal as well as a nice set of Tanita scales and a starshots voucher.


It was a very proud moment. To top it off, I even got a photo with Michelle. Perfect!

Excuse the tan lines oops I mean Michelle Bridges Workout lines :)

Who could forget the amazing support group that is the Huggies crowd. I love them all!







The night ended all to quickly and it was back to reality. I didnt finally doze off until 2am and the body had me awake at 4.45am. ARGH! I ended up just getting up as I had a train to catch home to my real family who had been missing me all weekend.

It has taken me a while to get around to posting this blog as I have had a few things to deal with since my winning. Its been tough as there is always jealous people out there but I also am one of the first who will be happy for another no matter what so what transpired was a tad hurtful. I have some amazing friends though who have helped me get through it all and I am now a stronger person for it.

To top of my amazing weekend, I see a fellow blogger has put a pic of us on his blog. For those who watch Bondi Rescue, he is known as Reidy but to me, he is a fellow 12WBTer who walked his talk and got results. I also found a couple more Bondi Rescue boys in my travels. They are so nice to chat with as well.






I would also like to congratulate the other amazing winners from the Huggies round.....

5 rat bags for the Quiet Achiever award
AND

Sandpaperthighs for the Inspirational Role Model Award.

Of course all the Huggies mums and actually every person who does the 12WBT who follows the program and has walked their talk deserve a big pat on the back and a massive

CONGRATULATIONS!!

I hope to see some of you back next round. I am definitely coming back for round 6 as I am not ready to give this up yet. I do have goals set over the holidays though so the silly season wont be so silly :)

Now for all my blog readers, back in November I made a post called The Raw Me! Here is an update for the end of the 12 weeks for you all.

SW: 84.8kg
CW: 78.9kg
WLTW: 600g
WIW1: 84kg
WIW2: 83.9kg
WIW3: 84kg
WIW4: 83.7kg
WIW5: 82.9kg
WIW6: 82.8kg
WIW7: 82kg
WIW8: 81.4kg
WIW9: 80.1kg
WIW10: 80.3kg
WIW11: 79.4kg
WIW12: 78.9kg

GW1 - 84kg ACHIEVED 28/09/2011
GW2 - 82.5kg ACHIEVED 09/11/2011
GW3 - 81.5kg ACHIEVED 16/11/2011
GW4 - 79kg ACHIEVED 16/12/2011
GW5 - 77kg
10%GW - 76.3kg
EGW - 65kg

Chest: W1: 94cm Wk4: 93cm Week 8: 90cm  NOW: 87.5cm (-6.5cm)
Waist: W1: 103.5cm Wk4: 101cm Week 8: 97cm NOW: 96cm (-7.5cm)
Hips: W1: 114cm Wk4: 111cm Week 8: 107cm NOW: 103.5cm (-10.5cm)
Thigh measurement distance from knee: 33cm
(R) Thigh: W1: 64cm Wk4: 62cm Week 8: 60cm NOW: 58cm (-6cm)
(L) Thigh: W1: 62.5cm Wk4: 61cm Week 8: 59cm NOW: 57.5cm (-5cm)

And so my journey continues.......

THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING!

Cath xoox

Thought I had better add these amazing videos in too!

Member Journeys - http://youtu.be/KKzFWnkeLBI

Michelles intro video - http://youtu.be/2CobKuN7A6o

Monday, December 12, 2011

What a whirlwind of a weekend! (Part One)

Wow wow wow.....just OMG WOW! A BIG thank you to the Huggies mums who helped out (you each know who you are! Mwah!)

What a whirlwind of a weekend. It all went by too quickly really and I didnt want it to end although I was missing my family so much. Especially standing on that stage and knowing so many couples were out there looking up at me on stage but for me, my hubby was at home with the children. I really missed them and with my phone running red hot, I know they missed me too.

For someone who has found it easy with words, I am finding it hard to write this blog which considering the award I have won, is a tough thing to come to terms with. I have no words that will match what I have seen this weekend. It has been amazing.

I think for me it was wonderful to see just how much Michelles program really has grown. I remember going in just the second round last year and whilst it was a lot smaller, it was still a large function for me then! So this was on a phenomenal scale!

Round 2 Last year

Round 3 This year and just over 12 months later!


The workout was HUGE!! I mean last workout I did with Michelle, we fit easily on a small oval and there was only a few of us. I even heard someone say on Saturday that the amount of volunteers needed at the workout on Saturday, matched the number of people who were at her very first round 1 workout! AMAZING! So to see 1200 people all working out after working through the same goals was just fantastic. I can only begin to imagine what Michelle felt when she looked out from that stage and saw all those people looking back at her. People who she has given a new lease on life to. People who have got things into perspective and now JFDI every day. Michelle and the 12WBT team may be the ones who give us the tools, but it is us who decides what we do with them.

So, where do I start? It has been such a jam packed weekend filled with so much that its tough to put it into perspective for you all but I shall try!

~Friday~

Woke up super early as I only really confirmed everything yesterday for my last minute trip to Sydney. Had some super AMAZING news which I was not allowed to share with anyone but close family. Little did I know that come Saturday night, everyone would know who I was and want to come congratulate me but thats another story!!

Once packed it was off to Wagga for my nice long train ride. By the time the train arrived in Wagga, it was already 10 minutes late....ARGH! As if train trips arent long enough....lol. I had planned ahead for the trip and made sure I had a good lunch so that I didnt have to eat train food...EEW! I also packed some of the Biggest Loser high protein bars which was good that I did cause I started to get peckish at around 6pm, my usual dinner time. I thought that it would be ok since the train was due in at almost 8pm anyhow.....well that was until the announcement that the train was over an hour late /sigh. So I didnt get in till close on 9pm. I had an old school friend meet me and it was onto another train to get to her house.



My Friday night didnt finally end until almost 11pm although we chatted till well after 1.30am! Early start tomorrow too....or is that today wink

~Saturday~

D-Day had arrived. So fast I might add. Alarm went off at 7am but I was already awake since the body clock thinks that 5am is a sleep in. So when the alarm went off at 7 I was glad to be able to get up and get organised. Time almost stands still when you are waiting for it to tick over doesnt it. In the car at 9am and we were off to pick up another friend of mine from school. Mind you both of these girls I had not seen since I was 17 or so. 18 years it had been but we are still such good friends.



We arrived at the venue at around 10am! I was gobsmacked at how big it was! I mean last Time I came, there was no stage, no stands no nothing. this was full fanfare with tents from the sponsors (Tanita, Polar, Triumph) and even a first aide tent where they were testing blood sugar and blood pressure. Once all registered in and waiver handed over, I was given my pass to go to the finale. I cant believe admin had done the amazing job of getting my card organised and changed over from the amazing Shona's name who happened to give me her ticket so that I could make finale (Mwah Miss Shona xoxo). I headed off to the first aide tent to get my blood things done. Sugar was 6.1....not sure if that was good or bad but considering that my friends are the same age and only got 4.8 I might get it looked at further. Blood pressure was 120/90 so that was fine!

It was time to find the Huggies sign that had been made up by the wonderful Lizzy. I found the sign shortly after but there was no sign of Lizzy. She was out doing a casual 4km run apparently. Crazy lady thats for sure! I got to meet a few Huggies mums as well as the lovely Nina & Chelsea who are two of the lovely support crew on the forums here.Chelsea was even fabulous enough to bring me a spare HRM strap since mine was chucking wobblies and the one I had coming from Mel hadnt arrived yet (although it had, just the postie delivered it 1 hour too late!).


This is where things started to get full on and exciting! I saw so many old friends. Hoffy, Amiee, Bev, Albert and so many more! Then I heard the voice. "Perko you made it!" It was the Michelle. The woman herself and the one I promised that I would walk my talk this round. I was able to give her a hug and feel good about it since I hadnt broken my word. After some quick snaps with the Huggies crew, I was whisked away to do an interview on the 12WBT program. I could have spoken for hours on what it has done for me but thought nope, I will stick to the question and try and get to the point fast! I am not one for cameras really as have a major body image complex at this time. With workout due to start it was time to get ready and up to the workout area!


 With Amelia Burton! The creator of the famous #crackofarse workouts!
Huggies crew with Michelle

The workout was just grand! It was 1200 people all working out together after 12 weeks (although its only 11 for us Huggies members!) of pure healthy eating and making healthy choices. It was just amazing to see and be a part of! One thing I wont forget is stopping mid pushup then collapsing on the ground. Next minute there is that voice again, "come on Perko, you arent done yet!" Yep I was so busted. I didnt even see that she was near our group but everytime I wanted to stop from then on, I made sure I kept on going. Afterall, when it hurts, that is when change is happening right!!

Michelle after her few words of umm kindness to me to get my arse moving ;)


1 hour later and the workout was done! 1200 cals burnt. Yay for smashing my Super Saturday Session. It set me up though to be able to enjoy the evening with a few cold ones and not feel guilty. This was a red flag event for us Huggies 12WBTers so we needed to still watch our intake since we have one more weigh in day to go wink

More happy snaps with Michelle and the huggies crew and I even got to have a long chat with the fabulously amazing Simone! This lady is just well words cant describe her. She was so kind and took the time to come say hi as well as get to know me as a person. More of this was to come later on at the party. She was so inviting and kind as well as keeping me involved in the evening but more on that later on.


Huggies Crew with Michelle After workout (above)

(left) The amazing Simone!

 (Right) With the fabulous Amiee who I have got to know since round two last year. She truely is a lovely person and so bubbly too!
(Left) With the lovely Bev! I felt for her seeing her out of action and on crutches atm. Get well soon Bev!
3 best friends or is that 4. Michelle is and always will be inspiring

It was time to head to the motel and get prettified for the amazing night ahead. Remember I still had some exciting news that I could not share with anyone that I was holding in so this made the time go even slower. A good thing though since I had no idea how to do my hair or anything. My dress was a last minute purchase that I had only tried on once and I wasnt exactly sure how I felt in it or about wearing it and it didnt help that everyone I had seen or caught up with were all looking amazing. I had to fight these demons that were trying to bring me down. It was good having my great friend Lynda there with me though as she reassured me that I did indeed look ok. The ladies on facebook did well to try and keep my spirits high but I always have this thought in the back of my mind that people say what they think we want to hear rather than the truth.



 The final look! I may be smiling on the outside but I can tell you now, I am shuddering on the inside!

To be honest, I am very subconscious about how I look and I was and still am questioning whether that dress was the best choice for me but I have to remember that I am still on my journey. I have got through the toughest part where we turn that light on so why do I feel so down on me. Is it cause most people I spoke to are at goal or close to goal? Is it cause I knew what was coming at the party and wanted to be up there in front of everyone not just feeling good about myself but knowing that I was looking good? or is it just that no matter how I look, I am too harsh a judge on myself? It could have been even all of the above put together. Who knows!

TBC as its getting late and I have my alarm set for the first time in 2 weeks for 4.45am! Not that ill need it since my body just wakes up now....lol. Will finish this tomorrow though then its onto uni work that I have let suffer. Sometimes you just enjoy the break thats all. I am dreading taking summer subjects but know it will be for the best in the long run.

Take Care all and Chat soon. Thank you to those who have been reading along with my blog.

Cath xoxo

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Oh I get by with a little help from my friends!

Well the last 12 hours have certainly showed me that there are still people in this world who truely care for others. I also have learnt that sometimes, help is offered for a reason and its offered because the person wants to offer it. The hard part is accepting said offer.

So when the amazing ladies from this round started planning for me to be in Sydney all from a conversation about Kit Kat dark chocolate......well really who was I too argue.

There were calls of who has a bed and even some lovely ladies offering there hard earnt dollars so that I could be there for finale. I was quickly running out of excuses.....no dress was met with its ok we can find you one....who has a dress. All major details were planned out and before I knew it, I had booked my ticket to Sydney....I arrive on Friday.

In the words of Shona - We will dress you, you will go to the ball.

This was met with a reply from another 12WBTer - the princess will go to the ball!

Next minute clothes were being arranged.....I was left with no more excuses. There was nothing more I could say but.....

THANK YOU!

I am so humbled at the kindness I have been offered here and I am still finding it hard to deal with this since I am usually the one who is making others happy.....not people making me happy. I even struggle with body image so the thought of wearing a dress and even looking remotely pretty has me second guessing myself.

I will be going to the finale 10kg heavier almost than when I was last there BUT this time its different. This time my mind is in the right place and this time, my wonderful family have been nothing but supportive. Even my hubby gave up smoking during this 12 weeks......FOR ME! Well for him but I was his excuse to stop since I havent had a cigarette since April 28th 2010.

I feel that I may be judged but I also know that I should hold my head high. I have dealt with so much this past 11 weeks and always came out on top. I have to start regaining the confidence back that I use to have when I was younger. I think being mum since I was a kid myself (17), has taken its toll. I have never known life as nothing more than being mummy and now I am trying to be my own person and get a university degree.

These things are all made so much easier though with the support and love of amazing people. It is those amazing people that are helping me take that step out of my little comfort circle and out into the big wide world. It will also be those people that will be with me every step of the way.

My 12WBT family both huggies & main round as well as my real family are my rock. It is you people that keep me honest and helped me really understand what this is about. I hope to pay this forward one day. I am not sure how but perhaps if I jsut keep on keeping on, then that person that is inspiring to so many will continue to inspire others which in turn will mean more healthy people in this world and that is important.

Mwah! and ill see you all in Sydney!

Cath xoxo

PS Shoutout to Shona for beginning this planning for me and not stopping till it was done.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Wow! We are up to week 11 already. Time flies when you are having fun!

Ah here we are. Day one of week 11 and so close to the finish line. So how have I gone these past 11ish weeks.....this blog is about to find out ;)

So lets go way back to week one. I was feeling nervous and perhaps a bit scared too. Would I be able to do it this round? Would it be just like all the other rounds? Can I actually walk my talk? What do I need to do to get my mindset where it needs to be? So many questions with so few answers then. These are the questions I had for my journey. Questions that still are being answered now.




So how have I got here?

Wow! What a journey I have had this round. So very different to every other round I have attempted. I sit here on day one of week eleven and know that I have put everything I can into this program this time. I could do no more. I have even just recently battled the flu which saw me knocked for six for almost a week but that didnt see me turn to junk food to help me feel better. Plenty of water was on the menu and as for food, well I got creative with the smoothies since my throat was so sore I couldnt eat. I have seen so many sunrises this round....that is something I havent seen since my young days of walking home quite drunk at that time of the morning.....you really learn to appreciate all that mother nature offers when she gives you the most gorgeous sky to say good morning. I plan on getting back to my #crackofarse sessions tomorrow morning. It might be slow going but I know if I dont, then day by day that robot mode slips back into the closet and I have to start over again.



So what else has changed? I find myself without thinking now choosing healthy. I automatically weigh up my meat and even hubby is weighing it up before it is being sorted for the freezer. I have also found that I am happy with a chicken and salad while the family will munch on pizza. Pizza that is so yummo mind you as its from our local take away shop. for my treat meal the other night I actually had 2 pieces and was full enough! I was so happy that my will power muscle and my inner voice have learnt and are still learning that its ok to have this stuff occasionally BUT its not ok to go pig out and over indulge.

I am a little nervous about weigh in day on Wednesday since I registered a gain last week. It was only a couple of hundred grams but it was still a gain. It was possibly the amount of water I had been drinking whilst sick....either way those scales will make me nervous but I know what will be will be and I also know I have the tools to get rid of the gained weight! I just will need to be more vigilant thats all. But that is something I will deal with then!



My mindset has come a long way this round. I mean 18 months I have been in this program and for 18 months I have fought the hard fight and here I am now! I have though NEVER given up.....I just didnt get it. Now I am a different person. I am almost the healthy version of myself and I like what I am seeing so far. I still cringe at the reflection in the mirror but I also like the way clothes are starting to fit that didnt before. It really has been a long journey but it is one ride I am so glad that I stuck it out. One thing I havent mentioned this round is that I am STILL smoke free! I have not had a cigarette since April last year and its Michelle and this program I have to thank for that. I even gave up cold turkey! I mean heck if I can do that, this weight loss thing should be simple right......oh how wrong I was!

So that is me so far on my journey. I still have so far to go but I am willing to go the distance. Michelle has faith in me, my family has faith in me, my friends have faith in me but I think the most important person in all this......I HAVE FAITH IN ME!!


After a horrible low or should I say blow today.....I am ready to just do this! I am ready to use that which makes me weak to in fact make me strong! My appointment with the road tomorrow morning with the sunrise will make things seem so much better.




Mwah to all you beautiful people!

Cath xoxo