Fitness Test & before pic = DONE!

Well it is that time again where we all get in & see how fit (or unfit) we are! This is also a benchmark for showing how far we have come in the 12 weeks as well :) Also, for the first time in 3 rounds I took a before picture! I am not going to put it up here but those of you in the 12WBT challenge can see it in the measure up forum! Now I will be able to truely see how far I go :)

So onto the working part of the blog.....THE RESULTS!

1km Time trial - 6 minutes 45 secs. (almost 7 months ago this was 7 mins 55)
Wall Sit = 1 minute 58 seconds (almost 7 months ago this was 30 seconds)
1 minute push up test - 22 pushups on my knees (almost 7 months ago this was 12 pushups on knees)
Ab Stage - Level 3 (almost 7 months ago I was at level 2. I did manage to get up to level 5 but have gone backwards in core strength from pure laziness!)
Sit & Reach - +5 (almost 7 months ago I was at -5 for this one so big improvement!)

Considering that I havent really had the heart to exercise since the end of round 2 & even though my name was on the books for round 3 I just didnt make the cut. I was complacent, I became lazy & I fell back into old habits very easily.

Anyhow I am off for another 3km walk since thats how far it is for a round trip to the shops! I forgot to get baking powder & am wanting to make up some Mish approved banana bread. Hopefully it freezes well cause I think it might be handy for those mornings that are rushed before university! I also am going to change it a little so that Tilly can have some since it will be dairy free :) Surely that should make the cals a little lower too but will check it all first.

Almost forgot my daily quote for you all

Instead of giving myself reasons why I can't, I give myself reasons why I can.

Cath xoxo

Devastation throughout the Asia Pacific region :(

Well we have had floods, cyclones, fire, and now even our New Zealand neighbours are feeling that wrath of Mother Nature after yesterday earthquakes. I watch the news with tears in my eyes and cant begin to imagine what those people are feeling or seeing. Here in Australia we have had our fair share to of devastation with it only near the end of February & already we have had some form of natural disaster in every state or territory.

Many look at this as an excuse to live for today, eat what you want since it can all disappear tomorrow. To those people I say that is a load of cods wallop! Whilst life can take a bad turn, 99.9% of the time we do have a choice. Healthy eating & regular exercise can help prolong life as well as make living each day much more fun & energetic :) So why not live each day to the fullest! That is my new way of life. With all this devastation you cant help but wonder about tomorrow.....at least I can say that I lived today being the best person I can be.

So what have I done today! Its been a busy one for me. I have gone to the university & spent a crap load on one lot of text books. Contemplating whether we should get another set since hubby & I are both doing the same course & are in the same class. I have also put some money down on my eldest daughters deb dress. OMG she looked like a princess when I saw here walk out of the dressing room. I just know ill have tears at the end of April when she is all done up! I plan to also wear a nice dress that I will probably double up & wear to the 12WBT dinner :) I am still trying to work things out with accommodation & travel costs but I am being positive that I will get there in May. Would love to catch up with all the 12WBT family as I havent seen them all since the end of round 2 party!!

Anyhow before I babble on anymore I best be off! I saw a notice on the notice board about Dance Fitness Classes at the local school starting tonight.......you know what my plans are...to JFDI, get out the door & hopefully have some good healthy fun. I am going to miss the first live feed tonight though :( but I do love dancing (even without alcohol....hehe).

So until tomorrow I want you all to think about this (my quote for the day)



"Never Let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself....'How did I get through all of that?"

Cath xoxo

EEK! Had my first day at Uni!

Well as the title says, I had my first day at Charles Sturt University today. I was nervous but still managed to be a good girl with the eating :). I ate breakkie before I left & didnt snack out whilst on the campus. I did splurge at lunch since they had a get together BBQ. I did limit it to just 1 sausage sanga though. All went well & I am back again on Thursday. I forgot to add that i found out today that we are getting sent out to a local school every Tuesday afternoon from week 4!! Then 2 weeks full placement in August & thats just this year!

Not much else to share today really as it was spent on the campus! Tomorrow will be spent shopping for books etc for our classes....ARGH that is going to be expensive!! Almost forgot weigh in day!! Weighed in at 79.8kg last week & have been so good at not getting on the scales at all throughout! Heres hoping that the numbers start going back down! I need to fit into my jeans properly again (although I squished into them today....lol)

I thought for today I would leave you all with a motivation quote that I have found

Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.

Take Care

Cath xoxo

Day 1 - Kick Off!

WooHoo! Round 1 2011 for Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation started today. I have been good this time & not jumping on the scales every 10 mins ;) Once a week I have promised myself this time as it just does my head in trying to work out the numbers.

I have been feeling a little down at all the peeps who are meeting up together and doing bootcamps or training with Commando (oh I wish!) but no wallowing this time as wallowing doesnt lose weight! I also go my army tags thanx to the lovely Lisa Demarte! THANK YOU CHICKY!! Perfect timing too!!

So here we go. I am going to try & get blogging each day this time. Even if its just an inspirational quote that I have found and want to share.

Today has been not to bad actually. Enjoyed a bowl of cereal for breaky (yep the best meal of the day so much get back into the habit of eating it) and then wasnt even hungry till lunch. Had myself a wrap with a slice of beef & a piece of swiss cheese. 1 thing I do have to be more disciplined on is the water intake! Must drink 2L per day every day. *kicks butt* I havent done alot exercise wise but the day isnt finished so still time :)

Anyhow must get dinner organised for my troops as well as get things organised for uni tomorrow! EEK! Its one of those orientation sessions so hopefully will understand things a little more after that!

Chat soon but in the mean time

Eat Clean & Train Hard!

Cath xoxo

Pre Season Task 6 - Kitchen Makeover

Well here is the fun one! Although me being a good girl doesnt have junk in the cupboards. I am STILL going to the shop & getting the junk food. GRRR must stop that since I am so good with keeping the cupboards & fridge healthy yet that trip to the shop to get milk, turns into milk, chocolate, tea cake /sigh

Only I can break this habit since it is me who is getting this not anyone else. We havent really had alot of any sort of junk in the house since Matilda is still even now suffering from dairy intolerance & since she is at the age to just help herself we keep the fridge & cupboards clean. As I said though, those trips to the shop are the ones where the junk food sneaks its way in!

MUST FLEX THAT WILLPOWER MUSCLE!! Another idea is to only take enough money for the milk or what ever it is that we NEED.

Preseason Task 5 - Say it out Loud!

“My commitment is to lose AT LEAST 9kg this 12WBT round. I know if I follow Michelles instruction & butt kickings I can do this easily. I am committed to do the work to get me there”.

Well there it is! all down in black & white. All out there for the world to see. I cant back down now! I have to do this not jsut for me but for my family too. I have let myself down the last 2 rounds.....I wont make it a third time. I will make not just me proud, but I will make Michelle proud that I stuck with this & the results finally paid off! I will not be all talk & the one who seems to inspire others yet not myself. I can do this, I know I can!

NO MORE EXCUSES!! ITS CRUNCH TIME!!!

Pre Season Task 4 - Gear Up

I always have dreaded this one since I always see the dollar signs! I have come to realise though that the dollars are minimal if you think outside the square. Weightloss doesnt mean you have to go to the gym anymore since you can utilise your own home or even out & about. Those are all free to use (other than the cost of any DVD if you wish to purchase those)

I plan to utilise outdoors & my home this time. I was relying the last 2 rounds on my gym classes but since our gym has no PT at this time, then its not worth going there when I can use the terrain around my own home. I mean heck it is a 2km each way almost to go to the local shop now since I have moved .

One thing I and Michelle does recommend is a good pair of shoes!! That and my heart rate monitor are my 2 mail things that I feel are needed. You dont really need anything else since walking/running is free ;) I also keep my workout music updated with different music so as not to get bored with the same tunes.


Well its almost crunch time so train hard, eat well & the rest will fall into place <3

Pre Season Task 3 - Set Your Goals

Goal setting is very important to any plan. I am usually not one who makes goals (perhaps that's why I am always having a shocker with money!) but I think its time to change. Its time to set not just goals for fitness but also goals in my personal life. It can all tie in together & hopefully help me along this journey as well as any future plans I decide to make. We all have to start somewhere. You may feel like you are at the bottom of the ladder with no way up but by setting realistic goals you can achieve if you believe you can.

Immediate Goals (within the next 2 weeks)

* I will be taking a before picture
* I will get on the scales & not let them scare me anymore
* I will clean out the cupboards of junk food
* I will tell my family & friends that I am doing this and not to throw temptations along the way
* I will get my mind in the right place
* I will turn to my 12WBT family during these first few weeks as they can be the hardest
* I will NOT compare myself to others. This is my journey.
* I will remember that I AM WORTH IT!


1 Month Goals

* I will be back to running at least 1km again
* I will attend gym/class with the girls 3 times a week with no more excuses
* I will be following Michelle's instruction with the 12WBT program
* I will be putting in time on the cross trainer and aiming for at least 10km 3 times a week
* I will be putting $10 per week away into a savings account. Its not much but its a start
* I will be making time for 1 night each fortnight where the family goes out for dinner or a movie.
* I will be putting my studies before time on the computer
* I will be asking for help if I feel I am failing
* I will no longer be drinking soft drink
* I will be drinking 2 litres of water per day
* I will be doing at least 30 situps & crunches on a daily basis
* I will not be turning to junk food anymore when things get tough
* I will be spending more time with my family & less time on the computer
* I will have lost at least 2kg

3 Month Goals

* I will be running at least 3km
* I will attend gym/class with the girls 3 times a week
* I will continue following Michelle's instruction with the 12WBT program even though its completed
* I will be putting in time on the cross trainer and aiming for at least 20km 3 times a week
* I will still be putting $10 per week away into a savings account.
* I will still be making time/money for 1 night each fortnight where the family goes out for dinner or a movie.
* I will be putting my studies before time on the computer
* I will be asking for help if I feel I am failing
* I will continue to drink at least 2 litres of water per day
* I will be doing at least 50 situps & crunches on a daily basis
* I will not be turning to junk food anymore when things get tough
* I will be spending more time with my family & less time on the computer
* I will have lost at least 6kg

6 Month Goals

* I will be running at least 5km
* I will attend gym/class with the girls 3 times a week
* I will continue following what Michelle has taught me with 12WBT
* I will be putting in time on the cross trainer and aiming for at least 20km 3 times a week
* I will still be putting $10 per week away into a savings account.
* I will still be making time/money for 1 night each fortnight where the family goes out for dinner or a movie.
* I will be putting my studies before time on the computer
* I will put in the study time required for half yearly uni exams/assessments
* I will be asking for help if I feel I am failing
* I will continue to drink at least 2 litres of water per day
* I will continue to do at least 50 situps & crunches on a daily basis
* I will not be turning to junk food anymore when things get tough nor will I ever
* I will be spending more time with my family & less time on the computer

* I will have lost at least 12kg and be very close to goal weight!

12 Month Goals

* I will continue to run at least 8km
* I will continue to attend class with the girls or if they aren't going then do my own workout
* Michelle has taught me everything I need to know with weight loss & exercise so I will follow this
* The money saved in the savings account will be used to buy the family something nice then we can start again but with a higher amount of money
* I will put in the study time for assessments & exams at uni
* I will continue to drink 2 litres of water on a daily basis
* Family day will now be a regular fortnightly thing
* I will be at my goal weight, I will be fit, I will be feeling fantastic & most of all I know that I will never go back to where I was 12 months ago!

So there we have it. 12 months worth of goals. Its up to me to achieve these as no one else can do them for me. I can however, take the support that is offered & remember that I am not alone in this. I also have to not compare myself to others. I have been a shocker for that in previous rounds and have often just had the feeling of failure when weigh in comes around. I have to be happy with my results be them good or bad IF I have followed Michelle's instruction to the letter. A loss is a loss no matter how small & just cause someone lost 2kg this week doesnt mean that I have failed. I have to believe in myself that I can do this. I have support, I have friends & this is not something that we need to walk alone with. The 12WBT family is there for each other as long as we as for help when its needed. They aren't mind readers & the best part is that they understand the journey as they too are going through it.

As long as the figures drop and my goals are being smashed then I must be doing something right :)

Pre Season Task 2 - Get Real No More Excuses!

Well here we go! Time to get the excuses all out there. I have been adding to this list since I first started in round 2 & have even added more again now. I think this is one part that we will always add to & as long as we can identify the excuses then we are on the right track

Internal Excuses - The self talk in the head

No motivation
Too tired
Dont feel like it
I cant keep up
I will fail before I even start
I just dont want to do it anymore!
I wont be able to keep up with the girls at gym now
I havent exercised in ages & will let myself down

Solutions

I have done this before & I am finding that I am still adding to these excuses. I think the sooner I get the little voice in the head under control & start believing in myself that I can do this, then the abovementioned wont even come into play. Consistency is the key to winning above any excuse as long as I am strong & fight the urge to sit back & do nothing.

External Excuses (within my control)

Too busy
Its too wet and cold
Had a tough day with the toddler
No PT at the gym at this time
Dont want to walk/exercise alone
Its too hot & humid 

Solutions

Have to remember as mentioned above that these are just that, they are excuses! JFDI needs to win through and robot mode is also another good way of making sure that I just get out the door. These excuses are what will try & stop me if the talk doesnt work. It is total BS but I am better than any voice!

External Excuses (beyond my control)

Sick kidlets! Although I had my fair share of hospital visits in round two last year but that helped prepare me for other trips when my toddler fell ill.
I am sick and have been ordered to have bedrest

Solutions

Cant help sickness with myself or the children. best thing to do is ensure bed rest so that I can get back on my feet fast. If its the children that are sick then I will ask hubby for help since I am not alone in this relationship. I don't have to do it by myself!

So there they are. All up & out there for everyone to see. I should know by now that these are put there to help make me a stronger person but its so hard when the voice seems so convincing. I guess that is why they are called EXCUSES right! Well I am calling the the bullsh*t that goes on just so we can sit back on the lounge & eat junk food. Well not anymore! This little black duck is sick of feeling tired & run down. I know how it feels to get out there & eat well! It is amazing. I will get back there and know that I just have to be strong and in control!

Mwah! xoxo