No! Serious!!

The dietician was a *flop* of note!!

While trying to get this post written, life happens!! On Tuesday my car packed in on me. *sad face* We had to have her towed to our mechanic and sadly the news was not good at all. The engine needs to be replaced. *NOT good NEWS* **Sigh** but somehow we must move on. Thankfully my parents have a spare car at the moment and they have loaned it to us - so it gives us a bit of a breather so that we can sort out mine. I am going to look at selling some of my lampwork equipment and hang on to the bare necessities so that I can continue with lampwork when I'm ready.

Anyway enough about that....back to the dietician!! As I said, a total flop and yes, she offered nothing really new to help me out. Where I wanted a diet/meal plan to support my cycling and other workouts - she became obsessed with the 'losing weight' bit. I came home with a very basic meal plan (it was not personalised except for a few thrown in bits about eating a slice of wholewheat bread with honey before/after a race. All the information she gave me about hydration & snacks while racing & endurance training - I already knew. If anything, the supplements I take are better than the ones she suggested. I was shocked!!

One of my biggest concerns is that this *meal plan* given to me has no calorie value - it does not state how many calories I should be taking in on a daily basis and what to do on days when I burn 1700 odd in a race I have just completed. When I queried this I got this answer :

"What I can say is that I (and many other dieticians) do not work on daily required calorie intake right from the beginning as the restrictions are too big."

Why would the restrictions be to big? Surely a personalised meal plan would be designed to suite a clients needs and be as restrictive or not as restrictive depending on quantities etc. I'm at a loss. Am I over thinking this?

I tried to explain that where possible we avoid products with artificial sweeteners, processed foods etc. etc. It all seemed to go straight over her head, because their printed on my 'so called personalised meal plan' was processed meats.

I need to believe in myself. I need to realise that sometimes I do have the answers within me - and to run with it. All the blogs I follow and read have a wealth of information and by playing around with that info I will find the perfect fit for me.

It also doesn't mean that because the dietician you are going to see is based in a Sports Medicine Clinic doesn't nessecarily mean that she knows alot. This dietician didn't see someone who enjoyed cycling, is pretty active, enjoys gym - she just saw someone who was fat -she couldn't see the progress I had made. So we learn.

Today I can hopefully get Sunday's race no. At least then I will be all prepared and we won't have to get up and some ridiculous hour to get to the race.

Keep strong...

Mich

At the last minute : Bestmed Campus 2 Campus (50km)

After Saturday's disappointment of having to abandon my race because I was not prepared enough when I got a puncture - I came home and started making some calls to see if I would be able to get a late entry into Sunday's race. I managed to get hold of one of the organisers who said they would be taking late entries - and we prepared ourselves for another early morning. We made sure we got there by 6am only to be told by someone else that 'sorry for me' they were not taking late entries - I was broken and slightly mad but what can you do. Hubby was elsewhere where people were saying they were taken late entries and confusion reigned. I headed back to hubby and then tried getting hold of the person who had told me there would be late entries, thankfully she had diverted her landline to her cell phone and assured me there would be late entries. By 7am me and many others were entered. Shooooooooo!! Me at the start line. I was in the last batch to go. We're on the move!! We had to walk over the timing mats - about the safest way to do it, it seemed.

Off we go!!

Would you believe it, 10 kms into the race and what should happen, I got a puncture. This time I was prepared but it ate into my overall time. It must have taken me about 20 minutes to change the tube and get everything sorted. The best part is I did it myself!!

While I was off doing my thing, the 'support crew' went investigating and exploring. The race took place at one of the Universities in the province and it had huge grounds. It had loads of ponds with ducks and geese. There were Springboks and monkeys as well. They had fun exploring! The finish line!! I was happy to see that finish line. It was getting really hot out there. I was under the impression that I was the last of the 50km entrants and the ones behind me were all the long distance entrants but according to the official time there were still 3 other 50 km entrants behind me. I never saw them. After fixing my puncture I was on my own for the majority of my race.

Woohooo, over I go!!

Drinking a coke after the race and catching up with a friend who had also taken part but come in about 30 minutes before me. Sandy's batch started earlier than mine. We were waiting for her hubby to come in but by the time we left he still hadn't crossed the finished line. We found out later that he had suffered 2 punctures - OUCH!! He had taken part in the long distance race.

I'm glad I did it even with all the earlier 'hiccups'. This is the furtherest distance I have now done. A new personal record for me.

This week is another 'take it easy' week as I have another race on Sunday. A 54 km (33.55 miles) cycle race.

The plan is just to focus on training and speed after this week. Just over a month to go until the BIG race - 94.7 km's.

Have a super week. I'm seeing a dietician today which I am very excited about. I cannot wait to tell you all about it.

I also owe Hanlie a post which I will hopefully get to later today or tomorrow.

Edited to add that my official finishing time was 02:50:05

Hugs

Mich

This weeks exercise plan: 28th Sept - 4th Oct

Let's see how it goes.... * Monday : Rest Day + see Dietician * Tuesday : Easy session @ Kyalami Race Track - Cycling * Wednesday : Training session @ Kyalami Race Track - Cycling * Thursday : Easy session @ Kyalami Race Track - Cycling * Friday : Yoga / rest * Saturday : REST Day! * Sunday : Race for Victory - 54 km (33.55 miles) I have not been focusing on strength training at all. From next week I'll pick up on the strength training.

A glimpse of today's activity

I'm exhausted! My body is aching! Back soon..... Mich

Some things are not 'invincible'

We had an early start and got to the start line with time to spare. Shooooo!! Here I am already to go. The field was much bigger than I thought it would be so I was one happy camper.

There was a lot of early morning mist which added to the ambiance of the day. :-))

Cyclists waiting for their turn to go. We were being let of in groups. Mine was the last to go.

Today was going to be a day of firsts!! At the water point which was at around 20km. I fell while I was standing still. Yep, don't ask me how I did that - I did!! One second I was up and the next I was on the ground. Luckily I was wearing gloves. The worst was trying to get myself unclipped from the left pedal. Eish!! Talk about embarrassing.

I managed to get up while blushing madly and assuring everyone I was fine - really fine. Hardly a scratch. Dusted the dirt off and was good to go. Nearly wiped out the 'Bride to be' - what a way to have your bridal shower and got back on the road. Just around the bend and as I was crossing the bridge - something sounded wrong, something felt wrong. Praying to the 'heaven's above' was clearly not helping. I unclipped, stopped, got off and **sigh** and a few other choice words found the problem. I had a flat!! Now this is my problem, I have tyre levers and puncture patches but *uhhhhm* no pump...WTF...(this is when I curse hubby dearly as he professed I would never need a pump - I had a magic strip in my tyres which was practically a guarantee of 'no punctures' in his book)...Yeah, right!! I don't have a spare tube either ...please note that I have begged and pleaded to get one but hey...I have that magic strip - RIGHT!!!

Luckily I had my cell phone on me - this gave me the perfect opportunity to blast 'dear hubby' and proclaim that on this same day we WOULD be buying spare tubes and a pump and whatever else was needed.

I was fortunate to have one gentleman stop to help me who was dumbfounded that I did not

a) have a spare tube and

b) not have a pump

but I had patches and tyre levers - YES - go figure!!

He helped me get the wheel off and the tube out but his pump did not work on my tube. Graciously thanked him for his help and sent him on his way.

This time I phone hubby and yell at him - my race is over....but hang on.

Two lovely young Afrikaans boys taking part - STOP - and immediately begin to try and help. They must have been about 10 yo - 14 yo. Their pump works, we find the puncture, put on a patch and get it all back in and then the valve goes.....thank them profusely, assure them that hubby should be arriving shortly and face the fact that the race for me is REALLY over!!

Hubby arrives and tries the bigger better pump and the valve has definitely gone. Oh well!! Pack it up and head home!!

The Good!!

I road 20.7km's in 50 minutes. I was definitely heading for a 01h30min finish. I was doing my best pace ever and was feeling great!!

At the end of the day:

1. I can now change my own tyre

2. I have a pump on my bike

3. I have spare tubes

4. I also have C02 canisters and the fitting

5. I SURVIVED my first fall

6. When arriving at my fave cycling shop (Solomon's in Woodmead - The BEST service EVER!! ) I could laugh at myself.

Some lessons are only learned the HARD way!!

Let's see what's in store for tomorrow. I'll keep you in suspense.

Later

Mich

Nerves, nerves, nerves....

Apparently I don't have much to distract me today from the race tomorrow. I'm just a ball of nerves. There wasn't even a goodie bag to offer some form of distraction of ooh's and aah's. Now I've cycled 40km's and I've cycled 22km's so you would think I would have NO problems with a 33km but I do.... What I totally forgot is that there is a bigger race happening on Sunday -hmmmm, and that is the race everyone seems to be in. When I collected my number this morning, the lady handing out the numbers had all the numbers organised according to our surnames - not very big piles I tell you. Does this mean another teeny field of cyclists tomorrow. Does this mean I'm being chased by the ambulance and sweeper vehicles.....it is becoming clear why my nerves are shot. I didn't enjoy having those vehicles right behind in the last race. I guess my best bet would be to try and forget that they are actually there. Also on the 'To Do List' was to get my pedals sorted out. At the last training session the left one broke. All the shops we tried today did not have parts to fix it which meant getting a whole new set of pedals. These don't come cheap as they are Shimano SPD pedals. I also wanted to get a cycling shirt that fitted - no more 'hoping like hell' that the fat will disappear promptly!! Yes, I still wake-up some mornings hoping that a miracle has taken place and that 'poof' I'm thin!! My favourite cycling shop had cycling shirts on special - woohoooo- and I managed to pick one up at a bargain. I love the colours (see pic above). Now I have the all important pockets at the back where I can safely tuck my Sport Gels. And trust that one of the more expensive gels on the market is the one that is palatable and works, hence, my decision to stick with it for now even if the budget groans a bit. Some good news: I got my baby back. My Nikon is all ready and in working order. She definitely deserved some TLC. :-)) Here's hoping for a good race tomorrow. Have a super weekend everyone. Mich

Don't wanna...

It has been one of thooooooooo-se afternoons.

Hubby was stuck in traffic trying to get home to take the kids to the dentist. Change of plans and I've got to rush them to the dentist. Traffic is a mess everywhere around us thanks to some *idiots* who had planned to rob a bank at a shopping centre up the road from us - the police give chase - not entirely sure what happens but something happens to 2 of them, one kills himself on the side of the highway and the other one bolts. In total 4 bad guys.

The dentist is relatively hassle free - Brad takes it in his stride - one brave guy. Josh required one teeny filling and a clean. Brad's teeth are in need of loads of TLC.

Then it was back to braving it in the traffic back home. I just got to the point of 'I don't wanna go and train' - I just want to chill. I just want to sit back and relax. Not think of the track, training, racing whatever and just CHILL!! So I'm chilling and feeling guilty. Duh!! what is the point if there are going to be feelings of guilt.

I have a Spinning class at 07:30 tomorrow - I'll just have to work extra hard. :-))

Race on Saturday - at least I'm not in it to win it but to have fun. Must keep reminding myself about that FUN bit.

Have a super Thursday, uhhmm Wednesday.

Michelle

'that' time of the month

Ahhhh, when the moods swing from one end of the pendulum to the other...when nothing and just everything annoys the *&^$# me. Feeling puffy, wuffy and fluffy with the energy of a slug!!

Yesterday was the first day on the bike since Sunday's race and OMG!! I had the will but not the energy = frustration. My legs should have been up for the challenge, they were well rested. After two laps I decided that was enough - no use pushing myself. Got home and FINALLY, Aunt Flo made an appearance. I feel 'human' again!! Energy levels are back up and that puffy feeling has gone.

We won't talk about the quantus amounts of chocolate I ate leading up to this visit. Yikes, I couldn't get enough. Thankfully with the arrival the craving disappears, now for damage control.

I'm hoping to get back to the track this afternoon but the weather might have other plans. I've booked a Spinning session for hubby and me tomorrow morning as it is a Public Holiday. If I cannot train outdoors then I need to move it indoors. I'm very thankful for that option.

So with Aunt Flo and the weather - this week is throwing challenges at me galore. I'm overcoming them. What or have been your challenges this week?

Mich

This weeks exercise PLAN!! (21 Sept -27 Sept 09)

* Monday : Rest Day * Tuesday : Cycling (Training at the Kyalami Race Track) * Wednesday : Cycling (Training at the Kyalami Race Track) (uhhhm, rest day) * Thursday : 60 min Spinning Class Rest day (Heritage Day) * Friday : Yoga Rest Day * Saturday : SASKO Harties Challenge 33 km (20.50 miles)Unfortunately I got a puncture and was not well prepared - I had to abandon my race after 20 kms * Sunday : Squash Bestmed Campus 2 Campus 50km (31 miles) (02:50:05) finish

Invincible

It started with another early morning. Hmmmm, that would be the joys of taking part in cycle races. My support team can find it tough going (Josh 5yo and Brad 9yo). Not knowing how big the race was going to be or even knowing what the route was we made the decision to get there early. On arrival we soon discovered that we could have slept in longer - oh well! There was a total of 3 other cars. Yikes, where was everyone. I registered and we then took it easy - got the boys some pancakes and milo and just chilled. Eventually the cars started to arrive and were streaming in - relief!! Hubby later in formed me that there was only 341 odd cyclists - a very, very small field.

At about 09:15 we (the cyclists) headed down to the start line which was taking place on the main road. The support team stayed behind and waited at the finish line. After a while it was time for the 40km cyclists to get going. It wasn't long and I knew this was not going to be an 'easy' ride, we were struggling with strong cross winds. At about 5km - I thought about quitting, at about 10km - I really considered quitting and about 18km's I wondered how much more I could take. I burst into tears and wondered if this was really worth it and then a 'miracle' happened. April had introduced me to a song in her Spinning class -'Invincible' - at the moment I thought I couldn't go any further 'Invincible' started playing on my MP3 player and I knew I could :-) Before I knew it I was at the water point and the turn around point - 20km /halfway mark. I kept telling myself that I had made it 1/2 way and I could do this.

Which reminds me, I haven't told you the funniest bit. I was at the back. Yip, right at the back...I was being chased by an ambulance and the 40km sweep vehicles. Giving up would have been very easy - my ride home was right behind me. Talk about temptation constantly shoved under your nose.

I had a good giggle, when for a brief second I was the 90km Leader....The lead vehicle with a sign saying "90km Leader" came past me. A short lived moment when the real leader came flying past me. Not long after that the course got busy with all the pro's heading strongly for the finish line. It was a distraction at least. Some of the guys past comments of support like 'you're doing great' - 'keep at it'.

The course was undulating - with only one really tough hill on the way back. When I couldn't anymore, I walked - I pushed my bike up that hill. I could smell the finish from there - it was close. I got back on that bike and worked hard to get back home/finish line. Three of us had kept each company, the sister + brother team shooting ahead and then me (taking turns). Eventually I stuck ahead of them till the finish line and came in 3rd from the back. LOL The 90km guys and girls were also making there way back to the finish line.

This is me crossing the finish line. I was in tears again by now. I had done it!! When I could have given up - I persevered. I was INVINCIBLE!! I crossed the finish line, handed in my chip and fell into hubby's arms crying. The poor man had thought something had happened - I was just so happy to see him :-))

We headed straight to the car, packed up everything and headed home. We had Josh's Spring Fair to attend. We went straight to the school - this was post race meal/lunch. The school had managed to get Spur (a chain of local restuarants) to come and make burgers. It was delish and thankfully a rare 'treat'. I refuse to feel guilty - I burnt 1549 calories on that ride.

And yes, I am smiling!! I had the time of life. When quitting would have been easy - I didn't!!

The scale number is moving DOWN

Will it continue with this trend, I'm not sure - I can only hope so. What I've done differently is:

* Focused more on my cycling more than gym workouts (short term). This is because my race schedule and training schedule is hectic from now until mid November.

* Upped my carb intake - YES - you read correctly. I'm eating more brown rice etc. The good carbs, the better carbs, whatever, they're carbs.

* Eating slightly more red meat *gasp* so instead of no red meat during the week, I try and include it once (where possible we try and purchase our meat from places that use good practices when it comes to red meat, as well as chicken)

* Making more of an effort to get snacks in more regularly.

The scale has been hovering between 92 - 93.5 kgs and more around 93 kg's = frustration. The thought was I might be starving myself. Not eating enough to support my activity level or even correctly. Right now I can only play with my diet - I am seeing a dietician who specialises in Sport Nutrition in about a weeks time. I'm so excited about that - I know there will be better results.

This mornings weigh-in 91.4 kg's (201.1 lbs). This is the first week that the scale has mostly stayed under 92 kg's (one or two mornings it did get above 92 kg's.

This is what is working for me!! Not everybody is the same - my determination to get healthy, fit and lose weight is making me reach out and seek information. My activity levels are not yours and vice versa. What works for me might not work for you. Yes, I heard the calorie in - calorie out. The more calories I cut, the more 'energy crashes' (days where the mind was willing but the body refused point blank) I had. This week I only had one teeny one and that was on Thursday after being at the track - my legs were tired and the rest of the body joined in - got to bed early and woke up feeling fine the next morning. On Wednesday I had pushed hard at the track and cycled 5 laps (22km's) and burned close on 900 calories.

It is early days yet, and I cannot wait to see what the scale says next Saturday. One week is not 'proof' all I know is that I can see and feel a change and I'm happy.

A HAPPY ending to a 'not so great' afternoon!!

The BAD news : Sunday's race has been cancelled!!

I had left my cell phone in the car while having coffee at Josh's school and ran to get it so I could check to see if I had missed any calls or sms's/text messages and there was a SMS from the organisers of Sunday's race - as I read the message - my soul was crushed - the race had been cancelled due to the TMPD (Tshwane Metro Police Department) withdrawing their support at the last minute. Now what?? I had been so looking forward to this race. I was totally ready for it - I had psyched myself up and was almost counting the sleeps. Yep, that is how bad it has been. It felt like the wind had been taken out of my sails. How could they - didn't they know how important this was to me?? No amount of temper tantrums was going to change anything and besides I had no energy to throw one that is how disappointed I was - so yep - now what??

The GOOD news:

My hero - hubby - stepped in as I was not at home or near a computer and checked the website where the races are listed and discovered another one taking place on Sunday - a teeny bit further from home but doable. It is also a 40km (24.85 miles) cycle race. It is for a charity organisation : Meals on Wheels - and thankfully they are taking late entries on the day. It is a later start than the other one which means we might end up missing Josh's school's Spring Fair entirely - I'll just have to pedal faster :-))

I have no idea what the route is like : all I have to go on is what Tannie (Aunty) Bettie told me on the phone this afternoon - it's fast with one very long uphill drag. Should be interesting if anything.

In the goodie bag - Outsurance Outride 2009

I'm not quite sure who enjoys the 'goodie bag', my two boys or me. They love them and they cannot wait to get back to the car so that we can open it. With this race we got a t-shirt, a toolkit and some samples (excludes the Mule Bars and Energy gels) to try out. I know Josh is eyeing out the Energade Jellies, poor guy. Just before the race I'll give them to the boys - I think they'll like that.

As I am so new to this sport - I'm always a tad nervous when collecting my number etc. Not sure why, but I am. I think it's a combination of my inexperience and my weight. I had to chuckle to myself though. The lady who gave me my race no. asked me what size shirt I requested and honestly I couldn't remember so she looked it up. I could see her 'sizing' me up. Uh-oh!! LOL I had requested an XL and by her expression I could just tell that she thought it was too small. Well it fits woman - even if it just fits. This is a gentle reminder that others are not aware of the journeys we take and why we do things we do. I didn't want an XXL knowing that it would be too loose very soon.

We have to collect our numbers at one of the bigger cycle shops. This is not good news as I am always tempted to - well- shop of course. LOL While we were there I needed to stock up on my favourite drink which is Biogen - Cytogen ProEndurance (I love both flavours).

http://www.biogen.co.za/products/cytogen.asp

ENERGY & ENDURANCE

CytoGen

:: Provides instant and sustained energy :: Increases Energy :: Reduces muscle breakdown and promotes recovery :: Source of electrolytes

I'll drink this through the race as well as water.

I was really excited to find these at the shop yesterday. They are made in the UK and are 100% natural. http://www.mulebar.com/ Now to pray that the kidlets don't eat my Refuel bar before I finish the race. :-)) I'll have to hide it. (not in the goodie bag but bought by me)

When it comes to gels I haven't had much luck and Ben who is always there to help and guide me at this shop suggested I try these ones (see pic below). http://www.enervit.co.za/ Which I did and I can happily report that I didn't want to throw-up the instant it hit my mouth and it didn't taste to bad either. (not in the goodie bag but bought by me)

I was really excited to get this tool kit (see below) in the goodie bag. I'll admit it is not the lightest but 'beggars cannot be choosers'. I have been wanting one for just in case but they can be costly so when given for free, I'll take it quite happily. Mostly my bike has all these quick release 'things' - so taking the wheels off and that does not require tools but either way I think it could be handy. I also have a puncture kit and tyre levers. As this is a 10km circular route I am not stressing about taking along spare tubes. Vuyo at the sports shop lined my tyres with a product to prevent punctures - I just pray it works :-) Touch wood, so far it has.

I am excited and nervous about this race. The route has changed slightly and the changes I can live with. As far as I am aware the steep hill climb has been taken out and I'm not sure if there are any others, either way I plan to enjoy myself. When I registered for the 94.7 km Cycle Challenge I bought a time chip. The same company is timing this event on Sunday and I have found out that I can collect my chip on Sunday. Woohoooo!! I just hope they are timing the 40km and not just the 80km. It would be nice to have an official position and time. :-)

Crossing fingers for a good race and a good time.

Michelle

This weeks exercise PLAN!! (14 Sept -20 Sept 09)

subject to changes when necessary :-)

* Monday : Strength Training + Cycling (training session) @ Kyalami Race Track started Stage 1 from "The New rules of Lifting for Women"

* Tuesday : Rest Day as rest days go it was fab but I was very stressed (sad face)

* Wednesday : Cycling (training session) @ Kyalami Race Track + Strength Training (decided to focus on the cycling for today.

* Thursday : Cycling (training session) @ Kyalami Race Track

* Friday : Yoga + Strength Training (bad afternoon and decided to go with just the yoga - different instructor but boy was she good)

* Saturday : Rest Day

*** Sunday : 40 km (24.85 miles) Outsurance Tshwane Mayoral Ride @ the Union Buildings now doing the Meals on Wheels Cycle Event in Heidelberg. Woohooooo!

Summary for the week

* Monday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training)

* Tuesday : Personal Training (1 hour)

* Wednesday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training) 4 laps - Woohoo

* Thursday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training)another 4 laps..WooHoooo!!

* Friday : Yoga (active rest day)

* Saturday : Spinning (1 hour 45 min) + Personal Training (1 hour 40 min)

* Sunday : Squash (active rest day)

Summary:

I had a great week - just the one energy crash on Tuesday. I added more carbs + protein (red meat (2 meals)). The bonus is that I felt better mentally and physically, as for the weight loss I'm not sure of the effects of this just yet. I am seeing a Dietician who specialises in Sports Nutrition at the end of the month and will hopefully be able to tackle this battle on more than just one front.

As for the cycling there was a slight improvement in my pace and I managed 4 laps at the Kyalami Race Track which is about 17.5 km's (10.87 miles) on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. In both instances I burnt over 700 calories at each session.

Yoga was great and the focus was on our hamstrings - they of course let me know all about it this morning. I was like WTH - you should be happy and not complaining. LOL

Spinning this morning was fabulous. We (hubby and me) took the later class which is slightly shorter time wise than the one we usually do. I had loads more energy and really enjoyed the class. The earlier one hour class usually means we're chasing our tails to get there, feeling harassed and stressed with 2 boys in tow - never a great feeling. It also meant we didn't need to beg the kids club to let the boys in 15 - 20 minutes before they officially open for the day.

Sunday's squash session is in jeapordy - we won tickets to take the boys to Gold Reef City for some launch of Ben 10 Alien Force and have also been invited to tea at April's place (Personal Trainer), so we'll see how it goes.

My book arrived 'The New Rules of lifting for Women' - I'm excited but need to find out what is the best for me to focus on right now. Training for the 94.7km Cycle Challenge means I cannot forgo on endurance training - it is priority!!

On a side note I just want to thank all my new followers as well as old for popping by. Your input and visits mean alot to me.

Hugs

Michelle

If it were easy I'd pop a pill and be thin

NOT.....

If anything I've learnt that on my journey to losing weight there are NO quick fixes or solutions. I did not become FAT overnight - it took years of practice to get to where I am and the fat is not going to just disappear because I so desperately WANT/NEED it to.

From popping pills, to injections, to drinking various concoctions and various other diets on offer - they have simply not worked. About the only one I like is Weight Watchers and if used properly can be a tool in helping you change your lifestyle and the way you eat.

A new diet pill has been launched in SA - the advert for it drives me NUTZ - they promise you can lose weight without dieting and without exercising/training. I grizzle when I hear it!! If it was as simple as popping a pill then we'd all be thin - Right - Wrong!! There is no plan to follow a healthier lifestyle and no motivation to get off your patootie and get moving.

I've said it's a science. Each day I become more convinced of it. When I was doing WW's and continuing with normal daily activity I lost weight - the bathroom scale was mostly kind. I then joined gym, then found myself a Personal Trainer, started Spinning and got a bicycle. I'm losing inches/centimetres but the SCALE has hovered between 92 and 93 Kg's. It's not budging. Although I eat healthy 90% of the time I'm worried that I am not eating enough or the right stuff to support my newest outdoor activity - cyling. Last night I burnt 713 calories while cycling 17 km's. My energy levels crash on a regular basis. On the days I crash, I feel horrid - it is hard to describe and even though I have had a good nights sleep just trying to do anything is a mission and this gets me frustrated and anger follows. I am now seeking out a dietician in the hopes I can get some direction in what to eat to support my passions : gym and cycling. I need to find balance in my attempt at finding a healthy lifestyle. Eating salads for lunch and dinner are clearly not supporting me when it comes to my activity levels.

If you have any ideas I'd love to hear them. What has been your experience?? If you cycle, how do you support it with your diet??

I'm off to hunt down a dietician. Have a great day everyone.

Just a thought, would wearing something *pretty* make a difference

Would it make a difference if you could go to gym wearing something nice/pretty/gorgeous/fabulous?

I ask this question because in this journey of mine the biggest obstacle has been trying to find appropriate wear for the various activities I try or wanna try.

Take cycling for example and especially in South Africa, finding the right attire is enough to bring you to tears. Are only skinny people allowed to feel comfortable on their bikes? On our journey to health and fitness don't we also deserve the same luxury? The only way I will get a cycling shirt/jersey to fit is to shop in the men's section. Fun - I think not!! We won't even talking about cycling shorts - luckily I had lost some weight that the largest possible size I could find fitted even if just.

Why do only skinny girls get to look fab while working out at the gym?? Once again I think this is very localised. I can google and find plus sizes in the USA but here back at home - nothing.

Clearly fat girls don't gym. Maybe fat girls don't gym because no one can offer us half decent looking clothing to gym in. I gym - I bit the bullet. I wore the mens size t-shirts and thankfully managed to find half decent shorts/leggings. But I never felt *great* or *comfortable* or *pretty*. As the weight is falling off, I am finding ladies wear that fits but I often find myself at one of our (more affordable ) sport retail chains staring at the cute tops etc longing for the day they will fit so that I can look *great* too. The other day we were in this affordable sport retail shop and I spotted the most gorgeous pants - I took one look and even after finding the largest possible size said to hubby 'I seriousley doubt it but *maybe* one day'. He gently shoved me towards the change rooms and said 'you'll never know unless you try'. They fitted :-) Tops are still a HUGE issue. My breasts get in the way. LOL

Now that is another big issue - finding a decent sports bra in this country that will fit. Forget it girl. It's not going to happen!!

I have to wonder if companies and various retail outfits offered plus sizes when it came to gym wear would more larger girls tackle the gym which is already an intimidating place just on it's own.

This weeks exercise PLAN!! (7 Sept -13 Sept 09)

subject to changes naturally :-)

* Monday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training)

* Tuesday : Personal Training (1 hour)

* Wednesday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training) 4 laps - Woohoo

* Thursday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (Training) another 4 laps..WooHoooo!!

* Friday : Yoga (active rest day)

* Saturday : Spinning (1 hour 45 min) + Personal Training (1 hour 40 min)

* Sunday : Squash (active rest day)

Summary:

I had a great week - just the one energy crash on Tuesday. I added more carbs + protein (red meat (2 meals)). The bonus is that I felt better mentally and physically, as for the weight loss I'm not sure of the effects of this just yet. I am seeing a Dietician who specialises in Sports Nutrition at the end of the month and will hopefully be able to tackle this battle on more than just one front.

As for the cycling there was a slight improvement in my pace and I managed 4 laps at the Kyalami Race Track which is about 17.5 km's (10.87 miles) on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. In both instances I burnt over 700 calories at each session.

Yoga was great and the focus was on our hamstrings - they of course let me know all about it this morning. I was like WTH - you should be happy and not complaining. LOL

Spinning this morning was fabulous. We (hubby and me) took the later class which is slightly shorter time wise than the one we usually do. I had loads more energy and really enjoyed the class. The earlier one hour class usually means we're chasing our tails to get there, feeling harassed and stressed with 2 boys in tow - never a great feeling. It also meant we didn't need to beg the kids club to let the boys in 15 - 20 minutes before they officially open for the day.

Sunday's squash session is in jeapordy - we won tickets to take the boys to Gold Reef City for some launch of Ben 10 Alien Force and have also been invited to tea at April's place (Personal Trainer), so we'll see how it goes.

My book arrived 'The New Rules of lifting for Women' - I'm excited but need to find out what is the best for me to focus on right now. Training for the 94.7km Cycle Challenge means I cannot forgo on endurance training - it is priority!!

On a side note I just want to thank all my new followers as well as old for popping by. Your input and visits mean alot to me.

Hugs

Michelle

The Missouri 60 Challenge - My Results

Now : 1 September 2009

92 kg's (202.4 lbs)

Life Changes = H*U*G*E

23 June 2009 - 31 Aug 2009

Fat %

Tricep : 30 - 30

Bicep : 24 - 21

Scapular : 38 - 33

Waist : 35 - 35

Measurements

Chest : 118cm - 114 cm

Upper Arm : 34cm - 32.3cm

Waist : 104 cm - 103 cm

Hips : 124.5cm - 122 cm

Thigh : 68cm - 63 cm

93.6 Kg's (205.92 pounds)

As you can see there was no MAJOR loss in the scale deparment!! I lost quite a few cm's which I am very HAPPY about, reassuring me that all my gym sessions and newest passion : cycling is not for nothing.

Today is S*P*R*I*N*G day here!! And boy, were we blessed with the most gorgeous, stunning warm day.

This challenge has brought about BIG changes:

* I am living healthy and making healthier choices.

* I L*O*S*T weight during winter. To date I have lost 16.4 Kg's (36.1 lbs) Woohoo!!

* I was more motivated than ever to get my bike and the universe provided.

* I am addicted to cycling.

* I took part in my first cycle fun ride (12 km's) and I wanted more.

* I signed up for the BIG one and paid the registration fee (no turning back) - the 94.7 km Cycle Challenge - Joburg's Toughest Race

* I signed up for 2 smaller rides, a 44 km and 33 km (both happening towards the end of September)

* There are still bad days but they do NOT set me back - I bounce back quicker!!

* I L*O*V*E green smoothies - especially first thing in the morning - they just make the day better. Give it a try!!

But the biggest thing to happen during these 60 days is the realisation that :

My bathroom scale does not D*E*F*I*N*E me!!

I am feeling great, I am losing weight - clothing does not L*I*E.....the scale does not tell the whole story!!

I'm looking forward to another 60 days.....I cannot weight to see those results :-))

Keep at it everyone....

Hugs

Michelle