tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16663876465263608372024-03-13T02:24:41.855+02:00Me, Myself and I ... and the ramblings of a lunatic mom“When you believe in yourself, the possibilities are endless..."ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-19422132810567805852013-04-18T16:57:00.000+02:002013-04-18T16:57:07.911+02:00If you were here, you are AWESOME! (40th Birthday Weekend Celebrations)Last week Friday I turned 40. A good excuse to have an AWESOME party, at an AMAZING venue. <br />
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I fell in love with the 'Kalahari Oasis Pub' from the moment we discovered it in December and in the back of mind, I knew this was where I wanted to celebrate my 40th. I 'uhhmed' and 'aaahed' and finally my sister took control and booked everything. A general 'this is what I am doing and would you like to join' invite was passed along to family and friends.<br />
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The pub can be found at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve and it's a really nifty place. It is a photographer haven with so many opportunities to get some really cool shots. I'm probably going to kick myself for missing more than a few. <br />
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We stayed in the Kalahari Bush Tented Camp and Dome Camp, and both of these are not too far from the pub, but crawling back to camp could be painful and I wouldn't recommend it. LOL<br />
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On Saturday, the fires were lit and the Potjies started. Potjie is basically a stew cooked in a 3 legged Cast Iron Pot. This was the Oxtail Potjie - Gareth outdid himself and it was really yummy!! The meat was tender and fell off the bones.<br />
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Hubby and I loaned Craig's Jeep and went on a self-drive game drive which on Saturday afternoon turned out to be a dud. Not many animals to be seen at all. Sad face!! We then asked Craig if we could hang onto the keys and give it another bash in the morning. This time around me had more success. Our first major siting being Girafffe and then 2 Rhino - I was in heaven. When we found the rhino I was squealing like a girl - wait - I am a girl. <br />
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It was a weekend of family, friends, divine red wine and good food. We laughed and laughed some more and really enjoyed ourselves. It was a great way to celebrate my 40th. Josh my 8 (yo) whispered to me on Monday morning - "mom, I wish we were still at Mabalingwe". I had to agree. It was hard to leave and come home. I love spending time in the bush. I relish it and it's always hard to leave, but I guess we are fortunate that we have these places not to far from home. Mabalingwe is only 2h30min drive. ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-66194686381363649002013-02-06T11:47:00.001+02:002013-02-06T12:27:29.680+02:00Winning but at what cost?<div style="text-align: center;">
"It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but how you played the game."</div>
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These days I find myself exhausted, not only physically but mentally as well. The boys extra-murals which consist of two sports, swimming and cricket, keep us on our toes. I discovered long ago with swimming not to even bother with school swimming - so we go to private coaching. I am starting to wonder about school cricket as well but the boys love it. I find myself hating it and it all boils down to something I heard often while I was at school - "It doesn't matter if you win or lose, but how you played the game". Well, things have certainly changed and it would appear winning at all costs is the story of the day. I am at the point of throwing in the towel, short of a miracle, I'm not sure in what direction to go. <br />
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Where has sportsmanship and being a team player gone? When did it all become about an individual? I find the schools/coaches/parent have their little stars and as for the rest of you - SCREW YOU!! Without private coaching - you're screwed. Your star will never be considered 'star' enough. Yeah, I'm feeling cranky and tired. Finding extra coaching for the boys has proven to be nearly 'Mission Impossible' (finding private swimming lessons has been far easier, much less competitive and less expensive) - short of going down on my knees begging, actually I might have and harassing our local coaches I might have achieved the impossible. But, the weather is messing us about - storms messing with our private coaching sessions and me having to deal with heart broken kids when they are not selected to play - we're talking 'B' team here people. All I want is for my boys to know enough and be able to at least make the 'B' team - maybe we need to aim higher to be taken more seriously - who knows. Clearly my telling the coaches is that all I want for the boys is the ability to play and play well, not necessarily league/A team/Provincial level is falling on dumbfounded ears. <br />
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And I get even more mad when a coach/teacher can turn around and tell a bunch of kids that he is picking winners to play in a match and he wants to win a few games. So the kids not selected feel like losers. I am surprised I did not go ballistic when I found this out.<br />
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My youngest star - at least in my eyes<br />
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I had another mother boast proudly how her son plays for the U9's and U10's - well what about the kids who turn up to practice religiously and get left out. I made my feelings known on that one. The response I got - the school wants to win. </div>
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I'm not entirely sure about the world our kids are growing up in. Why did it seem easier when we were at school? There was none of this Private Coaching and it costing you an arm and a leg. Adults showed genuine interest and if a kid was keen he/she was taught the skills to play the game. Now, as parents you're lucky if it costs you less than R400 per child per 1 hour lesson.<br />
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Josh : is having more luck than his older brother and is getting some match time.<br />
Brad : struggling on the side lines and hanging in there</div>
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<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-15187288397041292702013-01-31T17:47:00.002+02:002013-01-31T17:47:57.990+02:00ProgressToday I ventured to the gym again, I needed to swipe my card, a rather important task when you're trying to keep your gym membership active and then, stepping on the scale to see if I have made any progress in the weight loss department, since I last stepped on the scale.<br />
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Yes, doing the happy dance here. I've lost about 2.5 kg's. So happy!! I am really trying to avoid the Diet industry and rather opting to make lifestyle changes. I'm not feeling pressure - I like this. I recall a time when I was stepping on a scale everyday and getting frustrated and angry. Some days are better than others and I'm really happy.<br />
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Last weekend we went fishing again. Our family group was much larger and keeps growing as other family members decide to join in the fun.<br />
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Not much fishing was done but my cousin, Gayle, did manage to catch one teeny weeny one which was released back.<br />
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The Family</div>
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The only catch for the day</div>
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My oldest and his cousin enjoy some time fishing. They really had fun this time around.</div>
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Tomorrow I am off to watch a little bit of cricket. Josh, my youngest has been chosen to play at a mini cricket festival taking place during lunch of the 1st Test between South Africa and Pakistan. He is so excited. I wonder if we will meet a cricketer or two.<br />
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I have so much more to tell you. Homework wars, teachers and busy schedules...we're never bored here. LOL<br />
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<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-76301172054056258242013-01-20T17:21:00.000+02:002013-01-20T17:21:27.442+02:00WeekendsWith the boys back at school and extra-murals in full swing, I find that on weekends I just want to put my feet up and not think. This does not bode well for a photography business. As it is - nearly all our weekends are booked into early March and none of them with clients. Sigh!!<br />
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Last Sunday found us exploring Modderfontein and Pop's Soda Fountain. The gentleman who owns the store is quite an interesting guy. I'll say this - his Cherry Coke, Apple Pie Milkshake and everything else is pretty much, very YUMMY!! He makes all his own syrups.<br />
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The boys found the Juke Box fascinating and really had fun with the Pin Ball machine - went through a few coins there. LOL</div>
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This weekend it has been overcast and raining on and off. We've pretty much been home bodies, not venturing to far. Hubby spent Saturday trying something else with the car - hopefully we have fixed it or fixed it close enough. I'm ready to put a match to her - I LOVE my car, but hate the stress. Bring on the Lotto. It would help if we played it more regularly. LOL</div>
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Today has been a bit of tidying up, cooking Koeksisters (pure evil) and not good at all for any diet. Now it's time for the lasagne to cook and snuggle under a blanket. Cannot believe we were in the middle of a heat wave a week or so ago.</div>
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Hope you had a fab weekend and a GREAT week ahead.</div>
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<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-25073964624150210442013-01-10T16:03:00.002+02:002013-01-10T16:04:20.891+02:00Back to schoolIt's day 2 of being back to school. <br />
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I've cried, I've laughed and I've wanted to SCREAM!!<br />
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The school part has actually been the easiest. Josh is happy with his Gr 3 teacher - GOOD NEWS for me. Hopefully less yelling at teachers and the school in general. Brad is Gr 6 and so far things are looking good, we're just trying to track down his Academic Bar and Scroll for his blazer - he worked hard for them.<br />
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We're currently suffering from a bit of a heat wave here. Not as bad as Australia's but bad enough that it has me uncomfortable and finding more reason to lose this weight. We won't talk about the photo that was taken of me in Swaziland that has me wanting to run for the hills.</div>
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And the cherry of top of all that could go wrong. My car is giving me grief again and yep, once again leaving my mechanic clueless and me stressing. We need to get out of this hole. </div>
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I'm also at a loss as to what direction my photography should go in and it is always a constant nag at the back of my brain. I'm guessing the heat is not helping.</div>
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But right now the only solution is to give the universe the finger and shout 'SCREW YOU'.</div>
<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-63814847800198312442013-01-08T15:27:00.003+02:002013-01-08T15:27:44.296+02:00Welcoming 2013The plan was to get an early night on the 31st but the neighborhood turned into a 'Fireworks' war zone as we neared midnight and until way after. Needless to say but I lost my cool with a few neighbors and the transition into the New Year at midnight was not a happy one. Our poor dogs were beside themselves.<br />
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We were up early on the 1st, as we had a picnic to pack for. The plan - to take the boys fishing. It was so much fun and the best part - relaxing. Well, when I wasn't worrying about getting fishing hooks in ears, toes and fingers. By the end of the day, I was even baiting hooks.<br />
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Josh, Matt (my nephew) and Brad keen to get fishing.</div>
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Ant (clueless dad when it comes to fishing) helping Josh.</div>
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My nephew</div>
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My niece - proving girls can do it too!!</div>
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The boys caught fish.<br />
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Brad caught a trout which we had to keep. It cost us R30 (not too bad). They cleaned it for us and Brad then cooked it on the braai (barbecue) the next evening. Yummy!!</div>
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Josh caught a teeny lil' fish which was returned to the dam.</div>
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It was a beautiful day out. It was cooking (we have had some really hot weather) and we were all quite grateful for the clouds that were about. A storm threatened but gave the area a miss.</div>
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Our dessert. I've discovered I love making Pavlova - so yummy!! These were fist sized.</div>
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We got to sit under trees, chill, read books and spend time with the kids fishing. My sister and I have decided we like the idea of fishing as well and we're keen to get some rods for ourselves. I would love a fly fishing rod but got the feeling that they don't come cheap. I shall be investigating. </div>
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My sister trying her hand at this fishing thing.</div>
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It is so beautiful, this spot we found for fishing - Brookwood Trout Farm - that we have promised ourselves that we will try to go once a month. I hope we can get it right. I'd love to go early one morning to see what shots I can get with the camera.</div>
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It is back to school tomorrow. The boys are enjoying the last day chilling at home. I'm dreading the homework wars - OUCH!! Hoping this year will be easier.</div>
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<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-48217517756171820432012-12-31T13:34:00.001+02:002012-12-31T13:34:21.268+02:00Has it been a year and a half.....Actually I think it's been longer.<br />
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Time does fly. Can it slow down now. It is scary to think how I can already be planning events way into 2013. Eish!! Can we just get through 2012. Ssshhhh, don't tell anyone, but I hit those 40's next year. <br />
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Remember all that weight I lost - it found me (sad face)!!<br />
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Hubby's remark after I bravely weighed myself at gym yesterday and I'm paraphrasing or whatever it is, but the good news is, he is still alive. 'At least you have a 2kg head start.' Hmmmm, can I smack him. Note, I was only visiting the gym to keep my membership active (naughty, naughty). I cannot seem to put it in black and white what the scale said, needless to say it was 2 kg's less than the last time I decided I needed to lose this weight. So I start again...<br />
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I had big dreams, very big dreams. I was going to do a Duathlon (seeing as my swimming, is well, non existent...hehehehe). I wanted to do Triathlons, well, if I could learn to swim properly that is.<br />
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So, I declare here and now that it is time to dust off those takkies (running shoes) and hit the tar. I can do this, I have done it before and I can do it again. My road bike is also feeling dusty and I'll need to dust her off as well. The family did partake in a 40km <strike>ride</strike> race... (majority of the other people on bikes thought they were in a race and not a ride) it was mayhem and chaotic due to a circular route. I quit after two 5km laps, Brad after 4 laps and Ant & Josh after 3. Not too bad. None of us got hurt - that was a bonus, considering all the mishaps that happened on the <strike>ride</strike> race itself.<br />
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As you can see it all back and this time it found my <strike>boobs</strike> breasts. I suppose I should be grateful that the fat didn't find my waist, okay, some of it did, but I swear this time my 'you know whats' seem larger. Urggggg!! <br />
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Once again coke (coca-cola) has found it's way onto the 'banned from the house' list. It has been done before and can be done again. So far we are doing good. Peroni (some Italian beer), however, has made itself at home and in all honesty, I'm not quite ready to ban that one. <br />
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As for the 3 VIP guys in my life - thanking for putting up with me. It's been a tough year, one I can happily say I am glad to see the back end of. May homework be a breeze in 2013, may extra-murals keep us busy and may weekends be filled with family and fun.<br />
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Some of the family - love you all. (just so we are clear, they are the pic above)<br />
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Some of my favorites from a recent trip to Mabalingwe. That Chameleon thought I was nuts. He did slow down for a second or two for me but then put foot. He was having none of this paparazzi business.<br />
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Here's to adventure and 2013<br />
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<br />ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-74999422089812885602011-05-21T09:41:00.000+02:002011-05-21T09:41:39.446+02:00Loving my SA<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday we had our local elections. Hubby and I set off just after 7am in the morning and took a stroll to our voting station. Our thinking was that the early bird catches the worm and that we'd be in and out in no time at all, well, we ended up queuing for about 1h40min. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was in this queue that I was reminded about one of the many reasons I love our Country, our ability to chat to complete strangers, end up sharing a cup of coffee and walking away friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hubby and I had just joined the back of the queue having a good chuckle about how we thought that nobody else would be up at 7am on a public holiday to vote (boy were we wrong), when another couple joined in behind us. They had also walked to the polling station and from there it began, a chuckle, a comment about the queue and before you know it you're in a full on conversation discussing everything from politics, to what your plans are for the rest of the day, to what you do for a living etc, etc. Next thing Marise's hubby is taking a quick jog back home to make us all coffee and bringing it back in a thermos. Which reminds me - I must sms Marise to find out which coffee that was - it was deeeeee-vine!! Yummy!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was through chatting to Marise who happens to be a Biokinetisist that I found out about a Dietician they are seeing. I got Theresa's number and made an appointment to see her next week. What I like about Theresa is that I didn't get an 'off' feeling while chatting to her on the phone and she does not charge overly exhorbitant rates either. I'm really looking forward to meeting her and seeing what she comes up with. I also liked the fact that she runs a diabetic clinic and for me this always bodes well as I can see Low GI being a strong feature of this diet plan. Marise and her hubby raved about her eating plan and how they didn't feel deprived and are even allowed the odd rusk. This is good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have been a bit of a sloth lately and being eating way too many carbs. The <strike>bathroom</strike> gym scale is no longer my friend and it is time to get back on track. I need to get back into running and I need to up my gym visits - NO more EXCUSES!! It's time. </span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-44143301184559358792011-04-08T12:28:00.000+02:002011-04-08T12:28:12.536+02:00D.I.E.T.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had better get this post done today because I don't think my arms are going to be able to do much tomorrow. Ouch!! This morning I worked out with a friend, who happens to be the Group Exercise Manager at the gym. We did upper body and right now I can practically guarantee that these arms aren't going to be functioning too well very soon. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So what does the word DIET mean for you/us/people/women/everyone. Well, basically it means we are following some eating plan to lose weight / live healthily / yadda yadda. For me at the moment D.I.E.T. stands for...</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><strong>DID I EAT THAT!!</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I suppose I should be grateful that I am <strike>not putting on weight</strike> okay, maybe just a little bit but for the most part I'm maintaining BUT I don't want to maintain. **Sob**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So I am totally to blame for my tears of frustration but part of me does not want to go back to Weigh Less or any other DIET out there. Not getting on the scale, taking the pressure off seems to have helped my mood drastically. Don't get me wrong - I love my group leader - she is a super inspiring woman but it's just not happening for me right now. At the end of the day, I know what to do. I know what to eat and when to eat. I know how to put my body through pain at the gym and come out the other end ENJOYING it!! Yes, enjoying it. Won't be saying that tomorrow though when I wake up and my arms are screaming at me. We'll just take it one <strike>step</strike> keystroke at a time for now. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'll leave you with this family portrait which was taken this past weekend by a very good friend of mine. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkXPN8a117uFffLMpTed8CCRwdLvM0FT09yZJ_UAy0NyM_m4OWMC3Lalnps9KbnMEaPfNcC-Z7gWwBDHRGkSfBDJBmF0aSM2SKzEACn_1zV8nNr41mBEl5_M6lqLU8YYgjDdHqeX_79Y/s1600/0144-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkXPN8a117uFffLMpTed8CCRwdLvM0FT09yZJ_UAy0NyM_m4OWMC3Lalnps9KbnMEaPfNcC-Z7gWwBDHRGkSfBDJBmF0aSM2SKzEACn_1zV8nNr41mBEl5_M6lqLU8YYgjDdHqeX_79Y/s320/0144-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-57183015636483816402011-03-29T17:16:00.002+02:002011-03-29T18:15:41.819+02:00VA Sunninghill 5km Fun Run - Sunday, 27 March 2011<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we woke up on Sunday morning it was pouring outside. It was truly one of those mornings when you could just snuggle back under the duvet with a good book and hot chocolate but thankfully the motivation and determination were there. I got up and started getting ready - not that there was much to get ready as this was just a fun run. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A6fKaCdQnpEjQFAz35DBJkM3rQog-TsYh8EsICIkyKwwVsNYp7UERqfM-guMrrzYFrfrfJXvn8EMjdNLbrkxjlBIF_h20ezdj23eWsmO-dqZ7brt0kFwClN0Z6dxBSQptmZ8kmjxzfg/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2A6fKaCdQnpEjQFAz35DBJkM3rQog-TsYh8EsICIkyKwwVsNYp7UERqfM-guMrrzYFrfrfJXvn8EMjdNLbrkxjlBIF_h20ezdj23eWsmO-dqZ7brt0kFwClN0Z6dxBSQptmZ8kmjxzfg/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time we got to the start it was just a light drizzle, nothing to bad. At least our morning out would be cool. Hubby once again made a last minute decision to join me. His natural 'fitness' annoys me. LOL I have to work so blooming hard at it. We quickly registered and I was impressed with the amount of people who had turned out considering the weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We first headed over to the gym and placed the boys in Club V (the kids section of the gym). The boys had determined that it would be more fun there than being out in the rain...no sense of adventure...LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Just before 9am we headed to the start which was taking place just outside the shopping complex. I made sure we were somewhere in the middle of the bunch - considering we would be walking at the start I didn't want us ending up right at the back, right at the start. Needless to say the gun goes off and hubby is off like a rocket...'hey', I shout 'what happened to our POA (plan of action". The man reigns it in... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Even with our walking start we didn't end up right at the back and we even managed to catch up with those who had sprinted past us earlier. I had to giggle at one guy - he is like me and working on his fitness but his shirt stated that he was 'Joburg's Toughest Fireman', I even told hubby at one stage that we weren't doing too bad as we could keep up with 'Joburg's Toughest Fireman'. He just laughed at me. Silly man. There were times of course where I wanted to clobber him. Remember, poor me slogging at the Couch to 5km programme for 6 weeks and hubby = diddly squat training and making it look way too easy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">There was also the girl I dubbed 'Miss Short Pant' who didn't quite like us going past her, so on this downhill she comes sprinting past us only to come to a walking halt at the bottom of the hill where we eventually caught up and passed her again. We finished 10 minutes ahead of her. I kept telling hubby that I better keep my ass moving as no way was 'Miss Short Pant' passing us again. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finished the 5km in 45 minutes. I'll take it, as the last 5km I did took me over an hour if I recall. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm really falling in love with running. Sadly, my road bike is being a bit neglected - poor thing. But she knows I still love her - it's just logistics at the moment. I have entered both hubby and me into a road race in April. The Wilro Cycle Challenge - one of my favourites from last year. It is 41 km's and I've secure my BIL to babysit the boys. It is hubby's first official race - no borrowed numbers. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZObOLuwce34WxgD9vHndamwhEP-fMaqB5zTOTzELDOk-gvkt1pwmaiuaoss10IcUVLWNBD9G8TUsnPidvMrIWHF5zuF14xmIkODpLiM5pTbzbTBraq8PVBPo7XkjjB1Jtq4N7l4wmpM/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZObOLuwce34WxgD9vHndamwhEP-fMaqB5zTOTzELDOk-gvkt1pwmaiuaoss10IcUVLWNBD9G8TUsnPidvMrIWHF5zuF14xmIkODpLiM5pTbzbTBraq8PVBPo7XkjjB1Jtq4N7l4wmpM/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-86767811982907072402011-03-24T16:59:00.000+02:002011-03-24T16:59:53.207+02:00Bad carbs/junk in equates to horrid performance<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning I really struggled with my run...well...run walk session as demanded by W6D2 (translated - week 6 day 2), which got me to thinking - why am I feeling like <strike>crap</strike> hell??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> Upon reflection I came to the conclusion that it is all the junk, aka <strike>crap</strike> junk that I have been eating or at moments shovelling into my mouth. There has been chocolate cake from Hubby's birthday, the Woolworths Chocolate Mousse to ease the PMS (any excuse - right), the nibbles from the boys crisp packets and let's not forget the pie bought for the boys which I ate - it has been never ending the past few days. Hai bo!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">And I felt it on this morning's session. I just felt blehhhh!! My body doesn't want the bad carbs, the junk the aka <strike>crap</strike> food - it's wants fruits and vegetables and all the GOOD stuff. So why, oh why do I persist with eating all the wrong stuff....who knows. When life gets busy it just seems easier to put in all the wrong stuff. Today I have also made more effort with water - and I'm doing my damndest to avoid the Pepsi Max . See how easy it was to replace one evil (Coca Cola) with another evil, so no more Pepsi Max in the house anymore either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">But the part I like is that I'm learning to listen to my body. I don't to feel blehhh - I want to fee GREAT!! Today I have been mostly back on track except for that piece of birthday cake - will it ever end. Evil, divine chocolate cake - thankfully you are nearly gone. I'm thinking the best solution and the only solution is not to bring the EVIL stuff into the house in the first place. If it is not here then it cannot be eaten. As for birthday cakes - I don't know what the solution is...LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On Sunday I am doing a 5km fun run (i.e. a 5km run / walk for me). The gym I go to is hosting it and I'm thinking it will be fun. We're getting caps and water bottles - good goodie bags are always a bonus and I could always do with another cap and I love adding water bottles to my collection. Hubby thinks I have way too many ------ water bottles, I think he doesn't know what he is talking about. (Big Grin here) Just the other day one of the boys could not find their school juice bottle and hubby was contemplating using one of my water bottles - my reply - you cannot use my cow one, or my PVM one or one of those new ones from the 94.7 race and and and - he just rolled his eyes at me. LOL</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-20348037756251984892011-03-23T18:05:00.000+02:002011-03-23T18:05:39.763+02:00You're doing a what....?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm doing a Duathlon...can you hear a whoop-whoop</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I needed a challenge. At the beginning of the year I had already made a decision to do / try a Triathlon and while investigating the world of multisports I discovered Duathlons and thought 'why the hell not'. I have already entered my first one, call me eager but it gives me plenty of time to train. The first one I have entered takes place mid-June which is also in winter but thankfully our winters are mild. I am looking forward to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It is a 5km run, 30 / 40 km cycle and then another 2.5 km run. I am currently using the Couch to 5k running programme to get me running. I have until October to get my swimming sorted out for Triathlons - currently I am working hard at not drowning myself. LOL</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I have not being doing much cycling. I did a 20km event a few weekends ago - rather embarrasing. I should have done the longer route but the GOOD NEWS is that I really enjoyed myself on the shorter route even if I did feel guilty about not doing the longer route. Doing the shorter route enabled me to catch a movie with my boys while we waited for a friend of ours to finish doing the much, much longer route. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hubby will be doing a 41km with me in April. I better remind him so that he can get some training in. Time to hit the race track again to get some 'safe' training in. The evenings are getting cooler - only problem being is that it is getting darker sooner which does not leave us much time to train but for now I will take what I can get. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">On a completely different note. Little did I realise how in love I would fall with running. I look forward to my running days and dread being inside the gym. Hmmmmm!! What's with that?? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Another thing I have started doing is Katabox - what a workout that is. I really have loads of fun and I'm proud to say that I think I am getting the hang of the bouncing thing. LOL The one reason I avoided the Katabox class since joining the gym 2 years ago was because I could not bounce - well, all of a sardine - now I can. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">As for the weight loss - I'm back at hovering. I really need a kick up the patootie. It will move soon enough. Would help if I stopped eating copious amounts of crap though. Oh boy!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">What are you up to?</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-25771268294791560342011-03-21T19:11:00.000+02:002011-03-21T19:11:17.074+02:00Homework<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t904j83rxCOPXbGlIlyPOjFxU69jVj7hXMTohg5WBjsXDhqonjbWeVPxinCn28Zo6_m0KsNo0_1JOgoRkRFlHnzEyv-AbrasPcD3UBIgL_tAIGfddsAjtQtX1uAKswv2VyQD7jjaOjQ/s1600/41786_269706649258_425649_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6t904j83rxCOPXbGlIlyPOjFxU69jVj7hXMTohg5WBjsXDhqonjbWeVPxinCn28Zo6_m0KsNo0_1JOgoRkRFlHnzEyv-AbrasPcD3UBIgL_tAIGfddsAjtQtX1uAKswv2VyQD7jjaOjQ/s1600/41786_269706649258_425649_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That is what my 10 year old solemly declared to me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I think he was trying to convince me that....</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIFiyRMP8fa1ibQ7F7OcgLc7JDtVsC3I3UabsWG0NTdr2WyGmLBLhf0AE1WjN0JxfH7yvBitG9EqmPtSptoqPxVusnIFa_KvvH9pAEWbNxxilFFcw_zQwrroRbmxiPkbzQqxQhyphenhyphen7ueVo/s1600/homework_brain_damage-4851.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIFiyRMP8fa1ibQ7F7OcgLc7JDtVsC3I3UabsWG0NTdr2WyGmLBLhf0AE1WjN0JxfH7yvBitG9EqmPtSptoqPxVusnIFa_KvvH9pAEWbNxxilFFcw_zQwrroRbmxiPkbzQqxQhyphenhyphen7ueVo/s320/homework_brain_damage-4851.gif" width="318" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been nearly a month now since he declared this with such utter passion. I nearly lost my mind. Well, buddy - you have many, many, many years of homework ahead of you so you had better darn well get used to it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not only do I have Grade 4 homework to deal with or not deal with as much anymore - more about that soon, but I have Grade 1 homework too. It's tough for moms - I'm not only repeating grades but I'm repeating 2 at a time. Eish!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">So, it happens that we finally get a call from the school where we were literally on our knees at the beginning of the year begging them to let our children in. Parents who know us stood open jawed as they watched us desperately try and move our kids from a Private/Independant school into a Government 'Model C' school. The main question being asked : 'Why the HELL do you want to do that...?' Good question - we pay less, it's a good school, there is more for the kidlets to do and the SPORT is out of this world, need I say more. They still question my sanity. Only one wee lil' problem, they only had space for the 10 year old and not the 6 year old. This is when life becomes interesting - I have no more holidays. Their holidays are completely different and the schools are km's apart. I live in my car in the afternoons. What we don't do for our kids. No more sleep-in's for me as when the one is on term break, the other is still at school. The GOOD NEWS is that because of this it is harder for me to take a break from gym.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the days go by - I ask the standard dreaded question : 'How much homework do we have today?' and get told there is not much. Huh!! What??? We're usually bogged down with HW - something must be wrong. Mad, frantic calls to the school, only to find out that no, my 10 year old is not lying to me - there is not much HW. Now I declare - there is something wrong with the world when the Grade 1 is bogged down with HW and the Grade 4 has barely any.</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-72173823957671091752011-02-17T15:54:00.000+02:002011-02-17T15:54:43.875+02:00Forgive me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87XRph51pfxp3KSr-uEWJlvEZ1IoKjFKTM3YKJ93Ycw1Es2NWnV1Ji9kviLi-724pGCgXVPsrWa_jTw8WSxjiSDyjzcYUyway_qO5PQf54h18mt13wwWvihCHQNM3cd9gZA7bYREyTDo/s1600/busted-motivational-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" j6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87XRph51pfxp3KSr-uEWJlvEZ1IoKjFKTM3YKJ93Ycw1Es2NWnV1Ji9kviLi-724pGCgXVPsrWa_jTw8WSxjiSDyjzcYUyway_qO5PQf54h18mt13wwWvihCHQNM3cd9gZA7bYREyTDo/s320/busted-motivational-poster.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow, we're nearly a month and a half into the year and I have not blogged, nor have I cycled in any races but that doesn't mean I've given up. Far from it - I persevere on for the ultimate goal in 2011. Will I reach goal weight this year - that is a mystery in itself but I can only hope that I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Life should never be that busy that one does not have time to blog. I will definitely make more of an effort. It's not like I don't have a zillion things to tell you because in fact I do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Coming soon to a computer screen near you - the mosted hated word in our household at the moment.......</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-13908294870008564032010-12-31T20:23:00.000+02:002010-12-31T20:23:02.452+02:00Happy New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pJtgWl5re8n2sYcKkWe-4tRULWcivz4500pFCievW6lZ9QFFnKjKMbNNDtsSCac44QM1hK089aLM30VQXCLfAJeTFcl60SMzX00w4j4wV0FObFxZxc3HBRtTWWMID-LdZRVtRECjkp8/s1600/HappyNewYear+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pJtgWl5re8n2sYcKkWe-4tRULWcivz4500pFCievW6lZ9QFFnKjKMbNNDtsSCac44QM1hK089aLM30VQXCLfAJeTFcl60SMzX00w4j4wV0FObFxZxc3HBRtTWWMID-LdZRVtRECjkp8/s320/HappyNewYear+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and a promise to blog more.....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a good one...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love and hugs</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mich</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-39022084579324114352010-11-17T15:28:00.000+02:002010-11-17T15:28:47.220+02:00The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is almost upon us<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's about time I caught up on this blog. Forgive me for being absent for so long.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Firstly, I should let you know that I finished the Jacaranda Satellite Classic (94 km's) in 5h25 - Woohoooo for me!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a toughie especially the second half, so much for it being downhill to the finish. Not everyones version of downhill or flat is the same. This is something I have to remind myself of constantly. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The good news is that I cycled all the way up Hekpoort. No walking for me. Yippeeee!! I did, however, stop in 3 places to catch my breath. :-))</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I had a rough start where I nearly quit the race. Traffic was chaotic and between me trying to stick as far left as I could, motor vehicles galore and other cyclists squeezing between me and the cars, my nerves were shot. Fortunately, we turned off the busy section and the road quietened down a lot.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWwA-h6gprTKgdMSGbxu10no3WINAkBXePLSiSLUVkkbMcKGTyeQvgb4LTG2y6pEbrfsGVSdRc5KhM7FuIspYXYGwc-ntYaqOPrw78AyRZfdTwfoj8TBk8ybZMS4sbJFVCxBFewpUww/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuWwA-h6gprTKgdMSGbxu10no3WINAkBXePLSiSLUVkkbMcKGTyeQvgb4LTG2y6pEbrfsGVSdRc5KhM7FuIspYXYGwc-ntYaqOPrw78AyRZfdTwfoj8TBk8ybZMS4sbJFVCxBFewpUww/s320/001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always happy at the start of a race</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAYht2s3LYCpxeh6OmyiVf3unxqHVVOgDN-TInsR4r6_EE3qrl4JRmLzLJcGsj06tpizUY3XI-yvLRFBSrNjtBPhz-WprB5oTGDGT27m1oivUYwJpYslERdLxDlPL2b_vgMrTC9-O0fk/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAYht2s3LYCpxeh6OmyiVf3unxqHVVOgDN-TInsR4r6_EE3qrl4JRmLzLJcGsj06tpizUY3XI-yvLRFBSrNjtBPhz-WprB5oTGDGT27m1oivUYwJpYslERdLxDlPL2b_vgMrTC9-O0fk/s320/002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming up to the finish line. It felt like forever - thankfully I had a friend encouraging me along on the side</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYn994ZCEbDszCy1HrKU0veCRVGF-8HhOAMnB5y-SOimIDzzRRzqo795caRxlgfJjsGtr8QxI8peJBKSitzxiMELLuJj9W4Cnt0GffxW3LfvxewMtOu05i_YFvsOmComkNiysf3OODc/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dYn994ZCEbDszCy1HrKU0veCRVGF-8HhOAMnB5y-SOimIDzzRRzqo795caRxlgfJjsGtr8QxI8peJBKSitzxiMELLuJj9W4Cnt0GffxW3LfvxewMtOu05i_YFvsOmComkNiysf3OODc/s320/005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not sure if that is a smile or a grimace from pain. hehehehehe</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in the last 10 timed cyclists to come in. Let me tell you - I was just happy to finish. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am confident that I will have a great race this coming Sunday and that I will finish.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">To everyone who has supported me, a HUGE big THANK YOU!!</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-8190052997323854372010-10-16T16:54:00.001+02:002010-11-20T17:06:08.854+02:00Hekpoort or is that 'cycling hill hell'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPf_qzIqXK8XelPD3MbNExTD9QdJWjBfVPRyNVWBfFIAC6OX3f5JImA-1tIt-JuSQxOhS24Yyf5M117yVu42b1smEO8T3zJ0fsvNPxtVkf-fsZu92fF8Q3nRvE7P7_9F_-YVaO10IWMs/s1600/Profile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPf_qzIqXK8XelPD3MbNExTD9QdJWjBfVPRyNVWBfFIAC6OX3f5JImA-1tIt-JuSQxOhS24Yyf5M117yVu42b1smEO8T3zJ0fsvNPxtVkf-fsZu92fF8Q3nRvE7P7_9F_-YVaO10IWMs/s320/Profile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What was I thinking? Apparently I was feeling very brave the moment I hit the 'enter' button.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd already had this conversation with hubby. Hekpoort will always be there - I can tackle it any year. Doesn't mean I have to do it this year. I'm clearly braver than that conversation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a race I really didn't talk about last year. Why?? Well, Hekpoort conquered me and not vice versa. The first and only time I got a lift back to the finish by paramedics in their off-road 4 X 4 (not quite an ambulance, but close) They checked my sugar levels as I was on the verge of vomiting and felt dizzy. Not good. I tried being on the back on the sweeper vehicle - not a good idea as I was green and the other poor cyclists didn't feel like been thrown-up on. I cannot blame them. Hence the lift I got back. A quick call to the husband to tell him not to panic when he saw me stepping out of a vehicle basically used for emergency type responses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Apparently, I can't even find photos for this race - clearly not a good memory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After last weeks race and while resting at home. Hubby asked me how I felt about Hekpoort - I didn't feel good. That 'mountain' is constantly in my thoughts. I am really trying to throw positive thoughts it's way. Dreading it and fearing it will not do my race any good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some positive thoughts...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hekpoort is earlier in the race this year and not near the end.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am thinner.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am stronger.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am on my road bike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did get up Sterkfontein in the Dome 2 Dome (it took a while but I did get up). Hekpoort is a lot shorter but is steeper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I will not panic this year and end up taking energy gels to close to each other. I am happy with my nutrition during races and know what to do this time. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I am going to give it my best shot. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-39954671019066961002010-10-16T11:25:00.000+02:002010-10-16T11:25:40.688+02:00Race for Victory 2010<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe0p2a6Tgob0sS2tIrQN_ae81mI1ZTJBAH1tQxY0q4eG9XFpnMxWPP1w0EuUg9OFtcn4JjBThdtvUb7RgFwCal1CRbc3M6edIPWh9NYB9z8KwAMycWFDht8PJ-WnapDyBfYEtCv1cUXc/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJe0p2a6Tgob0sS2tIrQN_ae81mI1ZTJBAH1tQxY0q4eG9XFpnMxWPP1w0EuUg9OFtcn4JjBThdtvUb7RgFwCal1CRbc3M6edIPWh9NYB9z8KwAMycWFDht8PJ-WnapDyBfYEtCv1cUXc/s320/001.jpg" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the start - 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can I say except smiles all around. I was looking forward to the race this year. It is definitely one of my favourites. It definitely was not as chilly as last year (see below) but the surprise in store for us was going to be the wind and boy did she blow. I kept telling myself that it was good Argus training. There were times it felt as if I was going to be blown off my bike but I held on tight - really tight. LOL</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKG9PsLoYOcVtw7yMgEvD5S5Lx39sma3q7I0GWZu_ttiGOPPKyW3mZ5Q5qrkEqS1nZ4xGW0Ox94xfLmGPoNwn0ZX5aNHNrrDbdTgjYvcCZcsXal6hSvz_WzdaiXlRPZvowd4yazvJvY/s1600/start1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMKG9PsLoYOcVtw7yMgEvD5S5Lx39sma3q7I0GWZu_ttiGOPPKyW3mZ5Q5qrkEqS1nZ4xGW0Ox94xfLmGPoNwn0ZX5aNHNrrDbdTgjYvcCZcsXal6hSvz_WzdaiXlRPZvowd4yazvJvY/s320/start1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remember : At the start 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8H47uFZqnB9RAku9D-an5EhYXXurx0rkAMwPfGAreTyYUci0K5dC5p6XZQXE3Pz9_YyakkNE_7yH15SkMujgUYlVpeJhZsZUkTgmOuOKX4u3-jmx5Ee7aWDw5q-4FRdWvUanWfQRHkk/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8H47uFZqnB9RAku9D-an5EhYXXurx0rkAMwPfGAreTyYUci0K5dC5p6XZQXE3Pz9_YyakkNE_7yH15SkMujgUYlVpeJhZsZUkTgmOuOKX4u3-jmx5Ee7aWDw5q-4FRdWvUanWfQRHkk/s320/004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing over the start line 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Up until around the 40km mark I was having my best race ever. My pace was good and best of all I was feeling great. Ready to conquer the cycling world - the races ahead of me were not going to be that bad. Then the wind let herself be really known and the worst was it was a headwind. My word!! The legs just don't get a break - you have to pedal your heart out if on a downward slope. Ugghhh!! Thankfully I'd done the route last year and smelt the finish line and just pushed myself. I was not letting myself down. For the first time in a long time I nearly burst into tears crossing over the finish line. I was just grateful to be finished. But now the thoughts in my head were not good and all of a sudden I wasn't feeling so confident about the 2 big races ahead of me. The Jacaranda Satellite Classic is next weekend - 97km's. I'm still wondering what I was thinking when I hit the enter key.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL13b9MYJDBOBBfhpty9ewFj_1NCQVjCBhsPJvD53rKXhxm1dgu9HkCmJZNF4uILv__Vap9TZ5_D1qdS4w17MXMziNON6NP8vkYSWqE2QZYYfwb_2J7IRvOCPZdLgW4lqYnRmCdq5Jpg8/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL13b9MYJDBOBBfhpty9ewFj_1NCQVjCBhsPJvD53rKXhxm1dgu9HkCmJZNF4uILv__Vap9TZ5_D1qdS4w17MXMziNON6NP8vkYSWqE2QZYYfwb_2J7IRvOCPZdLgW4lqYnRmCdq5Jpg8/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanking the heavens above! The finish line 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCjyVHblRg002_yAuViP-yTTZYfk1T_jqlN5UGS84Ev-LJolQl4b0Rp9tQxQLrFV0JytIOkaK_-l5NGG_v1Xd17rYdKRzJ6qaiKTXs8WHmbQtswsQExO_weYSpU3fmNxFjmZzXj-5iD4/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCjyVHblRg002_yAuViP-yTTZYfk1T_jqlN5UGS84Ev-LJolQl4b0Rp9tQxQLrFV0JytIOkaK_-l5NGG_v1Xd17rYdKRzJ6qaiKTXs8WHmbQtswsQExO_weYSpU3fmNxFjmZzXj-5iD4/s320/009.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legs are tired!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We waited for my friend Sandi to come in and then went off to find Harry. Harry wanted to watch the prize giving and all I wanted to do was head to the car. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I look forward to doing this one again next year. Guaranteed I'll be lighter even at goal if I play my cards right. :-) Heck, I might be brave and do the slighly longer one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I finished in 2hrs44 - an improvement on last year. Last year was 3hrs26 </span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-71995607848186530182010-10-09T16:53:00.001+02:002010-10-09T16:55:16.328+02:0020 Kilograms lost (44 lbs)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VCXQ7fhuDO3dXfQhVoWsUURR3QgrMTf6ZZ99zT5zJtfnrub3IyCIdL5QgaWf4wKHdfDJpRCH0yEeLl485ysLu6tRekfRVz8JrNhw9pHonlBEpcSuMvwBUrksWQzAc9-4J2ov4cD3Enc/s1600/20kg+down+-+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VCXQ7fhuDO3dXfQhVoWsUURR3QgrMTf6ZZ99zT5zJtfnrub3IyCIdL5QgaWf4wKHdfDJpRCH0yEeLl485ysLu6tRekfRVz8JrNhw9pHonlBEpcSuMvwBUrksWQzAc9-4J2ov4cD3Enc/s320/20kg+down+-+print.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's official, I've lost 20 kilograms (44 lbs) since I started this journey Jan/Feb 2009. When I started this journey with Weight Watchers I weighed in at 104.4 kg's, today I weighed in with Weigh Less at 84.4 kilograms. Woohooo!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was only expecting to reach this mini goal next week. Last weekend was not perfect with the Jubilate School Carnival and then on Sunday when my sticky paws landed on some fudge and then some lamb ribs. Not perfect choices. By Tuesday the scale at gym declared that I had picked up the weight I had lost last week (400 grams), I was going to have to work hard which I did. I upped the cardio, slotted in some kettlebells and skipping and stuck to the plan. This morning when I stepped on the scale - I think I closed my eyes tightly shut, not wanting to see the damage or if I had managed to make up for my bad weekend. I couldn't believe it when I was 1.4 kg's down. Wow!! Hard work certainly pays off. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">This makes me almost 10kg's lighter than last year this time. Tomorrow is the Race for Victory Race.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkzxJ6NqOoaVJ7zw_4VOR8vk9oKvVOb3wd2QUcflRhcLsxb2Rlb79xfZkmmzSSAf69ULnQKqwO5740q4QNH0l9BeEMs9L7IKEkSuVGP8AhadioATqS14hP2vr5V1JtPF-pCE2MFB7cSI/s1600/finished3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkzxJ6NqOoaVJ7zw_4VOR8vk9oKvVOb3wd2QUcflRhcLsxb2Rlb79xfZkmmzSSAf69ULnQKqwO5740q4QNH0l9BeEMs9L7IKEkSuVGP8AhadioATqS14hP2vr5V1JtPF-pCE2MFB7cSI/s320/finished3.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the end of Race for Victory 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished this race in 3h30 or something around there. One of my slower rides. This year I am hoping to finish in under 2h30. That will be something.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I rejoined Weigh Less about 9 weeks ago and since joining I have lost 7.3 kg's. Each and every week I have lost - I am so excited. This time around something is working. I don't feel deprived and believe it is all about choices. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I still have 20 kg's or so to go. This time around there will be NO slacking off. The best part is, is that I feel great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Cannot wait to tell you about tomorrow's race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope you're having a super weekend. </span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-38384411823878681352010-09-29T16:49:00.000+02:002010-09-29T16:49:29.830+02:00Bestmed Campus to Campus 2010 - Race Report<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can read about last year's race <a href="http://mmai-shellyd.blogspot.com/2009/09/at-last-minute-bestmed-campus-2-campus.html">here</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My not so favourite part, the early mornings!! We had to get up just before 5am so that we could be out the door by 05:30. Ouch!! Weekends around this time are not my own. Saturdays I tend to be up early as I go to WeighLess at 07:30 to get my weigh-in over and done with, leaving Sundays as the sleep in day but alas that is not to be at the moment. At least this weekend there are no races for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We picked up Harry on the way and off we went. This was a far one, one of the furtherest we have to travel to. We got there just in time. Harry immediately got his bike and stuff sorted and headed for the start line as he was doing the long distance. I went off in search of a toilet. While doing that I quickly munched on a Bran Muffin - yummy! From then onwards it was a mad dash to get everything setup from HR monitor to MP3 player (don't worry I only used one ear piece and can quite comfortably hear everything around me - safety is a priority for me). At least I did not forget the sunglasses behind this time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I met up with my friend Sandi at the start line. Hubby managed to get a few pics and it was time to start. This year the groups were very small. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr2z65BHuLcNg72KHSzLvV740GpxOJnIT4Nby9ceNkN3awACbyRekqKJW0EbPg1h7OX8QHCoiSB_xQmJFp03bBZ50S-7KtryQz8ifW-vpzrafCvJwYmIoLaCBsihuCUM3RhMzymWkGjo/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZr2z65BHuLcNg72KHSzLvV740GpxOJnIT4Nby9ceNkN3awACbyRekqKJW0EbPg1h7OX8QHCoiSB_xQmJFp03bBZ50S-7KtryQz8ifW-vpzrafCvJwYmIoLaCBsihuCUM3RhMzymWkGjo/s320/001.jpg" width="204" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">From the start the wind made itself known and did not let up. I don't think we had a break from it, from head-on to any other direction it could come at us - it did. Sandi was behind me at the beginning and then I lost her - I was on my own with a few riders in front and behind. At least I was not going to be all alone the whole time.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r8cLtNOwVw6dp8DnReUdHDkzO_D_8Z-Om5odnzkqcO3iHyZVYp_OZ40OleOO2LBkmL1fLT8uJLEamCKu3ZjkLoe_8VpS4QGtSc6SOrKPmEouNI0mfrKqNmd4s1Z6j1-a_esKBHl3VDE/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3r8cLtNOwVw6dp8DnReUdHDkzO_D_8Z-Om5odnzkqcO3iHyZVYp_OZ40OleOO2LBkmL1fLT8uJLEamCKu3ZjkLoe_8VpS4QGtSc6SOrKPmEouNI0mfrKqNmd4s1Z6j1-a_esKBHl3VDE/s320/003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">And while I was out doing my thing. My support team found trees. Gotta love those guys. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7jObQe9IAvgOuodq489fR5ArEnd8W3VSC1ZYYwQRYeJaJPe09yziX7DDLAl0HLJL6bTJ1AbcgRMb9_b4HyOGKl7tcLijMaHwzmpjvdG1bVBBCbRgXFqFI99nxMKxBhyphenhyphenf_Q6B2x8qixk/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7jObQe9IAvgOuodq489fR5ArEnd8W3VSC1ZYYwQRYeJaJPe09yziX7DDLAl0HLJL6bTJ1AbcgRMb9_b4HyOGKl7tcLijMaHwzmpjvdG1bVBBCbRgXFqFI99nxMKxBhyphenhyphenf_Q6B2x8qixk/s320/010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I really enjoyed the race even with the wind and when I smelt the finish line I pedalled hard. Hubby even said I came in fast. Told him it helps coming in on a downhill instead of an uphill. Hehehehehehe.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K9KZ3a_QG0d0mSXlK_WDXh87m4jEJemD0IJ-aNyicKYWQmGU0CRkjod2mQaAbMV1oKkNbLa7uaIyPjAgkJVh38iQrIMtIY1MabxiDVo-_LoMS6SGpa0XdWnbRA2iVf064w95nbSULEA/s1600/015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_K9KZ3a_QG0d0mSXlK_WDXh87m4jEJemD0IJ-aNyicKYWQmGU0CRkjod2mQaAbMV1oKkNbLa7uaIyPjAgkJVh38iQrIMtIY1MabxiDVo-_LoMS6SGpa0XdWnbRA2iVf064w95nbSULEA/s320/015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We waited for Sandi and then headed off for some pancakes and refreshments while we waited for Harry to come in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The good news is I improved on last years time :</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">2010 : 2:23:42</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2009 : 2:50:05</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My next race is on the 10th October. It is one of my favourites, Race for Victory. Cannot wait...</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-62806737497035912402010-09-19T19:13:00.000+02:002010-09-19T19:13:28.338+02:00Remember 'Invincible' - Meals on Wheels 2010<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a year since my first 'official' race and what a difference. Doing the happy dance here!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was last year :</span><br />
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<a href="http://mmai-shellyd.blogspot.com/2009/09/invincible.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meals on Wheels 2009</span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B8GObODjJN9QrGW6k8RN9e9tc8FbLv4LwB5wtcVto4E81nYko7AjUgyH7lxUrl-gq4DJWoy85VJT3G2ANPZ_fKfEzdamWwo9Y-k6Z5AqOGNc6te1xe_ax3TyynYA5bFoDDZyTOOnleU/s1600/001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8B8GObODjJN9QrGW6k8RN9e9tc8FbLv4LwB5wtcVto4E81nYko7AjUgyH7lxUrl-gq4DJWoy85VJT3G2ANPZ_fKfEzdamWwo9Y-k6Z5AqOGNc6te1xe_ax3TyynYA5bFoDDZyTOOnleU/s320/001.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Support Crew, Member 'J'</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzDHakAZqMC8TV__hXlkQm1Z1IgQlSh19pV4Er2mBlFAUt2Vtr9-3oG1dl5MYsEUxEPUv7oP8L2p5ddyXnbADy6Kpv1P671OK1ehyy1FAvRKIonzVCUFRrtBBn7BaLRxImdzemj26_jo/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzDHakAZqMC8TV__hXlkQm1Z1IgQlSh19pV4Er2mBlFAUt2Vtr9-3oG1dl5MYsEUxEPUv7oP8L2p5ddyXnbADy6Kpv1P671OK1ehyy1FAvRKIonzVCUFRrtBBn7BaLRxImdzemj26_jo/s320/002.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Support Crew, Member 'B'</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just what were they up to while I was out pedalling....looks like they were up the tree. hehehehehe Sounds like they had loads of fun!! Climbing trees, jumping on the jumping castle, eating pancakes and drinking milo. Definitely fun!!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The race itself started earlier this year and we got away around 8am somewhere. Right from the start we head uphill. Great way to wake those legs up. hehehehehe. I got to the halfway turn poing in just under and hour. The route was undulating. Definitely not flat and fast. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today was spent trying to get past the 'I'm out for a Sunday ride with my BFF' while they're casually riding abreast (taking up most of the road to do this) and catching up on whatever. This is done with no consideration for cyclists or even motor vehicles coming up behind them. Idiots!! The fact of the matter is at the 94.7 there are going to be zillions of these types. I hope I survive!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The GOOD news is that I did improved on my time from last year. Woohooooo!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My official time was 02:09:05 - I was the 204th cyclist in for the 40km out of 224 (not including those who did not finish).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Last year (2009). My official time was 02:31:02 - I came 3rd last. Ouch!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I was not chased by the ambulance and sweeper vehicle and there was no bursting into tears. When hubby asked if my song had played this time - strangley enough, even though it is on my MP3 - Invincible did not come into play today. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iSKRrcnBik1EtMZixiILPimJIJGGhZ9tJLrqmsWEIfG-JK2bJ62tnKH8MHFm03sNywbqlKI_IXaSjNlgmg3gtf6RfZqLQCCqOHvDNvZl3a6sKtR6zYcqHlUnrbNca6NWGkGoMq9B0PA/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iSKRrcnBik1EtMZixiILPimJIJGGhZ9tJLrqmsWEIfG-JK2bJ62tnKH8MHFm03sNywbqlKI_IXaSjNlgmg3gtf6RfZqLQCCqOHvDNvZl3a6sKtR6zYcqHlUnrbNca6NWGkGoMq9B0PA/s320/003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriousley, this needs to go!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With this weight loss, a few things are happening to the shape of my body. This is one in particular that I HATE with a passion and seems to be more noticable when I'm on my bike (sad face). It appears that this middle section is definitely going to be the last to go. Ouch!! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG1SG1BGnNoFkJ-Mmo682W-UB82uhaqY9El4BEWTm4Fns8KoIJ3UdISBsn3D50IoPiUKhJl5L9cyn_PzhmWW9N6TZ0Ia23d2ntrVkdQxAK5os1lUSHB2ug9D1YhINKt1MCHZ03SKn4hc/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgG1SG1BGnNoFkJ-Mmo682W-UB82uhaqY9El4BEWTm4Fns8KoIJ3UdISBsn3D50IoPiUKhJl5L9cyn_PzhmWW9N6TZ0Ia23d2ntrVkdQxAK5os1lUSHB2ug9D1YhINKt1MCHZ03SKn4hc/s320/004.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Very happy with myself!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqynZwFlBZhsy3vxZAV38MaElvX3sS1mSryj9mRG-cioj3CYSTv-TGrkOiVu9e32N1wsEYgLFy2b_kf32URGdK-j2KWD6jDl5a5AEaMUDmFrDDOLvrRHerWuOlIoNYEvcb2pjNak6hys/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqynZwFlBZhsy3vxZAV38MaElvX3sS1mSryj9mRG-cioj3CYSTv-TGrkOiVu9e32N1wsEYgLFy2b_kf32URGdK-j2KWD6jDl5a5AEaMUDmFrDDOLvrRHerWuOlIoNYEvcb2pjNak6hys/s320/006.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gotta love helmet hair :-)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next week is my second race leading up to the 94.7. I'm looking forward to it. It is 54km's.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Hope everyone had a super weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Before I go. In the past 6 weeks I have lost 5.1 kg's - EXTREMELY happy right now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mich</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-71503274298188102322010-09-09T18:31:00.000+02:002010-09-09T18:31:24.017+02:00Dome 2 Dome or was that Silverstar Casino 2 Silverstar Casino<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3shsXb_xlXntvIrrMibZGvtJc1aqtLl9CVQX9Y699YG2esDe92nmgY-J_aj_p0fTQ2OFhFb215jVlIZwZv5qDN2teV1jBep_TfOUQMXSk2i-ukjlS4YpjghP6h6IDPjwyiLl8MPRi6I/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3shsXb_xlXntvIrrMibZGvtJc1aqtLl9CVQX9Y699YG2esDe92nmgY-J_aj_p0fTQ2OFhFb215jVlIZwZv5qDN2teV1jBep_TfOUQMXSk2i-ukjlS4YpjghP6h6IDPjwyiLl8MPRi6I/s320/003.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guess who joined me!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last Sunday was my first cycle race for the Spring/Summer season. I opted to do the 40 km.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIxPUDxzfG6g6Zw2bQURU9H-GYRN2Xb9ZHDz2XwNydYcsh-Tl2U_tU7Lv_qGIwVjrkc8bP1BKDdFzQY03ScajbdYF2zG1IP8Aj0xf7gWXbG8QjfBhjFqTP0dCvgROUOpaGrIZZmnpx9c/s1600/Dome2Domeprofile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIxPUDxzfG6g6Zw2bQURU9H-GYRN2Xb9ZHDz2XwNydYcsh-Tl2U_tU7Lv_qGIwVjrkc8bP1BKDdFzQY03ScajbdYF2zG1IP8Aj0xf7gWXbG8QjfBhjFqTP0dCvgROUOpaGrIZZmnpx9c/s320/Dome2Domeprofile.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the profile - you guessed it - OUCH!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The night before the race we went out for our youngest's 6th birthday - a nice Italian restuarant which meant I could carbo-load and not do my diet too much damage. The kids then went off with my BIL to spend the night with their cousins. Hubby made an impromptu decision and decided to join me on the race. Some adjustments on my mountain bike and a spare entry that a friend had, and he was all set to go. And GO he did!! He eventually calmed down and slowed down to a pace I could handle. Relief!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I enjoyed this one, well, except for the end bit. When I do it again I hope it will be a me at goal weight. My weight is really slowing me down on the hills **sad face**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We finished the race in just over 3 hrs - around 03:08:something. That hill at the end there killed us. We walked, chatted and begged for mercy but we got up it.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTxQAQbv9Nfqv7c6Pfhoh2ObffmBZene6npeSSFSS2NTKL-xm0yR5WRvBFqxng0gpW7esv3B9yozCwnLZLLrs7a5YXH_DuRTp0foe6aZSskMYx1pIXv5O3ZL062Dw_XZiXiFOp0WbAE/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjTxQAQbv9Nfqv7c6Pfhoh2ObffmBZene6npeSSFSS2NTKL-xm0yR5WRvBFqxng0gpW7esv3B9yozCwnLZLLrs7a5YXH_DuRTp0foe6aZSskMYx1pIXv5O3ZL062Dw_XZiXiFOp0WbAE/s320/004.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We made it!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Fortunately, one of cycling shirts fitted hubby. Don't worry - one day they won't. hehehehehe I'll be in skinnier ones.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I tried a new low GI drink on this ride, 32 GI and was very impressed with it. It cut down on how many gels I needed to take in. On a ride like this it would have been up to 3 gels - making the calorie intake a lot more than it was. I also packed a healthy picnic for afterwards - NO greasy boerewors rolls or hamburgers. **huge grin**</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">The next race is on the 19th. I did this one last year so I am looking forward to comparing. It is the Meals on Wheels race. Fun times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Back soon.....</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-65229402854736153052010-09-08T10:19:00.000+02:002010-09-08T10:19:32.322+02:00Spar Womens Challenge - Centurion (5km fun run/walk)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqKmjOxI8XJXRy5jGDkCOdz0TGpCE_PXSFaRj5WkwdjQfb4At-xbzdnttcXUTpguV7FmZIDzhHwN7zVBUshd7OtdihDnVT7Uvn8MYnrimkx3JRkC5-qtSiYo-CmgXbSrapEJJ0IJr8FQ/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqKmjOxI8XJXRy5jGDkCOdz0TGpCE_PXSFaRj5WkwdjQfb4At-xbzdnttcXUTpguV7FmZIDzhHwN7zVBUshd7OtdihDnVT7Uvn8MYnrimkx3JRkC5-qtSiYo-CmgXbSrapEJJ0IJr8FQ/s320/007.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPilKN7C7H07G0MD5qK7NrWCldRoBNe80pv3w0EXNhsKmmT1hzZ0LolvZlNGtAgxeQHL-ogLv6JkltwIyI4XgjpRHvOI22cPL4p0zo_dkYDHZPSfrRkr_JZJgj7Lp1ddx7nUSsuOiuPvY/s1600/006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPilKN7C7H07G0MD5qK7NrWCldRoBNe80pv3w0EXNhsKmmT1hzZ0LolvZlNGtAgxeQHL-ogLv6JkltwIyI4XgjpRHvOI22cPL4p0zo_dkYDHZPSfrRkr_JZJgj7Lp1ddx7nUSsuOiuPvY/s320/006.jpg" /></a></div>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-66410183419706910782010-08-31T17:46:00.000+02:002010-08-31T17:46:35.836+02:00Back on my bike and loving it<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the weather warming up it was that time, time to get back on my bike. I never realised how much I missed riding my bike until I got back on. With the hopes of being closer to goal weight next year, I might just save up the pennies for some winter gear and try and cycle through the winter. Very brave talk for me because when it is cold, snuggling under the duvet seems like a much more inviting option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At Saturday's weigh-in I was down another 0.8kg's (1.76 lbs). Considering it was a TOM week - I was very happy with the result. So far I am still on track to lose the 10 kg's (22 lbs) by the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge. Woohoo!! Climbing hills with 10 kg's less has got to be easier. Right!! What is different this time around. I watch everything that goes into my mouth. No grabbing greasy burgers etc. after races. I have only done one race and that was a fun run/walk and not eating crap afterwards seems to have been my reward. I did however sneek in a coke. BUT boy am I craving a piece of chocolate and not just any chocolate - it's the new Lindt Mousse dessert ones. Have to figure out how to get this one out of my system.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_P7zabvQab5tkW5J5cn9_xQbEJbYOzmY5TwqjBELXX2_nXzsNiL4gQgiiaLK3ffpNWGKBJXG1puLc4w2DGbbfMvdEiz0mAnz_PWQ1rxTDJGw0f10D5sPCRbRj-zaDjhRY1pBQSRSV9E/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_P7zabvQab5tkW5J5cn9_xQbEJbYOzmY5TwqjBELXX2_nXzsNiL4gQgiiaLK3ffpNWGKBJXG1puLc4w2DGbbfMvdEiz0mAnz_PWQ1rxTDJGw0f10D5sPCRbRj-zaDjhRY1pBQSRSV9E/s320/002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>That hill is still the same</em></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWDwcfi6rYjt4vIjylyVc25kiyCZuyeQAJ4kavBtYkemNK2HjxNGqlpEXGHdb0Wp60_etb6GXdpbNuk7M2TJgrqy5IQ8Up5rvQ5V0CB_wjW8fRFzXCj7QXNVvIeuTRlh14Kv0Qetq22g/s1600/003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZWDwcfi6rYjt4vIjylyVc25kiyCZuyeQAJ4kavBtYkemNK2HjxNGqlpEXGHdb0Wp60_etb6GXdpbNuk7M2TJgrqy5IQ8Up5rvQ5V0CB_wjW8fRFzXCj7QXNVvIeuTRlh14Kv0Qetq22g/s320/003.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>At the top of the hill</em></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure if the Kyalami Race Track is considered the ideal training grounds but for me it is perfect. The major draw card being that it is SAFE and secondly it is a few minutes drive from home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At least this time I made it all the way to the top of the hill. When I first started cycling I walked this hill often before being able to ride it all the way to the top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Read here <a href="http://mmai-shellyd.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-first-ride-at-kyalami-race-track.html">about my first ride at Kyalami 2009</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Coming soon....My first 5km fun walk report.</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1666387646526360837.post-72707608620065910072010-08-29T16:10:00.001+02:002010-08-29T16:15:03.108+02:00Riding the 94.7 Cycle Challenge for Pink Drive<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not sure if you remember but a couple of posts back I mentioned that this year I will be riding the 94.7 Cycle Challenge for Pink Drive - <em>'Pink Drive is a non-profit organisation that is committed to improving breast cancer awareness, education, and providing and offering services to women across South Africa, particularly to those who do not have access to information on breast health'</em>. Read more over here <a href="http://www.pinkdrive.co.za/">Pink Drive</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I need to raise R3 000.00 to be apart of the Pink Drive team on the day. So far I have managed to raise R1 680.00 I am halfway there. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to this very worthwhile cause so far. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">My donor page : please <a href="http://www.race4charity.co.za/index.php?option=com_competitor&view=profile&Itemid=71&id=98&rid=15">donate here</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Today while at the Natural & Organic Exhibition which was combined with The Women's Show I bumped into the peeps from Pink Drive. What an amazing bunch of ladies. After chatting to Lize de Jonge (Project Manager) I feel a lot more informed about mammograms and what to expect. What I especially love about this project is that they take it to various clinics where they offer this service for free to those who cannot afford it. </span><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Arial;">You will be hearing a lot about this charity initiative in the next 3 months. I'm proud to be apart of it.</span>ShellyDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452447638666408435noreply@blogger.com1