Me, Myself and I ...

Loving my SA

2011-05-21T09:41:00.000+02:00

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.

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.

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!!

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.

I have been a bit of a sloth lately and being eating way too many carbs. The ~~bathroom~~ 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.

D.I.E.T.

2011-04-08T12:28:00.000+02:00

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

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...

DID I EAT THAT!!

I suppose I should be grateful that I am ~~not putting on weight~~ okay, maybe just a little bit but for the most part I'm maintaining BUT I don't want to maintain. **Sob**

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 ~~step~~ keystroke at a time for now. LOL

I'll leave you with this family portrait which was taken this past weekend by a very good friend of mine.

VA Sunninghill 5km Fun Run - Sunday, 27 March 2011

2011-03-29T17:16:00.002+02:00

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.

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.

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

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...

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.

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

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.

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.

Bad carbs/junk in equates to horrid performance

2011-03-24T16:59:00.000+02:00

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 ~~crap~~ hell??

Upon reflection I came to the conclusion that it is all the junk, aka ~~crap~~ 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!!

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 ~~crap~~ 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.
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

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

You're doing a what....?

2011-03-23T18:05:00.000+02:00

I'm doing a Duathlon...can you hear a whoop-whoop

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.

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

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.

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. :-)

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??

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.

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!!

What are you up to?

Homework

2011-03-21T19:11:00.000+02:00

That is what my 10 year old solemly declared to me!!

I think he was trying to convince me that....

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.

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!!

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.

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.

Forgive me

2011-02-17T15:54:00.000+02:00

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.

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.

Coming soon to a computer screen near you - the mosted hated word in our household at the moment.......

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T20:23:00.000+02:00

and a promise to blog more.....

Have a good one...

Love and hugs

Mich

The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is almost upon us

2010-11-17T15:28:00.000+02:00

It's about time I caught up on this blog. Forgive me for being absent for so long.

Firstly, I should let you know that I finished the Jacaranda Satellite Classic (94 km's) in 5h25 - Woohoooo for me!!

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.

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. :-))

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.

Always happy at the start of a race

Coming up to the finish line. It felt like forever - thankfully I had a friend encouraging me along on the side

I'm not sure if that is a smile or a grimace from pain. hehehehehe

I was in the last 10 timed cyclists to come in. Let me tell you - I was just happy to finish.

I am confident that I will have a great race this coming Sunday and that I will finish.

To everyone who has supported me, a HUGE big THANK YOU!!

Hekpoort or is that 'cycling hill hell'

2010-10-16T16:54:00.001+02:00

What was I thinking? Apparently I was feeling very brave the moment I hit the 'enter' button.

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.

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.

Apparently, I can't even find photos for this race - clearly not a good memory.

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.

Some positive thoughts...

Hekpoort is earlier in the race this year and not near the end.
I am thinner.
I am stronger.
I am on my road bike.
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.

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. :-)

I am going to give it my best shot.

Race for Victory 2010

2010-10-16T11:25:00.000+02:00

At the start - 2010

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

Remember : At the start 2009

Crossing over the start line 2010

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.

Thanking the heavens above! The finish line 2010

Legs are tired!!

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.

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.

I finished in 2hrs44 - an improvement on last year. Last year was 3hrs26

20 Kilograms lost (44 lbs)

2010-10-09T16:53:00.001+02:00

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!!

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.

This makes me almost 10kg's lighter than last year this time. Tomorrow is the Race for Victory Race.

At the end of Race for Victory 2009

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.

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.

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.

Cannot wait to tell you about tomorrow's race.

Hope you're having a super weekend.

Bestmed Campus to Campus 2010 - Race Report

2010-09-29T16:49:00.000+02:00

You can read about last year's race here

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.

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.

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.

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.

And while I was out doing my thing. My support team found trees. Gotta love those guys.

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.

We waited for Sandi and then headed off for some pancakes and refreshments while we waited for Harry to come in.

The good news is I improved on last years time :

2010 : 2:23:42

2009 : 2:50:05

My next race is on the 10th October. It is one of my favourites, Race for Victory. Cannot wait...

Remember 'Invincible' - Meals on Wheels 2010

2010-09-19T19:13:00.000+02:00

It has been a year since my first 'official' race and what a difference. Doing the happy dance here!!

This was last year :

Meals on Wheels 2009

The Support Crew, Member 'J'

Support Crew, Member 'B'

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!!

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.

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!!

The GOOD news is that I did improved on my time from last year. Woohooooo!!

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).

Last year (2009). My official time was 02:31:02 - I came 3rd last. Ouch!!

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.

Seriousley, this needs to go!!

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!!

Very happy with myself!!

Gotta love helmet hair :-)

Next week is my second race leading up to the 94.7. I'm looking forward to it. It is 54km's.

Hope everyone had a super weekend.

Before I go. In the past 6 weeks I have lost 5.1 kg's - EXTREMELY happy right now.

Mich

Dome 2 Dome or was that Silverstar Casino 2 Silverstar Casino

2010-09-09T18:31:00.000+02:00

Guess who joined me!!

Last Sunday was my first cycle race for the Spring/Summer season. I opted to do the 40 km.

This was the profile - you guessed it - OUCH!!

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!!

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**

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.

We made it!!

Fortunately, one of cycling shirts fitted hubby. Don't worry - one day they won't. hehehehehe I'll be in skinnier ones.

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**

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.

Back soon.....

Spar Womens Challenge - Centurion (5km fun run/walk)

2010-09-08T10:19:00.000+02:00

Back on my bike and loving it

2010-08-31T17:46:00.000+02:00

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.

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.

That hill is still the same

At the top of the hill

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.

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.

Read here about my first ride at Kyalami 2009

Coming soon....My first 5km fun walk report.

Riding the 94.7 Cycle Challenge for Pink Drive

2010-08-29T16:10:00.001+02:00

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 - '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'. Read more over here Pink Drive

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.

My donor page : please donate here

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.

You will be hearing a lot about this charity initiative in the next 3 months. I'm proud to be apart of it.

Living it...or should that be loving it...

2010-08-22T19:33:00.000+02:00

I am heading to my third week of Weigh Less and I happy to report another 1 kg down. Woohooo!!

The new plans offer such a variety that I try and spend more time trying to fit in the yummy meals more than worrying about what to eat. This is a good thing as lunches have been my downfall. From toasted wholewheat/brown pita with feta, onion and tomato to wholewheat wraps with lean bacon, avo and other salad goods. Good stuff. I'm still however avoiding those cans of tuna - what's with that. hehehehehe I just cannot seem to swallow tuna lately.

So right now I am living the Weigh Less way and loving it. It is giving me ideas - I probably would have never of thought of these meals for lunch. It has taken the boring and mundane and made it interesting. Some days may not be a 100% but when I stray - I enjoy the moment for what it is and savour it. Like on Saturday when I enjoyed the Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks or that half a cup cake today.

But now I worry...

For the past two weeks I've dropped the 1kg a week but from tomorrow I throw cycling into the mix. Last year when I started cycling the weight loss came to a practical grinding halt - I'm hoping that between Weigh Less + Eat Smart for Sport by Liesbet Delport that this time I'll keep everything on track so to speak. My aim is to be 10 kg's down by the next 94.7 - and so far we're 2 kg's down. 8 to go. By keeping focus, the cheats to a minimum - I know that I can do this.

Time to dust off the Road Bike and Charity initiative

2010-08-14T14:46:00.000+02:00

94.7 Cycle Challenge 2009

It is that time of the year. Spring is in the air (while almost) and the cycling season gets into full swing. Yep, it is time to dust off my trusty stead (road bike) and hit the road. Well, not literally I hope.

This year feels alot more organised. I know exactly which races I want to do and I know which charity I am raising funds for. Yep, last year I rode for the Sunflower Fund in the 94.7. This year I will be riding for Pink Drive, you can read up more over here : Pink Drive Charity initiative (Breast Cancer awareness and prevention). They are hoping to get about 400 cyclists to raise about R1 million which will enable the Pink Drive organisation to purchase another Educational truck that will travel the country educating people that early detection can save lives.

I need to raise R3000.00 (about $410.00). This means that at the least, I need to find 30 people (family, friends, aquaintances, generous souls) to donate R100.00 ($15.00 - worked on an approx. exchange rate of R7.50 to the $1.00) each. But any amount can be donated. Donations can be sent via Paypal, SMS and EFT. Please donate here if you can. I'd really appreciate it and you would be supporting a good cause.

Should I not be able to raise the R3000.00, the money that has been donated will still go to the Pink Drive Charity - I just won't be able ride with the group. I will still, however, be taking part in the race should this happen. But I am determined to raise the R3000.00

Taking part in my first Road Race (Meals on Wheels) with my mountain bike...very grateful for my road bike - it is much lighter.

Meals on Wheels will be my first race this season and it is taking place on the 19th September. There is another one which takes place on the 5th September but I'm still deciding.

My main focus this time around will be weight loss. I want to be at least 10kg's lighter by the 94.7. I can honestly say that I have been down this road a thousand times, well, this time the POA is already in action and I have already lost ONE of those kilograms. Woohooo!! I know I can do this!! I have also realised that on the weekends that I do race that I don't have to eat for an army and that eating normally will suffice but the plan is also not to race every weekend but knowing me and how much I love cycling that could change.

So here is to the new season and getting ready. What are your goals??

Chat soon.

Book review : Women Food and God by Geneen Roth

2010-08-04T11:57:00.001+02:00

It would be that very important 'A-HA' moment that I had while reading Chapter 10, which is the very reason I am struggling to write this book review. It's that DARNED VOICE!! I'm working on it and all I can tell you (the rest of the world) and hubby is that, well, Rome was not built in a day - okay. I'm scared (insert you know what here) that I'll do the book an injustice by reviewing it.

Women Food and God is incredible. You know when you sort of know things but it takes reading a book to really 'know' these things. Well that is how WFG was for me.

I can now understand my relationship with food, I can see how I use/d food in moments to numb certain 'feelings' that I just don't want to feel. I can now accept that YES..I do binge. Not everyday, not every week but I have my moments. I also believe that I now have the best tool in my bookshelf to help me heal. WFG has become a constant companion and can be found in the kitchen, in the lounge and next to the bed.

I can see me struggling with the eating guidelines just as Diana is. Visit and read about Diana's WFG experience here so-hows-that-working-out-for-you-diana

After a major flop and trying out one of the newest Fad diets in South Africa - The Tony Ferguson Diet from Australia and sort of taking 20 zillion steps backwards from achieving so much in the past year and a half - I am once again reteaching myself about living healthy and eating healthier. These low carb/low cal diets are really not worth it.

from the book...

"Diets are the outpicturing of your belief that you have to atone for being yourself to be worthy of exisiting."

and further on....

"It will make sense to you that hatred leads to love and that torture leads to peace because you will be operating on the conviction that you must starve or deprive or punish the badness out of you."

Even after reading WFG and agreeing with it and believing it can help me - I still believe I need direction in my quest to eat cleaner and healthier. What we put in our bodies at the end of the day MATTERS!! I am considering continuing with my Weigh Less journey. Whether I will work out my own programme or sign-up has yet to be decided.

You can also read what Connie has to say about WFG here book-review-women-food-and-god
It was Connie's post that actually inspired me to read WFG. Connie has taken it a step further and is doing the 15 week programme women-food-and-god-15-week-program I still need to start this and you can find more info here 15 week programme (the link can be found on this page).

There is also a online retreat : selfguided online retreat I would love to do this but with living in South Africa, even $147 is just out of reach at the moment. One day!!

"Stephen Levine, a Buddhist teacher, says that hell is wanting to be somewhere different from where you are. Being one place and wanting to be somewhere else. Being constantly agitated - another word for nonaccepting - about the inevitable. Being in a relationship with someone and refusing to surrender to the love because you don't want to give yourself to something you will eventually lose."

I may not be following Geneen's ideals to the T but I honestly believe this book can make a difference in my life especially the way I treat myself and my relationship with food. I have created my own hell and I'm working to find my way back to the real me and hopefully heaven.

Enjoy!!

A moment to breathe

2010-08-01T09:33:00.001+02:00

Tanya, me and Flo

We have had very 'social' weekends for the past two months or so. When a gathering we were meant to go today got cancelled I was relieved. No need to rush and go somewhere. Time to stay at home - clean house, do some reflecting and relax!! Not sure housework is relaxing but being at home and just being able to 'be' is heavenly. It won't be too long and cycling events take over weekends and the extra training during the week will keep the whole family busy even if it is only me that gets on the bike at the end of the day. I'm very lucky to have such a supportive family.

Although Spring is not meant to be here for another month or so we have been blessed with 'Spring' days. Being able to dress a bit summery helps with the mood. Isn't it amazing the differences the seasons can make to ones 'state of mind'. One thing you cannot fault South Africa for and that is our weather. Pity violent crime tends to have a lot of us wishing we could immigrate to 'greener' pastures and those who can - have. For the most I love my country but there is a part of it that is scary and leaves me wondering about our futures, especially my boys futures.

I finished 'Women Food and God' by Geneen Roth this morning while enjoying my lie in. I promise to have a review for you shortly. I hope I do it justice - the review - that is.

My cupcake

It was just the right size. Not too big and not too small. A nice end to an amazing buffet breakfast.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend just as much as I am. And if you're in SA like me that you're enjoying the warmer weather.

Women, Food and God - where I'm at...

2010-07-30T09:11:00.000+02:00

I've made it to Chapter 10 so far and I've loving this book.

Back soon...

It's arrived and I cannot wait to get started....

2010-07-21T17:40:00.000+02:00

Exclusive books called me this afternoon to say my book had arrived. Woohooooo!! Thankfully that did not take too long.

I cannot wait to get started....

We've been busy...

2010-07-08T16:51:00.001+02:00

It's been busy these past 30 odd days in the Gebhardt household. From socialising to being totally enthralled with the FIFA World Cup. We even attended one of the games. Will I ever really watch football / soccer (as I love to call it) ever again or as much as I have these past weeks - Nah - not likely....LOL

We spent a weekend in Dullstroom (a popular village to go to - especially for Fly fishing) I'm hooked....

The view over the trout dams at the farm we stayed at

The guys enjoying an early morning stroll around the dams...we were there to celebrate Gareth's 40th birthday (he is in the denim jacket)

We had fun fly fishing... (Stuart)

The boys and I then started getting ready for the game we were going to. We made Makarapas (decorated hard hats) I ended up doing most of the work. LOL

I took a chance and got us tickets for one of the FIFA World cup games. We went to watch USA vs. Algeria. I am so glad that I did get us tickets. This event has been amazing. It will be sad when it comes to an end this Sunday but life must go on. There is life after the FIFA World Cup....I hope.....LOL

Besides supporting our local team, Bafana Bafana (South African Team), we as a family adopted Team USA as the other team we would be supporting. Sadly, neither team made to the finals (pout) but it was fun watching them trying to get there.

We were seated right at the top of the stands....

The infamous Vuvuzela.....and the boys wearing our Makarapas :-))

The sun setting over the stadium (Loftus)

We also attended the Fan Fest at Montecasino with some of our friends. Football / Soccer has really being at the center of everything social here at the moment.

Serious conversations about the game....

Hubby and me - yeah those hats were hillarious.....LOL

We will not talk about diets because apparently all plans of doing the right thing DID NOT HAPPEN!! As much as I enjoyed this past month it has had its downfalls. Time to pick myself up, dust myself off and get back to what I know. My body has taken a beating and I feel blegh!!! I am also currently fighting off a cold. Don't you just hate those.

Next week the kids are back at school. Not only am I look forward to it but so are the boys.

Time to get back into routine.....

Low Carb = NO GOOD!!

2010-06-04T08:36:00.000+02:00

Being physically active and wanting an active lifestyle I have come to the conclusion that low carb diets are not the greatest, well, for me anyways.

The shakes did offer a solution in that I didn't really have to think or plan around my meals too much. Some water, shaker and whatever shake I wanted. Easy peasy. BUT - I felt like cr@p!! They started getting sweeter and sweeter and eventually all I wanted to do was gag and run. Not a way to enjoy ones lifestyle. Another hard lesson learnt.

The risk with this low-carb diet is that you will lose weight and FAST (but is it all fat or are you losing muscle mass along with it). You risk slowing your metabolism, so while your weight loss is fast in the beginning it does slow down and in this vicious cycle you end up starving yourself more to lose even more weight. So bye-bye low-carb diet for me. I was trying one that has recently become available in South Africa and is made in Australia. Sadly I found the consultants lacking in knowledge and only being keen to make a sale (to my horror I found out that they earn commission on product sales).

Back to planning menus and working hard at losing this weight.

I'll be back soon about stuff I have learnt...GI, GL and balanced eating plans and DOING this for life....

What I am busy with...

2010-06-03T17:45:00.000+02:00

This book is fabulous. An answer to a long time prayer.

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Kettlebells

2010-05-02T09:01:00.000+02:00

I just ordered this book. I cannot wait for it to arrive and luckily for me it is available locally so I should have it in a week or so. Woot, woot....

I am convinced that this is one of the BEST workouts anyone could have. Last week Thursday I had a session with April and we did some Kettlebells, well, today is the first time I can sit and stand up without yelping in pain. Every muscle in my legs screamed - they had worked hard. It was a good pain and here I am wanting MORE!! Crazy - huh

We have had the worst - miserable weather ever. It's been cold and the sun has disappeared for days on end. It's been grey, wet and miserable. When the sun does appear it seems to be for brief periods.

The diet is going well. I have had a few hiccups this past week and have maintained and not lost. I am happy to report a 2.2 kg loss however in the first two weeks of being on the plan.

With cold seemed to come the need to eat carbs. The carb cravings won but I will have my revenge. I was telling hubby yesterday that after a dose of 'refined' carbs I feel gross. My body feels sluggish and yuck but when those carbs first touch those taste buds it tastes like heaven. I need to keep reminding myself of the after effects which last much longer than the heavenly taste.

I am enjoying making the winter stash of homemade veggie soup - I'm just hoping that I don't get tired of it too soon. Winter has only just begun.

The cycling is slowly coming to a grinding halt for the moment.  The mornings are way too cold and it's dark as well. Although we would not be cycling in the dark - the cold will most certainley still be there. It's getting up when it is dark - that is the problem and especially on a weekend when sleeping-in sounds like a much better option under a warm snuggly duvet.

There is a race I would like to do in July. The huge stage race that I was aiming for in June has been put on hold for now. Upon reflection I would rather the do the 1 day stage race when I am much fitter and in a better condition to know that I will finish it. At first I was upset about this but I have to be real with myself. These races do not come cheap. We would have to pay for accomodation etc. etc. and to not really enjoy it because I am not in good enough shape would not be fun or justify the expense. The one is July I believe is doable. It is 108km's long. I have already complete a 100km race so I know I can do this as long as I keep my training up. It also gives me just over 2 months in which I can focus on losing some weight.

Have a super week everyone. I am going to work on my training plan for the week coming.

My favourite photo right now

2010-05-02T07:57:00.000+02:00

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Ice Skating

2010-04-27T17:26:00.000+02:00

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Biltong

2010-04-22T15:27:00.001+02:00

For M-Pax.

Biltong is cured meat and is much loved here in South Africa. Various meat is used to make biltong from beef to the various game found here in South Africa. I much prefer beef :-)) I purchase the one that is almost fat free and is very yummy. Makes for a great protein snack if I'm out and about.

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It's for life!!

2010-04-22T14:56:00.000+02:00

I have been on this weight loss journey for just over a year now. To date I have lost about 16kg's but it has been hard work, many plateau's and months of utter frustration.

I constantly have to keep telling myself that while I am trying to lose fat at the same time I am building muscle. As well, around big cycling events I have no other choice but to do some carbo loading, unless I want to 'bonk' while cycling (basically run out of energy while doing a big race). I love going to gym and cannot see myself sitting at home not doing it - it has become so much a part of my life that it's hard not to envision not going.

All of these things affect the number on those scales. It has taken me a year to accept this but some days I still get frustrated even if I am aware of the ‘science’ taking place. The scale is rarely my best friend. But the changes I see in my body say more than a scale number could or should ever say. But here is the thing – nobody every wants to know what size clothing you’re wearing or how many sizes you have dropped. The big question is ‘how much weight have you lost?’ and ‘What does the scale say?” I hate these questions because I believe the scale never ever really tells the full story behind these journeys we embark on.

I chose the TF Weight Loss Programme because I got tired of constantly thinking about what to prepare, when to prepare, how to prepare for 3 meals a day, as well as 2 snacks while still trying to do everything else from being a mom and a wife. I liked the idea of paying a once off fee instead of a monthly fee to go and weigh-in and then still spending fortunes on all the foods I would need and sometimes having to prepare 2 different meals. And for the first time, the recipes are actually easy to do, taste great and the whole family enjoys them. I have not found this on any of the other programmes I have been on.

Some days I am concerned about the low carb part, especially with the amount of exercising I do but as I head into week 3, I can honestly say I am feeling great. The first week was hell and but I survived and it does get better. For cycling races I will need to carbo load but I believe as long as I make the BEST food choices, I will be okay. On the days that I really workout I do take in extra as well.

This is my ‘I REFUSE to feel GUILTY’ treat:

After cycling races we pull into a KFC for my Choc brownie Sundae treat. Most races I burn between 1 300 to 3 000 calories. I know I've worked hard for it. :D This is my strictly 'Not going to feel guilty' pleasure.

I’ll be honest I am not perfect at this. I cannot claim to be 100% on plan all the time BUT it is a stepping stone to healthy living and giving it my best. I would be fooling myself if I believed that once I had achieved goal weight that I could go back to old habits, give up gym and cycling because then I would just be back at square one.

And it is this : The MOST IMPORTANT information I can share with you about this journey. If you don’t learn or not prepared to work at it every day, even if you miss a step here or there - THEN why bother at all because you have learnt nothing. You will blame the weight loss programme and everyone else but at the end of the day, it is YOU who has failed yourself!!

It's working.....

2010-04-14T20:03:00.000+02:00

Last week Wednesday : 90.1 kg's
This week Wednesday : 88.9 kg's

Loss = 1.2 kg's (2.4 pounds)

I'll be honest....

* Sunday was not a brilliant food day - it involved decadence but I did not make a total glutton of myself.

* Peanut butter on a spoon has become my newest best friend. When I need a pick-up and my energy levels are crashing - PB comes to the rescue.

* I had a slice of Black Forest cake on my birthday and then a leftover slice the following night.

* I snack on fruit and biltong before and after exercising - it seems to be helping.

I am EXTREMELY happy with that.

I have resorted to my ol' faithful fibre to help keep things moving through this transition period and for the icky crampy, bloated feelings - Gastro Choice to the rescue. Fortunately I was able to purchase this through our Medical Aid Savings which was a BIG help as it is not cheap 'come middle of the month' time. Eeeek!!

Birthday Celebrations

2010-04-12T20:54:00.000+02:00

Me with my Best Friend Tanya

Part of the view

Birthday's are FUN!! Although I must admit that this one was a quiet one. The boys headed back to school today after their first term break and I once again had the house to myself and could settle back into my usual school day routine.

Josh was full of the beans this morning and came bouncing into the room to wake me up to wish me Happy Birthday and to hand over my gift. He then had to rush off to wake up his brother so that I could open it up. Sweethearts!!

On Sunday my BGF Tanya took me to the Westcliff Hotel for morning tea. I had so much fun and it was really great just being with her and being able to just chat. We haven't been able to do that since her mom's death. This morning tea is quite an affair and thoroughly enjoyable. The most gorgeous savouries, cakes, tartlets and scones with jam and fresh cream are served. It was hard not to indulge but I behave myself. There was also a variety of teas and coffees.

I even managed to get to gym today and attend a spinning class. My heart was not in it and I ended up taking it easier than I usually do. Let's just say my mind was everywhere else but on Spinning. I still had fun.

Do I feel a year older. Nah!! LOL At least this year I didn't have to share my birthday with the Easter Bunny. Boy, does that dude get all the attention when your birthday ends up being on Easter Sunday. LOL

On Wednesday I will have my first weigh-in with this specific diet I'm giving a try. It's going great - I do worry sometimes that I'm not actually getting in enough but I am trying to play around with it a bit and adapt it where I can. I definitely know that before a race and the day of a race that it would probably not be the best move to stick to it 100%. I am suffering from lots of headaches which I believe is from detoxing - I hope they disappear soon.

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. In all honesty I cannot wait for the next one. I have a race ahead of me. Woohoo!! I'm looking forward to getting back onto my bike. :-))

Hugs

This weeks exercise plan : 12 April to 18 April 2010

2010-04-11T19:24:00.002+02:00

I'm back to doing these. I find that if I don't write it down here, I don't hold myself accountable for some reason. So here goes :

~~Monday : Spinning~~
~~Tuesday : Yoga + PT (Personal Training)~~
~~Wednesday : Weigh-in + Spinning~~
Thursday : PT
Friday : Yoga
Saturday : Rest Day
Sunday : Wilro Cycle Challenge (40km)

Desperate times....

2010-04-08T21:16:00.001+02:00

...call for desperate measures.

After ending up with a SERIOUS Easter HANGOVER, I've decided to take some very desperate measures. Measures I swore I would never take, but enough is enough, and it's time to get tough with this matter of losing weight.

While out window shopping over the long weekend I stumbled onto a possible solution. The weather has been miserable to a point that I started singing a Barney song 'Mr Sun - sun, Mr golden sun......' or something like that, needless to say we have had lots of rain.  With the boys on school break and adding to it some cabin fever for mom - these combined do not a good mixture make.

So!!  We walk past one of the BIG pharmacy retailers and there in the window in BIG FLASHING NEON lights (just kidding about those big flashing lights) is something that could potentially be my 'weight loss salvation'. BUT - one wee teensy weeny lil problem - I scorn on such answers.  Now I'm desperate and so I went home, got onto the internet and started investigating...I liked what I was reading, could this diet be the kick up the patootie that I so desperately need!! The costs don't seem that bad and with some tweaking, I am going to give this my best shot to drop some kilo's and hopefully quicker than I have been.

The argument I had with myself :

Two meals are replaced with shakes/soups with a third meal being made up of a protein and unlimited veg. One of the replacement meals also includes a healthy serving of veg/salad. There are also snacks (fruit).

Argument : I have never believed that meal replacement shakes are the answer but here I am giving it a try.

Some will agree, some will disagree and some will STRONGLY disagree...so I will tell you honestly that I have looked at this from every possible angle.

I know that this is not a way of life - I will have to get back to eating normally at some stage.

It is ~~probably~~ not the best solution but I have made my peace with it and I am giving it a try.

Once you have reached goal weight a maintenance plan is worked out.

March was a month I would really not like to think about ever again. I was filled with indecision, couldn't decide on basic issues and would uhhmmm and ahhhh over the stupidist of things.   Just trying to think what to make for lunch (what to eat, what not to eat) utter frustration. Stupid I know but those are the facts. I ended up miserable, frustrated at everyone around me and worst was I didn't have the answers even though they were simple enough.

For now this diet offers me some freedom from making FOOD decisions. Breakfast and lunch are suddenly a breeze. I no longer panic if I'm going to be out over lunch as there is the perfect solution in my bag nearby. Most of my spinning classes are over lunch time and I got to the point of not wanting to do them as trying to work out lunch around them was getting too much for me. Yes, stupid I know but those are the facts. Trust me I'd end up in tears just thinking about it.   Then fetching one child and then another later - food was just constantly on my mind (what to eat, when to eat and WHAT to eat). Trying to lose weight was becoming a chore!!

Now you are probably wondering why it should be a 'MISSION' - just prepare the meals and VOILA. I wish I could explain it, but from 'VOILA' to 'confusion reigns', is what happened to me. I'm not about to spend thousands on therapy to find out either. After a year of everyday thinking about what to eat, how to prepare it, when to eat it got a bit much for me. I need a break.

I'm sticking to healthing living but I have added these shakes/soups to the mix. They make my life easier. This plan offers healthy easy solutions to my workouts and so far so good.

Cooking is becoming enjoyable again - my meals tasty and healthy. My mind is not filled with all the 'what if's'....

I know some of you might disagree but I hope you stick out this piece of the journey with me.

Hugs

Working up a sweat at gym!

2010-04-08T11:05:00.000+02:00

Time to say bye bye to the Easter hangover.

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See, touch and feel - real goals

2010-04-01T19:49:00.000+02:00

March did not exactly go according to plan. It was so off-plan that I don't think a plan even existed, as it turns out, there was a plan and that plan involved 'self-destruction'.

When you're the person losing the weight it is sometimes hard to see how far you have come.

Yesterday I looked at a photo of myself and OMG - ~~I'm still fat~~. But hang-on how bad did I look 16 kg's ago, when I wasn't gyming, when I wasn't cycling...when I wasn't working at it. There is the 'OMG' factor and there is the 'putting everything in perspective' factor

Over the last weekend I tried on a pair of 'skinny' jeans and a size 18 fitted beautifully - WOW - cannot remember when I last fitted into a size 18. Wake-up Call!! Woohoooo!! BUT - I did not buy the pair of jeans that made me feel like I was on top of the world that day. Today that changed and I walked into the store and bought a size smaller - I bought the size 16. This is a 'do or die' moment - those jeans will fit and soon. All of a sudden I have a goal I can see, touch and feel. It's real!!

How to keep that goal always in sight. Well - it's my wallpaper/theme for my Blackberry. Yep, the new addition in my life. Love my Blackberry.

Test

2010-03-31T10:32:00.000+02:00

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Constant struggle...

2010-03-16T19:58:00.000+02:00

I'm not doing great at the moment - I feel like I'm losing the battle....time for a well needed pep talk!!

Right now each day is a struggle - a struggle to make the right choices. Most of the time they are being made but not all of the time. ((sad face))

I feel battered and bruised - I'm bullying myself. I have only harsh words for myself when they should be words of praise.

I find myself talking myself out of goals - I am my own PERFECT....

Le Saboteur

Most definitely got the t-shirt

2010-03-11T19:10:00.000+02:00

First there was the...weekend indulgence!!

and then there was the......getting back on....

How many times do I have to go through this routine, the 'been there, done that and got the t-shirt' routine. Apparently these hiccups will happen and sometimes often. I live in comfort knowing that getting back on track happens easily enough. These days if I fall of the 'diet wagon', getting back on the 'straight and narrow' is NO problem at all. Relief!!

Last weekend was a 'refined carb' weekend and my stomach hated me come Sunday evening. It hated me through Monday and then through Tuesday, but by Wednesday it felt better. I never want to experience that again. It was the white bread rolls that got me, the little mini caramel swiss rolls and the home-made banana bread - we won't mention all the other great picnic goodies.

I have had some deep and worrying thoughts - hating myself for my own stupidity. Why do I want to take 2 steps forward and then 1 step or more backwards on this journey. I am only making this harder for myself. This week has been a battle to lose what was gained from what was previousley lost. Confusing huh!! To think if I had behaved myself, guaranteed the scale would be a lot nicer to me on Saturday than it is going to be now.

I need to focus. Yes, I do!! You see I have set myself these goals and BIG ones they are. Even as I right this a battle is going on in my head and it goes like this:

Bad me : Just do the 70km's, you can do the 175km's next year.
Good me : It's not about finishing but how far you get - you can do this.
Bad me : No I can't, what was I thinking.
Good me : Believe in yourself, you can do this.
Bad me : You can finish 70 km's why do 175 km's.
Good me : Do it!!

Some days focusing on everything that can go wrong just takes over, instead of focusing on the achievements no matter how big or how small.

Entries opened for the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge and I have entered. This will be taking place on the 21 November and this year I WILL finish it.

I have attended 2 Spinning classes this week. It feels great to back in the classes. Now why did I leave - good question?? I'm just glad to be back. It definitely helps me get my water in - through each session I drink about 1.5 litres. Yippeee!!

Here's hoping that your week is on track or back on track. Here's hoping that if like me you fall off the diet wagon, getting back on track is a breeze!! Don't beat yourself up... oh okay, I do beat myself up, let's try not to beat ourselves up too much. That fact that when we fall, we can pick ourselves up, says so much already.

Oh boy, do I need this today....

2010-03-08T08:13:00.000+02:00

96 Days to go - WCS

2010-03-06T14:19:00.000+02:00

Previous weigh-in : 88.4 Kilograms
This weeks weigh-in : 88 kilograms
Loss : 0.4 kilograms

We have tickets....I swore blind that we would not be going to watch any of the games. The fact that this family has no interest in soccer at all was a BIG part of the decision. BUT - WCS fever is catching on ......well.... with most of the family members - hubby is still not keen at all. I managed to get us tickets to the USA vs. Algeria game taking place at Loftus (not one of the new stadiums). I think the atmosphere/vibe is going to be amazing although I am dreading the vuvuzelas - might need ear plugs for those. LOL They caused some controversy during the Confederations Cup that took place here not to long ago.

Hubby managed to get me an official team shirt for SA - he opted to get a size smaller. Sometimes I think he has more faith in me than I do. So the above pic is the 'before' pic - we'll see what happens weight wise in about 3 months. So many things are happening in 3 months time....

* The FIFA World Cup Soccer
* The Kremetart 175km Stage Race
* Our Belly Dancing annual get together (July) - not only do I have to learn some dance routines but I need to fit into a costume that I'm HAPPY with - otherwise this bod will not be on any stage dancing.

The scale is still moving downwards although slooooooooowly!!!! I know, I know - be happy - RIGHT!! Can you see some impatience on my part creeping in.....

Have a super weekend........

Mich

Where have they gone??

2010-03-02T16:00:00.000+02:00

I was at gym this morning and the Women's change room had significantly less women in it. I could get my usual locker. Get upstairs - not as busy. Yoga - just us regulars. The 'resolutionists' have quit, it appears.

It will be interesting to see if there is a difference in the attendance levels this evening. Tuesday nights are baaaaaaad - they have been so bad that it is difficult to find parking.

This morning while doing yoga and then followed by a strength training session I got to thinking how I have been doing this for a year. End November/December being the only time I really didn't go to gym that much. I still love it and I still look forward to it. I LOVE how it makes me feel - definitely a 'feel good' day after being to gym. My routine constantly changes, even now I'm plotting new classes and changes to my routine because my cycling is slowing down - it is now time to kick A$$ and say goodbye to this FAT!!

Here is me a year later, I think I've surprised a few people - including ME!!

A year ago if you asked me if I would be cycling, 10 -1 I would have laughed at you. You're kidding me - right!! ME .... on a bike, seriousley!! I'm glad it's a door that I didn't keep shut. I'm glad I peaked through it and opened it wider because I'm loving it...........................................

I don't shout YIPPEE when the gym quietens down - I'm sad because for whatever reason - peeps didn't fall in love with it, or it wasn't working for them or for whatever reason....I find them quitting - SAD!!

Race report : Carnival City Macsteel Cycle Challenge 2010

2010-03-01T16:43:00.001+02:00

Start Information:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start Time (Official): 8:25:17

Start Time (Reel): 8:26:07

Distance: 65 Km

Category: Vets 30-39

Batch: CM

Finish Information:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Finish Time (Gross): 3:06:59

Finish Time (Net): 3:06:09

Avg. Speed (min/km): 2:52

Avg. Speed (km/h): 20.95

Race Positions:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Category (Gross): 52 out of 57

Gender (Gross): 192 out of 212

Over All (Gross): 617 out of 676

Category (Net): 52 out of 57

Gender (Net): 192 out of 212

Over All (Net): 617 out of 676

(does not include cyclists who rode without timing chips)

I had originally entered for the longer route - 103 km's but was not quite feeling up for another century so I dropped back to ride with my friend Sandi in the 65 km race. We got there very early and had plenty of time to make our way to the start line - and this time I had breakfast. Yippeee and I managed to get it all down. Some yummy oats.

I took a big chance and tried some new energy gels - it is not reconmended to try any new products on race day. With the shorter distance I decided it was worth the risk as I was treating this as a training ride anyway. They worked fabulously and I'll definitely be using them in all my races. I tried the GT Gels and Replenish Overdrive for hydration : Form and fitness

I loved the taste and not once did I feel queesy - my stomach definitely coped. I will definitely be looking at the full range of products for supporting my races and training - especially with regards to my attempting the Kremetart 175 km Stage race.

Back to the race - we started at about 08:25 (late start), the heat of the day already beating down on us. We started on the right side and managed to wangle our way over to the left hand side - a much safer place to be. 30 minutes in and we made a quick stop to take our respective gels and take in some fluids (I really need to learn how to do this on the go). I was really feeling strong and shortly after our stop I last Sandi - the wind proved challenging and slowed me down but thankfully my legs felt strong. I wish I could say the same for my 'cookie' - a certain part of the anatomy that is in constant contact with the saddle. OUCH!! Fortunately for me, today I found a group of cyclists placing an order with a supplier in the UK and I quickly jumped on the bandwagon and ordered another saddle - hopefully this will help with the issues I have been having lately.

When we had about 20km's to go I wondered if I was going to quit due to the pain I was experiencing but I gritted my teeth - and focused on catching up to various riders in front of me.

I also somehow managed to drop my chain during the race which required me to keep my wits about me while I got it back on - thankfully it behaved mostly after that.

Hubby and sms'ed me that he had decided to catch a movie while I was out on the road - so instead of the quickie phone call to say that I didn't have far to go - I thought it was wise to let him enjoy his movie - he is my biggest supporter and deserved some timeout. ((grin)) I crossed the finish line with hopes that I had finally done a sub 3 hour but alas when the results came out I was just over by 6 minutes. Needless to say I was unhappy and kept trying to think where I could have pushed more - if I can avoid stopping to take the gels and fluids in that will be a huge save time wise. The wind was also a factor, as well as the constant burning/sharp stabbing pains in my groin area with the saddle issues. It might be time as well to check the set-up of my bike and to make double sure that everything is where it should be. Maybe TMI but going to the loo had me bursting in tears - NOT GOOD at ALL!!

This is the saddle I am going to get :

It is the Madison L21Z Comfort Zone D2 Saddle

It has the following features :

A sporty saddle for women with a pressure relieving cutaway

• Built in flexi-rail support reduces vibration transmitted through the rails for the ultimate smooth ride
* Dual-density base with thermo-formed Kraton inserts provides soft andflexible support to the sit bones
• Specially designed Comfort Zone base helps to reduce pressure build up and discomfort around the sit tissues and organs for maximum comfort
• Strong, dependable 4130 Cr-Mo rails offer fantastic strength with little weight penalty
• Multi-density foam padding for cushioned comfort and effective shock absorption
• Vacuum bonded cover uses a special process which bonds the cover material to the base of the saddle without the use of staples or glue, giving a seamless finish and maximum durability

I didn't think I had managed to get too far ahead of Sandi and was surprised to find out that I had come in about 28 minutes ahead of her. I thought that was a huge achievement as I consider Sandi to be a much stronger rider than me as she has been doing this a whole lot longer.

All in all I loved this race and I will definitely be putting it on my calendar for next year.

My next race is only 3 weeks time and then nothing until June and then it starts up again around September. I will be putting my focus into losing weight and trying to lose it quicker than I have been.

As for Saturday's weigh-in, it was a nothing more and nothing less situation. The scale didn't move in either direction which I guess is better than a gain.

My next Challenge!!

2010-02-22T20:11:00.000+02:00

My exciting news...............

more info can be found here : Kremetart Cycle Challenge

Nothing like a challenge - RIGHT!!

This one appeals to me. It is a challenge. A HUGE one for me. The thing is I'll have to drop some weight. If I am over my plateau and I am confident I have waved goodbye to it then I should be fine. Here's crossing fingers :-))

One of the reasons :

I'll get to see lots of these on the route.

In planning, I need to do the following :

* Lose 12 - 15 kg's (26.45 - 33 Lbs) in the next 3 months (3 - 5 kg loss a month)

* Increase my speed to an average of at least 26 kmph

* Improve on my endurance levels

* Time in the saddle

Dischem Ride 4 Sight - Vita-thion 63km Challenge (completed)

2010-02-22T19:40:00.000+02:00

At the start line....

This photo was taken just before my 07:51am start. As guessed, the ride was going to be a scorcher. Not only did hubby forget my breakfast and banana but I forgot the sunblock. Yikes!! Thankfully we had packed lunch and muffins that were suitable for a quick breakfast and fortunately the organisers had arranged for some young girls to walk around promoting Piz Buin Suncare products. I got a good spray on my legs and arms and then got a sample sachet that I used for my face and other parts that I thought could do with some extra. I am so glad they were there otherwise I would have finished the race a tad bit crispier.

I ended up cycling mostly on my own this whole race. Their were 100's of other cyclists but none that I knew so I tend to stick to my own. One of hubby's friends passed me and told hubby today at work that I need to start riding with other cyclists. I know there are benefits - I'm just not sure I can stick with total strangers. Guess there is always a first time.

Near the end I did pace myself with a couple on a Tandem but lost them after I made a quick stop to let hubby know that I wasn't to far from the finish.

A fairly flat race with loads of pedalling to be done. I was out longer than I had guess-ti-mated but still did a good time. My official time was 3:05:23

My 'positive frame of mind' was not with me on this one. It was a constant battle - part of me going 'you're just to fat, you should lose more weight' and another going 'you can do this'. **sigh** How we love to sabotage ourselves.

The nice thing about this race was that it was downhill for the last 2km's for the finish. Thank heavens.....small things to be grateful for.

I crossed the finish line and was told they had ran out of medals - my heart was broken. We'll see if they eventually send me one.

Bonus : They had a huge tent with physiotherapists who are in training. So these legs got a cool massage. Woohoooo!!

My racing season is calming down with only a few more races before winter sets in.

It's official

2010-02-20T11:33:00.000+02:00

I now weigh less than 90 kilograms (198.4 pounds).

Today the scale showed a 1.8 kg (3.96 lbs) loss for the past week. I now weigh 88.4 kg's (194.8 lbs).

I can only hope that I go from strength to strength.

What I did differently this past week:

The good:

Ate according to plan 95% of the time.
Ate the best choices where possible according to the Weigh Less plan.
Did not eat carbs after 5pm (evening meals being mainly protein and vegetables/salads).

Homemade carrot muffin with cream cheese topping

The bad:

* Last Saturday I had a chocolate and a can of coke.

* Sunday I did not stick to plan because of a picnic but made better choices + I had a KFC Brownie Avalanche

* Wednesday after hearing about my friend's mom being murdered I had another chocolate and can of coke.

Tonight will be a carb meal due to the fact that I am racing tomorrow - but nothing too heavy as it is not a looooong race. :-))

I've got some exciting news - will post ASAP!!

Dischem Ride 4 Sight - Vita-thion 63km Challenge

2010-02-19T16:30:00.000+02:00

Goodie Bag and Race Number

Another great goodie bag!! I grabbed the 'Bar One' and hid it very quickly before the kids could find it. Now to figure out how to take it on the race with me without it melting into an icky squishy melted chocolate mushy mess!! Also got a socks - socks always come in handy as well as a bunch of samples of various stuff from tissues to soap.

I am in the first open/seeded bunch to go off. Woohooooo!! I'm looking forward to this race but have concerns. It is taking place on the East Rand and boy those motorists did not prove themselves to be the most patient bunch the last race that took place in the general area.

Tomorrow will be a weigh-in day and odd jobs around the house. Nothing major!! Sunday 'up and at em' rather early. Yikes!! My start time is 07:51 so sunblock will be a MUST, I think it's going to be a scorcher.

Have a super weekend. I'm silently praying for those wings and that the scale will be a bit kinder tomorrow.

Very sad news!!

2010-02-17T16:10:00.000+02:00

Today I found out that my best GF's mom was murdered this past Sunday during the night sometime. It was a gruesome murder. She was sitting reading a book when she was choked with a telephone cord and had her head repeatedly slammed against the wall.

I'm numb, shocked and sad!! My thoughts are with her and her family.

The battle of the 'bathroom scale' wars.......

2010-02-16T15:11:00.001+02:00

Valentines Day 2010 - Picnic @ the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

I've become obsessed with the bathroom scale and this is NOT good. Not good for me or for anyone else. Stepping on the scale a zillion times in a space of a few minutes is not going to change the number. I promise you - I can attest to this fact. Nor believing that you have magically grown wings to lift you a bit - is not going to happen. How do I know this? Because no matter how much I begged those wings to appear they did not!!

Not to long ago - a couple of weeks ago I did some something miraculous and lost 2 kg's (4.4 lbs if my calculations are correct) in one week. There I was sky high - hey, do this every week and before I know it - poof - the weight will be gone. Well, my body had other ideas - truly it did. A slight gain followed, then teeny weeny losses and I just about lost it when I knew I had put my heart and soul into sticking to the plan and exercising to only have lost a solid *&%$# 200 grams. My Spirit was broken....why, why, why??? That was it I was going to give up 'the habit' and throw that horrid piece of equipment in the bin - I was done with it. BUT - I couldn't do it. I'm way to attached to my bathroom scale, the gym scale and any other scale I can step my sticky paws onto. Come Sunday - I'm feeling lighter. Do I brave it? I stare at the scale - wondering why the hell I'm doing this to myself and there it is : I'd finally managed to drop below 90 kg's (198.41 pounds). There is no accounting for what the body wants to do and WHEN it wants to do it - it just didn't want to do it on Weigh-IN DAY!!

From this week I've decided to cut out all carbs after 5pm (except on the day before a cycle race day). I am making more of an effort to be in bed by 20:30 - any later and I seem to fade quick the next day and it seems to have a snow ball effect.

This is a huge mile stone for me as I have not been under 90 kg's in the past 10 years. I hope not to see the 90's at all ever again.

The next goal 85 kg's - I can do this!!

Exercise Plan : 15 February - 21 February 2010

2010-02-15T08:22:00.000+02:00

Monday : Rest day / major housework
Tuesday : Yoga, strength training, Zumba
Wednesday : Kettlebells (home), Belly Dancing (studio)
Thursday : Strength training, cardio
Friday : Belly dancing (home), Kettlebells (home), Yoga
Saturday : Rest Day + Weigh-in day
Sunday : Dischem Ride for Sight (63km) - cycle race

Experienced a major energy crash last week Wednesday/Thursday. I am still upping my routine this week. Last week I also only had a 0.2 kg loss. NOT GOOD!! I was extremely upset and spent most of Saturday morning in tears but more about that later.

Have a super week everyone.

Emperors Palace Classic : 50 km (7 February 2010)

2010-02-12T15:59:00.001+02:00

Past the finish line at the Emperors Palace Challenge

Race Time : 02:22:12
Avg Speed : 21.1 kmph

We had a very early morning. We were up just after 4am as we like to try and get to the start an hour before my start time - this way if there is traffic or any other problems we have some extra time.

I was blessed with an early start. With the heat we're experiencing an early start is the best. My official start time was 07:01 but I dropped back 5 minutes to cycle with a friend of mine. She was in the 3rd group where I was in the 1st, you can drop back but you're not allowed to try and sneak an earlier start.

This was a very flat race. I was hoping for a 2hr finish but it was not going to be. My legs faded on me in the last 15km's and recovery only happened 2 km from the finish just as I approached a hill - I was extemely happy to have them functioning 100% up that hill. I then had a good strong finish. Hubby was waiting for me just beyond the second timing mats which were just inside the entrance of Emperors. He was not aware that the actual finish and start line were just around the corner. Oh well, I was still VERY happy to see him.

Although I enjoyed the race I found my that my shoulders kept tensing up - the traffic was making me stressed and I was constantly telling myself to relax my shoulders, needless to say they seemed to suffer more than my legs did - I was in agony by the time I got home and a headache settled in for the afternoon - luckily I was allowed to chill.   At the halfway turn-around some of the marshalls were not fully communicating with each other and when I was told it was safe to go another marshall allowed a car through. Luckily I was going slow enough to stop and unclip while the car went through the intersection. Unfortunately not many races have full road closure, there are only 2 that I know of in Gauteng and of 1 in the Cape.

I have two more races before a long break.  They are in the last two weekends of February. My next race is the Dischem Ride for Sight (63km's). I've once again been seeded into the first starting group - yippeee!! (edited to add - these are the open/seeded groups that are behind the licensed racers/Elite racers)

On a side note - I'm going to be attending a Kettlebells workshop. I'm really exicted about that.  More about that soon.

Exercise Plan : 8 February - 14 February

2010-02-07T18:10:00.002+02:00

Had a great week last week except for a bit of a 'crash' on Thursday - energy levels were VERY low :-((

~~Monday : Rest day~~
~~Tuesday : Yoga (?), Strength Training, Zumba~~
Wednesday : Belly Dancing getting tired
Thursday : Cardio + Strength Training exhaustion has firmly set in :-((
~~Friday : Yoga~~
~~Saturday : Rest day + weigh-in~~ * SCREAM * only lost .2 kg's - had a good cry :-((
~~Sunday : Spinning (90 min) (?)~~ it's Valentines day - if the weather holds we're off on a picnic at the Botanical gardens

Reaching the finish line - then what?

2010-02-04T21:10:00.001+02:00

Towards the end of last year my focus became about a certain race I had entered and my life revolved around planning for this race - the 94.7 (no finish line for me) but the BIG race was over and I was left wondering 'now what?' All direction, all focus disappeared - a HUGE black hole appeared before me and I sank into it. Not a good place to be. I think my body was pushing for some time-out and that is what it got.

With the New Year came a fresh burst of ENERGY, a renewal of sorts - a need to continue with my journey. I entered a few more races and completed my first Century race - 103 km's.

BUT

I got to thinking this week - I feel like I'm setting a trap for myself. What will happen when I reach goal weight? Am I setting myself up for a 'now what' moment?

I don't want it to define my life - this 'goal weight' achievement, if anything it should be a step/path on a journey to life of healthy living - not the be all and end all. I don't want to find myself at goal weight and falling back into old habits. Hopefully all my new healthy habits will stick cause let me tell you old habits have a sneaky way of creeping up on you and taking hold.

With each 'finish line' comes a sense of achievement and I cannot wait for my next one. With every kilo lost the cycling gets easier and one day soon I'll be flying up those hills instead of struggling up them. I even manage to make 'granny' gear look hard.

Today my focus is seeing beyond that 'finish line' - keeping the passion and continuing the journey because the journey should not have an end but always a beginning......

Exercise Plan : 1 February - 7 February

2010-01-31T17:24:00.003+02:00

Where did January go.....??

~~Monday : Unpacking & recovering from the move~~
~~Tuesday : Yoga (?), rowing/treadmill + strength training, Zumba~~ managed to fit yoga in this morning - Woohoo
~~Wednesday : Belly Dancing~~
Thursday : Body Conditioning + strength training (another 'crash moment')
~~Friday : Yoga~~
~~Saturday : Rest Day + Weigh-in day~~
~~Sunday : Emperors Palace Cycle Challenge 50 km's (?)~~ DONE - Woohoo!!

Saturday morning weigh-in : 30 Jan

2010-01-31T09:18:00.002+02:00

Down - 0.6 kg's / 1.3 pounds

Not as much as I had hoped for. TOM did arrive so I'll see what happens next Saturday.

In the process of moving house. FUN - never. LOL

Back to normal soon - at least I'm connected to the net.

Good news.....it's the....

2010-01-24T20:32:00.000+02:00

**Finish line**

Tired, legs are sore and I'm heading to bed. More about the race soon.

Hope you had a super weekend. I did ((smile))

Exercise Plan : 25 January - 31 January

2010-01-24T20:27:00.003+02:00

~~Monday : Swimming (gym)~~
~~Tuesday : Yoga, Rowing/Treadmill + Strength Training + Zumba (evening)~~
Wednesday : Belly Dancing (evening) **FUN**
~~Thursday : Rowing/Treadmill + Strength Training~~
Friday : Move house +Yoga
Saturday : Move house
Suning : Move house

Saturday morning weigh-in

2010-01-23T11:13:00.000+02:00

Very good news!!

**I'm down 2kg's (4.4 pounds)**

I'm very happy with that - I worked hard for it and all the hard work paid off :-)) I focused on strength training, yoga and some dance in the form of Zumba and Belly Dancing. I cycled last Sunday and had a spinning session on the Saturday. Today I won't be Spinning as I am completely resting for tomorrows cycle race - The Fast One = 103 km / 64 miles

Have a super weekend....

Belly Dancing

2010-01-20T21:49:00.000+02:00

It finally happened, after wanting to go forever and I mean forever, I finally managed to get to my first Belly Dancing class this evening.

The Verdict :

F*U*N

This is what I'll be doing on Wednesday evenings from now on. The HR monitor is left at home and this is JUST FOR ME!! For enjoyment, for pleasure, for fun, for falling in love.....(and I mean with my body not anybody else, oh-kay!!)

I love the moves and I love how it makes me feel - and the added PLUS - it has made me more determined to lose the weight. At the moment I'm the, uhmmm, largest woman in the class but I was never made to feel fat - all the woman were extremely helpful and supportive - I enjoyed it so much that I'm seriousley going to be wishing my week away...LOL okay maybe not - we have to move next weekend and who likes to do that. NOT ME, I can tell you that.

Official weigh-in for 2010

2010-01-18T09:01:00.000+02:00

This weekend I bit the bullet and headed to my first Weigh Less weigh-in for the year, up until then I'd been trying to avoid it at all costs. The news was not that bad considering my last official weigh-in was 28 November 2009. I am up 1.2 kg's (2.64 pounds) - not earth shattering but frustrating none the less because I know if I had just stuck to the plan I'd be lots more down than any up at all.

This week I have another BIG cycle race. I'm very apprehensive about it because of letting things slide over December. I rode to gym yesterday and although not great I didn't feel as bad as I thought I was going to and I even managed a Zumba class once I got there. <>

Have a super week - don't just be good, BE BRILLIANT!!

Hugs

Exercise Plan : 18 January to 24 January

2010-01-18T07:50:00.007+02:00

Here goes....

~~Monday : 30 min rowing + Spinning (did not go as well as I planned - legs VERY tired)~~
~~Tuesday : Yoga, 10 min treadmill + strength training + Zumba (evening)~~
~~Wednesday : Belly Dancing (evening)~~
~~Thursday : strength training~~
~~Friday : Yoga~~
~~Saturday : REST DAY~~
~~Sunday : The Fast One - CYCLE Race - 103 km's (64 miles)~~

We're back on track. Yesterday I cycled to gym - OMG!! but I survived. LOL I enjoyed being back on my bike :-))

I love my Yoga - I really do!!

2010-01-16T08:22:00.000+02:00

Last night after many, many attempts everything came together and we finally got back to our favourite Yoga class. It felt really good, so good that I wonder if I'll be able to brave early morning traffic after dropping the boys off at school to try and get to the 8am class on Tuesday mornings.

I was able to go further with some poses and my flexibility has definitely improved. Not only that but Lynn commented on my calves and how strong they are - yeah, they are taking shape, I guess that is from all the cycling :-)) I have no worries about my legs currently but I definitely have to/need to work on my upper body. Then she spotted my tattoo - where clearly my rebel status in the world has been noted. LOL I love my tat :-))

Lynn will also be starting a Pilates class at the gym - I cannot wait for that. We have many Yoga and Pilates instructors but sometimes you click with just one. Lynn is very supportive and helpful and has truly helped me with my journey.

Gym this week has come together. Having 2 sessions with April has definitely helped. My body is feeling great and I mean that. Not doing much over December and most of November I could feel myself going soft in places - thankfully my body has no problem with catching up to where we should be. Relief - although I will admit to feeling very tired on some days :-)) With back 2 school, changes in routine and sticking to the gym schedule as much as possible, I expected *tired* to creep on me somewhere.

This morning I will go to my Weigh Less group and officially weigh in for the year - I know it will show a gain and I am ready for it. Next week both diet and gym will be on track :-)) I am determined.

Next week I also have a BIG race - 103 km's (64 miles). It is considered to be a fast and flat race - I'm going to give it my all :-))

Have a super weekend. I know I'm going to. The good news being that I am going to fetch my car this morning. Yipppeeeeeeee

Back soon.

A day off....

2010-01-13T16:33:00.003+02:00

Today was Back 2 School day in Gauteng and I think the rest of South Africa. Private and Government schools, as well as Provinces synchronizing because of the Soccer World Cup happening in our Country this year. The idea is that all the schools will take a break while the tournament is on in the hopes of alleviating traffic on the roads - well, that is if all the road works are completed by then, if not, I doubt our roads will be travel friendly - congestion wise, that is.

I didn't end up at gym today. Nope - it ended being a day off. By the time we got Brad settled in at school I wasn't feeling up for travelling in 'hellish' traffic to get to gym. I have to work out a decent mid morning time to get to gym and back home before fetching the kidlets from school.

What is usually a short 15 - 20 minute trip to the gym can turn into an 01hr30min affair to get there and then same to get home depending on traffic. That is why I want to avoid going to the gym at peak hours - it is just not worth the stress caused by being stuck in traffic.

The good news is, is that Brad has settled in nicely and loves his class mates and teacher. He is also keen on extra-murals and has decided to give Cricket and Hockey a go. Anyone wanting to sponsor a hockey stick and ball?? Just kidding....but **sigh** I just had to spend another R550.00 on his PE (physical education) clothes.

I'll definitely be back on track tomorrow as I have a fun strength training session ahead of me - got to love April.

Back soon.....

I'm loving it...

2010-01-12T17:34:00.000+02:00

I'm slowly getting back into the gym routine. Woohoooo!! I definitely missed going as often as I used to. Crazy, I know.

April came to me with a brilliant deal and I'm back training with her twice a week. I get my cardio in and then I spend 30 minutes with her and I know I will see a difference because I could feel a difference when training with April this morning. Having someone push, motivate you and kick your a$$ is all good. LOL

Tomorrow is a BIG day for me. Bradley is going back to school. No more homeschooling for us. This means that both Brad and Josh will be at their respective schools in the mornings which means I have time for me. I can hit gym in the mornings, clean house and do shopping and oh, the shopping will be heaven as I won't be carting along some whine....LOL

I've also been trying out these spinning workouts, I've tried one so far and I'm in love. You can find them over here at this blog http://trihardist.blogspot.com/ This is a huge help because mid morning, the time I want to be at gym there are no Spinning classes and these are perfect. I also have the whole Spinning Studio to myself - FUN!!

The journey continues.....

Exercise Plan : 11 Jan - 17 Jan

2010-01-11T16:42:00.005+02:00

Monday morning : 30 min spinning + 30 rowing + maybe yoga (no time 4 yoga)
~~Tuesday morning : 30 min rowing + strength training + cycling at the Kyalami Race Track - evening - no cycling because of back to school tomorrow, schedule is crazy!!~~
Wednesday morning : 1 hr spinning workout + 30 min rowing + swimming ended up with a DAY off, it was Back 2 School day today and I just chilled :-)
~~Thursday morning : 30 minute rowing + Strength training + cycling at the Kyalami Race Track - evening (did not happen - still in a get settled into a routine mode with school :-)~~
~~Friday : Yoga - Vinyasa Flow (evening) WoW!! I love my yoga :-))~~
~~Saturday : Spinning (45 min class) + 30 min rowing no rowing~~
~~Sunday : Cycle to gym + Zumba~~ + Pilates (will see how I feel later on)

** HR levels for spinning + rowing to be kept between 60% - 65% except when Spinning in a class situation

About that black hole of despair!!

2010-01-06T20:05:00.001+02:00

(me, on our lil' holiday - reading Around Africa on my Bicycle by Riaan Manser)

It was great getting away for a few days and just relaxing, well, as much as you can while camping. The weather did not play fair sometimes and on 2 of the nights we experienced very bad storms with terrible wind. Wind and tents do NOT like each other.

So if you haven't figured it out yet, I sort of fell off the wagon. My black hole just grew and grew and I lost faith in me. I've discovered how easy it is to fall into old habits - habits which are hard to break. Coke made it's way back into the house. It came in slow and then just poured in - those 2L bottles just kept coming and coming and all willpower was gone. It has been BANNED from the house - once again. It is my achilles heel - but geesh - it made me feel like ~~cr@p~~!! There were times I felt so dehydrated after drinking it - that only showering or bathing gave me relief from the dry feeling - my body wasn't craving coca-cola but water instead and here I was guzzling down anything but good ol' H20. Soon after the coke, the carbs started. They came in Christmas Mince Pies and all other yummy christmasy goodies - bad, bad, bad!! The fruit and veg took a back seat in this drama. Everyday I told myself that I had QUIT (more about that further down) - I found every excuse not to ride my bike, head to gym or look after myself. I kept telling myself that it was okay when it was not!!

I am slowly getting back on plan. I am getting into the swing of things at gym and I've been missed - sadly, that makes me feel special - but HEY, I was missed.

So why the black hole. Do you remember my big race - the 94.7 that I never finished. I did just under 80km's and just couldn't finish - I was finished. I knew that I had given it my all, I had been in the saddle for over 6 hours, my back hurt, my right hand hated me and trying to get on the bike was proving difficult. I know I did well and just finishing 80km's after training on a bicycle for 4 months prior is nothing to scoff at BUT here I was ~~hating~~ myself. I was a quitter!! Through the rest of November and right through December we travelled alot on that stretch of road and frequently went under the bridge where I said that that was it - I couldn't even if I wanted to. A constant reminder that YES, I had QUIT!!

I just wanted a break - I didn't want to think about riding my bike, getting to gym or even what healthy meal to eat next - I just wanted what every kid doesn't. I wanted a TIME OUT!!

Luckily not too much damage was done - and getting back on track has not been difficult. The next 94.7 is 11 months away. This time I'll be better prepared.

The journey of finding my skinny me continues and by having that one goal so many other's are achieved. This is a journey and there will be bumps in the road, it is how I handle those bumps that will make the difference......

Enjoy the journey!!

Exercise Plan : 4 Jan - 10 Jan

2010-01-03T19:21:00.008+02:00

There are going to be BIG changes this year and one of those is that I will now be able to attend gym in the mornings while the boys are at school. My focus is to lose weight and tone. Be it right or wrong I have cut down training at the track (cycling) quite drastically and I'm moving myself into the gym again with the hopes that losing weight quicker will be more beneficial to my cycling. To use the races I have entered early this year as training rides and as time in the saddle.

Monday morning : 30 min spinning + 30 min rowing + arms & abs

Monday afternoon : Yoga (did not happen thanks to plumber arriving late!!)

Tuesday morning : 30 min spinning + 30 min rowing + legs (plumbing issues cont. no gym)

Wednesday morning : Spinning (45 min class) + 30 min rowing + arms & abs

Thursday : Spinning (45 min class) + 30 min rowing + legs

Friday : 30 spinning + 30 min rowing + circuit + Yoga (evening) (dinner with my sister and fam - reason for hangover....it was fun!!!)

Saturday : Spinning (45 minute class) + 30 min rowing (HUGE hangover)

Sunday : Pilates Level 1

** HR levels for spinning + rowing to be kept between 60% - 65% except when Spinning in a class situation

11 Jan - 17 Jan

Monday morning : 30 min spinning + 30 rowing + arms & abs

Tuesday morning : Yoga + cycling at the Kyalami Race Track - evening

Wednesday morning : 30 spinning + 30 min rowing + arms & abs

Thursday morning : 30 min spinning + 30 minute rowing + legs + cycling at the Kyalami Race Track - evening

Friday : 30 min spinning + 30 rowing + circuit + Yoga (evening)

Saturday : Spinning (45 min class) + 30 min rowing

Sunday : Pilates

** HR levels for spinning + rowing to be kept between 60% - 65% except when Spinning in a class situation

Welcome 2010

2010-01-01T00:53:00.000+02:00

2010 is at the door…Remember life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile.

Gone Camping.......

2009-12-23T12:06:00.000+02:00

This is where my family and I will be for next few days. We're off on a teeny weeny lil' holiday at our favourite camp site. C U when we're back......

Thank you all for your support up until now. When I get back I will have loads to tell you, especially about falling of 'so called wagons', climbing back on 'said wagons' etc, etc.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Have a good one.

Love and hugs

Michelle

This weeks exercise plan: 23 Nov - 29 Nov 2009

2009-11-22T18:33:00.000+02:00

Getting back into routine.... * Monday : Cycling @ Kyalami Race Track * Tuesday : Rowing + Strength Training at Gym (having a difficult time returning to gym - hmmmm) * Wednesday : Cycling @ Kyalami Race Track * Thursday : Spinning + Strength Training at Gym * Friday : Yoga * Saturday : * Sunday : Rowing + Strength Training at Gym Following week : (needs some tweeking :-)) ) * Monday : Rowing + Strength Training at Gym * Tuesday : Cycling @ Kyalami Race Track * Wednesday : Cycling @ Kayalmi Race Track + Belly Dancing * Thursday : Rowing + Strength Training at Gym * Friday : Yoga * Saturday : Rowing + Strength Training at Gym * Sunday : Water Aerobics + Squash

It was sinful, it was evil but OH was it YUMMY!!

2009-11-22T13:38:00.000+02:00

Getting back on track today was not a problem and I'm back on plan!! woohoooo... It took a few days but hey - I'm loving me!! It was a bad week as far as sticking to plan goes - I could give a million and zillion excuses like the weather (we had winter days - brrrrrrrrr), or not planning properly or, or, or..... I found myself in a bit of a hole. For months I had been working, training and planning for the 94.7, it was my main focus. Big Mistake!! Come Monday I was 'well what now' and feeling lost and directionless!! By Wednesday I was kicking myself thinking if only I had pushed myself further I could have finished the race...if only, if only, if only. Not good either!! By Friday I had found my next big race but with a promise to approach it differently and not make it my one and only point of focus. But I have set a goal for myself. I want to be 10kg's lighter - I know if I am strict with myself this goal is achievable. I have missed gym and I'll be heading back and focusing again on some strength training, yoga and rowing. I'm also hoping my schedule will allow some Belly Dancing once a week. Zumba, sadly is not what it used to be - only in SA could the instructors lose the plot and ruin it. The weather has cleared up and hopefully summer has returned - I'm sure we'll be groaning about the heat soon enough. My body is healing - less aches and pains - yoga really helped on Friday but it was also a gentle reminder that I need to stretch and far more regularly. I have not been good with that and with all my cycling it needs to be priority. This week I'll be back on my bike - yippeeeeee!! Have a super week everyone!! Hugs Mich

Shaking up the DIE*T

2009-11-19T13:57:00.000+02:00

The past few months I've been on one mission - the Momentum 94.7 Cycle Challenge Mission. The race is now over and I'm feeling lost. :-)) Whatz with that - huh??? Anyway I am sure that once I have found my next big cycling challenge or rather entered it I'll feel like I'm on a mission again. LOL For now I'm back to square one - resting + training and working on the D*I*E*T. The cold weather and it is really cold. Bbbrrrrrrrr, has been a GOOD excuse to take it easy and rest!! But I'm getting restless - thankfully tomorrow is Friday and I think I'll drag hubby and me to Yoga for a good stretch. This weekend might also be the perfect opportunity to try out that Belly Dancing class and get into it. There will be no cycling races until the end of January 2010 - so the perfect time to fill my Saturdays with something I have always wanted to try. :-)) So just over a month ago I found myself at a loss regarding what to eat, when to eat and possibly how to eat!! Weight Watchers although great is just too far from home and the meeting time is not convenient. The Dietician was on a 'High Protein' kick and that wasn't for me. Been there and done that - didn't work!! This approach also has me wondering about dieticians but enough of that. I did something I swore I'd never do and WHY?? I just don't like weighing my food but it has worked. I signed up with Weigh Less (discounted due to our Medical Aid choice) and close to home. Meetings are on Saturday mornings another added bonus, I don't need to drag the boys along - they get to stay at home with dad and I get to do something that I need to do with no added stress. I have lost 3.9 kg's in the past 4/5 weeks - I hope it continues on in this fashion. So this is where I am at. I haven't quit - I haven't stopped - I've refocused!! And most importantly I am having FUN!! Back soon... Mich

Momentum 94.7 (96.5Km's) Cycle Challenge

2009-11-18T09:14:00.001+02:00

I thought I had worked and trained hard for this day but at the end of the day not hard enough!! I came up short. The hopes of a 05:30:00 finish was not to be and a finish in the end did not happen at all. Not long into the start and the people we were cycling with had shot forward - Sandi and I had agreed we would cycle our own race should this happen. We knew their pace was just too much for us and later on our pace was going to prove not enough. We never walked - this I am very proud of. We got up each and every hill but the N14 (highway) with it's rolling hills was proving to be too much. By the last hill on this stretch my back was aching and my arms had had enough - surprisingly my legs could have taken more. Early in the race I had lost all my energy goos/gels as well as my cell phone. I was more upset about my gels - losing them that early in the race had me worried. Luckily I had a couple extra in my water pack on my back.

Batch MM just before the start

Me, and other cyclists riding for the Sunflower Fund - Alex Jay from Highveld radio had just acknowledged the Sunflowers as we were heading over the start line.

Another DNF to my name - in the arms of the man I love

In hindsight riding a new bike and only having less than 10 days to aquaint myself with my new road bike was probably not the best idea but I'm still glad I did. Losing more weight has now become TOP focus again. I'm proud to say that the month leading up to this race I lost another 3.9 kg's. I am now sitting at 90.2 kg's (198.85 lbs) - a total loss of 14.2 kg's (31.30 Lbs). I will be returning to my regular gym programming and focusing on some of my weaker points. These being my lower and upper back, hands as well as my arms. I will keep training at the Kyalami Race track (safest place to cycle) and when I feel I can keep up with a Club Ride I'll join them on Sunday mornings. The next cycle race I'll be taking part in will be at the end of Jan 2010 - this will be my 3rd attempt at a longer race - 103 km's.

Training @ the Kyalami Race Track

2009-10-22T09:44:00.000+02:00

You've seen me say often in my exercise plans that I'm training at the Kyalami Race Track. Yesterday I decided to take the Kodak along so that you can get a glimpse of what I get up too. I'm glad I went yesterday evening - I'm not sure if I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd like to join a cycling club. I got to speaking to Angie who is involved with Club 100 - and she's had me hooked ever since. Last night we found out that we will be in the same starting group for the 94.7 and she invited me to join them - they are raising funds for the Sunflower Fund - I didn't hesitate. It's going to be fun raising awareness for the cause and funds. We'll be wearing tutu's and sunflowers. You can read more about the organisation here : http://www.sunflowerfund.org.za/ This is what they are about : "This is why The Sunflower Fund (Friends of the South African Bone Marrow Registry) was formed in 1999. The Sunflower Fund is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation based in Cape Town, South Africa, with a vision to give all South Africans diagnosed with leukaemia and other life-threatening blood disorders the chance of life, irrespective of their race and financial circumstances. The Sunflower Fund’s core purpose is to educate, recruit and raise funds to build and sustain an effective SABMR as a viable source of well informed ethnically-diverse potential bone marrow donors so as to meet the national and international requirements and improve the chances of life-saving transplants for serious blood disorder sufferers." Enjoy the pics......

in front of the pits

Going up the steep tough hill

At the top - the view can be very rewarding if you take the time to look.

Around the bend and then a steep downhill - woohoooooooooooo.....brakes, baby, brakes.....

The stretch in front of the Pit area again....

Back soon.....

Michelle

aka Puncture Girl

This weeks exercise plan: 19th Oct - 25th Oct 2009

2009-10-18T18:18:00.000+02:00

The weather is throwling a few 'fruit loops' at me, so we'll see how it goes. * Monday : Cycling @ the Kyalami Race Track (training for the 94.7km) * Tuesday : Cycling @ the Kyalami Race Track (training for the 94.7km) * Wednesday : Belly Dancing + Final decision to be made about race on Saturday :-)) * Thursday : Cycling @ the Kyalami Race Track (training for the 94.7km) * Friday : Yoga / Rest Day * Saturday : Possibly an 85 Km cycle race (still deciding....hmmmmm) or Belly Dancing * Sunday : Rest Day / Squash

Race for Victory : Photos

2009-10-11T18:20:00.000+02:00

Race for Victory : 4th October 2009

Tired ='s I don't want to.....LOL

Alrighty then, off we go. Hey!! Bonus - I'm not right at the back...Woohooooooo

Members of the support crew - aren't they cute???

For the last 1km or so I had a friendly chat with this guy - it was great not going over the finish line alone for a change. Woohoooooo!! He had done the longer race.

Hey!! I'm smiling - I did it - all 54km's or was that 56.7 Km's or something like that...hmmmmm

'Tired' catches up quickly.....'let's go home James'

Cool Medal!!

And on a much lighter note - YES!! I had a flat.....about 7 km's from the finish. Working on it, working on it.....LOL

over and out...

Puncture Girl

p.s. wondering if I should change the title of my blog to 'Puncture Girl' LOL

This weeks exercise plan: 12th Oct - 18th October

2009-10-11T18:17:00.000+02:00

* (storm = rain) Monday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (training session) * ~~Tuesday : ~~Rest Day~~ Cycling at the Kyalami Race track (short training session)~~ * ~~Wednesday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (training session)~~ * ~~Thursday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (training session)~~ * ~~Friday: Yoga~~ * Saturday : Belly Dancing ??? cancelled * Sunday : Squash (maybe) braai time/barbeque :-))

Raw

2009-10-06T09:02:00.000+02:00

I feel RAW!! I'm wondering how many more bombs life can throw at me. I wonder how many more I can take before I truly fall apart. Latest : * My car - mechanic is unable to source an engine currently + there is the estimated cost being somewhere between R15 000 & R20 000 (I'm shell shocked) * Stupid Landlord phones/emails yesterday stating he wants to sell his house. We still have 4 months on our lease. One of the conditions we had was that he NOT sell during our lease period, he assured us that he was not wanting to sell (Yeah Right!! - fell for that one didn't I) - I am not here to babysit his house while some Estate or him is constantly in and out with buyers. Tell him straight out that if he wants to sell then he must let us out of our lease - NOPE - he doesn't want to do that because we're tenants who actually PAY rent, not like his previous tenants who did not pay him for 6 months. Let's add to that that, everything he promised to FIX - he hasn't. The scale is on the Up and Up!! I'm in a food coma and my body hates me!! I feel bleghhhhhh.... I'm at the mercy of certain people and I'd rather not be. I have a School Leaving Certificate - that's it. Going back to work won't fix the car nor will it pay for the childrens aftercare, nevermind schooling. I'm stuck between a ROCK and a HARD PLACE. Going back to work creates more problems than it fixes. **sigh** I hate myself because I feel like I've failed!! Just when I thought life was on the mend, that we would recover from the past 2 years KAK (crap) - life continues to throw curve balls and I've honestly had enough. **sigh** and **sob** over & out Puncture Girl

This weeks exercise plan: 5th Oct - 11th October

2009-10-05T09:04:00.000+02:00

Hoping for a better week's training than last week. :-)) * Monday : Rest Day * Tuesday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (training) * Wednesday : Cycling at the Kyalami Race Track (training) * Thursday : Cyling at the Kyalami Race Track (training) * Friday : Yoga * Saturday : Spinning /swimming * Sunday : Squash Nothing happened - break time!!

Race for Victory - this weekend's race (Sunday)

2009-10-02T10:16:00.000+02:00

This Sunday's race is 54 km's (33.55 miles) long. It is also thankfully alot closer to home this time around. As I have my no., chip and everything else means we do not have to be there at the crack of dawn - yippeeee!! Those early mornings, especially the 4am wake-up calls can be hell.

This race had a little goodie bag. We got a t-shirt and some samples - almost all repeats of the last goodie bag. I'm collecting toothpaste here - great for camping and travelling. :-))

Here's my number. I'm in the middle batch and not right at the back. Will I end up riding all by lonesome again? Who knows?? Thankfully it doesn't bother me that much. I'm sticking to the gels that I have used for all my races: Enervit Sports Gel: Enervit Sports Gel I have also bought the new Energade Sports Jellies - I snacked on these in the last race with no ill effects.

For after the race I got myself some Antistax Leg Cooling Spray : Antistax Hoping it will refresh the legs after the long ride. :-)

I also got a little jar of this badger balm (sore muscle rub). Now to convince hubby to rub it in for me. :-) I like this product as it is Certified Organic - it's costly but I'm hoping well worth it. :-))

When I collected my number they also handed me why timing chip - woohoo - so once again I will have an official time. If some of you are wondering why I bother with a timing chip, I like it because I can keep track of what I am doing and how I am doing.

It has not been a great week training wise. I only managed to make it to the track once this week with everything going on. Tonight we are going to Yoga - I'll take it easy and I'm looking forward to a good stretch.

Well, I just got a call to say my gloves have arrived, as well as an extra bag for my bike. I've taken to calling myself 'Puncture Girl' - I want to be in a position to carry more than one extra tube with me - especially on long-ish distances. I'd better be off.

Have a super weekend - keep active.

Hugs

~~Mich~~ Puncture Girl

No! Serious!!

2009-09-29T17:19:00.000+02:00

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)

2009-09-28T07:04:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-28T06:37:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-27T18:53:00.001+02:00

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

Some things are not 'invincible'

2009-09-26T17:11:00.000+02:00

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....

2009-09-25T16:06:00.001+02:00

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...

2009-09-23T16:25:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-23T09:27:00.000+02:00

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)

2009-09-21T12:34:00.000+02:00

* 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

2009-09-21T09:47:00.001+02:00

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

2009-09-19T08:06:00.000+02:00

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!!

2009-09-18T20:23:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-18T09:01:00.000+02:00

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)

2009-09-14T07:39:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-12T15:34:00.000+02:00

* 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

2009-09-10T08:52:00.000+02:00

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

2009-09-09T14:07:00.000+02:00

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)

2009-09-06T20:14:00.000+02:00

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:

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

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

Me, Myself and I ...

Loving my SA

D.I.E.T.

VA Sunninghill 5km Fun Run - Sunday, 27 March 2011

Bad carbs/junk in equates to horrid performance

You're doing a what....?

Homework

Forgive me

Happy New Year

The 94.7 Cycle Challenge is almost upon us

Hekpoort or is that 'cycling hill hell'

Race for Victory 2010

20 Kilograms lost (44 lbs)

Bestmed Campus to Campus 2010 - Race Report

Remember 'Invincible' - Meals on Wheels 2010

Dome 2 Dome or was that Silverstar Casino 2 Silverstar Casino

Spar Womens Challenge - Centurion (5km fun run/walk)

Back on my bike and loving it

Riding the 94.7 Cycle Challenge for Pink Drive

Living it...or should that be loving it...

Time to dust off the Road Bike and Charity initiative

Book review : Women Food and God by Geneen Roth

A moment to breathe

Women, Food and God - where I'm at...

It's arrived and I cannot wait to get started....

We've been busy...

Low Carb = NO GOOD!!

What I am busy with...

Kettlebells

My favourite photo right now

Ice Skating

Biltong

It's for life!!

It's working.....

Birthday Celebrations

This weeks exercise plan : 12 April to 18 April 2010

Desperate times....

Working up a sweat at gym!

See, touch and feel - real goals

Test

Constant struggle...

Most definitely got the t-shirt

Oh boy, do I need this today....

96 Days to go - WCS

Where have they gone??

Race report : Carnival City Macsteel Cycle Challenge 2010

My next Challenge!!

Dischem Ride 4 Sight - Vita-thion 63km Challenge (completed)

It's official

Dischem Ride 4 Sight - Vita-thion 63km Challenge

Very sad news!!

The battle of the 'bathroom scale' wars.......

Exercise Plan : 15 February - 21 February 2010

Emperors Palace Classic : 50 km (7 February 2010)

Exercise Plan : 8 February - 14 February

Reaching the finish line - then what?

Exercise Plan : 1 February - 7 February

Saturday morning weigh-in : 30 Jan

Good news.....it's the....

Exercise Plan : 25 January - 31 January

Saturday morning weigh-in

Belly Dancing

Official weigh-in for 2010

Exercise Plan : 18 January to 24 January

I love my Yoga - I really do!!

A day off....

I'm loving it...

Exercise Plan : 11 Jan - 17 Jan

About that black hole of despair!!

Exercise Plan : 4 Jan - 10 Jan

Welcome 2010

Gone Camping.......

This weeks exercise plan: 23 Nov - 29 Nov 2009

It was sinful, it was evil but OH was it YUMMY!!

Shaking up the D*I*E*T

Momentum 94.7 (96.5Km's) Cycle Challenge

Training @ the Kyalami Race Track

This weeks exercise plan: 19th Oct - 25th Oct 2009

Race for Victory : Photos

This weeks exercise plan: 12th Oct - 18th October

Shaking up the DIE*T

Just a thought, would wearing something pretty make a difference