In the goodie bag - Outsurance Outride 2009

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

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

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

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

ENERGY & ENDURANCE

CytoGen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crossing fingers for a good race and a good time.

Michelle

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

subject to changes when necessary :-)

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

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

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

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

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

* Saturday : Rest Day

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

Summary for the week

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

* Tuesday : Personal Training (1 hour)

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

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

* Friday : Yoga (active rest day)

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

* Sunday : Squash (active rest day)

Summary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Michelle

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

NOT.....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

subject to changes naturally :-)

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

* Tuesday : Personal Training (1 hour)

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

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

* Friday : Yoga (active rest day)

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

* Sunday : Squash (active rest day)

Summary:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Michelle

The Missouri 60 Challenge - My Results

Now : 1 September 2009

92 kg's (202.4 lbs)

Life Changes = H*U*G*E

23 June 2009 - 31 Aug 2009

Fat %

Tricep : 30 - 30

Bicep : 24 - 21

Scapular : 38 - 33

Waist : 35 - 35

Measurements

Chest : 118cm - 114 cm

Upper Arm : 34cm - 32.3cm

Waist : 104 cm - 103 cm

Hips : 124.5cm - 122 cm

Thigh : 68cm - 63 cm

93.6 Kg's (205.92 pounds)

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

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

This challenge has brought about BIG changes:

* I am living healthy and making healthier choices.

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

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

* I am addicted to cycling.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep at it everyone....

Hugs

Michelle