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Week 1
Tuesday 11 May 2010
Week 1, Day 2Preparation done!
Hi! This is the beginning of my journey to become super fit and healthy!
I'm going to join you in getting ready for the Activation Duathlons and participate with you at each event...three in total - July 25th, August 22nd and September 19th.
I have spent the weekend preparing - as anyone who is about to embark on a healthly training regime would - eating as much junk as possible and lying around lazely, and now, it is time to begin!
I have set my goals;
- to advance through the duathlons, from the short course in July, to the long course in September
- to lose weight
- and for general health and fitness.
I will weigh in every week and let you all know how I go...I would love for you to join me in this mission, and in the end, come and complete the duathlons with me.
I am following the training schedule available here on the Activation website (click here to download it), beginning with my first run today. I'm excited, and nervous, but I know it will be more than worth it in the end!
Feel free to contact me with any comments or issues with your training and we can work through them together using the fantastic resources that Activation has to offer.
Click here to email Rachel
Wednesday 12 May 2010
Week 1, Day 3
First Day Down
I went for my first run last night! 15 minutes...JUST!
And after the sweat subsided and my heart rate returned to a discernible beat, I felt FANTASTIC!
So I celebrated with fish 'n' chips, and ice cream haha...Note to self: weight loss works better if you don't celebrate every achievement with greasies and sugar!
But really, the feeling of accomplishment was great, and pride, it's not very often that I, as part of the general public (and not an ultimate do-gooder) get to feel proud of myself!
So, I will continue on, begin again today with my healthy eating - one great fact I got given by someone who had lost a LOT of weight in their time was,
"Make sure you always begin again at the next meal... don't just give up for the remainder of the day, don't write it all off completely, give yourself a break and just start again at the next meal!" - Great advice!
Make sure you read through the advice on the Activation Duathlons 2010 page as well (click here to see it) given to us by Cherry, an inspirational triathlete, who left Activation earlier this year.
If you can't complete the full recommended workout, don't worry, just tailor it to suit your level...a 15 min run does not mean you need to run for 15 minutes straight, just mix it up, walk 2 minutes, run 2 minutes, and build on that...
That's what this is all about....improving! It's unrealistic to expect youself to complete the full weeks training if you haven't exercised in a while.
Just keep it realistic, and let yourself be proud of your achievements!
Thursday 13 May 2010
Week 1, Day 4
I see a trend developing....
I missed my walk for yesterday, but I did bike to work, so, although I didn't stick to my set exercise programme, I'm still happy with that. As the intro to the Activation Training Programme says, "the programme is very much a guide and should be treated as such"...as long as you are doing something to keep youself moving and active, that's what matters most of all!
I also ate some (A LOT!!!) of cake after dinner last night, so now I know that is my time of weakness (sweet cravings after dinner two nights in a row)...it's funny how you don't realise how much you're eating, or how much of the, dare I say it, 'wrong' foods you eat, until you really pay attention!!
So, to combat my times of 'sugar-craving' I'm going to put a well thought out plan in place - really, it's very simple!
I will cut back a tiny bit in other meals to allow myself something sweet after dinner - by sweet I mean a yoghurt, a piece of fruit, or even a couple of biscuits...something that makes me feel satisfied, but isn't equivalent to eating an entire cake!!!
As someone who has managed to lose over 20kgs in the past, it is my personal advice to make sure you don't totally disallow yourself treats, but there are foods that you will not be able to resist initially (cheesecake for me!!)...make sure you maybe stay away from these particular foods until you have 'control', but still allow yourself something you find delicious...
For example: substitute Potato Chips for Delite Rice Crackers (delicious flavours!! - try Sour Cream & Chilli - they even come in handy little single serves!), and even small differences like using trim milk instead of full, and believe me, I know, initially, there is a major difference, but you will get used to it, and never look back!!
The aim is to not deprive yourself completely, but make smarter and healthier choices.
So, today is my day off exercise, you do need to give your muscles a day to relax - it's important! When training you need to make sure you don't take it too far or go too hard as it could do major damage!
My advice for today is, even if you 'slip up' with your eating or miss a workout, don't beat yourself up, just get straight back into it...we spend too much of our lives feeling guilty over things we have or haven't done...don't do it to yourself, this is meant to be for your benefit, and for your enjoyment so do just that - enjoy it!!
If you want any help, motivation or have any questions, feel free to flick me an email - click here!
Friday 14 May 2010
Week 1, Day 5Weekend ahead
The weekend, I think, is always the hardest part...you're out of your usual daily routine, you may not need to get up as early, you have less structured food breaks and chaos can sometimes ensue.
For me, it often involves eating way more than is necessary, drinking more than necessary, and doing absolutely nothing physical...and I always go to sleep Friday night with dreams of going for walks, breathing fresh air, sipping latte's (trim of course!), and chatting with friends...unfortunately, usually none of that eventuates!
But, this weekend will be different!
Although I have an entire weeks study to catch up on tomorrow, and have to work a couple of hours on Sunday, I AM still going to:
Tonight: go for a 30min cycle
Saturday: go for a walk
Sunday: do a mini duathlon trial - 5 min run, 10 min bike, 5 min run
Plus! I am going to structure in eating times so I don't allow myself to starve most of the day then binge to fill the gap that whinges at 3.00pm. This would be my usual habit - starvation, then too full - such an extremist! :)
So, my handy hint for the weekend: http://www.activesmart.co.nz/
Check it out - has loads of great info, plus you can design a training programme and eating plan!
Perfect for what we are doing! (Thanks ACC!)
I'm not sure whether I will log-in over the weekend, maybe if I want to have a bleet...if not, have an awesome weekend and I'll catch ya on Monday with my first week's weigh in results! Dun, dun, dun, dun!
Week 2
Tuesday 18 May 2010
Week 2, Day 2
Exercise
I thought I would share with you all my exercise plan for the week...it's all about accountability!
| Monday | Gym - weights |
| Tuesday | 15min Run |
| Wednesday | Gym - weights |
| Thursday | 15min Run |
| Friday | 35min Bike |
| Saturday | Day Off |
| Sunday | 5min run, 10min bike, 5min run |
So, as you will see, I've adapted the exercise plan a little after my first week - which is what it's all about, making it work for you.
I did my gym workout last night...I've decided to add some weights into my programme as I would like to tone-up while working on my fitness.
I've increased the runs to three a week total as running is my weak spot and what I really need to work on.
Biking is fine, apart from getting sore, I can bike pretty far, fairly easily (if you see someone bike past, and their bike is making a terrible screeching noise with each turn of the wheel, that would be me! My bike is handling the workout worse than I am!!!)
The basis of my weekly workout then will involve: 3x runs, 2x bikes, 2x weights, 1x day off.
And this may change again in a couple of weeks if I find that too hard, or feel I need to boost it even more, still incorporating that day off though.
Obviously, as the weeks past, the length of each workout will increase, next week my runs go to 20mins, and bike goes to 45mins.
Just slowly increase your times, keep it at the point that just makes you push yourself for a few minutes eg. for me, I can run 10mins fairly easily, it's that last 5mins that really pushes me.
The perfect length for your workout pushes you, but doesn't push you so far you give up! Still keep it realistic, don't try to do too much, too fast!
Wednesday 19 May 2010
Week 2, Day 3
Feeling great!
Actually unbelieveable how good I'm feeling, and feeling so skinny haha!
I went for my run last night, and managed 15mins again, so it's nice to know that the first time wasn't a fluke!
By 9mins, I felt like giving up, got my second wind at 11mins, felt like giving up again at 12mins, but managed to push myself to the full 15mins.
And I got further this time round, which is amazing. It's only my second run, and I managed to get maybe 100m (maybe, I'm not good with estimating distances) further than last time!
I can definitely feel it in my body, my muscles are quite sore, but it's a good feeling, it's a feeling of having actually done something! Not sore because the cold weather is making my bones ache, or sore because I fell over in a moment of uncoordination.
So, onwards and upwards, I know there will be times when I'm not feeling so great, so I am going to hold on to this feeling for as long as possible! And when I feel like giving up, I will try to remember back to this moment and grasp the enthusiasm again.
Today is the gym again, so I will be there after work, pumping away...hopefully you are doing well with your training.
Make sure you get in touch if you have any questions! Click here to email me
Thursday 20 May 2010
Week 2, Day 4
Running again tonight...
Tonight is running night again...there's a really useful website for tracking how far you have run called www.mapmyrun.com
If you click on the 'Start Mapping' icon, it will show a map of Wellington (if you're near Wellington of course!). Just change your location, ie. Upper Hutt, and the map will load. From there, you can find your usual loop and using the mapping tools, map your route.
So, my route I have run the last two times is 2.34km. Meaning I run 2.34km in 15 mins.
Of course, it's not about distance at the moment, more about building fitness and endurance, but it's really handy to know how far you run.
When it comes time for the duathlons to begin, you can use this tool to identify which duathlon you may be best suited to distance wise.
And just personally, I find it encouraging to know that I can run 2.34km, I think that's pretty awesome!!
I'm hoping tonight that I find my third 15min run quite a lot easier since I move to 20min runs next week!
Of course, if I don't, I can adjust my run time accordingly, but I would be really proud of myself if I could increase the time!
Almost weekend time again, need to start prepping myself for another full weekend of study, and trying to control my eating, and include exercise all at the same time!
Brace yourself haha!
Friday 21 May 2010
Week 2, Day 5
About time weekend!
Very tired now by the end of the week, so will be time for lots of sleep over the weekend.
I have all of tomorrow off from my exercise plan which will give the muscles time to rejuvenate. Just had a spa as well (bonus of working at a swimming pool!) so should help loosen me up a bit.
Looking forward to weighing in on Monday, have been a lot more disciplined this week, with both eating and exercise, so hopefully it will show on the scales. Just need to ensure my weekend goes just as well!
Again, planning ahead, I am going to focus on eating regularly over the weekend so I don't allow myself to become too hungry and pig out! And, as I said, going to rest the body all of Saturday, then will do my mini duathlon training on Sunday.
I'm really enjoying the plan I'm doing, and I think reporting in everyday has helped keep me accountable - I would be too embarrased to admit I'd missed a session - my pride would get the better of me!
I hope you are doing well with your exercise, and as I have said before, make sure you get in touch if you have any questions or need any help! Click here to email me.
Week 3
Monday 24 May 2010
Week 3, Day 1Feeling better!
I'm feeling a lot more motivated now after a restful weekend.
You may have been able to tell through my writing that by end of last week, I was over it!
Not just over exercise, I was just tired and had a long, long week.
So, although I didn't stick to the plan at all over the weekend (I basically ate (HEAPS!), studied and slept, no exercise) I do feel refreshed.
My mother-in-law discovered a great shop in Lyall Bay that sells foods that are just about to expire really cheap, and came home with a couple of boxes of Continental chocolates ($4 each!), and I completely lost control - chocolate is the food that haunts me - if it's in the house it follows me around howling 'eat me, eat me'.
So I ate it! I ate it good!
The mini-duathlon test on Sunday went out the window as well, again...that's two weeks in a row, so maybe I need to move it from a Sunday to a Saturday...usually by Sunday I just want to curl up and sleep all day.
And with that in mind, here is the plan for this week:
| Monday | Gym - weights |
| Tuesday | 20min run |
| Wednesday | Gym - weights |
| Thursday | 20min run |
| Friday | 45min Bike |
| Saturday | 10min run, 10min bike, 5min run |
| Sunday | REST |
And, as I suspected, I weighed in this morning to find my week of healthy eating and exercise was destroyed by my weekend of gorging and I put on 100g - not too bad actually for the amount of eating I did over the weekend (honestly, you can not imagine it!)
But, onwards and upwards, back on track this week - as I've said before - start fresh! Don't look back and think you've stuffed it completely, just start again as soon as you can.
I've got a few followers at work now too so I better start to look fitter and healthier soon haha.
That's all I've got for today, just keep on track and we will get there!
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Week 3, Day 2
20min run today
It is absolutely bucketing down today here in Upper Hutt and it's the day for my 20min run.
I'm going to do it, rain or shine, and at least the rain will help keep me cool while running.
I can feel the winter hibernation instincts kicking in, all I feel like doing at the moment is curling up in my bed with loads of blankies and movies galore.
Instead, I will allow myself the treat of warm homemade soups with toast fingers, yummy steaming casseroles with mash, all those thick, filling, satisfying foods that come tied in with winter.
A site I always enjoy visiting for delicious healthy recipes and new ideas is Weight Watchers, they quite often have something new I haven't thought of trying before - and all very satisfying.
There's not really much else to report at the moment.
I'll let you know if I survive my run and don't end up getting swept away by the torrents in the gutters.
Other than that, I'm going to have another coffee, and try to concentrate on working.
Make sure you let me know if you want any help - as I say, the Activation team are a great source of knowledge so let's take advantage of them and reap all the advice we can!
Email Rachel by clicking here
Week 3, Day 2, Login No. 2
Just had to make a quick comment - I did it! I ran 20mins!
It was a lot harder to run than the 15min...I wonder if my mind got in the way cause the whole run seemed harder, not just the extra 5mins. That whole idea of having to run 20mins instead of just 15mins seemed quite daunting.
But I feel fantastic now that I've done it!
High five!
Wednesday 26 May 2010
Week 3, Day 3
Sore muscles!
I think I'm going to have a good long soak in the spa today because my muscles are really sore!
I did some squats and lunges at the gym on Monday, and my leg muscles are still recovering. I must have worked them REALLY hard!
But I've got the gym again tonight so that should help loosen up my muscles - I don't know whether it's scientific fact or not (so don't quote me!) but I always find that when my muscles are sore from a particular workout, if I do that exact workout again within the next couple of days, it totally loosens up the muscles and the pain seems to subside quicker - that's just personal experience.
So, it's two months now till the first duathlon. Activation are still waiting for confirmation of the funding, so nothing is guaranteed to be going ahead yet, but, the training in itself is the major part of a duathlon, and if the duathlons don't go ahead for any reason (here's hoping that they do!) atleast we will be fitter and healthier and all the better for it.
And of course, there are other events to participate in - like the Scorching Series.
Well, I need to start the day, and have my missing coffee - suprised I've been able to think in legible sentences without it!
So, have a good day, and see you back here tomorrow.
Thursday 25 May 2010
Week 3, Day 4
Little bit anxious...
I'm a little anxious about my second 20minute run today. I feel like I only just made it last time on Tuesday, and a little concerned that I may not be able to make it a second time round.
My body is feeling a lot better than it was on Tuesday, my muscles are aching less and it doesn't hurt quite as much to move, so I've got that going for me.
It is amazing how just 5 minutes extra in your run can make such a difference. And like I said on Tuesday, I really think it's just a mind-over-matter issue.
I still haven't managed to go for that spa that I've been promising my body, and I don't think I'll want to go after my run this avo cause I'll be all hot and sticky. Maybe tomorrow, need to give myself the treat.
I've been finding my eating a lot easier this week. I think my stomach must have shrunk a bit because I'm not eating, or craving, as big a portions. Although last night I had a couple of helpings, but mostly just of the vegies - really had a vegie craving, which I would assume is not a bad thing?!
I was really encouraged by Dave from Activation yesterday. We were discussing how my body was so sore and I was feeling quite tired. And he said that he has always found the first 2-3 weeks are the hardest as your body adjusts. So yay for me, I'm almost out of that zone! Hopefully next week it will all start to feel a bit easier.
But, I'm proud of myself for pushing through the first couple of weeks, slogging it out. I do feel so much better, healthier.
And I'm sleeping a lot better too. It used to take me AGES to get to sleep each night, and I would usually have to put on a movie to drift off to (helped dull the insistent thinking in my head). But no longer, the last two nights, I've managed to doze off a lot easier.
And hopefully it will just get better from there. The physical activity must be helping exhaust my body and mind.
So, all in all, feeling healthier, sleeping better, more energy - pretty good for only the third week!
I encourage you - give it a go!
Friday 26 May 2010
Week 3, Day 5
Great Run!
I cannot believe how much easier my run was last night! Tuesday night it just about wiped me out, but last night, I managed really well!
It probably helped that my entire body wasn't aching like it was on Tuesday, but other than that, I felt fitter, and, shock horror(!), I actually really enjoyed it.
I almost, I mean ALMOST, thought I could have kept running.
So Dave's comment about the first 2-3 weeks being the hardest seems to be ringing true so far. I'm coming to the end of my third week, and the running seems to be getting easier, if I can judge that on one easier run?!?
With biking, I still feel like I'm pumping my legs pretty hard, but no doubt muscles will begin to grow and small gradients won't tire my legs so easily! It's horrible when I'm slogging my way up a tiny hill and someone buzzes past me super fast on their bike - slightly embarrasing, but also amusing - can't wait til I'm whizzing past people, wind blowing my hair, so on and so forth...
I can't believe it's Friday already - this week has completely 'buzzed' past me as well...maybe I'm just a little slow this week on all accounts?
So, in preparation for this weekend, what shall I do?
I'm hoping that my mother-in-law doesn't bring home anymore boxes of chocolates! (Read Monday's entry to learn about the chocolate fiasco)
I'm hoping that I don't feel as exhausted as last weekend.
I do still have my full week's worth of study to do over the weekend (3 chapters - blah...but it is my last week of study, then just revision for my exam - blah).
I AM FINALLY going to do a little duathlon trial.
And I WILL control my eating.
So, this weekend:
Saturday: Mini Duathlon (10min run, 10min bike, 5min run)
Sunday: Rest Day (for my body at least)
And, as I successfully did the first weekend, and successfully did NOT do the second weekend, I will eat regular healthy meals to prevent constant snacking and gorging.
So, I will log-in again on Monday with my fantastic weightloss results...have a great weekend!
Week 4
Monday 31 May 2010
Week 4, Day 1Disappointed
Again, I ruined my week of perfect eating and loads of exercise during the weekend.
I was so prepped, so rearing to go and have a healthy, fit-filled weekend.
Friday night, we went to the movies and saw Prince of Persia (good movie!) and I was a little hungry so I got a kiddies sized popcorn and diet coke...pretty good I think.
Then all day Saturday I was a saint as I studied away...but...we had a mate's birthday to go to Saturday night, and the hostess, one of my best mates, and an absolutely gorgeous cook, made the yummiest food, and I lost control :(
She had my favourite cob loaf with cheese dip, delicious chicken nibbles, and chocolate fountain!!! If you've read any of my other entries, you will know that chocolate is a weakness of mine! But actually, it was the chicken nibbles and cheese dip that got me this time.
So, I had a little pig-out and a little alcohol, and somehow, judging by my weigh in results, that has managed to destroy my whole week of good eating and exercise.
I'm thinking now that maybe I need to get some nutritional advice.
Anyway, I had an exciting ride home on Friday.
I think I said on Friday how I got a puncture on the way to work? Managed to fix it that day, with help, but when I went to ride, we obviously hadn't pumped it up enough cause man was it a hard slog to ride!
So, I stopped in at the petrol station to give it a bit of air. They had one of those new digital ones, and I'm sure it didn't even pay attention to the psi I punched into the keypad, cause all of a sudden, my tire was ready to burst.
Straight away I thought, uh oh, that's not going to be good for a newly repaired tube.
I managed to get about 5 minutes away from home before the poor tube died a fast death.
So, I was left without a bike all weekend, too busy to fix it, plus the whole wheel is bent and has two broken spokes (had never noticed until I tried to get the wheel back on the bike after fixing the puncture).
Realisitically, I need an entire new wheel. Realisitcally, I can't afford it.
So, I will be on the gym bike for a while, till I manage to scrounge together the cash to get a new wheel.
In short, I didn't get to do my little mini-duathlon trial on the weekend.
But, I got up nice and early this morning and did it before work at the gym.
And wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...running after biking was easier than I thought...although I did only bike for 10mins.
Moving on from a long and weary weekend, this is what I have planned for the week:
| Monday | Gym - Weights |
| Tuesday | 20min run |
| Wednesday | Gym - weights |
| Thursday | 20min run |
| Friday | Gym - 55min bike |
| Saturday | Gym - 10min run, 10min bike, 5min run |
| Sunday | Rest Day |
I find running a lot easier outside than at the gym - there's more to look at and distract yourself with when you're outside.
That's the plan for this week.
And although disappointed that I put on yet another 100g this week, I will start again, not lose hope, and continue on the journey.
Hope you do the same - don't give up!
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Week 4, Day 2
Miss my bike :(
I had to walk to work this morning because my bike has taken ill. Was a nice walk, a long walk though...amazing how much faster a bicycle is.
I've got another 20 min run today, which I will do this afternoon. I'm a little worried that my last successful 20 min run was just a fluke and that this one is going to be extra hard...little paranoid I think.
And I've got a blister now from walking to work, so am going to have bandage up with lots of band-aids.
Oh the dilemma's that evolve just from wanting to bike and run!
I'm going to be on fire with my eating and exercise though all of this week! I think I just need to get a bit more sleep, things are so much easier when you're not tired, then, I will be unstoppable!
I've pulled out my old eating journal to start filling that out again. Need to keep myself on track and ensure I'm not getting carried away on the food front.
And I'm having the same 'after-dinner-hunger' arise again, so need to tackle that head on with a bit of prep.
I've always liked to journal my eating, helps pinpoint times of weakness, foods of weakness, and also to watch out make sure that I'm getting enough of each food group, fruit, vegies, carbs, protein, dairy etc.
I always try to fill my dinners out with a lot of vegies and I think that's what I'm lacking at the moment, they are filling and nutritious :)
Well, I've got a meeting now, so best log-off and get into the day.
Have fun!
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Week 4, Day 3
Good run!
Well, the 20min run was sweet.
I ran on the treadmill since it was pouring down outside. The treadmill is a little easier to run on than the road, but I still did 20mins quite easily.
I got to a point where I felt like giving up, but only once, and after I overcame that, I felt like I could have kept going.
It's very exciting to be able to think that I can now run 20mins straight.
Yesterday I was wondering if maybe my last 20min run had been a fluke, but I've convinced myself now - I can actually do it.
So, I'm pretty much right on track to be running 40mins by the first duathlon. I'm hoping to find the first duathlon quite easy since I have to do all three of them. The last one looks like a real challenge.
My food tracking yesterday went really well, I ate all my required vegies, fruit, dairy, carbs and protein. Don't think I quite drank enough water though so something to work on. And I was much better last night, after dinner, I had a banana, instead of snacking on everything I could possibly find!
All in all, yesterday was a good day - still probably stayed up a bit late - need to get more sleep.
But now, as per usual, it's time for coffee and to get into work.
I've just got the gym this evening to do weights, so no run or bike today.
Have a good day and I'll talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday 3 June 2010
Week 4, Day 4
Little bit harder
I did my 20min run this morning because there was no rain...got to take advantage of the breaks in the clouds...it's been constantly wet lately!
And I tell you what, running on the treadmill is WAY easier - so, I recommend, if you are training indoors on a treadmill or stationary bike, that you get out and about for some of your training.
The duathlons are outdoors so will have the challenges that come with harder ground, uneven surfaces and varied gradients. All things that the treadmill doesn't offer (well, it offers hills if you tell it to, but you know what I mean).
The run around the roads was definitely more of a challenge, but a lot more refreshing as well.
Still managed to run the full 20mins...and I need to add hills next week according to my training programme - 1x hill of 2mins for both runs...that's one of the hard things about Upper Hutt, there's not many hills in the central, well-lit areas. I guess I'll have to head north Upper Hutt ways to get the hills.
My cycling training has backed off a little since my bicycle is still not fully mended from it's little accident. I'll have to train indoors for my big ride tomorrow night, 55 minutes. And again, next week, it'll be time to add hills into the rides.
I'm into the 'Strength' section of my training programme, so it's going to be all about building those leg muscles to help them cope with the hills and uneven surfaces that come naturally with the outdoor environment.
Can't wait, haha! Hills are not friends.
Let me know if you have any questions or want a hand with your training...email me by clicking here
Might see you out beating the streets - although we won't know if we see each other!
Friday 4 June 2010
Week 4, Day 5
End of week...again
I went out to the movies last night.
My sister-in-law had a fundraiser for her netball club and invited me along!
They had oodles of food - but I didn 't touch it - I was full from dinner and that was enough for me!
Wouldn't have been in the past but obviously my attitude's slowly changing, even if I don't seem to be losing weight.
Good movie though, Sex and the City 2 - obviously really one for the girls.
This afternoon is my 55min bike ride...like I said yesterday, I need to do it indoors at the gym. I find cycling, like running, is "easier" at the gym than on the road so I need to get my bike up and running again so I can get the challenges of outdoor training again...(here's a good article about it...http://www.activesmart.co.nz/articles/view/120)
I'm actually going to go onto the Active Smart website and get a bit of advice today. I've mentioned the site before, www.activesmart.co.nz, they do nutritional advice and eating plans, training plans for all different types of sport, from individual sports, like what we are doing - running, cycling, walking, to netball, soccer and even snow sports like skiing and snowboarding.
They only seem to do seperate training programmes for running and cycling, not combined, but I'm going to try creating two seperate programmes for each activity, one for running 3x per week, and one for cycling 2x per week, and then combine them together to see what it comes out like.
I mostly want the nutrional advice though. They can specifically design a food plan to go with your training programme, giving you all the necessary foods to keep you energised and rearing to go with your exercise.
And in case your wondering, ACC, the creators of this website, do not sponsor the duathlons - so this is not a promo speil - I actually do really enjoy this site :)
Moving on...
Weekend is here again, my time of struggle.
The one bonus about this weekend compared to my past weekends while blogging, is that I have no study to do.
So I can really focus more on my exercise and eating.
And I can get out and about instead of lazing around pretending to read a whole heap of material, and getting bored.
For exercise this weekend, I've got my 55min bike ride tonight as I said before, and I have my mini duathlon to do - 10min run, 10min bike, 5min run.
Plus I intend on checking out my bike fully and seeing if I can't get it up and running without spending a whole heap of money on it for now.
Eating wise, I will just concentrate on the usual, eating regular, healthy meals.
Like I say, I think being able to get out of the house and get more fresh air will help.
Weigh in number four on Monday - 3 weigh in's already and I've only lost 0.3kg - hence getting the nutritional advice!
Hopefully this week the scales will go down!
I haven't been toooooo bad this week - couple of small bits of chocolate cake have been my only real treats, and a glass of vino. Just big dinners some nights - need to watch the portion sizes.
Well, have a good weekend, I plan to, and I'll check in with you on Monday, hopefully with some good results!
Week 4, Day 5 - Log in 2
FYI: Just did my nutrition plan through the ACC Active Smart website and I can apparently eat a lot more than I have been (isn't that awesome!!) - I'm going to try it!
Week 5
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Week 5, Day 2
Finally!!!...
I've finally lost a decent amount this week - 700g...after 2 weeks of weight creeping on 100g at a time, the scales have finally inched downwards!
And, it's funny timing because I totally gave up this weekend - I had had enough. I got home Friday night, didn't do my 55min ride, ate fish 'n' chips for dinner, then chocolate bavarian and ice cream for dessert.
Saturday, I had still given up so I didn't do my mini-duathlon, and again, had fish 'n' chips for dinner, then chocolate bavarian and ice cream for dessert.
Sunday, I did even less, and ate even more.
Monday, I think I physically moved only once but didn't actually eat that much, just ice cream for dessert.
And still, I've lost weight.
Our bodies are so weird!
I've thought to myself the last couple of weeks that surely one meal of naughtiness couldn't have destroyed my entire weeks worth of healthy eating and exercise...but there was no love from the scales.
And the week I completely give up, and REALLY don't deserve to lose weight...I do!
Absolute craziness.
So, yay for me, I've now finally, into my 5th week, lost 1.0 kg exactly.
Slow but steady, haha.
The lose could not have come at a better time however because it has totally thrown me back on horse and I'm rearing to go.
I've changed my exercise schedule just slightly again, so this week I am going to do:
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | Run 20mins |
| Wednesday | Run 20mins Gym - Weights |
| Thursday | Swim 30mins Bike 65mins |
| Friday | Run 20mins Gym - Weights |
| Saturday | 10min run, 15min bike, 5min run |
| Sunday | Rest Day |
So, feeling happy with myself now, and that little boost has totally helped!
Will log in again tomorrow and let you know what's going on!
Wednesday 9 June 2010
Week 5, Day 3
Forgot to tell you...
Yesterday, when I went for my run, I got asthma. I haven't had asthma really since school (I got it briefly when I moved into the house I'm living in now), but haven't had it while exercising in years!
I'm not sure why it struck yesterday but I ran my entire run wheezing. I managed 18 minutes out of 20 minutes before I gave in to the wheeze. Was really random. I'm not sure if it was because it was so incredibly cold yesterday, don't know, but certainly came out of nowhere.
Haven't been for my run yet today because, as per usual, it's raining...the Dominion Post tells us today that we have only had 4 days without rain in the last 30 days! How lovely is that!
So, will reassess the weather situation at lunchtime and after work, and then, if needs be, will run at the gym.
I'm really enjoying my nutritional plan from www.activesmart.co.nz, how much I get to eat is fantastic, been feeling really satisfied since I started it (and that was yesterday haha - I'm a quick judge aren't I).
Will be interesting, if I survive the weekend, to see how it impacts on the scales - quite hard to fathom being able to eat as much as I am and still lose weight!
Tonight is my brother's birthday, and in true 'boy' style, for his birthday dinner he has requested:
Nacho's
KFC
Cheesecake
&
Coffee Cake
What a mix! There is not one bit of 'health' in that entire meal (except my Mum is going to make Pumpkin Soup to start - one vegie!!)
I'm not big on KFC, love Nacho's, but cheesecake, oh my gosh cheesecake, one of my ultimate weaknesses!
I am going to have to have a LOT of self-control not to eat the entire cheesecake - especially my Mum's homemade cheesecake!!!
We'll see how I go, I'm adamant not to make an absolute pig of myself!
Will let you know what happens tomorrow...same Bat time, same Bat place, POW!
Thursday 10 June 2010
Week 5, Day 4
Tired, but good!
Well, had a late one last night, so am tired, but was a good night for my brother's birthday.
We had all the food I mentioned yesterday, minus the KFC, thank goodness!
So actually managed to have a fairly healthy meal - pumpkin soup, nacho's, salad (Go Mum! My brother certainly didn't request salad!), and then cheesecake to finish off, and thankfully, Mum only made enough cheesecake for everybody to have one piece each so I couldn't overindulge. And I stuck to Diet Coke to drink, so all-in-all, wasn't too bad.
My run last night was good as well, ended up running at the gym...even though the weather fined up and the afternoon was beautiful, by the time I got out of the office it was pitch black. I included a 2min hill into my run on the treadmill which made my legs pump a bit harder, still managed 20mins though.
The runs are definitely getting easier and slowly becoming more enjoyable. I still have a bit of a mental block when it comes to running - it seems like so much effort, and I battle myself over whether I can actually be bothered doing it or not. Luckily, I have to blog about it, and I'm way to proud to have to write that I missed a run because I was being lazy! So, I force myself to move.
I've done my 30min swim for today. I decided to add swimming to my programme because I want a little extra cardio, but something low impact. Since I work at the pool, it's kind of perfect!
This avo is a 65min bike with 1x 4min hill. Again, I'll have to do that at the gym since my bike is still incapacitated.
I've got a long weekend this weekend. I've got Friday and Monday off. My exam is on Monday so I've taken Friday off to study...haven't done any study for it yet, so all weekend I'll be cramming, then by 4.30pm Monday, it will be all over.
I haven't had a very good run with eating and exercising over the last few weekends, and am hoping I will cope better even though this is an extra long weekend.
I will need to take breaks from study so will try to get out and about at those times to do my exercise. And this new nutritional plan that I've got from www.activesmart.co.nz is really good at keeping me feeling satisfied so will just try to stick to that over the next few days as well.
I will try to take some time over the weekend to log in and give an update...will probably help keep me motivated if I do.
For now, I will log off in good spirits - hope you're feeling them too!
