Blog Challenge #4 - Motivation and Habit

Blogging challenge number 4 from Kath is on.  Its the start of week 5 and by now a lot of the hype about the 12wbt has worn off and so too has the motivation that hangs off that hype. So this week we're reflecting on who we were and who we now are.

1. Describe in 25 works or less the you that you were before 12wbt.
I was overweight (who am I kidding - obese), tired, grumpy and not the person that I wanted to be or a good role model for my kids.

2. Now - who are you now?
I've turned into an exercise junkie. I've got more energy and I'm showing my kids that an actively lifestyle can be fun. I'm a half-marathon runner and soon to be triathlete.

3.  What has been the hardest thing to make habit THIS ROUND?
This is a hard one, and I can't think of an answer.  Maybe its because its my second round and I've been doing this for long enough for it to have sunk in but not long enough for me to have become complacent.  Ask me next round and I can guarantee you that my answer will be different.

4.  What has been easier to make habit than you thought it would be?
In one word - exercise. Its become a lifestyle not a chore.

5.  How has your body changed THIS ROUND?  I'm starting to see muscle definition.
My weight loss has slowed (as expected) but my measurements are still decreasing and more and more muscle is making itself seen.

6.  How has your mindset changed this round?
I'm no longer focused on the numbers of the scales. I don't care if I don't get to my "goal" weight. I just want to be fit and healthy and my lifestyle choices will reflect this.


7.  Finish this sentence "I now know I am strong because ..."
I now know I am strong because

8.  Finish this sentence "I am proudest of ..."
I am proudest of the fact that I have stuck to the program, I've seen the results, I've felt the change and I'm not going back.

9. Finish this sentence "In 8 more weeks you will see me ..."
In 8 more weeks you will see me kicking my heels up and glowing, while enjoying all that summer has to offer.

10. What word applies to you now - that you never would have used before 12wbt?
Fit.

Read more...

Find the Joy

For our third blogging challenge Kath has set us a more light hearted topic - FIND YOUR JOY!

Make me a list.

Or as my Gran used to say - count your blessings - every one.

Make me a list of all the NON FOOD self nurturing things that bring you joy. Count your blessings.

For some reason the first thing that popped into my head when I read the topic was Happy Gilmore.

"Think of a place that's really perfect. Your own happy place. Go there and all your anger will disappear."

So why not try and use that same sort of idea to stop you're self reverting back to the old habits of eating for comfort when things aren't going the way you'd hoped.  Who would have thought that I'd be relating Happy Gilmore to health, well being and fitness! Anyway here's some of the things that make me happy:
1.  Spending quality time with my husband.
2.  Being a SAHM for my girls. I'm not a home full time and cherish the time I have with them - even if some days they can drive me a little nuts.
3.  RUNNING! Some of you may not get it yet but if you keep with it, you will find your happy place out on the pavement. Just don't look for it on the treadmill. 
4. The first smell of rain on bitumen.  It reminds me of primary school - more specifically Grade 3, sitting near the window.  The years when you didn't have a care in the world.
5. Watching my girls sleep. They look so angelic and peaceful, once again without a care in the world.
6.  The buzz you get after a workout. Knowing that you smashed it and you'll be sore tomorrow but it's worth it.
7. Getting a sleep in! I can't remember the last time I had one of those.
8. Holiday's with my family.
9. Sitting outside in the sunshine, just watching the clouds float by.
10. Spending time with friends.
11. Music. It doesn't matter what sort - rock, classical, folk you name it. OK I do draw the line with some of the pop stuff.  I could just listen, sing along in the car or dance around with the girls. One of my favourite quotes is on the wall on a collage in front of me.

"Music ... I love it for what it makes me remember and for what it makes me forget" Anon

My list could go on and on but I'll pull it up there. Thank you so much Kath for making me think about my own happy place.

Read more...

A Picture of Health

As part of Kath's unofficical 12WBT blogging Challenge she's asked two questions for week 2 post:

• What is (to you) a picture of health? 
• What is health?

 There's not a straight forward answer for this one. Being healthy and fit comes in all different shapes and sizes. Just because someone has a BMI of 20 doesn't mean that they are fit and healthy. They might be what I've come to refer as "skinny fat", or having a low lean muscle percentage and eat crap all the time. Sure they might look fairly good but unless they're one of the lucky few it will catch up with them.

I had a search of the net for the pictures below. I saw these, and some others a couple of years ago and I find that they are a fantastic visual representation of health, body image and our differences.  All the women in the pictures below are/were olympic athletes. Their heights, weights and build all vary and as they are at the top of their field you can only assume they are in top physical condition and health.

Source: amazingasset.com via

Source: amazingasset.com via Kym on Pinterest

 Source: theskinnytimes.tumblr.com via Kym on Pinterest

So what is health to me? To narrow it down for me it is my body and my mind being in sync.  It is me being free to do whatever I want to do, to not be restricted by weight, emotional or physical baggage.  Yes it is possible to tick all the boxes in relation to your PHYSCIAL health and fitness but if you aren't able to do the same emotionally and mentally then something is out of balance.

Source: getfitorbust.tumblr.com via Kym on Pinterest

You don't have to have the resting heart rate of an Olympic long distance runner, the body fat percentage of a gymnast or the strength of a weightlifter to be healthy. Being healthy aids in your body being able to repair itself and to handle the stresses that we throw at it everyday.  Being a picture of health helps you stay in a happy place and lets you be free.

Read more...

Round three bloggers challenge - All about me

Kath, aka Shrinking Kath, aka The Courage to Start has kindly set up a weekly blogging challenge as part of round 3 of the 12WBT.

The first topic is "Introduce Yourself", so here I go .....

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less
I'm a work in progress. Wife and mum to two beautiful girls. I'm not the life of the party but I'm not sitting in the corner either. Watch out because I say what I think and sometimes it does sting a little (I need to work tact a little!).

2. What brings you to 12wbt?
I start 12WBT in Round 2 of 2011.  I'd started running at the beginning of the year and I thought my diet was going ok but I just couldn't shift the weight. I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired.  I wanted to feel better about myself and bring back the person that I know I can be.

3. Why do you blog?
I blog more for selfish reasons. I find it to be a perfect forum for dumping how I'm feeling and what I'm going though on my journey.  As a positive note if it helps inspire someone or makes someone realise that they are not alone then it's even better.

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why?
Now you've thrown in a tough one. I'll go with my Grandma. She was always smiling and joyful and nothing seemed to get her down. Even during her last few days she found the strength to put on a cheerful voice while wishing me happy birthday. She was always so organised and never forgot dates or events. She loved life and those around her with all her heart. Most of all she had no regrets.

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?
My family.  I don't know what I'd do without my husband and kids. After that comes the freedom of running.

6. What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?
To stay really focused on my diet. I've been able to be a little more relaxed last round with portion sizes as I was a lot bigger at the beginning but that's all changed now.

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?
To get down to my goal weight of 63kg. I can't remember being that weight since high school at the end of year 12. I'm in those last 5kg area so I know its not going to be easy. 

8. And what scares the pants off you?
Believing any excuses I make up that cause me to stray and not make my goal.

9. Tell me - right now - today - how you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words.
Its my sacred place, enjoyment and time just for me.

10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling ...
on top of the world for being the best version of myself.

Please jump over to Kath's blog for a link to others that are also participating in this challenge.

Read more...