Making it count

Good news my friends, I'm finally feeling in a good space again. After a few days of laying low with a cold, yesterday, I pushed myself to get off the couch and do a SSS with the girls. Whilst it wasn't my best effort and I struggled to run even 10 mins, I still did something and felt better for it. Sundays are suppose to be our "Rest Day" but this morning I also got my butt of the couch and did a body balance class. Mainly to make up for the lack of training I've done this week but I always feel so relaxed after these classes and are ready to face the week ahead.

Smashing our SSS

Mentally, I'm feeling back in control too... To keep me motivated, I've decided for every km I run and every training session I smash, I'm gonna put a gold coin in a jar then at the end of the month, I can go out and reward myself. 

If that doesn't keep me motivated, than this should. This is the reason I'm doing this for .... To conquer the mighty Inca Trail and get to here, Machu Picchu! I've also changed my phone pic to the pic below to keep reminding me. 

Machu Picchu

I'm also wearing the 12wbt pink wrist band that a gorgeous transformer brought for me at the mothers day classic, to remind me why I'm doing this. (Thanks Raelene)..

The 12wbt Wrist band - Train Hard, Eat Clean!

Oh yeah and I forgot to tell you the story behind the photo of me below. As some of you may know, my bf has an obsession with transformers. It's his religion and he owns a massive collection. Since joining the 12wbt transformer group, he felt sorry for me in that I didn't have any of their t-shirts or gear yet, so he dug out one of his old t-shirts that doesn't fit him anymore so I could wear it and not feel left out, oh so sweet!!! 

- 

My official but non-official Transformer tshirt

Confession- no foodie pics for you this time. Mainly due to the fact I've been eating dry biscuits and chicken soups for the last few days. More next time I promise :)
Night night xo

oh o - i have a cold

1000 steps training - in the rain & all

I initially had started this post with how great I was feeling after the shamozzle of last week's effort. I was finally feeling good again. Had a a great run on saturday then smashed the 1000 steps on sunday, netball tuesday night. With a little bit of advice and encouragement from some great friends, my mindset was good and I was back in control.

Well so I thought.. I've now been struck down by the cold, and struggling to get my bum of the couch. When I signed up for Round 2, this was not part of my plan. So if any of you have any advice on how one can keep up some kind of routine whilst lacking the energy, please feel free to pass it on.

I will say this though - I do feel proud of how far I've come on this journey. During my run on Saturday, I managed to run my 3km circuit without stopping. When I first joined the 12wbt program 4 months ago, I couldn't even run to the park and back which was 2 blocks away. I also managed to back this up with the 1000 steps on sunday and didn't event pull up sore. Watch out Inca Trail, cause here I come hey!

I know in the grand scheme of things a few bad days here and there aren't gonna matter. Tomorrow is a new day and tomorrow and I will kick some butt. 

But before I say good night, a blog from me wouldn't be a blog without a few foodie pics for you.
Nigh Night xo

Pana Cotta with Raspberries

Roast Chicken with Asian Greens

Roast Chicken with Asian Greens

Baked egg with Feta and Spinach

Cold, Wet and Grumpy

Week 1 hasn't even finished yet and I have to admit I'm feeling a little apprehensive. Not so much with the challenge ahead but about "How am I going to find the motivation to get out there and do it in this miserable weather?". 

This week has been a struggle and I really need to find something to pull me out of this rut. I'm hoping that a couple of new purchases from Lulu Lemon to suit this crazy weather might just do the trick but if you've got any other bright ideas, please enlighten me. 

I have managed to re-activate my gym membership which I guess is a step in the right direction, however, I still need your help.... Soooo, if any of you out there need a training buddy at the Ascot Vale YMCA, please let me know, cause like most of you, I get far more out of training with others than I do on my own.

That just about does it for me tonight, off to bed early to try and a get a gym session done in the morning. Unfortunately, for you - not many foodie pics tonight as I've been visiting some old favourite recipes as week 1 seems to have repeated a bit. Will have some more for you next time. 

My favourite - the big rocket pocket breakky! YUM

Steamed Fish and Asian Veges

Prawn Pad Thai

Nigh Night xo

Mothers Day Classic

Before I fill you in on yesterday's Mothers Day Classic, I thought I should start by mentioning, that today officially marks the start of Round 2 for us 12wbt'ers... 

Signing up to 12wbt has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. I wish all you newbies the best of luck and hope that you all get out of it as much as I have! Don't be nervous - "JFDI" and embrace this amazing journey! Trust me, you'll never look back!! To all of us returning members - YAY us - lets continue kicking our goals together!  

Now, as you probably know, yesterday was Mothers Day.... A day where we honour our mums, and say thanks for all that they do. It's also about, the Mothers Day Classic, an annual event that celebrates Mothers day with fun runs across Australia raising money for breast cancer research.

Some of our lovely "Transformers" crew before the 8km run

 I'd only ever previously entered into the walking events, but this year, given I've already done a couple of 5km runs, I decided to push myself and enter the 8km run. 

I took dad's advice and attacked the dreaded Anderson St hill, not once but twice and I smashed my previous 5km record by a minute and a half.  Having only previously ran in 5km, I really had no idea what to aim for but was stoked I completed the first 4 km lap without stopping and did it all within the hour. 57mins 54secs to be exact.

I really surprised myself, and can't wait to get stuck into Round 2 and learn how to run 10km! 

YAY - We did it!!!  All of us within the hour!!

And of course a blog from me wouldn't be a blog without some more foodie pics :) 

Caramelized pork with apples and sweet mash (my boy made this one and plated it up - impressive!)

Boiled egg with vegemite soldiers

Penang chicken

Mushroom and Basil Risotto

 

That's it from me tonight - night night xo

The Finale Experience

Michelle Bridges really knows how to throw a party. 

This blog is one of those blogs where there is just so much you wanna share that you just don't even know where to start. The finale workout and party, is one of those things that unless you're lucky enough to experience it, no words can describe the emotions or the day itself. It's definitely something I won't be forgetting in a long time.

Typical Melbourne really turned it on for the work out! Cold / Wet / Sunny / Hot - we had it all but it certainly didn't stop us!!  As if working out with 1400 other 12wbt'ers and the stories they shared wasn't enough, we had to get down and dirty!!! On the wet and slippery ground, Mish had us doing burpees / planks / push ups / sit ups / climbing commando style  it was crazy.

We were even lucky enough to get up close and personal with Mish for a transformer group photo - she's so lovely, I think I have a girly crush!! As I walked of the stage, I thanked her for how great the programs been and how it's helped me come off my medication, she was stoked and said "Oh and that's awesome, even better and I'm so happy for you" and that's when she grabbed my arm for a half hug as I've walked off the stage!

And that was only the work out part... We then headed home with wet and cold bums to shower and get all glammed up for the main event. And what a party it was.

I'm not gonna go into too much detail about the party, cause what happens at the party stays at the party - right!! But here's a few more pics for you!! But as I've said before - Girls - you rock, I had such an amazing night with all of you and to think we've only known each other for three months - crazy huh!! Thank you - for making this journey such a special one - BRING ON ROUND 2 hey!!!

Nigh Night xo

Round 1 - done, dusted, complete

WOW - What a great thing to log into - I've completed 12WBT Round 1, **insert happy dance**

Signing up for this program was the best decision I've ever made. Looking back over the last 12 weeks, (18 weeks if you include pre season), and what I've achieved, words just cannot describe, how happy and proud I'm feeling right now. As many other 12wbt'ers will agree with me, this program will change your life. 

What I've achieved: 
- Im now 5.5 kilo's lighter and 27 cm's smaller  
- Ive dropped a dress size
- I can now run 2/3 km's without stopping
- Im fitter, healthier and happier 
- Ive come off medication Ive been on for for 7 yrs
- Have an awesome new bunch of friends
- HAVE CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE! 
 
As much as I did this for me, I couldn't have done it with out the support from my R1 North West Melbourne Crew and Transformers crew. You girls rock, and I cant wait to continue this journey with you as we head into Round 2! 

So,  thank you for your words of encouragement and motivation along the way. Thank you, for the giggles and laughs we shared through all of our training sessions and on FB... If it wasn't for you lovely group of ladies, I wouldn't have lasted these 12 weeks. 
 
Bring on the finale party and a glass of champas hey :)

On a final note I'll leave you with one of my fave quotes!  
"Champions are not made in the Gym. They're not made on a coach's whiteboard. Champions are made by something that lives deep with in them - A Dream, A Desire, A Vision!" - Muhammad Ali

Nigh Night xo