Twelve months on

It's hard to believe that this week marks my 1 year anniversary since beginning my journey on 

Michelle Bridges 12WBT. It was new years day last year where I was looking back at photos from the night before and I was horrified at what I saw. I felt miserable. 

I knew that I had to do something about it there and then.  Some may have called it a new years resolution but I also had a dream of hiking the Inca Trail, so I was keen to find something that would motivate me to not only loose a few kilos but become a fitter & healthier me. I'd heard about this 12wbt through another friend and through watching the Biggest Loser and had heard great reviews. No more excuses I told myself so i decided to sign up. It turned out to be the best decision I've ever made. 

One of the best thing about this program is not only does it provide you with regular mindset videos, menu plans and exercise plans, it also has the best online support one could ever ask for. It was through these forums that I found a local group to train with. These wonderful ladies have now become close friends and I look forward to each training session, or each random run or yoga together. This support is what has helped me get to where I have today. So thank you.

Looking back over the last 12 months and what I've achieved, words just cannot describe how happy and proud I'm feeling right now. When comparing the two photos below, I can't quite believe the change, and hardly recognise myself.  It's been a hard slog, but as many other 12wbt'ers will agree with me, this program will change your life.

Left: Me on NYE 2013 - Right: Me on NYE 2014

 Here's some of my random achievements  
- I'm now 8 kilos lighter and 30 cm's smaller; 
- I survived and trekked the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Pichu;
- I can now run 10 km's without stopping and are in training for my first half marathon;
- I'm fitter, healthier and happier;
- I tried my first Cross fit / body pump / bikram yoga and spin class;
- I've come off medication Ive been on for for 7 yrs;
- I started playing netball again with the Pink Ladies;
- I've given up coke-cola; 
- I have an awesome new bunch of friends; and
- I HAVE CHANGED MY LIFESTYLE!  

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ~ 
THANK YOU
- to everyone who has ever read my blog and provided inspiration, tips and encouragement
- to KB and my aunty for training sessions on the 1000 steps;   
- to the girls that first signed me up for sat sessions at queens park; 
- to the transformer girls for your ongoing support / training sessions and encouragement
- to the pink ladies;
- to my little sis for our awesome runs around the river and ongoing encouragement and tips/advice;
- to my man for his ongoing positive attitude and support, for running up and down hills with me, for running our first fun run together, for all the thoughtful & healthy dinners, and for putting up with my tantis; and finally
- to mum and dad for their ongoing support, advice, encouragement and random runs in the countryside and hikes up Mount Cannibal.

To all I say THANK YOU. Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I still have a way to go, but know I can do it! This is not a goodbye as I will continue to push towards my first half marathon and share it with you. It is simply a reflection on my last 12 months and why it has been so special. 

So night all, here's to a bigger and better 2014 x

New Year Resolution Run

After Melbourne's worst heat wave ever on record (4 consecutive days over 40 degrees), we were relieved that the cool change came in time for us to compete in our first official fun run of 2014. The Coburg Harriers, organised a very well run fun run this morning and it was most enjoyable. The 6km course took as around the race track and onto a trail where we followed a creek and ran up and down a hilly windy trail. Although at the time it felt like we were mostly going up hills!

I struggled a little as I hadn't been out all week due to the heat and it took me a couple of K's to get into the groove, however for most of the run I felt pretty good. Annoyingly, I copped yet another big stitch whilst trying to battle a hill during the 5th kilometer but somehow managed to get through it. I had almost slowed down to a walk, took a few deep breaths, and thankfully it soon disappeared. It's so frustrating as I don't know what's causing them. This morning I ate toast with honey on it about 2 hrs before the race (which a professional had recommended to try at a seminar I attended)... So is it what I'm eating; is it not enough water; do I lack salt.. It baffles me and I just have to keep sucking it up!! It's most frustrating so if any of you could shed some light it would be greatly appreciated.

My official time this morning, 39.59 which meant I managed to keep up an average pace of 6.45mins per km.. Pretty happy with that considering the first 5km I ran last year I took 38mins. The winner did it in 29 mins so something to strive towards I suppose.

So thankyou Raelene for finding such a great fun run & for the pic below. What a great morning! x

 DONE & DUSTED ~ Celebrating our first official fun run for 2014

 ~ we even got a certificate.

Now my focus turns to my next challenge which is the Sunset Series. It's a series of three 8km runs around the Zoo, then the Tan and finally Princes Park. Over the next couple of months I'm really hoping to work on my speed and endurance to get me to my first 15km in April at the Run for the Kids then onto my first half later this year. 

 So on that note, until next time, Happy Running. 

PS. If you're missing my foodie pics, you can find them on Instragram by follow me under skeats19. You can also view the latest pics in a summary from the right hand column of this blog :).

Best one yet

So yesterday was our first Super Saturday Session for 2014. With the alarm set for 7.30 am there was no sleep in for me. I also had the challenge of my first 8km run on my own.

It was the perfect morning weather wise. Overcast and cool. I set off with my new running playlist and managed to keep an average pace of 6.40. I was pretty excited by this as normally I would plod along around the 7.00 and usually would have to have someone running with me to keep up that kinda pace. Something just clicked yesterday and I just kept going. I pushed through the usual stitch instead of giving into it. Overall it was also my best time for 8km which was 56.43. Actually that's 8.5km in 56.43. Still a long way to go if I wanna reach my half mara goal but I know I can do it if I can keep this mind set.

After my run, I was exhausted but happy to meet up with the rest of the girl's at 9.15 for part 2 of our SSS which was a circuit and boxing session. It was so good to be back and making the most of our great outdoors. The best thing about these sessions are we chat and laugh the entire way through it and the time flies. Next weeks challenge will be 10km on my own and hopefully 1000+ calories. Which I still can't quite seem to crack.

Working Hard

The girls after our first big super sess of 2014

After burning about 800 calories, we all decided to go for a coffee and breakky at Poyntons which is a lovely cafe at a nursery opposite where we train at Maribyrnong River. It was the perfect way to wind down and enjoy some great company.

Cheggymite Muffins with poached eggs! Yum! 

Not quite sure how I'm gonna get through this next week as temperatures in Melbourne are set to average 40 degrees all week. Arrrggghhhhhh...... Luckily we've just purchased this awesome baby pool which will hopefully help us copy a little bit.

 And with that I think it's time to say night all, and hope you have a good week and keep cool xo

It's all paying off

It's great to be home after a weekend of partying and what's even better is that after months of hard work, it's finally all paying off.

On the weekend, we packed our bags for a mini getaway to Queenscliffe for a friends wedding. I even packed my running gear as I was keen to get out in the new surrounds and make most of the ocean views.

On the Saturday morning before the wedding I made plans with a new running buddy to be up at 8.30. It was drizzling a little, and it was cold and windy but that wasn't gonna stop us. Thankfully by the time we got started the rain had cleared, and the sun even poked through. We followed the hilly rail trail for a few km's then turned around and made our way back to the train station where we started. It wasn't the fastest run, but we were just happy to be out and about as the old me would have still been back in bed snuggled under the covers and I wouldn't have even considered packing my runners.

The best bit about this weekend was that most of our friends that came down for the wedding are family friends that I hadn't seen in six months or so. I received so many compliments on how amazing I was looking and so fit and happy... Even the bride took time out on her day, to say how great I looked which was such a great compliment. The last wedding I went too I felt so blah. I think I changed outfits about three times and was just so uncomfortable... So thanks heaps to everyone who has supported me along the way, I couldn't be more happier. 

Feeling pretty happy with my boy at the wedding!

On a final note, looking forward to making the most of my last day of holidays tomorrow with around the river with my little sis.

Night all, and happy running 

xo

No excuses

I know I've said it before, but I have the most amazing support crew in the world.

Whilst home in Warragul the last couple of days, I was determined to keep up with my training which meant going for a run and completing 20 hill sprints. Holidays weren't gonna get in the way of my training!

We spent the afternoon traveling around the country side and shopping with my folks. As soon as we got home and before I made myself comfortable on the couch, I put my running gear on and was keen to get started... We have a great hill next to mum and dad's house, where I thought Peter could just sit on the balcony with his beer and hackle me from there but he did one better and actually joined me. 

It was exactly what I needed cause I don't think I would have done it as well on my own nor got it done that quickly. He's a great motivator, and he just kept pushing me! 

 

So yay thank you Peter, you're the bestest. 

Also,  a thank you to mum for cheering us on from the kitchen window while cooking us dinner and to dad for also cheering us on and taking some pics from the top of the hill...

 

Until next time, Happy New Year, Happy Running and here's to kicking more goals in 2014.
My 12 month anniversary of 12wbt is quickly approaching so I'll be doing my reflections on the year that was then so stay tuned  xo