CREATING MEMORIES

Scale weight = down 0.4 to 67.2 kg (interesting!)

Training = 60 min early morning walk, heading off to do a Bootycamp style workout with Nicole a bit later.

The past couple of afternoons, when needing to clear my head and rejuvinate some energy, I've been going for another walk. This could be helping with my drops each morning.

Feeling = "Lordy Lordy Lordy I can't help it I like to party, it's genetic, it's electrifying, wind me up and watch me go, where she stops nobody knows, it's a good excuse to be a bad influence on you." (Bad Influence - Pink Funhouse)

Melancholy had set in over the past day or two and a phone call from one of my best friends in Singleton (Hi Mel) sealed it. There was only one thing to do. So, last night, a delicious meal of garlic and coriander prawns, capsicum, eggplant and basmati rice and 4 vodkas later (yes Kek I broke the drought) I was feeling relaxed and happy. Hubby and I talked and laughed with some music in the background just like "old times". When I made one negative comment he was quick to reframe it with "you're a highly focussed LMFM (work that one out)".

Even gave last week's ebay purchase a whirl. That's the extravert in me!

RETAIL THERAPY WORKING WONDERS

Scale weight = down 0.6 to 67.6 kg (I see a "5")

Training = 75 min early morning walk

Feeling = After an emotional day yesterday and feeling quite low and questioning myself, my life and what I'm doing I'm feeling much better today. Some retail therapy was in order and yesterday I bought myself a couple of dresses for the upcoming festivities. I also noticed yesterday that my legs were looking leaner and today I'm wearing my 2nd favourite pair of jeans. The favourite is still an inch away from being done up. And again today more retail therapy with a trip to "Gym Funky" to check out another new range "BlueFish Sport".

To celebrate the launching of BlueFish in Australia, Gym Funky has a great offer for ONE DAY ONLY.

Today, Saturday 29th November 2008, Purchase over $150 online, or at the North Lakes store, and they'll give you a $30 gift voucher that you can either give to a friend for Christmas, or use it yourself at a later date.

Why not purchase a $150 gift certificate, and they’ll send you a gift certificate to the value of $180 instead. Also, don’t forget, from now until Christmas Eve, they have Free Shipping on all internet sales.

SLIGHTLY HOMESICK

Scale weight = same at 68.2 kg (down 1.4 kg since last Friday, grand total = 5.3 kg in 5 weeks, 2 weeks to go to reach goal of 65, reckon I can do it?)

Training = 30 min early morning hill walk/run, chest later on. Liz' little miss is sick so I'm going to train in my garage after taking kids to school. Might have another walk later on)

Feeling = For the first time since moving to Brisbane in May 2007 I feel a little homesick after my sister sent me some photos of our family home in Singleton after she had done some repainting of the bamboo around our pool. We bought our block of land, did some excavation and had our dream home built. And not long before we left had our very first pool put in. Hubby and I spent many many hours building retaining walls, paving, and creating a fabulous outdoor entertaining area of which many a party was had including my 30th and his 40th. It was our little piece of paradise in a bushland setting. I have many fond memories of "The Glade" and although I LOVE Brisbane and say I'm never going home the photos did make me miss it and reflect on how much my life has changed.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF?

Scale weight = down 0.4 to 68.2 kg (you go girlfriend!)

Training = 20 minutes circuit style

Feeling = A little lightheaded but nothing that an 80 gram bowl of oats and protein powder couldn't fix. Other than that all good. Was briefly a little worried this morning to see that I am still dropping. Hoping there's no muscle loss along with the fat. Not going to complicate it and put too much thought into it. Just keep going!

I’ve been thinking about Deb’s post on “What matters most is how you see yourself”.

This is quite often an overlooked aspect to achieving our goals. It’s our self image. If our self image isn’t in line with our goals, our goals will not be achieved. If our self image supports our goals, goals become much easier to achieve. If our self image is in conflict with what we want to achieve then we will not achieve any long-term success with our desired goal.

Our minds are our most powerful asset. We subconsciously perform actions that will support our identity. Yet most people (myself included) allow their minds to be their greatest barrier. People who live remarkable lives and achieve extraordinary things think differently than people who lead average lives. Take Arnold Schwarzenegger for example. He won 7 Mr Olympia titles by believing in himself and having a positive attitude.

We can condition our brains for greater success and this is the “secret” to achieving our potential. We can train our brain to think bigger and more creatively, just like we can condition our muscles to grow bigger and become stronger.

When I started seeing Jeanelle I had to write out my “old” rules and my “new” rules. Yesterday we backtracked and went through them again. I was able to confidently tick off 5 out of 7 as being practiced and now my “normal”.

Do you have limiting beliefs about your abilities? If so, write out what the beliefs should be to truly be an accurate representation of your abilities.

ASK YOURSELF ONE QUESTION

Scale weight = down 0.5 to 68.6 kg (Do I feel lucky - well do ya punk?)

Training = 25 min early morning walk/jog followed by awesome arm assault (biceps/triceps) with Nicole then 20 min elliptical workout.

Feeling = Absolutely bloody amazing!

My alarm went off at 4:02 am today, but I didn't really need the alarm. In fact, I had woken up about 3:45 or so with pretty good energy and hopped out of bed at 4:15.

Why? Well, I've got a mission. And I've got a deadline.

This mission? To help as many people as possible enjoy the vast benefits of training hard and with intensity however today wasn't about my clients. It was about me and my training. Wednesday morning is the only morning I don't train others but train myself with Nicole's help and encouragement and that extra push that we don't often give ourselves. I have to make mention here of how hard Nicole is training. Her poor body is continually sore with doms. She's being consistent with her nutrition. Only hiccup - god damn piece of metal is not cooperating BUT she's sticking with it and deadset gonna smash them to pieces very soon.

Deadline? Well, the mission has emerged out of a desire to better myself. A powerful mission along with my motivation to live lean and love life (quote "Liz") seemed to get the job done in lighting a very hot fire under my butt.

What I've found in the last four weeks is an amazing ability to cut through the crap and make choices in a few moments that I had been dilly-dallying with for months and months since competing in May.

Having a clear goal (matched with my personal mission and beliefs) and a deadline seems to be the perfect ignition for lighting that fire within.

We have a fabulous morning crowd at our gym (Genesis Windsor). Everyone talks to everyone and it's a really welcoming and encouraging approach to training. In the coming weeks I'm going to take my camera and take some photos of the fantastic atmosphere we have created.

As Clint Eastwood would say "ask yourself one question". What's your mission? And how can you apply a deadline to it?

MY MUM SENT ME THIS !!

This is why men don't design Christmas wrapping paper:

AND, this is why they don't let men design Christmas cards.

MY LOVE

Scale weight = down 0.4 to 69.1 kg (good to go now)

Training = 35 min early morning walk, back with Liz

Feeling = On an even keel today. Got a little tired this arvo and needed a nap which only made me feel worse upon waking in a hot and muggy room but a couple of litres of water later and a chat with Katie I'm now feeling good again.

Whilst sitting at tae kwon do waiting for the kids this arvo I got thinking:

Some of you know my husband, many don't. I met him whilst working at Howick Coal mine in the Hunter Valley as a "Maintenance Planner" nearly 12 years ago. At that time I was divorced and a single mother. I was immediately attracted to him and one drunken night out with our group of friends we hooked up. I won't go into details but our life together progressed from that night. We got married and had two beautiful children together. I consider him to be my soul mate. Not only are we lovers but also best friends. He is my number one supporter and fan. He lifts me up when I'm feeling down and comforts me when I need to cry. He gets excited when I do and understands when I don't want to go out or need time out. He follows my journey each day checking my scale weight note book and last weekend produced a graph showing the trend of my weight loss. Based on his calculations I will reach 66 by "D" day. When I told him I wanted to get to 65 he jokingly said "well you need to work harder". I jokingly told him to piss off. Each time I'm heading out to train he tells me to "have a go". He is so supportive of everything I do and want to do. He regularly brings me home flowers. He takes over with the children and chores of a night when I am completely exhausted and looks after the kids most of the weekend. He also cooks and cleans. I would be so lost without him and think I am the luckiest woman to have found such a fantastic husband and father. He is my one true constant in my life and I love him with all my heart.

HOW EXCITING !!

Scale weight = down 1.8 to 69.5 kg (magic!)

Training = 30 min early morning walk, shoulders/abs & walk with Nicole coming up this arvo

Feeling = hmmm, let's see. Was feeling great, especially excited about below but now feeling a little cranky with myself over another matter which I'm in the process of sorting out.

Now, I'm so excited. I had a meeting today with the owner of a new, exciting and funky range of gym clothing hitting Australia. After viewing the range and of course trying some of the lines on I'm thrilled to announce that "Gym Funky" will be sponsoring me and supplying some outfits for my up and coming photo shoot.

Check out their website "Gym Funky" You can order online Australia wide and overseas. The fabric used is supplex and you should see how great it holds you in! Tell them Shelley sent you.

SHOULDERS - PROGRESS PIC

At training this morning with Nicole my shoulders were looking mighty fine and full so being the dags we are decided to take some pics:

BRINGING IT HOME

Yesterday:

Scale weight = down 0.4 to 69.1 kg

Training = rpm

Today:

Scale weight = up 2.2 to 71.3 kg (do I look worried? Nuh)

Training = 90 minute early morning walk, heading off soon to train chest & biceps with Nicole plus a little cardio

Feeling = So much better now. The past few days had been really really hungry, exhaustive ones and I was beginning to get closer to eating the entire contents of the pantry and fridge. I nearly chewed my arm off Friday night but settled for Gourmet Nutrition pre-bed snack. I came up with a plan, which I ran past Coach, and got the nod to execute so yesterday was a much higher day calorie wise (close to maintenance calories) with the majority of them (I estimate 70%) coming from carbs. Mostly clean ones but couldn't let a day go by without a few lollies and squares of chocolate for good measure. Needless to say my muscles are now fully loaded with glycogen hence the higher scale reading this morning. The beauty this morning was that I understand and now believe that it's not fat and can watch the number reduce over the coming days as my glycogen stores deplete again. With just under 3 weeks till "D" day I'm confident of "bringing it home". Yesterday's reprieve was just what I needed.

TURNING THE TABLES

Scale weight = up 0.4 to 69.6 kg (total for week = down 0.8, grand total = 3.9 in 4 weeks)

Training = 30 minutes cardio intervals, Legs & biceps with Liz

Feeling = very tired and really needing to rest and sleep but tried to have an arvo nap this arvo but just couldn't get there. I'm planning on having a day or two off next week. I'm sore in the triceps and hamstrings which is probably contributing to the scale raise this morning. Today's leg session was focussed on my posterior chain, namely glutes and hamstrings, incorporating deadlifts, glute/hamstring hyperextensions and then the hardest exercise I think I've ever done. See below. I did however manage to get revenge when I told Liz to have a go and when she got to 3, I said "2 more", then I said "I lied another one". I'm secretly hoping she's hamstring doms tomorrow to even up the quad doms she's got today. All in the name of friendship right!

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=oa6Ai5ty6oY&feature=related

STILL SAFE AND SOUND

Scale weight = down 0.3 to 69.2 kg

Training = 30 min early morning walk then 45 min metabolic workout with Nicole

Feeling - much much better after losing it last night and getting unnecessarily angry over reading something. I was very very tired and extremely hungry all day yesterday and knew I needed some carbs but needed someone else (Liz) to tell me to do so. So, after a big 80 gram bowl of the old trusty oats and protein powder, which by the way didn't even touch the sides, decided to head to bed at 7.30 pm rather than stay up thinking about my hunger and tiredness and continue to be pissed off.

This morning upon heading to the gym at 4.30 am got just about there to find the road closed due to the creek rising up over the road. Apparently we had another storm last night, which I slept through. There is devastation, debris, flooding everywhere however we were lucky with only the neighbours tree falling down on our fence and clothes line. Watching the news is really upsetting hearing about the damage and people losing their lives. Another storm is predicted tonight so fingers crossed we continue to stay out of trouble.

A WINNING FORMULA !

Scale weight = up 0.3 to 69.5 kg (liar liar pants on fire)

Training = 30 min early morning walk then amazing back & tricep workout with Nicole followed by 25 min elliptical workout.

Feeling = amazingly fabulous. Having a wonderful wonderful day. Don't really know why although my training this morning absolutely rocked and I'm still feeling high on the endorphins.

It occured to me today that I've gained the knowledge of a winning formula. Training hard and with purpose making each and every session count, eating to fuel my body with a balance of carbs, protein and fats and enjoying "my things" in moderation and being mindful whilst doing so. Sleeping deeply and waking on my accord without an alarm. Incorporating some relaxation protocols, stretching and foam roller release for recovery purposes but most of all practicing patience, persistence and consistency and not allowing the scales to dictate how I feel but rather seeing them for what they are - one indicator of progress not always telling the truth. I've known this for a while but never really grouped them altogether. A win for me!

FOR LIZ - OATGASMIC !!

Scale weight = down 0.4 to 69.2 kgs (down and down and down she goes where she stops nobody knows)

Training = 25 min early morning walk, Legs & core with Liz at lunchtime followed by my favourite post workout meal of 80 grams oats and protein powder

Feeling = Great all round

Nice easy day with not too much to do so just plodding along this arvo finding things to do.

ON A ROLL !!

Scale weight = down 0.3 to 69.6 kg (here we go)

Training = 30 minute early morning walk, shoulders & abs

Feeling = Mentally fantastic. Physically fatigued in the shoulders understandibly after this morning's shoulder toasting. Grow, grow, grow!

Last nights storm had the power out at my gym this morning so I took my 5.30 am client for a walk to the park then did a crazy arsed cardio session with her. I don't think she was liking me too much. The gym put a sign up not letting anyone in due to no power so I couldn't train my next client so came home and trained in my shoulders in my garage. Hubby came down to find out what all the grunting and groaning was about!

On a funny note hubby decided over the weekend that we all needed worming and had bought combantrin. I advised him that doing this meant all the bed linen need washing and told him he had to do it since it was his idea and so he did. I wondered how to log the 7 squares of chocolate I ate last night (hehehe).

Today I'm doing a paleo day but still having a skinny cow after dinner. I noticed in the mirror at the gym this mirror that my pants are getting baggy however I'm still unable to go down a size in pants but it's all good and means I'm getting there. My shoulders and abs are even more visible today and I think I may have even seen some lines in my legs. So can't wait for the bottom half to come into line.

CRACKED THE BITCH - JUST !!

Scale weight = down 0.1 kg to 69.9 kg (finally!)

Training = 70 minute early mornin walk, just finished Chest & Biceps with Nicole plus 30 minutes of Katie's treadmill incline intervals.

Feeling = Really happy to finally see a 6 again on the scales. I know I can do this. Easy peasy japanesy.

Negatively I'm sick of waking at 4 am each morning. Weekdays it doesn't bother me but weekends I'd really like to be able to sleep in. Positively at least I have time to go for an early morning walk to start the day off great. Heading out for a couple of hours soon to take the kids (I have my sister's two boys aged 5 and 7 here for a mini holiday (they live in my home town of Singleton and this was their first unaccompanied flight)) to Little TiGrrs play centre whilst I sit and read the latest Women's Health & Fitness mag.

A BEAUTIFUL START TO THE DAY

Scale weight = down 0.4 (Bitch!) For the first time I'm revealing my weight. Today sitting at 70 kg flat. My goal is to get to 65 kg for this photo shoot. This is 3 kg's above my comp weight however realistically it was probably more like 60.5 or 61 kg as I'd ingested a whole shit load of carbs in the previous couple of days. I'm very carb tolerant and deplete quite quickly and was very flat coming into the day hence my feeds of potato wedges, rice cakes and honey, lolly snakes, paddle pops, etc. I have very fond memories of Liz cooking me potato wedgies with tomato sauce whilst she got to see all my "bits" whilst tanning for the first of no doubt many times (LOL).

Training = Early morning 1 hour walk. This is where my title comes from. I love nothing more than walking with my ipod, having some me time and thinking through my thoughts. This is more for relaxation than exercise purposes. Then, caned Liz' Hi-Performance RPM class. Also got to sit next to Lisa Stokes which was a treat. With her sitting next to me I kept telling myself strong mind, strong legs. As I've not been a regular participant of late I always get nervous and scared as to how I'll get through but when it's all done and dusted a sense of accomplishment, achivement and euphoria set in and I have a fantastic Saturday. I do sometimes need an afternoon nap though.

Feeling = Bloody unreal. Enjoying the calmness I feel today after a hectic week.

I was really hoping for a 69er on the scales this morning. Since she didn't come through for me I'm gonna get it one way or another (hehehe - too much information!)

To make Tara smile - I had a dream early this morning. You got busted, big time, having an affair with my husband. You and me are gonna have words (LOL).

KEEPING UP TO DATE

Scale weight = up 0.3 (Ahh you Fuckers!), Total for week = down 0.7 kg, Grand Total = 3.1 kgs in 3 weeks gooorrrrnnnneeee)

Training = 4.30 am 40 mins Shelley's crazy shit intervals, 11 am back & triceps with Liz

Feeling = On the scale front not concerned at all. In actual fact I know that I've dropped more than they are indicating at the moment and this morning's rise was due to a lot of salt adding, a little bit of pizza, cookies and peanut m&m's last night.

Being a perfectionistic kind of person has me this week confused, upset and angry at myself. Just when I think I have got my shit together and doing fantastically I have the old mad monkey on my shoulder encouraging and enticing me to indulge in another form of bad behaviour. I must keep reminding myself that I can be whatever type of person I choose to be. My habits, my behaviours, my responses, are all my choice.

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

Scale weight = down 0.4 (Yee hah!)

Training = 5 am - 20 min treadmill walk, 6.10 am - 10 x 30/30 bike intervals, 15 mins elliptical, 10 mins tready walk, 8.30 am - biceps

Feeling = Getting lean, can see it in my abs. Not stressed but always rushing and something to do. Looking forward to weekend for the world to slow down.

FLAT OUT LIKE A LIZARD DRINKING !!

Yesterday:

Scale weight = up 0.2 kg (You're such a liar!)

Training = Chest & biceps with Liz, yep we're working on me getting bigger guns! Then 10 x 20/40 rowing intervals. Cardio cut short to eat and chat with Liz since she didn't have another client for an hour.

Feeling = Great

Today:

Scale weight = down 0.5 kg (Thank you)

Training = Legs with Nicole then 30/30 bike intervals x 10, 5 mins stairmaster, 10 mins elliptical

Feeling = Fantastic after awesome workout but now a little drained mentally after emotional session with Jeanelle discussing my self beliefs and being "perfect". I've some thinking to do over the next week and hopefully some change to happen also.

NOT TOO MUCH TO TELL TODAY

Scale weight = up 0.1 kg (Oh, so we're going to play games again are we? Fine with me!)

Training = nothing yet but later on this arvo shoulders/abs with Nicole plus a run/walk afterwards

Feeling = OK, woke from a deep sleep this morning with a foul headache, popped a couple of panadol at breaky time. Feeling tired after a busy morning at work. Just about to have lunch then head for a snooze so will hopefully feel better for the afternoon rush.

CHECK THIS OUT !!

Scale weight = up 0.1 kg (Nice!)


Training = early morning 1hr walk then mid morning absolutely awesome back and triceps workout with Nicole followed by 15 mins elliptical, 15 mins treadmill walking, stretch, foam roller release, sauna.


Feeling = Absolutely amazing. Gobsmacked at my back. Confident that I've broken through my last number barrier with the scales. As they only rose 0.1 kg I'm definately at the next number. Bloody strong today at training.


I remember once reading a post of Katie's detailing her morning ritual. As I do every morning, rise and head straight down the stairs holding onto the handrail with my eyes half closed feeling my abs (fat) listening to the creak in my knees and thinking if there's any pain. Head straight to the laundry, feed cat (Mrs Mia Wallace), head to my bathroom, loo stop, step on scales, read the number, make comment, brush teeth, wash face, etc, loo stop again then step on scales again (I can usually get another 0.1 kg by doing this and I'm taking every 1 I can get). This morning I felt my abs again then looked in the mirror and seen a very faint outline of my abs. This is the first time I've noticed the middle blocks so I took a photo on my phone (not very clear so look hard):

Then I emailed Nicole to take her camera to the gym to get a back double bicep shot (hmmm, really need to build bigger biceps):

And also one of me and my beloved red frogs:

I'm off now to wax, shave and get shuper shexy for hubby's return this arvo then walking up to Baskin Robbins for the usual Sunday afternoon tea.

Oh, and almost forgot. I emailed Jo Rogers last night about a new bikini. Getting the ball rolling!

ME CAVEWOMAN

Yesterday:

Scale weight - down 0.1 kg (Total for week down 0.6) (Grand total 2.4 in 2 weeks)

Training - 1 hr walk in morning, lunchtime legs with Liz (squats, full deadlifts, lunges)

Feeling - A little under pressure and a little bit stressed. 6.1 kilos in 5 weeks to go scares me. Know that I have been doing everything right and had to be reminded by Coach that scale weight is not linear.

Today:

Scale weight - down 0.5 kg (Yes!!! Now that's more like it)

Training - Took an unplanned rest day due to knee pain indicating they need a break. Had to ditch RPM - boo hoo!

Feeling - Relieved. 5.6 kg's in 5 weeks seems much more doable. Looking at myself in the mirror and thinking that I'm looker better, leaner, even OK then I receive by email photos I had Nicole take last night and realise that photos tell the true story and that I still have a way to go. I see just how much fat my arse holds but can at least laugh about it.

Although I backed out of RPM this morning I still headed over to Indro for morning tea with Liz and kiddies and Tara, Rob and their kiddies. It was great to catch up again with Tara with some interesting conversation being had (wink wink). My hubby has taken our children away to visit an Aunty in Moree before Christmas. I didn't want to go (read step outside my comfort zone or routine) so am batching for the weekend and as much as I love my family I'm sooooo enjoying having the whole weekend to myself. Last night after helping Nicole out with a boxing session she came over to my house for dinner and we enjoyed a homecooked Thai Tom Yum fish, prawns and lots of veges followed of course by our skinny cows. There was lots of girly gossip going on.

As you may have guessed from the title today I'm having a paleo day and eating like a cavewoman. I'd been considering having one for a few days now but just couldn't bring myself to have one when I thought I HAD to. Now, because I'm feeling more relaxed again I'm doing it because I WANT to and enjoying lots and lots of veges, prawns, fish and even one of my hamburger patties. Big banana prawns were on special yesterday for $12 a kilo so of course I bought a whole kilo all for myself. And even though today is paleo I'm still having one of "my things" tonight; that being crunchy caramel lindt chocolate. As Jeanelle says "having nothing is just as bad as a binge".

VOTE 1 SHELLEY

Scale weight = up 0.1 kg ("C'mon baby, give it to me. You know you want to")

Training = Elliptical 30:30 intervals x 10

Feeling = Nothing jumps out today. Slightly tired but nowhere near exhausted like the usual Thursday. Not overly excited today about anything. Just plodding along today.

I'm going to reveal the spontaneous (stupid?) thing I did the other day. Too late now to take it back so might as well go for it. Vote for me #41 - PLEASE! And keep voting lots and lots and tell your friends to vote too!

http://www.b105.com.au/shows/labratcamillaandstav/galleries/surbancentrefolds1

Hamburger Heaven

Today's lunch. My God - that was gooooooddddd! And yep, drip happens!

WHOOSHKA

Scale weight = down 1.2 kg ("Yeah yeah, nice work. Keep it comin'")

Training = Chiselled Chest and Buldging Bicep Workout with Nicole followed by 30 minutes Triple Play Bike workout courtesy of Liz.

Feeling - The best I have felt in a long time. Appreciating my body for where it's been, where it is now and where it is going. Actually liking what I now see in the mirror. Starting to feel sexy again (must be cause I've asked hubby to put up my pole again for some dancing). Motivated to train with purpose. Motivated to eat with balance, moderation, lifestyle and sanity in mind. Inspired by Lia's post today. Determined to get me shoulders like that!

The mail contractor just delivered a parcel for me. A lovely man and don't get me wrong I don't judge people by their size but this man is HUGE and I think a bit lonely. He always has a quick chat (tries to chat me up) when he delivers my goodies. Today he asked if he won lotto would I run away with him. I nearly pissed myself laughing and had to tell him that I love my husband more than anything and that he's my soul mate and I'm very happily married. He told me he wants a nice woman with a bum like mine. I had to stop myself from laughing and told him to join a dating agency.

SWELL HELL !!

Scale weight = up 0.8 kg ("I know you're swollen and hurting - me too! I'll have a bath tonight to help you")

Training = 1 hr cardio this morning, 30:90 elliptical intervals x 8 following by some other crazy spiking heart rate shit, a 10 min slow jog then 10 min walk. Lunchtimeish - MF building back/shoulders/triceps with Liz.

Feeling = on top of the world. Doing crazy spontaneous stuff which I might reveal later. A bit embarrasing now I come to think of it but done now so I'll just go with it.

My legs are still sooooooo sore so hoping they settle down soon.

Yummy prawn dinner tonight with a skinny cow for dessert.

OUCHY MUMMA !!

Scale weight = up 0.3 kg ("Say hellooooooo hamstrings - you don't like it when I have doms do you?")

Training today = 1 hr powerwalk later this arvo with Nic

Feeling = excited, psyched, pumped, anxious, occupied, did I mention excited.

First up, I can hardly friggin' walk today. You know it aint gonna be good when you toss and turn with uncomfortableness during the first night after training. Squats, deadlifts, hamstring curls aren't kind to one's body after 3 weeks rest from leg training! Usually, if doms arrive, they don't land on deck till 48 hours afterwards. No so, this time, arriving in record time.

Right, today I've made the decision to compete again next year. Of course, this is today's decision, tomorrow may be a different story and 'that's my prerogative'. But for now it's all systems go! Look out!

PSYCHED !!

Scale weight = down 0.2 kg (I'm glad you appreciated the rest day yesterday)

Training today = Legs & Shoulders with Nicole followed with some moderate intensity cardio which was a bit out of the norm. Think elliptical, lunges with overhead press, crab crawls, push-ups and step-ups. Finished off with a sauna which is a change from our usual steam.

Food = I want to make mention today in the hope that I'll remember this next week and change the routine as the same thing happened last Sunday. Train, steam/sauna, head to kitchen, cook oats, sit down, eat, 1/2 way through feel sick, nauseous, dizzy, stop eating, today even lay down on cold floor. Insulin spike? Change in body temperature? I think I need to come home first then eat. I'll see how this goes next week.

Feeling = psyched after watching Arnie yesterday. That mans mental attitute is what created a winner. If you haven't seen Pumping Iron go get it. I'm also really pleased with myself for keeping my focus and staying positive even when I've felt like crap and starving hungry at different times. I've been thinking before acting and changing the way I think.

This afternoon we're taking the kids for a walk to Baskin Robbins for afternoon tea. Today I'm not choosing my flavour until I get there.

CHILLING OUT

Scale weight = down 0.3 kg (well Good Morning to you too, have a nice day!)

Training = zip, zilch, none, nada. I took everyone's advice and had a sleep in and decided to have a complete rest day. I'm still slobbing around the house in my daggy pj's and don't intend on getting out of them till late this arvo, after my arvo nap when we are heading over to a friend's housewarming party.

Feeling = much, much better. Feeling relaxed and at ease and enjoying my lazy day.

Yesterday's challenge was passed with flying colours. And I went over and above what was required. I won't bore you with the details but it's about stepping outside of my comfort zone. Strangely enough I felt liberated and free. My world gets better and better as I tackle it head on!

Didn't watch Arnie last night so will watch it tonight with my skinny cow and mars bar.