BAGGY PANTS & THE NIT WITS

Scale weight = up 0.3 to 64.1 kg

Training = 4.15 am Workout A (I think my biceps ARE getting bigger!)

Feeling = Happy to hang here for a bit longer. Really loving how I look and feel at this weight (once I get the belly bloating gone again - I've got the gurgles back!) Yesterday I was showered, shaved and shuper sexy heading to have a much needed colour job on my hair. I put on a pair of long denim shorts which were ridiculously baggy and couldn't believe I've bypassed wearing them. Didn't have time to go searching for something else to wear so wore them anyway. Then, after leaving the hairdressers walking past what I refer to as a skinny bitch shop (Supre) jeans in the window caught my eye and since I'm going to a boxing match tonight with Scott and Nicole (our 10 year wedding anniversary too) and want to look hot thought I'd try them on. Size S too friggin' big but I didn't have time to go stuffing around trying on more as I was late to get the kids from school. Came home and tried on a pair of black skinny leg jeans I haven't worn for yonks and what'd ya know - perfect! Teamed with a pair of heels and blingy top (I'm thinking halter neck) and I'm ready to rock! But then later went out to buy some focus mitts and kickbag and ended up buying a brand new pair of dark blue denim skinny leg jeans which are fricken HOT! And now can't wait for tonight! Gosh, it's a great feeling.

On another note, I LOVE training strong, tough women. I'm now training this little lady and she's a machine. Always gives 110%. I know her muscles are hurting but she doesn't give in. She's a fighter and that's how beautiful physiques are made.

WHO DO YOU TRUST?

Scale weight = up 0.2 to 63.8 kg

Training = Workout F (little bit of this and a little bit of that)

Feeling = When it comes to training and nutrition who do you trust? The internet, fitness magazines, your family and friends, your Personal Trainer/Coach or yourself? When it comes to my nutrition I believe and trust what I do is right for me. I do, however, realise that everyone is different and what works for me may not always work for others. Case example, I have two clients I'm preparing to compete in May. One does well on higher carbs and not so well on lower carbs, the other seems to do better on moderate carbs. This tells me that we are each individuals and need to structure our nutrition requirements accordingly. I love my training, I do what feels right. This may change from time to time, even day to day. I listen to my body and I look at my body. I like structure, I love programs, I love following a schedule. With diarising my training I find I aim higher and push harder each session to beat the previous one. A trainer is beneficial in this regard for guidance, motivation, inspiration and that encouragement we all need from time to time but if you don't trust your trainer and have confidence in what/how they are training you then it's time to move on to someone else. The relationship between trainer and client must be two-fold. You need to have the desire and dedication, they need to support you fully and want the very best for you. After all, your success is their success. When you have this you're on a winning formula to achieving everything outside of your comfort zone and inside the possibility zone. Belief in oneself is also paramount. As the saying goes "if you don't believe, you won't achieve!" Who do you trust?

COMBINING FATS & CARBS IN THE SAME MEAL

Scale weight = same at 63.6 kg (noice, different, unusual!)

Training = 4.20 am 25 min walk, 5.40 am Workout E (loving my new training program)

Feeling = Much better today although still hacking. Must be a bug cause daughter has been sick too and now hubby is still in bed feeling like his head is going to explode!

This post is not designed to create controversy but rather a journal entry for myself. I usually have at least one meal a day of oats and protein powder and sometimes will add honey, especially post workout. On a number of occasions I have noticed that afterwards I enter light-headedness and fatigue. Knowing that this was probably due to an insulin spike I grinned and beared it and held out for the next meal. Interestingly enough, Katie and I had a discussion about this on the weekend and she suggested adding peanut butter instead of the honey which may slow down the digestion of the carbs and prevent such a spike in blood glucose levels. Me being quite open to new tastes and textures and such a huge lover of peanut butter gave it a go resulting in a positive outcome. Since then I’ve been adding peanut butter to my oats each time and have noticed a huge difference in my body’s response. I know there is varying opinions on mixing fats and carbs, especially in the same meal, but as long as the fat is disappearing I’m not concerned at all. Leigh Peele's site has an interesting article written by Alan Aragon titled Carbs and Fat: Friends After All? in which this particular paragraph rang true for me: The bottom line is that as long as you’re aware of your macronutrient targets for the day, go ahead and sludge that peanut butter into your oatmeal if your little heart desires it. Leave the neurotic eating behaviours for those with a lot of faith in fairy tales.

YOU GOT DRUGS?

Scale weight = down 0.6 to 63.6 kg

Training = 4.30 am Workout D (no form of cardio whatsoever)

Feeling = I need drugs! Of the antiobotic kind. Last day in Sydney I woke up sneezing (hayfever) and slowly my head and chest has filled with snot. I considered cancelling training and clients today so I could just sleep it off but I've got too many booked in and I'm not one to let people down. So, I'll battle through hoping not to cough up phlegm all over my clients. In saying that I did actually have a great training session this morning but the thought of being breathless, even slightly, through cardio was just not going to happen.

BACK TO REAL LIFE

Scale weight = up 0.2 from last Thursday 64.2 kg (back on my scales)

Training = rest day today

Feeling = Busy, busy, busy today catching up. These pics were taken over the past couple of days whilst in Sydney with Katie. We had the bestest time ever and have already planned our next get together. Can't wait to spend some more special times with my awesome friend.

THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE, ONLY FEEDBACK!

The easy thing for me to do here would be to write how great the swim was, how great I felt, how strong I swam, that it was awesome.

But in reality it sucked! I hated it and never want to do it again! The morning was full of anticipation about what it would be like, planning my strategy (not going out like a bull at a gate but rather nice and easy to begin with). My age group was called and I headed to the jetty. When allowed to enter the water, I dived straight in knowing that if I hesitated would make it worse. I didn't feel the temperature of the water, I didn't think about sharks, I just adjusted my goggles whilst treading water and could feel the surge of adrenelin. The gun went off, I started swimming getting kicked, punched, bumped into and found that I was hardly moving. With each breathe I had to lift my head high out of the water the waves were so choppy. I started swimming with my head above the water but even that seemed impossible. I told myself I could do it. I tried my hardest but it wasn't good enough on the day. The last breathe I took I swallowed a gut full of really salty water which made me spew in Sydney Harbour. I decided then and there "fuck this I'm not gonna make it". I stopped, treaded water and put my hand up to be rescued. Got picked up by a board guy and loaded into a boat and headed back to the jetty.

Initially, I was disappointed in myself and for a brief moment felt I had failed. But in the scheme of things I am a winner. I had a go. I'm a decent swimmer (in the pool) but realised that for an open water swim I need to train in open water. Previously, this kind of behaviour would have sent me to the nearest Seven Eleven for lollies and chocolate and whatever other shit I could get my hands on but not today. After a post-swim meal, pepsi and chat with Fern, Katie and I headed to the gym where I had a really great session. Do I feel regret now - nah! The important thing here is that I tried my hardest and that is only what we can all do, put in down to experience and move on. Next!!!!

SWIM HAPPENS

Scale weight = same at 63.1 kg (Katie's scales)

Training = 1 km Sydney Harbour Swim Classic then Katie and I are heading to Bond St FF. No scheduled training but I'll throw a few weights around practising some new exercises I've thought of adding to the mix.

Feeling = Confused. I thought it was getting close to 6 am so I got up out of bed but sitting on Mr Katie's computer and it's indicating that it may only be 5 am so I'm not sure what the time really is. Slightly nervous about the swim and 1) hoping I can do a nervous poop beforehand; 2) the water's not cold; 3) I make it and don't drown; 4) there's no sharks or other sea animals swimming near me; 5) I don't get kicked in the head by other swimmers - hubby said he read there's at least 800 swimmers. I'm not really thinking too much about it. Just want to get there, make it happen and feel fantastic afterwards for taking the plunge and doing it. It'll be another achievement to add to my list.