9 weeks till 2006!

November 1st tomorrow! 9 weeks until NYE!

My ITB is still twingy but I wanted the last couple of months of 2005 to be strong for me - thus the '9 week countdown' where I WILL get down to 14% body fat.

So, my blogs will be documenting this little journey - should be a fun ride!

ok.. another pic of madge - her body is so hot!

ITB Update!

You know the story so far, but to update you on my healing progress....

- On friday I rang my physio crying in pain saying I will never be able to do cardio again.....
- My boyfriend had taken our car to work so I had to walk to the physio: normally a 10 min walk...
- ...today it was a looong 35min walk to the physio! I was wearing grey trackie pants, grey trackie top and a dark grey cap. It wasnt until I saw myself in the mirror that I realised I looked like a robot mime doing street busking!! Even my arms were completely rigid as I was in so much pain! Had to laugh - it actually cheered me up momentarily!
- Physio appointment: had to laugh again! The weirdest thing - the massage was so painful I couldnt stop laughing!!! I sounded like one of those nutty witches that cackle crazily as she rides her broom into the moonlight!
- Next thing I know, I leave the appointment buying a blue ball with spikes on it - similar to the toy my dog chews obsessively in the back yard! I was instructed to sit my right bum cheek on it until I felt the most intense pain shoot up my right leg! God - and to think thats all I needed to do!...
- Lastly I bought a pack of 'Hotteeze' ('the amazing stick-on heat pads') which I am to wear (again on my right bum cheek) for 12 hours straight. www.hotteeze.net. Was told a couple of times by the physio receptionist not to stick it straight onto my skin but over my undies...it also says in the packet 'do not put Hotteeze in your mouth'...

Sooooo, after all this, I woke up the next morning.....

FEELING SOOOO MUCH BETTER!!!

Ok - I still had a couple of crippling shooting pains in my knee - but nothing like it was! WOOHOO! I wont be getting too excited and do something as stupid as going for a run (although it did cross my mind...) but I will work toward getting my cross-trainer transported to my appartment by the end of the week in anticipation!

WISH ME LUCK!!!

Madonna Muscles

I wonder if Madonna also did Sues program?

Your own RULES!

This is for my best blogger buddy Kat - thought you would appreciate this...


'Just remember this: 1 year from now, those birthdays and holidays will be distant memories, but you will still be YOU, in your body, and that’s based on your decisions ‘today’ and ‘tomorrow’, not on someone else’s idea of a social agenda. Seriously…get ruthless, as we say in M-Power, and set your own schedule. Enjoy those times under your ‘own’ rules. If people don’t understand, ——- em.

Did I say that outloud? No, no I didn’t…I just type a bunch of dashes! : )

As I say, they don’t pay your medical bills or have to wear your clothes, now do they?'

source: Jon Benson blog : Oct 27.

Snail (elliptic) Trail

Today is a cardio day - which means nothing to me right now. Yes, still have the ITB thing going on. Strangely though I feel ok - I actually feel strong!! I felt fantastic during yesterdays weights and my nutrition has been spot on! Ive been stretching like a yoga master and fingers crossed my ITB will be better by next week -IT WILL BE BETTER!!

Cant believe its only 9 weeks until NYE! HOLY COW! At least for the first time ever my new years resolution wont be 'to be healthy/start exercising/eat better blah blah blah.' Cool - so I will have new goals :-) !!!

Hey, did I tell you guys I bought a 'elliptic trainer' from my gym!!?!! WOOOHOOO!!
So exciting! The owner of the gym is upgrading his cardio equipment and sold me the elliptic trainer for $250 - I thought that was a great price! It has a digital face/timer and works perfect! Now its just working out how the hell to transport the monster to my apartment! (it looks like a huge snail) I already have a spot for it - right under the airconditioner - right infront of the tv - right in the middle of my apartment!! To say it will be a 'feature piece is an understatement!!

Will have it just in time for my full ITB recovery...any day now!!!!

10 in 10 Challenge

Ok - so you havent heard from me for a couple of days...only because I have been coming to grips with this freakin 'condition' (it was the nicest description I could use) called ITB.

I have been unable to do cardio for 6 days...i repeat 6 DAYS!!!! Until 2 days ago I could not walk down 1 step - now you understand why I have been keeping low - either that or people will get to see me FREAK OUT!!! (which only my boyfriend has the honour of witnessing...)

Anyway, I was excited today - yes, because the pain in my knee was easing to just a dull stab - but also because Jon Benson had started a blog!

'Jon is an internationally recognized transformation lifecoach, specializing in mental strategies for the excellence lifestyle, fat-burning nutrition and superior physical fitness. His first e-book, "Fit Over 40", shot to number 2 within less than a week and continues to grow in popularity. The book profiles 52 real-life "role models" who have transformed their bodies at various ages, ranging from 40 to 80.'

Jons mission / goal with The 10 in 10 Challenge is three-fold:

Educate
Motivate
Liberate

Have to say those 3 words are enough to motivate me into getting involved in the challenge - remember its a LIFESTYLE choice not just a shitty FAD - and Jon is for keeps!!

Check it out - its easy to read, informative and motivating - another blog to add to your favourites!

www.10in10challenge.com

Carrot Overdose!

A friend emailed me this yesterday - I found it so disturbing I thought I would share it with you all.

and hold for 20seconds...

Because of my ITB - I will need to stretch like SJP...

.....ok, yes I am bored.

ITB

Ohhhhhhhhh nooooooooo! I am in sooooooooo much pain!!! It was the most perfect morning for a run - and that is exactly what I did. 30mins into it I started to get a dull pain to the side of my right knee....this is what happened last week....yes - it is ITB (Iliotibial Band Syndrome)!!!

I have never suffered from ITB before - so annoying! I feel so fit and strong and then this thing happens! Geez - such are the 'tests' of life!!

Treatment:
Moisturiser, 1 apple (was told a rolling pin would be better!), packet of frozen peas and a whole lot of swearing! This ITB business is so damn hard to massage and stretch!!

www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/itb.htm

Hopefully I can coordinate some cardio at the gym - AAGGHR!

Mouse Poo Magic

I could not control my laughter and consequently spat my breakfast oats all over the morning newspapers...

'While eating, activate your coach and place it at inconspicuous location on your table'....does this look freakin inconspicous to you guys? it looks like mouse poo from mars!!! Read on...taken from The Age Sunday Life Magazine...

' The timy gizmo known as the Powerseed is, believe it or not, an eating coach. Designed to help you slow down your munching, as you'll feel fuller faster by placing yourself, the gadget - which costs $66 and is placed on the table infront of you - flashes a green light every 30 seconds to inform you its time to take the next bite. Every 5 minutes, it sends a different signal - a 3 second light - to make you question whether or not you're still hungry or just eating for the sake of it. Not recommended for first dates or meet-the-parents dinners.'

www.powerseed.com

Pink Dumbbells

Pink Dumbbells - another part of my strategy to keep motivate and focused. A whole community of women on a similar mission - and they have monthly events - chats etc!
My member name is Bella - so say hi if you see me online :-)

RED BEATLE TEAM READY!

Today I have NEW GOALS!!

Since I returned from my Greek Odyssey almost 4 weeks ago - I have not put 100% into my program. I blame 'stale goals' for this lack of focus. Before my holiday I was motivated by my bikinis - after my holiday I wasnt too sure...

Not anymore!! THIS IS A LIFE PROGRAM!! I have stopped thinking 'only for 12 weeks' and now focus on 'this is how I want to be for the rest of my life!'

The last straw was last night when I was SHAKEN (using the kind of force when salt wont come out of its container)into this new goal setting mind set.

I had been 'picking' on 'this and that' all day (sugar shit)and started to feel really crap. But oh no - the sugar spikes and energy crashes werent enough - so I then order Indian for dinner!! Im not going to even write what I ate - but it was NOT GOOD! For this, I suffered ALL NIGHT - stomach cramps, gas, headache and grouchy mood swings. ENOUGH ALREADY!!!

I have put in place 'strategys' to achieve my 'new goals' - and lucky me I have my fantastic boyfriend who is happy to support me all the way (god I love him!)I also have Jillian Michael from The Biggest Loser - who has also agreed to support me as my new fridge 'pin up girl' - who is ready to yell every time I look at her: 'TEAM RED BEATLE IS A WINNER!'

phew - so as I said, that is that...and this is me now - on the WINNING road!

FREE (freakin' doing my head in) MEAL

Is it just me - or do 'free meals' do other peoples heads in?....

Yes having some bread before dinner is yummo
Yes having a pasta for dinner is yummo
Yes having a glass of red with dinner is yummo
Yes having banana ice cream after dinner is yummo

I am not 'stuffed to the rim' - I stopped knowing if I did over eat, I would be more than freakin'...everything was reasonably portioned...

It must be my years of eating disorder thoughts & actions that still haunt me - making me believe I am reverting back to 'the dark days' of bad nutrition and awful consequences...

I used to have a really bad habit of constantly looking at my tummy - particularly after eating - as if I had suddenly developed 2 belly buttons to compensate for food expansion - stupid I know - and also stupid because I now do this after free meals!! AAAGHR!!

Take a deeeep breath and know that I work hard and deserve to have the 'nutrition break.' Have to say one thing though - I have promised myself that the 'free meal' I do have is of the best ingredients...why eat shit chocolate when you can have the best (green and black is my favourite) and reaaallllly enjoy it!...ok shit chocolate will also do sometimes!!!!

Off to watch some tv - god I am addicted to CSI!

Jennifers cardio tips...

I wonder if Jennifer Aniston has special names for her cardio sessions...

'Angelina is an Ass Fat Blaster' or 'Mad at Brad Butt Burner'

Bet she doesnt miss a cardio session with names like this...!!

Cardio Crazy

You know since I started my first program with Sue I have only missed 1 weights session!! - not from laziness but from a shitty flu - the thought of not going doesnt even cross my mind! BUT I do have 'issues' with laziness regarding cardio!! Aaaghr!

Why!? I know cardio is awesome in reducing body fat but still I 'ho-hum' at the thought. I think its beause I am getting bored - and probably not pushing myself as much as I could - should. There are more variables involved - weather situation if wanting to train outside - waiting for someone to get off the cardio machine at the gym - injuries - boredom and maybe some more boredom...

SOOOOOO I have decided to freshen up my cardio -
I will be doing 4 cardio variations:

1. HIIT HOTTIE(20mins)
Will be following the chart as mentioned below - I love this session beause the intensity increases with every minute and I 'cheer in my head' each time I reach the peak.

2. ELLIPTIC TRAINER THIGH BURNER(35mins)
This is a great one from Sue. The only problem is my toes go so numb in the last 5-10mins! Does this happen to anyone else!!?
- Warm up at light resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to medium resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to higher resistance for 5 minutes
- Decrease to light resistance for 5 minutes
- Increase to medium resistance for 10 minutes
- Decrease to light resistance for 5 minutes

3. CROSS-TRAINER FAT BUSTER(50mins)
I could no loner run on the treadmill for 45mins straight - nothing could help my boredom - not even watching in amazement how many people lift weights incorrectly...
So here is my new routine:
- 5mins skip
- 20mins treadmill
- 20mins elliptic
- 5mins skip

4. STOP/START HEART PUMPER(40mins)
This one relies on good weather - even though its heading into summer the weather in Victoria is so random!! Again, I have taken this one from Sue - its quite good - but I count the seconds in my head...should probably carry a little stop watch...
- 5mins warm up
- 30mins run 1min/ walk 1min
- 5mins warm down

I want her Abs..biceps..and designer wardrobe...

This is such an awesome pic of Sarah Jessica Parker!

No more brain cobwebs!

Have totally organised myself (swept my brain from negative thoughts and bad habits) to have a great week. Today was a good start!

Nutrition:
Eventhough it was a cardio day I managed to push through any hunger pangs with a lot of water and a few cups of green tea. Thinking I may have a protein shake before bed - its only 7pm and I'm feeling peckish...

Training:
Did HIIT on the cross trainer and then a strong Ab workout.
Did the BFL cardio suggestion to make things interesting...and I liked it! Breaking the session up really made time fly - and helped me focus on the intensity - nice one!

Other:
Remembered my multi-vitamin & l-glutamine (morning & night)!

Am I officially obsessed?

Have now started to take photos of my meals....
My boyfriend thinks Im a little obsessed...I just call it organised...passionate...



Meal 3: LUNCHTIME!
- 100g lamb
- raw asparagus & zucchini
- 1/2 cup organic corn
- no salt/ dressing
Ok - sounds uninspiring but was actually quite tasty! I am 'getting back to basics' with my nutrition - and I feel better for it! Making the effort to really enjoy the taste of my veggies in their natural state - although cream-dill sauce would have been a delicious addition....

Meal 4: SHAKE!
- 30g protein powder & plain ol' water and a snazy pink straw for personality...
Easy Peasy. Was thinking about making an egg-white omelete but couldnt be bothered. Separating 5 yolks from their whites is quite an art - and dangerous! - I sliced my little finger on an egg shell the other day - lucky I didnt need stitches!



Meal 5: DINNER TIME!
- 150g lamb (yes again)
- raw asparagus & zucchini
- 2 baby tomatoes & 2 sliced mushroom
- 3 little pickled cucumbers chopped
- fresh dill & spring onion (straight from my grandfathers garden!)
- 1tbs seeded mustard
Delicious! Could really taste the dill - my favourite herb - felt like I was back on the Greek Islands...almost!

Lazy Pancakes!

Feeling a bit flat today - weather that cant make up its mind (windy/sunny/rain/cold aaahg!) makes me a bit CRAAAAZZZY! Did 30min cardio before breakfast (1min jog / 1min walk)and felt good. Bought a pair of SKINS yesterday and cannot believe I ever exercised without them!! Even though I look like a plucked chicken - I do feel my exercise is of better quality (and no hideous sweat marks!!)

Interesting - had skinny milk instead of skinny soy in my coffee this morning - and have had bloating and gas all day! Feels like indigestion - have been drinking heaps of water to help ease the discomfort but now I just feel like a water balloon!!!

Am eating Meal 4 now - have whipped up my easiest recipe: LAZY PANCAKES!!

1. 30g protein powder mixed with a little water (less for thicker/more for thinner)
2. Spray oil on pan and put over gas.
3. Pour protein mix on pan (2 little pancakes or 1 big one)
4. Allow to cook - not for too long or it will be too rubbery!
5. For extra taste srinkle Splenda/ peanut butter or sugar-free jam onto pancake!

I use Designer Whey Protein Powder which I find to be great. Not sure if other protein brands are as tasty...You can also mix in an egg white in Step 1 for extra fluffy pancakes...

Happy eating!

'Surfing The Net' (another form of exercise!)

For anyone thats interested here are just some (I have many more) cool sites I visit:

www.fitren.com / www.tomvenuto.com
He is so 'the man' !!!
www.sportzblitz.com.au
I read the monthly winners for inspiration
www.bodybuilding.com
You have to sift through a lot - but some good info
www.bodybuildingsecrets.com
Tom Venutos blog!
www.greggavedon.com
I showed my boyfriend this site for motivation!!
www.formerfatguy.com
This guys transformation is amazing! Go to his blog link at the bottom of the page and read his story.
www.teresacutter.com
Some great recipes - I like her outlook.
www.hussman.org/fitness/
Some good info on what the hell youre supposed to be doing!

Goodbye 5kg!! (dumbell weights only...)

Another good day - have been really organised with my time. I did weights this morning and felt stronger - I know next week 5kg will be gone!! Have been slack with my abs though - will do a set tomorrow - need to make sure my 'inner core' stays strong! A friend at the gym was in hospital last night for a hernia op - he did it by lifting weights incorrectly! So stupid!!

It was a beautiful day today - 23C - so I did my cardio along the Geelong waterfront. I followed Sue's plan - 1 min run / 1 min walk - for 45 mins - and it was great! I can usually run for this time - but when I have done weights in the same day I sometimes tire easily - but this way I kept up my stamina & felt strong the entire run. I will be doing this cardio more often - especially now that the weather has warmed up.

I am ready for a really focused week - have already printed my weekly nutrition - and will cross off my meals once eaten. This makes me more focused and helps me to stay on track - without sneaking bits here and there. This system really works for me.