After running my third half-marathon for 2009 a week ago, celebrating my 31st birthday at the CanToo Spring Charity Ball and meeting some truly remarkable people at a friends 40th birthday party I've decided to issue myself a new challenge. I'm going to do the swim program with CanToo and train to do a 2.7km ocean swim!
There are some smaller races that I could nominate to train for - a 1km and 2km but I figure I might as well go for the big one. And really, 1km I could do now without too much effort and if you've swum 2km, what difference does another 700m make? Nothing! The biggest challenge will be facing putting on a swimming costume and wearing it in public with people I know quite well.
Aside from the fact I really feel like I need to shake things up a bit physically, I met some people at this party who are either cancer survivors or have recently been diagnosed with cancer. One guy I met, who is about 35, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. TERMINAL cancer. I cannot imagine what he is going through, but he signed up for the swim program to help raise $$ for cancer research. What a legend! If I received that diagnosis I'm not sure I would handle it so well.
So that starts on November 5th. The Bikram challenge starts in four days! I am starting it today though - going to try to do four classes this week. My goal is to do four classes a week for the first 30 days, two classes on the weekend and two classes in the evening during the week. Then for the last 30 days I am going to try to do 5 classes a week, two on the weekend and three during the week. But as a minimum four a week in any combination will see me complete the challenge successfully.
I would REALLY like to lose a 5kg before summer, at a minimum. Although that's 5kg of the flabby stuff. Really I just want to feel a bit lighter and brighter. I figure I'm putting in all the right things, so the results should follow.
In terms of nutrition, I am following the low GI eating system as well as trying to only eat 'whole foods', nothing processed. Oats for breakfast, fruit and nuts for snacks, yoghurt, salad and veggies, lean meat and low GI carbs. And obviously drinking tonnes of water to counter the effects of Bikram. I was chatting to an instructor the other day who said he'd weighed his towel before and after a Bikram class to see how much he'd sweated ... and his towel was FIVE KILOS heavier. That's five litres of sweat. Which means that after a class he needed to drink five litres of water minimum to prevent dehydration! Lordy. Made me realise why I felt so dreadful after some classes when I'd only drunk a litre or so before and after class. Need more liquid!
Bizarre weather in Sydney of late, my poor flat is coated in dust and my CAR. Yikes. So this week is all about cleaning. Or dusting and vacuuming anyway.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Slightly Less Ouch
Two days post-half-mara and I think I'm about 85% recovered. Yesterday was dreadful, I could really only manage what I liked to call an adroit hobble ... managed a walk to the shops for vital necessities, but beyond that I was bed, couch or floor bound. Skins and lots and lots of stretching really helped.
Today I went in to Bikram and, hurray, was much better than last week. Think it's because of the reduction of toxins ... last four days or so have been focused on super clean eating. Touchwood, have been successful thus far. It felt pretty good, most of it anyway, so I did something cra-zy and signed up to the 60-day challenge. Argh! 40 classes in 60 days, minimum of four a week. Eeek. However, this is what I really want to do - I really think it will help to make me feel a whole lot better.
In other news, friggin' boys who call and text you numerous times a day are not worth it!
Today I went in to Bikram and, hurray, was much better than last week. Think it's because of the reduction of toxins ... last four days or so have been focused on super clean eating. Touchwood, have been successful thus far. It felt pretty good, most of it anyway, so I did something cra-zy and signed up to the 60-day challenge. Argh! 40 classes in 60 days, minimum of four a week. Eeek. However, this is what I really want to do - I really think it will help to make me feel a whole lot better.
In other news, friggin' boys who call and text you numerous times a day are not worth it!
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Ouch that really freakin' hurt
Horrible race today which I have decided is, a), a wake up call and, b), a reminder that some races are golden and some races are ... not. Today was not. I didn't sleep at all last night - I saw 1am and was getting up at 3.50am. Why couldn't I sleep? Oh, 1001 reasons but too many thoughts going through my head. I really must admit to myself that the last month or so I have let training slip away while I looked for a new job and recovered from being made redundant from a job I worked my butt off at. My time was 2hr 2min and 16sec or so and I was aiming for under 2 hours. There were factors at work against me, like no WATER at water stations which meant I had to race around to find a cup and some fresh or at least clean water on three occasions.
The main factor, however, was my head. I was not in a good space and haven't been for a while now. The lack of sleep meant that when I woke up this morning I decided I was running for my grandfather who died from cancer nine years ago. What that meant, however, at 18km was that I got teary thinking that I wasn't doing the run for ME, I was doing it for him and he would never have given in like I had. He was the most amazing man, he went through so much in WWII and yet could turn it all around to be a gentle and lovely human being. I loved him so much and the saddest thing is that I really do not think he ever knew just how much I thought of him. I would give anything to have one more day with him to tell him how much I think of him.
Anyhoo, onwards and upwards. I am starting a fresh leaf, starting tonight with a good night's sleep and a sleep in. This week is mine and I will do whatever I need to to get me through the current sadness I feel. I wish I could reach into the heavens, grab my grandad and tell him I love him one more time. Obviously, I cannot ... instead I want to make him proud every day.
What a day, what a race ... things can only get better.
The main factor, however, was my head. I was not in a good space and haven't been for a while now. The lack of sleep meant that when I woke up this morning I decided I was running for my grandfather who died from cancer nine years ago. What that meant, however, at 18km was that I got teary thinking that I wasn't doing the run for ME, I was doing it for him and he would never have given in like I had. He was the most amazing man, he went through so much in WWII and yet could turn it all around to be a gentle and lovely human being. I loved him so much and the saddest thing is that I really do not think he ever knew just how much I thought of him. I would give anything to have one more day with him to tell him how much I think of him.
Anyhoo, onwards and upwards. I am starting a fresh leaf, starting tonight with a good night's sleep and a sleep in. This week is mine and I will do whatever I need to to get me through the current sadness I feel. I wish I could reach into the heavens, grab my grandad and tell him I love him one more time. Obviously, I cannot ... instead I want to make him proud every day.
What a day, what a race ... things can only get better.
Friday, 18 September 2009
Serious Running
So this weekend is my third half-marathon for 2009, my fourth all together! I am not feeling as mentally focused as I have been ahead of previous events, due to all the other stuff going on, but I am confident of finishing in under two hours (my number one goal) and if I am feeling good at 15km I am going to push to get in under 1hr57mins. Last year when I ran this event I was just so focused on a) finishing and b) finishing in under two hours that I barely took in any of the scenery. And, um, hello! This race has the best scenery of them all! Over the Harbour Bridge - right down the middle of the road - through Pyrmont, out to Leichhardt (okay, that bit is pretty boring), but then along Circular Quay to finish at the Opera House! Whoo hoo.
Went to my final CanToo training session on Wednesday, despite feeling pretty rubbish, but after the warm-up I actually felt pretty good. Ran 3x1000m at 5.25min pace! So maaayybe there is hope that one time I will run a 1hr50min half-mara. Mind you 21x1000m is a lot different than 3. But you've got to start somewhere, right? It's all about getting into the right rhythm AND, of course, being fit enough to maintain it.
Did my first Bikram Yoga session on Thursday after months and months (when things went mental at work actually) and nearly fainted several times. Literally had the blurred/darkened vision and weird numb feeling in my hands. Yikes! However, there's only one way to get better - keep going! So planning to head back on Monday morning post-half mara. Should be good!
The other running news ... well, exercise news, is some of my faboosh CanToo pals have started a little training group. Nothing fancy, just a group of people who want to get fit! Or fitter anyway. This morning we did an hour and it involved a 2km warmup jog, then a range of nasty short and sharp shuttle runs, think I did about 100 push ups and sit ups plus a 10 minute core work out. Was pretty darn tough, but man it felt good! Whoo hoo!
In other news ... so freaking excited, I am no longer unemployed. Details to follow another time, but yay! Feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Well, one of a number of weights. Would like to lift about 8kg off my entire self actually ... but that's also for another post.
Went to my final CanToo training session on Wednesday, despite feeling pretty rubbish, but after the warm-up I actually felt pretty good. Ran 3x1000m at 5.25min pace! So maaayybe there is hope that one time I will run a 1hr50min half-mara. Mind you 21x1000m is a lot different than 3. But you've got to start somewhere, right? It's all about getting into the right rhythm AND, of course, being fit enough to maintain it.
Did my first Bikram Yoga session on Thursday after months and months (when things went mental at work actually) and nearly fainted several times. Literally had the blurred/darkened vision and weird numb feeling in my hands. Yikes! However, there's only one way to get better - keep going! So planning to head back on Monday morning post-half mara. Should be good!
The other running news ... well, exercise news, is some of my faboosh CanToo pals have started a little training group. Nothing fancy, just a group of people who want to get fit! Or fitter anyway. This morning we did an hour and it involved a 2km warmup jog, then a range of nasty short and sharp shuttle runs, think I did about 100 push ups and sit ups plus a 10 minute core work out. Was pretty darn tough, but man it felt good! Whoo hoo!
In other news ... so freaking excited, I am no longer unemployed. Details to follow another time, but yay! Feel like a weight has lifted off my shoulders. Well, one of a number of weights. Would like to lift about 8kg off my entire self actually ... but that's also for another post.
Monday, 7 September 2009
Ahh Jeezus
Okay, the last few weeks have been insane. Pure insanity. Two main events have turned life upside down.
Firstly, I've been made redundant! Boo! Kinda. I was actually quite relieved as I was SICK of doing shift work and exhausted by working like a dog day in day out with people who were largely incompetent and disinterested. Nice payout etc so not so desperate. REALLY want to get a job in the next few weeks though as would like to save this money for my house fund. Had a few days of staggering around wondering WTF to do and then naturally got myself into gear. Several job interview so far and fingers crossed re: the VERY big fish (or company) that I've been trying to work at for about four years. This is as close as I'll ever get. Two interviews so far and now have to work on a product brief and then have final meeting with the big boss.
Secondly, my brother's girlfriend of four years ... well, I guess she broke up with him. In a rather indirect, hurtful and disrespectful way. She told him she was going to visit her parents in Canberra for the weekend ... and on the following Thursday called him from HAWAII to tell him she'd met and fallen in lust/love with some American Special Forces soldier. Obviously the fact he's American is besides the point, but I just like to fill in all the details. The worst thing was my brother had been going out of his mind with worry as he had not heard from her for four days. He felt like such a heel, worrying that she'd had an accident, ringing her friends and even tried to call her parents (who had NO idea where she was either) etc etc. And she was off in Hawaii shagging some idiot.
Argh. It just shattered my faith in people. I mean, I never loved this girl. She was extremely arrogant, unintelligent ... but in the way where she thought she knew everything and would argue with you when clearly she knew nothing about the subject and seemed to make up blatant lies/facts, and she was a very cold and calculating person, much more concerned about $$$ and outside appearances than personality. Oh, and extremely bad manners. Blah.
Anyway, I love my little bro. He is my good mate and an AMAZING guy - thoughtful, considerate, talented, generous, smart etc etc. I am SO proud of him as he has pulled himself up and away from bad behaviours and a bad crowd and achieved a lot in the last five years or so. WTF is UP with throwing away four years for ... what?
Ack.
In the meantime, bloody RSVP dating has put me in the bloody sh*t. I am a multi-tasker and I am also unable to make decisions about men ... and suddenly I find myself, well, I need to make a decision. I have been dating two great guys for ... well, about two months I guess. On and off and only recently on a regular basis. It's crunch time as I cannot continue! They are both wanting to take things to the next level! When it rains it freakin' pours eh. I just don't knoooow.
Argh. I will have to readdress this subject in another post because I'm far too aerated after thinking about my brother and his bitch-face-stupid-cow ex.
Firstly, I've been made redundant! Boo! Kinda. I was actually quite relieved as I was SICK of doing shift work and exhausted by working like a dog day in day out with people who were largely incompetent and disinterested. Nice payout etc so not so desperate. REALLY want to get a job in the next few weeks though as would like to save this money for my house fund. Had a few days of staggering around wondering WTF to do and then naturally got myself into gear. Several job interview so far and fingers crossed re: the VERY big fish (or company) that I've been trying to work at for about four years. This is as close as I'll ever get. Two interviews so far and now have to work on a product brief and then have final meeting with the big boss.
Secondly, my brother's girlfriend of four years ... well, I guess she broke up with him. In a rather indirect, hurtful and disrespectful way. She told him she was going to visit her parents in Canberra for the weekend ... and on the following Thursday called him from HAWAII to tell him she'd met and fallen in lust/love with some American Special Forces soldier. Obviously the fact he's American is besides the point, but I just like to fill in all the details. The worst thing was my brother had been going out of his mind with worry as he had not heard from her for four days. He felt like such a heel, worrying that she'd had an accident, ringing her friends and even tried to call her parents (who had NO idea where she was either) etc etc. And she was off in Hawaii shagging some idiot.
Argh. It just shattered my faith in people. I mean, I never loved this girl. She was extremely arrogant, unintelligent ... but in the way where she thought she knew everything and would argue with you when clearly she knew nothing about the subject and seemed to make up blatant lies/facts, and she was a very cold and calculating person, much more concerned about $$$ and outside appearances than personality. Oh, and extremely bad manners. Blah.
Anyway, I love my little bro. He is my good mate and an AMAZING guy - thoughtful, considerate, talented, generous, smart etc etc. I am SO proud of him as he has pulled himself up and away from bad behaviours and a bad crowd and achieved a lot in the last five years or so. WTF is UP with throwing away four years for ... what?
Ack.
In the meantime, bloody RSVP dating has put me in the bloody sh*t. I am a multi-tasker and I am also unable to make decisions about men ... and suddenly I find myself, well, I need to make a decision. I have been dating two great guys for ... well, about two months I guess. On and off and only recently on a regular basis. It's crunch time as I cannot continue! They are both wanting to take things to the next level! When it rains it freakin' pours eh. I just don't knoooow.
Argh. I will have to readdress this subject in another post because I'm far too aerated after thinking about my brother and his bitch-face-stupid-cow ex.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
I want to move!
I need to vent. I soooo want to move house. There is nothing really holding me back aside from economic rationalism. I rent from a friend, who gives me a VERY good/cheap rate on his one-bedroom flat. It's obscene, I should literally be paying $100 a week more. It is, however, in the middle of nowhere! I moved there nearly two years ago and just feel like I need a change. I haaate moving, but I am sick of being in the 'burbs, I miss the hustle and bustle of Newtown, where there are weird and wonderful sights to be seen every night and it only costs $15 in a taxi to get home. $20 tops.
I would be looking at paying at least $250 to $300 in rent, plus all the same bills, and I would have to spend more time travelling to work, travelling to where my running group trains. So I'm really best of staying put for a while.
But my feet are itching!
Ohh well. For now the economic rationalist in me will keep me where I am ... but for how long!?
I would be looking at paying at least $250 to $300 in rent, plus all the same bills, and I would have to spend more time travelling to work, travelling to where my running group trains. So I'm really best of staying put for a while.
But my feet are itching!
Ohh well. For now the economic rationalist in me will keep me where I am ... but for how long!?
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Not dead ... but refocussed!
Have finally got over the maddening poison-ivy itching and my tan is, alas, fading.
The only thing remaining from my fab Hawaiian holiday is my gut! Although a better description is some extra padding around the stomach. Damn that food. I have been struggling badly with jet lag and loss of routine since I came back but I'm finally starting to feel like I'm regaining some sort of control. Helped by the fact I've had the last two days off work, as part of the roster not on annual leave, and I've caught up on a heap of washing and cleaning. And food shopping.
Going on a bit of a sugar-free diet. Well, refined sugar-free anyway and processed food-free. Although I hate the word diet. Rather, I'm just trying to cut out a heap of rubbish. It's all fruit, veg, plain yoghurt, nuts and seeds and green tea. Basic meal structure has been: 1/2 cup organic muesli with 2 tabs plain greek yoghurt and 1/4 cup organic skim milk; piece of fruit for a snack; either a salad with egg or tuna or sandwich with burgen bread with much the same; dinner has been 1/2 cup Doongara (LowGI) rice/Quinoa or pasta/soba noodles with either grilled or oven baked chicken or fish and a load of veggies. Only using fresh herbs and spices to season.
So far ... urgh, I'm a bit tired but that could be from a range of things! Not drinking alcohol for about three weeks either ... or for as long as I can hold off for anyway. A glass or two is alright, but no big nights until Friday 25th of September.
Race is five weeks away. Don't think I'm on track for 1hr 55min but if I can get under 1hr 57min I will be happy. Although, I really enjoyed running the Gold Coast half-mara with no real goal beyond under 2hours so I might just stick with that again. Frankly I'm not some super star athlete, and I don't think there's anything wrong with running something for enjoyment rather than to two a minute or two off your time. I'm in this running gig for the long run, not short term, so I think enjoyment is far better than results. For now.
I've entered though! Yikes! Roll on September 20th. I want to lose a good 5cm off my waist by then. Think once I bash off the holiday bloat it will all trim down quite quickly. It's all those refined carbs that have pumped me up! Oh, and the booze.
Things at work are a bit hairy right now ... find out about my job (ie: if I still have one) in about a week and a half. Just carrying on with business as usual until then. But man, fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed! Do not want to have to start looking for a new job right now!
The only thing remaining from my fab Hawaiian holiday is my gut! Although a better description is some extra padding around the stomach. Damn that food. I have been struggling badly with jet lag and loss of routine since I came back but I'm finally starting to feel like I'm regaining some sort of control. Helped by the fact I've had the last two days off work, as part of the roster not on annual leave, and I've caught up on a heap of washing and cleaning. And food shopping.
Going on a bit of a sugar-free diet. Well, refined sugar-free anyway and processed food-free. Although I hate the word diet. Rather, I'm just trying to cut out a heap of rubbish. It's all fruit, veg, plain yoghurt, nuts and seeds and green tea. Basic meal structure has been: 1/2 cup organic muesli with 2 tabs plain greek yoghurt and 1/4 cup organic skim milk; piece of fruit for a snack; either a salad with egg or tuna or sandwich with burgen bread with much the same; dinner has been 1/2 cup Doongara (LowGI) rice/Quinoa or pasta/soba noodles with either grilled or oven baked chicken or fish and a load of veggies. Only using fresh herbs and spices to season.
So far ... urgh, I'm a bit tired but that could be from a range of things! Not drinking alcohol for about three weeks either ... or for as long as I can hold off for anyway. A glass or two is alright, but no big nights until Friday 25th of September.
Race is five weeks away. Don't think I'm on track for 1hr 55min but if I can get under 1hr 57min I will be happy. Although, I really enjoyed running the Gold Coast half-mara with no real goal beyond under 2hours so I might just stick with that again. Frankly I'm not some super star athlete, and I don't think there's anything wrong with running something for enjoyment rather than to two a minute or two off your time. I'm in this running gig for the long run, not short term, so I think enjoyment is far better than results. For now.
I've entered though! Yikes! Roll on September 20th. I want to lose a good 5cm off my waist by then. Think once I bash off the holiday bloat it will all trim down quite quickly. It's all those refined carbs that have pumped me up! Oh, and the booze.
Things at work are a bit hairy right now ... find out about my job (ie: if I still have one) in about a week and a half. Just carrying on with business as usual until then. But man, fingers, toes, legs and eyes crossed! Do not want to have to start looking for a new job right now!
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