Oops.....

Here I am at my start weight and my half way pt (-38.5lbs)

So, it's July 27th and I haven't posted an entry since May 9th. There is certainly no excuse and I feel like I've let a few people down but I'm back and about to tell you what the heck I've been up to the past few months.

On May 23rd I completed my very first race. The 5k Bluenose. It was awesome. That Sunday was a beautiful day for a jaunt, there were tonnes of people cheering you on as you turned every corner and the energy in Halifax made that day complete. I completed the race in 34m53sec which was a personal best. And, it was also a great warm-up for the next weekend! Thank you to all who had my back! I couldn't have done it without you! :)

On May 30th I completed my first super sprint triathlon (300m swim, 10k bike, 3k run) at the Navy Tridents Triathlon at Shearwater. What a day. It all started out at 5:30am when I crawled out of bed to make sure I had everything packed (transition box was ready to go), get something in my stomach and head to the base. Because of the torrential rain and heavy fog that morning there was a bit of a delay but I was one of the first heats so I got started early. There were a few memorable pictures taken before I jumped in the pool for warm up and then I was off! Jumped out of the pool and into T1, struggling with clothing but finally hopped on my bike for an intense hill but then luckily it tapered off. 10k was over so quickly and then racing down the hill (max speed 50.1k/hr) I returned to T2 which was a quick transition of just taking off my helmut and grabbing a drink before I was off again. At first my legs felt like jello and as big as tree trunks but that started to go away after the first km. Seeing my husband Kris and my Mom and Dad on the streets cheering me on really helped my through the last leg and then I crossed the finish line. What a rush. I was so pleased with myself that I had completed my first triathlon. I think my first thought was "Which one is next?" There are truely no words to describe the high I was on that day but to say the least I was addicted after I crossed the finish line. That afternoon after a well deserved nap I registered for my next....which was 2 weeks away.

Somewhere in between those 2 weeks Kris got inspired and thought he would give it a try. I was pumped...I have spent so much time training and working that I wasn't seeing him a lot. What a great way to spend some time together. Kris is a natural athlete so I wasn't worried about him when it came to being able to finish the race. He would have no problem.

So June 13th came and went. I won't get into details like I did the last but what I will tell you is that 1) I'm still addicted 2) I beat my previous time by 10 whole minutes and 3) Kris kicked my ass but that's ok!

Since then we have planned when our next races will be this summer. My thoughts were that I wanted to be ready for the Bridgetown Tri on August 1st and my goal was to complete the sprint distance (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) but that won't be happening. I haven't really ran in the past 4 weeks because of glute and IT band issues and to tell you the truth...I just don't feel ready.

There has been lots of training but I want my next race to be a sprint therefore I going to wait until I'm ready. I hope that's going to be in about 3 weeks. Either for the Sackville, NB Tri or the Guysborough Tri. We'll see! :)

And last but not least - I wanted to give up an update on my weight loss. As of today I have lost 55lbs. Can you believe it? U Weight Loss continues to be very successful for me and it has certainly taught me change my lifestyle for the better!

Happy Mother's Day

I sit here waiting for my asparagus and leeks to come out of the oven so I can finish my asparagus soup with gremolata - the starter for our family Mother's day dinner. I thought I would dedicate this post to my mom who continues to be such a great supporter of me through this weight loss journey.
She has taught me to have faith, when I fail to continue to push through and most of all to love. To love myself and others.
There are certainly more attibutes that she has passed along but on this day, and every other day of the year I say Thank you! I can only hope that I am half the mother that you are to me!

Craig Guthrie - this one's for you!

It started out with what I thought was an innocent idea on behalf of moi that we get a team of 5 together for the Core Essentials Meltdown (Core Essentials is a great new training studio in D'mouth that offers PT, boot camps, etc. www.coreessentials.ca). The Meltdown consisted of 3- 15min circuits on water rowers, real ryder bikes and of course kettlebells. It was actually a lot of fun! There was a DJ, beer, wine (for after of course) and some munchies. We were also introduced to a few people to had lost a considerable amount of weight doing kettlebells on a weekly basis - it was incredible and very inspiring.

So inspiring that we (Catherine and I) decided to sign up for Kettlebell bootcamp - twice a week at Core Essentials with Mr. Craig Guthrie - Kettlebell Guru. I can count on one hand how many times I have been in the same room with this guy but I have figured out a few things about him that keeps me coming back for more.... He's so passionate about creating a relationship with his clients to make sure they succeed, he's frigging insane, he definitely knows what he's talking about and he's a pretty nice guy.

The first class was great - Craig wasn't there. Laurissa (owner of CE) had filled in for Craig. It was a good class where we learned the core essentials (pardon the pun) about KB.

The second class - Craig was there and both Catherine and I we're a bit anxious, we had heard a lot about the guru's style and we're a bit afraid of the unknown. But it was another great class full of stretching, working on form and a few intense tabatas - until the next evening when it was extremely difficult to sit down to pee! Yes, I said it...it hurt so bad to sit on the toilet! But the pain subsided and I again went back for more.

And I'll now jump ahead to Class #4 which was last night.

I had walked in those doors feeling confident from the previous class. We started out with some nice and easy stretching but there was a different vibe in the room last night. I could tell that Craig was itching to get moving and that this class was going to be a workout...to say the least. Then Craig affirmed my intuition by saying (or possibly yelling) yup, I believe it was yelling something like "Ladies...this is it! Now we're really starting to workout!" He was right and after our second 10min set - 50 burpies later - I barfed! But...I'll be going back for more on Thursday.

When you want to accomplish something like this...you can't be innocent - you've gotta take the bull by the f*^@ing horns!

Looking out for #1

I apologize for being MIA for the last few weeks. It's been a crazy few weeks with life in general, work and training but I'm back!

I think the title of this blog really says it all but I wanted to reiterate how important it was to look out for yourself first. We all have families, husbands, wives, children - people who are very important to us and whom we love very much but one thing we need to really understand is that we only have one body - we need to take care of it. Be smart when making those choices that affect who you are. Whether it is what you decide to fuel your body with, what activity you decide to do or not to do or who you surround yourself with - these are all important decisions that will affect you! The most important person on this planet. You deserve the best!

You might see this as being very selfish but if you don't take proper care of yourself you will be unwilling to give 100% to those who surround you. I truly believe that you need to love yourself first before you are able to love anyone else. We all get caught up in the day to day commotion of life but it's important to know when to take a step back - reevaluate and breathe!

Go about your life in a conscious state and listen to your body!

The Days Ahead

As the holiday weekend is nearing I am looking forward to a nice break and spending time with family and friends but there is one thing that I'm not looking forward to. Eating. I have a very active family but we also like to eat well and holidays tend to revolve around what will be on the menu. So I'm feeling a bit anxious. I will have to be organized and focused. Therefore instead of deciding what I'm going to eat on a meal per meal basis I have decided to plan exactly what I will eat for the whole weekend. U Weight Loss has done a great job putting together some Easter holiday recipes, I can't wait to try them out and share.

Planning seems to work out well for me. I started last week off feeling unmotivated and defeated but by having the courage to face those emotions and come up with a plan for the week ahead I succeeded by sticking with my short term goal of meeting those expectations I put on myself. Someone also gave me a few pieces of advice that helped me through that plateau. My favorite was "stay in the moment". She told me to stop thinking about my next weigh in or my friggin' shin splints. Take it one day at a time. Thank you for the wonderful encouragement. I truly appreciate it.

Happy Easter! Stay motivated, get outside and exercise, eat well and take it one day at a time.

Feeling Defeated

I'm not sure what's been happening the last few days. It could be the long weekend of partying, shin splits or even a few other things but for some reason I'm feeling a bit defeated and that's leading to a lack of motivation. I've been suffering from painful shin splints for the last week of running and it's frustrating. I been on a bike yet, only a few spin classes and I skipped last nights swim with the tri club because I was feeling off...not a good idea. I know that sometimes we all need to listen to our bodies but I think my is more mental. I need to push through this! I'm just not sure how.

It seems as though in any weight loss program I've ever tried, I'll make it to the 20lbs make and then drift. I can't let this happen again. So here's my exercise plan for this week and I'm going to stick to it!

Tuesday: gym (weights) before run at 7p

Wednesday: 6:30a spin class, swim with tri club at 8p

Thursday: 6a gym (weights), run at 4p

Friday: 6a gym (weights), meltdown at core essentials 7:30p

Saturday: 8k bike (I think), gym (weights)

Sunday: 11a run, 12p UFIT

Now that I've committed to this - it's gotta be done.

Last Chance

Friday is the day of the week when I get weighed and get my measurements taken at U Weight.
Kris and I headed to the gym this morning and for once I was the one kicking him out of bed! Not sure what that was all about!
I got on the treadmill for what was suppose to be a light 10min warm up before starting weights. At 3min I started running - breathing was good, everything felt good. And then Tina Turner started singing Proud Mary! Such a great running song...I would have never thought. And I ran until minute 15....what the heck! (music really helps to motivate)! It was my last chance workout and I was going to kill it! I kept surprising myself this morning with a whole new attitude and it feels fantastic. Maybe it's that Spring is around the corner, the sun is shining and birds chirping but I think a lot of it has to do with the support that U Weight Loss has given me about eating and exercising...it changes you...for the better.
I just wanted to shout out to Glenn and Lisa and say THANK YOU. Both of you have had a huge positive impact on my life in the last 6 weeks. You're so inspiring - thank you.

Weighted

I'm feeling a bit of anxiety having to write this post. Should I forget about what I'm about to say? Or should I share it with everyone?

Today is the start of week 6 at U Weight Loss. I feel as though I have put my best foot forward with this process and I'm really enjoying it - the food it great, coaching is excellent and I love the exercise. But today was a kick in the butt! I marched myself into the clinic around noon to be weighed and to plan some meals for the rest of the week - I got on the scale and...... + 1.75lbs! I was so discouraged! How could this be? I've been doing everything by the book. "This is going to happen" Shellene said. " Celebrate that you're doing everything right - eating and exercise", "...you're building lean body mass...". And although I understood and believed what she was saying, the old me was telling me to eat my emotions away, be cranky and stressed out about this weight gain. Unfortunately this is what happened...to an extent. I didn't eat anything bad but I was so stressed and in a bad mood. I went home after work and had a nap. Sure I watched the Oscars last night but did I really need a nap? No Way! Luckily when I woke up I had a bit of an epiphany and consciously understood what had just happened. And I feel so much better that I'm sharing this story. The next time this happens, my plan is to take a deep breath, have some green tea and understand that there are going to be those times where my weight does bounce back. We all need to take those in stride just don't let them set you back and keep pushing... Celebrate what you're doing right!

The best dream EVER

This is going to be a short but very sweet post!

My parents are travelling down to Florida to spend a month in the sun...oh how I wish I was with them! My mom called me the morning as they were leaving a hotel, continuing on their drive to their destination and told me about the dream she had that night.

She dreamt that she saw me walking down the hallway of the hotel and she couldn't believe how thin I was! How cool is that? Soon that dream will be coming true!

I did it! And I'm still ALIVE!!!!!

After dreading this day - Tuesday, February 23rd 5:45pm for days, it's now 7:45pm and I'm still alive! How cool is that?

Today was the day that I started my 5K run Training Program with a fantastic girl - Lisa. She has taken me under her wing. The 13 week program consists of running 3 days a week. Our days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday or Sunday. Tonight we started off running for 60sec and then walking for 90sec for a total of 20min.

Being overweight and not in shape at all, it's astounding how much fear of the unknown can inhibit you. Like I said, I was really dreading this day but finished (which is the main thing) feeling so charged! I encourage all of you who need lose weight to find a nutritional program that works for you - U Weight Loss does really work too!! I've started my 4th week and I've lost 12lbs! And also commit to an exercise program. Exercising is a great way to get away from the everyday and spend time by yourself or with someone you enjoy being with.

So, I am continuing on my journey. One run down...many to go and 12lbs down. On my way to my first race - the 5K at the Bluenose!

I'm so PUMPED!

SMART

I have been lucky enough to have a lot of caring, intelligent people in my life who have given me great life advice over the years but there is one person in particular who gave me a nice slice of the pie (I wish...).

They enlightened me with the Acronym SMART which is a surefire way to attaining goals. Let me explain!

S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely

Specific - Goals should be straightforward and emphasize what you want to happen. Specific is the What, Why and How of the SMART model
What - are you going to do?
Why - is this important to do this at this time?
How - are you going to do it?

Measurable - the whole goal statement is a measure for the project; if the goal is accomplished there is a success. However there should be short term goals as well for you to continue to feel motivated with each small success. For instance - this week I vowed to lose at least 2lbs. It's only Friday, I've got two more days left and I've already lost 2lbs. It's a short term goal in comparison to my long term goal of losing 80lbs but it was attainable and measurable!

Attainable - You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. Goals that may have seemed far away and out of reach eventually move closer and become attainable, not because your goals shrink, but because you grow and expand to match them. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.

Realistic - a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished.

Timely - A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. If you anchor it within a timeframe, then you've set your mind into motion to begin working on the goal.

BE SMART!

Inspired!

After watching the Olympic opening ceremonies late friday night, I went to bed feeling incredibly inspired by all of the Olympic athletes marching into BC Place on the eve of what was to be an amazing two weeks of sport. More Canadians are tuned in to these games for obvious reasons but I feel myself relating to these athletes in a way I haven't in years before. I know it seems a little bonkers but just as these athletes - I've got BIG goals too! To lose weight and do a sprint triathalon in 2010! Ok, maybe those aren't the goals of these Olympians, but whose to judge? In reality I've got only one thing in common with these people - determination. Their's to win gold, mine to lose 80lbs. At this very moment Clara Hughes is racing around an icy track, hunched over - I can personally feel the burn! This phenomenal woman has won multiple medals in both the summer and winter olympics - that's f#%@ing insane!

It's a good thing that I was feeling high on life when I woke up on Saturday morning - a little weary from the 2am bed time the night before but getting excited for a shindig with great friends! A few weeks prior we had decided to have a Valentine's party and I was in a for a day in the kitchen making stuffed mushrooms with pancetta and goat cheese, fresh spring rolls, brie with pecans and cranberries and I'm going to stop because I've just drooled on my keyboard. How could I starve my guests that night just because I decided to eat myself in oblivion for the last 9 years? And now I've finally made the decision to do something about it.

That athlete's attitude stuck with me for the rest of the day and evening and if I must say so myself I took home gold in self discipline this weekend and stuck to the plan of drinking sparkling water with lime!

Go Canada Go!

Head Games

It's unbelievable what your mind will tell you do to sometimes. It really does feel like there is a f&**ing devil on one shoulder and a sweet angel on the other. I have been fighting the urge to take just one chocolate chip from the mason jar in pantry (open the pantry door, close the pantry door and on it goes) and frankly I'm not sure why I haven't done it yet. I've never had this kind of discipline - I don't get it!

After a few setbacks in my detox week - Let's recap: flu, headaches and then on with a nice weekend away planned, when we arrived at our destination, I had realized that I had stupidly forgotten my supplements (I thought it was over). After a slight tantrum in my in laws driveway we decided to get our asses back to the city so there would be no excuse to fall off course - definitely a good decision.
Total weight loss for the week - 7lbs and damn proud of it!

Let's keep it going...down.

Things are looking up! - Day 3

Ok - I wanted to start out on a positive note hence it's day 3 and this is really just my first entry about the 7 day U Weight Detox - Phase I. Let's just say the first 2 days were tough. Sure, I started off with just coming off of the flu bug and stomaching all of the food was extreme. On U Weight you definitely won't have those nasty physical cravings (maybe mental), there is so much good food to eat and lots of protein so you won't be hungry!

The headache for me was a bitch...for about 48 hrs I had a constant headache that just wouldn't go away. I'm assuming it was from the carb and caffeine withdrawal but what I do know for sure is that when I woke up this morning at 3am I didn't have it! I was so energized and felt so much relief I felt like I could have run a marathon at that point, (ok...we'll maybe not a marathon) I felt great! I'm positive that this feeling will continue - I'll keep you posted.

For those of you out there that are thinking about starting U Weight Loss - consider it. Although I'm only 3 days in, I'm confident that it is going to work. There will definitely be those rough patches...but that's when you tell yourself you're strong and you'll get through it. You've got no choice.

Tried everything?

Ok, so it's January 27th - I feel like it is safe to start talking about weight loss again. You know - you don't want to be one of those. Come on, you know what I'm talking about. One of those New Year's resolutioners. Yeah, that's it. They're the ones that crowd the gyms and commit to losing 20lbs before bikini season...those ones.

In all seriousness, I'm one of those too, except I don't have 20lbs to lose, I've got 80lbs (at least). And like most of you reading this blog, I've tried everything. Weight Watchers, LA Weight Loss, hypnotists, acupuncture, Personal Trainers, blah, blah, blah! But I think I've found the one (I know...I've said this before) but it's true - his name is Glenn (don't worry...my husband is aware of this affair and fully supports it). Glenn is the owner of the U Weight Loss Clinic in Halifax and after meeting with him today - 2010 is going to be the YEAR! Concentrating on lifestyle changes, supplements, coaching and customized nutrition plans - it's all about balance.

Continue to follow me on my trials and tribulations...it's going to be a journey, but this time I'm ready for it.