Shame on me for the neglect!

I have so totally neglected my blog, so I am updating from my forum journal, so those of you have already read, it is only a repeat.


19 Sep 2009 09:01pm
Good evening.

Well I did say I would post results of my first four weeks of the Challenge.

I have lost 7 kilos, 25 cm all over and 18mm of body fat.

I was shy 1 kilo of my 4 week goal but everyone tells me I got to be happy with my results. You have to be happy with any results let alone the ones I just posted.

So game plan has picked up and new workout (blueprint plan) for the continuation of the construction of the Sistine Chapel!

So instead of following the set eating plan in the challenge manual, Michelangelo has tweaked it a little and I have a new plan stan! Pretty much the same as I have been following but a little tighter in a few places, much more stricter with supplements and protein allotments.

I have had a free day today, eating very clean until tonight, which was leftover satay that the boys had a couple of nights ago, and I couldn't finish it.

Back into it tomorrow with a boxing session and then a 30 min cycle (road or stationary) but at a level pace. Thinking about going into the gym to do it. My foot and leg has been throbbing from the walk on Friday afternoon, something not right. Am lying here typing with leg up higher than the heart to try and eliviate it.

Don't think I will be long out of bed as I had a pretty bad night sleep last night.

Oh yeah, I have some pretty major doms atm in my back, bis and tris! Wahoo!

Talk to you tomorrow.

Ciao

18 Sep 2009 09:51 pm
Okay,it is Friday night and I am lying on the couch with my feet up on a pillow, resting after a massive day! Phew!

So update..................thursday started with a spin class with Kiwi Craig and abs, then back that night with Body balance, managed the bird for a whole minute without falling over. Wahoo.

Woke up this morning and headed to gym at 5.00pm to cactch the 5.45am spin class. 45 mins later, legs were a little heavy, was a bit of a climbing session this one. 1/2 break, chuck a small protein shake and some musashi 'create' for recovery then the hour session with Michelangelo.......................whoa! That was a very very hard session but absolutely loved it. Finished with 10mins on rower, doing sprints and bettering each sprint, set a precedent for the next time we do them. Doh! silly me, now I have to keep digging deeper.................but all jokes aside, loving it! then lay in steam room for 30mins, raced home, shower, clean kitchen, try and sort out a work issue at home, hairdressers for a cut and lighten (summer days need a summer colour), walking around shops for 3 hours, then race home, basically throw groceries into fridge then off for a walk with puppies and friend around the hills of Ormeau.
Home again, legs are a little sore - walked at a very fast pace, so had a little soak in salt bath - want to try and avoid recovery swelling tomorrow. Have the official weigh in tomorrow. Speaking to 'Michelangelo' re where I want to be at the end of the 12 weeks (interesting that he wants exactly what I want????) and also where I want to be this time next year.............?

He asked if I was happy with the last 4 weeks and the results and I said that I was not going to put that on myself, just let it all happen, then I asked him if he was happy with the last 4 weeks and he was wrapped. Apparently he is really enjoying training me and loves my enthusiasm, especially when he sets a hard task. So now all that is left is the the first result tomorrow.

Well have a good weekend guys! Will advise tomorrow of results.

Ciao!

15 Sep 2009 10:23 PM

Whoops been a bit remiss here..............not been posting but a lot going on atm.

Well you know the old saying curiosity killed the cat, well being cocky and all that I jumped on scales Monday morning - not really thinking and they were up 2kg from over the weekend BUT...........its all good! I know this is probably recovery fluid I am holding as I really don't recover well after a very hard cardio session like Saturdays! What can I say, running for a complete hour is not my thang!!!.

So starting from Saturday, here is update.

Bootcamp was great except for all the running but I had Rae's voice in my head, "it is only ugly if you think it ugly", so taking her advice, I kept thinking how all the *beauutifuull* running is going to help me win the challenge. I did twist and hurt my knee however in the directional change running, no biggy, just need to nurse it a bit and wear an compression bandage when doing leg weights and boxing! So my bad was not eating enuf on Saturday - didn't put food into my mouth until about 2.30pm so totally screwed up my system for the day. Went to riverfire and had a picnic on top of the cliffs opposite the city with good friends and family, nibbled on lovely light healthy food like my homemade vietnamese spring rolls, some sushi, celery, tomato, olives etc etc etc I am sure you are getting the picture. Awesome vibrations through the body when the F1-11's flew over to start the fireworks and the dump and burn at the finish.

Sunday was a complete day of rest but didn't get enough water in.

So Monday was the cat killing day - serves me right for jumping on in the first place and was consequently chastised by Michelangelo this morning. Monday I did spin, abs and feeling generally flat all day! My first day of feeling so flat, I just couldn't drap myself to do some more cardio in the afternoon, but went to bed at 7.30pm instead. Did the trick, woke up Tuesday with heaps of energy. Tuesday brought 1 hour cardio in morning (rower 30min and spin bike 30min) then 1 hour of weights with the girls. Back to boxing in afternoon for an hour (fastest boxing session yet) and another 25 mins in steam room for recovery. This morning was sesh day with Michelangelo and we did some serious supasetting once again. Clean and jerks - 15 reps - 5 sets - medium weight, then shoulder press and single leg press - 15 reps - 5 sets. finished with single leg ext with pulse squats just to burn out the quads (and they were burning!!!!!!!!!!) 15 reps - 5 sets. Then a nice medium pace cooldown on treaddy for 10 mins.

Food has been spectacularly spot on for the last week with the exception of Saturday, when I did not eat.

So a long week ahead, lots of work and I have Friday off. But I have another sesh with Michelangelo then so I think I might reward myself with another session in the steam room, I am sure he is going to really stick it to me as we have our first official weigh in on Saturday. Fingers crossed.

have a great peepers!

Ciao!


11 Sep 2009 08:55 aM
Ruh oh, it is 'working my butt off time' *insert evil music here*!

Time to go and face the trainers (including Michelangelo) at the Challenge bootcamp. Don't know if it sucks having your trainer part of the task masters or a blessing as you know he will push you harder!

okay, now get up and go! *mini voice saying.............I'm scared, can't I just sleep in*!

OUT!

11 Sep 2009 03:03 AM
Woot!

Day 21 and i can still count on one hand the very minor slip ups from eating plan.

2 coke zero's
2 glasses of red wine (120ml each)
1 tablespoon peanut butter
3 jatz bikkies and 20gms of cheese (yesterday after I gave blood, they would not let me go unless I ate something - choice was jatz and cheese, chocolate, fruit juice! Savoury person so what would I go for!!!!

So leg day this morning and man did I suffer big time - 15 mins cardio on xtrainer, then leg press supaset jump squats, triset ext, curls and deep long walking lunges then15 min rower. Down the aminos and I am feeling 110% (legs are a little tight though)

I couldn't resist myself this morning and jumped on my scales at home as I actually have 1 week left before my official first measure day and woot woo! holy cow! another nice drop. So I promptly texted 'Michelangelo' and said can you please please please make sure I keep up the intensity of my training. I am loving the results

I think the part that is truly amazing me (and I have posted this many times so far) is the diligence I seem to have in keeping my eating so so so clean and to the planned letter. As mentioned before the above list is exactly what I have eaten/drunk that is not on plan!

Go me!

Ciao!

0 Sep 2009 02:37 AM
BOY! was it hard climbing those stairs to the gym this morning!!!

I did pilates last night and we worked on abdominals, hamstrings and hip flexors! There were these 2 crazy leg exercises that created such a burn, it felt like someone had lit a fire under my legs.

Then this morning walking up the stairs to the gym, I really had a hard time lifting the legs up, only to jump on a bike and spin for 45 mins. But I will say they loosened up after a 8min and 30 second standing hill climb at 75% resistance! Phew, I would call that riding up Mt Kosiosko!

Went and gave blood just before (AB+). My once every three month good samaritan work is done!

Currently chowing down on 200gm green beans raw and 120gm of chicken breast steamed with chilli!

Got 30mins cardio this afternoon and then Balance..............ahh looking forward to the bird in the balance track! Catch you all on the flip side.

Ciao! Have a great day!

09 Sep 2009 10:49 AM
Well back home again after going to gym again after work. Did 30 mins cardio on xtrainer alternating high level and low levels. then did pilates with Mr 'Michelangelo'! My butt! I reckon I am going to have buns of steel by the time this challenge is over.

Quick dinner of steamed barramundi and broccoli! yummo.

Well best be getting my clothes ready and food packed for tomorrow. Got a spin class, abs and then cardio at night and Body Balance.

Have a great night!


08 Sep 2009 10:03 PM
Update

Well another 2 days down and still 100% clean eating..........on a roll!

Monday saw me doing a spin class and some abs, but nothing at night, my parents are up from Tenterfield visiting - sister in trouble again up at Noosa - gone to bail her out once again.

Yesterday was a big day with 1 hour cardio before an hour of weights, then a big big boxing session with more abs and then my weekly relax in the steam room! 25 mins I lasted, really would like to take it 30 mins on average. That last 5 mins is really sticky and I start to feel slightly nauseated. Then jump in freezing cold shower for 5 mins and done for the day. I have noticed on a Tuesday i really sleep soundly, don't hear anything until it is just before my alarm goes off, I seem to wake up.

This morning was another session with "Michelangelo" and we did arms.....arms......arms.....arms. I can already start to feel my arms being heavy while I am typing this. This afternoon I have 30 min cardio then 'michelangelo's' pilates class. Another caining on the abs.

I was talking about what is different for me this time around with sticking to clean eating and dedication to my eating plan, with my friends yesterday morning and my smart friend promptly announces - "it is because you have finally stopped feeling sorry for yourself". You know what, I am incline to the think the same way now..........after digesting that comment, it really shocked me to hear that is what has been noticed about me. I never in my wildest thoughts ever thought I was feeling sorry for myself, but I can actually see it now. How good is it to see something you have never noticed before!

I have had a few comments at the gym regarding slight changes in my looks and this is pumping my ego a little. But I am a little scared in becoming complacent with everything if I start getting too many comments. Something I am going to have to work on. No I am determined to keep on this current track. I am just loving it at the moment and even have massive amounts of energy. Funny my body feels like it has a lot of energy but sometimes my legs are so so so so sluggish. Well got to go, so talk to you all soon.

Have a great day.

Ciao

05 Sep 2009 05:18 AM
righto then!

have accomplished nearly all of the set tasks for the week. Managed another intense hour of boxing with friend at her gym. It has some excellant Hammer equipment, shame we don't have some of that at our gym.................but the grass always seems greener on the other side. I will admit, my gym has much more free weight equipment, which is more my favourite type of exercise anyway.

Now I have only 2 more set tasks to do. a 60 min walk which I will leave till tomorro morning when I walk down to get the morning paper from the shops and 1 hour of my choice in cardio. Unsure what I am going to pick there. Maybe a bike ride around. There is always the spin bike infront of a 'chick flick' that would certainly pass the time away! hehehehe.

Well might just lay down and have a little catnap.

Enjoy your weekend lovelies.

Ciao!

04 Sep 2009 12:46 AM

Hey hey

I can't believe a whole week has just flown by. so many things have happened.

And no before any conclusions are jumped, I am still strong with my challenge - 14 days now and not one deviaton from food plan! Woo Hoo!

May as well get sad news over with first. We had to let our darling 15 year staffy go to sleep forever on Wednesday and still pretty sad for me atm. Tears are just welling up while I am typing it. We knew it would be soon as he was suffering with cancers and tumors and even though you are prepared for it, it is still pretty hard. I think what shook me the most was the little puppy we have (yes another staffy) sat on the burial mound for 2 hours, that just broke my heart. Was cuddling little Diesel last night and he seems so sad, so very quiet - normally he wants to play! Okay eyes are wiped, time for an update on the challenge.

I have been soooooooooo flat out! I am averaging 2 and a bit hours of exercise a day, a variety of things, and finding this actually quite rewarding - go figure. As stated above my food has been 100% clean and strictly to the plan........and that my dears is absolutely amazing!

So Monday started with a spin class and abs, afternoon a major HIIT sesh with boxing 3 mins, skipping 3 mins and then 20-25 tricep pushups. This was repeated 5 rounds.

Tuesday weight sesh with girlfriends then boxing in afternoon and that all so glorious 30min sauna/steam room session!

Wednesday - well it was Michelangelo's time to torture me and that he succeed quite well at. Even he had a chuckle because he killed me...........evil man I tell you........but still good eye candy!!!!! That afternoon, as though I didn't have enuf torture from this man, I had to do his pilates class. So Funny, I arrived at the gym with about 10mins spare before the class and there was a massive line up of all these little teeny boppers!!!! And all through class, there was some giggling.................all there to see my Michelangelo in is his tight little white singlet! hubba hubba. LMAO! Boy am I going to give him a hard time next wednesday............oooh maybe not, it could only backfire on me right????? Back to pilates..............I died! 45 mins of abdominal workouts and 15 mins of glutes.......I walked out of there saying " my legs, my legs, I can't feel my legs"! Part of the morning sesh with the master, was these absolutly killer hamstring exercises.

Thursday was spin in morning along with abs (you would think I have had enuf of these but no they are on the plan so I must follow) then in the afternoon it was Balance time! Ahhh the stretch, loving it!

This morning was crazy leg day, same as last week and do you think my legs wanted to work properly. It actually took the 15 mins of cardio on xtrainer first up to get them moving right, then when I got the walking lunges..............OMGosh!

So I still have a boxing session, a 60min walk and an hour of cardio of my choice still to do! Someone pick me up off the floor. But hey, we had a preliminary check on scales this morning and I gotta say I was more than impressed! A nice big drop which helped me, I was so anxious that I would get my normal readings - which normally is not a lot. It has now geared me for the next two weeks towards the official 4 week weigh and measure. Be interesting to see what body fat % has dropped! hmmmm.

So that is it in a nut shell and I am so looking forward to sunday - the day of rest and sleep in. But I was thinking about taking my bike down the coast, and riding from the spit down to burleigh and back. Such a beautiful weekend weather wise, would be a shame to waste it and what a beautiful ride it would be along the coast.

well best be getting back to work!

Ciao!

28 Aug 2009 11:06 AM
OMgosh, thanks Lia.............luv my goldi's.

Update time.

Well another tick in the box for today..........a clean eating day and massive session with weights and cardio.

Well this morning was another killer leg session starting with xtrainer warm up on level 8, maintain 70rpm (more like a friggin sprint), then leg press supaset with jump squats 15 x 3, shoulder press supaset barbell curl 15 x 3, triset of leg ext, leg curl and weighted walking lunges 15 x 3, triset movement on abs - ab crunches, knee raises and crunches with knees up 25 x 3. I think I may have justpulled a small muscle in the side of my back as I have a little niggle, but I think that a good night sleep will fix that too.

Just come home from going out to dinner at the local pub (gotta love this local) asked for grilled steak 120gms and large salad with no dressing - exactly what I got! Loving the fact that I can go out to have dinner and do not even deviate 1 bit from the plan..............really helps that the local pub is vey good at your requests.

So plan for tomorro is walking around the hills of Ormeau with friend and dogs - this usually takes an hour and then i have this huge session instructed to me on my "Sistine Chapel Blue Print" of boxing on bag, skipping, pushups, jump squats, mountain climbers for 5 rounds - 2 mins each item. Well you gotta do what you gotta do! Looking forward to sunday..............have been told to do nothing!

Well I hope you all have a great weekend, no doubt I will keep you posted as per the norm.

Ciao!

ey hey UPdate time

Well today started with abs and a great heavy spin class. Come away from the spin class on a high and the energy levels stayed with me all day. Wahoo!

Finished off tonite with the new launch of the new body balance and loving it. It is tuff but very smooth and slow, so you really work hard. I had so much sweat dripping off me, it was not funny.

LiaI have to tell you i am still earning my gold star. Day 6 on the regimented eating and not one stray or piciking! Smokin baby!

Okay the auditors have not been so bad this week, mind you I say this with tongue in cheek.

Tomorrow is going to be very hard. I have some serious leg workout in the morning and then boxing again tomorrow night.

I will let you know how I fee.

xxCiao
xxDori

25 Aug 2009 11:45 PM
Okay update time.......................

OOOOwwwwww! There I think that says a lot..........hehehehe.

Okay tell me someone, which devil demi god created burpees and mountain climbers!!!!!!!!!!!! huh whaat on earth were they thinking!

Training Tuesday morning was great - really felt my delts though. then boxing in the afternoon which I ran out of puff about 2/3's in, lucky I have an exceptional boxing partner who pushed me on. Best part was sitting in the steam room for 20mins afterwards.............you know I doubted it but now proven - saunas do help with recovery! I was up with god knows what owls this morning at 4.00am waiting for my 'construction session with Michelangelo'. Should hav stayed in bed............nuh just joshing! I feel pretty fantastic atm but very sore at the same time. What a full on session. Burpees supaset with Arnold presses, hack squats supasets with step ups, running up and down board supa set with mountian climbers! Pilates on tonight (again with McDreamy Michelangelo)!(shhhh don't tell his girlfriend I said that) hehehehehe. Funny, how stupid does this sound, he is killing me but who cares, he is great to look at! LMAO

So on the food front, I so deserve that gold star! OMgosh, I can not believe how regimented I have been so far.........................pinch me, am I awake???? Whats going on...........????

Okay best be getting back to work, will catch up soon - tad busy - auditors are still here.

Ciao!

have a fabuloso day guys!


Update time

Well I have amazingly sore delts from boxing on Sunday oh yeah not to mention my obliques!!! Obviously I worked harder than normal.....wahoo! Yesterday I had a triset on my legs, leg ext, leg curl and weighted walking lunges. Then a supaset of shoulder press and ba'rbell bicep curl - then some abba dabba's (which I forgot to do) cardio 15mins on xtrainer before and 15 mins rower after. Put 110% effort into it and consequently I was feeling a little jaded by the time I got home last night - both physically and mentally...........remember those pesky auditors! hahahaha

Caught up with my abba dabba's last night, although it was a piss poor effort and believe it or not, I was in bed fast asleep by 7.00pm. Slept like a baby.

Food is very restricted atm and have stuck to it like glue..........but had the nasty "you are hungry" around 3.00pm yesterday, after meal 4..........drank 750mls of water with a bit of diet lime cordial in it and after about 1/2 an hour it went away. So all good. I was almost thinking I need to "phone a friend" to get me through it. but then I was struck with a nasty headache after that, didn't seem to dispate at all. So I am very happy with the first 3 days of challenge, especially not picking while cooking other meals for the boys. and I have not had the need to 'refeed'.

Well I had better get organised to go to gym, it is my later start day, the day I socialise and train with a couple of friends. going to be a long day today, as I have boxing this afternoon and then I have my first seminar to attend for the 12 week challenge. We get marked on how many we attend and a percentage of the mark goes towards the winning points. So it is off to be a good attendee, I want to win this.

Another scorcher here again, hopefully not too many bush fires............idots who throw cigarette butts out of windows!!!!!!!! Hope you all have a fantastic day.

Ciao Monte Bellas!
xxDori

23 Aug 2009 09:50 AM
Okay lets try this again!

So last week was a horror week at work but a great week training. This week for work is going to be a bit testing too, with auditors in, but hey they have to abide by our work times, the rules are set.

But arhhhh the 12 week challenge has officially started. Weigh in was on Saturday and I must admit I was a little disappointed with 'Michelangelo', I mean I was waiting for my game plan from him but he seemed to be more interested in training himself. So I sent him a email asking what is my game plan and that he needs to show me that he is wanting to win as much as me...............ie show me the love..........ie get into it with me. Do you think that was a bit harsh????????

So yesterday was exercise free but sure made up for it today. Had an awesome boxing session with a friend at her house. My upper back and rear delts are very tight. Luv it.

So game on and let the cardio and soreness begin. I have planned to do a spin class in morning. Talking to my friend today, and we agree that probably the best thing to do is mostly cardo at this point, maintaining my amino acids and ensuring the macro nutrients are clean. I cut, cooked and batched up 5 breakfasts, 4 morning snacks, 3 afternoon snacks and 4 lunches.

So easy going in the morning - wake up 4.00pm, pack bags, go to gym, walk up and down stairs for 1/2 hour before gym opens and then do a spin class.

Well I had better go get my clothes together and I am rather sleepy. so nighty night!

Ciao