Quickie

I can see the next few weeks going by too quickly and, as I have done in the past, not achieved the package I so desparately want to bring to the comp. All I can do now is be consistent & patient.  I seem to have buggered my left shoulder - don't know how, feels like there is a ligament out of place - hopefully it will get better soon, otherwise I might be in a bit of trouble. 

Food has been good (& boring)

Did an hour walk today & will get to the gym tonight & do some running intervals & a bit of weights. This close, I'm not so worried about the weights, just concentrating on conditioning. 

I've been doing a little posing practice - forgot how sore you get. I also forgot how shakey I get - I shake like a leaf on stage, but I don't worry too much as it's not greatly noticable...if you're in the back row LOL. 

Train hard y'all

MM xxx

oooops....

How the hell did that happen?? I just ate 10 marshmallows....with some peanut butter. I had them two at a time - heated in the microwave & just kept going back for more....so much for low carb today :( silly me!!! Bloody hell it was nice though!

Quick check in

Low carb went ok today - was pretty hard to get through my Crossfit workout, but pulled through in the end ;) 

5 Rounds for time of: 5 Deadlifts (60kg), 10 Burpees.  My time was 6'51" my legs were like jelly by the second round, but then the shock kicked in & I carried it through. Did a bit of treadly running, have been letting my intervals slide a bit, better get back on that wagon. Things are starting to shift (i.e the chub) so steady as she goes from here on.  Would love to have been at the ANB pacific comp today - would be soooo motivational. I will just have to wait for some piccies. 

Nighty night. 

xxx

Sing BIG Little Birdy...

The title was a bit of 'street art' someone painted on the pavement which I saw when going for an early morning walk. I felt like it was painted as a special message just for me :) Am starting to cycle carbs today so today is a low-carb. Going ok so far, in my diet I am allowed some fruit on low carb days - usually timed around workouts/cardio. I can tell when my body is burning fat - usually at night I feel like I have the hot flushes, it's a good feeling. It has been a rough week, but I think things have turned around, I'm going great with my diet, which is usually the first thing that suffers when I'm under stress. 

I am looking at trying some new tan this comp. I am sh%$ with dream tan - I just get it everywhere. It's OK for the 'all in one' comps, like NABBA but I hate the 2 show format of prejudging & show - I get the stuff everywhere. Would love to hear of anyone's experience with the new Jan Tana Ultra 1 - it's only new, so prob hasn't been tried by many - heard various reports from the US. You only need 1 coat on the day of show apparently. I have sensitive skin & can't tolerate the numerous coats over 2-3 days. Will keep investigating. Wish they did sample pots, like paint!!

Train hard y'all

MM xxx

Stary stary night

While most people were cuddled up together on their couches, I decided to go for a jog last night. It was 7deg with an icy wind here in Tassie, so perfect conditions for a run! I had my beanie pulled down & scarf wrapped around my face - people must have thought I was a burgalar mwaah haar! I really enjoyed it - the stars were all out & a beautiful moon crescent & I think I was the only one around to enjoy it - I love moments like this.  From now on, cardio is imperitive, so I will be getting a few more chances at night from now on. Hi to everyone else competing in a few weeks - can't wait to see you all in the flesh! I still need to get rid of a bit of my flesh LOL.  My strategy now is going to be carb cycling - just a two day split - don't think I'd survive any longer on low carbs. I need to start feeling a difference soon. 

MM

xxx

Wednesday horrubilus

Well, yesterday was the worst I've had in a looong time. My little girl decided that she would not take a nap whatsover until she collapsed at 3.30. By this time I was so wound up & frustrated that I didn't have any 'me' time at all, which is probably well & good as she woke up only an hour later....I got to the gym in the evening & did the Gerkin treadmill test - thanks to Kate who introduced me to this torture device!!!! It's just what I need to get my arse into gear. I got to 11mins 30 (I think that's level 9??) I did it twice & got to the same time, so I need to work on it. Freaked me out having the incline so high & trying to run my arse off!! stopped at 8% incline speed 11km/hr. I am trying to get to 10%incline & 12km/hr - phew...

Anyway, my diet has managed to survive this week so far - sometimes it feels like I am punishing myself & that makes me feel bad for a while, but ultimately I know I am stronger for resisting & it is all worth it. 

I have ordered a bikini - I normally make my own, but can't be arsed - I'm too time poor as it is. I'm considering which tan to use - I have problem skin & can't do the layers of contest colour before, so I need something that I can use on the day or day before. I will be itchy for a week after, but that is to be expected. I must have the worst body for this sport - why do I do it?!!!

Haven't been able to take any progress pics as hubby has left the chargers at work, so will have to wait for that. Scales were 48.6 this morning, so that is positive. Still not seeing much improvement in the mirror however.....I am soo impatient. 

Gotta go, 

Train hard y'all xxx

MM

yo-yo

I don't normally go by my weight, as it is getting down to just the last few (bloody annoying) kg's, but WTF - two nights in a row before going to bed I have weighed myself then in the morning doing the same (before peeing!) and I drop 1 kg overnight. I would jump for joy about now, but it goes up again by night time. Last night it was reading 49.6 - this morning 48.4. Really annoying as tonight it will be up to 49.6 again.....keep plodding & see what happens. Had a baaaad night. Little Jose was up at 2am & we couldn't settle her till 4am. I had an absolute spaz as I'm not the calmest when woken from deep sleep. Feel like a horrible mother now, MUST NOT do that again. Just did some cardio yesterday - big pram walk up some hills for an hour then walk to shops after dinner. I was starving all yesterday, but ate quite a bit - all good though. I had a big breakie of oats, & i'm still hungry. Good sign I guess, just have to keep chugging away. MUST do some photos before my head explodes with doubts I can do this, I need some hard evidence one way or other. 

I have already booked my flights, just need accommodation. Anyone know if there's accommodation within walking distance to venue?? 

MM xxx

Chasin da pump

Firstly thanks ladies for the comments, looking forward to meeting some of you at the All Females - it's really not far to go now!!!

Starting to get over the hump I think, had a good days eating, but still have that frustrated feeling - I feel like a big puffy marshmallow - don't know what's going on with my body but the fat is staying put! I have declared war on it anyhow and now it's shakin'. I must have the worst bodyfat distribution - some people have cut arms, or great legs most of the year, not me. I have this virtually permanant even layer of chub just under the skin - everywhere!! apart from my boobies of course - the one place I wouldn't mind some he he. Anyway, its head down, arse up & I am going to see if I can go a week without looking in the mirror expectantly looking for a miraculous drop in BF :) 

Ok, tonights workout was good - finally feeling like I'm getting there again. Did my fave - 'Cindy' workout - As many rounds of: 5 chin ups/10 push ups/15 air squats. Got to 14 rounds (left shoulder was playing up after 10, so that pulled me up a bit) but my PB is 15, so I was v. happy. I then did some bar work & finished with db lateral raises - did a drop set & boy it was good to feel a pump again! 

Night all 

MM xx

Blip on the radar....

Having a bit of a hard time. Feeling pretty low as we are having some problems with our little girl. She has been really, really upset at bedtimes & I think me being so grumpy has really made it worse. I ended up just cuddling her & crying my eyes out, I felt sooo bad. I have been really craving the sweets this weekend, ended up eating 4 marshmallows last night, but I have white-knuckled it tonight & haven't given in.  I've been feeling so angry/crap for 4 days. I just hope I get it together soon. I hate it when it feels like you are struggling 24/7. 

Did a 1hr power walk this morning and then went to the gym & just did a few chins, dips, box-jumps & speedball work. I'm still trying to get back on track, so this week I can get back to where I started from. 

Night all, train hard xx

Angry, Angry, Hippo

Grrrr, I am just so angry/frustrated at the moment. I can't help it. I'm frustrated I am not getting into condition fast enough & now I'm snappy the snapdragon. I feel like shit, look like shit & have done crap in the gym. Not surprising after not going for a week - Stooopid girl. Fu#%^ng Grrrrrrrrrr!!! Bad, bad, bad mood. I hate it when I'm like this, I'm just no fun to be around and I'm sooooo short tempered with my little girl and that makes me feel horrible....I can't seem to snap out of it. 

Gym today - couldn't run for shit & did a 'Michael' in 30'25" - total shit.  

P.S One good thing I can say is I had a lady come up to me in the changerooms last night & she said she was amazed at how strong I was - she was just so effusive, I got v. embarrased (as I was feeling cranky then too) but it was nice to hear. 

I'm Baaaa-aaack!

A pic of Hanmer Springs - very nice place

Well, I survived NZ.  A very lovely place & the weather was kind to us thankfully. I came back feeling very flu-ey, so not impressed about that at all. I have also not been to the gym in 8 days, so I am feeling very out of whack. Food wasn't great while away, but I didn't go too overboard. I will be in damage control when I am feeling better - right now, I just have to get over this illness & start again, sigh. I have loads of blogs to catch up on, hope everyone is doing OK. 

Happy Mother's day to all!

To all the mothers put there, hope you have a good one!! 

Well, it is 4.07am and yes I'm up.....I had a call out (I'm a vol firefighter) and of course I can't get back to sleep now, but it is nice to have a bit of time to myself before the world awakes.  Things have gone downhill again!! Argh, yesterday we had thai takeaway & chocolate &  I still didn't go to the gym, so now I've built up that stupid imaginary wall in my head where I'm apprehensive about going to the gym cos I haven't been for ages & so I don't go, & the whole stupid vicious cycle starts. Silly me. It's OK, I will just go later this morning & stop whining - yeah it's going to hurt, but only for the rest of the week LOL. Anyway, I'm boring myself, so I will go find a cute pic to put on here. 

Nighty night!

xx

Friiiiday

Well this week has been written off. Haven't been to the gym since my last 4 sessions were abysmal and now I'm kinda scared to go in case I've still got no energy! We are heading to NZ on Wed next week for my sister in law's wedding. First time flying with our baby girl, so it will be interesting to say the least. I am getting scared that my resolve is going to dissolve (hey I'm a poet) and I will go off the bandwagon completely. I am trying to find a gym near our hotel in Christchurch, so I can hopefully get in a few sessions. I would be happy to eat whatever I like at the wedding, so long as I am good for the rest of the time there......I can only try. I've got a hotel that has a kitchenette, so at least I can have some control over food. 

Had my flu shot today - stung like a bugger - the nurse was telling me that this year's was a stingy one, yeah, thanks for that - told me as she was doing it! Oh well, at least the government has secretly microchipped me now :p

MM xx

10 week check in & progress pics

Quick check in at 10 weeks out

Biceps:29 (-0.5)

Waist:66.5 (-1.0)

Butt:86 (0)

Thigh:53 (-1.0)

Above knee:35 (-0.5)

Calf:34 (0)

Weight 49.4kg  

 Bleeeaaahh....

You asked for it.....

Well, that's 4 workouts ina row where i've felt like crap - No energy what so ever! Normally if I just get there & start, I feel better, but not this few times. I will have a good rest tomorrow I think & try again Wed. It is getting a bit concerning. 

OK, enough of my whining, here are my fave recipes to keep me sane. I use the cookie recipe for cheat days only -I'd advise you to as well, cos if you're like me & loooove PB, then these are ADDICTIVE!! OK Shelly, you have been warned!  ;) 

Awesome Cottage Cheese Jelly Slice

Base: Dump in a food processor - 

1C quick oats, 

1/2c wholemeal flour, 

3/4C Splenda, 

1egg, 

2tsp cinnamon, 

1tb canola oil (optional, but I think it tastes better with it)

1/4c water

Wizz this up for a minute till it makes a sticky dough

Press into square tin lined with baking paper (wet your fingers or a spoon to press it out)

Bake for about 15mins @ 180 C till brown - it may shrink away from sides, but that's ok

Filling:  

Put in food processor -

250g creamed cottage cheese,

1/2C vanilla protein powder (I like Max's) 

1/2c Splenda, 

2tsp vanilla ess. 

Whizz the be-jesus out of this - all the lumps will go from cottage cheese (hate the texture of cc!) and it should look lovely, smooth and glossy. (BTW, this is good to eat by itself!!!)

meanwhile - dissolve 2TB of gelatine in 1/3c boiling water - dump this ALL IN AT ONCE while processor is going (if you trickle it in, you may get lumps) 

Jelly top - grab your fave sugar free jelly and dissolve it in 1C water only. 

To assemble - cool the base (room temp is fine) then whack on the filling. Put in fridge to set (about 1-2hrs) then pour on jelly top - refrigerate & leave to set (about 3-4 hrs) 

Makes 9 generous serves.  

Peanut butter cookies:

375g jar of smooth peanut butter

1C Splenda

1 egg

1C crushed peanuts

3/4C choc chips (I substitute with sultanas here, or you can leave them out all together for sugar free)

Mix first 3 ingredients together till smooth, then add peanuts & choc chips/sultanas

scoop out balls & put on tray - whack in 180 C oven for 12-15 mins until brown. 

Leave to cool on the tray - this is important! They will be really soft, but they firm up on cooling they are lovely, soft & crumbly - to die for!! 

That's all folks, I'm beat 

xx

 

grrrr...

Don't really feel like posting today - I had a bit of a crappy weekend & I am feeling even crappier. I fizzled out the past few workouts & now I'm getting that sinking feeling of dread when I think of going back to the gym.....grrr, I hate that. There is def. something wrong if I am avoiding the gym. I thought it was because I haven't been eating too many carbs, so I ate more & it didn't make a lick of difference to my energy, so I had a bit of a cheat meal on the weekend, but now that backfired as my stomach is soooo bloated, feel like someone has punched me in the guts! I didn't get the chance to go to the gym during the day today, so you guessed it I have to now go at the worst time - after 5.30 on a Monday night, when all the weekend warriors feel the need to go to the gym after pigging out all weekend....now I'm one of them .....noooooo!!! Anyway, that is my punishment for having a crappy cheat meal - I tried to make something that was naughty but not too bad, & it was v. disappointing. If I'm going to have a cheat, I may as well get something really good (or bad as the case may be). 

So how many weeks now? 10! Crap, time to pull the ol' finger out. I have reached the point where I get scared to 'go beyond' if you know what I mean. I start to think I look to scrawny & so I sabotage my efforts & pig out. If I'm brave enough, this will be the first time I get past that point.  Wish me luck. 

MM xx