Thankful for running and Team World Vision

Recently I completed the #C25k - well Ease into 5km using the Bluefin app.
In 8 weeks I was transformed ...no that is a lie !

Source: weheartit.com via Trish on Pinterest

Slowly I have improved.I am still reluctant to call myself a runner ...

Source: getfitgetskinny.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Source: img.earthshots.org via Trish on Pinterest

 What I think I look like

Call me crazy but I signed up to Bridge to 10km as soon as I finished the C25k.

I am thankful I can run albeit with the grace of rhino !

My friends on social media gave me lots of encouragement when I completed each day's run (3 per week).

Walking is still more my style but running gets you there faster ...and I'd still like to lose a little flab fat !

What gets you there faster ?

Myth: Exercise done at a low intensity, such as walking, is better at fat burning than other high-intensity activities, like running or cardio activities where you push yourself very hard.
The Truth: In a strict scientific sense, these claims are true because working at a lower intensity requires less quick energy and a higher percentage of fat is burned. But you'll also burn fewer calories than you would if, for the same amount of time, you work out at a harder intensity (running versus walking). If you're trying to lose weight, even though a higher percentage of fat is being used, a lower total amount of fat is lost. Find out more here it's very helpful info

                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Source: google.com via Trish on Pinterest

What I'd like to look like

Making a difference and having a purpose for torturing myself running is my new goal. Have you heard of the Mother's day Classic ?
I'd like to run it but I think I've left my run (no pun intended) a little late this year for fundraising.

The Sydney City2Surf is on Sunday, 12th Aug, 2012 .
I've been wanting to run this event for years  .
I've now got my sights set on it.
Why ?



It doesn't matter if I can't run or jog 14km -I can walk too. The money I raise will make an impact.. ten fold !!

It can make a real difference around the world with 10 x the value of my donation - if I run with team World Vision.

UPDATE - I'm now officially a Team World Vision runner  -  See my hero page here to sponsor me - $5 or $10 every donation will make a difference and have 10 x the impact - you can start sponsoring me now !


The real other reason I run

Source: girlmeetsbanjo.tumblr.com via Trish on Pinterest

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Grateful Saturday - Finish lines and Farmer's market

  

#26 / 27 runs of Couch to 5k are completed.

After 9 weeks I will complete my final run Monday.
The finish line is in sight but it won't be the finish because I am in training for the Mother's day classic.
Running is still a challenge for me, though I enjoy it, I ache the day after :).

 Image from here - go read the inspiring post about their finish line

Last week my hubby almost reached his 'finish line' in regards to a project that has been 10 months long. A huge relief that this hurdle has been cleared.

We went to the Country farmer's markets this morning. I chatted to lots of people about olives , tasted a few goodies and met a neighbour who 'raises' bees & honey. She has lived there 30 yrs and told us a few interesting things about our property.

PS Our olives don't look too good as a few weeks ago- (shriveling up) I think the dry spell has affected them...oh well next year.
 
So, what's making you smile today?
... add your Grateful post below it's a blog hop .Please add a link back to Maxibella in your post. Blog hop to visit other bloggers who are spreading a little sunshine.
 
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Summer days ...slipping away

It's the first day of Autumn and it is cooler today, though still humid. I've noticed the last week the mornings are cooler, the grass is dewy. 

Summer days will soon be slipping away as Autumn gets a grip. I love Autumn as it means cooler days but more than enough sunshine and light with gentle breezes to enjoy the outdoors.

As the nights get cooler I'll get my slow cooker out and begin inhaling the comfort food we all love. My downfall rich sauces and meat.

Eight weeks under my belt. I am now at week 9 of the Couch to 5km program, two more runs to go but that's not the end.

I'm now running 30 mins in one go. Incredibly ! hard for me to even imagine and complete ! .I doubt I have ever done this ... not that I can remember anyway on a regular basis. I do remember running a little.

I have plans to register for the Mother's Day classic (Annual funDraiser for Breast Cancer) , just deciding whether to do the 4 or 8km run , or to travel to Wollongong and do a 5km run. I want to make it a little challenging but not to hard. Race day is 10 weeks away Sunday May 8th.

22 years ago I rode a 'push' bike 1100kms+ from Melbourne to Sydney (one way riding 12 days of 15 days). I did some running as part of my training and fitness preparation - (I was 22 then so it was easier.)

I need to learn basic stretches and do some strength training (at home). The MDC has some preparation guidelines for all the different length runs/walks so I am trialling the beginners to 8km. I started today -it has longer run sessions and shorter faster sessions with some cross training/strength exercises.

On the weight front I haven't lost much at all (all that exercise makes me hungry ). I know I am fitter and my endurance has improved. So that is good overall.

I'm not overweight but the kilos have been creeping on and up again the last year or two. I am at the top end of my healthy weight range. It is so easy to 'inhale' food  >one chocolate bar is the equivalent of an hours walking or running. Nutritious food also has just as many calories I've noticed if you enjoy even reasonable servings.

My aim is to ultimately lose a few kilos more to get back to my goal weight.

It is about balance and what he said ...

PS :No offense intended just saying there is the element of truth in this for me too.By the way the you tube site has some very poor taste comments I don't agree with, at all. ♥ Never miss a post

13 ways to conquer the cravings

(not sure of image credit)

Excess {or any unhealthy snacking} between meals does not augur well with our get fit or weight loss efforts. I won't go into the psychological reasons why we do it (we all know why ~ not just because it tastes so good) just a few practical ways we can reduce it a bit. 

Don't try it all at once - one step at a time one bite at a time and will power. We know it's hard to teach your self to say no.

1. Plan ...Plan meals that keep you fuller longer and plan your meals in advance especially to resist the urge to buy takeaway meals because you can't think what to cook or have no food in the pantry/fridge that appeals.
2. You have Google with 15,800,000 healthy meal recipes (yes I just checked) -so don't be boring try something new and look for lower fat versions of your favourite recipes or snacks.
3. Make a Shopping List  - aiming to buy only the groceries according to your weekly meal plans. Stick to the list in your hand and do not be swayed by it.
4. Write yourself a list of things to do if you feel the urge to snack .Leave it on the fridge. Try to understand when your body is truly hungry and you are not just snacking because you are feeling down, lonely or bored. Ring a friend, 'jump' on the computer or go for a walk with the kids to the park.  Or put on some music & dance with kids, grab a book or fold the clothes :).See if the craving passes.
5. Remove temptation.Clear out the cupboards. Replace and substitute unhealthy "snacky" high fat/sugar type foods for a healthier option which will keep you fuller for longer. Pre cut vegetable sticks / make a tomato salsa or have fruit & yoghurt to eat / low fat baked pretzels etc. Drink more water too instead of eating or in place of other drinks.
6. If you can't remove temptation...Reduce pack sizes - buy small portion packets (yes it might cost more) and/or divide up larger packs yourself and put them away in not easily accessible spots (the top of cupboard you can only reach with a chair) Instead of just grabbing a quick bag of chips or bar {PIECE} of chocolate - if you have to get out a step ladder or chair you might think twice.
7. Brush your teeth soon after eating dinner {or breakfast} -when you brush the kids teeth is ideal - it makes me think twice about eating chocolate or snacking later.
8. Teach your children to say - 'You 've had enough mummy' and 'Only a small bite' if you must try their snacks. Mine do without any prompting LOL. Request & remind your spouse not to eat  those irresistible 'snacks' in front in you and increase the temptation directing at hand.  
9. Don't deny yourself completely. Of course at the end of a stressful day with the children we all wish the tune of gourmet ice cream and chocolate did not sing its siren song quite so loudly . Hoping it will drown out the fruit & yoghurt or other healthy snacks saying 'pick me' it not going to happen . If you do cave in then enjoy it, relish it and then let it go. Don't keep beating yourself up - instead look up how many minutes of whatever {exercise you prefer] takes to burn it off and give that a try. Don't give up on your commitment to reduce snacking over just one snack. Tomorrow is a new day.
10. Blog about your commitment - join in the support .There are numerous groups of bloggers who are encouraging each other to get fit, get healthier and reduce their weight.
11. Stick to an exercise plan approved by your DR or health professional that you are comfortable with. I'm doing the Couch to 5k to get fit , losing the kilos I've gained since ceasing breastfeeding & eating over Christmas is a byproduct.
12. Put the sign above on your fridge or cupboard if you dare ...
13. When friends visit and bring goodies or on celebration days like birthdays be mindful of what you serve or eat but remember one day is not the end. Ultimately it is your choice to say no or to just eat less.

Ps sorry I cannot get the formating right on new blogger post editor !

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Carpe Diem and Mothers' day classic.

There are been so much sadness and tragedy the last week with floods of biblical proportions across 2/3 of Queensland , NSW and now in Victoria (and even in Brazil I heard this morning 300 lives lost to flood). Bushfires rage in Western Australia. When will in end ?

l've struggled to know what to say.

Across the internetz we have seen a wife (mum of 2 littlies) prepare to farewell her husband (today RIP Tony) and we've been reading heartbreaking stories of courage amidst the tragic loss of life & destruction.

We 've been watching horrific scenes on our TV's that will never be forgotten least of all by those who were there...

It made me contemplate my own worries and grievances more closely... really what do I have to complain about. Everything seems so small in comparison.

I just want to seize every day. Life is short we never know what is waiting in the wings for ourselves or the ones we love. We don't have to wait ...

Carpe diem ('seize the day') is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace (see "Source" section below) that has become an aphorism. It is popularly translated as "seize the day". Carpe literally means "to pick, pluck, pluck off, cull, crop, gather", but Ovid used the word in the sense of, "To enjoy, seize, use, make use of".Wikipedia

We each hold all the moments of our life in our grasp and what we make it of determines who we are. Every day we hold opportunity or excuses.

I held a moment in my hand, brilliant as a star, fragile as a flower, a tiny sliver of one hour. I dripped it carelessly, Ah! I didn't know, I held opportunity. ~Hazel Lee

I have a goal to get fit and run the C25k running program. My weight is ok , though I have grown wider than I wanted to over the last few months :).

I needed a challenge and a goal to keep me motivated , to take this opportunity and use it purposefully.

I found it in the Mothers' day Classic. I am hoping to run and raise money for Breast cancer at the same time. An honorable cause because Breast cancer affects so many of my sisterhood.

I'm joining in with Naomi and others who are motivating each other to get fit and if we are able to walk or run the MDC on May 8th. We will link up and encourage each other. I couldn't post it on Tuesday and even yesterday I felt doubtful because talking about getting fit is kind of trivial at the moment.

Today I know life goes on ...and we should take every opportunity.

Life is too short and you only get one go , so kiss slowly, laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly. Practice a little more prayer with a little less worry, a little more patience and a lot less hurry.

Think deeply about what you can do to lighten one anothers' load as you keep safe & laugh in the light today...

If you are financially able please donate to the Queensland flood appeal here

Win - 1 of 3 Logitech stylish fashion wireless mouse ['mice' ] each valued at $69.95




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What to do next ...a giveaway ... C25k...101 things for the kids

Oh I have dozens of things I should be doing right now.

Finish writing a blog post for an awesome giveaway I am hosting...more about that tomorrow I have to check something with the promotor first.
My year in review/ New Year resolution blog posts ...maybe.
Packing to move (no date though).
Cleaning - in general
Putting away our winter clothes (mind you we have been wearing some of them in this crazy weather)
Decluttering (...to move)
Organising activities for the small people - Are your kids bored - here is a brilliant list of 1o1 things to do !

I need to find my motivation first.
Today I started my gallant attempt to run Couch to 5k [C25k] running program ...I can walk for miles but run NOT me - I start to huff & puff in minutes and give up.

I need and I'd like to get fitter.

I know I can do this.

My weight is reasonably healthy but my jeans/pants are a little too 'snug'.

I'm also joining in the battle of the Blogger Butts challenge to lose 5% of my body weight by March. The C25k will help this along.

As a blog community I know we can encourage each other in our quests to be fitter and healthier.

The first week of the C25k is relatively simple : short bursts of 1min jog with 1.5 min walk with a 5mins warm up and cool down at the end = 30 mins.
@ 3 times a week over 9 weeks ; each week the run/jog distance (or time interval) increases till you achieve running 5kms in 30mins.

1. Potomac River Running Feet

I am doing it on my treadmill mostly because of my hearing loss I can't hear cars approaching with my 'thudding' along. I'm also virtually blind in my right eye so my vision is obscured too except some peripheral.

The treadmill means I can do it any time, in any weather and watch the kids while they play or watch TV.

At the farm , there is no treadmill but I don't have to worry about cars too much and we are at the end of a nice straight road - NO Through road so very few cars.

Some clever man worked out the treadmill program with times for me.

00:00-5:00: Warmup walk
5:00-6:00: Run
6:00-7:30: Walk
7:30-8:30: Run
8:30-10:00: Walk
10:00-11:00: Run
11:00-12:30: Walk
12:30-13:30: Run
13:30-15:00: Walk
15:00-16:00: Run
16:00-17:30: Walk
17:30-18:30: Run
18:30-20:00: Walk
20:00-21:00: Run
21:00-22:30: Walk
22:30-23:30: Run
23:30-25:00: Walk

25:00-30:00: Cooldown Walk

I am also keen to get an iPod or MP3 and download the apps that let you play your own music but have an audio alert to change pace. iPhone users can download apps too.

Ok , carry on ...I am about to :) Though I'd really like to stetch out on the couch !

you guys go on ...Ill catch up

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