To put it mildly, 2012 was crap. Although there were a couple of glimmers of good things, most of last year was quite horrible.
My character was questioned on a number of occasions and had various accusations thrown at me. I put weight on that I had worked hard to take off because I let events get the better of me and allowed doubt back in. I lost my mojo, and lost a few other things including some dear friendships. Copped a few injuries, and all in all had some pretty dark moments.
As the end of 2012 approached I had a good hard look at myself and the year that was and the conclusion? In the great words of Scarlett O'Hara "Tomorrow's another day".
I've picked myself up and brushed myself off as I know that I'm better than the product of the last year. And it was with a new energised, motivated attitude that I've entered 2013 and to be honest...... It's working damn well.
I've learnt from the last year and I'm stronger for them.
In the year I turn 40, I've decided to make it all about me, selfish or not that's just the way it's going to be. I have plans for holidays (although the major one has been delayed by a year), time with family, enrolled in a graduate course at CSU and have a revived drive when it comes to my health.
Before I sign off I want to thank my partner, Simon, and my family for supporting me every step of the way. Not just last year (and they were my rocks) but through life. I love you.
So here's to 2013!!!
(So does anyone see the irony of someone with triskaidekaphobia declaring 2013 to be their year?? ;) )
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Monday, April 9, 2012
12 week reboot
Hey,
Yep it's slacker here. Every time I say I'm going to update regularly and then something happens and well... I don't.
Just to catch you up. After the last 12 week program, I managed to lose 4.3kgs in total. This means that all up I've lost around 18.5kgs since I started training.
So now we are onto the next 12 weeks (well technically that would have been last week however due to a couple of disruptions for various reasons I have decided to reboot as of this week). This time around we are doing things a little differently. I've actually written my own program this time. After training for 2.5 years I should have a pretty good idea of how to do this however it's still a little daunting. However it is written and my Resistance training days will remain Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and as per the MP protocols I will slowly build up the cardio aspect of the training in line with my nutrition program.
Now the most important part of any program is not necessarily the training program or nutrition plan but the goals. If you don't know where you are working towards how do you know how to get there.
I have very clear goals this time around and I didn't struggle to set them as I am fired up after the results I achieved in the last program. I have told many people that this year I am giving it all I can. I have my reasons for this. This time the goals just presented themselves. Actually have to laugh when I think back over the years and how much the goals change every 12 weeks as I change, both physically and mentally.
So here are my 3 goals for this 12 weeks.
1. waist measurement below 80cms and hips in double figures. It's been a long time coming and this area has always been the hardest part for me. However will do all that I can. (Note: I do have a weight goal that is based on a couple of factors however in reality I want to try to stay off the scales this time around. They do my head in)
2. Complete the Nail Can Hill Run in less than 90 minutes. This will be my third time on the hill and I am definitely no runner. However I have gone from 1:58:59 to 1:45 last year and I want to try one final assault and get under 90. Let's see what happens on May 6th.
3. Introduce/try one new recipe a week. I'm a creature of habit, and for the last program I stuck to pretty much the same thing day in and day out. A lot was out of ease due to my schedule however things have changed which will allow for some additional time to try new things and experiment. Nutrition has always been difficult for me. I have never seen the MP protocol as a diet more about lifestyle however there have certainly been times I have strayed and I am determined to push harder this time. (which also means drinking more and more water, something I have never been good at)
So there you have it, I'm at the start of a 12 week period which I truly believe will change my life in many many ways. I won't promise to keep you updated regularly however I will try. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, and I said it was a day of rebirth, and it is. There's a new Clare coming and I think she's gong to be kinda awesome (although hopefully a little more modest than that lol)
Til next time....... you can choose to be who other people see you as, or you can choose to be the person you are. Me... I choose me.
Yep it's slacker here. Every time I say I'm going to update regularly and then something happens and well... I don't.
Just to catch you up. After the last 12 week program, I managed to lose 4.3kgs in total. This means that all up I've lost around 18.5kgs since I started training.
So now we are onto the next 12 weeks (well technically that would have been last week however due to a couple of disruptions for various reasons I have decided to reboot as of this week). This time around we are doing things a little differently. I've actually written my own program this time. After training for 2.5 years I should have a pretty good idea of how to do this however it's still a little daunting. However it is written and my Resistance training days will remain Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and as per the MP protocols I will slowly build up the cardio aspect of the training in line with my nutrition program.
Now the most important part of any program is not necessarily the training program or nutrition plan but the goals. If you don't know where you are working towards how do you know how to get there.
I have very clear goals this time around and I didn't struggle to set them as I am fired up after the results I achieved in the last program. I have told many people that this year I am giving it all I can. I have my reasons for this. This time the goals just presented themselves. Actually have to laugh when I think back over the years and how much the goals change every 12 weeks as I change, both physically and mentally.
So here are my 3 goals for this 12 weeks.
1. waist measurement below 80cms and hips in double figures. It's been a long time coming and this area has always been the hardest part for me. However will do all that I can. (Note: I do have a weight goal that is based on a couple of factors however in reality I want to try to stay off the scales this time around. They do my head in)
2. Complete the Nail Can Hill Run in less than 90 minutes. This will be my third time on the hill and I am definitely no runner. However I have gone from 1:58:59 to 1:45 last year and I want to try one final assault and get under 90. Let's see what happens on May 6th.
3. Introduce/try one new recipe a week. I'm a creature of habit, and for the last program I stuck to pretty much the same thing day in and day out. A lot was out of ease due to my schedule however things have changed which will allow for some additional time to try new things and experiment. Nutrition has always been difficult for me. I have never seen the MP protocol as a diet more about lifestyle however there have certainly been times I have strayed and I am determined to push harder this time. (which also means drinking more and more water, something I have never been good at)
So there you have it, I'm at the start of a 12 week period which I truly believe will change my life in many many ways. I won't promise to keep you updated regularly however I will try. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, and I said it was a day of rebirth, and it is. There's a new Clare coming and I think she's gong to be kinda awesome (although hopefully a little more modest than that lol)
Til next time....... you can choose to be who other people see you as, or you can choose to be the person you are. Me... I choose me.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
And the numbers are in.....
So this week saw me buying and wearing in public my very first bikini (with boardies hehe) and once again being able to get into my wedding dress from 16 years ago. However for me it all came down to today.
Today marked the halfway point of this MP program so it came down to the numbers.
Although I'd had a couple of "wins" this week however today I felt spongy, wobbly and lethargic. Therefore I wasn't feeling too confident.
Josh took the measurements and I tried hard not to look at the numbers. I then jumped on the scales and ....... 2.6kg loss!!! I was a little happy :).
Josh then disappeared with my numbers and a calculator. He came back and asked how many centimetres all over I felt I lost. I simply said 10cms however I was a little off..... 30cms all round!!
Ok..... So I was feeling pretty good.
The next bit was going to be tough....... The fitness test.
Last time through I completed the rounds in 15:35. And had a target of a lot lower this time around. I felt confident that I would finish it faster however I wasn't confident I would reach the goal.
I want to thank Josh so much for the encouragement and push throughout the entire session. I pushed through to the end and after the rounds, Josh asked what the target was and I simply said 13:30. He held up his watch and........ 13:26!!!!
This year I am highly motivated and am trying hard in all areas of the program.
I want to say right now. Thank you so much to Josh. His support, encouragement and guidance has helped me achieve things I never thought possibly over the last couple of years. I appreciate everything he has given me.
And for those who ever wonder if the programs of Physique Essentials and Metabolic Precision work and are sustainable just look to me :)
Today marked the halfway point of this MP program so it came down to the numbers.
Although I'd had a couple of "wins" this week however today I felt spongy, wobbly and lethargic. Therefore I wasn't feeling too confident.
Josh took the measurements and I tried hard not to look at the numbers. I then jumped on the scales and ....... 2.6kg loss!!! I was a little happy :).
Josh then disappeared with my numbers and a calculator. He came back and asked how many centimetres all over I felt I lost. I simply said 10cms however I was a little off..... 30cms all round!!
Ok..... So I was feeling pretty good.
The next bit was going to be tough....... The fitness test.
Last time through I completed the rounds in 15:35. And had a target of a lot lower this time around. I felt confident that I would finish it faster however I wasn't confident I would reach the goal.
I want to thank Josh so much for the encouragement and push throughout the entire session. I pushed through to the end and after the rounds, Josh asked what the target was and I simply said 13:30. He held up his watch and........ 13:26!!!!
This year I am highly motivated and am trying hard in all areas of the program.
I want to say right now. Thank you so much to Josh. His support, encouragement and guidance has helped me achieve things I never thought possibly over the last couple of years. I appreciate everything he has given me.
And for those who ever wonder if the programs of Physique Essentials and Metabolic Precision work and are sustainable just look to me :)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Run, run, stumble, correct, back on track
Last week was a weird and non productive week. I derailed myself a little particularly when it came to the all important nutrition. (missed meals, not bad but not stellar choices etc)
However that was then and this is now. One of the important things I have learnt through my training with Josh at Physique Essentials and the MP program is to truly understand why you stumbled. Then simply pick yourself up, brush yourself off and get right back on track.
In the past, I would have spiraled into the abyss with no seemingly obvious way of coming out however that girl just simply isn't me any more.
As I said in a recent blog, I'm currently obsessed with numbers however I'm also obsessed with how my body feels. Firstly from a performance and health point of view. I know I am more attuned to my body and what it needs and wants (not necessarily the same thing... believe me lol). The main thing is I know when I haven't been eating properly because my body tells me through lethargy, lack of satisfactory performance in the gym or a general feeling of blah (yep technical term right there)
Secondly, it is how my body physically feels. I spend each and every day feeling myself up........ um, wait...... what I mean is I have started to be conscious of the bumps and flats (good and bad). I now more aware of the fact I can feel a tricep and bicep and calves have bumps where I didn't think it was possible lol. I'm also feeling the softness. This is going to sound strange as there is a little less softness than there used to be however I now have a greater sense of there being MORE softness. Perhaps it is simply because I'm more desirous of that softness going away forever now. So now when the jiggly bits jiggle it reaffirms my resolve and encourages me to stay on track.
So after a less than great week, this week I intend to work harder and be more accountable because I have huge goals and damn it I AM going to achieve them! :)
Sometimes the littlest things can help put you on the right track. This morning Josh sent me an email that put my before photo (check back a couple of entries) alongside a photo of me taken Saturday, and I have to say it made me smile :). It helped kick off the week. Thank you Josh.
This was the photo from Saturday.
However that was then and this is now. One of the important things I have learnt through my training with Josh at Physique Essentials and the MP program is to truly understand why you stumbled. Then simply pick yourself up, brush yourself off and get right back on track.
In the past, I would have spiraled into the abyss with no seemingly obvious way of coming out however that girl just simply isn't me any more.
As I said in a recent blog, I'm currently obsessed with numbers however I'm also obsessed with how my body feels. Firstly from a performance and health point of view. I know I am more attuned to my body and what it needs and wants (not necessarily the same thing... believe me lol). The main thing is I know when I haven't been eating properly because my body tells me through lethargy, lack of satisfactory performance in the gym or a general feeling of blah (yep technical term right there)
Secondly, it is how my body physically feels. I spend each and every day feeling myself up........ um, wait...... what I mean is I have started to be conscious of the bumps and flats (good and bad). I now more aware of the fact I can feel a tricep and bicep and calves have bumps where I didn't think it was possible lol. I'm also feeling the softness. This is going to sound strange as there is a little less softness than there used to be however I now have a greater sense of there being MORE softness. Perhaps it is simply because I'm more desirous of that softness going away forever now. So now when the jiggly bits jiggle it reaffirms my resolve and encourages me to stay on track.
So after a less than great week, this week I intend to work harder and be more accountable because I have huge goals and damn it I AM going to achieve them! :)
Sometimes the littlest things can help put you on the right track. This morning Josh sent me an email that put my before photo (check back a couple of entries) alongside a photo of me taken Saturday, and I have to say it made me smile :). It helped kick off the week. Thank you Josh.
This was the photo from Saturday.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Emotional Food
Ok so perhaps the food isn't emotional however eating is.
The funny thing is that although I'm an emotional eater (as we all are), I'm also an emotional non-eater.
When I am truly upset about something, so much so that the feeling sits in the base of my stomach I find I just can't eat.
That was where I was at today. This morning I managed a shake, and not even a complete meal shake just simply protein and water. Then as I was having an extremely ordinary day I didn't managed to eat a solid meal until 1:30pm. Now considering that I had been awake since 5am that was very bad.
And the missed meals became very evident at my training session. Most weights went backwards or simply stalled. I tried to use my anger and frustration to push out more however the lack of fuel meant an extremely lack lustre performance. And I know I'm better than that!!!
So tomorrow I need to pick my self up, brush myself off and get my head back in the game.
As someone said to me today - nothing can stop you if you don't let it.
So tomorrow is a new day and a new outlook. I have goals and nothing is going to stop me achieving them.
The funny thing is that although I'm an emotional eater (as we all are), I'm also an emotional non-eater.
When I am truly upset about something, so much so that the feeling sits in the base of my stomach I find I just can't eat.
That was where I was at today. This morning I managed a shake, and not even a complete meal shake just simply protein and water. Then as I was having an extremely ordinary day I didn't managed to eat a solid meal until 1:30pm. Now considering that I had been awake since 5am that was very bad.
And the missed meals became very evident at my training session. Most weights went backwards or simply stalled. I tried to use my anger and frustration to push out more however the lack of fuel meant an extremely lack lustre performance. And I know I'm better than that!!!
So tomorrow I need to pick my self up, brush myself off and get my head back in the game.
As someone said to me today - nothing can stop you if you don't let it.
So tomorrow is a new day and a new outlook. I have goals and nothing is going to stop me achieving them.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Obsession.....
Obsessed is a strong word however I have been known to be obsessive in relation to a number of things including food. Food being a really big thing.
However something I have obsessed about in the past has come back to haunt me........ Numbers. In particular numbers on the scales.
When I was at my heaviest I obsessed about getting under a certain number. Every time I was on a diet I would jump on the scales 3,4,5 times a day. I'd celebrate when the number went down and go into a downward spiral when the number went up.
When I started training with Josh I stopped myself from getting on the scales apart from weigh ins with Josh. It took a bit of control but I did it.
I don't actually own scales any more because I just didn't need them. Last year I hovered within a 5kg range all year and I still didn't have the compulsion to jump on the scales.
However this year I saw a number on the scales I haven't seen in close to a decade and now I'm obsessed.
Although I don't own scales, every time I'm near scales now I want to jump on "just to check". Common sense tells me that is idiotic. Weight fluctuates throughout the day and (girls you know what I'm talking about here) can certainly fluctuate throughout the month. I know I shouldn't be jumping on the scales however I am truly obsessed by it now.
It's funny a few people reading this might start thinking that I will do absolutely anything now to ensure that number doesn't go up........... and they are right!!
You see I'm also obsessed about eating..... ensuring I eat the right things at the right times when my body needs it.
In the past I've skipped meals, eaten just cabbage soup, coffee and cigarettes in order to lose weight and it just doesn't work.
At the start I said I'm obsessed about food, you betcha!!! I eat to get lean.
However this week my goal is clear........ I want to stay off all scales all week long. I want to be surprised when in 4 weeks I reach the half way point of the program, jump on the scales and have reached my 6 week goal.
So I'm staying away from all scales, and if any of you see me inching towards those scales please......... Hit me on the nose with a rolled up newspaper and firmly say "No!". I'll get the message.
Til next time..... Stay strong and reach for your goals. You WILL achieve them
However something I have obsessed about in the past has come back to haunt me........ Numbers. In particular numbers on the scales.
When I was at my heaviest I obsessed about getting under a certain number. Every time I was on a diet I would jump on the scales 3,4,5 times a day. I'd celebrate when the number went down and go into a downward spiral when the number went up.
When I started training with Josh I stopped myself from getting on the scales apart from weigh ins with Josh. It took a bit of control but I did it.
I don't actually own scales any more because I just didn't need them. Last year I hovered within a 5kg range all year and I still didn't have the compulsion to jump on the scales.
However this year I saw a number on the scales I haven't seen in close to a decade and now I'm obsessed.
Although I don't own scales, every time I'm near scales now I want to jump on "just to check". Common sense tells me that is idiotic. Weight fluctuates throughout the day and (girls you know what I'm talking about here) can certainly fluctuate throughout the month. I know I shouldn't be jumping on the scales however I am truly obsessed by it now.
It's funny a few people reading this might start thinking that I will do absolutely anything now to ensure that number doesn't go up........... and they are right!!
You see I'm also obsessed about eating..... ensuring I eat the right things at the right times when my body needs it.
In the past I've skipped meals, eaten just cabbage soup, coffee and cigarettes in order to lose weight and it just doesn't work.
At the start I said I'm obsessed about food, you betcha!!! I eat to get lean.
However this week my goal is clear........ I want to stay off all scales all week long. I want to be surprised when in 4 weeks I reach the half way point of the program, jump on the scales and have reached my 6 week goal.
So I'm staying away from all scales, and if any of you see me inching towards those scales please......... Hit me on the nose with a rolled up newspaper and firmly say "No!". I'll get the message.
Til next time..... Stay strong and reach for your goals. You WILL achieve them
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Here we go again.......
The title of this post actually sounds a little negative how in reality it's not. Let's back track a little......
In October 2009 I first walked into the Physique Essentials centre of operation and met this man named Josh Dickinson......
Ok maybe we don't have to back track THAT far. Suffice it to say that I have been training with Josh for over two years now. And in that time I have had some awesome results and certainly am not the person I was.
In 2010 I did 2 Metabolic Precision Programs with Josh and did well however in 2011 I will admit I coasted a little. I still trained (ok perhaps not as hard as I could have) but slowly I fell off the nutrition wagon so the results I had over the year were in no way stellar.
However it is now 2012 and by jove things are going to change (first I think I need new phrases...). I am now embarking on another MP program and I couldn't be more excited!
MP works! It really does. For example, although I fell off the wagon from a nutrition point of view, I didn't do the downward food spiral I previously had. I had a better idea of what I should be doing and acknowlegded where I was stuffing up. Because of the training and education I recieved, I still lost weight! (although I can just imagine what the results COULD have been) I started this year and this program seeing a number on the scales that I hadn't seen in nearly a decade (should have see my happy look of shock).
I am now the most committed I have ever been. I have some huge goals for not only this 12 weeks but for this year. Next year I'm 40 and I'm going to enter 40 more Fit, Firm and Fabulous than I was at 20!
However if Josh keeps doing things like this to me.....
The first trick might be simply to survive until I'm 40!
Honestly though, I have stuck with Josh and PE for one simply reason. I am NOT the person I was when I walked in and met him in 2009. Not just through body composition changes but fitness and health and so so many other ways. What Josh and the PE Team do works (as long as you take the PE advice on board and apply it :) )
Anyway, I will be blogging regularly so keep checking in... even if it is just to make sure I'm still alive.
In October 2009 I first walked into the Physique Essentials centre of operation and met this man named Josh Dickinson......
Ok maybe we don't have to back track THAT far. Suffice it to say that I have been training with Josh for over two years now. And in that time I have had some awesome results and certainly am not the person I was.
In 2010 I did 2 Metabolic Precision Programs with Josh and did well however in 2011 I will admit I coasted a little. I still trained (ok perhaps not as hard as I could have) but slowly I fell off the nutrition wagon so the results I had over the year were in no way stellar.
However it is now 2012 and by jove things are going to change (first I think I need new phrases...). I am now embarking on another MP program and I couldn't be more excited!
MP works! It really does. For example, although I fell off the wagon from a nutrition point of view, I didn't do the downward food spiral I previously had. I had a better idea of what I should be doing and acknowlegded where I was stuffing up. Because of the training and education I recieved, I still lost weight! (although I can just imagine what the results COULD have been) I started this year and this program seeing a number on the scales that I hadn't seen in nearly a decade (should have see my happy look of shock).
I am now the most committed I have ever been. I have some huge goals for not only this 12 weeks but for this year. Next year I'm 40 and I'm going to enter 40 more Fit, Firm and Fabulous than I was at 20!
However if Josh keeps doing things like this to me.....
The first trick might be simply to survive until I'm 40!
Honestly though, I have stuck with Josh and PE for one simply reason. I am NOT the person I was when I walked in and met him in 2009. Not just through body composition changes but fitness and health and so so many other ways. What Josh and the PE Team do works (as long as you take the PE advice on board and apply it :) )
Anyway, I will be blogging regularly so keep checking in... even if it is just to make sure I'm still alive.
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