Mt Ainslie and my #12WBT #SSS

Oops where has April disappeared to?  Following Easter I held strong with my 12WBT exercise, especially the Super Saturday Sessions (SSS).  This past weekend however, life got in the way, and I actually missed it!  Now, I don’t think I really missed the ‘during’, but the ‘after’ and the sense of accomplishment!

A couple of weeks ago I did a 13.6km SSS, kinda by accident.  I wasn’t really feeling it, but I thought I would head out with Mr. J and aim for 5km.  Well, when I finally decided to turn back, we had passed the 6.5km mark!  I actually got a little sun burnt, because I did not expect to be out for so long.  Yes, by the end and almost 2 and a half hours later, I was totally over it, but hey it was awesome!  And of course, I wasn’t complaining with the calorie burn:

The following weekend, unfortunately I was feeling the same – just a bit off, and a bit over it.  But what does MB say?  JFDI.  So off we went to Hackett walking tracks, and decided to see where the road took us.

Well,… it took us up Mt Ainslie – a first for me

A pretty easy walk, other than the elevation!

Isn’t it pretty?   Haha…
According to Runkeeper, it was a personal best for elevation -

Teehee!

 

Mt Ainslie – definitely recommended.  Get out there and feel the burn and check out the lovely views

Read Full Post »

The Weekender – Easter 2013

I was so excited for a low-key long weekend, staying at home, no need to rush with the Easter traffic, and no need to over-indulge on Easter treats   So I set out for relaxation, and that’s exactly what I got.

Sleep ins – tick
Exercise – tick
Quality time with my husband – tick
Some indulgence – tick

Friday, I slept in, made a lovely brunch for myself and Mr. J – can’t go wrong with bacon and eggs.

Look at that perfectly cooked egg!    Anyway(!)  Chillaxed, made some hot cross buns, went for a walk in the sunshine with husband and later I went to Zumba.  I *love that my classes were still held over the long weekend.  Great chance to get out there and do more to make up for the extra treats.

My hot cross buns were babies – the 12WBT recipe called for 15, I made 20.  So they look a little knobbly, but were even more snack friendly!  I didn’t get a good ‘after’ pic, cause we were too busy eating them

Saturday was another sleep in, and I met a gf for chats before Samba Fitness.  Another yummy brunch, before heading out to the shops – Funny how it gets so busy over a long weekend when people can’t go the day before/after (Good Fri/Easter Sun). We scored a
couple of bargains though, and I enjoyed having a leisurely tea and sharing a junior spoil at Koko Black.

Saturday night I made pizza, even the dough(!) and we had a movie night at home.  Talk about domestic goddess; well I try

Sunday the weather was not looking to good, but I dragged Mr. J out to the Lake and we took it fairly easy, but tried to maintain a good pace for 10km.  We were a little slow while checking out the new developments on the Kingston Foreshore – pretty crazy.  Although it
was a little chilly, and threatened to rain; the temp was better for a good pace, and it stayed clear.

Not overly speedy, but good amount for calories burned.

Monday was more relaxation, interspersed with washing and the threat of going back to reality (work) the next day.  Some cleaning and then Samba that night.

Farewell long weekend, see you again in June 

Read Full Post »

The Weekender – Googong

Looking for something to do this Easter long weekend?  While everyone else is over-indulging on chocolate and baked treats, perhaps a fun adventure is more your style… or is that just me?! 

After knocking over almost 12km around Campbell and Mt Ainslie, last weekend I was eager to push a bit further.  And looking to see somewhere new.  About a 15 minute drive out of Canberra, over the border, into NSW(!) we decided to do a longer hike/walk out at Googong.  After checking the web, the walks around the dam looked to easy (Ha!), and too short, so Mr. J and I decided to try the 14km, which was classified as a moderate difficulty.

Yep, I would say you could call it ‘moderate’ difficulty, if you are reasonably fit.  I am not sure what fitness level I would consider myself, but hey I finished it, it was tough at times, but the amazing thing >> I wasn’t that sore!  I was expecting major pain over the following couple of days.   But nope!

Some parts were beautiful, some parts were a serious slog – check out that elevation change in the middle!  I guess I am not really selling it really am I? 

But hey, if I managed to jog in the last km, I am pretty sure the moderately fit can handle it.

If not maybe the 4km around the dam might be more your style… I think that is next on our list, I think it would be really pretty.

Now, on to the numbers.  It is official.  For the first time doing 12WBT I reached and then surpassed the 1000 calorie burn!  So all it takes is 3hrs and 14km, and 1100 calories gone.  Ha!

Now the question is… what to do this long weekend?  I think another 10km is in my near future   Plus some home made hot cross buns… thanks for 12WBT recipe Mish!

Oh, and,

Happy Easter!  

And… keep a look out for a giveaway competition happening here on the blog very, very soon!

Read Full Post »

Getting my Fit on

I might have been quiet in the blogging world of late, [although, I am quietly obsessed with Instagram], I certainly haven’t been neglecting my need for exercise.  Mr. J has been a strong support, getting me out of the house for long walks, with jogs intermittently throughout – depending on how we feel that day.  Long cardio sessions, simple, but seriously effective.  And(!) maintainable.  I have to admit that the more hardcore workout routines I have attempted in the past – I haven’t sustained; well not for long that’s for sure.

So thanks to runkeeper, here are my ‘walks’ for July.

Add in some Zumba to the mix, and that has been my workout ‘approach’ for this month.

The past week and a half I was travelling for wedding related tasks, and a professional development course; and now Mr. J is away for work – So I have had a bit of a break, but I am ready to get back into it asap!  Zumba tonight(!)

Read Full Post »

The Weekender

Where does 20.45 kms get you?

Check out those hills!!  I am MEGA sore, now two days after that madness!  A little bit of sunburn isn’t helping with the muslce soreness.

And check out that calorie burn(!)  Definitely a personal record.  I can definitely see that I worked for it, it was a hardcore day 

After we finished the walk, we drove to a campsite, which was lovely – by the river.  Shame about the crazy huge flies though >they hurt!  Mr. J did his best to make the day/evening the most comfortable for me.  I rinsed off in the river, before a change of clothes and lots of fluids!  Most of our party of 10 drank wine/beer, but I knew better and stuck to water, and later in the evening – hot chocolate   My bodymedia tells me I got six hours sleep, and I am definitely experiencing some sleep debt right now.

20.45km plus my first ever camping experience – all in one weekend!

Photos coming soon 

Read Full Post »

January Review: Paleo + c25k

It’s 2012 baby, how are you doing?!

It is such a fantastic feeling to be looking back over the past 31 days, and to be feeling a real sense of accomplishment(!)  Noone is perfect, our set goals don’t always go as planned, there are always bumps along the road.  But yet, there are times, when you just feel it, know it.  Know that, yep, you got this!

And for the last 31 days, I did pretty well on the “I got this” side of things 

So what were my goals this month?  Initially I was unsure where I wanted to take my health and fitness in 2012.  But after a bit of consideration (dithering!), I decided to keep it simple.  Finally, it was time to look at the nutrition side of  things (this is always hardest for me) >> and I decided to hit up the Paleo lifestyle.  [Did you see that?   I'm talking myself away from diet and toward a new Lifestyle].  Check out my two favourite paleo sites – here and here.  It’s not easy, but I love the results I am getting.  I have cut out dairy, sugar, pasta, rice, bread, > the list goes on(!)

And for physical activity, >> I decided to really give couch to 5km a good run.  See that?  Yeah, I am full of it today!  In January, I walked/jogged/ran a total of twelve times covering 43.4km    And to date, I have completed every c25km run without stopping.

So where did all this healthy goodness leave me?  What about my RESULTS?  I took my measurements this morning, and overall, I am down 15cms and 2.5% body fat.  The largest reduction was 5cm lost on my waist!!  What a great start to 2012 

I have lost 3kgs since January 1st, 2012!

Read Full Post »

The Weekender

It’s been a while since I have had much to say about my weekends!  Started off my Saturday with the last run of week 4 couch to 5km.  It was hard, as always, > but I am definitely less out of breath and although my pace is slow, I still never stop to walk during the runs!

The rest of Saturday was spent doing errand-y type stuff.  We are planning to camp + hike at Mt Kosciusko next weekend, so we needed to stock up on camping stuff, thanks Kathmandu and Anaconda!  I finally got a rain jacket (Kathmandu, $119.95 down from$329.95!) >by the way, I have never-ever camped(!)  Even in New Zealand I had to emeregency purchase a fleece jacket in Dunedin (yep, just a tad unprepared).

Anyway, it’s going to be a first, but Mr. J loves camping, so what can ya do?  Relationships is all about comprimise and sacrifice — and I’ll never let him forget it

Even though Mt Kosciusko is reportedly “not very strenuous”, to prepare for the 23km next weekend, I suggested to Mr. J that we smash out a 10km on Sunday.  It was hot, and hilly, … and we we’re speedy … so hopefully it was a bit more difficult than Mt Kosciusko will be!

 

And today, I am sore … but in a good way 

Read Full Post »

Normalising

Getting back into routine.  Still sore and tired, but managed a 4km walk today, getting home just before the rain settled in! See it here 

Although I took it easy yesterday (Friday), I somehow managed to still see higher results on my Body Media stats.  I am guessing it has a lot to do with the last four days upping my metabolism.  Awesome, I’ll take it thanks!

As you can see, I am sticking with my goal of recording my calories consumed, and therefore my calorie deficit
I also need to remember my other goals, such as classes, and Km’s achieved etc.  Time to get stuck into August, and see some results!

Off to the theatre today, to see Bell Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar

Read Full Post »

The Weekender

Started the weekend with my regular – a brisk walk at the lake. I’m a bit disappointed that it was only 6km again, but my pace is improving. Next weekend if all goes well, I will push it to 8km…

After that it was quick shower, berry smoothie and a bit of a relax before – I was off to the hairdresser for the second time this week. They couldn’t fit in cut and colour, Tuesday, so I was spoilt and got to have a profesh blow wave twice this week. But, it was $$! Still not 100% happy with the whole fringe saga, but I am coming to accept it And I have decided to invest in a Parlux hairdryer to ease the pain

After that it was a coffee catch up with a friend that turned into a 3hr mega catch-up. Mr. J started msging me ‘frantically’ along the lines of: “what do you want for dinner” … “I’m hungry” … and the last one “nom nom nom!”.

So I headed home and after a bit of umm-ing and ahh-ing about where to go, we headed to Le Rendezvous in Manuka because Mr. J wanted steak. That was his only request. But my only request was to use a voucher from the Entertainment Book. I seriously recommend this because we have tried so many new restaurants/cafes with it(!) Plus if you’re in to coupon-ing, this is coupon-ing in a pre-packaged book – no hassles! One of my favourites was Flint, but recently there was a fire. I wonder if it will re-open, definitely hope so.

Anyway, I was a bad blogger and forgot to take any photos. I decided to go with steak too, to stay away from the carbs as it was pasta/pizza otherwise. Unfortunately my medium-rare steak arrived more rare-blue, so I sent it back. Round two was much better. But the prize of the night goes to dessert – a chocolate fondant cake with homemade roche icecream – which we shared. It was amazable (new offspring obsession!). Seriously so good.

And when we handed over the entertainment book card as we were paying, they said hold on to it, gave us 25% off anyway, and just said come back soon. So that was a really nice surprise. And after the less than satisfactory initial steak, I probably would give them another chance now

Oh and check out my calorie burn for the day! Awesome!

Sunday was a lazy start, blog stuff, tea, and a tiny breakfast to tide me over until a late brunch with a friend. She is being a gem and helping us out with boxes.

Which brings me to my BIG news. We have a date! A move-in date! Two weeks and counting – SO much to do!

So after brunch there was packing And then it was off to yoga at the gym. Well it was *meant* to be off to yoga at the gym. I am so pissed. I should have been more strict with myself (and my friend). I love spending time with her, don’t get me wrong, but I should have made it a priority to go.

So disappointed that I will not hit my goal today, and that is the third time this week that I haven’t done what I said I would exercise-wise.

Was pretty successful on the packing front at least – check it out! >>

Haha – Yes this picture is mega, but you can see our NewWave Multi-Cooker and Scanpan set peeking out of the Victoria’s Basement bag

Read Full Post »

The Weekender

Started the weekend quite late, I was feeling a bit flu-ish.  Decided to get moving anyway, just to do what I felt ok with.  It was such a nice day out, but the wind, omg the wind.  It was so cold, despite the sun.  Managed just over 6km with Mr. J through the park and by the lake.   Last week our average pace was just under 10 minutes, but I just couldn’t maintain that this week, especially with the wind.  Didn’t log my food, but my calories burned on Saturday was 2684.  I was really surprised to see 1hr vigorous activity on my BodyMedia stats, just from a walk, and a walk that was quite a bit slower than last week  – but hey I am not complaining!  And great to see 3:14 minutes activity overall.  Mr. J thought that I didn’t push myself hard enough, but when checking out the more detailed stats, I realised that I really did smash the walk.  It is such a good solid calorie burner, who’d have thought?!!  >>I wish more days looked like that.  Of course when my fitness improves I will smash it even more  

Sunday was another later start, I woke up feeling terrible – all stuffy.  I am in denial -  and it’s majorly unfair because I feel like I have done my time this year in terms of illness (pneumonia anyone?)!  I promise I’ll get over it, maybe next year …

Anyway, Mr. J and I decided to wander across to the Old Bus Depot Markets; it was freezing.  I had a skinny hot choc, he a large capp, while we perused the stalls.  Funny, even though we have been many times, just because it is a nice Sunday thing, we always come away with *something.  This week it was a BIG punnet of strawberries (which look amazing), and one chocolate covered strawberry.

Lunch was at a new cafe in Kingston “Bittersweet”.  It was “Square Mile” before that and before that I can’t remember.  I had a salmon bagel.  It’s a shame, I wasn’t impressed.  Would choose “Pizzazz” any day!

Later in the afternoon, after some browsing for bedside tables (who knew it would be so hard to find some that match our current awesome bed!), I knew yoga was on the agenda.  I was nervous, because I didn’t have the best experience last week.  I was tempted to bail, I was running late, and couldn’t find the *right clothes.  But, I did it.  And because I was late, well just on-time, I was at the front  :S  Which made it difficult, but I survived.  There are some moves that I just cannot do, I would say I am somewhat fit, but yoga makes me feel like a core-less weakling!!

I have been noticing how goo-ey my body feels afterward, if that makes sense?!  Haha!  Hopefully if I keep this up, I will be more cool-yogi, than trembley-yogi.

Here’s what Sunday looked like >>

Great to have such an active weekend, even though I wasn’t feeling 100%   Tommorow is meant to be a rest day, but I have a feeling the bike might get another look-in!

Read Full Post »