Weight of The World

NEW BLOG

2006-12-24T23:11:00.000+11:00

Tuesday 19th December

2006-12-19T13:16:00.000+11:00

Okay so I've now totally screwed up all the formatting for the blog trying to move it over to WordPress....so I'm going to leave it as is and instead here's the link to my new blog..... The new blog It's still a work in progress but I'm getting there slowly.....I'm trying not to make it look just like Em's new blog but she has alot of good ideas!! So I'll see you all on the other side!

Sunday 17th November

2006-12-17T21:35:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 7km Run - MMCT Righto, who hit me over the head and gave me a stonking hangover!!! And what fool runs in the afternoon heat with said hangover???.....oh yeah, that would be me and Michelle! Okay, so after drinking 3 bottles of champers last night (it was Michelle, she made me do it!) I felt pretty ordinary this morning. And somehow during my drunken evening I'd agreed to do a run with Michelle this afternoon, and I couldn't go back on my decision now could I!! I was hoping to do 9km but I just didn't have the energy to run more than 7km. And the fact that we had to run past the cars to do any further than 7km really topped it off for me. I suppose I can say that at least I got out there, even with everything against me! Before the run we went over to Eastland Shopping Centre so that I could find a new dress for my work Xmas party. Saw Clarkey and his family on the way in. He was on the way out!! Happy to report that I've found a dress. Not happy to report that I definitely need to lose between 5 & 10kg!! We don't have a full length mirror at home so when I was in the changing rooms it was a bit of a shock to actually see my body full length. Not a pretty sight I have to tell you. I could see exactly where I've put all the weight on. I don't want to be this heavy and untoned any more. I'll let this week pass by without worrying and complaining too much, but come Boxing Day look out world! I'm going to copy Em and get myself a new blog at Wordpress. Just need to set it up and copy everything over.... Alana's Quote: Me: "Who do you want to go with Alana, me or Dad?" Alana: "Dad 'cos he's going to the bottle shop!" (I was going to the supermarket)

Friday 15th December

2006-12-15T16:39:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 5.5km Run - Treadmill, 0.5km Power Walk with Incline I christened the new treadmill this morning. Have to say that I didn't want to get out of bed when the alarm went off, but the thought of just walking out to the garage was much more alluring than having to get into the car and drive to the gym. So out of bed I got!! The treadmill is as good as the professional ones at the gym. Unfortunately I'd forgotten how much harder it is to run on the treadmill than to run outside. Running outside I can dictate how fast I run. If I want to slow down, I just slow down. On a treadmill, unless you keep playing around with the speed, you have to keep running at that speed!! I only managed 5.5km before I had to stop and walk. I was absolutely cream crackered and was sweating like a dog!! But I loved the fact that I was running, albeit very slowly, but I was still out there running!! At work we were all given MP3 players as Christmas presents. Everybody loved them. We also got Armbands to put the MP3 players in. Okay, both presents have the company name plastered all over them, but a free MP3 player is a free MP3 player. And guess who had the task of actually sourcing them and getting them sent over here!! I need to go out looking for a Christmas dress. I'm hoping that I can find some time on Sunday to wander around the shops. I've got a 25% off voucher for Sussans and a 10% off voucher from Target. Just hope that there's something nice in the shops. Our work xmas do is next Friday and I'd like to wear it for this and also on Xmas Day....stay tuned! Boozy day tomorrow. The "Family" Xmas gathering at my parent's house followed by an enjoyable afternoon at Michelle's place. I know which one I'm going to enjoy more!! Must remember to wrap everyone's presents tonight!!

Thursday 14th December

2006-12-14T10:59:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 9.4km - MMCT It was pleasantly warm at 6am this morning. Thought that it would be okay to add another km on to the run. Okay, it was on bitueman but was only about 600 metres - well 1200 metres if you count the return bit. But my knee felt quite good. Still a bit of a niggle but nothing worse than anything I've felt previously. I've been massaging it quite a bit myself when I'm sitting at my desk at work and it seems to releive a bit of the niggle. I don't understand some drivers. I'm sitting quietly at the traffic lights. I'm at the front of the traffic. There is a car in the lane next to me. The lights change and we move off, the car next to me accelerating quite fast. Then the person driving decides that they want to be in my lane, so they move over in front of me, which is not a problem for me as they're a fair way in front, and then they slow right down!!! Aaaagghhh! I then have to move into the other lane to overtake them otherwise I'd have to brake and slow down, only to move back into the lane I was in so that I keep to the left. I'm sure they do it on purpose just to annoy me!!

Tuesday 12th December

2006-12-12T09:16:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 8km Run - MMCT My hands were so cold during this morning's run along the MMCT. Even Michelle commented on how cold her hands were. I've just checked out Weatherzone and it was 2.6 degrees at 6am. No wonder they were cold!! I take my hat off to anyone who ran in the heat we had over the weekend. Walking out into it was like walking into a brick wall. Hubby and I went to the cinema on Saturday afternoon, so we were sat in lovely air conditioning. We went for dinner afterwards and sat outside, but had to retreat inside after about 15 minutes as the heat was just so opressive. Then on Sunday Alana had a birthday party at the Roller Skating rink, so we also got to sit in air conditined comfort for 3 hours. When we walked out of the place the cool change had arrived so we missed the majority of the heat. My new treadmill is now sitting at home waiting for me to use it. I'm very excited. Just need to remember not to go too stupid with distance....10% rule, 10% rule!! Alana's Quote: "Mum, I've got the stitches!" (she had a stitch!)

Friday 8th December

2006-12-08T15:37:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 8km Run - MMCT The knee seems to be behaving itself. This morning it didn't start niggling until the 6km mark. The smoke from the bushfires is in the air. I walk outside and I can smell it and it's very hazy. The sky looks a dull grey colour. I hope we get rain soon. This brings back memories of Ash Wednesday. It was very surreal. I can still remember the red glow over the city and the firece winds..... I've eaten way too much crap food this week. I am now at the point where I have to get my weight back under control, as it's really getting me down. There is always a weight limit for me that I will not go above and I'm at that limit now! Just need to get this overeating thing under control!! On a good note, I've just bought a new treadmill. It's this all singing, all dancing one. Hubby is picking it up on Monday so now there's no excuses for not exercising. I'm going to cancel my gym membership too, as the cost of the membership over a year will pay for the treadmill.

Tuesday 5th December

2006-12-05T08:59:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 7.9km Run - MMCT How happy am I!! My knee didn't start to niggle until about the 6km mark of my run with Michelle this morning. I thought for a little while that it wasn't going to niggle at all, but it eventually kicked in. Still, if it continues like this I'm hoping that it'll just ease off slowly and just go away - okay, maybe that's a little bit too much to ask, but you never know!! Saw John Henderson along the trail. Nice to see a familiar face. Very rarely when Michelle and I run do we see other Ausrunners. Work today will be hectic. Food will be in abundance....as will alcohol in the evening. Hopefully I will be restrained!! I can only hope!

Monday 4th December

2006-12-04T22:50:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Netball Game A really nice warm evening to play Netball (remember I'm not complaining about the heat....EVER!!). We played really well, but just not well enough. The other team were mainly basketballers and I think their goalers missed about 2 shots throughout the whole match, they were that good!! So we lost - but the good news is that we don't have to move up to the next league. I have now pulled out the Christmas Tree and all the decorations from under the house. Unfortunately this week is manic and I don't have a free evening at all to help decorate the tree. The kitchen guy is now back from his holiday and I'm tapping my fingers with impatience waiting for him to ring so that he can organise a time to come back and finish the kitchen! Alana's Quote: "HELLO!!" (as in "Yeah I already know that" sarcastic voice)

Sunday 3rd December

2006-12-03T20:45:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 18km Bike Ride - Warby Trail As I couldn't run the distance this morning, thought it would be a good opportunity to get out the bike and enjoy a bit of a ride....okay it probably wasn't a very sociable time to go out riding (7am), but it was good to catch up with the ESRG and it meant that Michelle had somebody to chat to while she was running. It was a very cool morning, but at least it wasn't raining. Got back to Mt Evelyn just before the heavens opened up....good timing!! Was home by 9.30am so I still had the whole day to make the most of. Ironing was my priority today....but there's only so much ironing a girl can do before she becomes a zombie!! And of course by the time I'd cleared a huge basket full, I'd filled another one with all the clean washing that I brought in off the line - it just never ends does it!! Alana's Quote: "So what's wrong with you Mr Grumpy!!" (said to Hubby)

Saturday 2nd December

2006-12-02T20:41:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 5km Run - Treadmill, Weights - Legs Okay so I would much rather have run outdoors this morning, but due to time constraints it was the gym that I headed for. Felt good running on the treadmill. The niggle still kicked in after about 3km but once again it didn't get any worse as I continued. Also left the ITB strap at home to see if it was any worse not wearing it....no worse it seems!! I then did some strength work on my legs. Now I just need to find that tennis ball so I can roll around on it for a little while!! Have been out trying to choose some floor tiles and wall tiles for the kitchen....how frustrating is it!! There are just so many to choose from, and of course the ones that I like the most for the floor cost $82 per sq metre - now we need to measure up to see exactly how much that actually equates to (gulp!). Probably going to go for coloured glass tiles on the wall. Have found a nice colour but once again we need to measure up to find out how much it's going to cost us. Went to Brand Smart while we were out. Picked up a bargain - Donnay bright pink Dri Fit top (well their equivalent anyway) for $20....love a bargain, me!! Also managed to find some more chrissie presents so can cross more people off the list to buy for. Must get the decorations out of the garage tomorrow.....need to start feeling Christmassy soon 'cos it hasn't kicked in yet!! Alana's Quote: "He's so not going to get through!" (watching American Idol)

Friday 1st December

2006-12-01T12:10:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 7.9km Run - MMCT Woo hoo! - That's twice in one week that I've been out running, and with Michelle too. We had so much to catch up on. It's amazing how quickly a run goes by when you're chatting! The knee is still a bit niggly but once I could feel the niggle it didn't actually get any worse, and to be honest, by the end of the run it was hardly niggly at all. I think I just may have to live with the niggle for now. Just need to make sure that I do the stetching, strengthening, icing etc. Have a feeling that this is the only way that the niggle will go away! Christmas is approaching very fast. Too fast in fact! I'm nearly all done with buying pressies, just a couple more to get, and of course they're the hardest ones aren't they!! And with Christmas comes all the evening stuff - next week is horrendous. Netball on Monday night, Dinner with the sales team on Tuesday night, Drinks and Nibbles with the company that we book our flights with on Wednesday night - this should be a great evening though as it's being held at the National Gallery. Getting my hair done on Thursday night as I can't go on my normal Saturday as we've got the "Family Xmas Do", then on Friday night Alana is singing with the school choir at Carols by Candlelight in the local park - so busy, busy, busy! Alana's Quote: "How does she do that thing with her hips - does she use special effects or something?" (said while Shakira was singing on the radio in the car).

Wednesday 29th November

2006-11-29T11:59:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 5.5km Run - MMCT I made sure that I was in bed early last night so that I was bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. Hopped out of bed about 10 minutes before the alarm went off as I was totally wide awake. I'd put everything out last night that I needed for the run, so had plenty of time to get ready. The leg was fine for the first 4km but it started to niggle a little bit after that...not much but just a little bit. I was wearing the ITB strap so not sure if this helped or hindered. Will run without it next time. Thought I'd better stop at 5.5km as the voice of sensibility loomed loud and clear!! Have decided that I need to do some strengthening of my legs so will be doing some sessions at the gym to help this along. I did something really stupid yesterday, other than the normal stupid things that I do....I walked into the edge of a desk at work. And of course it hit my leg right where the cupping had been done, which was still quite painful from Monday....so I ended up on the floor in agony. People came to check out what the noise was as I'd hit the desk pretty hard - yes I felt like a real goof ball!! Please don't ask me about my kitchen....I don't want to go there right now (aaghhhh!) Alana's Quote: "I know you're always right Mummy but I was right too!"

Monday 27th November

2006-11-27T21:52:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Netball Game I went and saw CV this afternoon for another Massage session. Had some more cupping done and it seems to be really doing the job (whatever "the job" is!!). My leg is definitely looser and feels great. I've been told to get myself a tennis ball and sit on it and roll around on my left glute....that should be fun!! Now all I have to do is get out there and test the leg with a good run. Am meeting Michelle on Wednesday morning....bit nervous that the knee is still going to hurt, but I won't know unless I give it a go!! We lost our Netball game tonight, but we did play the top team, and they were very good. We still may get into the grand final but we have to beat the team who won out of 3rd and 4th place next week. I'm happy to stay in the league that we're in now, so even if we don't win, I'm more than happy with the fact that we finished 2nd on the ladder. Alana's Quote: "I'm going to ask for a million dollars from the tooth fairy!"

Monday 27th November

2006-11-27T12:54:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Spin Class Okay, so as you are probably aware, no posting means no exercise. Yep that's right, I've done nothing since Netball last Monday night. Can't really put my finger on the reason. I have had a few later nights, so when the alarm has gone off in the morning (and I still set it every evening) I didn't want to get out of bed, so I didn't! Now that's probably not the best attitude to have when I am trying to lose about 4kgs! And even though this thought goes through my head every morning, my body just won't co-operate. I suppose one good thing (if there is anything!) is that I have had a good week food wise (apart from my FREE day) and I've not eaten any crappy food. (I said FOOD, not alcohol!). Now is anyone looking to buy some books regarding web design? I've put a heap of them on Ebay as I'm clearing out all the ones that I don't need and will never use again. If you're interested click on the Ebay link to the right. Did anyone sit through 3 HOURS of Australian Idol last night? I fell asleep about 3/4 of the way through and woke up just before they announced the winner...thought that Jess should have won, but Damien does have a great voice. I'm now into watching So You Think You Can Dance. And it's on fairly early in the evening too so I don't have to sit up late to watch it.....Yes I'm a sad case! Dad's Quote: "See Alana, I'm always right" Alana: "No you're definitely not always right!"

THE KITCHEN!!

2006-11-23T16:44:00.000+11:00

So it's still a work in progress, but you can see basically what it looks like.

Monday 20th November

2006-11-20T22:24:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Netball Game I've complained alot over the last few months about how cold it is at the Netball stadium, so tonight I wasn't saying a word even though it was like a sauna in the Netball stadium. I harped on about how I would never complain about the heat, but I have to tell you, it was bloody hot in there! I had sweat pouring off me. At least to compensate for the heat, we won our game. We are now in the finals, which start next week. Unfortunately I pulled my right calf a little bit. Not too much that it hurts to walk, but just enough to feel it, although it's in a different spot to where it was last time, much higher up this time. Lots of ice, a bit of massage and some Nurofen Gel should help it, I hope! I hate having a disorganised kitchen, so you can imagine how frustrating it is for me at the moment. I have no cooking appliances, and no running water. This makes it very hard to organise food, which is why my choice of food hasn't been that great since the kitchen has been put in. Roll on Wednesday! Alana's Quote: "It's amazing meeting new people, isn't it!!"

Monday 20th November

2006-11-20T17:03:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Spin Class Great spin class this morning. Am really enjoying doing these classes. They've also got some RPM classes happening, but they're in the evening and I'm not the most motivated person after 5pm!! As you can guess by no posts, I didn't do any real exercise on the weekend. I did, however, work out in the garden yesterday afternoon pulling weeds. I have neglected my back garden and now have the urge to clean it up and start planting things. I've taken a liking to roses for some reason and have a lovely apricot one waiting to be put in the ground. I also want to move some of my fuscias but until I clean up the garden beds, I can't plant anything. So I'm working on it. The Kitchen!! It's finally in...YAY! But we have to wait until Wednesday for the plumber to plumb in the taps and the dishwasher, and also for the electrician to wire up the oven, hob and rangehood. Then we have to choose the tiles we want for the walls and we've also decided to put tiles down on the floor. Then once all that's done we have to paint the walls and put some new blinds up on the windows....then we move to the bathrooms and start all over again!!

Friday 17th November

2006-11-17T17:11:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 4 Min Walk Warm Up, 26 Min Run, 4 Min Walk Warm Down, Shoulders I couldn't resist trying my luck again to see if my knee hurt. This morning it started to niggle at about the 25 min mark, and that was with wearing the ITB band. Maybe I didn't have it strapped tight enough.....I really hope that was the only reason that the knee hurt. I WANT TO RUN!! My body was urging me along, telling me to go faster, faster. I had so much energy I could have run for much longer. It was just my knee telling me to stop. I'm hoping that if I give it a couple of days rest that it'll be good again on Monday. Will just have to wait and see. Instead of using the Rolling Pin, I went to Clark Rubber and bought a Noodle, which I'll have to cut down as it's very long. Hopefully it won't hurt as much but will still give the same massaging action. And my kitchen goes in tomorrow - we currently have nothing in the kitchen, it's empty, which means that I can't cook anything - bummer!! Takeaway here we come!

Thursday 16th November

2006-11-16T13:29:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 28 Mins Treadmill (4 min walk warm up, 20 min run, 4 min walk cool down), Biceps, Situps My wonderful Hubby went into this shop yesterday and bought me one of these ITB Bands(the Pro-Tec one). I was hoping to get to the gym last night to try it out but we had to go over to the Kitchen guy and look at some door handles for the kitchen. On a side note, my kitchen looks fantastic. He's got it all assembled at the moment so that he can make sure it all fits together properly on Saturday. I'm just so excited now, especially as I've seen how good it looks. Roll on Saturday! Anyway, back to the knee. I got up this morning and headed down to the gym with ITB strap firmly in place. Got on the treadmill and did a fast walk just to warm up. Then upped the speed to 9kph. I didn't want to go too fast to start out so just did a really slow jog....the knee felt okay. Upped it a bit more after 5 mins of jogging....still okay. Got up to 10kph....still no pain. I continued running for 20 minutes - yes, 20 minutes, with absolutely no pain in my knee at all. Hallelujah!! Now my question is whether or not the ITB strap made the difference, or whether it was the cupping, together with the massage that made the difference. I suppose the only way to really find out is to run without the ITB strap and see what happens.... I'm still having that streak of good luck - 4th division in Tattslotto last night!

HOW COLD IS IT!!!

2006-11-15T09:24:00.000+11:00

This is at 9am this morning.....FEELS LIKE -1.1......Summer is only 2 weeks away!!

Tuesday 14th November

2006-11-14T21:21:00.000+11:00

While I was in my local library a few weeks ago I was asked to fill out a questionnaire about IT technology and how it affects me. It was just a tick box survey, so nothing too taxing for the brain. Never thought another thing about it. Yesterday I got a phone call from a lady at the main library (wherever that is) to say that my name had been picked out of the hat for taking part in the survery and I'd won an an ipod Shuffle! OMG!! That's 3 things I've won over the last 3 months or so. There was the Sony PSP, then the $500 on Keno and now the ipod Shuffle. That's my winning streak done now - they do say that it comes in 3's don't they (whoever "they" are). My bruises have come out more today. Looking larger than life..hope they don't stay for too long as it's a bit embarassing. Not that I'm going to pull my pants down in public or anything!! Some more good news today. My new kitchen is being fitted on Saturday. I'm so excited...I'll finally have a dishwasher again, and an oven that works. I'll post some pictures when it's all done. Gonna be fab! Have decided to try one of these Patt Straps. I'm pretty sure you can buy them in Australia. I've heard good things about them too. Hubby works just near a place that sells all that kind of stuff so I've asked him to pop in there and see if they've got them......yep, just checked it out on their webiste and they do sell them in the shop. Alana's Quote: "Get out of the way ar*ehole!" (I think she's been in the car with me too many times!)

Monday 13th November

2006-11-13T22:07:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Netball Game Unfortunately I didn't make it to the gym for my spin class this morning. I would have liked to go as I'm really enjoying the classes, but I fell back to sleep after the alarm went off and I didn't wake up again until the next alarm went off, which is set for 6.45am. I went for my massage and cupping session with CV today. What a weird sensation it is too. Kind of like putting a vacuum cleaner to your skin! Here's a couple of photos of my leg, taken about 7 hours after having the cupping done. CV put 2 rows of cups down my leg, but the only ones that seem to have bruised were the bigger cups (she used two different sizes). My leg felt great when she took the cups off, so much looser than prior to having it done. You'll have to excuse all the creases in my leg. I had been wearing my trakky pants and they left lots of marks on my legs. Okay I've had enough of all the advertisements on TV with Labour and Liberal telling us what they are going to do if they get elected. What I would like to see is an advertisement listing all the things they said they were going to do before the last election and whether or not they actually fulfilled any of their promises!

Saturday 11th November

2006-11-11T16:32:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Treadmill 20 Mins (16 Min Run, 4 Min Power Walk), 15 Mins Cross Trainer, Back Wow, that's 4 days at the gym this week. I'm really getting my money's worth, that's for sure! I was a little bit hesitant about running this morning. Not sure why. Maybe I just didn't want the disappointment of my knee hurting. Anyway I did a bit of a walk to warm up, then started running very slowly. I was relieved to find that my knee wasn't hurting at all. I stopped after 5 minutes of running to stretch the glute, then started running again. Unfortunately after another 10 minutes I did start to get a bit of a niggle, so I stopped straight away. Funny thing is that as soon as I slowed to a walk the niggle went away. There was also no pain when I hopped on the cross trainer......very frustrating!! I put some Nurofen Gel on it when I got home and I've not had any pain since. I'm going to get the rolling pin out shortly and give it a go. It's taken this long for the leg to stop hurting from when I saw CV on Monday. Think the neighbours are having a party tonight. There's two big marquees in their back yard and Hubby mentioned that he'd seen a spit roast being delivered. Just hope they're not too noisy as our bedroom faces their back yard. I got the brochure for next year's Grape Grazing in the mail yesterday. Is anyone else going next year? Michelle and I went to the last one and we had a great time. Hopefully we can do it again next year. Let's keep our fingers crossed for lots of rain tomorrow....we so need it!!

Friday 10th November

2006-11-10T15:49:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 30 mins Cross Trainer, Chest, Situps Ah yes, the gym called me again this morning. Isn't it strange how you have two identical pieces of equipment (the cross trainers that I've used this week) yet the one I was using this morning seemed to be so much harder than the one I used on Wednesday morning even though I was using exactly the same settings. I'm terrible for making uninformed decisions about whether I like a person before I've gotten to know them. There's this woman who works at the gym as a floor assistant (is that what they're called Beki?). Anyway I would have to say that she is the most unhelpful person that I've ever seen in a gym. She is hardly ever on the floor, prefers to stand out at Reception and chat to the Receptionists, leaving everyone in the gym to try and fend for themselves. Heaven help us if there was a problem at all. she'd be nowhere to be found....The only reason I saw her this morning was because she had to go to the loo and you have to walk through the gym to get to them. Okay, rant over!! And it's the weekend tomorrow and we all know what that means.....I can go running - YAY!!

Thursday 9th November

2006-11-09T15:01:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 55 min Power Walk I woke up before the alarm this morning for a change and felt wide awake so it was fairly easy to get up even though it was freezing outside. Yes, it was cold this morning... Okay Blogger has decided that it doesn't want to show my images, so let me just say that it was 2.1 degrees at 6am. Compare that to the temp in the city, which was 11 degrees!! It was really weird feeling the different temperatures as I was walking along. There must have been little air pockets as one minute it was very cold, and the next minute it was relatively warm...weird I tell you!! Have to tell you a funny story. Last week when I met up with my girlfriend, I'd questioned the sensibility of wearing white jeans. Now I'm normally not a person who spills things, but the thought did cross my mind, especially as I knew we would be going somewhere for dinner. But me being me says "nah, can't happen to me!!". Got through the first round of drinks in the Sports Bar at the Casino. Even managed tot get through the next 3 rounds without spilling a drop!! Then we decided to eat. Chose the food court as there was a good selection of food to choose from. We all decided on Chinese (only a small plate mind you!!). We then went to sit down at a table. Just as I slid into the seat, I put my plate down on the table and the majority of it tipped into my lap!! It was not a good look! The biggest problem was that it was about 8pm, so all of the normal shops were shut. Thank goodness for late night shopping at the Casino!! One of the surf shops was still open. I did get a few stares from people walking by when they saw the colour of my jeans though!! That plate of chinese food cost me $95!!! Alana's Quote: "How old is Grandma?" Me: "You'll have to ask her that question"

Wednesday 8th November

2006-11-08T22:16:00.000+11:00

Exercise: 30 mins Cross Trainer, Triceps, Situps Back down the gym this morning. Whilst chugging along on the cross trainer, I was fantasising about running on the treadmills in front of me. And like Sue I was very jealous of the girls who were running on them. Not long now...Saturday I am going to go for a light run to see how the knee is shaping up. I've been following CV's stretching exercises, although my leg is still feeling very bruised from the session and I'm not going near my leg with the rolling pin until the soreness goes away. It'll just hurt too much, I'm sure. I've found another yummy Champagne....okay so we're not allowed to call it Champagne any more, so it's Sparkling Wine - it's still yummy though. BROWN BROTHERS ZIBIBBO SPARKLING WINE This sparkling wine is a light straw colour and has lifted aromas of fresh passionfruit and melon. Zibibbo is bursting with bubbles and summer fruit flavours with a clean, stylish finish. This Sparkling will make any occasion a celebration. I would say that it's almost as good as Bella, and makes a nice change if ever I decide that I need one!!

Monday 6th November

2006-11-06T21:57:00.000+11:00

Exercise: Spin Class I'm Baaaccckkkk!!! In the time since I last posted I have done absolutely nothing, zilch, nada!!....well exercise wise anyway. I have however drunk copious amounts of alcohol, eaten way too much crap food, spent more money than I would have liked at the casino (mainly on alcohol though) and have generally been a real lazy cow!! But, I have had the best time. I met up with my girlfriend who's out from the UK on holiday and we had a real laugh. She's gone now, so it's time to knuckle back down, get back in to some kind of routine again and lose the excess weight that seems to have found a home around my belly!! Saw CV this afternoon about my knee. She confirmed that my glutes are very, very tight, and the band running down my leg is pulling on my knee. So after some real heavy duty massage, which had me coming out in a sweat, I have been given some good stretches to do and have been told to get the rolling pin out and give the side of the leg a good pummelling!! I'm going back next week and she mentioned that she's going to do some cupping. Haven't had cupping done before so that's going to be a new experience for me! Alana's Quote: "Now look Dad, let me get this straight!"

Monday 30th October

2006-10-30T21:34:00.000+11:00

Exercise: AM - Spin Class, PM - Netball Game I'd forgotten how much I enjoy Spin classes. The woman who takes the class is one of those thin sinewy women who doesn't have an ounce of fat on them. I wonder what she does to achieve that look? After reading Kathryn's post about the woman who sat next to her with a cold in her spin class, I couldn't believe my luck (or lack of!) when this very big german woman decided to use the bike next to me. Even before she'd gotten on the bike, the rancid smell of garlic wafted under my nose, followed closely by the even pukier smell of BO!! How fortunate was I when the bike handlebars wouldn't adjust....phew!! The stench was so strong that even with her sitting 5 bikes away I could still smell it. I feel sorry for the two women who she sat in between though! A pretty average Netball game tonight. We did win the game, but we stuffed up a few easy passes and probably could have won by more than we did. Looks like we will probably make the finals again. Wasn't it fantastic to have more daylight tonight. It was wonderful to get home and still be able to do things outside before it got dark. Have I told everyone how much I LOVE Daylight Savings!!

Saturday 28th October

2006-10-28T21:01:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 12km Power Walk/Run Well no posting from me means no exercise! Even though I've wanted to get out and do something, I just haven't. So this morning I was up bright and early so that I could get a decent walk in. I wasn't going to run, honestly, but I needed to find out if the knee is still playing up.....it's still playing up! Not happy! I'm going to book an appointment to see CV this week so that she can check it out and see if it's just muscular or if there's something more. On the weight front I've lost a little bit but definitely not enough. And to make matters worse I'm meeting up with a girlfriend on Tuesday who's out from the UK at the moment so there should have been the added incentive to looking my best, but my utter despair at not being able to run has taken over any kind of motivation to get out and do someting else. On to better things, Daylight Savings kicks in tonight - and about bloody time too!! I've been hanging out for the lighter evenings for so long. Maybe I've got a bit of SAD (and I'm being a sad case at the moment too!!). I just feel so much better when the sun is out and it's light. I'm addicted!! Found these little Coffe Mate French Vanilla milk things that you add to coffee and they taste absolutely divine!! Alana's Quote: "I want to find a husband that will do everything for me!"

Tuesday 24th October

2006-10-24T21:33:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 1 Hr Power Walk Wasn't it a fabulous morning for a power walk. I managed to get out of bed, made easier by the fact that the sun was streaming through the curtains!! I so wanted to break into a run. I didn't. But I really, really wanted to. I will wait until the end of the week and then start doing a run/walk routine. I may also go and see CV and let her have a go at massaging it to see if she can make a difference. I got on the scales this morning after I'd been for my walk. I've lost 1.6kg since yesterday morning. How can that be? Where did the weight go? I certainly didn't feel like I was holding water and I don't feel like I've lost 1.6kg of fat from around my middle (which is where all my excess weight goes to). It just doesn't make sense to me. And I hate things that don't make sense. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, just baffled! Another thing that baffles me is how somebody can give you a quote on something and then turn around when you're about to buy and say that they'd misquoted and it should be $3,000 more!! We've given the go ahead to the kitchen maker guy and he has to get our laminate put on the doors in a special way as it's not normal laminate. The guy who's going to do it is the one who's misquoted. So if we can't do a deal with the price I'm going to have to start looking for a new laminate to put on my cupboard doors as I'm sure as hell not paying an extra $3,000 when I'm already forking out $15,500 for the kitchen. Why can't people just get it right the first time!! Okay, rant over!

Monday 23rd October

2006-10-23T22:27:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game I wasn't sure how my knee was going to hold out playing Netball so I was a bit tentative about playing. Luckily I felt no twinges or pain at all during the game. I did, however try to break my ankle. Not sure what happened as there was nobody else around me but I somehow managed to trip over my own feet and landed awkwardly on my foot. It hurt like hell for about 5 minutes but I managed to run out the pain. As soon as I got home I iced the foot and knee. I want to get up in the morning and go for a nice long power walk before work so I'd better get off this computer and get to bed. Night all. Alana's Quote: "Mum what's the future like?"

Monday 23rd October

2006-10-23T16:05:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 30 Mins Cross Trainer Well the weekend was a total writeoff with regards to exercise. I took my daughter rollerskating on Saturday morning and really wanted to get out there on the floor but I'm a bit worried that it may aggrevate my knee, so I sat and watched instead. The afternoon was taken up with shopping and household chores. Yesterday I was going to do a long bike ride with Michelle, but unfortunately she got a bout of gastro and had to pull out. Of course there was nothing to stop me pulling on my trainers and going for a power walk, or jumping in the car and spending some time at the gym, but I chose not to. Instead I got out in the garden and did weeding, weeding and more weeding (it was pretty bad!!). It didn't make up for the bike ride or the power walking, but it was better than sitting on my big fat behind and doing sweet f.a.!! Had a bit of a shock this morning. I knew that my pants were starting to feel a little tighter than normal. Got on the scales and I've put on 3kg!! How did that happen??? Anyway it's given me a little kick in the pants and I've realised that by not running as much and eating the same amount of food equates to weight gain!! So I took myself off to the gym at lunchtime. Am planning on doing lunchtimes at the gym for the rest of the week too. It's just so close to work that I'm being stupid if I don't take advantage of it. Alana's Quote: Mum when you talk to Father Christmas about how good I've been, can I talk to him too as I need to ask him some questions!"

Friday 20th October

2006-10-20T20:32:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 30 Mins Bike, 15 Mins Walk, 5 Mins Rower Back down to the gym this morning. I iced the knee last night and also this morning while I was eating breakfast. Did some good stretching too. I have a feeling that the pain in my knee is due to something being very tight in my hip. So I think that a bit of rolling around on a tennis ball as suggested by Beakus may be a good thing. Hmmm, now where did I see that tennis ball?? I'm missing the running very badly. With running you don't really have to think too much about doing it. The most thinking I would have to do is decide what to wear and which trainers to wear, but with the gym there's so much more to think about - do I do a whole hour on the bike or the cross trainer or do I split it up so that it doesn't get too boring and try to incorporate 2 or 3 pieces of equipment into the workout. Should I also try and do a few weights too, or maybe some floor work....way too many things to consider!! Did I tell you that I'm missing the running??? Am also missing my running buddy. I talk to absolutely nobody when I'm at the gym so it's a very lonely hour apart from my MP3 player. At least when I'm running with Michelle we can natter the whole time we're running. Totally takes the mind off how far you're running and how steep the hills are!! And wasn't it fantastic to actually see a bit of rain today....never thought I'd say that, me being the sun worshipper that I am!! Cool number plate: KCUBYE (took me a while to figure this one out!) Alana's Quote: "Mum will I get wrinkles like you!!"

Thursday 19th October

2006-10-19T17:10:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 30 Mins Cross Trainer, 20 Mins Walking - Treadmill So I'm now back at the gym. Nothing has changed! My knee felt fine on the cross trainer (thank goodness) and it even felt okay on the treadmill while I was power walking. Took my shins a little while to co-operate though. They're not used to the motion of power walking up hills. I had it set to 7kph to start with but had to knock it back a little bit while they got used to it. Once I felt a bit less strain on the shins I cranked it back up to 7kph. Beakus, I have been avidly reading your blog and have taken notes!! I'm hoping that I don't have to wait 7 months before I can run again though. I would be pulling my hair out by then....and most probably would have put on at least 10kg too!! I need to find some form of exercise that uses the same amount of calories as an hours run. Might need to do a bit of research on that one! I know this is really really slack but I haven't got around to icing the knee yet. I have put some Nurofen Gel on it and I put a compression bandage on when I go to bed but I just can't seem to find the right time to do the ice thing. Must try and remember tonight. You know how I mentioned that I had a win on Keno, well it turns out that I didn't win $50, I won $500!! OMG I've never won that amount on anything before! So I wonder how many pairs of trainers I can get with that? Or maybe another couple of running skirts and some Enell Bras? Oh the possibilities are endless!! Alana's Quote: "Mum you just don't get it do you?"

Tuesday 17th October

2006-10-17T08:04:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 2km Run, 3.5km Power Walk Okay, I've admitted it....I have ITB. I met Michelle this morning for our normal 10km run. I knew at about the 2km mark that I should not be running so we ended up power walking instead. I really thought that I'd be able to run through the niggle, but common sense has prevailed and I'm going to rest the knee (now don't you all fall over from amazement!). I will make sure that I do some stretching exercises for it though and I'll also ice it when I remember. I've found some really good stretches on the internet and I went out and bought one of those ice/heat packs a little while ago too - no excuses now, is there? If I want to run again I've got to be serious about looking after the knee. So now I have to start looking at other exercise options. I will probably get alot more use out of my gym membership now. I may even try deep water running, which is done at the local pool. It's something that I've wanted to try for ages but just haven't had the nerve to do. I will also be doing alot of walking. Strange that it doesn't aggrevate the knee at all whereas the running does. There is some good news however. We are now ready to go ahead and get the kitchen done...yay!! It's taken us 12 months to actually get organised, but we're there now. It's going to take about 6 weeks until it's ready, but I've waited this long, what's another 6 weeks! More good news....I won $50 on my weekly Keno ticket....another Yay! My normal win is when I don't get ANY numbers - it's $5 when that happens! And if that's not enough good news, Gav has been sold - more Yay!! I just hope that he's gone to a good home. Hubby has been having problems with his neck so I've been out and bought some Latex pillows. They had 25% off pillows at Harris Scarfe so I wandered down there on Saturday. Not sure if they're comfortable or not. They're not actually uncomfortable but they might just take a little while to get used to, that's all! But a word of warning - they are really, really expensive, and they smell funny! Saw a great number plate yesterday: NO1UNO. Alana's Quote: "Mum did you know that wine makes you drunk?"

Sunday 15th October

2006-10-15T16:02:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 15km Run - Run to Parents & return My parents live about 7.5km away from my place, so it was a great place to head for on my long run today. Luckily they were home, so I got to have a drink and a wee, plus a 10 minute chat with the parents. My knee is still sore. Will definitely have to ice it and put a compression bandage on it. Oh yeah, thanks everyone for the advice about the glucosomine. I actually have bottles and bottles of the stuff but have been a bit slack over the last couple of months and have not been taking it. I've even taken a bottle to work so that if I forget to take one at home, I still have the option of taking one when I get to work. And I don't just have one variety, oh no!! I have glucosomine 1000, glucosomine 1500 and glucosomine and chondroiton tablets, so no excuses really. Just me being lazy as usual! I hate P plate drivers.....whenever I see someone darting in and out of the traffic behind me, I know it's going to be a P plate driver. And when I see someone screaming up behind me, don't even need to think it's going to be anything other than a P plate driver. Do they not realise how dangerous it is to drive like an idiot? Not even a danger just to themselves, but to everyone else on the road too. I want to get out of my car and go up and tap on their window and tell them that they are incredibly stupid!! I'm sure I was never a lead foot when I first got my licence. In fact I know that I wasn't as I drove a VW station wagon and there's no way that the old girl would have gone very fast - now my second car may have been a different matter (it was a V8 Statesman) but I still don't remember being an idiot driver! What's that saying - "In my day...." Alana's Quote: "Mum, look at my tooth" (showing me that her tooth is hanging by a corner...YUUCCKKKK).

Friday 13th October

2006-10-13T16:58:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - MMCT I think that this morning had to be just about the perfect temperature to run. I even put some shorts on! There was hardly any wind and the sun was just rising. Wish these mornings happened every day that I run. I was going to do some faster pace work this morning but Michelle hasn't recovered enough yet to put in too much pace, so it was a nice easy run. I did up the pace just a smidgen in the middle of the run, but then backed off again for the return journey back to the car (we run up and back along a trail). I've still got a little niggle at the side of my knee but it doesn't actually feel muscular, it feels a bit harder than that, if that makes sense!! I know that I should probably rest it for a little bit and do the RICE stuff, but I think I've left it too late. Will probably put some heat on it tonight and then rub in some tiger balm. May even put my knee brace on. It's got magnetic things in it, which are supposed to do something good, so hopefully all of that might do the job. I've been without my mobile phone for nearly 2 weeks now as it had to be repaired (something went wrong with the Java) so I've been using my old Nokia 8210. OMG, how quickly I've got used to all the latest technology that comes with mobile phones! Can you believe how expensive grapes are at the moment. I went to the supermarket last night to get some meat for dinner. Bought two big pieces of rump steak and some grapes. The grapes cost me more than the steak....I'm still in shock! $13.32 for the steak, $13,82 for the grapes. I'm definitely not going to buy my fruit and veg from the supermarket any more. I'm going to try and find a farmers market locally so that I don't get ripped off any more! Alana's Quote: "Mum I think I'm having a heart attack!"

Goodbye, Farewell, Au Revoir

2006-10-11T16:52:00.000+10:00

Wednesday 11th October

2006-10-11T13:38:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 7km Run - MMCT Firstly I want to tell you all that Bazza has arrived. The postie knocked at the door first thing yesterday morning to deliver him by hand....how cool is that!! I've now programmed him up to my specifications and he had his inaugural run this morning. It was still fairly cool over this way at 6am, but the sun was trying to come out from the clouds. Looking at Weatherzone it was 1.9 degrees when we started our run, but had risen to 7.8 degrees by the time we said goodbye to each other. The run was very slow. Michelle is still in a bit of pain and I was happy to just plod along beside her. My legs are slowly improving, but there is still a small niggle on the side of my left knee. Comparing Gazza and Bazza after the run, they were out by about 20 metres. This may be because Michelle turned Gazza on when she left home, as did I, so it may be that we just picked up different signals....who knows!! The good thing about the 205 is that you can have four windows on the screen rather than only three that were on the 301. Speaking of Gav, I'm going to photograph him and put him up for sale on Ebay today. For anyone interested he'll be going in at a Buy It Now price of $200.

Monday 9th October

2006-10-09T22:06:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game I was a little bit unsure as to how I'd play tonight as my left knee is still very sore. My quads are also telling me that running on concrete for 21km was not a good idea! As we only had 7 players I had to play. Michelle had also come down but there was no way that she could have run around the court, she was having enough trouble just walking! Luckily the other team only had 6 players so we didn't have to run too hard. Strange as it seems, my knee feels much better now that I've had a run around! I think that most people at work know that I run now as everyone who wants to talk about running comes over to my office for a chat. It's very strange to have people asking me advice about running!! Like I'm an expert!! I even got asked to write up a gym program and an eating program for one of the girls....me, giving advice to someone else about eating!! I can't even do the proper eating thing myself, let alone help somebody else eat well! Saw another cool car registration plate: BIGGSY!

Sunday 8th October

2006-10-08T21:12:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Melbourne 1/2 Marathon Woke up this morning to strong winds and rain....great!! Had to make a decision about what to wear, so took the safe option and wore my 3/4 pants, compression top and short sleeve tech top. Also took my jacket just in case it was raining. Luckily by the time I got to the start line the sun had come out and the rain had stopped. Unfortunately it was still blowing a gale, but at least it was a tailwind so I can't complain about that! I was a tad early so went looking for toilets. Then made my way to the 1/2 start. Spoke to the official there and explained my situation "am allowed to start when my friend who's running the full marathon comes by". Was quite surprised to hear that he knew who it was I was running with. He did look familiar but just couldn't place him! It was only when Michelle came past and she told me she had been looking out for Joffa at the 20km mark that it dawned on me who it was!! Sorry Joffa! Got to see all the Ausrunners go past. They were all looking good at that stage of the race. Anyway off we go once Michelle gets into view! Michelle is running at a good pace and already I'm feeling as if I'm running too slow for Michelle. This keeps up for about 10km. All of a sudden I can feel a pain in my stomach. Can't really describe the pain, but it's as if something has not agreed with me and it's fighting to get out! At about the 11.5km mark I couldn't keep running so I force Michelle to carry on, while I have a walk. After a couple of minutes I feel okay again and try to catch up to Michelle, but she's upped her pace again and has taken off like a rabbit! So I just keep plodding along, trying not to think how much of a let down I must be to Michelle as I was the one who was supposed to be dragging her across the line, not her dragging me! Luckily I have my MP3 to keep me company, so at least the music is keeping me going. I get to the 35km Marathon mark and there's all the Cool Runners handing out Icy Poles. What a godsend. It was like I had a second lease of life after finishing it off. Unfortunately that second lease of life didn't last long. I met Spark Driver a bit further along. He wasn't feeling too great, which is a real shame as he's put in alot of work. He kept me company for a while but had to stop for another walk so I carried on without him. Then came Fitzroy Street. I did my best to keep running up that massive hill (well it felt like a massive hill anyway!) but I had to walk a couple of times. The last 4km when I rounded the corner into St Kilda Road felt like they were going to go on forever. It was great to see Marty at about the 41km mark and he ran with me till I got to the chute. From there it was a sprint to the finish. My time on Gav was 2hr 10mins. I was given a Marathon finishers medal which I would like to exchange for a 1/2 marathon medal as I definitely don't feel as if I deserve the Marathon medal, and also because I didn't do the Marathon. Will admit that I was disappointed with my run. I really wanted to help Michelle, but I was very lucky in that she didn't really need my help as she had a fantastic race. I'm so proud of her. She did the marathon in under 4 hours. I have a pain on the outer side of my left knee. I'm hoping it will go away after I've rubbed some Tiger Balm into it and done some good stretching. I'm also going to wear my Skins to bed to see if this helps. So I'm looking to get a bit more serious about my running and actually try and get a proper running schedule organised. Alana's Quote: "Mum can you please massage my feet!"

Saturday 7th October

2006-10-07T14:40:00.000+10:00

Well at least they've updated the weather forecast to just a shower or two for tomorrow. But it's got colder. Only a top temperature of 16 degrees, and if that wind's blowing off the water then it's going to be very nipply running along Beach Road. I may still take my running skirt with me, but I'll probably wear my 3/4 compression tights under a pair of 3/4 pants. Will also be wearing new compression top from Kmart underneath a short sleeve tech top. Have decided not to wear my fuel belt as there are water stations every 2km or so. I'm sure that I can pick up some lollies along the way as I think there will be people handing them out on the side of the road. Took my daughter to roller skating practice this morning and I thought that I'd drag my blades out from the pile of dust that were accumulating over the top of them and have a skate around with her after her practice session. I knew as soon as I put the boots on that they felt all wrong. I'm not sure how, but my feet seem to have grown since Alana was born (yes, that's how long I've had the blades!!). Anyway I did one lap of the rink and thought it best to come off. It felt really uncomfortable and it would've been just my luck that I'd do some kind of damage to my feet and then not be able to run tomorrow. I used to love roller skating when I was younger and had my own skates. I saw a lovely purple pair of quads in the sales shop at the skating rink and they wern't too expensive either. It's a really tempting thought to take it up again so that I can spend some quality time with Alana on a Saturday....and how much damage can roller skating do anyway!! Okay, I'm off outside to make the most of the sunshine while it lasts.

Friday 6th October

2006-10-06T21:21:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 6km Run - Treadmill, Situps I woke up before the alarm went off this morning. This is not unusual for me. What was unusual is that I forced myself to get out of bed, rather than turning over and going back to sleep. Don't get me wrong, there was alot of negative thoughts going through my brain, giving me loads of reasons why I should go back to sleep. But the real reason I got out of bed is because I'm not sure if I'm going to get another run in before Sunday and I'm getting a bit worried that I'm not actually going to make the distance, so any form of running at the moment is a good thing in my books! The weather forecast is saying that it's going to rain....now most people from the ESRG are going to blame me for that! Sorry guys! I was going to wear my running skirt too, but have changed my mind. There is no way that my legs are going to get cold, wet and clammy running 21km with the wind howling through them! No siree! As I'm going to be standing around the start line for a little while, I've been advised to take a garbage bag to put over myself to keep dry. I can then discard it once Michelle comes running by and I join her. I'd like to get to the start line a little bit early so that I can cheer all the Ausrunners going by. Just hope that I find somewhere to park my car as I remember last year the streets were pretty full. Went and saw CV last night for my massage. Happy to report that in my opinion they didn't feel too knotty and my calves were the only part of the leg that had me curling my toes when CV pressed her magic fingers into them! Of course CV may have thought differently but was just being lenient with the pressure! 2 more sleeps! Alana's Quote: "Mum I love you more than a rabbit does!"

Wednesday 3rd October

2006-10-04T14:31:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 7km Run - MMCT Exercise: Weights (Back) - Lunchtime @ Gym You lot living close to the city are probably enjoying the pleasant mornings, whereas us lot who live in the outer suburbs have to put up with the really chilly mornings still. Not fair! It always seems to be at least 5 degrees cooler out our way than in the city, and I read that people are wearing singlets and shorts to do their early morning runs,whereas I'm still wearing my 3/4 pants with long sleeve tech top and sleeveless jacket. Not fair! You all must know how much I hate the cold, I've whinged about it enough. Met Michelle for our last run before the MM on Sunday. Because I haven't played Netball for 3 weeks, the legs were a bit sore from running up and down the court and pushing off hard. It's amazing how we use different muscles for different sports, and I can't believe how quickly the muscles become unused (does that make sense?). I've got a massage with CV tomorrow night. I would have preferred Friday night but we're going to see the school play, so had to bring it back a day. I suppose this is good in that it means that if my legs are sore after the massage I get an extra day for them to heal. It was great to get back to the gym at lunch time today. I want to try and do that 3 times per week if I can. I also take my lunch into work with me if I think I'm going to the gym and this means that I don't go to the Lunch Truck or wander around the supermarket looking for junky stuff! Am also trying to drink 2 litres of water for the rest of the week so that my body is hydrated for Sunday. I'm also not going to drink on Friday or Saturday night - Yes you read that correctly! Because I haven't been regimental with my training I want to at least try and give myself the best opportunity of finishing without killing myself trying, so looking after my diet this week and keeping away from the crap is probably the only way that I'm going to make it. Of course if somebody could drive in front of me with a glass of champagne, that may get me to the finish line also! Alana's Quote: "Mum you're just not getting it are you?!"

Monday 2nd October

2006-10-02T21:40:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game Another win to the team - YAY! Although the other team were a player short. As Michelle wasn't playing tonight I got to have a run around in Centre for a quarter. I asked if I could come out after that as I was having a little trouble breathing properly and I didn't feel that good. I have no idea what I should be doing before the 1/2 marathon on Sunday so I'll just do my normal training program of just going with the flow and seeing what happens. Doing this is probably one of the reasons why I'm not that confident of running a good race on Sunday. I think after the race I'm actually going to sit down and work out a proper training schedule. I'm hoping this will motivate me to get off my a*se more! Also hoping that with Daylight Savings fast approaching it will make it easier to get more running in after work. I've advertised Gav on the Cool Running Message Boards. I just hope that somebody offers me a reasonable price even thought I'm not sure what a reasonable price for Gav would be! I was offered $100 but I really thought this was too little, especially as I've got to try and recuperate some of the cost of the new 205.

Monday 2nd October

2006-10-02T14:34:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 7km Run - MMCT I decided against running yesterday even though my legs were not suffering at all. I'd rubbed some Tiger Balm into the quads and slept in my skins on Saturday night and I think this really made a difference. As Michelle is now tapering we only did 7km this morning. It was nice to do a shorter distance for a change. Wasn't it a fantastic day yesterday. I got all of my washing out and dried. Of course I now have a huge load of ironing to do! Following on from Deege's post about the 20 things that piss you off, here's my list to add to hers!! 1. People who drive below the speed limit....WHY???? 2. People who don't indicate when turning a corner....aaaghhhh! 3. Dog owners who let their dog off the leash and then let them run in front of us runners and do nothing to restrain them!! 4. Supermarkets that do not restock their shelves when the item is on special. 5. Work colleagues who leave their mobile phone on their desk and walk away without it....of course it then rings and rings and rings and..... 6. When someone puts an empty margerine container back in the fridge! 7. People that put their bags on the seat next to them when on a crowded train/bus/tram etc. 8. Cyclists who do not use their bell to let you know that they are about to go flying past you whilst you are happily plodding along the trail! 9. Ebayers that don't leave feedback. 10. People who continually channel hop with the remote control! Okay, I can only think of 10. Saw a great number plate this morning: CUMMON

This is Zwinky!

2006-10-01T17:29:00.000+10:00

Saturday 30th September

2006-09-30T23:24:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 50km Bike Ride - Home to Jells Park & return Got some exciting news.....Bazza is on his way! Gav is being upgraded! He will go on Ebay shortly to find himself a new loving home. Bazza is the Forerunner 205 that I've just bought. I just hope it arrives before the Melbourne 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. Alana was spending the afternoon and evening with my parents today so Hubby and I decided to get the bikes out and go for a ride. I wanted to show him all the local bike tracks so that he has different options when he decides to ride home from work. I wasn't acutally sure exactly how far it was to Jells Park, realising once we got there that it is about 25km! It was a great day for a ride, with the sun shining all afternoon. It was even warm enough for just some shorts and a singlet (see Stu, I'm getting there!). I did put on my long sleeve tech top for the journey home as it had cooled down heaps by then, especially when cycling along some of the trails which have lots of trees. Quads are now feeling quite sore, but I've rubbed some Tiger Balm in and have got the Skins on, just to help the legs out a little bit. I was planning on meeting up with the ESRG for a 14km run along the Warby Trail tomorrow morning, but I think I might find a flatter course, just to give the quads a break. I took Beki's advice and went over to Myer yesterday to check out the Bendon Sports Bras. Ended up buying 2 of them. They are very comfortable and certainly do hold the girls in place well. I also tried on the Berlei Legend Sport Bra but found it to be really pointy and didn't look very nice at all, which was a shame as it was $20 cheaper than the Bendon! I also popped into Kmart and picked up a pair of Torpedo Evotech compression shorts and a compression sleeveless top. They were only $30 each, and although not in the same class as Skins, they are still good enough quality, not to be sniffed at. Back to work on Monday :o(

Thursday 28th September

2006-09-28T15:52:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - MMCT I managed to convince Michelle to get up early and come for a run with me. She has bought a new Garmin 205 (named Gazza) so it was good to compare Gav and Gazza. Gav showed 200 metres less than Gazza, so it really does prove that the 205 has a much stronger GPS signal pick up. I want one. Hubby told me to put Gav on Ebay so that I could buy a 205. It's very tempting. Anyone interested in buying a Garmin 301? All (reasonable) offers considered. It was cold this morning. I had to scrape ice off the windscreen. I wore a long top and a sleeveless Jacket. Even had my fingerless gloves on for half the run. And I know it was cold as both Michelle and I were steaming when we finished! Was a comfortable run, with a bit of a faster pace in the middle. Just need to keep those legs ticking over. Alana's Quote: "Mum, you'll have to come in here if you want to talk to me 'cos I can't hear you!"

Wednesday 27th September

2006-09-27T22:20:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 5km Run - Treadmill. Weights I ended up going to the gym tonight. I was going to ask my Mum to look after Alana so that I could do a 10km run outside, but she's just got back from Sydney and I found out that one of her cats is not very well. They've been in a Cattery for a couple of months as my parents have been travelling overseas. I thought that I'd give my mother a bit of space as she's not very good when things happen to her cats!! The treadmill has not got any easier! I do, however, like the fact that I can program it to a certain speed. I find it reassuring to know that the speed I'm supposed to be running in the 1/2 marathon is a speed which is quite comfortable for me....on a treadmill anyway. Not sure how comfortable it'll be running up Beach Road with the wind blowing hard! My 2nd Enell bra arrived today. This is the one I bought from the US. This time it's a white one, so I have a black and a white one now. I'm the type of person who finds a good bra and then buys 10 of them! Okay so I only have 2 Enell bras so far, but I'm sure it won't take me long to have a drawer full of them! I've done that with my every day bra. The Berlei Barely There range is the perfect bra for me. It fits really well and looks great under t-shirts. I've got 8 of them, all in different colours. They have now brought out a lacy range as well, which look gorgeous, so am trying to justify buying a couple more! I'm trying to do push ups and tricep dips every day. I want to tone the arms and this has always been the easiest way for me to do it. It's hurting alot at the moment! I used to do tons of pushups (on my knuckles!) when I was doing Karate...oh yeah, that's something else I could've added to my 100 things list. I was 1 belt away from getting my black belt! I've been enjoying my week off, even though I haven't really done much for myself. I've taken Alana to the movies (we saw Garfield 2) and have managed to do some exercise each day. I can't complain about the weather either, it's been really pleasant. I've eaten all the licorice out of my show bag. Probably wasn't the best move as I've put on a bit of weight and have had to visit the bathroom much more frequently! Well it's all gone so I don't have to worry about it anymore! Alana's Quote: "Mum can we go to the Milky Bar!"

100 Things

2006-09-27T12:39:00.000+10:00

Okay, I've finally got round to doing my list...in no particular order. 1. I have 4 siblings, 3 brothers and 1 sister 2. We were all born within 6 years of each other 3. I am not close to any of them. My 2 younger brothers are probably the closest to each other. They were born 10 months apart. 4. My sister and I look totally different, and have very different personalities. We are 18 months apart, me being the older. 5. I have never been close to my mother, but since moving back to Australia in 2003, have tried to change that. I still have a way to go with resolving some issues that I have harboured for a long time. 6. I have been married and divorced twice. 7. I changed my name by deed poll to reflect my partner's surname. (3rd time lucky!!). 8. I went to England for a 9 month holiday in 1993 (after I split with 2nd Hubby) and ended up staying for 10.5 years! 9. I met my current partner 5 weeks after I arrived in the UK. 10. We have a gorgeous 7 year old (going on 21) daughter. 11. My favourite colour is purple - any shade. All my friends know this so I always tend to get prezzies that have some kind of purple in them! 12. I have been told that I am an emotionally indepedent person. I do not tend to burden other people with my problems and keep my feelings to myself most of the time. 13. My nickname is JJ. All of my close friends call me J. My family call me by my first name (Janice). Some shorten it to Jan, which I absolutely hate! Why be given a name and then shorten it to something else!! I do, however, like being called J. 14. I adore Champagne, Yellowglen Bella being my favourite. 15. I got drunk on Beer one New Years Eve and have not drunk it since. I still have horror memories of the following morning....wasn't a nice sight! 16. I went to a very progressive high school. We didn't have to wear a school uniform and we were allowed to smoke outside of class. I managed to keep away from the ciggies until Year 9! 17. I gave up the ciggies after my husband (then boyfriend) gave me an ultimatium - him or the ciggies!! Stupidly I chose him! 18. I passed my licence first time. Got 84% 19. My first car was a VW Station Wagon in Powder Blue. 20. My second car was a 1975 Statesman with a 308. (loved that car!). 21. I have played Netball since I was 10 years old. The team I was in was very good and we won nearly all of our grand finals over the next 7 years! 22. I have had issues with my weight since I was 16 years old. 23. Going by all the weight to height ratio charts, I have never been overweight. 24. I was born in the UK. 25. My family moved to Australia when I was 9 years old. 26. My parents still live in the same house that I grew up in. 27. When I went to the UK I finally found out who I really was. I came back to Australia a differnt person to the one who left. 28. My partner is my rock. I knew the moment that I met him that he was "the one". He was my reason for staying in the UK for as long as I did. 29. I hate being cold, in any form. 30. I love Summer, even when it's 40 degrees. 31. I am a sun worshipper. I know the dangers and the pitfalls of laying in the sun for hours on end! I rarely use sunscreen. 32. I have had many moles cut off my body, once during a Saturday morning 'Vasectomy Clinic' (now that was a laugh, hangover and all!). 33. My nose was broken in a car accident when I was 17. I didn't know it was broken at the time so didn't get it looked at. It is now crooked. 34. I love gold jewellery, especially rings with big sparkly diamonds in them. I still have all my rings from both previous marriages, which I wear ocassionally. 35. I own more running pants than I do normal pants/jeans. 36. I love handbags....there are way too many in my cupboard. I very rarely use them. 37. I hardly wore makeup until I was about 22. 38. I dyed my hair blonde at 22. It has been this colour since. 39. The first time I had a massage was this year. 40. I am a very social person and love going out for drinks. 41. My favourite movie of all time is Dirty Dancing. 42. I don't like horror movies at all. 43. I have one tattoo, which I got done when I was 40. It took 90 minutes to do and it hurt like hell. 44. I am contemplating getting another one done soon. 45. I hate ironing. 46. My favourite flower is the fuschia, followed closely by the Freesia. I have a huge fuschia garden in my backyard and I have loads of different varieties of fuschias. 47. I like gardening but hardly ever find the time to garden. 48. I'm a revhead at heart. Love the drags, V8 supercars, monster trucks etc. 49. I went straight to work when I left school in Year 11. Wanted the money, not the education! 50. I am an early bird. Would much rather get up at 6am to go for a run than 7pm. 51. I love reality TV, especially Big Brother and Biggest Loser. 52. Currently my favourite show on TV is Thank God You're Here....absolutely hilarious. 53. Never learnt to play an instrument - oh well!! 54. Have been taught French and Japanese. Don't remember either. 55. Have lived in various places, both in Australia and the UK, including Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Guildford, Woking, Godalming. 56. Out of the above, Gold Coast was my favourite - sun, sun, sun! 57. I am a cat person. 58. My favourite being Siamese 59. Am not a dog person, however duirng my 2nd marriage we owned a Doberman and a Border Collie. 60. My hair is my security blanket. 61. I buy alot of expensive products for my hair. 62. I use Clinique products on my face. 63. I don't use much makeup, but wear it daily. 64. I very rarely wear flat shoes, apart from my trainers. 65. Even my thongs are 2" high 66. Oh yeah, shoes - something else that I tend to buy lots of. 67. I currently own 8 pairs of trainers. One pair about to be thrown out (just can't bear to put them in the bin), one for the garden, two for running, one for gym, one for Netball, one pair that are waiting to be used for running and another pair for Squash. 68. Since I started working I have never felt that I had to scrimp and save money. I've always felt comfortably well off. 69. I like playing my music loud. 70. I have really varying taste in music. 71. My favourite has to be any music that has a great beat and can be played loud. 72. I used to go clubbing most weekends when I lived in the UK (before child that is!!). 73. I also used to drink alot. I have now reduced the quantity that I drink and normally I only drink on the weekend now.(It's hard to get up early for a run if you've got lots of alcohol swishing around in your head!!). 74. I am an Aquarian. 75. Fortunately I do not have the traits of your average Aquarian, although I look back on my dress sense when I was younger and question where I got my style (or lack of) from!! 76. I do not believe in God. Once you're dead, you're dead! 77. I don't have a specific favourite food. I like food too much to narrow it down to one favourite. Check out my food link on the right hand side bar. Might give you a better idea of what I'm talking about. 78. I hate being late - for anything. I prefer to get there 30 minutes early rather than 5 minutes late. 79. I was a very good discus thrower at Little Athletics. Got 1st in every event in my last year there. I was asked to compete in Senior Athletics but I couldn't get to the training sessions as they were at Nunawading so never carried it on. 80. I like gambling. I keep it under control but there is always the urge to put money in the poker machines, or drop by a TAB or buy raffle tickets or scratch cards. Both my younger brothers also like to gamble. 81. I have a birth mark on my calf. My dad and one of my younger brothers also have a birth mark in the same place! 82. I am not into designer labels. I don't like spending lots of money on everyday clothes, yet when it comes to running gear I don't even think about the cost! 83. Outwardly I appear to be a very calm person. On the inside I scream alot. 84. One of the hobbies I really enjoy is creating websites. I never seem to find the time to do this anymore, yet I can sit on the computer for hours wasting time doing nothing in particular! 85. I owned a BMW 320i when I lived in the UK. It was a great car. 86. I sleep in a King Size bed....the only way to sleep! 87. I used to ride an RM80 motor bike out in the bush. 88. Used to help Hubby No. 1 put car engines together. Absolutely detest anything to do with cars now. Give them to someone else to fix is my motto! 89. I've never been in trouble with the law. Have only ever had one speeding ticket. I'm a goody too shoes. 90. I am a very reliable person. If I say I'm going to be somewhere, I'll be there. 91. I don't have many close friends. I have lots of acquaintences. 92. I left 4 of my closest friends in the UK. I miss them loads. 93. I thank my lucky stars that I met Michelle. It's a bit spooky how alike we are. Both our daughters have the same middle name! 94. I enjoy cooking in the kitchen. I don't have time to do it very often. 95. My towel cupboard has a certain place for each towel. 96. I have never seen a dead person. 97. I love snow (even though I hate the cold). 98. I love flying, especially in Jumbos. 99. My first kiss was at 12 years old. 100. I still have a koala bear that my dad brought back from Australia when I was a baby. Phew.....that certainly got the old brain working!

Tuesday 26th September

2006-09-26T12:47:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 6km Treadmill, Situps, Pushups OMG, I've just gotten off the treadmill after 6 gruelling kilometres!! Michelle has let me borrow hers, which is so good of her. I thought it would be a doddle just hopping on and running 10km without really thinking too much of it!! Well was I totally wrong there! Can't believe how hard it is to keep going on it. I may have to come back and do another 4 or 5km later this afternoon. And the only reason I'm running on the treadmill is because I'm off work at the moment with Alana as it's school holidays and unless I get up stupidly early, I just wouldn't get the time to do any exercise, unless it's later in the evening, and I think I've already mentioned quite a few times that I just don't do exercise in the evening, unless of course it's a beautiful balmy evening, with the sun still shining, and we all know that's not going to happen for at least another 2 or 3 months!! I also need to add a bit more about our aborted run on Sunday. Not only was it hailing, followed by torrential rain, it was also blowing 40knot winds. And to set the scene, we were running along a trail which has loads and loads of gum trees on either side. I think you can probably understand that with the wind roaring through those gum trees they were all creaking loudly, and it was only a matter of time before one of them split and fell over the trail...and it was really really scary too!! So we made an executive decision to run back to the cars as fast as we could! Just wanted to clear that one up!! (Vicky we wouldn't normally give up on a run.....really truly!.....oh excpet for this one!) Alana's Quote: "I love this sweet salt!" (she was talking about the sugar on her jam donut!)

Sunday 24th September

2006-09-24T14:54:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Approx 17km. - MMCT Met Michelle this morning at MMCT for her last long run before the Melbourne Marathon. We were looking to do 21km which is twice up and down the MMCT plus a little bit more. I'd brought my jacket as there were showers predicted, but looking at the clouds I dedided not to wear it as it was a little overcast but didn't look like rain. We did the first 10km in 55 minutes!! This is such a good time for us as we normally run this in just under 60 minutes. Maybe because we both had our walkmans going we just naturally upped the pace in time with the music!! Who knows! Anyway we stopped at the cars and had a drink and a bit of a stretch. Still wasn't looking like rain so I didn't bother with the jacket. This was a mistake! About 4km up the trail and it starts hailing! Great! We jumped under a tree until the hail stopped and then saw that the rain had arrived! Even better!! So we turned around and ran back to the cars as fast as we could. For some reason I seem to run quicker when it's raining! We were both soaked by the time we got back to the car. Our average pace was about 5.14! Can't believe this, but that's what Gav said once I'd downloaded and adjusted it in SportTracks. We did the run in 1hr 30 mins! I'm really happy with the time as I'd got it into my mind that I was just a 6min plodder!! I'm a little bit disappointed that we couldn't do the full 21km as I just wanted to make sure that I was comfortable running the distance. As Michelle is now tapering I'm not going to get to run with her until Melb Marathon Day as her longest run is only supposed to be 6km, so I'll have to head out on my own. Michelle has kindly offered to lend me her treadmill, which I've accepted. Forgot to add that I wore my new Enell bra today. Felt great. It was really supportive with hardly any bounce at all. It breathed well, which is what I had the concerns about. I've also ordered another one, this time direct from the US, so it's about $20 cheaper! Beki has also bought a Bendon Sports Bra so I'm going to go and check them out this week at Myer. Alana's Quote: "Dad I'm gonna get drunk soon!"

Saturday 23rd September

2006-09-23T21:30:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 7hrs walking around Royal Melbourne Show We got to the show at 9am so that we could get a decent parking spot and enjoy some of it before the crowds arrived!! Met Marty, Michelle and their brood at the entrance and proceeded to work our way from one end of the show to the other! We'd asked Alana to pick out her showbags before we went so that all we had to do was wander through the showbag pavillion on the way out. Just meant that we didn't have to carry showbags around all day (more on the showbag pavillion later!!). We wandered through one pavillion and got out before Marty & Michelle, so Alana and I saw the Nova 100 tent and went to check it out. Alana got a guy working there to make her up one of those things that have numbers inside them (can't remember what they are called). Anyway I was chatting to the guy who was making it up, just small talk about the show. Went back over to the pavillion to find everyone had just walked out. Michelle's girls raced over to the Nova 100 tent and came screaming back to tell us that Deano from Big Brother was over at the tent.....yep, it was the same guy who I'd chatted to. I had no idea it was him!! And I'm embarassed to say that I was an avid Big Brother watcher! Here's a photo of the girls with Deano We went over to the arena to sit down and have lunch and watch the Monster Trucks. That was great fun. I want one of these trucks!! Then it was time for the rides. I'm still a big kid when it comes to rides and I would have gone on all of them if we'd had the time and money!! Instead Michelle, me, Caitilin and Alana went on the Big Wheel. Now it was very windy today and being up very high in the air is even windier. I had to hang on to the bars until it got going!! Great view though. Next it was the Space Roller. I dragged Brianna and Rebecca (Michelle's other 2 girls) on this ride. It is one of those rides where you just hope that the harness doesn't come undone!! I even had to close my eyes a couple of times!! Here's a video of it too! We checked out the Dog Pavillion where they were doing some judging. There was one puppy who just wasn't going to move for his owner. The owner had to physically pick the dog up and move it, and these wern't small dogs either!! He got a standing ovation from the crowd, and the puppy got 2nd place!! Then it was on to the Showbag Pavillion. Now we ended up walking in through a side door but we were supposed to go in through the front door. They were queuing up to get in!! The amount of people in this pavillion was ridiculous. It was just so over crowded. Anyone who has claustrophobia would not stand a chance!! And we couldn't find one of the showbags that Alana wanted, and the one that I wanted was sold out and they wern't expecting more bags until 5pm! I'm going to write to the people at the show and complain. Why they can't find a better system to control the crowd is beyond me. How about making it one way for a start! And how about a map to show where all the showbags are within the pavillion rather than walking around aimlessly trying to find the one you want!! So we made our way back to the car, via the Woodchop Pavillion. It was very crowded so we couldn't sit down anywhere. By this stage I just wanted to get out of there! We were very lucky with the weather as they had predicted showers and we didn't get any rain. We did, however, manage to pick up a bit of sunburn (or wind burn) on the face! On the way home saw a number plate where they'd used another way of spelling a word, probalby because the original spelling had already been taken - CHIEKI Alana's Quote: "The red car didn't get damaged at all!" (see picture of Monster Truck above!!).

Thursday 21st September

2006-09-21T19:39:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 12.5km Run - MMCT Once again I heard rain as I got out of bed this morning. I was not happy. I really wanted to run this morning. So I just ignored it and carried on getting dressed. I did, however, grab my waterproof jacket! Of course it had stopped by the time I met Michelle. We met at 5.45 this morning as we wanted to do a couple of extra k's. Michelle had mentioned something about Schtumpy suggesting a tempo run, which means nothing to me as, to my knowledge, I've never actually done one of these!! We made the decision to just run!! However, at about the 7km mark there is an 800 metre stretch, so we decided to do this bit fast (well faster than our normal shuffle anyway!!). Felt good too! All up a really good run, which I totally enjoyed. Saw another great number plate - CHOPS!! Would love to know the meaning behind some of the ones that I see! Why did I think that Daylight Saving started at the beginning of October? And why did I think that it would be lighter in the mornings once the clocks went forward? Sometimes being blonde really doesn't do me any favours!! I'm on holiday next week....yippee!! But hubby has to work so I still have to get up early to do all my exercise...boo!!! I'm just looking forward to having a break. Haven't had a holiday since March. Didn't realise it had been that long!

Monday 18th September

2006-09-18T14:17:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - MMCT I go to bed last night hearing the weather forecast as fine and 24 degrees today. I wake up at 5.30 this morning to hear rain....WTF!!! I wish these weather people would get it right. Luckily it was just a minor shower, so no excuses!! Met Michelle at our normal meeting place and did a comfortable pace. My legs are definitely feeling sore, which I can only put down to the lack of exercise over the last couple of weeks. Am hoping to get a massage in some time this week, and will also try and get one the day before the Melbourne 1/2 Marathon. I went home for lunch today and my new Enell Bra was waiting for me. It certainly doesn't look like a normal bra and the fabric is very heavy, but silky soft!! Will try it on when I get home. If it fits well then I'm going to order a second one, but this time from the US where it is $30 cheaper. Had a bit of a shock yesterday. As I was running past a shop front window I noticed that my boobs were really bouncing around noticeably. Funny how my perception when I look down at them is totally different to the image I saw in the window. Hope the new bra does the trick!! Alana's Quote: Hubby: "Alana can you please butter me a piece of toast?" Alana: "Do it yourself!!"

Sunday 17th September

2006-09-17T15:52:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 7.5km Run - Parents house to Home The Spring into Shape series 8km run was on this morning but I made the decision not to run this race as I felt there just wouldn't be enough time to get to the airport to pick up my parents. So what I did instead was take my running stuff with me and run from my parents house to home. Works out to be about 7.5km. I have to tell you though it was a real struggle. My legs felt so heavy and my breathing was very laboured. I'm sure this has to do with the fact that I'm still not over this stinking cold. It's lingering and I can't get rid of the damn thing!! I wore my new running skirt today. Here's a picture of me once I'd gotten home. The skirt is probably a bit longer than I'd like and a little bit wider on the bottom, which makes me look wide also!! There are a couple of pockets on each side, so I put my $20 and my ID in one. I had to carry my phone though as it was a bit too heavy and jumped around a bit in the other pocket. It's very comfortable. I would have liked just a little bit more "width" in the underpants, as they just rode up a tiny bit. This is probably due more to the width of my backside than the actual design of the underpants!! Unfortunately I'd forgotten to take my bodyglide with me, so at about the 4km mark of the run I did start to chafe on the inside of my legs. Once again, probably due to the size of my inner legs rather than the design of the skirt!! At no time did I feel like the skirt was going to blow up from the wind to reveal my backside to all and sundry. I felt cool and comfy the whole time. The only small criticism that I have is that the velcro on one of the pockets came away from the edge due to the glue that they used. Probably need to stitch the velcro rather than glue it. And maybe the velcro needs to be a bit bigger. Other than that I'm very happy with the skirt. This was an XL (god I can't believe I'm wearing XL!!). I also have a Large. They sent me a Large and an XL as they said that their sizes had changed slightly and the XL was really a large (confused yet??). The Large is slightly smaller, in both length and underpant width, so they ride up that little bit more. Might need to do some serious work on the bum to get them to fit more comfortably!!

Thursday 14th September

2006-09-14T13:46:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - Local streets Yay, I finally did some exercise. Can't believe it's been 9 days since I've done any exercise (except walking around DFO!). It was great to get out there and get the legs moving again. Still not 100% well but I don't care. Nothing that a few good nose blows throughout the run can't fix!! Normally we would run hills on a Thursday morning but Michelle asked if we could do a flatter course, so I kindly accommodated her. We ended up doing two 5km loops of the local streets. There were still a few undulations, but nothing like the first hill that we would normally run up. Am happy to report that since Monday morning I've dropped about 1.4kg. Alot of the original weight gain was because it was that TOM, but I think that some of the loss can also be attributed to my change in eating. Just need to keep it going. Michelle,her Hubby, me and my Hubby are off out on Saturday night to see "Mums the Word". I was living in the UK when the original one came out so have no idea what to expect. All I've been told is that it's hilarious. Looking forward to having a few laughs. Does anyone else look at personalised number plates on other people's cars whilst driving? Well I do! Have seen some really good ones. My favourite one so far has been "DROOPY". Love it! Might add a few on here as I see them. Alana's Quote: "That's very unusual Mum!"

Wednesday 13th September

2006-09-13T16:51:00.000+10:00

Well this has to have been one of the crappiest weeks that I've had both exercise and healthwise in a long time. I haven't run since last Tuesday, mainly due to the weather, lack of motivation and being full of pigging cold AGAIN!! I'm so over this wet weather already. And I can't wait for it to be 15 degrees when I get up at 5.30am and go running in daylight!! Only 45 days to go until daylight savings, and I'm counting every single one of them too!! Something that did brighten my week was going shopping at DFO. What a fantastic place. Would have been a bit less stressful if it had been done child free, but I still managed to buy up big! Got a new pair of 3/4 compression tights for $50, and a lovely fleece Adidas top for $15. I've also bought myself an Enell Sports Bra. Wasn't cheap, that's for sure, but it looks like it's going to hold my DD's in place nicely! Will review it once it's arrived and I've given it a workout! My parents arrive home on Sunday after 2 months of jetsetting around the world. They've asked if I can pick them up from the airport. Now here's my dilemma. Their flight gets in at 10.20am. They're flying in to the International terminal so it's probably going to take them at least 40 minutes to get off the plane, through customs, pick up their bags, get through quarantine, and get out of the airport. There is a Spring into Shape run on Sunday morning. The 8km race starts at 9.30am, which means that I would probably be running through the finish line at about 10.15am. Would I have enough time to get back to the car, get to the airport and pick them up without them having to wait for me? And would it be very anti-social of me to show up all sweaty, wearing my running gear? Decisions, decisions!! It's looking like I may be getting a new Garmin 205 for Christmas. Hubby has just taken up cycling again and he used Gav for his ride. He is very impressed with it!! I've already offered Gav to him in exchange for a new 205! My eating has improved. Since Monday I have tried to eat mainly low GI foods. This seems to be working at the moment. The food is filling, I definitely don't have the same sweet cravings that I've had lately, and I'm not looking to eat everything in sight. The downside is that eating low GI means that I have to take the time to cook food and to prepare food in advance. I will persist. I will not give up!! Looking forward to my run with Michelle tomorrow morning. Alana's Quote: "Mum you're such a silly girl sometimes!"

Saturday 9th September

2006-09-09T21:14:00.000+10:00

Sorry M, I've only just got around to posting this. So here are 10 words starting with the letter R which relate to my life! Running - This is my exercise of choice. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I absolutely love how I feel after a run, especially if I've run well. I hate that I have to get up early for most of my runs due to work. Racing - Another aspect of running is that I get to compete in lots of races. Races are a very social event for me. It's great to catch up with all my Ausrun forum friends for a laugh and a chat, and it's lovely to meet lots of new people as well. I think I enjoy this part much more than the actual competing in the race!! Run to the G - This race was where I met my best friend Michelle last year. I was meeting up with 3 or 4 people from the Ausrun forum for the first time, including Michelle. We hit it off right away and have been inseparable ever since. Relationship - I am so lucky to have a fantastic partner in my life. He is always there to support me, picks me up when I'm feeling down, he makes me laugh, and really looks after me. He is also a great father to our daughter and I am so proud to be seen with him (he's pretty hot looking too!!). Roller Coaster - My life has been like one of these rides. All up and down, hanging on for dear life, not knowing when it'll end so that I can stop screaming. I'm happy to report that I've gotten off that ride now and am happily enjoying the more scenic merry go round!! Retail Therapy - This has always been my stress outlet. I love shopping. It makes me feel good. Doesn't matter what I'm shopping for, as long as I'm buying something, even something as mundane as grass seed, there's a smile on my face. Retirement - One of my goals in life is to quit work and become a full time housewife...sad isn't it!! I have worked full time since I was 16, only having 6 weeks off after my daughter was born before going back to work full time. I have now realised that I don't want to work any more. Unfortunately retirement is not going to happen any time soon unless Mr Tattslotto smiles favourably upon us! Renovation - Since moving into our home 2 years ago, we are slowly renovating each room. It is a very slow process, made even slower by the fact that I am very lazy when it comes to doing anything around the house. We have been talking about putting a new kitchen in for over 12 months now. It is almost about to happen...almost!! Religion - I have none. I don't believe in God. Both of my previous marriages were done by Celebrants, in lovely settings in the mountains. I am, however, happy to send my daughter to a Catholic school, mainly due to the fact that it has a very good reputation. She is not catholic. Does that make me a hypocrite? Rock n Roll - I love music. I have a very wide range of music that I enjoy listening to. My favourite music has to be something that I can both run to and sing along to at the same time, so something with a great beat and a catchy tune. Hard house is another favourite type of music, which has to be listened to very loud, but on the other end of the scale I also love all the old late 50's and early 60's music. Bay City Rollers also feature on my playlist!

Tuesday 5th September

2006-09-05T19:34:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 12.5km Run - MMCT Last night Michelle and I decided to meet up a bit earlier this morning so that we could do a couple of extra km's. OMG, when that alarm went off I was sure it was still the middle of the night!! But amazingly it got light really quickly this morning so we wern't actually running in the dark for very long. Alot is going on at work at the moment and it is quite a stressful time. Of course for me that means bad eating and today was no exception!! I'm going to sit down over the next couple of days and actually write up an eating plan that I WILL stick to, one that's not too hard, but is full of good food, and especially food that I like eating!

Monday 4th September

2006-09-04T22:31:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game Why is it so hard to get out of bed on a Monday morning? Just didn't happen AGAIN!! And I'm still in shock over the death of Steve Irwin. A real tragedy, especially for his young family. Very sad! Netball was great. We now have quite a strong team and we all play really well together. We beat the other team 34 - 16. I'm tired, I'm going to bed.

Saturday 2nd September

2006-09-02T12:01:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 16km Run - Local Streets I was hoping to do 20km this morning but I stopped off where Alana was doing her Gymnastics so that I could use the loos and grab a drink and also stopped off at the Netball courts as three of my Nieces and Nephews were in Grand Finals and I wanted to cheer them on. Unfortunately this took up a bit of time and as we had to go out this afternoon I had to cut the run short. My legs were also still feeling the effects of doing two body attack classes, and also running on the pavement. I'd like to try and get another 10km run in tomorrow morning, but that will depend on what time I go to bed, what time I wake up etc. And Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads for tomorrow! Alana's Quote: "I'm having a pretty bad day!"

Friday 1st September

2006-09-01T11:08:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Weights I'd arranged to meet my girlfriend at the gym this morning to do a Body Pump class, but once I got there I really didn't want to be doing all those squats and lunges. So I did some upper body weights instead. My legs heaved a huge sigh of relief!! They feel very weary today. I want to do my long run tomorrow morning so that I can keep Sunday free as it's Father's Day and I want to enjoy the day with Hubby and Alana. Normally if I was to do a long run on Sunday it would take up most of the morning, which I don't think is very fair! I want to say a huge congratulations to my running buddy Michelle who has gone a whole month WITHOUT Chocolate!! I am so amazed at how strong a person she is. She makes me feel like I'm just the most lacking person in willpower and motivation. She has also had a HUGE month of running. She did 384km this month, compared to my piddly 92.5km!! Alana's Quote: "Mummy, why are we going this way?" (She's now questioning my navigational skills!!)

Thursday 31st August

2006-08-31T21:51:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Attack Class OMG, 2 lots of exercise in one day!! That's a first for me in a long time! I think the hardest thing about tonight's class was when we had to do situps again. As they were exactly the same as the ones we did last night, my poor abs were not very happy. You know when you get that real pain that means that you're working SO hard it's almost too painful to bear??? Well that's what it was like! It was a new routine tonight too, so luckily it wasn't as fast paced as the instructors were also having to remember what moves came next. Not sure if I like this routine more than the last one though. What I do like is that fact that I still burned close to 1000 calories in that hour!! I'm trying to curb my chocolate addiction by substituting it for Protein Bars instead. And boy have I found a yummy one to substitute it with. The Choc Fudge bars are just sooooo good! Horleys Protein 33 Bars Alana's Quote: "Mum can we go to the pub tomorrow?" (She likes playing in the Kids play area!)

Thursday 31st August

2006-08-31T17:08:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10.5km Run - Hills Another cool morning - much cooler than Tuesday morning anyway! Any yes Stu, I wore my long sleeve Nike top and my sleeveless Jacket. Even had my fingerless gloves on for half of the run. Got to remember that I live out in the black yonder so it's always colder than inner suburbia!! The legs wern't very happy about running up the hills this morning, especially after their big jump around last night. Going down the hills was nearly as bad due to the ab work I did last night. The old stomach certainly copped a pounding! I'm finding it hard to drink enough water at the moment. I didn't feel at all dehydrated after the run and I have had no real urge to drink any during the day. This is not good as it means that I'm not flushing out all the crap that I tend to eat during the day, so I'm not very errr "regular" at the moment. (TMI?) I'm also not eating enough fruit and veggies so am feeling quite sluggish and bloated too. Must improve the eating! Normally once the warm weather starts I find that my food choices change and I much prefer to eat salads rather than stodgy hot food. Roll on warm weather!! Alana's Quote: "I think I just saw a cloud run by!"

Wednesday 30th August

2006-08-30T21:57:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Attack Class Aaah, Body Attack....I'm becoming quite addicted to this class. The gym had put on an extra class this week as they couldn't get anyone to do the Step class that's usually on a Wednesday night. Excellent!! I felt absolutely fantastic during the class. Can't believe how much my cardio fitness has improved. The only down side of this class is that because of all the jumping about my bladder complained bitterly, so I had to nip out to the loos!! I know my abs are going to be sore tomorrow as we did these very painful crunches. Such hard work, but I know it'll pay off! I went home at lunch time today and sat out on the back verandah enjoying my lunch in the sunshine. I was tempted to chuck my shorts on and get the legs out but thought better of it as it would have meant having to get changed back into my work clothes, which I know would have been really depressing! Only 1 more month to go until Daylight Savings starts...YAY! Alana's Quote: "Okay, okay, we'll just do it your way then!"

Tuesday 29th August

2006-08-29T17:09:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - MMCT Wasn't it lovely and mild this morning. I took the sleeves off my jacket and just ran with a long sleeve tech top underneath. I just can't wait for the summer. And it's getting light by about 6.30am now so it's going to be so much more motivating once that sun comes up early!! I also want to start wearing my running skirts, but of course not until it's warm enough, and there is a bit of colour on my lilly whites!! Roll on summer. We got an inkling of it on Saturday (summer that is, not my lilly whites!!). Sat out on the back verandah with a cup of Nescafe Latte and a yummy Apple Cake enjoying the winter sun. Please hurry up Summer!!

Monday 28th August

2006-08-28T22:06:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game Once again that spin class was just a futuristic dream this morning. Another late Sunday night meant that I had absolutely no motivation to get up early and go to the gym. I have bought a book which sounds like it is perfect for me. Eat Chocolate, Drink Alcohol and be fit and healthy. I haven't actually started reading it yet as I'm currently trying to finish reading Braveheart by Billy Connolly's wife before I have to take it back to the library!! Will let you know what I think. We won at Netball tonight...YAY!! The fact that the other team only had 6 players after half time probably helped us!! Got a good run around though. Nothing more to add, so goodnight!

Sunday 27th August

2006-08-27T18:17:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 20km Run - MMCT I was going to run this afternoon whilst Alana was at a roller skating birthday party but decided at the last minute that I'd go out this morning instead. Hubby took Alana swimming so it was the ideal opportunity. So I merrily trot off to the MMCT. Started out relatively slow but I wanted to work on increasing my stride as I'd had a discussion with Em on Friday night about it and wanted to test it. It certainly made a difference to my times. I did the first 10km in 53.29 which is the fastest I've ever run 10km!! Had to do a double take as I just couldn't believe what Gav was telling me!! I'm going to have to ask some questions on the forum about how to make my stride longer. I did find it difficult as my legs just didn't want to lengthen naturally. It was a real effort. So much so that I had to slow down for the next 10km as I'd really pushed myself and didn't seem to have alot of energy to keep the pace going. I definitely didn't negative split, that's for sure!! I'm really chuffed with my time anyway. Did 20km in 1.48 something, which is another personal best for me. Still shaking my head on that one. I'm going to download Gav shortly to see if he was playing up and it actually comes up with different info once it's been downloaded!! Can you tell that I'm not convinced!!! Alana's Quote: "I look beautiful don't I!"

Saturday 26th August

2006-08-26T20:02:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 15 Mins Cross Trainer, 15 Mins Bike Yesterday my girlfriend at work asked if I'd meet her at the gym early this morning so that I could show her how to use the Cross-trainer. Me being me, I was more than happy to oblige. Unfortunately I'd forgotten that I was going out last night for "drinkies" with the ESRG to wish Beki so long, farewell and good luck with moving to Sydney. And me being me, I didn't want to let my friend down so I hauled myself out of bed at 7.30 this morning and wearily made my way to the gym. I didn't actually have a hangover, but I didn't get to bed before 1am and I didn't sleep fantastically well either and I really didn't want to be there which you can probably see from the amount of exercise that I actually did while I was there!! And I really had no energy or enthusiasm to do any kind of exercise later in the day either. I did, however have plenty of energy to wander around the shopping centre this afternoon. It was pure luxury, as I didn't have Alana with me. So nice just to be able to pop in and out of shops at random without someone constantly saying "can we go now!". I bought a waterproof rain jacket while shopping in Rebel. It's the same as the one that Michelle bought, but I got a different colour from her so that we wouldn't look like the Bobsy Twins!! Bring on that rain! There's a song that's on the radio at the moment that I am absolutely loving. It's by a group called Peter, Bjorn and John and it's called Young Folks. I just keep hitting repeat every time it finishes. Sorry but I can't find a link to it! Alana's Quote: "I want a husband but I don't know where to find one!"

Thursday 24th August

2006-08-24T21:30:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Attack Class This morning I asked my hubby if he could be home by 6pm so that I could do a Body Attack class at the gym. Of course come 6pm when I walked in the door, and I had no intention of going. Hubby dutifully reminded me that he'd got home early only because I'd asked him to, and I felt so guilty that I quickly got changed and drove down to the gym. Of course once I got there I was so glad that I'd gone. I absolutely love this class. It is just a constant heart rate raiser! I was told that they are going to bring out a new version next week so I'm looking forward to going again. This time I'm just going to walk in the door, get changed and go, without having to feel guilty about it! I've not had any alcohol since Saturday. I really noticed tonight when I looked in the mirrors at the gym that the top half of my body has got "thicker". I'm sure this is alcohol related, so I'll just limit my intake to weekends now. Speaking of which, I'm having a few drinks with the ESRG tomorrow night as Beki is leaving for Sydney and we thought we'd give her a send off! Alana's Quote: "Wow, did you see how much came out of my mouth!" (she was sick this week!)

Tuesday 22nd August

2006-08-22T21:20:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - MMCT Got a text at 5.30am from Michelle telling me that it was pouring over her way. Normally this would be a great excuse for me not to run, but I stuck my head out the door and it wasn't raining here, and where we run is closer to my place than her place, so I couldn't really wuss out now could I! Of course within 5 minutes of us running the heavens opened up and it started to pour with rain. On the MMCT we have to run back on ourselves at about the 3km mark, which means passing where we park the cars. So a decision had to be made before we reached the cars whether we would continue running or call it a day. My legs were feeling great this morning and I knew that I just wouldn't be motivated enough to get down the gym tonight for a run so I suggested carrying on. What a great decision that was. Literally within about 5 minutes of running past the cars the rain stopped!! So glad we kept on running. I was in the supermarket at lunchtime waiting in the express checkout queue (which was about 10 deep, so not really express at all!!) and I had this old couple standing behind me. My god, please shoot me if I ever whinge as much as this couple did!! Didn't matter what the subject was, all I could hear was them complaining about it!! Is that what happens as you get older? Is there nothing good in life to talk about at that age?? Alana's Quote: "Can't remember!" (when asked what she did at school today!)

Monday 21st August

2006-08-21T22:17:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game Another late night last night meant that I didn't get out of bed this morning for the spin class I was hoping to do. At least I turned the alarm off so that I didn't get woken up early. No alcohol yesterday - Yay me! It got to about 5pm and I was so haning out for a glass of champers. I knew there was also a full bottle of Jack Daniels in the cupboard but I'd asked hubby not to open the bottle as I'd like to try and go back to restricting the alcohol to weekends only, and if he opened the bottle I knew how easy it would be to come in from work and pour myself a glass or two! Netball tonight was tough. Michelle wasn't playing, and the other girl who normally swaps with Michelle wasn't playing either, so I got to play center for 3 quarters of the game. Yep, I certainly got a good workout! Haven't played center in a long time so I may feel it a bit tomorrow. I did, however, manage to lose my temper a little bit with the girl who I was playing against. She kept stopping right in front of me deliberately so that I would plough into her and she would get a free pass. Really got me peed off and in the end I asked her why she was doing it (probably not in the friendliest tone). She told me I should keep further away from her!! WTF!!! Alana's Quote: "It's as good as bronze!" (bronze, gold, it's all the same to her!!).

Sunday 20th August

2006-08-21T16:19:00.000+10:00

More photos....Blogger doesn't want to play and wouldn't let me upload any more on the previous post.

BACK OF SPARK DRIVER, TIGER BOY, EAT EM, ROBYN, MICHELLE, CHILLIMAN

BELLARINE TRAIL, TOWARDS GEELONG

BELLARINE TRAIL, TOWARDS QUEENSCLIFF

THE FINISH LINE

MICHELLE, ROBYN, EAT EM, CHILLIMAN, TIGERBOY

QUEENSCLIFF

Sunday 20th August

2006-08-21T15:48:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 34km Bike Ride - Bellarine Rail Trail A very early start this morning. TigerBoy appeared on my doorstep at 5.30am. We went past Michelle's house and picked her up and got down to Geelong at about 7am. There was already a crowd of runners in the carpark. Michelle and I nipped off to the loos, which were inside the Geelong Showgrounds. There was a market setting up there and I stopped off to get a Latte and a toasted Bacon & Egg sarnie, then proceeded to eat and drink in front of everyone (sorry guys!!). It was a great trail to ride and run along. I had my MP3 player plugged into one ear so that I could still chat to Michelle, and then proceeded to sing most of the way along the trail. I'm sure it made Michelle run that much faster just so we could get to the end and I would stop singing!! It was a beautiful day too. Maybe a little bit too windy, but it certainly didn't take long to warm up. I even had to slap some sunscreen on Michelle's shoulders! Michelle probably didn't have the best of runs today, but she still kept on going to the end. Great effort Chick! I just know you're going to do it easy on Race day! It was great to say hi to Steve, Spark Driver, Eat Em, Chilliman and all the new people that I met yesterday. Took a few photos of the day. Steve and Spark Driver have some photos on their blog too!

MICHELLE

EAT EM, MICHELLE

CHILLIMAN, SPARK DRIVER, TIGER BOY

BEFORE THE START

Saturday 19th August

2006-08-19T16:00:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 8km Run - Local Run My body was screaming to go for a run so I made myself get up when the alarm went off at 7am even though I didn't go to bed until midnight last night! I had to wait for a little while for ahem...'things' to happen before I could head out the door, but once that was all out of the way I was off and running. Of course I hadn't checked my MP3 player for battery life and it died at about the 3km mark so the rest of the run was agony, listening to my own pathetic breathing!! I'd really wanted to do a 10km run but due to the loss of time before the run I could only do 8km as I had to be home around 8am to get ready to watch Alana doing her gymnastics. I actually think that 8km was enough for the old body though. I felt quite wrecked once I'd stopped running. I think that may have something to do with the fact that I included little 6 second bursts of speed every 5 minutes or so during the run. Not sure if it made much difference, but it sure worked the legs a bit! I'm not sure if this enforced rest has been good for my body or not. I certainly felt like I'd lost a bit of fitness during the run, even though it's only been 6 days since I've done any running, but I have to take into account also that I haven't been well, I've eaten pretty badly and I've drunk an excess of JD this week too!! As there is only about 7 weeks before the Melbourne 1/2 Marathon I need to seriously get back into some proper training so that I can at least run the distance with Michelle, who will be relying on me to help her get through the second half of the marathon. Okay I just need to pull my finger out and get things into perspective with regards to both my eating and running (and alcohol consumption!!). I can do this, I know I can! Alana's Quote: "Your hair's really messy Mum" (I'd just got out of bed!)

Thursday 17th August

2006-08-17T22:15:00.000+10:00

Well I've done a bit fat zilch exercsie wise this week. The cold returned with a vengence on Monday night. I got up so many times during the night to blow my nose, get a drink of water and go to the loo that I was a walking zombie when the alarm went off. I even SMS'd Michelle at about 4am to tell her that I wouldn't be running. And I had every intention of running when I went to bed too. Yes I had a little bit of a sniffle but it kicked in really badly during the night!! Hence my lack of doing anything, apart from overeating and also drinking way too much Jack Daniels. One of my work colleagues went to China and whilst coming back through Duty Free, picked me up 2 litres of the golden amber!! I've got into this little habit of pouring a drink as soon as I walk in the door, followed by another...not good! I'm just getting over the cold now so hopefully I'll be able to get out for a run on Saturday morning. It'll have to be early though as Alana has a competition with her Gymnastics so I'll have to be there for that! On Sunday a few of the ESRG are heading down to Geelong to do a Fat Ass Bellarine Rail Trail Run. As Michelle is going to run I thought it would be nice to ride along with her again (I'm definitely not fit enough to run 34km!). Of course that means leaving home at 5.30am to get to Geelong for 8am!! At least it's going to be a nice day! Check out this website - Running for Fitness. I pinched it from LBTEPA....thankyou! It's got so much information on it. Makes for some very thoughtful reading. Alana's Quote: Hubby: "I could do that" (watching Stunt Motor Cycle riders on TV) Alana: "No you couldn't Daddy, you'd hurt yourself!"

Monday 14th August

2006-08-14T16:02:00.000+10:00

I really should learn that if I have a late night I very rarely will get out of bed at 5.30am!! Once again I had every intention of doing a spin class this morning but as I didn't actually close my eyes until nearly 12.30am I decided not to even bother considering it, so I turned the alarm off before I fell asleep. Even when it went off at 6.45am I still wanted to just turn over and go back to sleep! I've had some real wins today. Firstly the man from Westinghouse came out this morning to fix my beloved fridge. One look at it confirmed that it was definitely the compressor that had failed. I asked him how long it was going to take to fix, as it was costing me $30 for every 15 minutes of his time. I think he must have heard the pain in my voice as he decided that I could have the whole thing done under warranty. This meant that both his time and the parts were going to cost me NOTHING!! I was so happy I could have hugged him! Instead I offered him a cup of coffee! Then at lunch time I took a pair of Alana's school shoes back to the shop that I bought them from as the stitching had come away at the sides and her foot had come right through. Now I didn't have the docket or the box any more as I didn't think that the shoes were going to deteriorate so rapidly (she's only been wearing them since the beginning of this term). I was more than happy when the sales lady offered to swap them for a new pair! Yippee!! Haven't told you the saga about the car that we were selling on Ebay have I? Well it sold last Wednesday and we haven't heard from the winning bidder at all, despite many emails asking them to ring us so that we can organise to move the car (god I despise these people!!). Anyway we've offered it to the next highest bidder and they've accepted the offer based on the "Buy it Now" price. I'm happy with that, so at least the car has been sold again. Alana's Quote: "Nice crack Daddy!" (Hubby's ankle cracked when he moved his foot!)

Sunday 13th August

2006-08-13T19:51:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 13.5km Run - Lilydale/Croydon Football Oval Hubby very kindly offered to take Alana swimming this morning so that I could watch the City 2 Surf on the TV. And I SO wanted to be there. I'm still kicking myself that I didn't go. I even considered jumping on a plane yesterday morning and flying up there!! Michelle did really well. 77 something I think. And she was going to pick me up one of those red hats that everyone was wearing. Well even if I didn't go I'm sure going to look like I did!! Today's long run was a bit of a catastrophe! I really wanted to run MMCT but we were a bit worried that Alana may have had a few problems with the trail as she's got a new bike and wasn't too confident riding it, so we thought that Lilydale Lake might have been a better option. I got 2 laps done before all hell let loose and she had a big hissy fit (won't go into details!!). We then decided that we'd find a fairly quiet area so that she could fly her new kite that Hubby had bought her. So I ended up doing laps of Croydon Footy Oval. Wasn't too boring as the sun was out, I could watch Alana and Hubby trying to get the kite in the air, and 400 metres comes around very quickly!! Had to stop after about 6.5km as Alana had enough of the kite and wanted to go home! I was going to run home but the lure of the car, the fact that I wasn't feeling 100% and also my stomach was growling made getting into the car a very easy choice!! Alana's Quote: Me: "I've told you 4 times already Alana" Alana: "Actually it was only 3 times Mum!"

Friday 11th July

2006-08-11T15:53:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Pump Class I think I'm going to hurt tomorrow. Today's pump class was one of the older versions and there was lots of squats, lunges and bicep/tricep curls. Still a great class though! The body pump instructor was telling everyone that it was her daughter's debutante ball tonight and she'd been having a really hard time finding a dress to wear. Couldn't understand why as she has a great figure. It seems that she's a bit self conscious about her arms as they are very toned and muscly (probably due to the amount of body pump classes she teaches) and she wants to cover them up. Now if I had those arms (think Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2) I'd be parading them about like nobody's business. I'm off out tonight to see Babba. I'm a closet Abba fan and can probably sing along to most of their songs. My favourite is probably Honey Honey or Ring Ring!! I won't be dressing up though! And I want to say good luck to my bestest buddy Michelle. She's running the City to Surf in Sydney this weekend. I would have loved to have gone with her, and looking back now I'm not sure why I didn't go. Would have been a great girly weekend away. Free travel, free accommodation and a great environment....what was I thinking when I said NO!! Alana's Quote:"Mum, it's paining me" (she had a headache!)

Sunset

2006-08-10T15:57:00.000+10:00

I took these photos on the camera phone as I was leaving work a couple of weeks ago. (Hence bad quality) It looked like pink lightning on the horizon.

Thursday 10th August

2006-08-10T14:05:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10.5km Run - Croydon Hills Wasn't it a great morning for a run. Slightly chilly but not cold enough to cause a frost. Michelle met me at my place and we did our hilly run again this morning. We also both donned our new lights that attach to the peak of our cap (if you click on the link the light is about half way down the page). They are really cool and with both our lights blazing we could see well in front of us. Everyone we ran past commented on them!! (Just hope we didn't blind them!) We even managed to shave 2 minutes off the last time we ran this course. I think that this run and the Yarra Trail run are my favourite runs at the moment. This run is just enough to keep the heart rate up without killing yourself on the uphill bits and easy enough to get your breath back on the downhill bits!! It's amazing how much I love my fridge without even realising it!! It stopped pushing any cold air through the fridge and freezer last week, so we called out a serviceman to have a look at it. $60 later and not much more we were informed that we should contact Westinghouse to get their technician to come and look at it as it would probably be a cheaper option as the parts would still be under warranty (the fridge is only 30 months old). Anyway, in the meantime we brought in our new fridge (luckily we had already bought all the appliances for our new kitchen) so that we wouldn't be without a fridge. I am not liking this new fridge at all. I just can't seem to bond with it!! It's much smaller than our old one, which would have been okay if the big one had still been working, but there just doesn't seem to be much room in it for anything, and it just doesn't feel 'right'. Happy to say that the big fridge is being fixed on Monday and will be back in it's rightful place!! Alana's Quote: "Daddy, can you plug out please, I need to tell you something!" (Hubby had his headphones in!!).

Tuesday 8th August

2006-08-08T14:58:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - Mullum Mullum Creek Trail I wasn't sure how I'd go this morning doing a 10km run. It's been 8 days since I've done any running so was a little bit apprehensive that I'd be able to do a straight 10km without feeling the loss of fitness. It was easy!! Yep, I felt absolutely great, and probably could have kept on going if I'd had the time. The legs felt really comfortable, with no niggles at all from the knee either! Can you tell I'm happy!! Now I've been struggling a little bit with the distance running. Am finding it increasingly difficult to finish 20km without feeling like a 70 year old woman! Yet running along the MMCT I'm sure that I could run the 20km without even thinking about it. How weird is that!! How mental is the brain sometimes in our thought process?? In fact, I may even do that this weekend. It means that I've got to run it end to end 4 times, but thinking about actually doing it, I have no real negative thoughts of not being able to do it as it's just such an easy trail to run. Will let you know how I go!! Is anyone else already addicted to Australian Idol? Okay, so I'm a reality TV junkie. At least it doesn't start until 7.30pm so I've got time to do stuff before I sit down on the couch!! And what happened to Yasmin???. Luckily I wasn't really interested in watching that one, and wasn't too surprised when it was taken off air!! Alana's Quote: "Please don't fuss me about it!" (we were hassling her about something, supposedly!!)

Monday 7th August

2006-08-07T22:47:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game How bizarre is this....I woke up this morning when the alarm went off, only to realise that it was the second alarm, not the first one. I do remember turning off the first alarm (it goes off at 5.45am) as I'd wanted to get up and do a spin class, but when I looked at the time it was 6.45am. I must have instantly fallen back to sleep once I'd turned off the first alarm without even knowing it....very spooky!! Needless to say I didn't get to my spin class this morning!! Which was a real shame as I was actually looking forward to going! (now that's a first!). My eating over the weekend, chocolate wise anyway, has been great. I haven't eaten any at all! I have, however, managed to knock back 2 bottles of champagne, a Calzone Pizza and a McFlurry!! And before you say anything, Oreo McFlurrys do not count as Chocolate in my book! We lost at Netball tonight, but at least it was a good runaround. That's all that really matters to me at the moment. I'm not that bothered if we win or lose as long as I get some good cardio out of it! Is that bad? Alana's Quote: "Dad, WHY are we even having this arguement?!"

Sunday 6th August

2006-08-06T16:17:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 34km Bike Ride - Warby Trail So my longed for run yesterday didn't eventuate. I woke up and realised that my lungs are still not at full capacity and I probably wouldn't be doing myself any favours if I tried to run. I decided that rather than run today I'd ride my bike and keep Michelle company instead. We met up at 7am at Mt Evelyn. TigerBoy, Eat Em, John & Ron were also there. The first 12km are pretty much all downhill, so there wasn't too much peddling, rather more braking!! There were still plenty of people on the trail even at 7am. We saw a Hot Air Balloon, which was an amazing sight as it was pretty close by. Don't they make one hell of a noise though!! Turned around at the 12km mark and started the climb back up to Mt Evelyn. On the bike it doesn't really feel like much of a hill, but I know from running it that looks are very deceptive and it's one of those inclines that just keeps going and going. Once we got to Mt Evelyn we said goodbye to John and Ron and continued on our way down to Lilydale. Once more the brakes were used regularly. Turned back around at Lilydale and made our way back up to Mt Evelyn. A great run by Michelle and the guys. I know that I'm definitely not fit enough to do those distances at all and I really take my hat off to them, especially Michelle who has worked so hard to get where she is now. We were going to stop at the coffee shop for coffees after the run/cycle but everyone had something to do this afternoon so it didn't happen. I want to say a huge thanks to my Hubby who was outside last night in the cold putting the bike rack thing on the car for me and getting my bike organised so that I didn't have to be mucking around with it at 6.30 this morning!! Took this photo of the trail whilst waiting for Michelle, who was otherwise occupied at the time!! Thanks to Steve, Frankie and Spark Driver who all played the inaugural trivia game! I have no idea how I got all 10 questions right, just lucky guesses I suppose!! Alana's Quote: "Mum I can't swallow, my pipes are blocked!"

Friday 4th August

2006-08-04T21:45:00.000+10:00

Back to work today. And boy, did the day go quickly or what!! I'm really looking forward to getting a run in tomorrow morning while Alana is at Gymnastics. Will probably only make it a short 7km run, but hopefully this will ease me back into the exercise without too much pain or suffering!! I've just seen the weather forecast for the coming week and all I can say is SPRING IS NEARLY HERE!!! We're in for some really nice sunny weather - YES!! I'm a real trivia quiz nut so I thought I might create one of my own. If you look at the top right of the blog, there's a button to a trivia quiz that I created. It's loads of fun, so go on, log in and have a go!! Hopefully you'll all come back daily, even if it's just to play the game!! Alana's Quote:"I'm good at thinking aren't I?"

Thursday 3rd August

2006-08-03T18:34:00.000+10:00

Hello World!! Have just resurfaced from the depths of snot, tissues, flegm, coughing fits, chills, sweats and everything else you could possibly think sounds downright disgusting!! Have done nothing at all since Monday. No energy, no oomph, no nothing!! I did go into work yesterday morning as my boss flew back in, but he didn't arrive at work until about lunchtime. I only stayed as long as was necessary to tie up a few things for him and then I was back at home, slobbing on the couch! One good thing (if there is one) is that my stomach has shrunk drastically. I know it's probably not the best way to lose weight, but it's certainly a good kick start. I have had no urges for food at all, just my chocolate milk. I've reverted to drinking my chocolate protein powder rather than Nesquick, which I hope is a better alternative!! Oh yeah, another good thing about being home is that I've managed to put a couple of things on Ebay for sale. If anyone's interested I've put a link on the right hand side. Speaking of Ebay, does everyone else have an Ebay "corner" where everything gets dumped so that it can be photographed and advertised on Ebay? I keep looking at the ever increasing pile and thinking how untidy the corner looks, then walking past it and ignoring it!! Love Ebay!! Alana's Quote: "Leave it to the professionals Dad!"

Monday 31st July

2006-07-31T21:34:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Spin Class I dragged myself out of bed this morning to do a spin class at the gym. I almost didn't get out of bed, but as I didn't actually feel too unwell, I talked myself into getting up and going. And I'm so glad that I did. It was a really good class. I thought that perhaps it might cause me a bit of pain in my knees, but there was none at all. I think I'll make this a regular class. It was nice to keep the legs moving after a long run but without all the jarring that running brings to them. Now for the whinge!! I'm sick. Went to work feeling a bit lightheaded and with a sore throat. By the time I sat at my desk my body had started to get the chills and aches. I had to clear up a few things before I could leave, so didn't actually get to sit down on my couch and feel sorry for myself until about 2pm. Then the aches really kicked in. I took a couple of flu tablets later in the afternoon and miraculously the aches have now gone. It's just my throat that's giving me grief. Feels like someone has shoved a huge piece of sandpaper down there. Very hard to swallow. Have been sucking on Butter Menthols all afternoon (can't stomach anything stronger). Luckily my boss is overseas until Wednesday so at least I don't have to worry that I'm not there for him. I'll probably take tomorrow off to try and rest but will have to go back in to work on Wednesday (that's when he's back). Just hope that I don't spread too many germs!! Won't be playing Netball tonight and I'll miss my run with Michelle tomorrow morning too. Bummer. On a good note, I haven't eaten any chocolate since Friday...YAY! But saying that, I don't feel like eating anything at all at the moment. The appetite definitely disappears when I'm feeling unwell. The only thing I want at the moment is Chocolate Milk.....Oh, does that count as eating Chocolate?? Alana's Quote: "You're such a smarty pants Dad!"

Sunday 30th July

2006-07-30T20:01:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 20km Run - Dandy Creek Trail Michelle didn't want to run early this morning so it was nice to get up a bit later. I still had to get up farily early so that I had enough time for my breakfast to settle. The weather was really kind to us. It was a bit windy, but the sun stayed out pretty much most of the time we were out running. And there were so many people on the trail too. We ran towards The Basin, rather than over to Jells Park for a change. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. Running towards the hills, with the Dandenongs in full view is just amazing. Check it out below: (sorry, another crappy picture!) This is where we ran: I didn't run too well though. I have a sore lower back, which I've had for over a week now, my right calf if very tight and has been since last Sunday, and my ITB in my right knee is also playing up. I didn't wear my skins today as it was fairly warm, but I noticed pretty much straight away that my knee didn't feel supported at all. And of course I'm hobbling around like an old woman now!! Must call Corrie and arrange a massage. Hopefully she'll be able to fix me up. I want to thank you all for your supportive comments. I don't feel so bad knowing that I'm not the only one who just can't say NO to chocolate. I'm happy to report that none has passed my lips today....hooray!! And what was it Stu said - oh yeah "Chocolate is yuk, chocolate is yuk!!" I don't think I'm going to be able to beat this cold/flu thing. My throat is becoming progressively sorer and my nose is now starting to run quite a lot. I did everything in my power to keep the bugs at bay even resorting, as Rae also did, to following Hubby around with the Glen 20 and spraying everything that he touched and everywhere that he sat or laid. I probably needed to start doing this when Alana was sick rather than waiting until Hubby got the bug. Oh well, I'll just see how it all pans out. Alana's Quote: "Dad how come you always whinge about it and I never do?" (talking about playing her PSP!!)

Saturday 29th July

2006-07-29T20:00:00.000+10:00

Hi, my name is J and I'm an addict. Yep, that's right, I have to admit that I am totally addicted to chocolate. I don't think there is a day goes by where I don't shove some form of chocolate into my big gob!! I would also go so far as to say that I would be close to being called a binge eater of the stuff. I'm definitely not at the bulimic stage, but all the traits are there, and if I got that desparate, I wouldn't even think twice about puking!! (Gasp...I know, I know!!) Yesterday was a prime example. There were chocolate biscuits in the tin at work, so I grabbed a handful to have with my coffee in the morning. I then went home for lunch and ate normally (ham and cheese sandwich). I then made a beeline for the supermarket, which is located on the way back to work, and picked up a packet of chocolate bullets, a packet of smarties and a small packet of caramello chocettes. The smarties were eaten on the way back to work, followed by the chocettes once I'd got back to my desk. The bullets wern't far behind them. I felt a bit sick after I'd gorged myself, but within about an hour I considered getting more chocolate biscuits from the tin. The only reason I didn't was because I had to get up and walk into the meeting room, which I couldn't be bothered doing as I was so full and bloated!! My hubby is the most supportive person I know, yet I am always too ashamed to admit to him what I've eaten, even though I know that he will never judge me. I do eventually tell him, but it's normally only after he's guessed that maybe I've eaten junk. And the only reason he can tell is because I'm normally too full to eat any dinner and end up eating nothing at all in the evening becuase I just cannot justify eating any more food. I don't know what to do about this problem, and it really is a problem. I feel like such a fraud as I put on this huge front so people think that I'm this real healthy, fit person, whereas all I'm doing is trying to keep the fat off by exercising like crazy!! My bingeing is strictly limited to work time. Once I get home there is far too much for me to do to even consider eating. Work is the problem. I am bored most of the time. I do not have enough work to keep me busy. I can count on two hands the amount of days that I've been busy all day. And on those days the thought of eating doesn't even enter my head. So I can pinpoint the bingeing to boredom. But how do I fill in that time? I can't really turn around and tell my boss that I'm bored!! And I do actually like my job so I wouldn't really consider looking for something else, but I need to fill in my time. Hubby has suggested that maybe I could go back through some of my computing books to try and pick up Javascript and VB script again. I failed miserably at both of these languages previously. It's definitely something to think about. I could always get back into web site designing, something I really enjoyed during the course I did. Anyone want a basic website built for them??? I want to learn to speak French. I have always had a yearning to learn French, but when I did take a language course it was in Japanese instead!! God only knows why I chose one of the hardest languages in the world to learn, but I did that for a year. Of course I can't remember any of it! So maybe I could find a website that offers free french lessons. I could sit at my desk with my headphones (when my boss isn't around of course!!) and chat to myself in French - Oui?? Okay, I've rambled for long enough. Thanks for listening!

Friday 28th July

2006-07-28T09:54:00.000+10:00

Well everything has gone to pot!! I wanted to do a body attack class last night as I really enjoyed it last week. BUT....I got home to find a very sick hubby tucked up on the couch with a thick blanket and a hot water bottle, filling the house with flu germs!! So of course I couldn't go and leave him could I?? Wouldn't have been very fair to dump Alana on him and swan off to do the class. Instead I thought that I'd get up early and do a pump class this morning at the gym. I've had a bit of a niggle in my lower back since last week and it hasn't really gone away. Last night it really kicked in and now I have a very sore spot!! I didn't go. Woke up when the alarm went off and it was still quite painful so thought I'd better do the right thing and rest it. Hubby and I were supposed to be going up to town for a night out (it was his birthday this week). We were going to stay at the Rialto on Collins. I've had to ring up this morning and cancel as there's no way that he's going to be well enough to do anything on the weekend. This also means rescheduling my long run as I was going to run with Michelle tomorrow morning while Hubby took Alana to Gymnastics. I'll now take her, which means the long run is out. Will probably run with Michelle on Sunday now, if she can make it. Alana was also looking forward to staying over at Michelle's house tomorrow night(babysitter) and I've had to let Alana know that she's not going now. She wasn't very happy about that, especially when she found out that they have Sing Star on PS2!! So it looks like I'll be donning the nurses uniform for Hubby(ooh er!!), trying to keep Alana entertained, and avoiding germs at all costs!! I've got a little bit of a sore throat at the moment, but if I keep up the vitamins, exercise and total denial of getting flu/cold I should be right!! And I will get around to reading everyone's blogs soon. Work has been absolutely manic this week!! Alana's Quote: "Mum this is just so ridiculous!"

Thursday 27th July

2006-07-27T16:20:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10.2km Run - Croydon Hills Had to change our run to an early morning one as Michelle had a lunch time appointment today. We decided to run some hills, even though both of us were whining and moaning about it before we even started running!! Michelle met me at my place and we set out in the gloom and fog!! Our first hill was probably the steepest. Great start there. Both of us were totally out of breath and gasping for air, calves screaming, within about 10 minutes of the run. The rest of the run was a doddle in comparison, with alot of rolling hills. We waved as we ran past Beki's place! And of course we had to run back up the last hill that we'd barrelled down at the start of the run, so a good hill to end the run also. Funny, but I really enjoyed it. Was great to run somewhere different, even if it was all pavement. There were quite a few people about running or walking their dogs and loads of cars on the roads, so it felt quite safe too. Will definitely do that run again. Here's a map of whre we ran: You can see a few inconsistencies where the GPS was out. Alana's Quote: "Geez Dad are you trying to annoy me?"

Tuesday 25th July

2006-07-25T18:59:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - Mullum Mullum Creek Trail The fog this morning really kept the temperatures down so it was a pretty nippy 10km run Michelle and I had. And out my way the fog didn't actually lift till about 2pm!! I picked up my new trainers last week (can't remember if I told you all the saga!) anyway they are not the yellow and white ones that I currently have and was expecting as they are exactly the same shoe that I ordered last time. The new ones I got are blue and white. Now being the girly girl that I am, I much prefer the yellow and white ones and wrote back to the people that I bought them from explaining this and asking what the difference was. The people responded by saying they were happy to change them for the yellow and white ones, but of course it means that I have to send them back to Scotland which is going to cost me about $30, in which case I could have easily picked them up here for the extra cost. I got another email back explaining that the reason they are a different colour is because they brought out a spring/summer one (the yellow and white) and an autumn/winter one (blue and white) so in effect I have the newer version. I have decided to live with them as I couldn't justify spending an extra $30 just because of the colour!! Alana's Quote: "Oh no, Dad's got the sniffers!" (she meant sniffles).

Monday 24th July

2006-07-24T21:40:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Netball Game Calves are still quite sore, so I was hobbling around a little bit today. Luckily all seems fine with my knee, which was also quite tender after the 1/2 yesterday. It's my lower back which is probably the sorest (is that a word??). I made the most of the good weather on the weekend and did alot of gardening, mostly weeding where I was bent over. The back now hurts too. At least the quads aren't sore!! It was our first Netball game of the season....and we won!! I really didn't want to play tonight as I hadn't had a very good day at work, I'd had a pretty crappy night's sleep as my daughter is not very well and I had to get up to her a couple of times, so by the time I got home the last thing I wanted to do was get changed and walk back out the door to play Netball. A nice glass of champers and some junk food was more what I had in mind!! Glad to say that I'm feeling much better now. It's amazing how doing exercise can really wipe out all those crappy, pityful, woe is me type thoughts!! Okay, off to bed as I've got to get up early to meet Michelle in the morning!!

Sunday 23rd July

2006-07-23T15:58:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Sri Chinmoy Princes Park 1/2 Marathon When I went to bed last night I had to put some Tiger Balm on my calves as they were still very sore from doing both the Body Attack class on Thursday night and the Body Pump class on Friday morning. I really wanted to wake up and not have sore calves. Woke up this morning with sore calves (sigh!). Knowing that Michelle and I were only going to be running at 6.15 pace gave me some encouragement that I would probably get through it without too much pain. Met up with all the usual suspects once we got to Princes Park. It had rained a little bit on the way there and I was praying that it would stop once we got there....which it did!! Michelle was actually doing the 30km event today, and as I was only running the 1/2 marathon, she had to do a 1.1km dog leg with me at the start of the race so that we could continue to run together, so she actually ran 31.1km!! Started off well, trying to keep to our pace. The only downside of today's run was the other dog leg which was a nice incline down the hill, followed by a short, but very sharp rise up a hill, followed by a nice downhill bit again, then the turnaround, which meant that we had to run back up the hill that we'd just come down, back down a short, but sharp, hill and then back up onto the main track again....after the first time all I could think about was that I was going to have to do that another 3 times!!! And to make it even worse, every time we ran past the start/finish line we could smell the pancakes they were cooking for everyone who had finished....aagghhh!! My calves started to give out on the last lap, and I did have to have a little walk on one of the uphill bits on the dog leg. I passed Gav over to Michelle just before I finshed so that she could keep herself on track and could see what her pace was. Oops - Michelle now wants a Garmin!! Finished in 2.08, which was just fine with me, especially as we wern't racing, and also taking into account the 2 minute toilet break during the run!! I was very disappointed to see that they were nearly out of pancake mixture, so I was rationed to only 1 pancake!! And after all the effort I'd taken to bring my lemon and sugar too!! Waited for everyone to finish the 30km's. Michelle did really well, and ran the last 10km in about 54 minutes!! A huge congratulations to Emma, who had a fantastic run today in the 5km event - Way to go Em!! Here are some photos from today. Click the thumbnails to enlarge!! Alana's Quote: "Mum, you're not stupid!!"

Friday 21st July

2006-07-21T12:39:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Pump Class - Gym Oh how my calves screamed at me this morning when doing lunges!! Because the Body Attack class I did last night is pretty much jumping up and down the whole time, the poor old calves really copped a pounding! I added a bit more weight this morning and it felt fine. I'm feeling a little bit achy right now, but that could be a combination of the weights and also the arm movements from last night, as we had our arms punching in the air or out front for the majority of the time!! On the weather front...WTF!!! Check out the temperature when when I put my little tooties out of the bed this morning (5.30am)! Got sent an email yesterday which had loads of different slogans that had been seen on t-shirts. Reminds me of the black t-shirt I've got in my drawer that was given to me as a christmas present one year. It says: "Oi, stop staring at my tits!!" The writing is quite small so you have to be quite close to read it. You can probably understand why I don't wear it out too often!! Am toying with the idea of playing a game of Squash tonight, but don't want to totally kill myself when I know that I've got a 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. I suppose I could use tomorrow as a rest day....hmmm!!

Thursday 20th July (Part 2)

2006-07-20T21:32:00.000+10:00

Exercise: Body Attack Class - Gym OMFG!!! I've just come back from this class. It's the first time that I've been to one of these classes as they haven't had them at my gym before now. What can I say - it was so awesome. I absolutely loved it. If you want a continuous high impact, sweat inducing, heart rate raising workout, then this is the one for you. The girl who took the class said that you can burn off 1000 calories doing this class....I'm there every week if that's the case!! I felt a little bit of pulling in my knee on a couple of moves, and I realised that my ankles have very little strength in them as we did this shuffling sideways move (fast shuffling), and this killed!! Must try and do some skiing moves to strengthen them a bit. The only down side to this class is that it's at 6.30pm so hubby is going to have to get home by 6pm for me to get there. I wonder if I ask them nicely enough, they might consider putting this class on a Monday morning, early, as there's nothing going on then. Can only try!!

Thursday 20th July

2006-07-20T16:15:00.000+10:00

Exercise: 10km Run - Lunchtime - North Croydon How fantastic was the weather today!! Beautiful clear blue skies, hardly any wind.....perfect!! You wouldn't have believed it at 8.00 this morning though. Fog, and I mean thick fog, right through the valley. It was only when you got up a bit higher that it cleared. Anway it was a lovely run in the sunshine (it had cleared by midday) and makes me long even more for summer. I have a goal. I want to run the Paris Marathon in 2008. I've got no idea where this goal came from, but it just came to me yesterday. It is run the week before the London Marathon, so I can do Paris, then jet over to the UK to watch the London Marathon, catch up with all my family and friends while I'm there and have a great shopping trip while in London. I've also asked Michelle if she wants to come with me. I think she fell off her chair! It shouldn't cost more than about $2,500 as we won't have to pay for accommodation in the UK, and if we make Paris a quick stop that shouldn't cost too much for accommodation either. Better start saving my pennies!! Alana's Quote: "Mum this is the best thing you've ever bought me!" (it was a dressing gown!!)