Mbote,
Well today is the anniversary of my journey & tomorrow the first real posting on my blog. As such I will put up my end-of-year results tomorrow, but today, here are some of my accomplishments recently.
Christmas morning I did the below 47k ride on my brand new road bike - my xmas present to myself:
The day after boxing day I am very proud of my best effort yet in a run - I did a 21k run in 1 hour 50 mins - my longest and fastest average speed run ever!:
Cool huh!
So tomorrow, my results!
Catch you then
Happy New Year!
Pete
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
I went a bit overboard! Magnesium needed!
Privet,
Well this weekend was quite big exercise wise – and I didn’t even have any competitions on!
After a normal week of exercise (but I did have Tuesday off as I was still sore from the Triathlon) I was gearing up for a big weekend.
Saturday I planned a big session in the gym + a swim. I got into the gym at 8am, and did a big weights session, then interval training on the treadmill, and 3 sets of 500m on the rower. I was going to swim, but really didn’t feel like it – so as a compromise I told myself I must do it on Sunday. Which would make Sunday a massive day – and it was.
Sunday I was out at about 7:45 and headed out for a BIG ride! I rode up the Pacific Hwy, the on to Willoughby Road, along Penshurst thru Chatswood, down the Roseville Bridge, all the way down Warringah Road to Dee Why beach, along the beaches to Manly, over the Spit bridge, along Military Road, then home! 39 k’s in total – if you don’t know where that all is – here’s a map:
It was 1hour 45 mins, and I averaged over 22km/h – hills & all! Loved it!
Lunch time to get out in the sun, I went for a small bush walk, the in the arvo I ran from home, across the bridge to Pyrmont & the Ian Thorpe pool to do my swim. I planned 1 k in the pool but at half way I started getting some severe cramps – so I had to get out. After a small recovery I ran home – the run was over 10k’s too!
So today I have invested in some Magnesium tablets – to help with the cramping. Normally if I get cramps, it’s because I did not drink enough water, but I drank heaps yesterday – so it must not have been that. Ben has told me several times that magnesium helps, so I got myself a bottle today – hopefully with some time, I should be cramping no more!
So that’s me to-date – I’ll let you know if the magnesium tabs make a difference!
Cheers
Pete
Well this weekend was quite big exercise wise – and I didn’t even have any competitions on!
After a normal week of exercise (but I did have Tuesday off as I was still sore from the Triathlon) I was gearing up for a big weekend.
Saturday I planned a big session in the gym + a swim. I got into the gym at 8am, and did a big weights session, then interval training on the treadmill, and 3 sets of 500m on the rower. I was going to swim, but really didn’t feel like it – so as a compromise I told myself I must do it on Sunday. Which would make Sunday a massive day – and it was.
Sunday I was out at about 7:45 and headed out for a BIG ride! I rode up the Pacific Hwy, the on to Willoughby Road, along Penshurst thru Chatswood, down the Roseville Bridge, all the way down Warringah Road to Dee Why beach, along the beaches to Manly, over the Spit bridge, along Military Road, then home! 39 k’s in total – if you don’t know where that all is – here’s a map:
It was 1hour 45 mins, and I averaged over 22km/h – hills & all! Loved it!
Lunch time to get out in the sun, I went for a small bush walk, the in the arvo I ran from home, across the bridge to Pyrmont & the Ian Thorpe pool to do my swim. I planned 1 k in the pool but at half way I started getting some severe cramps – so I had to get out. After a small recovery I ran home – the run was over 10k’s too!
So today I have invested in some Magnesium tablets – to help with the cramping. Normally if I get cramps, it’s because I did not drink enough water, but I drank heaps yesterday – so it must not have been that. Ben has told me several times that magnesium helps, so I got myself a bottle today – hopefully with some time, I should be cramping no more!
So that’s me to-date – I’ll let you know if the magnesium tabs make a difference!
Cheers
Pete
Monday, November 30, 2009
My first ‘proud of’ shirt off photo below!
Nagaa,
Well it’s been another big month for me!
Here are the big things that I have achieved on top of my normal training and exercise
8th November – Rebel Sport 10k Fun Run – Time of 59.57
11th November – JP Morgan challenge – 5.6k run – Time of 30m30secs
22nd November – Swim leg of the Kurnell Triathlon – 750m in 17 mins
29th November – Nepean Triathlon – whole kit & caboodle – 1k swim, 30k ride, 10k run – completed in 1 h 27mins
I was happy with my time in the Rebel Sport race – I was aiming for under 60 mins. JP Morgan, not so happy, as I got a massive stitch and I had to walk for some time – I would have got about 28 mins the rate I was travelling I think! I went too hard at the start which is a hill, and killed myself! The Kurnell swim was not a big one, but it did give me a taste of a Triathlon prior to Nepean. I should have done better as I swam in the wrong direction for a bit!!
The Nepean Triathlon I completed has been my biggest achievement to date, and for a first attempt, I’m pretty happy with that!! The part I’m most pleased about is that in the Rebel run, I did 59.57, and in the Nepean, the run I did in 59.03 – almost a minute faster, considering I had also just done a swim & ride! Here are some photos from the Nepean Tri taken by the awesome Kath O’Connor who was on hand to provide me with lots of encouragement on the day…
On top of all of this I’ve been doing my normal exercise as well which looks like this;
Monday – Lunch – Monday Movers running group – 6-7 k run – 40mins
- Evening – High Energy Class run by Georgie from Bootcamp – 1 hour
Tuesday – Lunch – Pilates with Georgie – 1 hour
- Evening – Gym Session – weights & cardio – 90 mins
Wednesday – Lunch – Run to the Ian Thorpe Pool – 20 mins run, 20 mins swim
- Evening – Session with Ben for 60 mins
Thursday – Evening – Gym session - weights & cardio – 90 mins
Friday – Day off
Saturday & Sunday – Cardio – bike ride (30 k’s) & running + weights
So a fair bit! But I gotta keep it up, to keep it off!
So how did I do in November?
Here are my results:
Weight
Original – 150kg / Last month – 99.7 kg / Now 95.1 kg = a loss of 54.9kg!
Waist
Original - 157cm / Last month – 105 cm / Now – 102 cm = a loss of 55 cm
Chest
Original – 136cm / Last month – 107cm / Now – 104 cm = a loss of 32 cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / Last month – 64cm / Now – 61 cm = a loss of 20 cm
Body fat
Original - 45.5% / Last month – 28.8% / Now – 26.9 % = a loss of 18.6%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / Last month – 30.1% / Now – 31.2% = an increase of 11.1%
So I smashed my target of 96.7 – losing not 3, but 4.6 kilos in November! Woo Hoo!
The other thing is, according to the listings in Wikipedia – my bodyfat % is now in the ‘acceptable’ range! And now only 2cm to go until my waistline is ‘acceptable’ according to those government ads!
Any my target for December – It’s gonna be hard to do – but by the end of the year….
My target weight is 90 kilos!!!!!! – a loss of 60 in total for 2009, and 5.1 for December – wish me luck!!
Thanks for reading.
Pete
PS. My weight loss to-date equals….
Cindy Crawford!
Well it’s been another big month for me!
Here are the big things that I have achieved on top of my normal training and exercise
8th November – Rebel Sport 10k Fun Run – Time of 59.57
11th November – JP Morgan challenge – 5.6k run – Time of 30m30secs
22nd November – Swim leg of the Kurnell Triathlon – 750m in 17 mins
29th November – Nepean Triathlon – whole kit & caboodle – 1k swim, 30k ride, 10k run – completed in 1 h 27mins
I was happy with my time in the Rebel Sport race – I was aiming for under 60 mins. JP Morgan, not so happy, as I got a massive stitch and I had to walk for some time – I would have got about 28 mins the rate I was travelling I think! I went too hard at the start which is a hill, and killed myself! The Kurnell swim was not a big one, but it did give me a taste of a Triathlon prior to Nepean. I should have done better as I swam in the wrong direction for a bit!!
The Nepean Triathlon I completed has been my biggest achievement to date, and for a first attempt, I’m pretty happy with that!! The part I’m most pleased about is that in the Rebel run, I did 59.57, and in the Nepean, the run I did in 59.03 – almost a minute faster, considering I had also just done a swim & ride! Here are some photos from the Nepean Tri taken by the awesome Kath O’Connor who was on hand to provide me with lots of encouragement on the day…
On top of all of this I’ve been doing my normal exercise as well which looks like this;
Monday – Lunch – Monday Movers running group – 6-7 k run – 40mins
- Evening – High Energy Class run by Georgie from Bootcamp – 1 hour
Tuesday – Lunch – Pilates with Georgie – 1 hour
- Evening – Gym Session – weights & cardio – 90 mins
Wednesday – Lunch – Run to the Ian Thorpe Pool – 20 mins run, 20 mins swim
- Evening – Session with Ben for 60 mins
Thursday – Evening – Gym session - weights & cardio – 90 mins
Friday – Day off
Saturday & Sunday – Cardio – bike ride (30 k’s) & running + weights
So a fair bit! But I gotta keep it up, to keep it off!
So how did I do in November?
Here are my results:
Weight
Original – 150kg / Last month – 99.7 kg / Now 95.1 kg = a loss of 54.9kg!
Waist
Original - 157cm / Last month – 105 cm / Now – 102 cm = a loss of 55 cm
Chest
Original – 136cm / Last month – 107cm / Now – 104 cm = a loss of 32 cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / Last month – 64cm / Now – 61 cm = a loss of 20 cm
Body fat
Original - 45.5% / Last month – 28.8% / Now – 26.9 % = a loss of 18.6%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / Last month – 30.1% / Now – 31.2% = an increase of 11.1%
So I smashed my target of 96.7 – losing not 3, but 4.6 kilos in November! Woo Hoo!
The other thing is, according to the listings in Wikipedia – my bodyfat % is now in the ‘acceptable’ range! And now only 2cm to go until my waistline is ‘acceptable’ according to those government ads!
Any my target for December – It’s gonna be hard to do – but by the end of the year….
My target weight is 90 kilos!!!!!! – a loss of 60 in total for 2009, and 5.1 for December – wish me luck!!
Thanks for reading.
Pete
PS. My weight loss to-date equals….
Cindy Crawford!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I don’t need this blog anymore!
Shwmae,
Hi all, the above title doesn’t mean that I will stop writing this blog, I will continue to, however I did come to a realisation yesterday.
I don’t need this blog.
This blog was instrumental in my losing weight. It was the crux. The catalyst. The thing that made me do it. I was responsible to it. I was responsible to you. But most importantly, I had a way of recording my efforts – good and bad, and seeing those improvements on the screen, and this, along with your incredibly supportive feedback and those who have directly helped me, is what inspired me and pushed me to achieve.
Now however, I have reached a new phase.
This is what I do.
I no longer need to push myself to exercise or eat right. It’s just what I do. I enjoy it. I’m addicted! I LOVE IT! Ha-ha – what a turn-around!
So what am I going to do from here?
Well as of today, I am 97.2 kilos. And I’m working hard towards my 90kg final goal. I will continue to put my monthly results and goals on the blog. I will also make sure that I put one or 2 updates per month here, as it is still a good record for me.
In the future I will be able to look back on this blog and smile.
So, 35 year old Pete, 40 year old Pete, when you’re reading this, remember how good you’re feeling right now, as a 33 year old who for the first time in his entire life, has achieved something significant, and is continuing along the path to reach his goals. This is me.
Next update – November results!
Ciao,
Pete
Hi all, the above title doesn’t mean that I will stop writing this blog, I will continue to, however I did come to a realisation yesterday.
I don’t need this blog.
This blog was instrumental in my losing weight. It was the crux. The catalyst. The thing that made me do it. I was responsible to it. I was responsible to you. But most importantly, I had a way of recording my efforts – good and bad, and seeing those improvements on the screen, and this, along with your incredibly supportive feedback and those who have directly helped me, is what inspired me and pushed me to achieve.
Now however, I have reached a new phase.
This is what I do.
I no longer need to push myself to exercise or eat right. It’s just what I do. I enjoy it. I’m addicted! I LOVE IT! Ha-ha – what a turn-around!
So what am I going to do from here?
Well as of today, I am 97.2 kilos. And I’m working hard towards my 90kg final goal. I will continue to put my monthly results and goals on the blog. I will also make sure that I put one or 2 updates per month here, as it is still a good record for me.
In the future I will be able to look back on this blog and smile.
So, 35 year old Pete, 40 year old Pete, when you’re reading this, remember how good you’re feeling right now, as a 33 year old who for the first time in his entire life, has achieved something significant, and is continuing along the path to reach his goals. This is me.
Next update – November results!
Ciao,
Pete
Monday, November 2, 2009
I’ve lost my favourite Actress!
Hello (you can already tell this is a big one -as I used english!),
Well it’s time for my end of month results, and this time I’ll say it up front….
I’VE DONE IT!!!!
Yes I’ve hit my goal of losing 50 kilos! I am now less than 100 kilos for the first time since I was about 16 years old.
Here are my results for the month – This has also meant that I have beaten (just) my target for the month – which was 99.9kg.
Weight
Original – 150kg / Last month - 104.9kg / Now – 99.7kg = a loss of 50.3
Waist
Original - 157cm / Last month - 111cm / Now - 105cm = a loss of 52cm
Chest
Original – 136cm / Last month – 111cm / Now - 107cm = a loss of 29cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / Last month – 64cm / Now – 62cm = a loss of 19cm
Body fat
Original - 45.5% / Last month - 30.7% / Now – 28.8% = a loss of 16.7%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / Last month – 29% / Now – 30.1% = an increase of 10%
Rather than the million words about what I have gotten up to since my last entry, here’s a quick run-down;
On top of riding to & from work everyday;
Monday
Lunch time - 5.5k run
After work - High-Energy Class with Georgie
Monday was also the first day since July 2 that I took public transport – it’s only because it was raining – I did run home though as well – 26 mins.
Tuesday
Lunch Time – Pilates with Georgie
After work – Gym session – 50 mins interval training on the treadmill & some weights
Wednesday
After work – Session with Ben in the gym – cardio & weights – 1 hour
+ JP Morgan Running boot camp – 1 hour
Thursday
After work – Gym session – fairly easy one as was quite sore from Tuesday & Wednesday – weights (30min) & cardio (20 min)
Friday - day off
Saturday
Morning - Gym session – 1.5 hours of weights & 1 hour of cardio + extende4d bike ride there & back
Afternoon – Bush walk in the Blue Mountains – 2 hours
Sunday
Big bike ride – 40 klms – from home, along the City 2 Surf route to Bondi Beach, up the hill to Centennial Park & 1 lap of the park, then to work where I did 40 mins of weights then back home!
Here’s a map of my route:
Goals from here? I ultimately want to now get to 90 kilos. When I get there, I owe myself the final prize (despite the sizzling body:-p) – a Jeep Wrangler!
Any my goal for November – 3 kilos – aiming for 96.7kgs.
So that’s me, and I’m happy.
Pete
P.S. My weight loss to-date equals the weight of my favourite actress – Sandra Bullock!
Well it’s time for my end of month results, and this time I’ll say it up front….
I’VE DONE IT!!!!
Yes I’ve hit my goal of losing 50 kilos! I am now less than 100 kilos for the first time since I was about 16 years old.
Here are my results for the month – This has also meant that I have beaten (just) my target for the month – which was 99.9kg.
Weight
Original – 150kg / Last month - 104.9kg / Now – 99.7kg = a loss of 50.3
Waist
Original - 157cm / Last month - 111cm / Now - 105cm = a loss of 52cm
Chest
Original – 136cm / Last month – 111cm / Now - 107cm = a loss of 29cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / Last month – 64cm / Now – 62cm = a loss of 19cm
Body fat
Original - 45.5% / Last month - 30.7% / Now – 28.8% = a loss of 16.7%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / Last month – 29% / Now – 30.1% = an increase of 10%
Rather than the million words about what I have gotten up to since my last entry, here’s a quick run-down;
On top of riding to & from work everyday;
Monday
Lunch time - 5.5k run
After work - High-Energy Class with Georgie
Monday was also the first day since July 2 that I took public transport – it’s only because it was raining – I did run home though as well – 26 mins.
Tuesday
Lunch Time – Pilates with Georgie
After work – Gym session – 50 mins interval training on the treadmill & some weights
Wednesday
After work – Session with Ben in the gym – cardio & weights – 1 hour
+ JP Morgan Running boot camp – 1 hour
Thursday
After work – Gym session – fairly easy one as was quite sore from Tuesday & Wednesday – weights (30min) & cardio (20 min)
Friday - day off
Saturday
Morning - Gym session – 1.5 hours of weights & 1 hour of cardio + extende4d bike ride there & back
Afternoon – Bush walk in the Blue Mountains – 2 hours
Sunday
Big bike ride – 40 klms – from home, along the City 2 Surf route to Bondi Beach, up the hill to Centennial Park & 1 lap of the park, then to work where I did 40 mins of weights then back home!
Here’s a map of my route:
Goals from here? I ultimately want to now get to 90 kilos. When I get there, I owe myself the final prize (despite the sizzling body:-p) – a Jeep Wrangler!
Any my goal for November – 3 kilos – aiming for 96.7kgs.
So that’s me, and I’m happy.
Pete
P.S. My weight loss to-date equals the weight of my favourite actress – Sandra Bullock!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Bootcamps & Boxing...
Tivea Sua s'dei,
I missed my update from last weekend - but there was a good reason - I WAS STUFFED! Yes last weekend I had my 2 day bootcamp up in Palm Beach and The Basin. I did the boot camp with 16 others, and it was a challenge - I had my ups and downs, but i'm very happy I did it. Here's a little run-down of what I did on that weekend.
Day One - Palm Beach
Flags - like the surf lifesavers do - lie on belly facing away from the flags by the waters edge and when the whistle goes - you race to the other end of the beach and grab one. Result - LAST!
Sprints - a 100m sprint along the beach. Result - 14th
Ins & Outs - Tread water 50 metres off shore, then get to shore asap & be the first to sit by a pole. Result - 4th!
Kayak - Paddle from Palm Beach to The Basin - a 3k tandem paddle - not a comp.
The Basin.
Short Course Iron Man - 3 short events in a row - Kayak for 500 metres, Swim 200 metres, Run 200 metres. Result - 8th.
Hill Run - a 5.6k course, starting with a almost 1 k VERY steep hill - it's so steep I could only run about 100m of it! Prob around 45 degrees. Result - I did it in 36 mins - 11th.
That was day one - and we ended the day with a BBQ and some great stories around a camp fire.
Day Two.
Kayak - a much longer route - 800 metres. Result - 10th
Cricket - Just a social game which was prob the first time I ever enjoyed cricket!
Mental Challenge - Answering a series of questions. Result - 3rd.
Long Course Iron Man - Swim / Hill Run / Kayak - This is where I dissappointed myself. The day was cold & rainy and I could not face the swim - despite it being my best event - so unfortunately I pulled out of the swim leg. I did do the Hill Run & Kayak though. Result - tied 13th (with the others that pulled out)
The day ended with a kayak back to the basin - 3k's and this time I did it by myself - I really enjoyed it too!
I had a great time on the boot camp, met some amazingly competitive and encouraging people, and pushed myself hard - but not as hard as I would have liked - I wish I had done the swim in the last leg - it also meant I would have completed the boot camp as well. Anyway I know what's involved now, and the final result was that I came 10th out of the 16 - not bad for a first timer. The next boot camp is in December - and I want to fully smash that one!
Here are a couple of photos from the days.
The Boot camp gang
At the end of my Kayak race
Needless to say when I was back at work on Monday I was pretty sore - walking like a robot etc! I did go to the gym on Monday arvo - just to do some walking to walk it off!
Tuesday I went to the gym after work - I bumped into Craig who ran (and won) the Bootcamp as he runs classes in the gym. Craig is training for a rowing contest in Melbourne - doing 4 mins on the rower as fast as he can. Craig did 1200m in 4 minutes - and after I spent 20 mins on the treadmill, I thought i'd jump on and show him how it's done!! Haha! How did I do - 1156 metres!! Craig said my form sucked, but that it was a very good row - and thinks that I have some potential there - he is going to help me with my form and maybe I could go to the comp next year!
Wednesday was a massive fitness day for me. I had a massage at 3pm, at 4pm I had the class that Ben has been running for us for months, then a new group has started to train for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge that I have entered. It's a 5.6k course in Centennial Park in November. Participants in the race can enter this group (which I did) and we went up to observatory hill where Ben proceeded to KILL US! Even Jase (who's one of the fittest guys I know - he did the boot camp - and the hill run in 25 mins - the new record) almost threw up after the final run! Thursday was a another day in the gym after work.
A few weeks ago Jeremy told me about a boxing group that was being held in Waverley Park - Bondi - and asked if I wanted in - and I don't think i've ever said no to a group yet!! So I headed in to the gym beforehand and did some weights & 15 mins on the treadmill, then borrowed some gloves and headed out for 60 mins of boxing in the sun. It was a good class and I learned a lot. Looking forward to the next group. I then went back to the gym & did another 20 mins on the cross trainer & treadmill! So pretty much from 8am to 1pm (with a 1 hour travelling break) I was exercising!
Today I set myself a challenge. I went to the gym with the intention of finding out how long it will take me to do the JP Morgan challenge. I had estimated that I would do it in 40 mins when I filled out the entry form. So after doing some weights, I set myself the challenge of doing the distance in 30 mins. I set the treadmill at a goal of 5.6kms, and started off at a 10 km/h pace. I soon realied that would not get me to my goal so I upped the speed to 11km/h, then 11.5 at the half way mark. That would have me finishing it at 30.5 mins - so I upped it even more, with the last few mins at 12.5, and then 13 km/h! My end time... 29.57!! I did it! Just!!
I caught up with some friends during the day, and by the time I got home at around 6pm, I couldn't face sitting on the couch watching TV!! What a change for me! Previously I wouldn't have been able to face doing exercise!! So I jumped on my bike and rode to my Brothers place in Balgowlah Heights! It was just over an hour & over 20 k's and I really enoyed it!
So that was my week, but this coming week I have some big things happening as well...
I'm starting up and organising a running group at Monday lunch time - I have about 7-8 people to join me in a 5k run around the shore line from work, and then in the evening i'm going to do a 'High Energy' class at work with Georgie who's a gym instructor at work who was also at the boot camp. I'm also going to have a go at doing Pilates on Tuesday lunch time, again with Georgie. So i'll let you know how that goes!
So this was a big one - and if you got this far, thanks for reading!
I missed my update from last weekend - but there was a good reason - I WAS STUFFED! Yes last weekend I had my 2 day bootcamp up in Palm Beach and The Basin. I did the boot camp with 16 others, and it was a challenge - I had my ups and downs, but i'm very happy I did it. Here's a little run-down of what I did on that weekend.
Day One - Palm Beach
Flags - like the surf lifesavers do - lie on belly facing away from the flags by the waters edge and when the whistle goes - you race to the other end of the beach and grab one. Result - LAST!
Sprints - a 100m sprint along the beach. Result - 14th
Ins & Outs - Tread water 50 metres off shore, then get to shore asap & be the first to sit by a pole. Result - 4th!
Kayak - Paddle from Palm Beach to The Basin - a 3k tandem paddle - not a comp.
The Basin.
Short Course Iron Man - 3 short events in a row - Kayak for 500 metres, Swim 200 metres, Run 200 metres. Result - 8th.
Hill Run - a 5.6k course, starting with a almost 1 k VERY steep hill - it's so steep I could only run about 100m of it! Prob around 45 degrees. Result - I did it in 36 mins - 11th.
That was day one - and we ended the day with a BBQ and some great stories around a camp fire.
Day Two.
Kayak - a much longer route - 800 metres. Result - 10th
Cricket - Just a social game which was prob the first time I ever enjoyed cricket!
Mental Challenge - Answering a series of questions. Result - 3rd.
Long Course Iron Man - Swim / Hill Run / Kayak - This is where I dissappointed myself. The day was cold & rainy and I could not face the swim - despite it being my best event - so unfortunately I pulled out of the swim leg. I did do the Hill Run & Kayak though. Result - tied 13th (with the others that pulled out)
The day ended with a kayak back to the basin - 3k's and this time I did it by myself - I really enjoyed it too!
I had a great time on the boot camp, met some amazingly competitive and encouraging people, and pushed myself hard - but not as hard as I would have liked - I wish I had done the swim in the last leg - it also meant I would have completed the boot camp as well. Anyway I know what's involved now, and the final result was that I came 10th out of the 16 - not bad for a first timer. The next boot camp is in December - and I want to fully smash that one!
Here are a couple of photos from the days.
The Boot camp gang
At the end of my Kayak race
Needless to say when I was back at work on Monday I was pretty sore - walking like a robot etc! I did go to the gym on Monday arvo - just to do some walking to walk it off!
Tuesday I went to the gym after work - I bumped into Craig who ran (and won) the Bootcamp as he runs classes in the gym. Craig is training for a rowing contest in Melbourne - doing 4 mins on the rower as fast as he can. Craig did 1200m in 4 minutes - and after I spent 20 mins on the treadmill, I thought i'd jump on and show him how it's done!! Haha! How did I do - 1156 metres!! Craig said my form sucked, but that it was a very good row - and thinks that I have some potential there - he is going to help me with my form and maybe I could go to the comp next year!
Wednesday was a massive fitness day for me. I had a massage at 3pm, at 4pm I had the class that Ben has been running for us for months, then a new group has started to train for the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge that I have entered. It's a 5.6k course in Centennial Park in November. Participants in the race can enter this group (which I did) and we went up to observatory hill where Ben proceeded to KILL US! Even Jase (who's one of the fittest guys I know - he did the boot camp - and the hill run in 25 mins - the new record) almost threw up after the final run! Thursday was a another day in the gym after work.
A few weeks ago Jeremy told me about a boxing group that was being held in Waverley Park - Bondi - and asked if I wanted in - and I don't think i've ever said no to a group yet!! So I headed in to the gym beforehand and did some weights & 15 mins on the treadmill, then borrowed some gloves and headed out for 60 mins of boxing in the sun. It was a good class and I learned a lot. Looking forward to the next group. I then went back to the gym & did another 20 mins on the cross trainer & treadmill! So pretty much from 8am to 1pm (with a 1 hour travelling break) I was exercising!
Today I set myself a challenge. I went to the gym with the intention of finding out how long it will take me to do the JP Morgan challenge. I had estimated that I would do it in 40 mins when I filled out the entry form. So after doing some weights, I set myself the challenge of doing the distance in 30 mins. I set the treadmill at a goal of 5.6kms, and started off at a 10 km/h pace. I soon realied that would not get me to my goal so I upped the speed to 11km/h, then 11.5 at the half way mark. That would have me finishing it at 30.5 mins - so I upped it even more, with the last few mins at 12.5, and then 13 km/h! My end time... 29.57!! I did it! Just!!
I caught up with some friends during the day, and by the time I got home at around 6pm, I couldn't face sitting on the couch watching TV!! What a change for me! Previously I wouldn't have been able to face doing exercise!! So I jumped on my bike and rode to my Brothers place in Balgowlah Heights! It was just over an hour & over 20 k's and I really enoyed it!
So that was my week, but this coming week I have some big things happening as well...
I'm starting up and organising a running group at Monday lunch time - I have about 7-8 people to join me in a 5k run around the shore line from work, and then in the evening i'm going to do a 'High Energy' class at work with Georgie who's a gym instructor at work who was also at the boot camp. I'm also going to have a go at doing Pilates on Tuesday lunch time, again with Georgie. So i'll let you know how that goes!
So this was a big one - and if you got this far, thanks for reading!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
You won’t hear Geri Haliwell on Triple M!
Tere päevast,
Well it’s been a month since my last entry, but that’s mostly because I was so busy preparing for going overseas (I didn’t even get my passport until the last minute), and then being away for 2 weeks. Needless to say I did have a brilliant time in Japan – it was great to have a break, and visit a truly unique country.
I didn’t really do anything that I planned to do, weight loss wise whilst in Japan. I had planned to do a run every morning, and eat nothing but sashimi the whole time – hence a massive weight loss. I only managed to do one run in that whole time, and I ended up eating too much western style food as well. I did a lot of walking, seeing the sights, but I also put on a kilo in that time, so really of the 4 weeks in September, I had 3 with no weight loss at all.
When it comes to the exercise I have done in September, except for Japan my month was pretty normal. I did do quite a few fitness groups and running groups at work, and I also completed the Spring Cycle last Sunday. I was supposed to just do the minimum 40 k’s, but I accidently did 50 k’s!! It was a great ride, and I was sooo sore afterwards.
So where am I up to now? As above, I’m now Triple M – as in 104.9!!
Here’s me for September:
Weight
Original - 150kg / August - 107.5 / Now - 104.9 = a loss of 45.1 kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / August – 111.5 / Now - 111 = a loss of = 46 cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / August - 110 / Now - 111 = a loss of 25 cm
This gain is actually a good thing – I’ve been doing a lot of chest exercises, so I’m happy for this to start going up!
Leg
Original - 81cm / August - 66 / Now - 64 = a loss of 16 cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / August – 31.4% / Now – 30.7% = a loss of 14.8%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / August – 28.5% / Now - 29% = a gain of 8.9%
So considering the month I had, I’m pretty happy with that.
It also means that October will be a big one for me. October will be the month that sees me in double digits for the first time since I was about 15 years old! Yes, I WILL BE UNDER 100!!!! Hopefully my body fat percentage will also take a large hit – as I’m now at 30.7%, according to Wikipedia, the high end of the acceptable range is 26%! Not far away!
Ben and I are starting up an all new program next week, and next weekend I am participating in a 2 day fitness Boot Camp up in Palm Beach. I’m also participating in the JP Morgan challenge, and there will be a lot of training involved in that. A very busy month for me fitness wise, and it will all contribute to helping me get to double digits.
My target weight for the end of October is 99.9 kilos. A loss of 5 kilos. That sounds so weird to say that!!!
So I’ll be back to my regular updates this month, and I hope you’re all well!
Pete
PS My weight loss to date is
Geri Halliwell!!
Well it’s been a month since my last entry, but that’s mostly because I was so busy preparing for going overseas (I didn’t even get my passport until the last minute), and then being away for 2 weeks. Needless to say I did have a brilliant time in Japan – it was great to have a break, and visit a truly unique country.
I didn’t really do anything that I planned to do, weight loss wise whilst in Japan. I had planned to do a run every morning, and eat nothing but sashimi the whole time – hence a massive weight loss. I only managed to do one run in that whole time, and I ended up eating too much western style food as well. I did a lot of walking, seeing the sights, but I also put on a kilo in that time, so really of the 4 weeks in September, I had 3 with no weight loss at all.
When it comes to the exercise I have done in September, except for Japan my month was pretty normal. I did do quite a few fitness groups and running groups at work, and I also completed the Spring Cycle last Sunday. I was supposed to just do the minimum 40 k’s, but I accidently did 50 k’s!! It was a great ride, and I was sooo sore afterwards.
So where am I up to now? As above, I’m now Triple M – as in 104.9!!
Here’s me for September:
Weight
Original - 150kg / August - 107.5 / Now - 104.9 = a loss of 45.1 kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / August – 111.5 / Now - 111 = a loss of = 46 cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / August - 110 / Now - 111 = a loss of 25 cm
This gain is actually a good thing – I’ve been doing a lot of chest exercises, so I’m happy for this to start going up!
Leg
Original - 81cm / August - 66 / Now - 64 = a loss of 16 cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / August – 31.4% / Now – 30.7% = a loss of 14.8%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / August – 28.5% / Now - 29% = a gain of 8.9%
So considering the month I had, I’m pretty happy with that.
It also means that October will be a big one for me. October will be the month that sees me in double digits for the first time since I was about 15 years old! Yes, I WILL BE UNDER 100!!!! Hopefully my body fat percentage will also take a large hit – as I’m now at 30.7%, according to Wikipedia, the high end of the acceptable range is 26%! Not far away!
Ben and I are starting up an all new program next week, and next weekend I am participating in a 2 day fitness Boot Camp up in Palm Beach. I’m also participating in the JP Morgan challenge, and there will be a lot of training involved in that. A very busy month for me fitness wise, and it will all contribute to helping me get to double digits.
My target weight for the end of October is 99.9 kilos. A loss of 5 kilos. That sounds so weird to say that!!!
So I’ll be back to my regular updates this month, and I hope you’re all well!
Pete
PS My weight loss to date is
Geri Halliwell!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
August results
Tere hommikust,
Well it's weigh in day today, and i'm very happy to say that I blitzed my goal for the month! I did aim for a 5 kilo loss, which would have me at 108.5, and today.. 107.5! 6 kilos this month. Awesome. So here are my results to-date:
Weight
Original - 150kg / July - 113.5 / Now - 107.5 = a loss of 42.5 kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / July - 117 / Now - 111.5 = a loss of = 45.5 cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / July - 111 / Now - 110 = a loss of 26 cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / July - 67 / Now - 66 = a loss of 14 cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / July - 33.5% / Now - 31.4% = a loss of 14.1%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / July - 27.2% / Now - 28.5% = a gain of 8.4%
I'm very happy with my weight loss this month, and now i'm very close to the 100kg mark! Wow! Minimal loss from my chest & leg this month - but I have been doing quite a few chest exercises, so there's a chance that may even increase!! Here's hoping anyway! And I think it was just a slow leg loss month.
So that's my results, and my aim for this month? I'm going to aim for a 7 kilo loss - it will be a tough goal to reach, but i'm banking on health Japanese lifestyle, and all the activity I will be doing whilst there will help with my loss this month. And that will have me at.. 100.5 - whoh! So close to double digits!!
Wish me luck!!
PS. My weight loss to date equals...
A Grandfather clock!
Well it's weigh in day today, and i'm very happy to say that I blitzed my goal for the month! I did aim for a 5 kilo loss, which would have me at 108.5, and today.. 107.5! 6 kilos this month. Awesome. So here are my results to-date:
Weight
Original - 150kg / July - 113.5 / Now - 107.5 = a loss of 42.5 kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / July - 117 / Now - 111.5 = a loss of = 45.5 cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / July - 111 / Now - 110 = a loss of 26 cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / July - 67 / Now - 66 = a loss of 14 cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / July - 33.5% / Now - 31.4% = a loss of 14.1%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / July - 27.2% / Now - 28.5% = a gain of 8.4%
I'm very happy with my weight loss this month, and now i'm very close to the 100kg mark! Wow! Minimal loss from my chest & leg this month - but I have been doing quite a few chest exercises, so there's a chance that may even increase!! Here's hoping anyway! And I think it was just a slow leg loss month.
So that's my results, and my aim for this month? I'm going to aim for a 7 kilo loss - it will be a tough goal to reach, but i'm banking on health Japanese lifestyle, and all the activity I will be doing whilst there will help with my loss this month. And that will have me at.. 100.5 - whoh! So close to double digits!!
Wish me luck!!
PS. My weight loss to date equals...
A Grandfather clock!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Ben must be sick of me by now!
Tél nìdõ,
Another big week this week – so much so that I couldn’t even do any cardio on Saturday – and I’m sure Ben must be getting sick of me! Here’s why…
On Monday evening I started up a new Boot Camp – a running group designed for training for the BU Corporate challenge. As I’m off to Japan for 2 weeks soon, I will not be here for the challenge, but I thought I’d still take advantage of the group to improve my running. We headed out to Wentworth Park where Ben & Richard led us through various training exercises and ran some laps of the park. It was a great session.
Tuesday morning I went for a swim in the morning at North Sydney pool – and in the arvo after work I headed into the gym for some training. Wednesday I saw Ben twice – firstly for Soccer try-outs – for an ING sponsored competition. We played a few small games of soccer at the park – and I was crap! Good exercise though! We had to stop a little early though as someone got taken away in an ambulance – eek! Wednesday arvo was the group session with Ben, followed by a lovely massage… nice.
Thursday I had another session with Ben & Richard at lunch time – another new boot camp – this time a general fitness one – we ran up to Observatory Hill, doing lots of stairs along the way, followed by lots of core & strength exercises. Another great session in the beautiful lunch-time susnshine.
So you see – 4 sessions with Ben in a week! Maybe I should start paying some of his salary! But all that training led to some problems for me. In the Wednesday soccer, I was using muscles I have never used before, with all the running around & changes in direction. Plus the Wednesday arvo session and Thursday boot camp I did some exercises I have never done before, mainly one where you lean against a wall and hold a sitting position with your legs at 90 degrees. After all the muscles in my waist – top of the front of my legs were really sore, and I was walking like a robot on Friday & Saturday. Friday was my day off though so that was OK.
Saturday I still came into the gym & I did some weights, then went for a swim at the Ian Thorpe pool – a really nice pool too. Saturday arvo I decided to check out some new bikes. I have been riding to and from work every day, and doing some other rides as well and I have been really enjoying it. The problem is though I have a mountain bike with suspension, and a lot of the effort in peddling is absorbed by the suspension. So it was suggested I get a road bike. I found a bike on special at Cell bikes, but unfortunately they were sold out – but I got an awesome deal on another - $100 off!!
Here it is! I think I’ll call it Tweety!
Sunday I was in the gym as well where I did weights & cardio. With the cardio I was doing interval training – 20 mins on the rower then 25 on the treadmill. On the treadmill I hit a new milestone too! I was doing intervals, 1 min fast, 1 min slow – starting at 11.5 km/h, I managed to make it all the way up to 15 km/h!! My fastest ever! Still nothing compared to Neil, next to me doing 18 km/h, but I think a good effort! I then headed over to the Thorpy pool again, as they had an open day & entry was free!
So that’s been my week – tomorrow is weigh-in day, so I’ll update you all on my results for August in a couple of days.
See ya!
Another big week this week – so much so that I couldn’t even do any cardio on Saturday – and I’m sure Ben must be getting sick of me! Here’s why…
On Monday evening I started up a new Boot Camp – a running group designed for training for the BU Corporate challenge. As I’m off to Japan for 2 weeks soon, I will not be here for the challenge, but I thought I’d still take advantage of the group to improve my running. We headed out to Wentworth Park where Ben & Richard led us through various training exercises and ran some laps of the park. It was a great session.
Tuesday morning I went for a swim in the morning at North Sydney pool – and in the arvo after work I headed into the gym for some training. Wednesday I saw Ben twice – firstly for Soccer try-outs – for an ING sponsored competition. We played a few small games of soccer at the park – and I was crap! Good exercise though! We had to stop a little early though as someone got taken away in an ambulance – eek! Wednesday arvo was the group session with Ben, followed by a lovely massage… nice.
Thursday I had another session with Ben & Richard at lunch time – another new boot camp – this time a general fitness one – we ran up to Observatory Hill, doing lots of stairs along the way, followed by lots of core & strength exercises. Another great session in the beautiful lunch-time susnshine.
So you see – 4 sessions with Ben in a week! Maybe I should start paying some of his salary! But all that training led to some problems for me. In the Wednesday soccer, I was using muscles I have never used before, with all the running around & changes in direction. Plus the Wednesday arvo session and Thursday boot camp I did some exercises I have never done before, mainly one where you lean against a wall and hold a sitting position with your legs at 90 degrees. After all the muscles in my waist – top of the front of my legs were really sore, and I was walking like a robot on Friday & Saturday. Friday was my day off though so that was OK.
Saturday I still came into the gym & I did some weights, then went for a swim at the Ian Thorpe pool – a really nice pool too. Saturday arvo I decided to check out some new bikes. I have been riding to and from work every day, and doing some other rides as well and I have been really enjoying it. The problem is though I have a mountain bike with suspension, and a lot of the effort in peddling is absorbed by the suspension. So it was suggested I get a road bike. I found a bike on special at Cell bikes, but unfortunately they were sold out – but I got an awesome deal on another - $100 off!!
Here it is! I think I’ll call it Tweety!
Sunday I was in the gym as well where I did weights & cardio. With the cardio I was doing interval training – 20 mins on the rower then 25 on the treadmill. On the treadmill I hit a new milestone too! I was doing intervals, 1 min fast, 1 min slow – starting at 11.5 km/h, I managed to make it all the way up to 15 km/h!! My fastest ever! Still nothing compared to Neil, next to me doing 18 km/h, but I think a good effort! I then headed over to the Thorpy pool again, as they had an open day & entry was free!
So that’s been my week – tomorrow is weigh-in day, so I’ll update you all on my results for August in a couple of days.
See ya!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Over 6.5 hours exercise this weekend!
Jó napot,
Another big week this week – hitting the 40 kilo mark, lots of exercise, and an interesting new development with my food…
First too the food, a good week in general – I had fish 3 times in the week, and overall ate quite healthily. What was an interesting development though, was as change in my temptations. Up until now, whenever I go to the supermarket I am still always drawn to the confectionary aisle, most of the time I just stare for a bit, and occasionally I will succumb. This week though, I didn’t even really want to go anywhere near that aisle! I still get cravings, and maybe once a week I will give myself a small treat, but my want to gorge myself on junk I think is gone! Yeah!
I had a big one with exercise this week. Monday, following my massive run the previous Sunday, I was back in the gym. Tuesday morning I was up early and went for a swim – 20 laps before work. After work I went for another big run – 10.8 k’s, my training run I have been doing for a while. On Wednesday I had my training session with Ben, then I did some weights after. Thursday was the Yoga class after work. Our instructor Pablo then took us to the pool at Cook & Phillip Park – next to St Mary’s cathedral. It was a great pool – the water quality was lovely – so much nicer than North Sydney pool. What I did find strange though was it seemed harder to swim in that water. It’s like it had more resistance! Strange…
Saturday and Sunday were my big days for exercise. Saturday I was at the gym at 8am, after an extended bike ride there. I started out with a big weights session – really pushing myself. I think I did almost every upper body exercise you can do! I followed that with some intensive cardio – interval training on the rower (20 mins) and then the treadmill (20 mins). I did 1 min reps – going flat out for 1 min, followed my normal pace for 1 min. I was dripping at the end - 3.25 hours worth and enjoyed the ride home after.
Sunday, what I did , some people would call me nuts! At 8am I headed out for my biggest ride ever, doing almost 24 kilometres! I did the 7 bridges ride, across the Harbour Bridge, then Pyrmont, Anzac, Iron Cove, Gladesville, Tarban, and another. It’s almost the same route as the 7 bridges run, but I actually extended it. Instead of turning in at Buffalo Creek to head back towards Crows Nest, I kept going along Centennial Ave, across Epping Road to Mowbray Road, then up Mowbray to Pacific Hwy then back. The ride was about 1.5 hours and I loved it! I used to ride a lot as a kid, and I’m getting the love of it back! Heres’ the map:
After breakfast I then headed out for a small bushwalk – about 40 mins – just cause it was such a nice day! Then home for lunch. I started to watch the Mamma Mia DVD while eating, but after a bit I felt dumb, sitting at home, watching a DVD on such a beautiful day! So I jumped on the scooter and rode into the fish markets and got some Sashimi & swordfish. When I got home, I wanted to do some more exercise, so I jumped on the bike and rode into work, and went to the gym! Another 1.5 hours!
And the scales this morning? 108.8!! I lost 2.4 kilos last week! Not too shabby!
That leaves me just 0.3 kilos to go to reach my goal for the month – with a week to go! Easy!
See ya!
Another big week this week – hitting the 40 kilo mark, lots of exercise, and an interesting new development with my food…
First too the food, a good week in general – I had fish 3 times in the week, and overall ate quite healthily. What was an interesting development though, was as change in my temptations. Up until now, whenever I go to the supermarket I am still always drawn to the confectionary aisle, most of the time I just stare for a bit, and occasionally I will succumb. This week though, I didn’t even really want to go anywhere near that aisle! I still get cravings, and maybe once a week I will give myself a small treat, but my want to gorge myself on junk I think is gone! Yeah!
I had a big one with exercise this week. Monday, following my massive run the previous Sunday, I was back in the gym. Tuesday morning I was up early and went for a swim – 20 laps before work. After work I went for another big run – 10.8 k’s, my training run I have been doing for a while. On Wednesday I had my training session with Ben, then I did some weights after. Thursday was the Yoga class after work. Our instructor Pablo then took us to the pool at Cook & Phillip Park – next to St Mary’s cathedral. It was a great pool – the water quality was lovely – so much nicer than North Sydney pool. What I did find strange though was it seemed harder to swim in that water. It’s like it had more resistance! Strange…
Saturday and Sunday were my big days for exercise. Saturday I was at the gym at 8am, after an extended bike ride there. I started out with a big weights session – really pushing myself. I think I did almost every upper body exercise you can do! I followed that with some intensive cardio – interval training on the rower (20 mins) and then the treadmill (20 mins). I did 1 min reps – going flat out for 1 min, followed my normal pace for 1 min. I was dripping at the end - 3.25 hours worth and enjoyed the ride home after.
Sunday, what I did , some people would call me nuts! At 8am I headed out for my biggest ride ever, doing almost 24 kilometres! I did the 7 bridges ride, across the Harbour Bridge, then Pyrmont, Anzac, Iron Cove, Gladesville, Tarban, and another. It’s almost the same route as the 7 bridges run, but I actually extended it. Instead of turning in at Buffalo Creek to head back towards Crows Nest, I kept going along Centennial Ave, across Epping Road to Mowbray Road, then up Mowbray to Pacific Hwy then back. The ride was about 1.5 hours and I loved it! I used to ride a lot as a kid, and I’m getting the love of it back! Heres’ the map:
After breakfast I then headed out for a small bushwalk – about 40 mins – just cause it was such a nice day! Then home for lunch. I started to watch the Mamma Mia DVD while eating, but after a bit I felt dumb, sitting at home, watching a DVD on such a beautiful day! So I jumped on the scooter and rode into the fish markets and got some Sashimi & swordfish. When I got home, I wanted to do some more exercise, so I jumped on the bike and rode into work, and went to the gym! Another 1.5 hours!
And the scales this morning? 108.8!! I lost 2.4 kilos last week! Not too shabby!
That leaves me just 0.3 kilos to go to reach my goal for the month – with a week to go! Easy!
See ya!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
40 Kilos Lost!
Mingalarba,
Sometimes your body really can be creul to you.. Monday morning is my normal weigh in day - and I was 111.4 kilos. That was a 1.2 kilo loss from the previous week - not bad!
But I also jumped on the scales on Tuesday morning & guess what! 109.9 showed on the screen! Woo Hoo! I did not announce it though until today - I need to have 2 days in a row of a certain weight as the body can fluctuate. This morning.. 109.7!
So i'be hit another major milestone. Yes! 20 to go now.
See ya
Pete
Sometimes your body really can be creul to you.. Monday morning is my normal weigh in day - and I was 111.4 kilos. That was a 1.2 kilo loss from the previous week - not bad!
But I also jumped on the scales on Tuesday morning & guess what! 109.9 showed on the screen! Woo Hoo! I did not announce it though until today - I need to have 2 days in a row of a certain weight as the body can fluctuate. This morning.. 109.7!
So i'be hit another major milestone. Yes! 20 to go now.
See ya
Pete
Sunday, August 16, 2009
City 2 Surf results... and my week since
Fakalofa,
Another big week! After the goings on with Channel 10 as below, I raced in the City 2 Surf on Sunday, as you would all be aware. And what a day it was! Leigh and I originally planned to do the race, and after a last minute pull out from another friend Sarah, Neil was able to go in her place. Here's a run-down of the day's events.
Jeremy dropped us all off in the city in the morning, and we went around to join the ‘Blue’ group on the southern side of Cathedral street from William Street. We waited with 75000 others for about 30 mins, then the gun went off for the first & shortly after, the second group followed, coming directly down William St. We were then next, and anxiety peaked as the gun for the blue group went off. Despite the gun, we could not move for a while due to the immense crowds! When we headed off though, after we turned off Cathedral, and down William were able to start running and across the start line we were!
Neil & I ran side-by-side for most of William St, however just before the tunnel he powered ahead and lost me. So it was then up to me to 'just keep swimming'. And I did - but I prob put a little too much in too soon. By the time I was at the top of the Edgecliff hill I needed a little breather and walked for 30 secs. It was quite a shock running with that many people. I was constantly ducking and weaving amongst people, and also quite often getting delayed when 4-5 people were walking abreast.
From the top of Edgecliff though I toned it down a bit, and got into a stride. I think I set a good pace, and I people watched while concentrating on the run. The types around me were amazing - from the ridiculous, dressed in bear suits or painted pink head to toe, to mothers walking with strollers, old Italian gents going for a stroll, weekend runners and serious runners. One thing that I did notice was that there didn't seem to be many people in the same boat as me - i.e. overweight people trying to lose weight. Most seemed to be quite fit - and it felt good to be amongst them.
After drinking a fair bit of water earlier, and with the nerves of the day, heading past the park at Rushcutters Bay I decided that it would be a lot more comfortable to .. you know.. and so with lots of other guys I lost a bit of time to a tree. But then I was able to concentrate on the task of heartbreak hill. Doing it the week before I was prepared for it and this time I wanted to run the whole way. The 6 K marker was at the base of the hill, and so I got into a rhythm and attacked the hill - guess who won? Me! Yep I made it up all the way running - albeit short steps, but I did it, and running past the 7 k sign was great - HALF WAY! I grabbed a drink at that point, and walked for 20 secs or so while I drank the water. While I was drinking I walked past a TV crew filming something, but didn't really pay attention - surely enough though when I watched the Seven news that night - there I was!
The previous week the section from the top of the hill, to the corner of Old South Head Rd seemed like ages, but this time it passed in no time! Then it was on to Old South & Military Rd. Going over Dover Heights at the 10K mark I was starting to tire, but I also knew that meant the downhill section to Bondi was not far away. The previous week after the run I had some strange bruising on just below both knees and on the inside of my legs. My masseur Milan (who knows a lot about the body and is training to be a Dr) and Ben didn't know why they occured, but Ben thought it may have been from the shock of the downhill section. I then concentrated on my steps having less impact in that section (and I had no bruised after - yay!) and the excitement of being near the end was overwhelmed by my trying to beat my time, and my tiredness.
Last week I had done the time in about 85 mins, and when I hit Bondi beach I was at 82 mins - however the previous time we ran straight to the pavillion. In the City 2 Surf though, you have to run all along Campbell Pde almost to the Icebergs, then back down to the Pavillion. SO I knew then that I was not going to beat my previous time, but I could still beat 90 mins. Turning the corner for the final straight I was pretty buggered but I put in my final energy to up the pace to bet 90 mins. I crossed the line with my watch showing 87 mins! Yay! It was a great feeling to complete it, and in a reasonable time. My offical time I found out a couple of days later was 88 mins - and that allows me to qualify in the next group next year! I don't have to be with the rabble!
So that was my race - and, yes, I'm very proud of what I have achieved. I eventually met up -with Neil & Leigh at our pre-arranged meeting place, and then I also bumped in to Jason from work - who told me that he managed it in 59 mins! Wicked! Along the race I was thinking about Ben and hoping that he won - and no-one knew at the finish line, so I headed homewith the crew - including Jason who we dropped off at his place in Randwick - with Jeremy kindly taking time out of his day to pick us up. Leigh and I stopped at Nando's for a feed on the way home - the Portugese Paella was worth waiting for, and then I got home to watch my Tivo'd race - still not knowing if Ben had won or not. Stupidly, before watching the race, I jumped onto Facebook where I saw that Gabe had as his status "well done Ben for coming second" Damn it!! Anyway I sat down to watch the race, and I was so stoked for Ben to smashed his previous time, and ended up only 10 secs behind the winner - Awesome! I then enjoyed chilling for the rest of the day!
Monday was a big day with everyone at work wanting to know my time and giving me their congratulations. I was even in the weekly work news email - when others from all over the business sent me IM's and emails saying well done! How cool! Monday I used to recover - I was a little sore and walking like a robot whenever got up after not doing anything for a bit. But Tuesday I was back into it, running on the treadmill, doing some weights and doing 1 K in the pool. The rest of the week I was back to my normal routine - Wednesday group session led by Ben, and Thursday I did a Yoga class!
Yesterday Neil & I had a pretty big exercise session - leaving home at 8:30 and not getting home until 12! We rode to the gym, going the long way through the Rocks, then 30 mins interval runnning, 2x 1000 metres on the rower, then weights. We then cycled to North Sydney pool where we did 12 laps - the last one a race between us - and Neil won!! He's a good swimmer - but that gives me another good goal to work towards. After the swim we cycled up Miller St to Neutral Bay - then I headed back home.
Today though, glutton for punishment I am, I embarked on my longest run ever! - here's a map.
After riding to work I headed off for the run, and I managed it in 1 hour 55! Not too bad. But i'm feeling a little sore today!
So that's me - if you made it to here - you did awesome too! And if you did make it here, I can give you some exciting news - i'm almost at a 40 kilo weight loss! When I weighed myself after the run it showed 110 kilos exactly - but as I was dehydrated, it was not entirely accurate. I will be posting though as soon as I hit the mark!
Thanks all! Pete
Thursday, August 6, 2009
What a week!
Xin chào ,
This has been one of the most amazing weeks EVER! Above you will find the video of my appearance on Channel 10 news on Wednesday night with Ben from work. I was out with the walking group at lunchtime Wedneday, when at 12:45 I got a call from Ben. Ben told me that Channel 10 had contacted him and wanted to do a story on him and me for the news. Ben for his training to hopefully win the City 2 Surf, and me for my efforts in losing weight to just be a contestant. I agreed and ran back to work, grabbed my stuff, and we were waiting outside of work at 1 to be picked up and taken to Bondi for the filming!! It all happened so quick!
The filming was great and the reporter, Blowy (Andrew Blow) was an awesome guy. He told me how excited he was to film me and that he thought my story was great. He'd seen this blog and couldn't believe the difference. On the way there we discussed using my initial shirt off pics. I initially said no, but he and Ben talked me into it - stating that guy at 150kgs is a different person - not the same person I am today - so I agreed! We filmed on the Bondi-Tamarama walk, and had a few people watching us - it was quite surreal!
I rushed home to watch it on the 5pm news, and was blown away by the story. It was so cool! And the reaction at work the following day was even more amazing. The story was given to all the executive managers and I got so many compliments - just brilliant! The head of my department called me the next 'DI star'!!
I'm writing this still on a major high from todays events so I hope I don't come across too cocky- i'm just still giddy about this!
Needless to say i'm going to be putting my best efforts into the race on Sunday. Last Sunday I did a trial run with Neil, and we did it in 85 mins. Not too bad. Without the traffic lights etc this Sunday, i'm hoping for a time under 75 mins. I will report my results on Sunday evening.
Thanks for reading and wish me luck!
Friday, July 31, 2009
July Results... + photos!
Haai,
It's with some trepidation I did my weight & measurements this morning - I knew that my weight loss would be OK, but I cheated about a week ago and measured myself only a week ago, and did not have significant decreases. My only saving grace I thought, was that I measured myself in the evening, and when I do my monthly results, it's always based on a morning reading. Luckily I was right!!
So how did I do? Good! Great! Grand!
I'm very happy with my July results. I think i'm becoming more in tune with my body, as I did get the plateau I expected - luckily in only lasted a week! My goal was to lose 4.7 kilos this month - did I do it? YES!! Exactly! I found it hard to believe that I would hit the exact mark, and I even weighed myself twice to be sure! So here are my results to date:
Weight
Original - 150kg / June - 118.2kg / Now - 113.5kg! = a loss of 36.5kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / June - 121cm / Now - 117cm = a loss of 40cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / June - 119cm / Now - 111cm = a loss of 25cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / June - 69cm / Now - 67cm = a loss of 14cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / June - 35.1% / Now - 33.5% = a drop of 12%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / June - 25.1% / Now - 27.2% = an increase of 7.1%
So i'm pretty happy with the above results!
I bumped into a friend yesterday who told me that he reads the blog - but wanted to see some pics - so this morning in the gym I took some pics - and here they are;
It's with some trepidation I did my weight & measurements this morning - I knew that my weight loss would be OK, but I cheated about a week ago and measured myself only a week ago, and did not have significant decreases. My only saving grace I thought, was that I measured myself in the evening, and when I do my monthly results, it's always based on a morning reading. Luckily I was right!!
So how did I do? Good! Great! Grand!
I'm very happy with my July results. I think i'm becoming more in tune with my body, as I did get the plateau I expected - luckily in only lasted a week! My goal was to lose 4.7 kilos this month - did I do it? YES!! Exactly! I found it hard to believe that I would hit the exact mark, and I even weighed myself twice to be sure! So here are my results to date:
Weight
Original - 150kg / June - 118.2kg / Now - 113.5kg! = a loss of 36.5kgs!
Waist
Original - 157cm / June - 121cm / Now - 117cm = a loss of 40cm!
Chest
Original - 136cm / June - 119cm / Now - 111cm = a loss of 25cm
Leg
Original - 81cm / June - 69cm / Now - 67cm = a loss of 14cm
Bodyfat
Original - 45.5% / June - 35.1% / Now - 33.5% = a drop of 12%
Muscle mass
Original - 20.1% / June - 25.1% / Now - 27.2% = an increase of 7.1%
So i'm pretty happy with the above results!
I bumped into a friend yesterday who told me that he reads the blog - but wanted to see some pics - so this morning in the gym I took some pics - and here they are;
So there we go. That's me. Though there will be less of me soon!
What's on for the future? Well tomorrow i'm doing a trial run of the City to Surf with Neil & Laura from work. Then the sunday after, the actual City to Surf!
And my goals for the month? I'm going to try for a 5 kilo loss - that will have me at the end of August, and just in time for my Japan trip, to 108.5!!! OMG! That seems so low to me, but it's only a month away!
Thanks for reading, and i'd love any comments too!
Pete
P.S. My weight loss to date equals...
Marilyn Munroe! Well a life size model of her anyway!!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
City to Surf, here I come!
Roj bahsh,
In all honesty, when I signed up for the City to Surf several months ago, I really didn't think that I would be ready or able to do it. At the time, when I did run, I could not run for long - maybe 5 mins max. It's amazing how much a little time, and training can make! The actual race is 14 k's long, and last Sunday I did a run that was...da da da da.... 14.5 k's!! I can do it! I ran the whole distance, and it did include hills too! Here is what I did...
I was very proud of myself following this, and actually felt fine afterwards - even followed it up with a 7k run the following day!!
There's nothing much different I did last week - still did exercise 6 days in the week and worked hard.
This weekend though, i'm doing the City to Surf - I know it's not until the following week, but i'm getting myself prepared. I'll have to deal with traffic etc, but that's ok! I'll update you all after this.
See ya!
Oh and by the way - I checked my bus ticket today - the last time I took the bus to work was July 2nd!! With the exception of riding Abby on Fridays, I have powered, myself to and from work every day! Cool!
In all honesty, when I signed up for the City to Surf several months ago, I really didn't think that I would be ready or able to do it. At the time, when I did run, I could not run for long - maybe 5 mins max. It's amazing how much a little time, and training can make! The actual race is 14 k's long, and last Sunday I did a run that was...da da da da.... 14.5 k's!! I can do it! I ran the whole distance, and it did include hills too! Here is what I did...
I was very proud of myself following this, and actually felt fine afterwards - even followed it up with a 7k run the following day!!
There's nothing much different I did last week - still did exercise 6 days in the week and worked hard.
This weekend though, i'm doing the City to Surf - I know it's not until the following week, but i'm getting myself prepared. I'll have to deal with traffic etc, but that's ok! I'll update you all after this.
See ya!
Oh and by the way - I checked my bus ticket today - the last time I took the bus to work was July 2nd!! With the exception of riding Abby on Fridays, I have powered, myself to and from work every day! Cool!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Kickboxing Dolphins!
Labdien,
Well it’s been another big week – some highlights are I had private kickboxing tuition and went on my longest run ever! Here’s a breakdown of my week.
Monday I did a session in the gym after work. I went to the pool after work and bought a 20 visit pass – I like the swimming abd am really seeing the benefits of doing it. I ended up doing 18 laps, all freestyle.
Tuesday morning I did my longest run ever – almost 11 k’s! That means I’m almost in City to Surf territory! Here’s my route below. I only walked a little bit – the steep Avenue Road & Cowles Road in Mosman.
Wednesday I ran the walking group at work, going for 45 mins – we had to walk slower than normal as we had some slow people in the group. After work I had my group session with Ben in the gym, starting off with some cardio, then he worked us hard doing circuit training in the studio.
Thursday lunch time Laura from work & I went out for a lunch time run, from work across Pyrmont bridge, through Glebe, across the Anzac Bridge, down around the big silo’s and back. It was 7 k’s all up, and we did it in 46 mins. Not bad! Followed up in the evening with a swim – 20 laps – that’s 1 K!!! Most. Ever. With my bike ride to and from work, that’s 7.5 k’s on the bike, 7k’s running, and 1 k swimming – my very own triathlon!!
Friday was the day off and I was bad . I went to the supermarket after work to get something for dinner and I ended up buying some stuff I shouldn’t have. Damn Woolworths now does this ‘Buy 2 save $’ and I was suckered in to buying 2 mini cheese & bickie packs, 2 small packs Samboy chips, 2 100 gm blocks of Lindt Dark choc & mint and 2 Nestle diet dark choc mousse. It didn’t seem that big a deal when buying it, but on reflection I shouldn’t have. I think a Friday evening is a really bad time for me to go to the supermarket – I think I’ll try to avoid from now on!
Saturday I had a mixture of good and bad. Good was the exercise. In my last blog I updated you on Chris, who I met at the gym the previous Saturday. Well this Saturday I met him there at 8:30 am and we had a session together. We started off doing various weights in the gym, him really pushing me and what I can do. We then headed off to the studio where he have me a private kickboxing session!!! Chris teaches kickboxing at a studio in Five Dock, so I got the whole session 1 on 1!! It was awesome and we both got a great workout – I was dripping at the end! I was talking to Chris today and he really enjoyed it too – and he was so tired he had to have a nap after lunch!!! I didn’t!
I was very happy to have ridden my pushbike on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday as well. A 7.5 k round trip means that I did 30 k’s on my bike last week!
The rest of Saturday I spent putting around on Abby – I introduced her to my brother, beeping her horn as I came down their driveway! My nephew and niece loved her and I even took Zoe on a small lap of their driveway! I then went to the new Balgowlah Village for a sticky beak where I had coffee and a cannoli – bad. And then I put-putted down to Manly for a cruise, and also up to North Head before I introduced Abby to Mum & Dad – Dad’s not a fan of me riding a scooter, but is happier now he’s seen Abby and her bigger than normal tyres etc. For the rest of the not so good, my boyfriend and I (yes you read that correctly) went out for dinner – Chinese at Gordon – and we had probably what was the most fatty thing on the menu – Peking Duck. I’d never had it before, and I probably shouldn’t have, but it was really good!!
Sunday I rode Abby to Paddy’s markets where I did my veggie shopping for the week. Wow! It’s so cheap there. I bought about $10 worth of vegies – celery, bad of beans, 5 oranges, coriander, 5 apples, bok choy, ginger and more which would have cost over $30 at woollies! I then headed to the Fish Markets where I bought my favourite fish – swordfish steaks. When home I ‘Mastercheffed’ the steaks – creating a marinade out of soy, olive oil, lemon pepper, chilli, ginger and fresh coriander ready for the evening.
In the arvo I headed out to meet the gorgeous Leigh-B for a run. We started at Curl Curl, then headed over the headland to Freshwater, across the beach, along that headland, down to Queenscliff, along Manly Beach and back. It was a lovely run, topped off with a pod of Dolphins frolicking just off Manly beach which was just amazing to see. We ended up running for over 8 k’s, just over 1 hour – map below. Then it was home for my foil wrapped, oven baked fish – it was quite nice! I’m marinating another steak now for tonight in the same mixture, but I added garlic & salt now too!!
So that’s me to-date!
See ya!
Well it’s been another big week – some highlights are I had private kickboxing tuition and went on my longest run ever! Here’s a breakdown of my week.
Monday I did a session in the gym after work. I went to the pool after work and bought a 20 visit pass – I like the swimming abd am really seeing the benefits of doing it. I ended up doing 18 laps, all freestyle.
Tuesday morning I did my longest run ever – almost 11 k’s! That means I’m almost in City to Surf territory! Here’s my route below. I only walked a little bit – the steep Avenue Road & Cowles Road in Mosman.
Wednesday I ran the walking group at work, going for 45 mins – we had to walk slower than normal as we had some slow people in the group. After work I had my group session with Ben in the gym, starting off with some cardio, then he worked us hard doing circuit training in the studio.
Thursday lunch time Laura from work & I went out for a lunch time run, from work across Pyrmont bridge, through Glebe, across the Anzac Bridge, down around the big silo’s and back. It was 7 k’s all up, and we did it in 46 mins. Not bad! Followed up in the evening with a swim – 20 laps – that’s 1 K!!! Most. Ever. With my bike ride to and from work, that’s 7.5 k’s on the bike, 7k’s running, and 1 k swimming – my very own triathlon!!
Friday was the day off and I was bad . I went to the supermarket after work to get something for dinner and I ended up buying some stuff I shouldn’t have. Damn Woolworths now does this ‘Buy 2 save $’ and I was suckered in to buying 2 mini cheese & bickie packs, 2 small packs Samboy chips, 2 100 gm blocks of Lindt Dark choc & mint and 2 Nestle diet dark choc mousse. It didn’t seem that big a deal when buying it, but on reflection I shouldn’t have. I think a Friday evening is a really bad time for me to go to the supermarket – I think I’ll try to avoid from now on!
Saturday I had a mixture of good and bad. Good was the exercise. In my last blog I updated you on Chris, who I met at the gym the previous Saturday. Well this Saturday I met him there at 8:30 am and we had a session together. We started off doing various weights in the gym, him really pushing me and what I can do. We then headed off to the studio where he have me a private kickboxing session!!! Chris teaches kickboxing at a studio in Five Dock, so I got the whole session 1 on 1!! It was awesome and we both got a great workout – I was dripping at the end! I was talking to Chris today and he really enjoyed it too – and he was so tired he had to have a nap after lunch!!! I didn’t!
I was very happy to have ridden my pushbike on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday as well. A 7.5 k round trip means that I did 30 k’s on my bike last week!
The rest of Saturday I spent putting around on Abby – I introduced her to my brother, beeping her horn as I came down their driveway! My nephew and niece loved her and I even took Zoe on a small lap of their driveway! I then went to the new Balgowlah Village for a sticky beak where I had coffee and a cannoli – bad. And then I put-putted down to Manly for a cruise, and also up to North Head before I introduced Abby to Mum & Dad – Dad’s not a fan of me riding a scooter, but is happier now he’s seen Abby and her bigger than normal tyres etc. For the rest of the not so good, my boyfriend and I (yes you read that correctly) went out for dinner – Chinese at Gordon – and we had probably what was the most fatty thing on the menu – Peking Duck. I’d never had it before, and I probably shouldn’t have, but it was really good!!
Sunday I rode Abby to Paddy’s markets where I did my veggie shopping for the week. Wow! It’s so cheap there. I bought about $10 worth of vegies – celery, bad of beans, 5 oranges, coriander, 5 apples, bok choy, ginger and more which would have cost over $30 at woollies! I then headed to the Fish Markets where I bought my favourite fish – swordfish steaks. When home I ‘Mastercheffed’ the steaks – creating a marinade out of soy, olive oil, lemon pepper, chilli, ginger and fresh coriander ready for the evening.
In the arvo I headed out to meet the gorgeous Leigh-B for a run. We started at Curl Curl, then headed over the headland to Freshwater, across the beach, along that headland, down to Queenscliff, along Manly Beach and back. It was a lovely run, topped off with a pod of Dolphins frolicking just off Manly beach which was just amazing to see. We ended up running for over 8 k’s, just over 1 hour – map below. Then it was home for my foil wrapped, oven baked fish – it was quite nice! I’m marinating another steak now for tonight in the same mixture, but I added garlic & salt now too!!
So that’s me to-date!
See ya!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Plateau be gone...
Salamaleikum,
Hope you all had a good weekend – mine wasn’t too bad!
So I last left you on Friday, which was my day off, and I think I really needed it. I was a little sore on Friday, so it was good to have the break.
Saturday I set my alarm for 8am to get up and go the gym – but I was up at 7:15!! And didn’t go to sleep until 12:30, so I was quite surprised that I woke so early. So I cycled into the gym and did a fair bit. I started on the rower – I did 4 sets of 1000 metres – averaging under 2 mins/500 for each set. I then headed to the cross trainer for 30 mins of interval training. Then it was on to weight training. Normally, I’m at the gym alone or with Neil on a Saturday/Sunday, but today another arrived – Chris from Level 16. Chris had filled in for my staff before so I know him, and Chris let me know that he had just completed his personal training course, and he had some suggestions for me, based on what he was seeing me do.
Firstly there were push ups, where instead of your hands on the ground, you hold onto barbells, and after you push up, you raise alternate hands, with the barbells, up to your chest. Then there’s the machine for your triceps, where instead of just pulling your arms down, you make a ‘wood chopping’ action. It was good stuff! These exercises provide both a cardio and muscle workout in one. He’s even offered to meet me at the gym again to help out some more!
Sunday arvo I went for a big run – see below – and I did it in just over an hour! That means I was travelling at about 8.5km/h – a new record for me!
I haven’t mentioned my food intake for a while, but that’s mostly because it’s still good! I do have the occasional bad thing now and then, but I know that I would go mad if I didn’t. It great to be able to go to the supermarket and not spend hours in the confectionary aisle.
Here’s a breakdown of generally what I eat in a day
Breakfast
Double shot of fresh espresso
Glass of water with chlorophyll, a multi vitamin & omega 3 tablet
Fresh juice – one orange, one apple, 1 celery stick, 1 carrot, slice ginger & a splash of pomegranate juice
2 poached eggs, on 2 slices wholegrain/wholemeal bread with light butter & vegemite & cracked pepper.
Lunch
Rye baguette with lemongrass beef and heaps of vegies & water
Dinner
Meat – steak/fish/chicken with steamed vegies
Sunkist light
Dessert
Dairy farmers low fat/low sugar passionfruit yoghurt with fresh strawberries & blueberries (frozen – they’re cheaper!)
I’ll also make sure I have something in between meals – generally a piece of fruit or muesli bar or something.
So not too bad huh?! Here’s an example of my meal from last night. This is orange roughy topped with relish, with steamed broccolini, baby brussell sprouts and carrot. I went to Kirribilli markets yesterday and there was a lady selling ‘Relish This’ – relish toppings for meats etc that I tasted and was really yummy. I bought the balsamic red onion with lime relish – and it was noice!
And yes – by the title, plateau be gone! Jumped on the scales this morning, and I had lost 1.6 kilos from last week. Boo yeah!
So that’s me – until next time!
Pete
Hope you all had a good weekend – mine wasn’t too bad!
So I last left you on Friday, which was my day off, and I think I really needed it. I was a little sore on Friday, so it was good to have the break.
Saturday I set my alarm for 8am to get up and go the gym – but I was up at 7:15!! And didn’t go to sleep until 12:30, so I was quite surprised that I woke so early. So I cycled into the gym and did a fair bit. I started on the rower – I did 4 sets of 1000 metres – averaging under 2 mins/500 for each set. I then headed to the cross trainer for 30 mins of interval training. Then it was on to weight training. Normally, I’m at the gym alone or with Neil on a Saturday/Sunday, but today another arrived – Chris from Level 16. Chris had filled in for my staff before so I know him, and Chris let me know that he had just completed his personal training course, and he had some suggestions for me, based on what he was seeing me do.
Firstly there were push ups, where instead of your hands on the ground, you hold onto barbells, and after you push up, you raise alternate hands, with the barbells, up to your chest. Then there’s the machine for your triceps, where instead of just pulling your arms down, you make a ‘wood chopping’ action. It was good stuff! These exercises provide both a cardio and muscle workout in one. He’s even offered to meet me at the gym again to help out some more!
Sunday arvo I went for a big run – see below – and I did it in just over an hour! That means I was travelling at about 8.5km/h – a new record for me!
I haven’t mentioned my food intake for a while, but that’s mostly because it’s still good! I do have the occasional bad thing now and then, but I know that I would go mad if I didn’t. It great to be able to go to the supermarket and not spend hours in the confectionary aisle.
Here’s a breakdown of generally what I eat in a day
Breakfast
Double shot of fresh espresso
Glass of water with chlorophyll, a multi vitamin & omega 3 tablet
Fresh juice – one orange, one apple, 1 celery stick, 1 carrot, slice ginger & a splash of pomegranate juice
2 poached eggs, on 2 slices wholegrain/wholemeal bread with light butter & vegemite & cracked pepper.
Lunch
Rye baguette with lemongrass beef and heaps of vegies & water
Dinner
Meat – steak/fish/chicken with steamed vegies
Sunkist light
Dessert
Dairy farmers low fat/low sugar passionfruit yoghurt with fresh strawberries & blueberries (frozen – they’re cheaper!)
I’ll also make sure I have something in between meals – generally a piece of fruit or muesli bar or something.
So not too bad huh?! Here’s an example of my meal from last night. This is orange roughy topped with relish, with steamed broccolini, baby brussell sprouts and carrot. I went to Kirribilli markets yesterday and there was a lady selling ‘Relish This’ – relish toppings for meats etc that I tasted and was really yummy. I bought the balsamic red onion with lime relish – and it was noice!
And yes – by the title, plateau be gone! Jumped on the scales this morning, and I had lost 1.6 kilos from last week. Boo yeah!
So that’s me – until next time!
Pete
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Most active day ever...
Sawubona,
How are you all going? That’s great to hear! I thought I’d do a mid-week update, and especially because I have a bit to report! This week I’ve really stepped it up – the plateau from last week to this week hasn’t really worried me, but I thought rather than waiting for it to end just doing my normal amount of exercise, I would ‘shock’ the body by mixing things up a bit!
So what have I been doing?
Monday, after riding my pushbike in, I ran the walking group at lunch time – not that it needed much running – there was only me and one other! But we still had a good time – we did the below, which is equal to walks we’ve done in the past which have taken 50 mins – this time it only took us 30!!
Monday arvo I went to the gym and did a run on the treadmill, then some rowing, and followed this by my ride home.
Tuesday I was working at Chatswood, and had Starlight in the evening – so I did my exercise in the morning. I decided to do my route that I have been doing to gauge my improvement, which includes the steep ‘John St’. The first time I did this street I had to stop 4 times to catch my breath. The next time I did it in one go, but stopped at the top to recover. This time, I ran all the way there, and managed to run up ¾ of the hill, then walked the rest, and continued running from the top! Awesome! And I ran the whole route. When I got to the Harbour Bridge, I still felt like going on so I extended the run around past Ruddy’s place and around the coast back to my place – here it is below. It ended up being a one hour run.
Wednesday was by MOST ACTIVE DAY EVER! So here’s what I did;
Pushbiked in to work – 15 mins
Run at lunch time – 40 mins – see below for map
Exercise group after work – Cardio & Circuit training – 50 mins
Massage after that (good timing!) – 1 hour
Pushbiked to North Sydney pool – 15 mins
Swim – 14 laps – 11 freestyle, 3 breaststroke in 50 metre pool – 30 mins
Pushbike home – 5 mins.
Big day huh! But I really enjoyed it – and REALLY enjoyed the swim too – I bought new swimmers on the weekend so it was good to try them out – and I love them!
Thursday I was a bit worried that I would be too sore for the City 2 Surf training but I was OK. The City 2 Surf training was at lunch time, and we ran down Hickson St almost to the Bridge, and then ran up and down a large set of stairs – many times. Then ran up to Observatory Hill where we ran up and down the hill a few times. Then up to the observatory – where we had to run around it and better our times. My first lap was 1:22, then I did a 1:15, then a 1:13! Then we jogged back to work. I was pretty soaked after this! After work I rode my pushbike back to the pool and did another 30 mins – 16 laps this time of the 50 metre pool, 14 freestyle, 2 breaststroke. Even though it is cold getting in & out of the pool, it’s really nice in, so I will continue doing swimming twice a week.
So today’s Friday – my rest day, and I’m a little sore after everything so far this week, but I’m OK, and will be at the gym tomorrow morning!
Have a great weekend all!
How are you all going? That’s great to hear! I thought I’d do a mid-week update, and especially because I have a bit to report! This week I’ve really stepped it up – the plateau from last week to this week hasn’t really worried me, but I thought rather than waiting for it to end just doing my normal amount of exercise, I would ‘shock’ the body by mixing things up a bit!
So what have I been doing?
Monday, after riding my pushbike in, I ran the walking group at lunch time – not that it needed much running – there was only me and one other! But we still had a good time – we did the below, which is equal to walks we’ve done in the past which have taken 50 mins – this time it only took us 30!!
Monday arvo I went to the gym and did a run on the treadmill, then some rowing, and followed this by my ride home.
Tuesday I was working at Chatswood, and had Starlight in the evening – so I did my exercise in the morning. I decided to do my route that I have been doing to gauge my improvement, which includes the steep ‘John St’. The first time I did this street I had to stop 4 times to catch my breath. The next time I did it in one go, but stopped at the top to recover. This time, I ran all the way there, and managed to run up ¾ of the hill, then walked the rest, and continued running from the top! Awesome! And I ran the whole route. When I got to the Harbour Bridge, I still felt like going on so I extended the run around past Ruddy’s place and around the coast back to my place – here it is below. It ended up being a one hour run.
Wednesday was by MOST ACTIVE DAY EVER! So here’s what I did;
Pushbiked in to work – 15 mins
Run at lunch time – 40 mins – see below for map
Exercise group after work – Cardio & Circuit training – 50 mins
Massage after that (good timing!) – 1 hour
Pushbiked to North Sydney pool – 15 mins
Swim – 14 laps – 11 freestyle, 3 breaststroke in 50 metre pool – 30 mins
Pushbike home – 5 mins.
Big day huh! But I really enjoyed it – and REALLY enjoyed the swim too – I bought new swimmers on the weekend so it was good to try them out – and I love them!
Thursday I was a bit worried that I would be too sore for the City 2 Surf training but I was OK. The City 2 Surf training was at lunch time, and we ran down Hickson St almost to the Bridge, and then ran up and down a large set of stairs – many times. Then ran up to Observatory Hill where we ran up and down the hill a few times. Then up to the observatory – where we had to run around it and better our times. My first lap was 1:22, then I did a 1:15, then a 1:13! Then we jogged back to work. I was pretty soaked after this! After work I rode my pushbike back to the pool and did another 30 mins – 16 laps this time of the 50 metre pool, 14 freestyle, 2 breaststroke. Even though it is cold getting in & out of the pool, it’s really nice in, so I will continue doing swimming twice a week.
So today’s Friday – my rest day, and I’m a little sore after everything so far this week, but I’m OK, and will be at the gym tomorrow morning!
Have a great weekend all!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
9 holes...
Grüessech,
No, I didn’t play half a round of golf, the 9 holes relates to how many holes I’ve had to put into my belt for work! Yes, on Wednesday my pants were falling down again, and so I went back to the shoe fixing place & had my 9th hole put in the belt. On Friday I went back again and had another 3 put in my casual belt too!
So what’s been going on this past week? Here are the main things…
I rode my pushbike to work & home Tuesday & Wednesday – (Monday I was at Chatswood) Thursday, see below & Friday is scooter day!
Wednesday I had the group session, doing cardio and circuit type work with Ben & the others from the competition. I got up a good sweat which was great.
Thursday was the first group for City to Surf training. We ran to Wentworth Park past the Fish Markets, then did a variety of exercises, and various training sessions, then ran back home. It was great, and I survived the whole group which was awesome!! Thursday night saw a competition – Neil previously ran from work to my place in 19 mins, and I did it in 29 mins – so he gave me a 10 min head start and the challenge was to beat each other. Despite the work I did at lunch time, I manage to blitz by past best time, and do a 25.5!!!! Awesome! And yes, I won!
Friday was the day off, was also feeling quite sore from the previous day’s activities.
Saturday I was REALLY sore. I had trouble just getting up and down! I had Ben echoing in my head though when deciding if I should do anything, and though it was better to do something light, than nothing. So I scootered to Centennial Park, and walked a lap, gradually getting faster. It ended up being 40 mins, and I felt better for it after – less sore too!
Sunday I came into the gym, doing 40 mins interval training on the cross-trainer, followed by 4x 500 metre sessions on the rower (averaging under 2mins), then quite a few weights! A 2 hours session all up!
With my weight, I think I’m in a slow down period right now – I did not lose anything between last Monday & today – but that’s OK. I’m feeling really good about where I am, and if I just keep it up, then the weight will continue to fall.
I’ll update again mid week!
See y’all
Pete
No, I didn’t play half a round of golf, the 9 holes relates to how many holes I’ve had to put into my belt for work! Yes, on Wednesday my pants were falling down again, and so I went back to the shoe fixing place & had my 9th hole put in the belt. On Friday I went back again and had another 3 put in my casual belt too!
So what’s been going on this past week? Here are the main things…
I rode my pushbike to work & home Tuesday & Wednesday – (Monday I was at Chatswood) Thursday, see below & Friday is scooter day!
Wednesday I had the group session, doing cardio and circuit type work with Ben & the others from the competition. I got up a good sweat which was great.
Thursday was the first group for City to Surf training. We ran to Wentworth Park past the Fish Markets, then did a variety of exercises, and various training sessions, then ran back home. It was great, and I survived the whole group which was awesome!! Thursday night saw a competition – Neil previously ran from work to my place in 19 mins, and I did it in 29 mins – so he gave me a 10 min head start and the challenge was to beat each other. Despite the work I did at lunch time, I manage to blitz by past best time, and do a 25.5!!!! Awesome! And yes, I won!
Friday was the day off, was also feeling quite sore from the previous day’s activities.
Saturday I was REALLY sore. I had trouble just getting up and down! I had Ben echoing in my head though when deciding if I should do anything, and though it was better to do something light, than nothing. So I scootered to Centennial Park, and walked a lap, gradually getting faster. It ended up being 40 mins, and I felt better for it after – less sore too!
Sunday I came into the gym, doing 40 mins interval training on the cross-trainer, followed by 4x 500 metre sessions on the rower (averaging under 2mins), then quite a few weights! A 2 hours session all up!
With my weight, I think I’m in a slow down period right now – I did not lose anything between last Monday & today – but that’s OK. I’m feeling really good about where I am, and if I just keep it up, then the weight will continue to fall.
I’ll update again mid week!
See y’all
Pete
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
June results....
Zdravo,
I can’t believe I’m already 6 months in to my weight loss journey, and as it is 6 months, it is a great time for reflection. Last weekend I read through some of my old posts, and it’s amazing the difference… I read them, remembering the feelings I had at that time. 50 kilos seemed like such a large figure – even 30 kilos seemed almost impossible. Now I’m there – I’ve lost over 30. Honestly I didn’t put a lot of faith in me that I would do it. But I have. And I’m still going.
What’s the biggest change? What I can do. Just the little things – like when I started this thing, I could not even run for 30 seconds. Now I can do 30 mins straight – running at 9 km/h, and I could have kept going no problems. Who would have thunk, that I would be entering the City 2 Surf?! It really is a rollercoaster this journey, but I’m just now thinking of what this summer will be like. I am sooo going to be going to the beach! Regularly. For you reading this, that is not an issue. For me it is. Never really done it, or if I had, I’ve been so self conscious that I have not enjoyed it.
I’m also really enjoying upping the ante. This month I’ve been concentrating on running – that is doing long stretches and upping the speed as well. I’ve also commenced riding my pushbike to work. I was riding in today, and as I was riding along the Bridge, I was looking out over the water, overtaking all the cars stuck in a jam, thinking, why do more people not do this? It’s so easy, and quicker than driving or getting a bus. I get to work in 12 minutes!
I have also started to see changes in my body. I know what you’re thinking, ‘you’ve lost over 30 kilos, of course you’re going to see some changes’, but no. Up to about the 25-30 kilo mark, I felt I pretty much looked the same. I think that psychologically, even when I was 150 kilos, I never felt that big, or even when I looked at myself I saw a smaller person. I had blinders on. So I always thought I looked 125, even when I was 150, and when I was 125, I just saw the REAL me for the first time. Now though, I’m really starting to see differences. My watch is loose, my left hip is almost flat – i.e minimal love handles! My boobies do not now affect the way my shirt sits, when I see my reflection in the steel of the elevator I do not see that protruding stomach that used to repulse me.
The differences in people around me are pretty cool too. Yesterday I was walking to the ATM when I saw the beautiful Natalie from work – we caught eyes, but there was no hint of recognition in her eyes. So I said “Hi Nat” – she turned around and I could see the surprise on her face – “stop changing” she said! She could not believe that she didn’t recognise me!!
This week also the results of the fit for life campaign came out. It was announced to the company that I was the winner, and a photo of me with Richard & Ben was posted in the weekly email. Below I have put the results from the competition, the photo, along with the email that announced the results to the contestants, and to the company.
Hi Guys,
Congratulations again to all of you! It is great to see how well you have all improved and that you are now motivated to continue with the active healthier lifestyles. I look forward to seeing you each Wednesday! If you ever have any questions or need help with anything I'm more than happy to help where I can.
Our winner is Pete, congratulations Pete! Your results are amazing.
Our Runner Up is Angelo, who would have won the last series with his results!
Adrian and Karen, you both performed really well and should be stoked with the results as well. I know that you were sick for a while, hopefully you can get back into it and continue the steady improvements!
I have attached a quick summary of the results; it is Fri afternoon so apologies if there are any typo's!
I'll speak to you all next week.
Cheers,
Ben.
Peter Crott: Winner.
Weight: down from 133.7 kg to 119.8 kg. -13.9kg.
Body Fat Percentage: 38.6% in early May to 35.6% -3%
Waist Circumference: 140.3 cm to 121.1 cm. -19.2
Blood Pressure: 139/88 to 140/74. Total loss of 13.
Cholesterol: low and low (<3.3 and <3.3).
Glucose: 3.3 down to 2.4. -0.9
Beep Test: 3.6 to 7.2 +3.6
V02 rating based on Beep Test: 25.1 to 37.1 +12
Push Ups: 6 to 41. +35
Triceps Dips: 21 to 43 +22
Sit Ups: 25 to 36. +11
Who won gold in season two of Fighting Fit for Life?
You win some you lose some, or in the case of Fighting Fit for Life, you lose weight. And quite a lot of it.
After 12 weeks of hard work, sweat and tears we have come to the end of the second Fighting Fit for Life competition. Once again, there were some great results and all of the members of the group worked extremely hard.
Everyone in the group has made significant gains to their health and fitness, with everyone losing weight and body fat, improving their fitness levels in both cardio tests and strength work as well as improving their daily nutrition.
However, there can only be one winner and this time it was (drum roll please….) Peter Crott from Direct Insurances.
No one worked harder than Pete, who lost 14kg’s over the 12 weeks and has continued on the efforts he started himself from the beginning of the year. Pete has now lost over 30kg’s since 1 January.There will be another Fighting fit for Life competition which will start on Monday, 31 August and finish at the end of November. More details to follow.
I can’t believe I’m already 6 months in to my weight loss journey, and as it is 6 months, it is a great time for reflection. Last weekend I read through some of my old posts, and it’s amazing the difference… I read them, remembering the feelings I had at that time. 50 kilos seemed like such a large figure – even 30 kilos seemed almost impossible. Now I’m there – I’ve lost over 30. Honestly I didn’t put a lot of faith in me that I would do it. But I have. And I’m still going.
What’s the biggest change? What I can do. Just the little things – like when I started this thing, I could not even run for 30 seconds. Now I can do 30 mins straight – running at 9 km/h, and I could have kept going no problems. Who would have thunk, that I would be entering the City 2 Surf?! It really is a rollercoaster this journey, but I’m just now thinking of what this summer will be like. I am sooo going to be going to the beach! Regularly. For you reading this, that is not an issue. For me it is. Never really done it, or if I had, I’ve been so self conscious that I have not enjoyed it.
I’m also really enjoying upping the ante. This month I’ve been concentrating on running – that is doing long stretches and upping the speed as well. I’ve also commenced riding my pushbike to work. I was riding in today, and as I was riding along the Bridge, I was looking out over the water, overtaking all the cars stuck in a jam, thinking, why do more people not do this? It’s so easy, and quicker than driving or getting a bus. I get to work in 12 minutes!
I have also started to see changes in my body. I know what you’re thinking, ‘you’ve lost over 30 kilos, of course you’re going to see some changes’, but no. Up to about the 25-30 kilo mark, I felt I pretty much looked the same. I think that psychologically, even when I was 150 kilos, I never felt that big, or even when I looked at myself I saw a smaller person. I had blinders on. So I always thought I looked 125, even when I was 150, and when I was 125, I just saw the REAL me for the first time. Now though, I’m really starting to see differences. My watch is loose, my left hip is almost flat – i.e minimal love handles! My boobies do not now affect the way my shirt sits, when I see my reflection in the steel of the elevator I do not see that protruding stomach that used to repulse me.
The differences in people around me are pretty cool too. Yesterday I was walking to the ATM when I saw the beautiful Natalie from work – we caught eyes, but there was no hint of recognition in her eyes. So I said “Hi Nat” – she turned around and I could see the surprise on her face – “stop changing” she said! She could not believe that she didn’t recognise me!!
This week also the results of the fit for life campaign came out. It was announced to the company that I was the winner, and a photo of me with Richard & Ben was posted in the weekly email. Below I have put the results from the competition, the photo, along with the email that announced the results to the contestants, and to the company.
Hi Guys,
Congratulations again to all of you! It is great to see how well you have all improved and that you are now motivated to continue with the active healthier lifestyles. I look forward to seeing you each Wednesday! If you ever have any questions or need help with anything I'm more than happy to help where I can.
Our winner is Pete, congratulations Pete! Your results are amazing.
Our Runner Up is Angelo, who would have won the last series with his results!
Adrian and Karen, you both performed really well and should be stoked with the results as well. I know that you were sick for a while, hopefully you can get back into it and continue the steady improvements!
I have attached a quick summary of the results; it is Fri afternoon so apologies if there are any typo's!
I'll speak to you all next week.
Cheers,
Ben.
Peter Crott: Winner.
Weight: down from 133.7 kg to 119.8 kg. -13.9kg.
Body Fat Percentage: 38.6% in early May to 35.6% -3%
Waist Circumference: 140.3 cm to 121.1 cm. -19.2
Blood Pressure: 139/88 to 140/74. Total loss of 13.
Cholesterol: low and low (<3.3 and <3.3).
Glucose: 3.3 down to 2.4. -0.9
Beep Test: 3.6 to 7.2 +3.6
V02 rating based on Beep Test: 25.1 to 37.1 +12
Push Ups: 6 to 41. +35
Triceps Dips: 21 to 43 +22
Sit Ups: 25 to 36. +11
Who won gold in season two of Fighting Fit for Life?
You win some you lose some, or in the case of Fighting Fit for Life, you lose weight. And quite a lot of it.
After 12 weeks of hard work, sweat and tears we have come to the end of the second Fighting Fit for Life competition. Once again, there were some great results and all of the members of the group worked extremely hard.
Everyone in the group has made significant gains to their health and fitness, with everyone losing weight and body fat, improving their fitness levels in both cardio tests and strength work as well as improving their daily nutrition.
However, there can only be one winner and this time it was (drum roll please….) Peter Crott from Direct Insurances.
No one worked harder than Pete, who lost 14kg’s over the 12 weeks and has continued on the efforts he started himself from the beginning of the year. Pete has now lost over 30kg’s since 1 January.There will be another Fighting fit for Life competition which will start on Monday, 31 August and finish at the end of November. More details to follow.
Winner of Fighting Fit for life Peter Crott with ING's very own version of Shannon Ponton and Michelle Bridges (aka Ben St. Lawrence and Richard High)
Very cool!
I know that Ben reads this, and I really want to thank you Ben, and Richard, for all your help, effort and dedication to me and the other contestants. You have no idea how much it means to me, and I can see that you really do care. Just the simple encouragement you give, along with the instruction has really pushed me to lose more in the past 12 weeks than I ever have. And for you to offer to continue with group sessions for the contestants, past and present is just amazing. Thank you so much.
So I’ve prattled on for a bit now, so it’s time for the results. You can see from above the results for a week ago, but here are June’s results.
Weight
Original – 150kg / May – 123.8kg / Now – 118.2kg = a loss of 31.8 kilos
Waist
Original – 157cm / May – 126cm / Now – 121cm = a loss of 36cm
Chest
Original – 136cm / May – 119cm / Now – 116cm = a loss of 20cm
Leg
Original – 81cm / May – 71cm / Now – 69cm = a loss of 12cm
Body Fat %
Original – 45.5% / May – 37.2% / Now – 35.1% = a loss of 10.4% ( I think?!)
Muscle Mass
Original – 20.1% / May – 25.1% / Now – 26.3% = an increase of 6.2%
And did I hit my goal? Almost – 118kg was the goal – however, due to current internal issues, I think that I may be a bit heavier than I should be because on the weekend I was 117.5kg!!! But that’s OK. I’m very happy with 118.2!!
Here’s a chart of my loss, with the higher line the target, and the lower line the actual. I love my charts!!
So what’s on the cards for July? Running. And lots of it. Along with the sessions Ben has kindly offered to continue, from Thursday there is also a City 2 Surf training group every Thursday lunch from now until the competition. So I’m really looking forward to that. I think I will die, but that’s OK!
I will set a slightly lower goal this month, as I think I will plateau a bit this month – so this month I hope to achieve a 4.7 kilo loss, bringing me to 113.5 kilos.
So that’s me, thanks for reading!
Pete
P.S. – This month I’m very proud to announce that the weight I’ve lost to date is equal to…..
A 2 seater cast iron park bench!!!! Wow!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Who da man? ME!
Gamardjoba ,
I’m the winner!
Yes, today it was announced that I was the winner of the ING Fit for Life Competition!! Woo Hoo!
I put a massive amount of effort into this competition and I am so stoked at the result. Ben let me know this morning, and this arvo I will be having some photos done – probably to go in the next work newsletter or something.
I have never been a competitive person in my life, and this is the first time, ever, that I have been in a competition – and I loved it! The guidance, support and encouragement that Richard and Ben have given me throughout has been invaluable, and I really appreciate all their efforts. They have been so impressed with our group that they have arranged a special on-going weekly session for our group, along with the participants from the last (and first) competition on a Wednesday – so I am really looking forward to that!
If you want to know, I do get some prizes – they are a $100 Rebel sport gift voucher, 3 months gym membership, and 2 hour long massages. They are great prizes, but to me, the main prize, is the fact that after my efforts, I know that I have earned the ‘winner’ title! Plus the extra fitness and weight loss I have gained! YEAH!
When the results email comes through, I’ll put it on the blog so you can read it.
And while I’m here, let me update you on what I’ve been up to this week.
Monday I was at work, and we had the fitness test for the competition. The test comprised of the ‘beep’ test – that’s where you run between two points to a recorded beep that keeps getting quicker. The first time I did it, I got a 3.6 – this time I did a 7.2!!! I also had great improvements on my sit ups, crunches, dips, and an especially big improvement with my push-up – 6 the first time, 41 this time!! After this I spent about 20 mins in the gym, and then ran home – 28 mins!
Tuesday I was out at St Ives doing my bike license training. After this I met up with a friend and then went home. There’s a fair bit of physical work in test, so I felt pretty buggered afterwards.
Wednesday I completed the bike training, passing the practical being the only person not been yelled at, then did the computer test getting 100%! So bike license in hand as soon as I got home I went for a ride, making sure not to be cocky – like I was after I got my car license and almost crashing! I got home after a small ride, then changed, and scootered to work to go to the gym. There’s free scooter & bike parking in Sussex St, one block from work so that’s handy. At the gym I did the longest straight running I’ve ever done – 30 mins!
Thursday I scootered to Chatswood where I worked off site, and then when I got home I parked the scooter & went for a big run; below.
I’ve done this before, but this time I ran almost all the way. The only parts I didn’t run were the steeper hills, and a couple of small breaks on the way back. I did have a bigger break after about 50 mins at my sister’s place where I stopped in for water & a chat. My little tootsies are a bit sore today needless to say!
So that’s me to date – a very happy chappy!
Have a great weekend one & all!
I’m the winner!
Yes, today it was announced that I was the winner of the ING Fit for Life Competition!! Woo Hoo!I put a massive amount of effort into this competition and I am so stoked at the result. Ben let me know this morning, and this arvo I will be having some photos done – probably to go in the next work newsletter or something.
I have never been a competitive person in my life, and this is the first time, ever, that I have been in a competition – and I loved it! The guidance, support and encouragement that Richard and Ben have given me throughout has been invaluable, and I really appreciate all their efforts. They have been so impressed with our group that they have arranged a special on-going weekly session for our group, along with the participants from the last (and first) competition on a Wednesday – so I am really looking forward to that!
If you want to know, I do get some prizes – they are a $100 Rebel sport gift voucher, 3 months gym membership, and 2 hour long massages. They are great prizes, but to me, the main prize, is the fact that after my efforts, I know that I have earned the ‘winner’ title! Plus the extra fitness and weight loss I have gained! YEAH!
When the results email comes through, I’ll put it on the blog so you can read it.
And while I’m here, let me update you on what I’ve been up to this week.
Monday I was at work, and we had the fitness test for the competition. The test comprised of the ‘beep’ test – that’s where you run between two points to a recorded beep that keeps getting quicker. The first time I did it, I got a 3.6 – this time I did a 7.2!!! I also had great improvements on my sit ups, crunches, dips, and an especially big improvement with my push-up – 6 the first time, 41 this time!! After this I spent about 20 mins in the gym, and then ran home – 28 mins!
Tuesday I was out at St Ives doing my bike license training. After this I met up with a friend and then went home. There’s a fair bit of physical work in test, so I felt pretty buggered afterwards.
Wednesday I completed the bike training, passing the practical being the only person not been yelled at, then did the computer test getting 100%! So bike license in hand as soon as I got home I went for a ride, making sure not to be cocky – like I was after I got my car license and almost crashing! I got home after a small ride, then changed, and scootered to work to go to the gym. There’s free scooter & bike parking in Sussex St, one block from work so that’s handy. At the gym I did the longest straight running I’ve ever done – 30 mins!
Thursday I scootered to Chatswood where I worked off site, and then when I got home I parked the scooter & went for a big run; below.
I’ve done this before, but this time I ran almost all the way. The only parts I didn’t run were the steeper hills, and a couple of small breaks on the way back. I did have a bigger break after about 50 mins at my sister’s place where I stopped in for water & a chat. My little tootsies are a bit sore today needless to say!
So that’s me to date – a very happy chappy!
Have a great weekend one & all!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The scooter is mine! Yeah!
Saluton,
Meet Abby.
As you all know, the prize for me losing 30 kilos was a scooter - something that i've wanted for quite some time & guess what.... as of Thursday - I'VE DONE IT!!!
Thursday was the weigh-in & measurement day for the work competition, and stepping on the scales I was 119.8! I don't even remember a time I was under 120! I am soooo happy, and so excited to have made the mark. And that means I now have the scooter! I have named her Abby, as she is black - just like Abby the Goth chick from NCIS. I love her and that show, so I thought it was an appropriate name! Abby is an Aprilia Sportcity 200, and rides like a dream! I took her out for a sneaky ride today (it was fantastic!)- I go for my license on Tuesday & Wednesday this week.
So that's my reward - and now let me update you on what i've been up to.
You've probobly seen in my last post that I was pretty down - but don't worry - i'm up again! It's amazing what 400 grams and a scooter will do for you! In the last posting, I reported on that the fitness comp was ending. We were supposed to have the weigh-in & fitness test on Thursday, but because of the weather we could only do the weigh-in. The test is now tomorrow (Monday). I'm pretty nervous for that!
Monday & Tuesday I rode my bike to work & did a good workout before riding home. Monday I also ran another walking group at lunchtime. I had more people than ever - 11 in total - following me around Pyrmont & Darling Harbour - it was great.
Wednesday I was told to 'taper' - that's a rest before a competition - to be ready for the test on Thursday. So on Wednesday I just walked home.
Thursday we were supposed to do the test, but it was cancelled due to weather. Despite this, all the contestants got together in the gym after work and we arranged our own circuit! We did 15 mins of cardio on the machines, then various exercises whilst one of us ran up the car park steps, and back down through the car park. I was feeling so good after this I ran home - and did it in 28 mins! My fastest yet!
Friday I didn't have time - with an appointment before work and a fundraiser & dinner afterwards.
Saturday I hit a new milestone. After riding in to the gym, I, for the first time, ran for 20 minutes straight at 9 km/h! I felt like I could have kept on going. Why? Because I have booked in to do the City2Surf, which Leighbee has kindly agreed to do with me! So excitement! I then did 4x 500 metre session on the rower and rode home.
Today I rode in again, and did interval training for 30 mins on the treadmill, followed by some weights.
So that's me!
See ya
Meet Abby.
As you all know, the prize for me losing 30 kilos was a scooter - something that i've wanted for quite some time & guess what.... as of Thursday - I'VE DONE IT!!!Thursday was the weigh-in & measurement day for the work competition, and stepping on the scales I was 119.8! I don't even remember a time I was under 120! I am soooo happy, and so excited to have made the mark. And that means I now have the scooter! I have named her Abby, as she is black - just like Abby the Goth chick from NCIS. I love her and that show, so I thought it was an appropriate name! Abby is an Aprilia Sportcity 200, and rides like a dream! I took her out for a sneaky ride today (it was fantastic!)- I go for my license on Tuesday & Wednesday this week.
So that's my reward - and now let me update you on what i've been up to.
You've probobly seen in my last post that I was pretty down - but don't worry - i'm up again! It's amazing what 400 grams and a scooter will do for you! In the last posting, I reported on that the fitness comp was ending. We were supposed to have the weigh-in & fitness test on Thursday, but because of the weather we could only do the weigh-in. The test is now tomorrow (Monday). I'm pretty nervous for that!
Monday & Tuesday I rode my bike to work & did a good workout before riding home. Monday I also ran another walking group at lunchtime. I had more people than ever - 11 in total - following me around Pyrmont & Darling Harbour - it was great.
Wednesday I was told to 'taper' - that's a rest before a competition - to be ready for the test on Thursday. So on Wednesday I just walked home.
Thursday we were supposed to do the test, but it was cancelled due to weather. Despite this, all the contestants got together in the gym after work and we arranged our own circuit! We did 15 mins of cardio on the machines, then various exercises whilst one of us ran up the car park steps, and back down through the car park. I was feeling so good after this I ran home - and did it in 28 mins! My fastest yet!
Friday I didn't have time - with an appointment before work and a fundraiser & dinner afterwards.
Saturday I hit a new milestone. After riding in to the gym, I, for the first time, ran for 20 minutes straight at 9 km/h! I felt like I could have kept on going. Why? Because I have booked in to do the City2Surf, which Leighbee has kindly agreed to do with me! So excitement! I then did 4x 500 metre session on the rower and rode home.
Today I rode in again, and did interval training for 30 mins on the treadmill, followed by some weights.
So that's me!
See ya
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Rollercoaster of emotions week...
Ia Orana,
Well what a difference a week makes. Last week saw a massive weight loss. I reported a 2.4 kilo loss last week – on Monday morning. On Monday afternoon I weighed myself again (I don’t know why), and I had lost another .6 kilos! So that made a 3 kilo loss! Monday arvo I was 120.8 kilos. Only .8 kilos away from the Scooter!
Then everything fell apart. As I last reported, I had a really bad day on the Tuesday – mostly due to exhaustion. But that also pretty much stuffed me for the rest of the week and pretty much put a halt to my weight loss! And so close!
So on Tuesday did the PT session as reported and on Wednesday I stepped on the scales and I was over 122 kilos again! I felt soooo bad about that. I sent a message to Ben at work who is running the fit for life program and he replied:
Hi Pete,
It is common when you are training hard to have days (even weeks) where you just don't have as much energy as usual and find training so much harder. It is important during these times to just keep exercising at a similar level of "effort" as you normally would, or to back off slightly if you feel too fatigued. Don't get down when your performance is lower than you have seen in the past. You will find that soon enough your energy levels will return to normal, and then you may even jump to a higher level of fitness. Improvements are not always continually going to increase, it may occasionally be one step backwards before two steps forward again. All good training programs require recovery days as well, when your body actually has the time to repair itself from all the hard work. Active recovery is best, so a gentle walk etc is better than complete rest. If you are still feeling wrecked today, there is no harm in having an easier day- it is actually doing more good than bad. You just need to make sure that you can tell the difference between a bit of lethargy and laziness (which you should train through and ignore) and genuine exhaustion (which it sounds like you have at the moment).
In terms of having a blow-out and eating a bit of junk, this is not a big deal if it is very rare, especially after such a lot of exercise. The problem lies with being ravenous after a hard session and not having enough healthy options easily accessible. This will require more preparation, such as having a protein bar/powder mix handy to eat as soon as you finish a session, this can often take the edge off a hunger like that. The difficult task for you is to give your body enough nutrition to recover/function, while still losing the excess weight.
Let me know if you want more info or have any specific questions.
Cheers,
Ben.
So I took Ben’s advice, and on Wednesday I took it easy to help my body recover. I had a massage, then did 20 mins on the cross trainer, and then walked home. That was pretty easy for me – and on Thursday for the group session I was feeling better – not totally better, but better and was able to put in a good effort. I also ran home – I ran all the way bar the steps, and managed a time of 28 mins – my best yet!
I also did not have my ‘day off’ on Friday. I did a work-out at the gym – 20 mins on the treadmill interval training, and then 20 mins on the rower interval training, then ran/walked home (ran from 1st bridge pylon to Kirribilli steps).
Saturday I rode my pushbike into the gym in the morning for a session – I started by organising the gym (which is always a pig stye at the end of a week) – that takes around 20 mins lugging weights around the gym, then did 20 mins interval training on the cross trainer, followed by 20 mins interval training on the treadmill, and then an extended ride home – I rode all the way along Sussex St, into Hickson Rd, along past the wharves, under the bridge, into the Rocks, up the hill into Observatory Hill then back across the bridge.
Sunday I had quite an active day, starting though by waking with my neck in pain – I slept on it wrong. But despite this I still rode into the gym early – I was there by about 8:15, and I did 40 mins on the treadmill interval training. I was doing 1 min intervals, starting by walking 5 mins at 6.5, then running at 8.5, and increasing the pace by .1 every running minute. I ended up at about 10 point something!! Can’t remember now! After that I did another extended ride home, going across the Pymont bridge, past the casino, around the residential wharf & back. I think I need to get a slightly larger seat for the bike as it hurts my butt!
A friend came around at about 10:45 to take some location photo shots so we went down to Sawmiller’s Reserve & did a bit of walking around there, followed by a lovely lunch at Crows Nest – I had Spaghetti Bolognese! Yay! In the arvo I took it easy and caught up with 3 episodes of ‘Brothers & Sisters’ snuggled up in a rug on the couch. I loved it! In the evening I walked across the bridge and met up with my Parents, my Brother David & his family to watch ‘Fire Water’ – part of the Vivid festival of lights. We had dinner at the Italian Villiage, and then watched the show – it was quite good. Interesting premise. I actually saw it when going across the bridge on Friday and wondered what it was!
So that brings me to today – ups and downs again unfortunately. I did lose a little weight – I’m now at 120.2 – only 200 gms away from 30 kilos, but I was that on Sunday morning as well – so despite all the activity on Sunday I stayed the same. I know I’m being really silly expecting weight loss in one day, but I can’t help how I feel, especially as I got used to seeing a weight loss every day.
But here’s the up - guess how much it cost me to get to work today – NOTHING! Nada Zip Zilch. For the fist time ever I rode my pushbike to work. And you know what? I really enjoyed it. It was quicker than getting the bus, and would be quicker than driving too. So I will continue this – and just see what happens on rainy days!!
And the big news? The ING Fit for life competition finishes on Thursday! Yes it is the last day of this competition which has been going for almost 10 weeks! I’m actually quite nervous! So as soon as I know the results – you will!
See ya!
Pete
Well what a difference a week makes. Last week saw a massive weight loss. I reported a 2.4 kilo loss last week – on Monday morning. On Monday afternoon I weighed myself again (I don’t know why), and I had lost another .6 kilos! So that made a 3 kilo loss! Monday arvo I was 120.8 kilos. Only .8 kilos away from the Scooter!
Then everything fell apart. As I last reported, I had a really bad day on the Tuesday – mostly due to exhaustion. But that also pretty much stuffed me for the rest of the week and pretty much put a halt to my weight loss! And so close!
So on Tuesday did the PT session as reported and on Wednesday I stepped on the scales and I was over 122 kilos again! I felt soooo bad about that. I sent a message to Ben at work who is running the fit for life program and he replied:
Hi Pete,
It is common when you are training hard to have days (even weeks) where you just don't have as much energy as usual and find training so much harder. It is important during these times to just keep exercising at a similar level of "effort" as you normally would, or to back off slightly if you feel too fatigued. Don't get down when your performance is lower than you have seen in the past. You will find that soon enough your energy levels will return to normal, and then you may even jump to a higher level of fitness. Improvements are not always continually going to increase, it may occasionally be one step backwards before two steps forward again. All good training programs require recovery days as well, when your body actually has the time to repair itself from all the hard work. Active recovery is best, so a gentle walk etc is better than complete rest. If you are still feeling wrecked today, there is no harm in having an easier day- it is actually doing more good than bad. You just need to make sure that you can tell the difference between a bit of lethargy and laziness (which you should train through and ignore) and genuine exhaustion (which it sounds like you have at the moment).
In terms of having a blow-out and eating a bit of junk, this is not a big deal if it is very rare, especially after such a lot of exercise. The problem lies with being ravenous after a hard session and not having enough healthy options easily accessible. This will require more preparation, such as having a protein bar/powder mix handy to eat as soon as you finish a session, this can often take the edge off a hunger like that. The difficult task for you is to give your body enough nutrition to recover/function, while still losing the excess weight.
Let me know if you want more info or have any specific questions.
Cheers,
Ben.
So I took Ben’s advice, and on Wednesday I took it easy to help my body recover. I had a massage, then did 20 mins on the cross trainer, and then walked home. That was pretty easy for me – and on Thursday for the group session I was feeling better – not totally better, but better and was able to put in a good effort. I also ran home – I ran all the way bar the steps, and managed a time of 28 mins – my best yet!
I also did not have my ‘day off’ on Friday. I did a work-out at the gym – 20 mins on the treadmill interval training, and then 20 mins on the rower interval training, then ran/walked home (ran from 1st bridge pylon to Kirribilli steps).
Saturday I rode my pushbike into the gym in the morning for a session – I started by organising the gym (which is always a pig stye at the end of a week) – that takes around 20 mins lugging weights around the gym, then did 20 mins interval training on the cross trainer, followed by 20 mins interval training on the treadmill, and then an extended ride home – I rode all the way along Sussex St, into Hickson Rd, along past the wharves, under the bridge, into the Rocks, up the hill into Observatory Hill then back across the bridge.
Sunday I had quite an active day, starting though by waking with my neck in pain – I slept on it wrong. But despite this I still rode into the gym early – I was there by about 8:15, and I did 40 mins on the treadmill interval training. I was doing 1 min intervals, starting by walking 5 mins at 6.5, then running at 8.5, and increasing the pace by .1 every running minute. I ended up at about 10 point something!! Can’t remember now! After that I did another extended ride home, going across the Pymont bridge, past the casino, around the residential wharf & back. I think I need to get a slightly larger seat for the bike as it hurts my butt!
A friend came around at about 10:45 to take some location photo shots so we went down to Sawmiller’s Reserve & did a bit of walking around there, followed by a lovely lunch at Crows Nest – I had Spaghetti Bolognese! Yay! In the arvo I took it easy and caught up with 3 episodes of ‘Brothers & Sisters’ snuggled up in a rug on the couch. I loved it! In the evening I walked across the bridge and met up with my Parents, my Brother David & his family to watch ‘Fire Water’ – part of the Vivid festival of lights. We had dinner at the Italian Villiage, and then watched the show – it was quite good. Interesting premise. I actually saw it when going across the bridge on Friday and wondered what it was!
So that brings me to today – ups and downs again unfortunately. I did lose a little weight – I’m now at 120.2 – only 200 gms away from 30 kilos, but I was that on Sunday morning as well – so despite all the activity on Sunday I stayed the same. I know I’m being really silly expecting weight loss in one day, but I can’t help how I feel, especially as I got used to seeing a weight loss every day.
But here’s the up - guess how much it cost me to get to work today – NOTHING! Nada Zip Zilch. For the fist time ever I rode my pushbike to work. And you know what? I really enjoyed it. It was quicker than getting the bus, and would be quicker than driving too. So I will continue this – and just see what happens on rainy days!!
And the big news? The ING Fit for life competition finishes on Thursday! Yes it is the last day of this competition which has been going for almost 10 weeks! I’m actually quite nervous! So as soon as I know the results – you will!
See ya!
Pete
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Feelin it....
Adaab,
Well yesterday evening I was probably the most tired I have been since I started this thing. Since my last blog - which was only yesterday - I'll give you a qucik run-down on what I have done - to explain.
So the Monday public holiday I headed into the gym in the morning. I wasn't feeling as energetic as the previous day, but nevertheless, I still did 40 mins on the treadmill, running at 9 km/h for 2 mins, followed by 1 min at 6 km/h. I wanted to give up at 30 mins, but pushed myself to 40.
It was not as much as I normally do, however there is a reason. That evening I had arranged to do a walk with my sister. It was her birthday during the week, and she wanted me instead of getting her a present, to help motivate her to lose a little weight. So at about 8:30, we headed off, in the cold windy weather, for a brisk walk into the city. Below is where we trekked.
It was about 70 mins walking, and over 6 klms. So a big day!
Tuesday was my PT session with Ben. We started with 7 mins on the cross trainer - 5 mins of that interval training. Then off to the studio for 15 mins of circuit. Then back to the gym for more cardio - 10 mins interval on the rower. Then back to the studio for more circuit. I knew that I was tired as I could not put the effort into it that I normally do. The rower I was struggling to keep the average under 2 mins. And afterwards my back was really sore - so I think I must not have been doing it correctly. Also doing the circuit, I could feel that I was not going as hard as I normally do.
Every second Tuesday is my Starlight volunteering - and I normally leave work at 4:30pm to get home in time. However as the PT session finished at 5, after all that I had to run home! I managed to run most of the way. Needless to say, when I arrived at Starlight I was well & truly stuffed. I could barely stand up. Also I was ravenously hungry. I did bring a muesli bar, apple & bottle of water from home, but that was not enough. Unfortunately the only things there to eat were junk food - so I succumed to my hunger & had a pack of chips, a freddo & 8 minties! I did not feel good after. I should remember that.
After that I headed to the Kirribilli club to celebrate Liam's birthday - and had dessert there too!
So today I'm feeling a little better - legs are still a little jellyish - but luckily I also have a massage today. So I'll see how i'm feeling after that before I decide whether to do exercise today or give myself a rest.
I'll let you know what happens!
C ya!
Well yesterday evening I was probably the most tired I have been since I started this thing. Since my last blog - which was only yesterday - I'll give you a qucik run-down on what I have done - to explain.
So the Monday public holiday I headed into the gym in the morning. I wasn't feeling as energetic as the previous day, but nevertheless, I still did 40 mins on the treadmill, running at 9 km/h for 2 mins, followed by 1 min at 6 km/h. I wanted to give up at 30 mins, but pushed myself to 40.
It was not as much as I normally do, however there is a reason. That evening I had arranged to do a walk with my sister. It was her birthday during the week, and she wanted me instead of getting her a present, to help motivate her to lose a little weight. So at about 8:30, we headed off, in the cold windy weather, for a brisk walk into the city. Below is where we trekked.
It was about 70 mins walking, and over 6 klms. So a big day!
Tuesday was my PT session with Ben. We started with 7 mins on the cross trainer - 5 mins of that interval training. Then off to the studio for 15 mins of circuit. Then back to the gym for more cardio - 10 mins interval on the rower. Then back to the studio for more circuit. I knew that I was tired as I could not put the effort into it that I normally do. The rower I was struggling to keep the average under 2 mins. And afterwards my back was really sore - so I think I must not have been doing it correctly. Also doing the circuit, I could feel that I was not going as hard as I normally do.
Every second Tuesday is my Starlight volunteering - and I normally leave work at 4:30pm to get home in time. However as the PT session finished at 5, after all that I had to run home! I managed to run most of the way. Needless to say, when I arrived at Starlight I was well & truly stuffed. I could barely stand up. Also I was ravenously hungry. I did bring a muesli bar, apple & bottle of water from home, but that was not enough. Unfortunately the only things there to eat were junk food - so I succumed to my hunger & had a pack of chips, a freddo & 8 minties! I did not feel good after. I should remember that.
After that I headed to the Kirribilli club to celebrate Liam's birthday - and had dessert there too!
So today I'm feeling a little better - legs are still a little jellyish - but luckily I also have a massage today. So I'll see how i'm feeling after that before I decide whether to do exercise today or give myself a rest.
I'll let you know what happens!
C ya!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
The biggest loss in a week!
Malo e lelei,
As you can see from the title, this past week has given me the biggest weight loss in a single week - it really blew me away when I jumped on the scales this morning - and it's also a major vindication of the hard work I have done in this past week. You wanna know how much I lost this week? And also I will reveal what special thing I have done that has really helped with my weight loss over the past few weeks. Read on my friends!
First though here's what I have done this week.
Monday - A few weeks ago, Richard told me that they were arranging a walking group for ING employees - a lunch time thing where you just get in some comfortable shoes and walk around the local area. Richard asked me if I would like to run a group - which is pretty cool! So Monday was the first group - we had about 8 people, and Ben & I led the group across Pyrmont bridge, past Star City, and around the wharf & back. It was about 40 mins and I think it went well! The next one is tomorrow
Also I had my PT session with Ben where we did mostly cardio, in the gym & in the studio. Basically I had to do 8 mins on a machine, then run out of the gym, up 2 flights of stairs, and run back to the studio where we did some circuit work. Followed by a walk/run home.
Tuesday was a gym session after work, doing approx 40 mins of carsio, followed by a walk/run home - I ran most of the way this time, walking basically only the stairs. I got home in 29 mins - a record!
Wednesday, as per my last blog, I finally reached the target of under 2 secs per 500 metres over a 20 minute period. I think that has been one of my most significant achievements so far. As I was soooooooo buggered after, I did a light 10 mins on the bike, then walked home. I was actually interested to see how long it would be to walk all the way home. I've done it a hundred times before but never actually timed it. How long? 40 mins! So with 29 mins the prev day, that's also something I can work towards.
Thursday was the group session which we shared between the gym, on cardio equipment, and in the studio doing circuits - folowed by a run/walk home.
Friday was my day off, but I still walked home.
Saturday I tried something new... instead of driving to the gym, I rode my push bike! It was the first time that I have ridden my bike since beginning this journey. I bought it in March last year - it as pretty cheap, but it's a great mountain bike with disc brakes, and suspension, front & rear. The trouble was though, as I weighed so much that the rear of the bike fully compacted the suspension & I felt like I was going to slide of the seat as my bum was so far down and my hands up so high on the handlebars!! It was not at all comfortable. However, after losing near to 30 kilos I thought there might be a difference, and I gave the bike another shot!
And it was better! The bike was much easier to ride, and wasn't nearly as compacted in the suspension. So I rode in to the gym - it was only 15 mins as well (In the car it's 11.5 mins)! I followed this with 20 mins interval on the cross trainer. Then 20 mins interval on the treadmill - this time I decided to run 1 min intervals followed by a 1 min walk - but I inreased my running by .5 km/h per time. So I started at 8 km/h, and ended up running at 12.5 km/h! My fastest ever! And then I did 20 mins interval training on the rower. I did 2 mins going hard, them had a 1 min break. It totalled 20 mins - I started averaging under 1:45, then 1:50, then 1:50, then 1:55, then 1:55, then 2:00. A great session, followed by a bike ride home!
Sunday I rode in again (saving the planet & all!) and again did intervals on the treadmill and the cross trainer, then rode home. The gorgeous Christianne and I had Brunch together at Manly afterwards, and we actually did a fair bit of walking as well, from her place in Cliff St, along the majority of the beach, to the restaurant, and the back along the beach & up the corso to Bacino for coffee, then back to her place. We had a lovely time & it was perfect weather.
So...
You've read enough now of my efforts this past week - it's time for my weight loss results as promised. So last Monday was my weekly weigh in - and it happened to be the end of month weigh in as well - and I came in at 123.8kgs. So this morning I jumped on the scales after the gym, and guess what.... 121.4!!!! A massive 2.4 kilos loss in one week! Wow! So only 1.4 kilos until the Scooter!
And my secret? What, do I firmly believe, has helped me lose extra weight since I started using it? Well there's actually two things.
First - Liquid Chlorophyll - it's the stuff that makes plants green, and as it was expained to me that our bodies are basically the same as our cavemen ancestors. These cavemen used to eat a lot of raw leafy vegies - something that we do not do now. We cook all our vegies and this decreases the chlorophyll content - i.e. your cooking water turns green - and you don't drink it afterwards. Liquid Chlorophyll benefits the body by acting like white blood cells - the repairing cells of the body. So your body repairs faster and helps to carry oxygen around your body. I have this twice a day - a teaspoon in 500 mls of water morning and night.
Second - A double espresso every morning. This helps to kick start your metabolism in the morning and I really think that this has made the most difference, along with eating better & exercising too of course! I bought myself a Tefal coffee machine a few weeks ago, and some fresh Vittoria coffee, and I have a double shot, no milk, no sugar first thing in the morning. I've grown to like it now too! Try it!
So that's me to date!
CYA!
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