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.

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!

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!

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

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

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!

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!

The rower...

Tja,

So i've been updating the blog recently with my results from the challenge that Richard set me at work to break the 2 min per 500 metres (over 20 minutes) barrier.

I have been steadily improving... here are my times so far:

Wednesday 13/5 - 2.10.8
Saturday 23/5 - 2.07.7
Wednesday 27/5 - 2.03.8
Saturday 30/5 - 2.01.5

Well yesterday I jumped on the rower, actually quite sure that I was NOT going to break the 2 min mark. I really wasn't in a rowing mood, but I did it anyway and aimed to keep my average below 2 mins. The first 10 mins, I did that, almost always below 2 mins, but in the 2nd 10 mins I frequesntly was on the 2 min average, or even over it, occasionally going down to 2.01 or 2.02.

I was stuffed - totally, by the 15 min mark, but I kept at it and for the last minute managed to improve the pace back to under 2 mins. So did I do it? Did I manage to beat the mark or do i have more work to do?

The answer - more work to do...

But only because Richard has set me a new goal!! YES I DID IT!!

My average was 1.58.8 !!!!! Woo Hoo! At that rate, it was 5055 metres! Yeah!

Also a bit of research on the internet has shown me what the world record for 5000 metres is... it was set by New Zealander Rob Waddell in 2008 - He won Gold at the Olympics - so obviously is an elite athlete - his time for 5000 metres is 14.58.3 - which works out to be a 1.46 !! I'm only 12 seconds away from being a World Champion!! Awesome!

And Rob Waddell looks like this (i.e. he's a super fit muscle guy and i'm not!)...

Maybe when I get muscles like him, i'll be able to go faster!

See y'all!