NEARLY END OF JAN UPDATE......

Wow!  I can't believe we are almost through Jan!

Last weekend I visited the Edendale Crank Up Weekend.  It's a big weekend in my now home town where people from nearby, (plus some travel reasonable distances).........bring out their old tractors, vintage tractors, older styled cars and vehicles such as landrovers, trucks etc!  There is a Friday night parade around Edendale, then on Saturday and Sunday the same vehicles parade at the Edendale Sports grounds.  There is also a festival atmosphere, a bit like a show on a small scale and things such as the bouncy castle and go-carts for kids, plus a couple of clothing stalls etc, plus drinks etc for sale.  There are marching parades, lawnmower races plus lots more.  I visited on Saturday with my sister and some of her friends.  Sunday morning I got up early as I decided to volunteer some baking to the fundraising baking/produce stall!  I went with a carrot cake, (sugarfree and flourfree) and a sugarfree flour free date and walnut loaf, courtesy ofKat Millar  I cut both items into slices, wrote up a pretty tag for each.  I didn't manage to get to Crank Up day on Sunday so am not sure how they sold!

I have been consistent with my training and reaching my kilometre targets with running, plus also getting in some weights workouts!  However I'm still awaiting performance improvements and am finding this a frustrating process!  Such as since early September last year, - my best 5k outdoor run time is 32:40.  I used to be able to run 5k outdoors in 26 mins or slightly less and want that level back, - actually for now want to manage an outdoor 5km under 30 mins!  I have had some challenging terrain, (like freshly graded roads, a bit like sand running) plus challenging windy weather at times.  I am still keeping up with the early morning 20 min treadmill torture incline/hill run 2-3 times a week.  That involves setting treadmill at 9.4kmph speed wise.  First min incline 1.0, 2nd min 2.0, 3rd min 1.0, 4th min 3.0, 5th min, 1.0, 6th min 4.0, 7th min 1.0, 8th min 4.0, 9th min 2.0, 10th min 1.0......then repeating the sequence for another 10 mins without a break!  For the first week, I firstly attempted it at 9.0 speed, managed that, so increased it to 9.2 and managed that 3 times, (although a struggle).  So next I set treadmill at 9.4, succeeded with that first attempt, however the next 3 runs at that pace were shit!  Such as struggling, reaching maximum, - one day at 10 mins, one at 14 mins, one at 16 mins!  I either terminated the workout or had a drink, stretch, caught breath a bit and soldiered on.  Yesterday morn at 6am, despite a real struggle I made it the full 20 mins incline job at 9.4 without a break.  I did some resistance work for 20 mins or so, (using body weight, dumbells, deck steps and wall) yesterday evening and a 7.2k outdoor run on some varying terrain, (however flat) after work today.  1k freestyle swim at pool scheduled tomoz, then will attempt Monday's 9.4 incline run again on Thursday hoping to put another success in the bag!  Have been pretty good with nutrition, went out to a BBQ on Saturday but didn't go insanely overboard!

I am guessing a good part of this fitness level frustration goes toward being currently overweight and allowed self to lose fitness conditioning strength wise etc too .  I think regaining fitness it is a harder process when older.  As far as fatloss goes, I started this year at 85.2 :-(  I know I was pretty on track week one of this year, slipped up bad week 2, then have been pretty fully on track for last 2 weeks.  I was aiming for under 82kg on 1 Feb, then hopefully back under 80 come 1 March.  Will see how I fare 1 Feb. 

Another obstacle to fitness frustration could be: - lack of coffee lol!  I'm not so keen on instant coffee, - need to travel at least 30km for a decent cafe coffee such as a well made skinny flat white so sipping one before I start work isn't an option!  And most shops are shut after work......so it has to be a weekend treat or an indulgence................reading lifestyle glossy magazines or a newspaper in an a nice cafe sipping a nicely made coffee along with sometimes perhaps a healthyish sounding brunch option or whatever if hungry!  The daily work coffee(s) were mandantory in Perth and a regular indulgence were the cafe nice ones, (often after or half way through a bike ride or similar).  Guess I could buy an expensive home expresso machine, - however other priorities for my money for now and I'm finding myself busy with other things that I would sabotage my time if I lingered about savouring coffee, - a bit like beer or wine!

Talking of the alcohol subject, - hopefully I don't disappoint you Liz, (as I have full admiration and respect for non drinkers), - however I did cave to a couple of social drinks at gatherings on Friday and Saturday been.  Wine and beer, not overly too much which was good.  But am back off it, other than social occasions at weekends if desired and only very occasional important celebrations if ever on weeknights.  Water intake recently has been sky high for some reason, - good!

Till next time,
Pip

WOW, firstly spotted NZ's recent summer olympic medalist, Nathan Cohen!  So I gave him a wave, took a pic and scored a wave back!

Main street Edendale where we watched Crank Up parade on past us last Friday evening, - outside my sister's home!

Sports grounds at Edendale where Crank Up Day was held!  The big factory in the background is the Fonterra Plant, - Edendale's huge dairy factory.  Love that this pic shows blue skies!  Last 5 days weather has been nice, over 20 each day and on the weekend it would have hit the mid 20s or perhaps a tad higher even, awesome for here!  Long may it last!

Mountain Bike Trail disaster and other doings......

G'day!  Well, last Saturday I participated in my first ever mountain bike race!  I've done 4 mini triathlons before, (with road bikes) but never just a bike race, yet alone a mountain bike race!

Anyway about 9 years ago, (between moving back from Queensland and then again to Western Aussie) I purchased a mountain bike while living and working in Queenstown.  I used it quite a bit that year on some decent bike trips, (mainly hilly roads though, not trails).  However, when I moved to WA the bike was stored at my parents, - available for family or anyone to use!  About 4-5 people had a short ride on it! 

One of them was my father used it to pedal the 4.5km trip to the pub from his place one Sunday morning!  He had left his vehicle at the pub the previous night and got a lift home.  From that effort, - he made the decision that this bike needed a new seat, - a soft spongy one as opposed to the more racer style one like what it came with, - therefore he went and purchased one and got it attached.  I must admit the seat Dad bought is more comfy, - but my bike looks slightly more dowdy!  But basically the bike hadn't been in use for years although I'd done a few trips since my return from Oz!

The morning of my race, (last Saturday) I decided to pump the tyres up, (think I possibly put a bit too much air in them)!

It was a rainy day, 13 degrees, lots of mud but yep, - my event was a 21km mountain bike hilly trail event.  All was good the first 6-7km of the race.  That bit was on road, lots of hills, I was feeling 'in the groove' sitting about the middle of the spread out pack, - (ok, perhaps slightly closer to the rear than the front with the experienced riders).  I was happy with my effort on the up hills!  I had just reached the top of a hill, spotted the first trail turn off 100m ahead, then........I heard a big BANG that sounded like a farmer nearby was trying to shoot me with a gun!  I looked down and saw that BANG, - my front tyre had completely POPPED!  Was deflated now  I didn't have any spare tubes either and tyre was broken!  So I had to turn back, start walking bike back toward start of race.  An official spotted me, notified others I wouldn't finish, put my bike on back of their ute and took me back to the start.  Definitely I WILL get bike fixed and keep on trying!

Other than that I have kept up with the early morning interval hill running on the treadmill before work.  Yesterday I did a 6.2k outdoor flat run in the strong cool winds when I woke up.  I had a few things to get done last night and got to bed late, - therefore I opted not to have a treadmill workout this morning.  Tomorrow though definitely, - and training today as well!  I have still kept up a few resistance moves too.

12th day, no alcohol so far.  I went out for lunch yesterday, - instead of a wine or beer, opted for one of the restaurants renowned skinny flat whites to have along with water!  Because I was very tempted to have a wine or beer, - I was pleased the coffee was a nice one!

Talk soon with the next update!

Pip

GENERAL QUICK UPDATE/CHANGING BODY CLOCK AROUND!

G'day!

I'm working again now, am in swing of that quickly.  Day 7 without any alcohol so far this time around.

As I've talked about, - in Perth I had early starts in regard to work.  A few years ago I very regularly had to be up at 3.15am for 4am starts.  Last year I was up at 4.50am in my quest to start the day so was at work on time.  I always had an issue with going to bed early enough though!

However, with no urgeny about things......I found I naturally retreat to being more of a night owl!  So when I finished work in Perth, I found I was in bed later, then up later, - felt blissful!  I did what was necessary to fit with my itinerary in Thailand, however there were never any massively early starts.

NZ is 5 hours ahead of Perth in summer, so when I moved here, - the first night I wasn't in bed till 4am Perth time.  However I did develop a pattern of getting to bed about 1am on average, getting up about 8.30-9.30am after nice lie ins, -bliss!

Now with working, I need to change that clock back around somewhat so I'm up earlier and in bed earlier again!

Today I knew I was gonna have to suck this up...........but I am in the mindframe that I want to get used to doing a decent workout early in the morning on a regular basis again!  Even say at least twice a week, (other workouts can be after work).  Such as a sweat busting run, - or decent HIIT session on the treadmill.   

It has been years since I could get in an early morning workout on a weekday done in Perth cause:
a) I flatly refuse to run outside in the morning before it's light!
b) I considered it rude to have a workout in the house before 5am when housemates are sleeping!
c) I was too sleep deprived from getting to bed too late, and regularly drinking too much alcohol.....the last thing I felt like doing on waking up was an intense workout!

I intend to have a decent treadmill HIIT workout on the go by 6am tomorrow.  What I have noticed.....without alcohol for a week is better sleeps and of course less dehydration in the mornings which both put one in a stronger workout position.  I could probably achieve this with very moderate drinking as well, but will continue to stay off it for now, - till at least end of Febfast. 

My treadmill workout now is a hill program, I stay running at the same speed and the incline keeps changing every minute, - anywhere from 1.0 and 4.0 so the uphill 'sprints' for a minute are the killers!  I have a few resistance moves I do from time to time, just need to start being consistent with them!

Till next time,

Pip

FLOODING ROADS IN SOUTHLAND

Thought I would post about something slightly different today.

Last Thursday when driving up to Gore with a friend to swim laps at the pool, I had come across two sections on the road, with at least 300m of constant water in front of me which was at least 50-60cm high.  We had the machinery there to get rid of the water overtime and the roadworks STOP/GO people there controlling it.  It was a surreal totally new experience driving through water, I was assured it wouldn't harm my car, (just wash the underneath). 

I was driving really slow with the flow of traffic, had never seen anything like it on that road before.  But we DID have over 80mm of rain on Wednesday night last week.  The Mataura River is nearby so some of the floodbanks may have given way.  We have already hit 136mm of rain for the year so far here, - therefore lots different than 'dry as a bone' Perth in January haha.

Gore has a 25m swimming pool, - my goal was to put in 40 laps, (1km) of freestyle, - focussing on technique and a bit of speed.  After that was completed I mucked around playing with the kickboards focussing on legs, the foam noodle which focusses on upperbody plus some relaxing backstroke, sidestroke and playing about for a bit!

Other news: - little sister  and her husband have just passed the 32 week mark of her pregnancy, therefore I expect to be an Aunty soon, - wow!  They live very close by.

Still haven't caved regarding booze.

Till next time!

'ALL OR NOTHING'.....PLUS ALCOHOL......

Hello!

I realise this post is back to rehashing the same old stuff/long term issues in a slightly different way, - something I still *desperately hope* to get away from *very soon*.  I am not blaming anyone however I'm not feeling all 'sorry for myself' or the like either.

I will mention that I know for many years, (since I was 21 after I felt I got really fit at one point and time) that I consider that I have a problem with alcohol.  A bit like binge eating actually.

When I was 18-20, I still did drink however only when I went either clubbing or to a party with others my age where alcohol was involved.  For the most times in those instances I moderated myself to a level I felt happy with.  A couple of times I got drunk in friends company to the point of not remembering all the next day or falling asleep at a party........still twice too many but that was about twice in 2-3 years and pretty standard I guess.  I never drank by myself or anything then, - it didn't occur to me.

After I got to a 'fit' point for me the summer I turned 21, - close to, (if not daily drinking) became the norm.  It was an effort to have alcohol free days but I did, (often strung a few alcohol free days due together due to lack of funds as well plus knew it was sensible).  I remember enjoying beers, wine, various RTD's, either during social occasions or as an enjoyable way to relax (putting off important things that needed doing) while reading, listening to music dancing around or whatever.  Sure there were times I had up to 6 beers or up to a bottle of wine, (occasionally getting too drunk to the point of forgetting parts of the evening if out).  However luckily nothing overly dangerous happened cause of this, was always in friends company on the odd occasion it happened, (plus it happened to them as well on occasion).  The alcohol didn't affect weight gain then plus I still made gains in fitness......unless binge eating was out of control too.

Pretty much this was the case till I worked in the country pub in WA for 1.5 years.  Drinking was the culture, I would have had some I guess 6 days a week on average at least.  Always a 'staffie' after I finished work which sometimes stayed at 1 or 2, average would have been 3-4 but once a week or so it was either 5-6 drinks such as a beer or RTD being 1 drink, (maybe 1.3 std drinks) or a bottle of wine or the like, mostly with company.

When I first moved into Perth I was on a health/fitness/fatloss kick and gave up booze for about 4 weeks, then once I started feeling a bit better about self started allowing it socially in moderation, (such as only out with new peeps I'd met establishing friendships).  That worked nicely for a while and I was still in the zone of getting fit.  However the alcohol started being 'soo goooood', intake went up, eventually overeating/binge eating ways started,intense training went by the wayside so intense weight regain etc......and the cycle continued somewhat!

Food wise, - I've never felt 'all or nothing' exactly, never followed a diet as such, handled small setbacks OK, but subconciously believe the 'inevitable' is that I'd screw up eventually.....which has prooven to be the case unfortunately........the opposite to what I, (the higher brain) really wants to be doing.

Regarding alcohol, I've gone for periods where I'd given it up for a while, often 1-2 weeks, once 6 weeks completely, a couple of stints of a months abstinence.  I also had set limitation goals such as......10 standard drinks per week max with at least 4 alcohol free days that week,..........or the goal of never drinking alone, only in moderation at social events where others are also drinking and lots like these.  The 'moderation/control' goals do work for a while, - but I have always seemed to slip back to old patterns.

The last year or two, I notice that if I hit the bottle mark of wine, it affects my sleep pattern from time to time.  Such as 3 hours of sleep, then waking with a faster pulse with occasionally sweating to a various degree at 3am, and not being able to get back to sleep.  I rarely get hangovers as such, but obviously when poor sleep happens I feel disappointed, sluggish and tired the following day.  Hence these days harder to get back on track nutritionally I do that!  Since coming back to NZ there has been lots of good wines!  I like wine, beer but am not into RTD's at all.

I have recently, - umm... googled stuff along these lines.  I hate the word alcoholic.  By the way, most sites state that 'alcoholics' are in danger if they ever decide to have one thinkingly *innocent* alcoholic drink again.  Plus rehab, talking to doctors, not attempting to 'quit' on on etc is all mentioned for probmatic alcohol users.  Anyway 4 days ago I decided I'm going to completely 'give up' drinking yet again 'for now'.  Have succeeded so far.  However had a small 'glitch' today!  That was I mindlessly had one liqueor chocolate when out, (one of the small dark chocolates filled with brandy!)  The thought that I'd 'stuffed up my pure non drinking sobriety thing one day 4' occurred, the temptation crossed my mind to open a bottle of red wine after I'd done the daily activitites, - of course I know that is silly and haven't done that.

I have signed up for Febfast again, - the goal is to not have any form of alcoholic drink till at least 1 March, then will reassess.  I may stay off it a bit longer, or even (a small chance) permanently.  What I do know, - is if I return to drinking any alcohol, - it really must remain a smaller part of my life than it does now, such as special or noteable social occasions in moderation. 

Incase anyone wonders, I never have, never will drink and drive!  I am adamant on that one!  Also drinking has been from habit, fun, tastes good, relaxing, love wine 'tasting' and taking notes, - just I can keep on drinking it!

I don't think things necessarily need to be 'black and white'/all or nothing.  It is unrealistic with food.  Even with diet soft drink I used to have far too much.  Initially I had one can after 6 months with none at all and that set me off again back to old habits.  Then I gave diet softs drinks up again completely for over 2 years.  Then, - umm......had a 600ml coke zero about 20 months ago!  Nowdays I average about 2 600ml bottles a week of the stuff, (still a bit too much for my liking) but at least not the crazy way I used to drink the stuff.  That reminds me........cutting that back further too!

Have been a bit slack on the training/on track front lately, (other than nice job of staying off booze last 4 days).  Back to that tomoz, plus really focussing on non processed foods, (lots of veg and water) at the moment! 


Till next time,
Pip

HAPPY 2013 TO ALL!!!

 

 

Hello!  Sure has been a while since I've blogged, and the blog format/features seem to have changed so I will need to have a little play to update myself.

 

I think typing with my laptop on my knee while sitting on a lazy boy type chair is a no go unfortunately, unintentionally I seem to lose work which took hourse worth of effort just with swaying of the cursor, - bummer!  That is what happened with my Thailand novel I had just finished writing!

 

Christmas was great, - we had awesome weather down in Southland, sunny and it hit about 28 degrees without wind which is REALLY warm/good for here!  I had it with my parents and some relations at the parental home and garden!

 

As for the photos above, - we have self saucing lemon pudding I made for Christmas, - the first time I made it, (actually made a trial a few days prior which I ate most of!)  And I add more lemon juice and rind than the recipe states, but less milk as tangy and lemony is definitely good!  Next pic is Kaka Point Beach, top of the Catlins Coast, Southern South Island.  Then it's my vege garden, silverbeet, spinach, spring onions, parsley, potatoes, dill, basil, lemon grass and newly planted leeks.  I raid Mum and Dad's garden for other veges!  Next is the beach at Jacks Bay, just off Catlins Coast.  From civilized roads, it's a 8km drive down a narrow, gravel windy road to this secluded beach.  Next pic is a yellow eyed penguin at Jacks Bay, (where I also took a dunk).  The final 2 pics are of part of my garden, newly planted natives by me, (I have more).

 

It's been quite relaxing of late, catching up with family, playing around with gardening, taking a few mountain bike rides, the odd inconsistent bit of running, internet research into a few topics, photography and staying in touch with Perth.  Will be working again full time from next week.  Another day I went floundering with relatives and mates down at Oreti beach, new experience and a hoot with good number of fish caught!

 

I will do a REAL mini 2012 recap! 

* New Year 2012 was at Kalbarri with mates. 

* Feb, the move to NZ was organised, (house was bought).  Also did Febfast.

* June, had a mini fun trip to Melbourne, went to the MCG!

* From 21 July till about 19 Aug did a 29 day challenge, no booze, no sugar, no gutsing, keeping up training etc all consistently, - did it!

* Finished up at my job on 28 Sept, that couldn't come soon enough at the end!

* Thailand from mid Oct till 6 Nov!

* Arrived in my home now 18 Nov.  Have been setting up, doing a bit of work on the gardens, odd jobs, catching up with relatives and old mates from here, cruising, researching study options for this year, some mountain bike riding, running and more!

 

Regarding thoughts about NZ, the thought of missing Oz, trouble with my the organisation of the Thailand trip, I found it to be a stressful year, or time with uncertainties at times!  My weight has climbed this year higher than for a few years.  I reached 81kg mid July, then up well in the 80's again by mid September and I haven't been consistent enough for long enough to make a drastic shift or to really improve fitness.  I had far too much alcohol, sugar, cheese, gutsing in gerenal last year and undesirable eating patterns I'm not pleased with for much of it.  I put in a few good training stints with good results, (strength related notably) but big slip ups in other lifestyle factors!  I had lots of fun though, many bikerides, swims, runs, gym work in and about Perth and lots of fun with mates there!

 

As for 2013:

*  Unfortunately it's the same old lifestyle, weight loss, fatloss, fitness gain goals.  I have events in mind to enter, (lots around here)........Consistency and no mega off-track-ness!  85.5 yesterday morn, (ouch) but xmas day was the all time high for years of 85.7 before I tootled off on my xmas morn must do run.  Am aiming for under 82 by 1 Feb, then keep up the pattern of averaging at least 2kg per month loss.......till, - um, I'm where I want.....then stay there within reason! 

*  Have signed up to do on online course in Sports Training and Development!  With the zero fees scheme, I get it very cheap!

* Will sign up with a multisport club, running club, and photography club.  I wanna increase my fitness base now by the way.

* I intend to volunteer for some events.

* Will work toward employment/work experience the the fitness area!

* Lil sis is due to have her first baby in March, her and her hubby have a house which is soon to start being built.

* Learn more about plants/gardening!

* Meet more peeps and make new friends.

 

That is the basis for the coming year.  There will be lots more, am hoping for a ski day/weekend in winter, am gonna do a cycle event in the North Island with my relative late Nov and maybe a alpine weekend hike with my best mate from Oz if she commits to coming over this year.

 

There will be more to come, off to hit the treadmill for interval slogs now!  (I've got loan of Mum's treadmill and it's been a rainy day plus me being lazy!)

 

Pip :-)