Running In The Rain

Today's picture is "Gnocchi Girl"!!! : )

I love this picture of Sue!!

Running In The Rain

Is what I did this morning in the dark! It is so great to have a morning training partner. I would definitely have rolled over and curled up under the doona otherwise. The weather today is perfect for staying home, rugged up watching movies! I felt so good after this mornings run. We did a moderate paced, flat 10km run. We also decided we’d run in the 10km race as part of the Noosa Half Marathon Race Day. So I got all the info about that for my partner today.

I had a day off the gym yesterday. I had a seriously upset tummy so went home and relaxed. I didn’t even have an appetite to eat dinner last night. I ended up having an apple and a small glass of milk. I had a great sleep, slept continuously for almost 8 hours.

I had to fight myself not to eat off plan today. I went for a walk at around 11.30am and found my way to a newsagency where I stood for ages looking at the fitness magazines! I bought a diet soft drink after that and came back to my fish and lettuce. Booorrrrinngg, but good for me. I can’t wait to lose these frigging thighs. They are really starting to irritate me.

Last night we did our seating plan for the reception and I spoke with the celebrant. Gerard and I have made a “date” on Saturday night to go through our ceremony and start organising our vows. We are still tossing up whether to have the beach decorated or not. Gerard doesn’t think we should waste the money, but I think it will look pretty in the photographs. Gerard went for coffee at the Sails yesterday and discovered one of the girls from college works there. She is going to see if she can be rostered on for our reception! Chelsea and I are going to the dressmakers tomorrow to have her measurements taken so her dress can be started. After that we are going to go and look at shoes for the girls.

I am planning lots of training and cardio this weekend. I am determined to see the scale drop to 55’s before my bridal shower next weekend! Time to head to the gym to trash my boulders - oh I mean shoulders!

I can't keep secrets!

Todays pic: Sue and I backstage at the All Womens Comp, Victoria.

Yesterday Gerard and I headed down to the big smoke “BrisVegas” to sort out his wedding attire. We had a great day together. We bought him a gorgeous suit and he looked veery nice indeed : ) So the bride and groom have gone from an original plan of dressing very casual to the complete opposite. Thank goodness we had time to plan this wedding as so many things have changed. That happened when we built our house as well, our colour schemes and designs were completely different to our original ideas.

I ended up confessing to the budget blow out and the purchase of the new dress. He didn’t even raise an eyebrow. He is happy for me to have anything I want for our wedding. I was so relieved! I know he’ll love the dress too : )))

We are considering extending the time at our second venue for an additional hour. After our breakfast at Sails (which is the most gorgeous venue) see www.sailsrestaurantnoosa.com we are taking our guests for a trip on the Noosa River Ferry up the Noosa River. We were originally going for 2 hours but are wondering whether we should do 3. We will be doing the cake and speeches……decisions.

I can’t believe the drama some family members are making about “our” wedding. We copped some comments regarding us not inviting kids. Gerards response was “Well you’ve got plenty of time to plan for the kids to be looked after if you decide you are coming”. I was so annoyed, I need to learn to take a deep breath and let it slide…..perhaps I should speak to my sister – she was so damn relaxed for her wedding it was awesome.

We spent lots of time in GNC yesterday. I joined their club and we bought some thermos and L-Glutamine. We also went half in a yummy protein bar, I forget what it’s called but it’s the one that tastes like snickers. I don’t eat them very often as they upset my tummy, but ½ of one was just enough for no side effects. I don’t miss working in the city. It is a world away from the Sunshine Coast.

After our day in the big smoke we went out to dinner and the movies with Gerards Mum. She flies home to Victoria today. I had fish and veges and whilst Gerard and Mum ate double choc tops I sipped my water. We saw Jindabyne. My review – It’s Crap, don’t waste your money seeing it at the theatre.

I arranged for a friend who does house cleaning to come and do a few jobs around the house yesterday. Up until now Gerard has thought the idea of having a housecleaner is just ridiculous. She did such a fantastic job! I was stoked. Gerard commented this morning maybe we should get her in more regularly : ) Oh yeah, I am making progress! Of course she only did my allocated tasks – all his were up to date. But I think he is convinced now I’m a crap cleaner and if he wants it done properly he has to do it himself or pay someone : ))

I went for a run yesterday morning, I found it very difficult as I have not yet fully recovered, but soldiered on. I had to walk after every hill for recovery! This morning I took it a little easier and power walked my neglected puppy.

Starting to Spark Up!

I ended up being seriously hit by the flu last week. I had 3 days off work and I can’t remember the last time I slept so much! My body obviously needed it. I did no training at all, ate sparingly and allowed myself to indulge in all the fruit and veges I craved. Lots of strawberries : )

I met with Maraina on Thursday night and discussed her nutrition plan, then went along to her posing session on Sunday to have a look at her in action. I must say – you have a very nicely shaped bottom Maraina! As always, posing is very elegant.

Prior to the posing class I met with the owner of the gym to discuss co-ordinating a 12 week challenge at the gym. She was quite surprised with all the ideas I put forward. We are aiming to kick that off to coincide with Spring Time. So there are lots of details to be worked out prior to then.

Friday night I ventured down to Brisvegas for a Nutrimetics State Conference. I wasn’t feeling too great but was really looking forward to catching up with Rach. We shared a room so had lots of time to chat. The dinner was awesome and I was positively full. I won best dressed female which I thought was quite funny. I really thought Rach and bub should have won Best Dressed Couple! When we got back to the room I treated Rach to a pedicure which she was delighted with. I enjoyed giving her a pamper.

Saturday I met up with a friend who was down from somewhere in remote north WA. She introduced Rach and I to a wonderful Tea Salon at Southbank. We sat and talked for hours and I so enjoyed the green tea and white tea I bought 100g of Chinese Gunpowder Green tea. Yesterday after the posing class I stopped in at Myer and bought myself a teapot and an infusion mug. I’m addicted to the stuff and actually had a green tea craving instead of coffee craving this morning!

I forced myself out of bed this morning at 6am. Gerard opened his eyes and commented I am getting up too early, he couldn’t believe it was 6am. Went for a run with my new cardio buddy, then made it to the gym at lunch time for a back and bicep workout. I have college tonight so I will be leaving work at 4pm which will give me a chance to get in my second cardio session for the day. I am going to take my neglected doggy for a walk. But he will have to walk and not sniff! He will be disgusted no doubt.

AWESOME COMP

Well I'm back at work today after having an eventful and rather adventurous trip to Melbourne this weekend. It all started with a debacle before I even got off the plane! I'd forgotten my mobile pin code as I never turn it off and after messing it up 3 times my sim was blocked. Oh great. I arrived at 9pm and proceeded to get lost driving around Melbourne and ended up in the city! I finally arrived at Sue's apartment close to midnight...........like I said it was adventurous!

I hung out with Sue on Friday and went through posing and routine practice with both Kimmy and Sue. That was great fun. Sue introduced me to a gorgeous gourmet grocery store and we drooled our way around the aisles! When Cheryl arrived I took her there and we actually spent close to 1.5 hours just looking at all the unbelievable gourmet goodies. We had a giggle to ourselves about being able to do this together and enjoying it so much.

Saturday I went out to the venue early for registration then headed back late morning to meet up with Sue and get a space in a dressing room. I really enjoyed helping Sue get ready. It was heaps of fun sharing that experience with her. I finally got to meet Katie too, which was great. I didn't realise how tall she was : ) Also got to meet lots of other lovely ladies from blogger and share in an after comp feast with them all! I really didn't want to pass that tirimasu down the table......it was divine.

The show was unbelievable. My friend Cheryl and I have made a pact to compete in it next year. The quality of competitors was AWESOME. I was so impressed with the show. The only thing I don't like is the split format. Makes it a very long and tiring day for the competitors. Qld INBA shows don't have a split format. Posing and routines are completed for the entire division and then the winners announced. But I will definitely be there. I am even reconsidering competing in the Nationals in October and putting a solid 12 months into my training and following a super clean regime.......we'll see how I scrub up by the wedding and how relaxed I am on our honeymoon before I decide. Either way I'll be there as I have already booked my airfares!

I woke up on Friday morning with a burning throat and it is getting worse. If it is burning as much as this morning tomorrow I think I'll have to go to the doctors. I was hoping it would just go away!

Blown the Budget

Oh my god, I have just blown my wedding budget on my wedding dress! I went and bought a new dress today. Something wasn't quite right with the original. So whatever you do - don't tell Gerard if you speak to him : ) I will have to keep this a secret until after the wedding.......now I just have to figure out how I'm going to make up the budget gap!!

Time To Prioritise

Today's picture is me getting tanned, this weekend I will have the sticky hands instead of the sticky body! I can't wait to see the All Womens Show and help Sue prepare back stage!

Today's title is relevent to what I need to start doing for MY PHYSICAL FITNESS GOALS. I have my finger in so many pies at the moment my physical goals are far from being achieved.

I am currently working full time, organising a wedding, studying part time, running my nutrimetics business and training several fitness clients. As a result my training and nutrition has been far from optimal. So the first thing to go off my list is the nutrimetics, I will no longer be booking any spa experience parties. I have the majority of the wedding now organised, I have to go to my full time job and my part time study. My highest priority other than those 2 simply has to be my fitness and nutrition. My wedding dress is too tight! I have about 7 kgs to lose before the wedding, which means I need to be approaching my wedding prep like FULL ON comp prep. Time to knuckle down.

Can't wait till the weekend. I know I won't need to struggle with my motivation once I see the show...................

Surprise!!

Is what Gerard got last night when we got home and his Mum came walking up the stairs to greet him! We had planned for her to make a surprise trip up for his birthday this weekend. He was very surprised indeed and even happier when his favourite soup - Nanna's soup was cooked and waiting for him on the stove!

Today's picture is of one of Gerards work collegues when he went to Thailand and visited the Tiger Temples in Kanchanburi. THIS is going to be a highlight of our honeymoon. I am absolutely beside myself in anticipation! We are specifically going to this Province to visit the Tiger Temples. Get a load of the size of this big pussy cat! And I thought my dog was big!

I have started reading a great book - Would you like Attitude with that? By Justin Herald. It is sensational and I am feeling all geed up. I have printed this out for my bedroom wall and will attach my goals next to it:

Sacrifice
Understanding
Commitment
Character
Excellence
Structure
Satisfaction

= SUCCESS.

9 more sleeps till the All Womens Comp in Melbourne. It is going to be a great weekend and I know I will get a serious motivational kick up the backside when I see all those Women who have been working so hard and look fantastic. I am really looking forward to catching up with Sue and Jodie and meet the gorgeous Sam. How's that picture on her blog?!! Awesome indeed.

Lost in Space!

I have fallen off the blogging wagon for a few weeks! Blogging tends to be on my low priority list when I have a busy schedule! Todays pic is me from the back winning The Open Figure Short Division of Qld It's a Girl Thing Comp in April.

I am really looking forward to seeing the Melbourne comp and getting immersed and motivated by all the competitors.

I have decided to broaden my horizons with my PT clientele and start assisting others in comp preparation - diet, training, posing etc. There is limited support for competitors on the Sunshine Coast and given my success I think I have a lot to offer others. So any girls from Brisbane or the Sunny Coast who are interested and looking for support and guidance with your comp prep feel free to enquire with me!

Well the wedding is only 10 weeks from yesterday! I paid for our honeymoon today. I really can't wait for the honeymoon! It is going to be awesome. The weather has been superb on the Sunny Coast. Magic winter days. We read the paper in the park on the weekend whilst the children played and I even had to take my shirt off as I was heating up! The beach was absolutely packed.

My training is going really well. I am training with renewed enthusiasm and have hooked up with a cardio partner to ensure I hit the pavement on chilly mornings. It is great having a cardio partner. The time goes so quickly. I am really enjoying my running again. It feels so great after a run. I've started working on my tan too! I'm so sick of being white. The solarium is great in winter!

Well I'll be trying to stay upto date with my blogging now that I'm back into a routine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIA!