Back from Greenbelt inspired and revived. I survived the food vans against all the odds. Had a great time. Two major highlights were watching 'The Curse of the WereRabbit' with Nick Park it's creator. He gave a talk about the way the film was made and answered questions from the crowd.
Another highlight was the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. They are amazing musicians, so much that they can have real fun on the ukuleles seen http://www.ukuleleorchestra.com



Greenbelt is a fantastic place to meet up with people you only get to see there once a year, and you just pick up from, where you left off.
There is always so much to see and do but the best bit is spending time with old and new friends.

Patience is a Virtue

I have a confession to make...Patience is not my greatest virtue and when I get excited about something I can get over zealous and try literally to run before I can walk.
I want to have lost all the weight and be training for the Marathon within, at least the first month of getting off the sofa. Last night I gave myself a 'reality check'.

I don't want to become obsessed, but let this become part of my life. I'm having loads of fun but I do feel twinges of guilt if I haven't done 5k walk everyday, or if I eat something that wasn't sprouting!!!!

Being over zelous in exercise can be dangerous, as I know from my calf strains. I am still carrying the weight of an extra person which puts enormous strains on joints etc. so it's important to take care. After having a chat to Wil last night I realised that the learning of details like posture and walking correctly is so important before going onto anything else.... or even....not being able to go on to anything else because those things weren't practiced in the beginning. Such a hard lesson to learn but you wouldn't go into an orchestra without learning to play an instrument properly.

So it's time to calm down a bit. I can't lose my enthusiasm because I love being trained at the gym so much and seeing results from having a healthier life style, but I will try not to become obsessed and be disciplined in details.

I think it is far harder to be disciplined in moderation than in a strict regime. The thought of going to Greenbelt and having just one Pizza is harder, for me than eating lettuce all weekend!!!! Oooooooooooooooo so much to learn in this life changing thing!!!

One small step for a woman, One Giant Leap For Su

Had a strange day yesterday. I woke up at 3 in the morning and had a sudden urge to start the art work for Bournemouth. I couldn't sleep, in my mind I was thinking that I couldn't do it and that it wouldn't be good enough and then thought ..'get a grip woman (as my dear friend says to me), and get on with it!!' Being nocturnal working between 2-7 o'clock is best for me but can be quite anti-social!! Had a lovely time sploshing paint onto canvas, I mean creating works of art!!
Anyway before I knew it, it was 12 noon and I had run out of paint. A quick dash to the shop and back, I'm afraid, was the exercise of the day.

Today I start a fresh focus on exercise and food need a bit of a boost. I haven't eaten badly it's more refreshing the excitement of what I am doing. Greenbelt is approaching fast and it would be good to feel fit and healthy for that.

Last Gym session Wil put a new challenge before me- little leaps from foot to foot, working on core balance. Now, the following statement may sound a bit pathetic but it is something I've never really thought of before. I have always avoided jumping, jogging, leaping because of all the extra weight bouncing!!!! a) it is quite painful or rather it was because there was 7 stone extra of it. b) it was really embarrassing, because I was aware it was not nice to see. Now I am getting smaller it is a bit easier. Having 2 feet off the ground is a new and a bit of an uneasy phenomenon for me. Once I get over this I think jogging, jumping, climbing gates will be easier!!!
I have been practicing at home being ever careful of my calf muscles.

WEEK 8 GOALS
This week is stage 1 of my mini triathlon. On Thursday it's 10 minutes on the bike. Which will be a world record for me!!!. And I will aim to try and walk 20K through the week (not all at once!!!

I'm Not Wierd I'm Just Trying To Walk Properly!!

Well ummmmm!!!!!!!!! the Tinman went a bit rusty last night. I was unable to get to the Gym but I did go for an hours solid brisk walk. And I walked past the cycle
shop and the swimming pool so that kind of counts I think!!!!
Although I think I might get Learner plates and aT Shirt that says 'I'm not wierd I'm just trying to walk properly', because I do get some funny looks. In my ears I hear a little voice...Stomach on, bum in, head up, shoulders back...work the core.. knees up, straight feet.' I'm sure I must look like the other Daisy, Daisy Duck


Next weekend is Greenbelt, which is an Arts Festival held at Cheltenham Race Course. About 22-25,000 people go and it covers most of the art disciplines, social and justice issues, music, film, music,dance of every kind. There are seminars and all kinds of experiences www.greenbelt.org.uk.
I go with my friend Stu, we go nearly every year. It always feels like 'going home' because it's the most friendly place to be. We meet up with people we may only see there once a year. There is so much to do or not do. You can go to whatever you like or just chill with friends.
....Mark, Me and Stu GBRs (Greenbelt Regulars)

People appearing there to perform or speak are so diverse e.g Tracy Emmens (artist), Daniel Bedingfield (Chart Singer), Norman Kember (Hostage in Iraq earlier this year), Nick Park (responsible for Wallace and Gromit). There are bands, orchestras, theatre companies, international dance troupes, professional artists etc etc....but best of all are the friends!!!!(aw!!)

The dangerous side is.. imagine you have been outside walking, or sitting in a tent for 14 hours feeling tired, maybe cold and hungry...... and you walk past a collection of mobile vans selling, chips, crepes, pizzas, curries, all things deep fried, donuts....close your eyes and imagine the smell............ will I be able to resist!!! I must......
Stu has worked out a good menu for the weekend. So hopefully we will be armed with lots of filling things to make us strong!!!!

But I think there is a Greenbelt walkathon being arranged for those who maybe in peril near the chips.

Tin Man Triathlon Tonight

Had a great time at the Gym last night. Started off with my impression of the 6 Million Dollar Man. Pretending to go really fast on the TreadMill in slow motion. I am also perfecting my go faster motion in the swimming pool Bay Watch Style.

Then we got onto the real stuff. 5 mins walking warm up and then 5 mins cycling and 5 mins on the cross trainer. Weights, balance, stretching etc.
Had a little half time comparison of how much had changed since I started.
Couldn't get on the bike at the beginning, thought I was going to die after 3 mins on cross trainer and treadmill I was walking 3k per hour and puffed out.
So in answer to Graemee's comment on last Blog ..I feel great and it is working. If I can do it anyone can!!!!

Wil was telling me how some o his friends are doing the IronMan Triathlon in Sherborne this weekend which I think sounds really hard. It ends up with a full Marathon.

Well as I'm always up for a challenge....no don't worry I'm not doing the Ironman Race wouldn't want to embarrass them as I waited at the finish line...I thought I'd do my own version tonight .....The Tin Man!!!!

5 mins on cross trainer 2K treadmill and 10 lengths x 14 m swimming. Only beginnings !!! See how it goes!! STRETCHER!!!

The Magic Ball

Had a quite a lazy day yesterday. Didn't feel right at all. I decided to go a bit easy on my leg and rest it a little although I did pop into Southampton for a catch up lunch with a friend I went to Uni with. I had baked potato and cottage cheese which was really filling. I think my stomach cavity must be shrinking because before I would have eaten that politely and then gone home and had a 'proper meal'.
It was good to have a chat about art 'n stuff. (I did an art degree a few years ago just scraped through!!!) neither of us have really exploded on to the art world as we thought we might!!!
I have a project in hand to do some paintings for some very good friends for Bournemouth College which will keep me out of mischief for a while. I have many blank canvasses on the sofa waiting, which most art students will relate to as being quite a scarey prospect.

I remember my old 'Life Drawing' teacher used to come round each student and, as new students we had done very precious delicate drawings on the edge of the page, and he would scribble all over them with big, thick charcoal. "Use all the ~***** paper!" he would shout at us. So we learnt to get more confident and dive right in. That ethic has helped me in all sorts of situations!!!

He was brilliant and I loved those times. Love people who have a passion and want to pass it on.

When I got home leg was a bit sore so I took the advice of wrapping ice around it. All I had was frozen mushrooms, but they sacrificed themselves for the common good!!

After tea I sat and watched TV for a bit and realised that I hadn't watched at this time for ages because I was completely out of touch with all the soaps and Big Brother,which I don't think is particularly a bad thing!!!

BALL ALERT
And then as if by magic something stirred the Ball and it rolled across the room.It really does seem to have a life of it's own. Not sure if I am supposed to feed it !!! It beckoned me to get out of my chair and do something more useful instead...So I got the weights out and did a bit of work on the upper body with the Ball. Bingo wings are getting under control a bit now. Hopefully in time with the swimming, stretching and working with weights they will pull back up and become firmer. Like the rest of me hopefully!!!LOL

If you could only see what our feet were doing!!!!

Today Claire, Wil and I went on our Forest walk, well I say walk it was quite a fast brisk trot. We managed to keep up with Wil. Claire was very good and managed to walk and talk. I learned a lot of things about pregnancy. Wil and his girlfriend Cath are expecting their baby in the Winter and Claire has, as I have mentioned before two small children. I was too puffed out to talk much but it was fun listening.

Every now and then we stopped...for a rest...no!....to do many a wondrous thing with our exercise bands

There were a few other people out on horses or bikes we nodded and I don't think they were laughing!!! I'm not sure how far we walked but I think it was a few hundred miles. The biggest challenge came for me, when we had the choice of either hoping over a high metal gate or walking back the several hundred miles that we had come. I kind of made subtle noises such ...'you're joking...that's not going to work'...... we tried variations and combinations of foot arrangements on the rungs of the gate. The trouble is with the weak leg it is hard to turn and twist my left leg with all the weight onto it. Also having a fit of giggles at the top didn't help much!!Claire and Wil had already gone over the top. They very kindly came back over to see if there were any other ways into the field.

Then I had a sudden burst of..'No! I am not going to let this thing beat me' , or I really didn't have the energy to walk all the way back!!! So with gritted teeth I climbed the gate. It is a bit of an optical illusion below because I am sure the gate was many times higher than that.

I did it and trotted triumphantly behind Wil and Claire through the field only to find...another gate on the otherside. This was a bit easier because it was a firmer gate.

So all in all it was a good walk with good company. Thanks Wil and Claire.

I went for a quick swim after managed 17 lengths not quite continuously but not bad after that walk.

This tree used to be straight, it really shows that the strengthening exercises are coming on!!!

Meet The Family

Last night was my nephew Andrew's 17th birthday. The family gathered for a Burger King take-away party....except, of course for Miss Righteous here, who took the end of the never ending Quinoa and a salad....
My niece, Catherine brought her new friend 'Spud' along. He is very nice and survived the Baptism of Fire with our family, in fact he said he actually enjoyed it. He is a nice guy and has good hair!!!
David, elder nephew and Sarah had come down from Chelmsford for the birthday and to sort out wedding plans. Jenny, niece and Paul are expecting no.1 baby named Gerald Blob next year. My mum who sits back knowing secretly she is responsible for this brood joins in too. Liz, my sister and her husband Nigel are proud owners of the fab 4 and have done a good job there.
There is a parallel family in Turkey where my younger sister, Rachel has lived for over 25 years with her husband, Eyup and four children Gokhan, Leyla, Serkhan and Yasemin. We have had some lovely holidays there.

Anyway that's the family ...
So as a grand finale to the party yesterday they were asking me what I do at the gym so I decided I would demonstrate my balancing exercise...and guess what they all had a go too. I took on the role of 'personal trainer'.... (LOL)
'right,feet straight, stomach in, bum in, legs bent, head up...focus, shift weight on to one leg and lift the knee of the other up and forwards.......................

All so much better at it than me... but it was quite a sight to see my family on one leg.
Could be a good ice breaker. Maybe in board meetings, weddings, the office get everyone to stand on one leg!!!!



I will carry on practising!!!

Weigh-in no.3

Had the Radio Solent weigh-in today. British Rail cancelled my train so it was a tight squeeze to get to the studios by 8.15. I had sent Claire a text to say I was going to be late and, bless her she had been waiting outside the station to give me a lift, but I had walked up the hill the other way. Any way we all met up at the Studios, all a bit nervous this time!! We were met by Julie and a had chat with her and she put us at our ease. Everyone is so nice there.
Wil made just in time hot in from another triumphant Triathlon in Swanage.

As we went into the studios Lucy Warhurst, weather etc, was talking about shaving and was showing a picture of her new niece/nephew who is very cute!!

Then it was our turn with Julian Clegg, charming as ever, he asked us all how we were getting on and asked Wil how we were doing. All was very positive. We are now half way through the 12 week course with Wil and there are definite results. It was good because Julian Clegg hadn't seen us for 6 weeks and he could see a real change.

Rosalie got the boost she needed and lost 8lbs.
Claire made her target of 3lbs they did so well.
I lost 11lbs making a total of 2 stone so far. I know that if you have a lot to lose it goes off fast at the beginning, so soon we will be hitting the hard core fat!!!! ...and that's when exercise will really come into play.

Next weigh-in is October 2 it would be nice to lose another stone by then, we shall see!!!!!

Tomorrow it's back to the Gym. I think we are going for a 'fast walk' in the forest tomorrow or Jungle Jog!!!!!!! Will we ever be seen again!!

Everlasting Quinoa

G.I. INDEX
Getting to grips with Glycemic Index this week. It seems a good way of eating. Food that keeps you more satisfied for longer and keeps your blood sugar levels more even. Your brain is fueled by your blood sugars so it is important to keep it going!! In the past I have experienced eating and then feeling really tired. If there is a way of eating really healthy food and feeling satisfied till the next meal I'm all for that.

My eating habits have changed a lot. Constantly counting calories, diets etc...I was always thinking of food and what I could get away with. As long it's counted into the plan it's ok. That's all very well but doesn't really promote life long healthy eating And as I have quite a rebellious side I thought it was justified to stuff myself with everything I had missed after the Weigh-in. For me diets are there to be broken!!I take full responsibility, but find eating healthily, consistently works better for me.

So I am into looking at low GI recipes. My friend Stu, got me into cooking from scratch which is extremely good for GI recipes...and it doesn't always take that much longer than the Microwave and is far better for you.

There are loads of books on GI diets but I think the best thing is too look at the foods and work out what you like look at their compositon and their place on the Glycemic Index and set about a lifestyle change.

Last night I made a batch of Quinoa which may last me for a few weeks. So I need to think of some creative ways to use it. Tonight I thought I could stuff a pepper with a top it with flaked almonds and fetta cheese. Last night it was just on top of a jungle of salad. Tomorrow...........


The Daisies are back on the Radio Solent on Monday 8.30-9 am for the second public Weigh-In!!! If you want to listen and you are not in the Radio Solent Area you can listen live or at any time on Monday on....
www.bbc.co.uk/england/radiosolent/




Here is an opticical illusion for you

Reach For The Stars

I am going to feature a few people that have been an inspiration in their journey to a healthy life style. If you are stuck in a rut or finding it difficult to get fitter, I find the best way is to get people around you who will support and inspire or read stories of those, who against the odds sometimes have changed their lives.

Wil Newbery

Our Personal Trainer and Fitness Expert at New Park Manor, Brockenhurst. Also in the British Triathlon Team

Were you interested in sports at school? –
Yeah, ever since I was tiny I have been playing sport. At school I was lucky to have all the facilities available. We used to play sport everyday. I remember the first time I played rugby I ended up with a black eye because I ran into the goal post! I was captain of the football, cricket and hockey teams when I left prep school. I never liked running or swimming much though! I bumped into my old P.E teacher the other day and told him what I was doing – “But you can’t swim” was all he said!

What Degree did you do at Bristol and were there opportunities for you to do sports there. –
I did an HND in Business and Finance at Bristol West of England Uni. I wasn’t that academic, so I struggled on the course. But again I played lots of sport. Mainly Hockey….I played in the National League for half a season before I gave up. I stopped enjoying it. I need to enjoy what I do!

You have done the London Marathon, what or who inspired you to do it? –
My brother in law did the marathon when I was doing a ski season in France. I took a liking to alcohol out there and when I came back I was looking to get fit. A few too many beers in the pub and a conversation about how if he can do it anyone can and I was signed up…..the first run I did was about 2 miles, which took me half an hour and included a 10 minute break half way!

How did you get into doing Triathlon Events? –
After I did the marathon I was getting bored with just running, and picked up a few niggling injuries. I had just started a new job where my boss did triathlons. He lent me a bike and some goggles and said I should give it a go! I did. The first event I didn’t really like so I put it on the back burner for the winter. But I needed to get fit, and took it up again. That was in 2004

You are in the British Triathlon Team competing in Switzerland in September, how are you preparing for that? –
Lots of running, swimming and cycling! I have been training for this event since November last year. My first task was to find a coach that I trust and who could get the best from me. From there on in it has been early mornings, late nights. Cycling in the cold and wet, wind and sun.

How did you train as a Personal Trainer? –
I had a job in marketing, which I was rubbish at! I saw an advert in a fitness magazine for a personal training course. I phoned them up and was booked in to do it a month later. To say it has changed my life is an understatement! It was an intensive 3 month course. But it just scratched the surface. Since then I have been trying to keep up to date with modern fitness fads and fashions! Which is very hard! All the celebrities are doing some strange diets and exercises which people want to know about and do…..best thing to do is keep it simple!

Do you think diet is important as well as exercise? –
Yes! The 2 go hand in hand. You wouldn’t put diesel into a Ferrari would you? The human body is a complex machine…..fuel it right and it will work for a long time! Supplements are an excellent way of making sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Even organic food might not have all the correct amount of nutrients in.

If you had a few words to inspire people to get fitter what would you say? –
Take small steps, set realistic goals, get support from your friends and family by telling them what you are setting out to do.

Aim for the moon, even if you miss you’ll end up hitting the stars!

Bikes, Balls and Bubbles

Ball Alert
Here is a funny video of The Ball getting it's own back on Wil.
http://www.bornskinny.com/TT/wilbur4s_avatar.gif

I have seen him do this where it works and he can stand upright and hold weights!! Children don't try this at home!!!!!

Had another good day at the Spa. As a new Spa'ite I feel the need to try out everything , so it is good going on my day off and I can spend time. It must look hilarious. I start off in the steam room and then the door opens with me appearing from a cloud of steam in extreme redness. Then Tropical Rain Shower followed by sharp intakes of breath and squeaks as The Ice Flow shower comes on. Then a jump into the Hydro Therapy Pool to be bubble boiled on a low simmer for 5 mins. Then into the swimming pool, very slowly because it feels quite cold after the Hydro Therapy Pool but not for long. Then it's a quick swim, shower and into Gym.

I can't believe I actually look forward to the Gym. I keep pinching myself and looking in the mirror to make sure it's still me. Still having trouble walking sideways with the exercise band round my feet. My feet have a life of their own, still want to go off in different directions. Practice, practice, practice!!!! Did some upper leg, lower leg, top of the arms and sides. Hamstrings,Biceps,Triceps, Lats, Pecs etc (it is going in slowly!!!!)
Then I went back into the Spa and steamed, showered, swam and bubbled. Claire, one of the other Dasies was there too. It was good to catch up as the impending Weigh-In is on Monday. She very kindly gave me a lift afterwards and we stopped off at her mother-in-law's to pick up her really sweet children, Lauren and Joe.

1/10 Triathlon

6 week challenge

Earlier I was talking of setting goals to keep the momentum going. I have been gaining strength on the exercise bike and with swimming and the leg is getting stronger again for walking. So Wil has set a Triathlon Challenge. Don't worry, I know I am not quite ready for The Iron Man competition, but to do a 10th of what he does in the British Team.

Over the next week I will try to build up strength in swimming, cycling and running so I can, in 6 weeks time 150 meter swim followed by 4k bike ride followed by 1k walk. I know this may sound 'small fry' to some but to do these exercises after each other might be quite a test for me.

First goals in 2 weeks is to be able to - stay on the bike for 10 minutes...oh and cycle too!!

Then in 4 weeks 10 minutes bike and then 5 mniutes walking.. As you know I find the bike quite hard so that will be a challenge!!

Beware Smoking Seaweed!!

Last night I thought I would have a go at the Nori Seaweed. Reading the instructions very carefully I took a sheet out to toast on the hob of the cooker. The hob was very hot so thought it wouldn't take too long. Well it was instant in a way!!!
The Nori flopped onto the hob and there was an instant smoke cloud. I quickly closed the doors where the smoke alarm is. If my smoke alarm goes off the Hampshire Fire Brigade turn up..which is quite nice but a bit time wasting for them.
Anyway managed to clear the kitchen of smoke and sprayed it with air freshener. I think I breathed in a bit of smoke cos lungs weren't too happy. So I don't think I'll try that again.

As a 'get back on and ride it' therapy I made a form of sushi. I kind of knew what it was supposed to look like at the end and not having the correct ingredients I improvised!
1 Sheet of Nori Seaweed (not cremated!!)
1/2 an advocate mashed up with a little olive oil and used as a spread
Rice
Carrots cut into strips
Marinated Tofu dry fried
Cucumber cut into strips

Cook rice till soft there is a suchi rice but I used basmatti
Put Nori onto a very clean T towel and spread with advocate and olive oil
Spread rice over advocado leaving about 1/2 an inch border on the outside
Then scatter carrots, cucumber and cooked tofu stips on top
Carefully take the T towel and roll up the Nori and contents. Till you have a sausage shape.
Cut into about 2 inch slices
If they don't stay together very well use a cocktail stick to secure.
Poor a little soy sauce into each if required

Very nice.

Meanwhile have been trying out my exercise band. It is very handy and you can take it anywhere as long as you don,t forget to take it off!!!...and fall over....
Can also be used as weapons of mass destruction!!

I'm With The Band

Went to the Spa yesterday, my niece, Jenny and I had a relaxing swim and I ventured into the Steam Room. It's ok once you get used to it, I kept reminding myself that it is opening pores and cleaning them out.
I entered the Gym extremely clean!!

I warmed up with a 15 min fastish walk on the Treadmill. I was watching The European Championship Athletics on the screen. When they showed the races in slow motion we were all moving at the same speed!! So I imagined myself running alongside Mark Lewis-Francis. Well ok, I would have had to slow down for him to catch up!!

Wil is back !! Hurray! And on form for training. Each week the exercises differ slightly focusing on different parts of body makeup.
Had a new machine to play with. One that works on Biceps, Triceps, Lats etc (she says trying to sound more knowledgeable by the minute). Oooh it was hard, saw muscles in action!!! Feeling it a bit today.

Then Wil said he had a present for me ......CHOCOLATE!!! ..... No! An Exercise Band. Doesn't taste so nice but have now found out there are hundreds of things you can do with it. Although one false move and you could end up catapulting yourself into orbit, as this man is just about to illustrate.
In the gym I had the band round my ankles and walked sideways from one end to the other. A lot harder than you think. Going to find some creative ways at home to use it!!




Going to try Seaweed as new food this week. It is supposed to be very good for you. Has lots of Iron and is good for flavouring. Will try and make some vegetable sushi!!

Day of Zest

Sundays. Traditionally have been hard days to control eating. Taking the day of rest more seriously than most. But I think I am beginning to break out of the cycle and am changing Sundays to an active day. Today Jenny, my niece, came along to the Spa with me. I did a bit more DIY PT . Went up to 4.9 K on the Treadmill. BPM 130. I also crashed through my best time on the bike...well by 1 second anyway!!!!! 1K 2.59 mins BPM 140. I still find that the hardest exercise to do.
Had a nice relaxing swim afterwards as prescribed by Freedom Bound. I stayed in the Steam Room for 3 mins till well cooked repeating the Mantra 'It's good for me, It's good for me' !!
Hopefully Wil will be back, he has had a rough time with a virus, but he is hoping to be back tomorrow and we can do some more defined exercises.

I discovered today that a Kiwi fruit has enough vitamin C for a days worth. So I put one in my smoothie today. Very nice!!

Today I was thinking I have never been at the right weight and never visualised what I might look like at a healthy weight. Today I saw someone in the Spa at a healthy looking weight and a look I would love to look like, (it's ok I know the dangers of wanting to look like someone else), thought that could be achievable if I take it in small chunks of goals and challenges. Just think that this time next year I could be well on my way to this.