Hurray Aquarobics and Gym today. Never thought I'd ever say that but I really look forward to it. My NEW costume and it's go faster stripes seems to be working well.

Looks like we have another weigh-in with those lovely people at Radio Solent on November 13th ....so my challenge is...could I get into the 16stones by then...I have just under two weeks to lose 4lb. Not too bothered though, not going to starve myself as I've done in the past. Better to be healthy

Hope the trains will be ok tonight as when I went to get my tickets this morning and 10 minutes earlier someone had thrown themselves infront of a virgin train in the next village. Very sad, I was really fed up by people's attitudes in the station as this being a great inconvenience and getting really irate with the staff there.

Just a quickie .Feeling a lot better today. Clocks went back and I am in my natural time zone.
Had a really good long 3 hour walk yesterday and felt fab but very tired afterwards. I discovered some roads I never knew were there.

P.T Wil in training for something else at the moment I think!!!! Awwww

Managed to avoid the Fast Food trap!! But a new hazzard is coming. Is it not bad enough I have to walk between 2 pastry shops on the way to work now a chocolate shop next to them

Eating Around The Globe

Had a bad night's sleep last night. What ever I did I couldn't get to sleep.
So I gave up trying and watched rubbish tv
So feeling a bit tired this morning.

I have to be careful because opposite me I have Chinese, Thai, Indian and Pizza Takeaways and just around the corner there is Turkish and Balti. What a place to live eh!!! Big reasons to stop me are that the Calories of the food are enormous and Monosodium Glutomate gives me very bad headaches...but if you're tired it can be very appealing....I'll have to blindfold myself and hold my nose as I walk past tonight!!!

Thai food sounds quite healthy though, may look into cooking my own.....watch out Wil something in Tuperware maybe coming your way again!!!!!LOL ...

This was on my friend's blog today

You better watch out.....
Every year, from the sacred time of Greenbelt onwards, something special happens to a friend(that's me) and me..........It started when, one day, we read Santa Claus the Great Imposter.......a fundamentalist site that is 100% serious and also one of the funniest things we had ever read!BUT we were afronted on behalf of the great Saint Nick.SO from that time, in honour of the Great Present Giver, Santa Clauses mysteriously arrive in the post as we prepare for Christmas......almost as if they came from each other; though of course, we know better - Cheers Father C!This year's surprises so far:
....he knows if you've been bad or good! .....

Another great day at the Gym. Claire came and Team Wil was reunited. Claire has lost another 5 lbs since the radio weigh-in and is looking very svelt-like. Well done Claire

Did the mini Triathlon today I felt really good doing it and found a new way of working into the exercise which strengthened my stamina. It's hard to explain but it feels like putting loads of energy in and then letting go although you are still working just as hard.
My times have got better I know it's no where near the real thing but it helps me to see my progress.

Times in red today in blue beginning of September
150 swim...... 5 mins 40/ 8mins
cycling 4k...... 10 mins 14/11 mins 25
walking 1 k....10 mins 13/12 mins 43

Getting really interested in how the body works, nutrition and what muscles do and it's great that Wil knows his stuff and is good at physical education as well as training. For example today I was trying to kick my leg out backwards, straight without twisting the pelvis. Not as easy as it sounds, but when Wil explained how the hip joint works and how the wrong movement causes damage and then being able to put it into practice it all fell into place (literally).

Also lost another 8lbs which makes 4st 2 lost

Speedo Costumes reach part other costumes don't

Had a fab session in the pool doing Aquarobics yesterday. I wore my NEW Speedo costume, which fitted very snuggly a little too snuggly but I will shrink into it hopefully. It survived a rigerous routine in th pool. How cool is our Personal Trainer...no standing on the side barking orders, Wil got in as well and did the session with us.
Having a large fat composit in my body still, means I have quite a high boyancy level, bits keep floating to the top on their own, so sometimes it was a bit hard to keep certain parts under the water. The best bit was using the the dumb bells I really felt the muscles in my arms and shoulders working.

I then had an hour booked in the gym. I need to work out a way of changing in record time from water to dry ground exercise. I get myself so tangled up and underwear gets put on back to front and upside down!!!! Need to become amphbian.

Gym time was good there was some good banter going on with some other members there. Did lots of aerobic type exercise on Treadmil, Rowing Machine and Bicycle. Need to learn to pace myself a bit. I always start off too fast and fizzle out at the end.

It's weigh-in day tomorrow and Mini Triathlon.
Not sure how much weight I've lost cos it had slowed down down a lot but we shall see. Hopefully Claire will be at the gym tomorrow and Team Wil will be reunited.

P.S
COR BLIMEY MARY POPPINS REALLY BAD FEET

Come On With The Rain I've a Smile On My Face. - Watchout Su's been on the Hemp!!

I have discovered a new sport Umbrellalking. I have just been for a two hour walk in the rain with my umbrella. Seeing as I spend a lot of my time in water at the moment I don't see any problem with walking in the rain. Although greatly tempted to wear my NEW swimming costume ( did I tell you it was a Speedo Costume!!!!) I resisted.

Umbrellalking is good Resistance Exercise, when the wind blows against you. It is really tough but energising. Whilst you are walking you are using one arm to lift approx 1.5k while you are using the other in the power walking method.
There are no rules in the sport except poking the eyes out of fellow contenders and your umbrella turning inside out through negligence incur a fowl and may lead to disqualification.
Gyms as we speak are setting up Wet Rooms with turbo wind machines for training. This new sport is under consideration for the Olympics headed up the
well known first lady and icon of Umbrellalking......
There are at present 3 International categories . Compact Handbag Umbrella, Telescope Middle Weight Umbrella and Angling Heavy Weight.

..........Newly formed Japanese Team
British Team..............



After reading the above it may come as no surprise to you when I tell you I have tried Hemp seeds today!!!! I was reading an article by Gillian McKeith about the health benefits of Hemp. Just to put your mind at rest there is no risk psychoactive effect. You can not get high on Hemp seeds or have any of the effects that Canabis gives you. But...there an awful lot of health benefits. Hemp is an amazing superfood full of fiber, minerals, vitamins and being 35% oil they are a good source of Essential Fatty Acids(EFA s) that, despite their name actually aid the weight loss process. Linolenic Acid (Omega 6), Alpha-linolenic Acid (Omega 3), and Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA). These EFAs 'boost your mental and physical energy, encourage hormonal balance, reduce risk of heart disease, ..they also help to dissolve the fat in your body.'
Hemp seeds are made up of 25% protein which is really useful for veggies .
EFAs can be found in many foods like nuts, fish etc but Hemp apparently is a superior source. GK suggest 2 tablespoons a day on their own or sprinkled into your cereal or salads or anything you like really.

I went down to the local Health food shop today and got some Hemp seeds to try. They don't look particularly appetising but are actually quite nice. They have a nutty taste and are quite chewy.

I'm Singing In The Rain

Well I have my new swimming costume. How cool a Speedo Endurance one, a 'proper one'!! If I haven't already told you yet. I got a bit over excited at going to a sports shop and buying something off the peg. I shall no longer be an embarrassment in the pool, well not because of my costume anyway!!!

Had a bit of a bad night, raging headache and I was a bit worried about work and a new takeover, not sure what to do!!!! I was awake early and thought I'd might as well go for a walk. Not usually a morning person and wake up during the morning and find myself at work. The walk did me a power of good. Got very wet but I really enjoyed it, I had my music on and was singing away merrily while no one was around. I came home and had a lovely refreshing bath and got to work feeling good .

Next week the clocks change and I come back into my bodyclock time zone and feel more in tune with the world. I will be more awake earlier so may use that time to do walks in the morning too.

Had a good day at New Park Manor. It was so nice to be reacquainted with pool and Spa. Had a really good session with Wil. It's quite strange now, I go onto the treadmill and it's a place where we chat and I ask him all manner things. Before I know it I've done 20 minutes getting faster and go up a little gradient. Did some new moves on the Gym ball some were so new even Wil didn't recognise them. Need to work hard this week as I have the mini Triathlon Thursday and the weigh- in. Would really like to get to 4 stone lost marker. Need some proof of weight still coming off. We shall see...

The Big Bake went very well, I have a freezer full of healthy stuff. I discovered a new soup tonight.
Roast Vegetable Soup.
Roast Onions, Tomatoes, Peppers, Mushrooms, Butternut squash and anything you like with fresh or dried Basil.
Roast till soft but not black!! Put all the ingredients in a blender with a roast veg stock cube and 1/2 pint of water blend for a few seconds so it's still a bit lumpy. Heat up in a saucepan and serve with a handful of Basil on top......and then remember you have loads of stuff in the freezer you could've used!!



Going to do another first next week, Aquarobics . Will have to get a new swimming costume otherwise there maybe headlines in the Spa. Trouble with shrinking, your clothes don't, so Mum has said as part of my birthday present she'll get me a new one. The one I have is about 20 years old and the bust support system has gone lumpy so instead of having a nice shape it looks like I have a nasty disease!!


TODAY I FEEL LIKE THIS

Tonight is kitchen night. It's time to make big vats of Spag Bol sauce, Veg Soups and Caseroles, Chilli, Burgers and Freeze them. Simmering, boiling, liquidising....and that's just me (Nigela Lawson eat your heart out!!!). I love it!! It's so good to have healthy dinners in the freezer you can just pull out after a hard days work!!

Just think.... a cold, wet, windy day and having a thick vegetable soup with homemade bread...mmm yummy.

Unfortunately it's the maid's night off so I guess I'll have to do all the washing up too.

It's weigh in week on Thursday at the gym. I have resisted getting on the scales so I hope it's good news although it had slowed down quite a lot last time I looked. Going to have another go at the Tiny Thursday Triathlon that day too, see if I can get my speed up a bit.


TANKBLOG
All in the tank is cosy. Daisy and Wilbur are settling in nicely. Wilbur, did a bit of early morning, speed swim, training, closely followed by Daisy and Plato exploring the corners and the gravel. Plato has educated the others to know that when the lid comes off food arrives. Obviously careful to hide their excitement they dutifully swam to the top to recieve their goodies of dried unmentionables.
Daisy likes the Bridge and has hours of fun sitting under it. She is a silvery colour but when she went into the tank she went a bit grey, now she has regained her sparkle.

Su finds new way of walking with straight feet!!

Had quite an active day today. Went for a 10k+ walk. I decided to walk in the opposite direction to usual (no not backwards!!) and walked up a 1 1/4 mile steep hill rather than down it. When I got to the top I realised I wasn't as fit as I thought I was and had a bit of a rough few minutes while I caught up with myself.

Feeling quite righteous I thought I'd do some core exercises on the Ball.
WARNING
Always wear trainers or shoes when doing ball exercises on the carpet.........................
otherwise you may slip and end up with the ball going off in one direction and you on the floor with your legs up in the air. So I went for another walk instead. Still trying to tame my feet to go the right way. Getting to know some of the joggers now. I used to think they were mad but now I am in awe of anyone who can run over a mile. There seems to be a joggers nod that you have to adapt, a recognition of each others exercise efforts. Try it. Run past a jogger and do the nod usually accompanied by a "awright " if you become a regular.

Got two Goldfish today to go with the very lonely one I already had. One is in training and he, (I think, not sure how you tell) , spends all his time speed swimming. He is called 'Wilbur'!!!! the other is a lovely mottled silvery colour and she/he is called Daisy. The original one is called Plato, he is looking a bit bemused by his new tank-mates. I shall keep you updated with all the drama in the tank!!!!!

All Motivated Up

Had a really exciting day today. Went to New Park Manor and on the road that goes up to the Spa and helicopter landed. If you don't know me I have a real thing about aircraft, even helicopters. I was brought up in the RAF so all things flying are of great interest. You don't want to be anywhere near me when the Red Arrows fly over!!!! Anyway It was Andrew Davis,the Big Boss of the von Essen Hotels which New Park Manor is a part House.

I went into the reception to be met by Wil. I quickly changed and went into the gym only to be met by a 5 very official looking people. Andrew Davis and some people from the Catering Magazine were doing a whistle stop tour. Wil was just finishing off a presentation about the Gym and the 12 week course like the one that I was doing.
I met a new Personal Trainer, John, who had started yesterday and was observing my session with Wil, brave man!!!
Started off on the Treadmil and moved into work with Ball, sit-ups,weights and balances. I soon realised that 2 weeks out of the gym and things were beginning to slip I don't like having things toned down for me but I didn't do too well with the balance exercises so I really need to up the discipline and focus. We are not going to let details pass by!!!

I have a slight problem with my right foot. It seems to want to go off and do it's own thing. It may be because when I was hit by a car on the other leg a few years ago the right leg has been compensating for the supporting balance. Or it could be I'm just wierd!!! LOL Wil photographed my feet while I was on the Treadmil and there was definite tendancy for it to land on an angle with the toes going outwards a bit. Need to try and train it to come into line or I may have trouble with knees etc.

I have new trainers. Haven't found out where the batteries go in yet


I am really excited as well because I'm going to able to use the swimming pool and spa again. Looks like Thursdays are going to be my 'Oasis' day. I feel another Triathlon coming on !!!

After the session I thought I would try and do a walk around the Forest exagerating the position of my right foot. I took my camera and walked off to the Bridge over the river. The Forest is gorgeous the light was streaming in through the trees. I did seem to be target practice for some of the trees, as they threw their nuts, apples ect at me. Hopefully the photos will do it justice.
Don't tell anyone but I got a bit lost on the way back again. I was far too embarrased to phone anyone. So after walking a fare bit out of my way I found the Spa again. Nice walk should have been about 40 mins but the Forest released me after 1hr 50 mins!!!

By The Way
Flapjacks worked
4 tablespoons of Peanut Butter
4 tablespoons of pure organic Honey
Melt together slowly
175 grams of Dried Fruit - your choice. I put in raisins, currants, cranberries
190 grams Giant Oats
and anything else you fancy i put in pistachio nuts and mixed seeds
Stir into melted Peanut Butter and Honey - off the heat
Put onto a greaseproof paper on a baking tray.
Medium heat in an oven for 10-15 mins. Wait till completely cool (otherwise you get hicups!!!)
Cut into 10 squares.

This may seem, to the more discerning dieter, a recipe that is quite high in calories. It is a low GI food a fibre, and one square as part of your lunch will add fibre, protein, essential oils etc to your diet, and is far better for you than meal replacement bars. If you find it hard to keep to one square share them!!!

Wake Up

Autumn is coming and the nights are growing dark. I feel like I've been in hibernation over the last few days. Not felt like doing much. Work has been a bit hectic with stock takes and computer reprogramming. I have only lost 1 1/2 lbs in 2 weeks. I knew the dreaded plateau was on it's way but it's ok it's only a matter of time. But now it is time to ..........

WAKE UP!!

Autumn is my favourite time of year. Not only is there a special day when 'they' decide to give you an extra hours sleep, the country side changes colour. Absolutely gorgeous.

Going to ditch the scales as I was getting paranoid and was weighing myself nearly everday. Not good!! Don't want to get into that trap again.

I have a weekly exercise plan from Wil and I've started. And we're back in the gym on Thursdays. Hurray

I love the foods that come into season around this time too. Cox's and Russett Apples are yummy. Butternut squashes, pumpkins and baking potatoes. Vegetable soups, Porridge with berries mmmm. I'm going to have a go tomorrow at making the G.I. flapjacks. This is just to warn the Hampshire firebrigade to be on standby. If they work I'll post the recipe here!! If not I may discover the alternative for 'No Nails' !!

Had a lovley birthday. Spent the day in Bournemouth withGorgeous Stu. We went to Coffee and The Rest a really cool coffee bar. Had a yummy Skinny Latte with Vanilla. Then we went on to Bournemouth College to have lunch cooked by the students, training in catering etc. The tutor was especially dapper and charming. We were surrounded by paintings that I had done. It was strange to see them all up together as they have spent the majority of their time on the floor of my living room.
I ate much more than I normally do but it was my birthday. Had Fruit Cocktail, Tomato and Basil Pasta and Apricot with almond pastry (only a little!)

Then on to an evening family gathering . My family are the best and they are so supportive. They had made a big meal of really healthy salads and vegetarian foods. Followed by a Raspberry, Blueberry, Strawberry, Redcurrant, Fruit Salad. Bless em!!
I love our family meals they are so fun and rowdy.

So I ate a lot more than usual but it wasn't particularly bad stuff, in fact some was extremely healthy.

Had my daily workout plan sent through from Wil today. I think I need to get into that seriously now may have to regain some ground although it won't take too long!!

Have been wondering how to get the exercise that I have been used to, went to my local gym yesterday to have a look around. At the moment to my eyes it looked like a Battery Farm. Loads of machines all in full use with people waiting to use them. So I chickened out in going any further.


Felt a bit low, then got a text from Wil offering, continuing training sessions once a week right up to when we finish the Daisy Appeal. What a hero, what a boost. I'm so excited.
The revival of Team Wil!!!
Thank you Wil



Today is my Birthday and I'm off to Bournemouth to have lunch with the gorgeous, Stu. Then a family gathering in the evening. The day includes a lot of food so i'll have to watch it.
I am a bit of kid so secretly I am really excited!!

Getting Up Before 6.30 am Can Seriously Damage Your Health

Today we were in the Studios of Radio Solent for an update chat with the gorgeous Julian Clegg. Another Personal Trainer came in to talk about the Daisy Dieters that he was working with and they were on the other end of the phone giving their updates. Wil gave us a glowing report.




Was a bit disappointed that I didn't manage to lose the extra two pounds but I guess 3 1/2 stone not too bad in 3 months.

After getting a bit lost in the BBC studios Wil gave me a lift to the Gym. We did our final session of the 12 weeks. It was a belter. Worked really hard on Cross Trainer, Weights and Balance.
I said a fond farewell to the Steam Room ,Water Therapy Pools and Swimming Pool and wiped a tear as Cinderella went back to the real world.

UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER 2006

How lucky was I to be picked by Radio Solent and Wil to be given a 12 week course in health and fitness at a luxury Spa in the New Forest something in a million years I would never been able to do. To be Personally Trained by a top ranked Triathlete and to enjoy the luxuries of Spa Treatment. It has changed my life. Now I am eager to be healthy and to be active. I have changed shape and size. Made two good friends in Wil and Claire.

The staff were all really lovely. I had amazing massages with Ali and Tanya. Natalie (Spa Manager), Jo and Joseph on reception were always so welcoming and fun to chat with.

I swam for the first time in 15 years in a pool I more or less had to myself most of the time and when there were people there we had good chats and laughs. Members were so friendly and I often was offered lifts to the train station.

I can't speak highly enough of the New Park Manor Spa and Gym in Brockenhurst. If you get a chance to visit do.

So a big thank you to Wil and all at the Spa you made my summer really special.

So now what....... it's not over.............. I still have 7 stone to lose. Seems a huge amount still but out of the original 15 1/2 stone to lose I am over half way.

I am determined to crack this and now all the things I've learnt have to come into play.

I am worried about doing it without the benefits of free access to Wil, the spa and gym, but I have the Gym Ball, Weights and Band and I can walk anywhere. There really is no excuse.

I have excellent support in friends and family and monthly visits to Wil.

I must get a daily rountine going or I'll just slump in a chair after work. Got a new pair of scales today. So going to weigh myself on Mondays and report on here the result and get Wil to do a check up once a month. Also set up some goals to aim for. It would be good to be in the 16 stones by December. I am aware I may be hitting a plateau soon or the weight will slow down which is healthy. To lose 1lb/ 2lb regularly a week would be great that's about 1/2 a stone a month which means by the summer of next year I could be at a healthy weight. Thhe first time since I was about 12 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!