Thursday 26th

Early Swim with Ema. SuperSwim man was there again with all his equipment!He gets a lane to himself whilst the rest of us are swimming up each others bottoms!! Nice swim though, friendly people at each end. Swam into someones stomach who was resting at the shallow end. Good looking guy too, no I didn't do it on purpose!!!

On to a cracking session with Wil and circuit training. Congratulations to Wil's sisters Polly and Jo who both ran the London Marathon under 4 hours!!!! How cool is that!!

As you can see the Aliens have landed in the garden at New Park Manor Hotel. I'll keep my eye on their space ship which was spouting fuel cleverly disguised as earth water!!

Friday

Early morning visit to the dentist. Ever since I've been getting to grips with healthier lifestyle I have lost my fear of the dentist. Maybe because now I am really trying to look after my teeth. Dentist is pleased with weight loss too. Unfortunately something went wrong not sure what have been in agony with pain from a tooth that he filled. So high on dizzy from pain killers. I am the proverbial 'bear with a sore tooth'

Saturday

Tooth really hurts get an emergency appointment anywhere near by. Have to go to work!! Every time I move quickly or children squeal or I eat or drink or anything it hurts!! Want to go to gym but exertion hurts and still feel a bit dizzy. Going to get to dentist first thing on Monday and hope he can have a look and sort it out.

Sunday..... Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MondayAnother sleepless night with tooth and more pain killers. Wentto Dentist at 8.30 am and camped in the waiting room. Only had to wait half hour to be seen. My dentist is brilliant as I felt a bit wobly he put my mind to rest. The filling he did on friday had covered a lot of broken tooth and exposed nerves. He painted something on it ands told me to use Sensodine and it would gradually go away.

Don't feel to good today because of all the painkillers and being quite sedentry this week end and lack of sleep. So need to get back into the groove. I'll do the Wil 26/4 workout tonight and go for a walk.

View from the top of the mountain

Busy week

Thursday had a good circuit training session with Wil. He kindly lent me some weights to practice with at home. I soon knew I had them on the walk back to the train station 2 x 3k for about 2 miles. Arms much longer now.
Then went swimming in the evening with Ema.... realised the next morning when we did an early swim ( yes I take my training as Wonder Woman seriously ...!!!!) that might have over done it a bit....

Anyway making an effort to be less intense about exercise and have fun. I really enjoy gym (apart from those bl***y press ups!!!), swimming and outside walking. (see April 9th posting... just working more on those ideas)

Saturday day off exercise... in evening went to Bournemouth for a party at Gorgeous Stu's. Great bunch of people, love 'em.
Sunday
Time to conquer the mountain of Winchester.... St Catherines... I was amazed that for the first time ever I went up the side without stopping and the need of paramedics. (I just looked at July 16th 2006 post, and that was a different story) It wasn't easy but I were right chuffed at a progress marker and I even passed some younger people puffing!!!! The view from the top of the mountain is lovely.
Managed to do a bit of sketching while I was up there, something I haven't done for ages. These pictures are just to prove I was up there, hence the trainer shot!!!! At the top of St Catherines is a maze which has all sorts of stories attached to it. One being that a Winchester College boy recarved it out one lonely nigh before committing suicide. And his ghost is still there woooooooooooooooo.

In the 12th century there used to be St Catherine's Church on top of the hill. Now there is just a woody knowle which has a very peaceful air about it. In the summer it is gorgeous to get up there in the fresch air and be under the trees. If you get a chance go there you'll love it.

Did Wil's set weekly task in the morning and then to gym to do a 5k Cross Country power walk, in the evening, on the treadmill going up to gradients 0-1-2x2-4-2-02.5-4x3-2 -0- 3-7-3-2-2-1-1-0-0-0- and then I fell off after 55 mins!!!!!

(I know this still sounds a bit obsessive but I really enjoy doing it all and working hard on resting too.)

Tuesday
Up for an early swim with Ema 25 x 25m lengths.

Just found this picture on the Daisy website. If you look behind Julian Clegg..it's me and Paul in deep convesrsation!!!!

Meanwhile it looks like I'm going to be able to raise £100 for Cancer Research Race For Life. So now to metamorphosise into Wonder Woman. Don't really know much about her story but I'm sure I will

This will become the theme tune for me for Race For Life. So if you are coming to watch you can learn it too and sing as I hobble pastIf you go to www.culttelly.co.uk/lyrics/ww.html you also get the backing track to practice to.

Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.

All the world's waiting for you,

and the power you possess.

In your satin tights,

Fighting for your rights

And the old Red, White and Blue.

Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.
Now the world is ready for you,

and the wonders you can do.

Make a hawk a dove,

Stop a war with love,

Make a liar tell the truth.
Wonder Woman,
Get us out from under,

Wonder Woman.

All our hopes are pinned on you.

And the magic that you do.

Stop a bullet cold, Make the Axis fall,

Change their minds,and change the world.
Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman.

You're a wonder, Wonder Woman.

Not much to live up to then!!!!!!!

Ema and I decided to have a go at Aquacise yesterday.

I was expected a nice easy work out bobbing up and down in the water. Ooooo No

1 hour of hard graft. But really good fun. The class was of about 25 women, where are all the men when it comes to aquacise!!! Just one poor bemused life guard in the draft made by all the bingo wings!!!

I only have one problem and that is I seem to have trouble with hamstrings. When I stretch and bend them they are always on the verge of pulling or cramp So I'll have to ask the guru of fitness about that tomorrow.

Grace our leader is a bundle of energy and hilarious, I have known her for quite a few years, when she was in teacher training.

It was a bit like adult playtime when we had things that float to play with! Running around the pool one way and then turning to run against the flow

Really enjoyed it, going to try and make it a regular event, especially as you are working lower body with low impact.

Speedo Girls!!!

Starting the day with a swim.

Em and I met at the swimming pool cursing each other for making each other get up so early.

After a 500 meter swim we felt really good and awake. And arranged do it tomorrow too.

There was a serious swimmer in the fast lane who was doing his drills. He had hand paddles and flippers and knee float and snorkles and other things that I wasn't quite sure of.

He may have found it a bit strange that everytime he got to the end of the pool and did a turn I was there under water watching him!! I have set myself a challenge of mastering the quick front crawl turn. I find learning so much easier by just watching someone else do it. So far I have pulled a muscle, taken in vast amounts of water , turned and faced the wrong way, banging my arm and nearly drowned. Still I'll get the hang of it!!!!!

Went for a 10k walk today. Really needed to do that as I relaxed Friday and Saturday. It would easy to slide a little after the big build up and the anti climax of Friday on the Radio.

The next chapter of getting fit is working towards the Race For Life event at Bournemouth on 24th June.

I'm not sure what the results of my knee MRI scan are yet so for the moment I need to build up the supporting muscles and walking to make a good attempt. Will probably have to walk if knee needs attention.

Race For Life sponsor me PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE

sponsor me HERE

And come and watch too. I am told it is a very moving and inspirational sight. The race that is, not me LOL.

Congratulations to Wil... he came in FIRST place in the Eton Duathlon today.

NEW LOOK FOR A NEW CHAPTER

Today I woke up at some unearthly time (5 .30 am ) to get ready for the final Daisy Appeal Breakfast. Somehow I found myself in my Nephew-in-Law's, (Paul, father of the gorgeous Harry) car at 6am who kindly drove me to the Rose Bowl, home of Hampshire CC.
We got there a bit early. I met Julian Clegg and we sat down in the reception room. Really glad Paul was with me. I don't feel very easy at gatherings when you don't really know anyone and my 'small talk' runs out of juice after about 5 minutes. So we had a good chat on our table.
Daisy Fundraisers gradually filtered in and the show began. Couldn't really hear what was going on studio-side and heard just snippets of Julians chats as he went from table to table. A lot of cheques were being handed over and photos taken. The Daisy Appeal Bus was parked out side. The 'Clean Briefs' came armed with Guitars and made up a very song about the Daisy Fundraising.
Suddenly Julian Clegg was at our table,(he is so lovely and cuddly) we had a good interview and I gave over the money. I have managed to raise £450 pounds ...well loads of lovely people have sponsored me very generously

It feels a little sad that the Daisy Appeal is finishing but I've said before the fitness plan goes on. Also Wessex Cancer Trust will still be fundraising for lots of exciting projects. One in particular is that they are hoping to help fund breast cancer screening in a new way...by blood tests... they also part fund specialist staff for cancer orientated medical care

http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/content/image_galleries/daisy_gallery.shtml?11content/image_galleries/daisy_gallery.shtml?11

Nameless is no longer nameless he is to be called Bartleby. But according to T.S Elliot I think this can be a long winded ceremony

This is the final week of the Daisy Appeal although I think there will be a few events and tie ups for a few weeks yet. The results my Daisy Dieting, are as follows, weighed and measured by Wil at New Park Farm



Weight - 14 st 5.6lbs Lost 98.5lbs

% Fat - 43.1 - Dropped by 12%

BMI - 1631 - was 2061

Neck - 33cms - lost 4cms (aprox 1.5 inch)

Chest - 98 cms - lost 23 cms (aprox 9 inches)

Waist - 91 cms - lost 46 cms (aprox 18 inches)

Hips - 119 cms - lost 36 cms (aprox 14 inches)

Calves - 42cms - lost 14cms (aprox 5.5 inches)



Total weight lost since 2004 - 12 stone 4 lbs. I have lost the weight of Wil!!!!!



Tomorrow I'm off to The Rose Bowl, home of Hampshire Cricket Club, for the final Daisy Appeal Breakfast and a get together with other Daisy fund raisers. It feels a bit sad it's all come to an end. BUT it hasn't really because I am going to carry on being trained by Wil (such a brave man!!) as other goals come upon the horizon. I still have about 4 stone to lose and I have the chance to enter into a place I have never been in before....THE HEALTHY WEIGHT AND LIFE STYLE LAND!!! I can do this I can't tell you how excited I am about it. It's going to take a while and some hard graft as the weight loss is slowing down and I need to push more limits on my fitness.



Had a great day with Wil at the gym today.

Who, by the has his picture in '220' Triathalon Mag

I love walking to spa it's such a beautiful walk (I may have said a few times before!!) We did some circuit training, CV and weights. Loved it!! Then mamaged to do 20 lengths (16 meters) non stop in the swimming pool, front crawl.



I'm glad my fitness levels are up because I found myself having to change trains at Southampton and running up and down stairs to different platforms trying to find a train to Winchester. Trains are taking detours all over the place and I very nearly went to Guildford.

There seems to be al lot of cute and gorgeous things coming into the world this year.

First , it was lovely little Oscar

And last week the amazing little Harry arrived on the scene.

Today the stork dropped off a little black furry bundle at Stu's house.

He is 8 weeks old and is at present nameless. Osca (other cat) is laying down the law and putting down the ground rules whilst trying to look like she's at all interested

Nameless making his home on a pile of papers

Don't Stop Me Now Cos I'm Having a Good Time......

This Easter week end has been fabulous , spending it with family and friends. The weather had been gorgoeus and it's felt like a real holiday.

I have been recovering from my 16 mile walk on Sunday. Not as bad as I thought it was going to be although I feel it more today than yesterday!!

Had another fab session yesterday with Wil. I managed to walk to New Park again. Although this picture looks as though it could have come from the Australian Outback it was actually the path I walked yesterday..and it's April!!

I'm really glad I found the way through the Forest now without having to call on the 'Rescue Services' and it saves me £3 bus fare!

I had good motivational chat with Wil yesterday. He asked me a question which started me on a train of thought and has made me really think about the future and given me a big reality check.

'You need to think why are you doing this?'

It was to make me really think about achievements, how far I have come and the purpose of training.

I suppose in everyone's mind you have dreams and daydreams. Some achievable some unrealistic. There are things in your life which you know are impossible to do for instance I now, can no longer be a Prima Ballerina, or an Olympic Athlete but that doesn't stop me enjoying those ideas and being interested in and supporting the arts or sports.

I guess in the back of my mind I was kinda training with an unrealistic ambition. I don't think I can give the World Class Triathlon Team a run for their money etc. But I can be set goals and go for those. E.g Race for Life and moving on to maybe doing a Triathlon short distance etc

With the kind of training I am receiving...I believe if I put my mind to it I can achieive things way beyond what I ever thought I could. Just by putting in the work and focusing.

For example, a year ago I never would have stepped into a gym and was on course for lifetime of yoyo dieting and uncomfortablity.

Now..... I have to be dragged kicking and screaming out of gyms and swimming pools. And have zealous passion for health and fitness!!

So it's not a negative train of thought

.

As the Daisy Appeal, Sponsored Daisy Dieter is coming to an end it feels like this is only the beginning. Being fit for and enjoying life and enlargening my horizons rather than my hips.

Now I want to pass on the things I have learnt....so that is a way forward too

YAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Easter Bunions?

Easter Day!!!!

Our Baby Bunny Harry

I walked 16 miles (25k)

Another family gathering ...brilliant..love em

I set myself a goal of walking 7 miles to Liz and Nigel's house in time for dinner. So I donned the walking gear and took on board the Frutellis, Take That, Scissor Sisters etc and off we went.

It was alovely day again and my route took me along the Itchen Navigation Way, following the river and the canal through water meadows.

I walked past the waterfall where my Dad proposed to my Mum. I really enjoyed my walk. Loads of people were also out walking and cycling, all happy and saying 'Hi'. I made a slight detour (lost? not me !!) annd added two miles on to the walk. But I made it!! And...in a moment of madness after a rest and a lovely dinner I decided I would have a go at walking back. The family were on standby with stretchers!! But I did that too. So I walked 16 miles today

Here are some of our easter pictures

Aunty Cat and Mog...... poor Harry has to get used to his family

Mog, Harry and Uncle Andy
Aunty Cat and Uncle Spud (with the good hair!!)

I forgot to tell you about my MRI scan I had on Wednesday. After being referred by a consultant to look at the inner depths of my right knee (not a pretty site!!!) I eventually got my appointment at Southampton, Mooregreen Hospital mobile MRI unit.

I was expecting to be transported to the Moon and the MRI scanner to propose a threat to the existance of the earth, (which will mean nothing to you unless you watched Dr Who last Saturday), but the staff were very friendly. They talked me through each stage.

I went into the scanner feet first because they were only taking images of my knee. The whole scan took about 20 mins and I managed to stay still the whole time!!

The scanner is really noisy, something to do with the force field but not scarey.

This is taken from a medical web page which explains it all..........

"How does an MRI scanner work? The patient lies inside a large, cylinder-shaped magnet. Radio waves 10,000 to 30,000 times stronger than the magnetic field of the earth are then sent through the body. This affects the body's atoms, forcing the nuclei into a different position. As they move back into place they send out radio waves of their own. The scanner picks up these signals and a computer turns them into a picture. These pictures are based on the location and strength of the incoming signals. Our body consists mainly of water, and water contains hydrogen atoms. For this reason, the nucleus of the hydrogen atom is often used to create an MRI scan in the manner described above. "

I makes you wonder how these things are discovered and worked out!!!

Oh it's such a lovely day...........

Sometimes you have one of those days that you feel you've packed a whole holiday into one day.

I started off by going down to Brockenhurst. As it was Good Friday the buses weren't so frequent so I decided to walk from the train station to New Park.

It was a lovely walk. The weather was beautiful and I walked through the heart of the Forest...gorgeous!!! It took just under an hour and I felt really refreshed afterwards.

Also had a fab session with Wil. We did a workout outside on the veranda overlooking the grounds. Did variety of resistance and cardio work..great fun but I'm feeling the muscles!!!

Went for a swim afterwards (ever with the image of Wonder Woman to work towards!!!)

Back home and I quickly nipped into town to get a few bits. As I was walking down the Winchester High Street I saw a group of excited people gathered round looking at the ground. I thought someone had collapsed but it the attention was focused on a duck and her 10 little ducklings waddling past the shops. The group followed the duck family as they were turning into and had to cross a busy road to get to the park. Not sure what happened as I went further on down the High Street but I think the crowd stopped the traffic for them. I managed to get a photo!!!

Then one of my favourite things...a family gathering in honour of my nephew, David's birthday.

Oi vey they grown up so fast and in his case very well. A brilliant nephew to have, he's lovely.

Baby Harry was there too with mum Jenny and dad Paul looking a bit shell shocked from lack of sleep...bless......

Harry has found that food is a good thing and that he has a voice to tell people so!!

Great Expectations

I'm a Great Aunt!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Jenny(my niece) and Paul

Presenting Harry who was born at 9.30 this morning, 8lbs 9 ozs. Proud, but slightly tired parents Jenny and Paul are doing really well.

Harry is gorgeous, quite chilled out consideriing what he had just been through. I had a cuddle for quite awhile as he told me all about it.

So now it is time to don my shawl and wrinkly tights and do knitting (if you saw my knitting you'd know that was a joke to start with).

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