Do do do be do do do Wonder Woman..................

Had a tough work out at the spa today. Really worked hard especially on the exercise bike with interval training. Not sure if it's the masochist in me but I really enjoyed it. I love that feeling of knowing you have worked hard but also have achieved the goal. Still a bit rubbish at some of the exercises but working on it.

Had a weigh in and measure today.

So here are the results from the tape measure

Since June 2006 starting the Daisy Appeal I have lost

4cm from Neck

20cm from Chest

44cm from Waist

33cm from Hips

14cm from Calves

and....6st 5lbs

Signed up for The Race For Life today in Bournemouth, 24th June. Gorgeous Stu has agreed to be on stand-by with the stretcher. Looking forward to it, I think I will be walking the course as the knee won't stand for too much jogging (that's my excus

e anyway). It will be my first ever walking event.

In my efforts to become Wonder Woman I

went swimming with Ema this evening. Was great fun but unfortunately Ema

's new 'swimming costume wasn't really designed for swimming and thoose with goggles may have got a view they hadn't bargained on this evening!!

Managed 10 lengths of crawl. Going for a long hot bath now.

Blow Up Finish

Had a fun today helping with the Winchester 10k Fast Twitch Race. It was so exciting. There was a bit of setting up to do and then 800 + runners to set off. The Concept team were all really friendly and we got on well. It was amazing standing in the middle of 800 people running. The sound of all those feet on the track..it sounded like a heavy shower of rain. Once they were all out of sight we set up the Finishing Line. I though it would be a tape but I guess with so many runners thats not going to work so they had an inflatable arch which everyone had to fun through.

It was just over half an hour after they all set off when we saw the leader car and the first runner, Gary Thornton (31.20) who had quite a lead on everyone else, come back. Gradually the runners filtered back in. Some looked like they were close to death some looked like they'd been on gentle jog. It was very muddy so as soon as the runners had gone under the arch we had to tell them to slow down as they went into the lanes to be recorded and get their medals. Luckily no one fell over.

Really enjoyed being involved and was inspired by the runners.

Went to the gym this afternoon and did 2k walking on the Treadmill 21.48 on the flat (best time to date) and then 15 mins of Cross Trainer level 6. Came home and did some weights work on the ball.

AWWWWW Factor!!!!!!

Awwwwwwww
This is the latest picture of little Oscar, son of Wil and Kath. So Cute!!!!!!!!!!

Jenny my niece came into the shop yesterday with husband Paul and Gerald (working name!!) who will be making a grand entry into the world in about 3 weeks time.!!
It's so exciting I can't wait. But I will be Great Aunty Su...that makes me sound ancient. I did put in for a change of title, Aunty Su the Great... bit like Alfred. Not that I have ideas above my station or anything!!!

10 DAYS TO GO

After tea chilled out for 2 hours and then went to the local gym and did usual 2k walking on treadmill and 15 mins on Cross Trainer and I managed to pluck up courage to go do some weights work and there were only 2 other people there. Of all the sections of the gym it's the weights area I find most difficult to do on my own. Feel quite self conscious but I'll get over that eventually. I sat on one of the gym balls and nearly disappeared it was so soft but I managed to do some work

Tea - Quinoa and tomato sauce- (tomatoes base sauce made with Chopped tomatoes with olive oil and garlic, tomato puree, mushrooms,onions, herbs, chic peas and lentils) watercress, cucumber. Soya yoghurt and blueberries
Afternoon snack was carrots and LF humus
Actually I think this going to drive me crazy I'll go back to daily summaries
1.30 pm Pitta bread with feta cheese and salad......apple orange
10.30..Fig and organic apricots break -yummy...hot water and lemon
9.00...At work
8.30...Mad dash for changing and porridge,banana and honey at home
7.45...Found myself in the pool thinking..swimming is really weird...there are loads of people in the pool looking like windmills or if they are sleep-swimming... so many different styles. With my Speedo goggles I have special underwater vision. Legs do strange things as well when people swim...laughing underwater is not recommended even with goggles on!! Did 10 lengths front crawl
6.45....OHHHHHHHHH Don't feel like swimming...why can't I just be thin and fit now!!!!

Creepin' and a crawlin'

Had quite an active day today. Took root in the Spa starting off with a session with Wil. I am becoming aware that I can do lots of time on the Cross Trainer and Treadmill , which is great because it nearly did me in the first time I tried them.... so on the positive there is progress!! But oh... oh details on posture I'm not doing too well with. If round shoulders were attractive and healthy I'd be Miss World!!!


Anyway with a threat of being impaled on a broom handle I'm going to work really hard on that. So much to remember... I used to have a T Shirt with instructions on


HEAD STRAIGHT, SHOULDERS BACK, STOMACH IN, CORE ON, BOTTOM CLENCHED, KNEES BENT, FEET STRAIGHT............


I think may be I should have it Tatooed on!!!

Apart from all that it was fun session.

Then I went into the Steam Room one of my favourite places to relax, although not for too long otherwise I won't have to worry about what I eat anymore. I met a lady in there who suffers from ME and was on a break at the Hotel. It was really intesting to hear about how she manages her fatigue....



Then 10 minutes in the warm bubbles and then jumping into the pool which is always a bit of a shock to the system. It's not cold but is cooler than the bubble pools.


I have been advised by Wil not to do breast stroke because of the way the knee is turned out in the leg movement, so I am using front crawl as an exercise stroke and for just getting around the pool. It took some getting used to as I always used breast stroke because I found front crawl so exhausting....but now that has changed. I am really enjoying front crawl....


Today I managed to relax my breathing (i have been panicking trying to breath and swim, it's so much easier not to!!!!). I did a few lengths non stop without the gasping for breath at each end. I'm not very fast yet..........
I have got just over a week to the Radio Solent weigh-in so Iam going to try and log each day , on here what I eat and exercise done!!!!

Need to go from this to this............. sights not set too high then!!!!



I am going to be a steward at the Winchester 10k Fast Twitch race on Sunday. Really excited about that. Just love being in the midst of all that lycra!!!!

No surgery needed

I had an interesting comment made to me by a lady who works in Boots the chemist.... 'Have you had surgery, the stomach operation....you have lost loads of weight.......?'
It took me a few seconds to realise that she thought I'd had my stomach stapled, as if that was the only way I could have possibly lost this much weight.
I reassured that I hadn't and that it was just through healthy eating and exercise... She was amazed that it could be done that way.
I was amazed that she was amazed... I suppose it is modern thinking and media. There have been a number of TV programmes about cosmetic surgery and even children of 15 having stomach reducing ops.
I know from a history of yoyo binging, starving and crash dieting what works and what doesn't. I have said the cliche 'I have done every diet and I can't lose weight...' I know and have used all the excuses......but surgery eeek no.....I'm too much of a coward. And I have seen programmes one in particular where a woman had her stomach banded and got a piece of meat stuck in it and was in agony and has now put on even more weight because she is eating badly and liquidising sweets and high fat stuff and doing no exercise.... lot of pain for nothing.
Other programmes I have watched, where I might have sympathy for surgery were people had got to such a state that they couldn't move off their beds... people 30-60 stone in weight. Their lives are in danger but the only choice that they can see is to have a further life threatening operation.
I got to 26st 10 and I was in a dangerous position I did consider whether it was going to surgery but I hate hospitals and was too scared.
You just have to break the cycle in some way. I was very lucky to get really good advice and help.
It has to be eating healthily and using those calories in good exercise....
But I guess it's easy to see things more clearly when you've lost a few stone

OK END OF RANT
Didn't get the job at the surgery just as well considering what I have just written!!!! I thought the interview went well but wasn't to be...so onwards and upwards!!!

I'm Spinning Around ...

After having quite a difficult day, at work my niece and her husband very kindly drove me down to see Wil at New Park Manor.
It seems ages since I have been to see the Guru of Fitness at the gym. My knee was still quite stiff so we had a really good chat instead. I think we covered a lot of ground including nutrition, ways of building up supportive muscles, the anatomy of the knee, exercise programmes, job interviews...... oh and of course Little O.

Have an interview for a new job today at 2 not sure if I really want to do it but I am going with an open mind and to use it as interview experience. It could be that I really love it ...we'll see

This morning I woke up in the Gym.....now that is scarey enough but there were people doing a Spinning Class (on bikes not the Whirling Dervish kind)at great speed and with loud music, looked great fun. They had obviously been there some time already...since 6.30 indeed!!!. I was awake early so I thought instead of staring at the ceiling I might as well put the time to good use.
I did 15 mins on Treadmill, 15 mins on Cross Trainer and 15 mins of front crawl in the swimming pool (which I've found is the safest place to do it!!!)

Got a Valentine's Card too.....have absolutely no idea who.........was just pushed through door ..... not sure if I 'm chuffedd or scared!!!!!

Fascinating Knees

This morning I went to the Orthopaedics Clinic. My knee was a bit sore this morning after walking 10k yesterday. But that just reinforced the incentive to get it sorted out.

The specialist, a very nice man, asked me loads of questions and I gave him a brief history of my knees...fascinating eh!!!!!!!!

I told him being knocked over by a car and the Pigs (see December Blogs). I told him my knee had got a lot worse after the being attacked by pigs. He tried not to laugh but giggles escaped as he tried to ask me to tell him about it. He said he would have great fun dictating that one to his secretary.

He looked at my knees, which are still carrying quite a bit of fat, and tried to say in the most polite way, that it was difficult to see if they were swollen!!! Then I sat on the edge of the bed and he did a few tests, then I lay on the bed and he tested flexibility, clickability and hurtability!!! There were a few times I tried to say politely in a polite way.."ooh that's a bit sore!!"

He turned and prodded the knee joint obviously knowing exactly what he was looking for. At one point he turned it at an angle and then bent it and we all knew that was where it hurt!!

There was something definitely clicking and moving about in there.

His conclusion was that I had probably got a torn cartilage and a part of it was flicking into the knee joint every now and then and was causing a problem.

He said that it wouldn't necessarily get worse but would hinder. I am to have a MRI scan (I thought they made furniture) , and it could be fixed if needed!!!!!!!!!! That was music to my ears..I have been so aware of people on crutches and zimmer frames ...I so don't want to end up there!!

So now I have to wait for an appointment for MRI scan (I'm not sure if it's one of those tubes you go in and get microwaved. Not really worried about it just want to get it sorted.

I have been feeling a bit lazy. Don't feel on top of exercise although I did a longish walk yesterday it's not as regular as it has been. Going to see the fitness Guru tomorrow. Need to do the exercise to help with weight loss...knees a'willing

Determined to lose more weight must not not become complacent. Hopefully next goal is for a week on Thursday weigh-in. Then want to have lost at least 6 stone by the time next Radio Solent appearance, last weigh in I had lost 5 1/2 stone. Then next time I see Orthopaedics and then I would love to be in the 13 stones by Greenbelt (August 2007). 2 stone in 5 months should happen!!!!!!!!!!!!! It would be so fab

NEW LOOK BLOG

As I am coming to the end of the sponsored part of the Daisy Dieting I though it is time to break out into a new look blog. Now is the time to continue with all I have learnt and put into practice for every day life. I have 3 weeks to go before the next proposed Radio Solent appearance so the challenge is ....can I lose 18 lbs to bring it up to the 100 lbs weight loss for the Daisy appeal... Going to try really hard but ...it's down to the gym and as much walking, swimming and rowing, etc as I can
watch this space................

Aw Little O!!

Had a lovely day today. Woke up to find that we had actually had some snow. The road outside looked like a scene from a Christmas Card. I long for snow every year preferably Christmas week but I don't mind anytime!

Later in the morning I set off to see the newest member of Team Wil, Baby Oscar. He is the cutest thing ever. So tiny - well he is only a 11 days old. It was so amazing just to watch his face as he was sleeping lots of little expressions coming through.

I think he is keeping his Mum and Dad entertained, especially when he goes nocturnal. Like a little Koala bear he likes nothing better than to curl up on either parents chest and snooze, bless him.

On Monday I have an appointment with the Orthopaedics Clinic. I am a bit worried about what they will say and also if they poke around and move my knees to much in the wrong direction, I'll end up crawling out of the surgery!!

It will be interesting to hear what they have to say I have kind of put any major exercise on hold for a while in case I do more damage. I'm longing to be able to jog and do some stamina exercises

CrossTraining? No! Happy Training

Had a good session in the gym today. I wish I could remember after i have done a good work out I feel so much better with life. Stu hade me a real boppy compilation CD to play whilst walking and going to the gym, unfortunately I haven't worked out how to use it in swimming yet. Someone should really invent something.

I managed 25 minutes on Treadmill, 15 mins on XTrainer and 15 mins on Rower, although the rower kept getting stuck on it's slide and then another 30 mins on Treadmill. It's not as much fun on my own but I had The Fratellas, Kylie, Erasure, Scissor Sisters etc helping me through it. I had the remix of 'I Should Be So Lucky' on, and I had to stop myself singing at the top of my voice and doing a Kylie dance!!!

I have got over my awkwardness at being in the gym. I still, sometimes think of myself as 26 stone and wait for people to point and laugh at me as I step onto the Treadmill, but no one takes a blind bit of notice, and for once I don't mind!!!

I had a very nice view, there was a gorgeous man on the Treadmill in front of me, but however fast I walked I didn't catch him!!!

Knee seems to be holding up, a bit sensative but it hasn't locked for a week now, I just have to be really careful how I use it. I have in my ears all the time the little voice of Wil...'where are your feet!!!' Need to constantly check they are straight, front facing, even when I am waiting to cross the road or sitting watching TV. Trying to remember not to cross legs or do the Can-Can. I have my Orthopeadics appointment confirmed for the 12th Feb.

Baby Oscar is now settled and safe at his new home!!!

Joined the local Gym recently. Had to do an induction course on how to use their machinery. Most of it is what I have been used to but some slightly different. BUT other people..in fact lots of other people use the gym too...not used to that..maybe I have been a bit spoilt at New Park.

Everyone is quite nice though apart from a few sideways remarks and glances from The Ladies That Do Lycra'.......... I think I need to take personal stereo in so I can ignore them and if I start singing too maybe I will get a gym to myself!!!!!!!!!!

.

WELCOME TO LITTLE OSCAR

Here he is at last little Oscar was born on Monday morning at 8.5 lbs. How cute is he....

Congratulations to Wil and Kath

Had quite an active day today. Went swimming this morning, but it was abit crowded so hard to do lane swimming with your head up someone elses rear rend!!!

I down loaded this map from Concept Sport cos it's so much easier when someone else has measurred the distances. So I walked the course and added on 2 extra kilometers by stretching the course into Harestock.

My knees coped very well. It was a good walk going through town and country. Stopped off briefly to go to the loo at the Local Farm Shop Cafe. The shop there should be illegal........sooooooooooo many good things there, homemade cakes and sweets...cheeses mmmmmmmmmmm

But I got out quick and was saved!!!

I love seeing before and after pictures. One of my favourite blogs is Skinny Latte skinnylattegirl.blogspot.com. She lives in Melbourne, Australia and is truly inspirational. She lost her weight steadily through one year.

She has lost 33.5k (5 1/4 st) and has recently got into

Triathlons. It's well worth a read to see how much one year can make a difference.

Meanwhile Wil has gone off for Paternity leave to date I don't think the baby has come. He must be really fed up with people keep asking so I'll try and be patient.

Had a Fab day with gorgeous Stu yesterday. We watched a film and I'm sure we both had something in our eyes at the end!!!

God-cat Osca was sweet too she allowed me a cuddle for nearly a minute before escaping.

Yesterday had a bit of a watershed feeling about it. I'm not sure what happened because I was really strong over Christmas and lost 1/2 a stone, but on Wednesday I had a bowt of comfort eating. It was all healthy stuff but just loads of it. Things at work were getting me down and other people seem to have escape plans in action and I hadn't, but that's no excuse really. Anyway had loads of fun yesterday and felt a lot emotionally lighter if not physically when I got home.

I read Skinny Latte's Blog and was inspired to keep going (not that I was going to give up but maybe I'm just a little 'Battle of the Bulge fatigued).

Now it's no more whinging and just getting on with it.

Went swimming before work today, which was good. Managed 100m crawl (4 lengths) with no stopping, which doesn't sound too much but when I started at New Park Manor a 16m length in crawl made me so out of breath.

And people who know me will know this is a good sign..... I have a new note book to use as progress report!!! My old one got a bit complicated with notes everywhere. I'll keep the old one though as lots of personal fitness history in it...oh and of course 'Things to Ask Wil pages'

Recording

Resting Heart Rate (first thing in the morning when I'm not sure if I have one so it's good to check I'm still alive!!)

Hours Sleep

Muscles.. how they feeling, any strains etc

Motivation - to see when I dip and if it carries a patten

Food - Did I eat any!!!
Exercise

Managed another session in the gym and pool yesterday (no sign of THE baby yet). It's all a bit touch and go.

I do have a new career in line now in weight lifting and it's only 5 years to Olympics London so much to train for and so little time!!!!

Was really good fun, we did some swimming drills in the pool. My legs have obvioulsy been sewn on the wrong way round it's their fault that when I kick them really hard or on their own I go backwards. Wil is helping me loads with the front crawl and I feel I've improved quite a bit butI have a long way to go yet.

Did some interesting impressions of sit ups and bridges on the ball. I was quite chuffed because I managed to knock nearly 2 minutes off my time for 4k on the bike. First time ever was 11.20 mins and yesterday was 9.21. Signs of improvement that I need to see at the moment.

Everyone at work is looking for new jobs to escape. I really have to take this seriously and break out of my 'can't do it' mentality.

In fact there could be a job out there that I might really enjoy with a good social life too.

Went for a 12k walk today. I have found the road where all the joggers run up and down. It's fun cos I look at them in awe and they look at me with a 'well done for trying' look. It was a lovely day and I got see an amazing sun set over Winchester

Knee held up well it seems a lot better but it is still a bit clicky so still will get it checked out. The worst times are when I am at work. I very rarely sit down at work and so I am on my feet for 8 hrs and often find myself with locked knees. Trying to become more aware of posture. To keep feet straight, not to stand or sit with crossed legs, trying to keep knee and hip joints in the movements that are natural to them. Yes, no more splits or high kicks!!

Any day now Team Wil is going to have a new member. Wil and his partner Kath are expecting their first child due tomorrow. It's very exciting and we're awaiting news, pacing the virtual corridors. We wish them all the best and look forward to the safe arrival of baby. I'll let you know as soon as.

I always get excited about babies and we have one in the family on the way in March. My niece, Jenny is rapidly expanding and all is well. Ok I know that will make me a Great Aunt which makes me sound ancient but I am hardly going to don the shawl and tartan!!! In fact quite the opposite but nephews and nieces are used to that and I think I would disappoint them if I was normal!!!

Sorry I forgot to tell you about the weigh in results. Lost another 6 3/4 lbs bringing me down to 15.7.!!! Thank you for all the encouraging and comforting remarks about knee problem. Sorry Helen about your experiences but really glad you're going for Race For Life (www.raceforlife.org) hope to do it too, either in Bournemouth or Winchester.

Had a good time in the gym yesterday. I'm having a fair bit of trouble with my left knee. I was hit by a car about 6 years ago and my knees were a bit damaged and then I went up to my heaviest weight of 26 st 10 which isn't good for anyone's knees let alone already damaged ones.

I am alright going forwards walking, light jogging, rowing (on the machine haven't tried a boat yet!!), swimming but on occasions a slight movement where my knee joint goes in a funny position and it goes into a spasmy type thing and it really hurts (notice all the medical terms!!)

So many people have been telling me to go to a doctor and yesterday I did. I was so glad I did. I have real phobia of hospitals and doctors and in the past they have never told me anything I didn't already know and always gave me a hard time about my weight, quite rightly too. I also remember bad times when I couldn't bare to see my Dad all wired up in hospital. I built quite a big fear of going to see anyone medical but that was dispersed yesterday as I got on the right side of the medical 'law' and was given loads of encouragement too. Thank goodness she said to me to carry on with training and exercise, I think she thought I might be wanting to give up exercise...AS IF

I have to be referred to the Orthopaedics (just getting to learn how to spell that!!) clinic. Now that was like getting through to MI5!! I first had to go upstairs and answer a whole load of questions for the computer and then they gave me a piece of paper with a code word which 007 would have been proud of.. something to do with Mustard. The first they gave me was a booklet on which hospital I would like to chose. What was important to me location or cleanliness!!!!

They were telling me how the government had to refer me from a GP...so I'll watch Prime Ministers Question Time to see if I'm mentioned!!!

So i have been provisionally booked in for Monday 12th Feb but they said they had to check that with the doctors and then they'll let me know. What a palaver!!!!

I still am causing great entertainment with my swimming. I showed Wil what happens when I kick without using my arms and I go backwards. He kindly let me borrow his float but I just can't work out why I don't go forwards

Goggles and Giggles

What an evening I had yesterday. Had to work late and managed to get the 6.01 to Brockenhurst and jumped in the pool at 6.50. I had 10 minutes of Aquarobics with the gang and one or two visitors and then a swimming lesson with Wil.

It must have looked a bit like a episode of The Blue Planet with my interpretation of the front crawl. Wil was cool he didn't laugh too much and he gave me a pair of goggles which means I can now see under water!! So as he was trying to guide me to swim in a straight line all I could see were a pair of legs walking backwards. It is really not a good idea to get the giggles when your face is under water. Had a really concentrated lesson and came away with with loads of good advice to use in practice. Just need to remember RELAX-REACH-and I'm sure there was something else, ummm- oh BREATH!!!

Weigh in day tomorrow not sure if I have lost anything with all the festivities. Maybe if I go in the Steam Room tomorrow for an hour or two I might lose something.

Stu has got to the level in Yoga where he spends a lot of time upside down. He can do the head stand and all kinds of things I can't pronounce. In fact neither us a year ago would have thought we would be doing the things we're doing now in gyms across the south of England!!

Times they are achanging

There seems to be a lot of people around me at the moment going through life changes, new jobs, moving house, babies, weddings. Although my life has already been changed radically I need to go onwards too. I've got really itchy feet, not in an athletes foot way either, want to do something!!!, I think a new job is on the cards and maybe some challenges along the way. My horizons are a lot wider now. Need to keep the momentum going.