No Such Word As 'Can't'

My day started off with an early visit to the Gym at Winchester and the last of my inductions. and then hopped onto a train and went to New Park for a session with Wil.

I was met by Claire as I walked up the lane. It was good to see her but I'm not sure if she could see me so well as she is still having problems with her eye.

For a few minutes Team Wil was reunited!!

As I was an hour early I went for a walk in the Forest. Warning people on the Spa Reception that if I wasn't back in an hour to send out rescue parties.

The Forest was lovely. There was a mixture of inky blue clouds and clear blue skies, as you can see from these pictures I took.

I love the contrasts of the seasons in The Forest.

I walked for about 50 minutes and managed to get back without getting lost!!

Just caught Claire at the end of her session to say goodbye then it was my turn.

I have to admit I love Cardio work because really it's a case of getting fitter and faster but I am rubbish at resistance work and weights. I don't really practice enough which was very evident today!! Trouble is, I can't get away with not doing it as resistance work and weights are just as important if not a bit more important. These exercises build up and tone supporting muscles. Should just stop whinging and get on with it. Although it's hard work it's good if you have a PT you trust then you know nothing's going to fall off unplanned!!!

Going to make a real effort to do some exercises every day......and reduce the groaning

Had a fab training session with Wil tonight. After getting a bit lost and a change of plan we did some brisk walking around Brockenhurst. Well I walked and Wil cycled very slowly (for him) along side. It was great exercise, fresh air and amazing scenery.

Still managed to fire a few questions and showed my variety of comedy walks and jogs!

Wil on bike......

This is Wil in his Training Su Protection gear

It was dusk a bit hard to see.

Here I am steaming off down through the New Forest

This is my arty shot (well ok, haven't quite mastered the digi camera yet)I have entitled it. 'Front Wheel'...I feel a Turner Prize is on it's way

SUNDAY, SUNDAY

It's been a funny old week. Felt really zoned out. Although I have done exercise - last weeks totals... 20k walking/15k cycling/and some swimming - not enough. Not focused enough. I have put myself onto the proverbial naughty chair. I don't usually let anyone else off with excuses but... with people leaving at work and emotions and tenseness flying around and situations vacant not looking too helpful I've had a few things on my mind.

BUT....


Today I took myself off for a therapy 10k walk today. Walking is so good for sorting your head out.
I didn't time myself because I went exploring along the way. Usually I have my head down and don't see much scenery ( I asked a Marathon Runner once if it was exciting walking past the major tourist sites of London. He said that all you're really aware of is the feet of the person in front of you!!!).

I live only about 1 mile away from an ancient gorgeous little Saxon church, St Swithins. A great place to stop off. There is a little stream that runs by and all the spring flowers and blossom were out and even some rabbits hopping across the graveyard. Don't know why I have never been there before It would make a lovely picnic place in the summer.

Then about 4k further along the walk is the Farm shop next to the watercress beds.



Watercress is fast becoming known as a super food. It's good to be able to buy fresh bunches from the next door watercress beds.
Shop is a very good loo stop as well cos it's about half way. I remember working there when it was just a little shed and cutting my hands to ribbons as I made hundreds of Christmas Wreaths.
Eventually got home feeling so much better and ready to tackle another week. Going to up the exercise and set some more goals to work to.

Feeling on a high I decided to do some sorting out. I threw away all the clothes that are now far too big, unfortunatley it left a lot of space in the wardrobe. Then it was the turn of the Goldfish. Now I love my Goldfish but cleannig the tank is the job I hate. I have put off so many times as you can see by the colour of the water!!!
It was truly disgusting although the fish didn't seem to mind.
Their transition into the glass bowl was smooth and fast,

After spilling water over the floor and myself the tank was sparkly clean and Plato,(big orange one), Wilbur (Silver one) and Daisy (multicoloured one) moved back in slightly confused and a little shakey

First I have to say ..'I took these pictures Stu...I have finely worked out, with the help of nieces Jenny and Catherine how to get photos out of the camera onto the screen....and now....no one in safe..so if you're camera shy beware!!!!

Had a good day in Bournemouth today. I have started my training for the Race For Life event in June. On Sunday I did the 5k walk on the treadmill. It took me 50 mins 15, it was quite hard work and after a while you have to go into your own little world because otherwise you blankly stare into space and then realise you have been unwittingly staring at the gorgeous bloke in front of you for the last half hour!!!!

Today it was the great outdoors and I walked the course I'm going to walk/jog = jalk in June.

It was quite chilly in Bournemouth by the sea but I soon built up warmth as I put my determined face on and my music in my ears, and then it was full steam ahead. From Bournemouth to Boscombe Piers. Well what I thought was full steam, but I was taken over by a little old man fully clad in Lycra. I may change my mind about chasing those in Lycra!!!! Ewgh!!! All credit to him though, he didn't half move.

I made it there and back including a stop off for a quick loo stop in 53 mins 30. I have to remember to keep walking fast because I was merrily singing along to the music and strolling and then remembered I was supposed to be doing a time trial!!

One thing I was quite interested in was a rather dashing runner using the beach for interval training. The beach was being cleaned and ploughed and he was using the dents and troughs in the sand to add interest to his run.

At the end of my jalk there was a party clapping, unfortunately not for me but for the busker under the fly over by the gardens.

I met Wil and Oscar for a drink in town Oscar is growing up fast and is absolutely gorgeous and is a little charmer. Father and son very well colour co-ordinated...... both looking very well. Oscar and I had quite a conversation not sure of the full details but it was mainly based around food, sleep and world politics!!!. He is a strong little lad.

Walked back to the train station

Jenny and Paul's baby is due any minute...it's sooooo exciting. I think he is waiting till it gets a bit warmer. I am going to be a Great Aunt!!!! Another excuse to be completely barmy and get away with it!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO PT WIL AND KATH ON THEIR ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

WELL DONE

Mothers Day

L to R Top David, Jenny, Paul,Catherine. Middle Nigel, Andrew, Liz, Mum. Bottom Me!!!!

Yesterday we had a family gathering for mothers day at my flat. It was fab!! My family are completely barking but absolutely amazing. My sister Liz who came in before her night shift at the hospital with husband Nigel. David who is nursing up in Chelmsford dropped in on the way back from a rehearsal with his brilliant Jazz band at Southampton Uni. Jenny who in on the verge of giving birth (B Date this Thursday) with husband Paul. Catherine who is doing really well and enjoying her Nursing Degree at Southampton Uni and boyfriend Spud (the one with nice hair), and Andrew the cool dude nephew..... and the one who is responsible
for most of them my Mum..oh and me of course. Thanks to Spud for Photos
It's always good fun when we all get together and we all had a lovely time.

Jenny's baby Gerald(nick name... don't worry) had hick-ups from inside and it was really wierd feeling it from the outside.

Have had a bit of a relaxed weekend with eating so I'm back on the case now. May need to do quite a few hours in the gym to regain ground... but I will do it . Although I did do a 10k bike ride yesterday on the exercise bike in 25 mins 47 and BP time for 2k walk in 19 mins 34

• This is Osca in her latest hiding place!!!
  

bIG oNE

Hurray the day has come. Get your Big One out and watch it grow!!!!!


A man walks into a hamburger shop and orders a regular meal. Later, the waitress brings his meal to him. He takes a bite out of it, and notices there's a small hair in the hamburger. He begins yelling frantically at the waitress, "Waitress, there's a hair in my hamburger! I demand to see what is going on!"
So, the waitress takes him back where the cook is and to his demise, he sees the cook take the meat patty and flatten it under his arm pit. He says, "That's disgusting!"Then the waitress says, "You think that's disgusting you should see him make donuts."

Move over Wonder Woman

This is me in the New Forest

.........ok it's my Alta-ego .....Wonder Woman..... but I gave her a good run for her money today.

Started off with a brisk walk in the Forest with Wil.... when I say 'walk' I mean he walks and I kinda trot behind. The Forest was gorgeous and the weather was beautiful, a real Spring day. I felt really invigourated.

After a cool down and a relaxing time in the Spa. I set off to do a Quarter Triathlon.

Started in the pool with 28 x 16 metre lengths of crawl (18minutes). I was so chuffed that I managed to do all the lengths in one go. I relaxed and breathed on every left stroke and just floated off into a world of my own. Fully Speedo clad of course!!!! I feel a Channel swim coming!!!!
Then I tried to get changed as quick as possible without falling over and straight onto the bike (well once I had sorted out the pedals and saddle height...with a little help!!).

10k on the bike in 21.12 mins

2.5k on the Treadmill in 25.07 mins

Total 64.19 mins... if you times that by 4 -a full Triathlon at that level (in easy level cos I didn't have any hills, wind or waves), would take me 4hrs 20ish. I expect everyone would have gone home by then...... it's usually done under 2 hours by the pros.

Still I enjoyed myself no medals, but a feeling achievement! Very tired and hats off to those who do full Triathlons....... but you never know...one day!!!!

Speedo Woman.............

Yesterday I added to my swimwear kit by buying a swimming hat. I thought about getting one of those with the flowers all over them, but no, I thought I'm going to go with the whole Speedo look. I have the Speedo goggles, the Speedo Costume and now the Speedo hat..........

I went to New Park Manor yesterday and before I went in for a session with Wil I went for a swim. So I donned my Speedo gear. In my mind I looked like a mean lean swimming machine. Unfortunately I glanced in a mirror as I walked past and I actually looked like a giant leech, something you might have seen on the early days of Dr Who!!! Luckily there was no one else in the pool, so I didn't frighten anyone.

It was quite strange, I was in my own little world with my hat pulled over my head and ears and my goggles on. I was able to concentrate really well on my stroke and managed 6 x 4 lengths of crawl with rests in between. Speedo hats are also good for instant face lifts because they stretch your forehead and although you look constantly surprised it takes away all the frown lines. Maybe I have found the alternative to Botox.

Had a rockin' Cardio work out with Wil. A real endorphine rush!!! Being the 'time of the month' wasn't at my best but instead of retreating to a nice warm chair and comfort eating I found exercise really helped.

A Pair of Presenters, A Pair of Trainers and a Pear

First of all CONGRATULATIONS to Big Sis Liz..she is now a Staff Nurse on strokes Ward at the RHCH Winchester. She has worked so hard to get qualified and is a brilliant nurse and is appreciated by staff and patients alike. Well done Liz we are very proud of you.

Yesterday was the Daisy Dieters' Weigh-in. Well I say 'Dieters' I was the only one that turned up.

Claire had an eye appointment at the time of the show, she has been suffering with a nasty spot on her eye and had a scan which has shown with medication can be healed and hopefully she'll be back to normal in a couple of days. Scary thing to go through though.

Luckily Wil made it through all the rush hour traffic and just got in, in time to run into the studios and sit in front of a mic. Andre Fergus a PT we met at the Christmas party also came in, only having 3 hours sleep.

There is a new slot on Solent Breakfast Show which takes place during the half- hour cross over of presenters Julian Clegg (6.30-9 am) and Jon Cuthill (9-12.30) - called Lifestyle. We had great fun chatting about losing weight, personal training and going to the gym.

The latest weigh in result was 14 stone11

92lbs off for Daisy Appeal -

11 Stone 13 off all together.

Next goals

The weight of Personal Trainer Wil 12 Stone 4 lbs (ish) - another 5lbs

100 lbs loss for the Daisy Appeal - another 8lbs to go

Half Original Body Weight 13 Stone 5lbs - another 1 Stone 6lbs to lose

In the Gym

After the show we hot footed it back to New Park Manor I went for a leisurely Steam, Bubble and Swim before a session in the gym with Wil. I stupidly left my food for the morning in the kitchen (well I woke up to find myself on a train to Southampton yesterday and hadn't really come to until I found myself sitting in the Radio Studios). So I was working in the gym, running on empty..... don't think I'll do that again!!! Learnt the hard way the disadvantages of having no fuel inside and trying to co-ordinate body, mind and soul. Wil explained why, and DON'T DO IT AGAIN!!!

One of the movements I didn't do well on (in fact was almost sent to the naughty corner), was an exercise using the Glute and Core muscles for strength.

Standing upright, feet forward, knees slightly bent, Core muscles on, lifting on leg off the floor , just a little and then moving it side ways, foot facing front wards , other knee still slightly bent...but...not counter balancing by moving your body at an angle for balance. It only works if your body is upright so that your Glutes and Core are doing the work.

I was just rubbish at it. Maybe because I was tired and hungry and a bit of trying to break habits of a life time. I am really determined to get this one right...

When Wil did it he looked so graceful. I looked like a tree. BUT IT'S ALL ABOUT PERSEVERANCE. I get quite cross with myself when I can't do things correctly straight off. But sulking and stomping doesn't get me too far!! So best keep trying.

After gym I went for another swim and did some front crawl drills.

Back in Winchester I went to M & S and got a whole load of fruit and ate one the best pears I have ever had, it was gorgeous.

This will be me in a few weeks time

Had great fun chatting with Charlie Crocker (Radio Solent) ,on air yesterday. She was featuring on her show an article on Blogs as there were some awards flying around for the Best Blog of Britain(I think). She is lovely and bubbly and really easy to talk to. Her producer is Vicky Bartlett who used to work on the Julian Clegg Show and had a great part in coordinating and encouraging us Daisy Dieters.

Today I was in the gym with Wil. We worked mainly on Core and Leg muscles. Trying to lose a bit more weight before the BBC Radio Solent weigh in on Monday . Not going to starve myself but going to up the exercise a bit. Going to have a very active week end I think!!!

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................