So today is the last day of 2011. I wonder what exciting adventures I will have in 2012?
2011 has been a good year. Some things have gone wrong but overall I have been pretty content. I start 2012 not knowing what the future holds careerwise but hopeful that things will work out. I am fortunate to have stayed on at the job I left for my teacher training as a casual member of staff so at the moment I am working part time and bringing in some money. Long term I need to find a full time job that pays a decent amount so that I can get on with life and move out from my parents' house etc. Having the casual hours at my previous job is great as it means I can do fun stuff as I have some money coming in and it gets me out the house. I think if I did not have this I would end up feeling a sense of despair.
Anyway changing the subject slightly to goals for 2012/new years resolutions.
I posted some resolutions on facebook earlier. These include walk the dog more often (my Dad walks the dog most often so this is a do more of my fair share), run another marathon as long as I am well enough to train and take a photo a day.
I think I will also add blog at least once a week. Hopefully having a set target will mean I actually do blog more often.
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2012 xx
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label happiness. Show all posts
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 23 December 2011
It's nearly Christmas
Wow only 2 more sleeps until Christmas. Is it just me or did 2011 go REALLY fast?
I still have presents to wrap and one missing present that I may need to replace but other than that I am pretty much ready.
I am looking forward to a nice rest over Christmas and spending time with my family. I love the family time over Christmas. Eating, drinking, playing games etc. It's brill.
Tomorrow I intend to take the dog for a nice long walk and then get on with my wrapping and whatever jobs my mother leaves for me to do whilst she is at work.
Exciting times!
Also it is my big sister's 30th birthday on Christmas day so happy birthday!
I have been pondering what to have as my new years resolutions/aims and goals for 2012. I'm still not decided so you shall have to wait and see.
I still have presents to wrap and one missing present that I may need to replace but other than that I am pretty much ready.
I am looking forward to a nice rest over Christmas and spending time with my family. I love the family time over Christmas. Eating, drinking, playing games etc. It's brill.
Tomorrow I intend to take the dog for a nice long walk and then get on with my wrapping and whatever jobs my mother leaves for me to do whilst she is at work.
Exciting times!
Also it is my big sister's 30th birthday on Christmas day so happy birthday!
I have been pondering what to have as my new years resolutions/aims and goals for 2012. I'm still not decided so you shall have to wait and see.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
baking, baking, baking
Wow have I done a lot of baking lately. Mince pies, Christmas cakes, jam tarts, jam, cookie Christmas tree, angel biscuits, reindeer cupcakes, snowmen fairy cakes, cheese straws, rocky road, flapjacks, lemon and cream sponge, plain sponge, bran buns, wholemeal bread, chocolate roulade, chocolate fudge, chocolate orange fudge, chocolate mint fudge and two attempts at vanilla fudge that failed!
As you may have now realised I love baking!
Also not all of that was for me. Most of it was for events like birthdays or people to take to work etc. Some of the stuff is for when my lovely friends come over this evening for mulled wine, mince pies and nibbles. Can't wait to see them :-)
I love baking mince pies and Christmas cakes even though I like neither. I enjoy baking anyway and they are festive so it's double enjoyment!
I have one more thing to make and then that is it until after Christmas/the new year.
As you may have now realised I love baking!
Also not all of that was for me. Most of it was for events like birthdays or people to take to work etc. Some of the stuff is for when my lovely friends come over this evening for mulled wine, mince pies and nibbles. Can't wait to see them :-)
I love baking mince pies and Christmas cakes even though I like neither. I enjoy baking anyway and they are festive so it's double enjoyment!
I have one more thing to make and then that is it until after Christmas/the new year.
Sunday, 11 December 2011
2011 in survey form
Hi folks,
I have decided to do the year in survey form a bit earlier than usual this year. So here it is :-)
1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?
Go to Zumba class, go to Body Combat class, teach a class, run a marathon, raise over £1000 for charity, pipe icing onto cakes, took part in a cycle challenge, grew lots of foods I had never grown before. At the moment those are all the ones I can think of
2. Did you keep your new years resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Resolutions were to socialise more: as in don't turn down offers etc. I feel I have achieved this one.
Run the London Marathon=Done
Run Swindon Half Marathon again=Done
Run Silverstone Half Marathon again=Done
Stop swearing=not done but I have cut down
Be ill less often=oops.
I haven't really decided what my resolutions are for next year. Maybe do a cake decorating course and work on my skills, apply for an allotment and get settled careerwise.
3. How will you be spending your new years eve?
At the moment I have yet to decide.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
5. What countries did you visit?
I just stayed in England this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Ooh I don't know. Maybe a little bit more confidence in certain situations.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
17.04.11 because I ran the London Marathon that day and it was AMAZING!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running the London Marathon. Well training for it and doing it by myself :-) (had a lovely support team of friends and family on the day etc though)
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wouldn't say I had any failures particularly. My teaching course didn't work out because I was ill but I didn't fail.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. Been poorly for the last couple of months.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Gosh I really don't know so going to go for the plunger cutters I got at the good food show. Snowflakes and flowers :-)
12. Where did most of your money go?
Possibly petrol although I don't have exact figures.
13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Adele: Someone like you. Because it has been played on the radio A LOT and I always sing along.
14. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I don't think there is anything, I have been pretty happy this year and whilst I wish I hadn't been ill and had therefore done more of my course that is not something I can change and therefore I don't wish it.
I guess maybe exercise classes that I had to skip due to illness. But again that is a thing I couldn't have helped.
15. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I'm not sure on this one. Maybe being messy!
16. What was you favourite TV programme?
The Great British Bake Off. Brilliant show. Although also loved Kirstie's Handmade Britain.
17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate isn't something I do, there are some people I dislike or feel disappointed in.
18. What was the best book you read?
Room. I forget who it is by but it is a gripping read.
19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't really have one! (boring I know)
20. What was your favourite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
21. What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Millets farm in the day with my friend and then had a meal at home with the family in the evening I think.
22. What kept you sane?
My lovely friends and not letting myself be bothered about things I had no power to change.
23. Who did you miss?
Special people who are no longer with us.
24. Who was the best new person that you met?
There is someone who is not a close friend but is just one of those people who never fails to be cheerful. I also met loads of lovely people on my course :-)
25. Tell us a valuable life lesson that you learned in 2011.
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don't worry about things you can't change. Look to the future and what you can do differently next time.
I have no idea what the year 2012 will bring but I hope that with a positive attitude and determination it will be a great year. I am excited for the future.
I have decided to do the year in survey form a bit earlier than usual this year. So here it is :-)
1. What did you do in 2011 that you had never done before?
Go to Zumba class, go to Body Combat class, teach a class, run a marathon, raise over £1000 for charity, pipe icing onto cakes, took part in a cycle challenge, grew lots of foods I had never grown before. At the moment those are all the ones I can think of
2. Did you keep your new years resolutions and will you make more for next year?
Resolutions were to socialise more: as in don't turn down offers etc. I feel I have achieved this one.
Run the London Marathon=Done
Run Swindon Half Marathon again=Done
Run Silverstone Half Marathon again=Done
Stop swearing=not done but I have cut down
Be ill less often=oops.
I haven't really decided what my resolutions are for next year. Maybe do a cake decorating course and work on my skills, apply for an allotment and get settled careerwise.
3. How will you be spending your new years eve?
At the moment I have yet to decide.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
5. What countries did you visit?
I just stayed in England this year.
6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Ooh I don't know. Maybe a little bit more confidence in certain situations.
7. What date from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory and why?
17.04.11 because I ran the London Marathon that day and it was AMAZING!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Running the London Marathon. Well training for it and doing it by myself :-) (had a lovely support team of friends and family on the day etc though)
9. What was your biggest failure?
I wouldn't say I had any failures particularly. My teaching course didn't work out because I was ill but I didn't fail.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Yes. Been poorly for the last couple of months.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
Gosh I really don't know so going to go for the plunger cutters I got at the good food show. Snowflakes and flowers :-)
12. Where did most of your money go?
Possibly petrol although I don't have exact figures.
13. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Adele: Someone like you. Because it has been played on the radio A LOT and I always sing along.
14. What do you wish you'd done more of?
I don't think there is anything, I have been pretty happy this year and whilst I wish I hadn't been ill and had therefore done more of my course that is not something I can change and therefore I don't wish it.
I guess maybe exercise classes that I had to skip due to illness. But again that is a thing I couldn't have helped.
15. What do you wish you'd done less of?
I'm not sure on this one. Maybe being messy!
16. What was you favourite TV programme?
The Great British Bake Off. Brilliant show. Although also loved Kirstie's Handmade Britain.
17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate isn't something I do, there are some people I dislike or feel disappointed in.
18. What was the best book you read?
Room. I forget who it is by but it is a gripping read.
19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
I didn't really have one! (boring I know)
20. What was your favourite film of this year?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2.
21. What did you do on your birthday?
Went to Millets farm in the day with my friend and then had a meal at home with the family in the evening I think.
22. What kept you sane?
My lovely friends and not letting myself be bothered about things I had no power to change.
23. Who did you miss?
Special people who are no longer with us.
24. Who was the best new person that you met?
There is someone who is not a close friend but is just one of those people who never fails to be cheerful. I also met loads of lovely people on my course :-)
25. Tell us a valuable life lesson that you learned in 2011.
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Don't worry about things you can't change. Look to the future and what you can do differently next time.
I have no idea what the year 2012 will bring but I hope that with a positive attitude and determination it will be a great year. I am excited for the future.
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Marathon number two!
Hello everyone
I am a total blog neglector...I am currently training to be a teacher and am 4 weeks into my course and therefore very busy.
Anyway when I got home on Thursday I had a letter/magazine of acceptance to the London Marathon 2012. Woohoo.
Its really hard to get into so I know I am really lucky to get in again and am grateful for it.
I know some people say it is selfish to apply when you have already ran it once but there are many people who have done it loads and loads of times and frankly for once I think I'd like to be selfish!
I am so super excited.
I am going to start training now ready to start a proper training plan at the beginning of January. I would really like to get a better time this time. I am also intending to record my weight and waist measurements before my first run and regularly during training. I am going to record time spent running and distances and keep a diary so that when it gets to marathon day I can say I've spent X many hours training and covered X many miles.
I am so excited for this challenge :-)
I am a total blog neglector...I am currently training to be a teacher and am 4 weeks into my course and therefore very busy.
Anyway when I got home on Thursday I had a letter/magazine of acceptance to the London Marathon 2012. Woohoo.
Its really hard to get into so I know I am really lucky to get in again and am grateful for it.
I know some people say it is selfish to apply when you have already ran it once but there are many people who have done it loads and loads of times and frankly for once I think I'd like to be selfish!
I am so super excited.
I am going to start training now ready to start a proper training plan at the beginning of January. I would really like to get a better time this time. I am also intending to record my weight and waist measurements before my first run and regularly during training. I am going to record time spent running and distances and keep a diary so that when it gets to marathon day I can say I've spent X many hours training and covered X many miles.
I am so excited for this challenge :-)
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
My beautiful garden
Tomatoes growing
The courgette I harvested to go in my roasted veg for dinner
My coriander plant in flower :) Growing my own is proving fun and (excuse the pun) fruitful. I have so far harvested two courgettes and there are plenty more at various stages of growth.
I have only got 4 tomatoes between my two plants at the moment but there are plenty of flowers on them which should mean plenty of tomatoes soon.
My pepper plants (capsicum) have grown more quickly since I discovered they should be watered twice a day and started doing so.
My runner bean plants produced their first two flower buds on Monday so I am looking forward to seeing some beans soon.
Carrots are still small but seem to be growing well.
I got some more herbs to add to my collection: curry plant, basil purple ruffles and chocolate peppermint.
I did buy an aubergine plant recently but it died :( I've been very lucky with all my other plants so I can't complain really, although it does feel like a waste of money.
I have done well though as the tomato plants and runner bean plants were given to me by someone who didn't have room for them so were pretty much free. I agreed I'd give them some of the produce to say thanks.
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Four weeks until my first marathon!
Oh my goodness. My marathon is only four weeks away. Last year when I had to defer my place to this year due to illness I was very upset as it seemed so long away. That time sure has flown by. It doesn't seem real that this big event that I have been talking about for so long will soon actually happen. Do I feel ready? Yes and no. I feel like I can do it but it will be hard and I wish I was fitter. I do think that however fit I was I would feel that so I am not going to worry.
I have got a 13 miler to do tomorrow then the next long run I will be doing next Saturday is 18 miles. The weekend after I run 10 miles, then weekend after a 50minute run at marathon pace and finally the weekend after is the real thing. I have followed a beginners/just get round training plan. I am aiming for between 6 hours and 6 hours 30minutes. At the moment life is about eating plenty of nutritious foods and looking after my body. I can't afford to be getting a cold or anything and my body needs the right foods to keep it going on runs and to heal itself afterwards. My mind boggles at the thought of running 26.2 miles and I am sure I will be emotional before the start, during and definitely after but I know myself, I know I will keep going no matter what because that determination burns inside of me. I can do this and I will. And it will feel great to show those doubters out there that I was right!
I can't wait to be able to say I've run a marathon. I have a lot of supportive friends and family and am so lucky to have them. I expect they will be looking forward to the time when I don't talk about the marathon practically every day!
I am running for the special care baby charity Bliss who are a great cause. If you would like to sponsor please comment and I will send you the link. Thanks.
I have got a 13 miler to do tomorrow then the next long run I will be doing next Saturday is 18 miles. The weekend after I run 10 miles, then weekend after a 50minute run at marathon pace and finally the weekend after is the real thing. I have followed a beginners/just get round training plan. I am aiming for between 6 hours and 6 hours 30minutes. At the moment life is about eating plenty of nutritious foods and looking after my body. I can't afford to be getting a cold or anything and my body needs the right foods to keep it going on runs and to heal itself afterwards. My mind boggles at the thought of running 26.2 miles and I am sure I will be emotional before the start, during and definitely after but I know myself, I know I will keep going no matter what because that determination burns inside of me. I can do this and I will. And it will feel great to show those doubters out there that I was right!
I can't wait to be able to say I've run a marathon. I have a lot of supportive friends and family and am so lucky to have them. I expect they will be looking forward to the time when I don't talk about the marathon practically every day!
I am running for the special care baby charity Bliss who are a great cause. If you would like to sponsor please comment and I will send you the link. Thanks.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
The one in which I get fitter
I went for a run this evening. The only time I stopped to walk was crossing a couple of roads where there was traffic to avoid. I then walked another 5 paces after the last road I crossed while I had a few sips of water. Prior to today and despite having done 2 half marathons before the most I had ever run without walking a bit was 2 miles. This evening I made myself keep running and keep running and kept giving myself a you can do it you are strong each step you take is one less left kind of pep talk and I ran 3.05 miles. Which is more than a MILE more than the most I have ever ran without stopping to walk. Previously I have been more of a run/walk person. Today I finally feel like maybe I actually might be able to be a runner (not professionally but you know actually get half decent at this running thing). The training plan I was going to use for the London Marathon this year (before I realised I wasn't going to be well enough and deferred to 2011) required you to have been running for 30mins 3 times per week for 3 months I think it was. The training plan I believe needs to be started either the last week of December of 1st week of January. Being as I managed to run for just over 30 today (yes I am slow paced!) I think I am going to be on target if not just ahead for that training programme. This makes me happy as I am actually improving and hopefully I will manage to keep up training regularly.
I do have a half marathon in October and I do think I am unlikely to do as well as I had hoped when I signed up but at least it is having it's purpose of getting me doing some training. The half marathon is very hilly which is what concerns me. I will be happy to finish and am hoping for a similar time to my last half marathon which was on flat ground. I still have time to get fitter before this half marathon and I think now I know I can actually run a reasonable distance without stopping I will be more motivated and self believing.
I also enjoyed my run this evening as I had time to myself just to think about whatever happened to pop into my head. By the end of it I was singing a song in my head although I can't remember now what song but it had the word step in the bit that was going round my head. (Probably to do with the aforementioned pep talk!)
I do have a half marathon in October and I do think I am unlikely to do as well as I had hoped when I signed up but at least it is having it's purpose of getting me doing some training. The half marathon is very hilly which is what concerns me. I will be happy to finish and am hoping for a similar time to my last half marathon which was on flat ground. I still have time to get fitter before this half marathon and I think now I know I can actually run a reasonable distance without stopping I will be more motivated and self believing.
I also enjoyed my run this evening as I had time to myself just to think about whatever happened to pop into my head. By the end of it I was singing a song in my head although I can't remember now what song but it had the word step in the bit that was going round my head. (Probably to do with the aforementioned pep talk!)
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Welcome back weight loss mojo
I have my weight loss mojo back! This morning just before I got in the shower I had this sudden surge of determination. A feeling of I want to do this I can do this I am determined to get back in control of my eating.
I feel really positive right now.
I went to spinning this morning and I don't think I have ever sweated that much, it was hard going. But when I push myself I always feel so gloriously pleased with myself afterwards.
I also went for a run last night which really seemed to upset my joints. During the run at some point each of the following hurt, both ankles, both hips and one knee. My left hip seemed worse and sure enough today it is sore still. It survived spinning with only the odd twinge. I am hoping it will hold out for a run tomorrow and then Thursday is a rest day so recover then.
I have decided to have some chilled out, lazing about, me time before work today. I am relishing in the fact that I am going to make my lunch and then sit on the sofa watching trashy tv until it's time to get ready for work. Bliss!
I feel really positive right now.
I went to spinning this morning and I don't think I have ever sweated that much, it was hard going. But when I push myself I always feel so gloriously pleased with myself afterwards.
I also went for a run last night which really seemed to upset my joints. During the run at some point each of the following hurt, both ankles, both hips and one knee. My left hip seemed worse and sure enough today it is sore still. It survived spinning with only the odd twinge. I am hoping it will hold out for a run tomorrow and then Thursday is a rest day so recover then.
I have decided to have some chilled out, lazing about, me time before work today. I am relishing in the fact that I am going to make my lunch and then sit on the sofa watching trashy tv until it's time to get ready for work. Bliss!
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Post number 100
So this is my 100th post on this blog! Quite what I have written about for 100 posts I do not know.
When I weighed myself on Monday I had lost 2lbs :-) I did do a lot of exercise last week so I guess that made up for my not so healthy eating.
I went for a run last night despite feeling really tired because I was feeling guilty that if I waited until today I may not have been able to fit in the 3 runs I wanted to this week. So I went last night and I did really well. I am going to go for a run tomorrow night if I am back from my hospital appointment in time. Then I am thinking Saturday morning for the final run of the week. I hope my guilty conscience does this to me every time so I never miss a run.
I have been very hit and miss with eating. I had a nice nourishing lunch but then I had 2 cookies so I feel like I have ruined it. I feel a tiny bit blah at the moment about healthy eating as I don't feel very inspired about what healthy foods to have. Although cherries were half price today so I bought a box and will take half to work today and have the other half another day. I think variety is the spice of life and I often fall down by buying the same fruits several times in a row and getting bored of them.
Despite my complaining about my eating etc I am actually feeling pretty content right now.
I don't think I have a lot more to say other than here's to the next 100 posts.
When I weighed myself on Monday I had lost 2lbs :-) I did do a lot of exercise last week so I guess that made up for my not so healthy eating.
I went for a run last night despite feeling really tired because I was feeling guilty that if I waited until today I may not have been able to fit in the 3 runs I wanted to this week. So I went last night and I did really well. I am going to go for a run tomorrow night if I am back from my hospital appointment in time. Then I am thinking Saturday morning for the final run of the week. I hope my guilty conscience does this to me every time so I never miss a run.
I have been very hit and miss with eating. I had a nice nourishing lunch but then I had 2 cookies so I feel like I have ruined it. I feel a tiny bit blah at the moment about healthy eating as I don't feel very inspired about what healthy foods to have. Although cherries were half price today so I bought a box and will take half to work today and have the other half another day. I think variety is the spice of life and I often fall down by buying the same fruits several times in a row and getting bored of them.
Despite my complaining about my eating etc I am actually feeling pretty content right now.
I don't think I have a lot more to say other than here's to the next 100 posts.
Friday, 28 May 2010
We're all going on a Summer holiday...
Tomorrow I am off on my holiday. Whilst I know blogging about it may be advertising to potential robbers that is not a problem for me as there will still be people left at my house whilst I am away.
Today I need to drop something off at work that I forgot yesterday, then I am going to do some baking (flapjacks and fairy cakes) naughty I know but if you can't have a treat when you're on holiday when can you. Then I must pack! I also need to clean the rabbits hutch out.This evening I am off out for my friends sisters 18th birthday. We aren't going to stay out too late due to having to drive to Devon in the morning. Nor will I be having much alcohol, I am going to really play on the safe side with alcohol as I always do when driving is involved the next day.
I do have the day off today as were I not on annual leave I would have been working the weekend. I wouldn't have booked today off if I were due to work but it has worked out quite nicely that I do have the day off.
In other news I have been for 3 runs this week, actual outside runs and I have improved my time already. I was very impressed with how long I ran without stopping on Wednesdays run, I think the key is to run slightly slower. I have enjoyed the runs.
I'm not sure how nice the weather is supposed to be when we're away but fingers crossed it won't be too bad. My plan is to enjoy the holiday and then get on with being healthy, training for the upcoming runs and losing weight once I'm back. I am going to set myself a couple of post holiday resolutions once I am back.
By the way I got into a skirt the other day that I haven't fitted into for a couple of years and it was slightly loose :-)
Have a fab week all
Today I need to drop something off at work that I forgot yesterday, then I am going to do some baking (flapjacks and fairy cakes) naughty I know but if you can't have a treat when you're on holiday when can you. Then I must pack! I also need to clean the rabbits hutch out.This evening I am off out for my friends sisters 18th birthday. We aren't going to stay out too late due to having to drive to Devon in the morning. Nor will I be having much alcohol, I am going to really play on the safe side with alcohol as I always do when driving is involved the next day.
I do have the day off today as were I not on annual leave I would have been working the weekend. I wouldn't have booked today off if I were due to work but it has worked out quite nicely that I do have the day off.
In other news I have been for 3 runs this week, actual outside runs and I have improved my time already. I was very impressed with how long I ran without stopping on Wednesdays run, I think the key is to run slightly slower. I have enjoyed the runs.
I'm not sure how nice the weather is supposed to be when we're away but fingers crossed it won't be too bad. My plan is to enjoy the holiday and then get on with being healthy, training for the upcoming runs and losing weight once I'm back. I am going to set myself a couple of post holiday resolutions once I am back.
By the way I got into a skirt the other day that I haven't fitted into for a couple of years and it was slightly loose :-)
Have a fab week all
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Good times
I have had a miraculous recovery from possibly the worst cold I've had in years :-)woop go immune system.
I had a grumpy moment this morning but am feeling much happier right now. I went to spinning class this evening and thought about what had annoyed me during the speed trackswhich kept me going. I am totally loving spinning classes right now.
I think this week is likely to be a weight loss week as I haven't been snacking as much during the day and despite being ill I have still exercised.
Tomorrow is my day off and I might go to the gym dependant on how much my legs ache.I could feel my bum aching during spin today which is the first time its made that area ache. I am definitely benefitting from the endorphins today. My grumpy moment only lasted about 10 minutes earlier but I felt even more cheered up after spin.
In other news I dyed my hair yesterday, it is plum,in some lights it looks very dark brown and in other lights purple. I totally love it! I wasn't sure earlier but it looks much fresher and now I don't have roots. It's probably the darkest shade I have ever had my hair.
Also on my day off tomorrow I am going to do some baking with my mother. Peanut butter squares which I have never had or made before and something else as well I think although I'm not sure exactly what the 2nd lot of baking will be. I'm looking forward to a chilled out day :-)
I'd better not eat too much of the stuff we make. We can always freeze some and give some out to people we know.
I am working this weekend which I don't mind as I can usually get quite a bit of adminy type things done on the long Saturday shift. I probably won't do much Saturday night and then work again Sunday until 3.30. We have a charity spinathon on on Sunday at work, there are 6 1 hour classes. The last one is at 3.30 and I want to take part so I am going to have to get changed and run in there bang on 3.30.
I haven't really made any plans further than that so far. Just to keep plodding on with trying not to eat too much and to keep up the exercise. I feel that being a healthy weight is in sight now and just around the corner. I don't know how long it will take me to get around that corner but right now I feel it is within grabbing distance and I can do it :-)
Smiles all round :-)
I had a grumpy moment this morning but am feeling much happier right now. I went to spinning class this evening and thought about what had annoyed me during the speed trackswhich kept me going. I am totally loving spinning classes right now.
I think this week is likely to be a weight loss week as I haven't been snacking as much during the day and despite being ill I have still exercised.
Tomorrow is my day off and I might go to the gym dependant on how much my legs ache.I could feel my bum aching during spin today which is the first time its made that area ache. I am definitely benefitting from the endorphins today. My grumpy moment only lasted about 10 minutes earlier but I felt even more cheered up after spin.
In other news I dyed my hair yesterday, it is plum,in some lights it looks very dark brown and in other lights purple. I totally love it! I wasn't sure earlier but it looks much fresher and now I don't have roots. It's probably the darkest shade I have ever had my hair.
Also on my day off tomorrow I am going to do some baking with my mother. Peanut butter squares which I have never had or made before and something else as well I think although I'm not sure exactly what the 2nd lot of baking will be. I'm looking forward to a chilled out day :-)
I'd better not eat too much of the stuff we make. We can always freeze some and give some out to people we know.
I am working this weekend which I don't mind as I can usually get quite a bit of adminy type things done on the long Saturday shift. I probably won't do much Saturday night and then work again Sunday until 3.30. We have a charity spinathon on on Sunday at work, there are 6 1 hour classes. The last one is at 3.30 and I want to take part so I am going to have to get changed and run in there bang on 3.30.
I haven't really made any plans further than that so far. Just to keep plodding on with trying not to eat too much and to keep up the exercise. I feel that being a healthy weight is in sight now and just around the corner. I don't know how long it will take me to get around that corner but right now I feel it is within grabbing distance and I can do it :-)
Smiles all round :-)
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
A strange new me...
I kicked butt today with my exercise, I walked the dog in the rain this morning.
I went to the gym this afternoon and I ran at a faster speed than I used to, I ran at this faster speed without stopping for longer than I run at my normal speed without stopping. I came home and decided to run up and down the stairs 5 times just for the fun of it! Then later on I ran up and down another 5 times because I was cold and figured I may as well warm myself up and burn some calories. Now I know there are other ways to warm up and burn calories but well I'm single at the moment ;-) so running it is!
I haven't done too badly with eating today either. I am also much more restrained at work, haven't been raiding the biscuit tin and am barely ever buying things from the vending machine.
I am feeling really determined right now to get on with my running training and to really push myself. I am aiming to finish the marathon in under 7 hours. This may sound ridiculously long, that allows 15 minutes per mile and an extra half an hour ish for what ever reason. That will still be a challenge for me. I will be walk/running it. So my training's aim is to get me to be able to run as much of it as possible. When I did the half marathon towards the end I was so tired I was counting my paces and running 200 walking 100 etc. I know this is the way I will get through the marathon walk/running, whether it is walk a mile run 2 or what I do not know. I have never been someone who is good at sport or who is particularly fit. Running is a challenge to me whether I am running a mile or 26.2 of the bloomin things! I crave the challenge and can't wait to knock this marathon dead in my own slow and steady way. I will feel mentally AWESOME as I cross that finish line (and probably rather emotional too). I can't wait for the hugs with my family and friends the first time I see them after the marathon. I hope they will be super PROUD of me. Little old me the one who always made excuses not to take part in school PE lessons.
11 weeks and 5 days to go... :-) 11 weeks and 5 days to kick butt and make mine smaller! woohoo!
Could you tell I'm in a good mood?!
Love
I went to the gym this afternoon and I ran at a faster speed than I used to, I ran at this faster speed without stopping for longer than I run at my normal speed without stopping. I came home and decided to run up and down the stairs 5 times just for the fun of it! Then later on I ran up and down another 5 times because I was cold and figured I may as well warm myself up and burn some calories. Now I know there are other ways to warm up and burn calories but well I'm single at the moment ;-) so running it is!
I haven't done too badly with eating today either. I am also much more restrained at work, haven't been raiding the biscuit tin and am barely ever buying things from the vending machine.
I am feeling really determined right now to get on with my running training and to really push myself. I am aiming to finish the marathon in under 7 hours. This may sound ridiculously long, that allows 15 minutes per mile and an extra half an hour ish for what ever reason. That will still be a challenge for me. I will be walk/running it. So my training's aim is to get me to be able to run as much of it as possible. When I did the half marathon towards the end I was so tired I was counting my paces and running 200 walking 100 etc. I know this is the way I will get through the marathon walk/running, whether it is walk a mile run 2 or what I do not know. I have never been someone who is good at sport or who is particularly fit. Running is a challenge to me whether I am running a mile or 26.2 of the bloomin things! I crave the challenge and can't wait to knock this marathon dead in my own slow and steady way. I will feel mentally AWESOME as I cross that finish line (and probably rather emotional too). I can't wait for the hugs with my family and friends the first time I see them after the marathon. I hope they will be super PROUD of me. Little old me the one who always made excuses not to take part in school PE lessons.
11 weeks and 5 days to go... :-) 11 weeks and 5 days to kick butt and make mine smaller! woohoo!
Could you tell I'm in a good mood?!
Love
Wednesday, 30 December 2009
Post Christmas Blues
On my way to the gym today I had a tiny twinge of the post Christmas blues, they soon passed. Once in the gym I realised how much fitness I have lost over the festive period. Yuck! I wasn't super fit in the first place and a combination of little exercise, lots of food and a reasonable amount of alcohol made it a real struggle. My training plan said 5k for today which I managed to do but it took me ages. I felt really flabby too, I could feel my stomach and thighs jiggling when I first started running! Seriously that needs to be prevented from ever happening again. I think once the festive period is over I can get on with my training much more easily.
As I said in a previous post I do have a party to go to on the 8th January but that gives me just over a week off partying after New Years Eve. After that I am hitting the straight and narrow with exercise and eating etc.
My parents are going on holiday for a while soon and I was thinking earlier about what a good opportunity it is for me to eat healthily, I can cook what I want without having to consider other people's likes and dislikes. I imagine I will make some big batches of stuff and freeze them. I always find it hard to think of meals to cook. When I was at uni I used to spend ages trying to plan different healthy meals. Any suggestions welcome. I am really looking forward to getting back into the healthy eating habit.
Back to work in the morning, dare I say that I am quite happy to go back now, I've had a nice break but like to be kept busy. Then I have Friday off as it is New Years Day and we are closed. It would have been my day off anyway as I am working the weekend. I do actually find I sometimes get more admin type work done on weekend shifts as there are usually less interruptions.
Wishing you all a very happy new year, lets hope 2010 will be the best yet
As I said in a previous post I do have a party to go to on the 8th January but that gives me just over a week off partying after New Years Eve. After that I am hitting the straight and narrow with exercise and eating etc.
My parents are going on holiday for a while soon and I was thinking earlier about what a good opportunity it is for me to eat healthily, I can cook what I want without having to consider other people's likes and dislikes. I imagine I will make some big batches of stuff and freeze them. I always find it hard to think of meals to cook. When I was at uni I used to spend ages trying to plan different healthy meals. Any suggestions welcome. I am really looking forward to getting back into the healthy eating habit.
Back to work in the morning, dare I say that I am quite happy to go back now, I've had a nice break but like to be kept busy. Then I have Friday off as it is New Years Day and we are closed. It would have been my day off anyway as I am working the weekend. I do actually find I sometimes get more admin type work done on weekend shifts as there are usually less interruptions.
Wishing you all a very happy new year, lets hope 2010 will be the best yet
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Swings and Roundabouts
My healthy lifestyle has been swings and roundabouts lately. Exercise is going well whereas my eating is kinda can't be bothered meh-ness right now. It's not super awful eating by any means but I am kinda apathetic to eating healthily at the moment.
I decided to do some training in the gym, I think at the moment I am going to do gym twice a week and run outside once a week with other lifestyle stuff like walking places etc in between.
On Saturday the weather was awful so I decided to go to the gym instead of a run, it was much better as on a treadmill you can pace yourself. I know I need to do actual running outside too as I will have to pace myself in the actual race, but for now when I am working on my fitness levels ready to start the training plan (27th December is the date I need to start it) the gym will do me good. I went to the gym yesterday too and spent just over an hour on the treadmill. 15 minutes of running and the rest brisk walking. To start the training plan I have to be able to run for 30minutes without stopping. I am on my way to this. To be honest I was on the treadmill for so long because I got chatting about running with somebody in the gym and didn't realise I'd been on there for so long! I am going to go to the gym again tomorrow after work, and this time try to do more running. I will probably go on the cross trainer and things as well after the treadmill. I need to make sure I run for at least 15mins. I feel positive about the training at the moment. the thing I find hard is getting into a routine of this day I go for a run at this time etc, because I work different shifts each week its hard to get into a habit. I will always work Monday lates tho so Monday morning is deffo an exercise time.
After the gym yesterday I also walked the dog for 30mins.
My weight has stayed the same for the last few weeks. I am looking slimmer though. I think I haven't lost because I have been a bit meh about things and also my outdoor runs weren't very intense. I think the gym will be for building fitness and the outdoor runs will be for practising pacing myself and getting used to running on different surfaces etc. At least for the timebeing. I think nearer the time of the marathon I will be going running outside much more often. I got rained on plenty of times when training for my half marathon so I guess I'll have to get rained on plenty of times training for the marathon.
Other things I need to work on at the moment are going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Like seriously go to bed! I am working earlies the next 2 days which will be a shock to the system as I haven't done an early for at least 2 weeks! I have to start work about an hour and a half before the time I've been getting up lately! Ah well, I'll survive and hopefully I can then get into the habit of getting up a bit earlier on days I work the lates. I realised earlier that I have the next 6 evenings off! woohoo!
Here's to a week filled with exercise, fruits, vegetables and earlier nights.
I decided to do some training in the gym, I think at the moment I am going to do gym twice a week and run outside once a week with other lifestyle stuff like walking places etc in between.
On Saturday the weather was awful so I decided to go to the gym instead of a run, it was much better as on a treadmill you can pace yourself. I know I need to do actual running outside too as I will have to pace myself in the actual race, but for now when I am working on my fitness levels ready to start the training plan (27th December is the date I need to start it) the gym will do me good. I went to the gym yesterday too and spent just over an hour on the treadmill. 15 minutes of running and the rest brisk walking. To start the training plan I have to be able to run for 30minutes without stopping. I am on my way to this. To be honest I was on the treadmill for so long because I got chatting about running with somebody in the gym and didn't realise I'd been on there for so long! I am going to go to the gym again tomorrow after work, and this time try to do more running. I will probably go on the cross trainer and things as well after the treadmill. I need to make sure I run for at least 15mins. I feel positive about the training at the moment. the thing I find hard is getting into a routine of this day I go for a run at this time etc, because I work different shifts each week its hard to get into a habit. I will always work Monday lates tho so Monday morning is deffo an exercise time.
After the gym yesterday I also walked the dog for 30mins.
My weight has stayed the same for the last few weeks. I am looking slimmer though. I think I haven't lost because I have been a bit meh about things and also my outdoor runs weren't very intense. I think the gym will be for building fitness and the outdoor runs will be for practising pacing myself and getting used to running on different surfaces etc. At least for the timebeing. I think nearer the time of the marathon I will be going running outside much more often. I got rained on plenty of times when training for my half marathon so I guess I'll have to get rained on plenty of times training for the marathon.
Other things I need to work on at the moment are going to bed earlier and getting up earlier. Like seriously go to bed! I am working earlies the next 2 days which will be a shock to the system as I haven't done an early for at least 2 weeks! I have to start work about an hour and a half before the time I've been getting up lately! Ah well, I'll survive and hopefully I can then get into the habit of getting up a bit earlier on days I work the lates. I realised earlier that I have the next 6 evenings off! woohoo!
Here's to a week filled with exercise, fruits, vegetables and earlier nights.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Hello November
Wow, it's November already. Seriously when did the whole rest of the year so far happen? I have achieved so much this year. A half marathon, a 5k, graduating university, getting a full time job, losing a stone since last year (8lbs since on HYC), becoming a more smiley happy person over the last few months, getting a place in the London Marathon, trying new things outside of my comfort zone. I'm sure there are also many small victories. This year has been one of my happiest so far. Yes final year of university was hard and stressful, but I'd say this past year I have really become at ease with myself and life in general. I think I am older now and more mature and able to deal with things. When things go wrong I think about what I can learn and do differently in the future and then move on. When people may be horrible I give them the benefit of the doubt and think everyone has a bad day sometimes and think back to times I have got the wrong end of the stick or been a bit bitchy.
Today was the official start date of my new job/promotion. I am working lates this week with Thursday off. I plan to go to the supermarket tomorrow and get some ingredients to make healthy cooked meals to have for lunch before work, I also need to get some more fruit and bits to take for my evening meals at work. I feel more settled now I know which shifts I am doing and can plan ahead. I want to do something fun on Thursday as over the last couple of months I have had barely any social life. Most of the time I just work and relax at home. I don't think I want to do anything wild on Thursday just something to get out the house.
Yesterday I ended up working as someone was off sick, this was fine but I was a very tired chicky afterwards. Last night was my cousin's engagement party, it was really great fun. I did have an energy slump about an hour before the end though, I managed to wake up a bit to start dancing again to the last few songs.
I have to say last night I did think to myself I need to do more stuff like this, you're only young once and I think sometimes I am acting old before my time. The problem a lot of the time is that everyone is so busy all the time you have to plan in advance and it's hard to be spontaneous. My solution is to book things in for days/evenings off in advance. Not for every single evening/day off obviously but for more of them. Whether it be having a friend over, going for a walk with a friend, a day out, the pub, shopping, it would be nice to let my hair down a bit more. It was great to see my cousins and their partners who we don't see very often last night and to get to know my cousin's fiancee a bit more. I'm looking forward to the wedding-I love weddings!
I'm feeling pretty happy right now as you might have guessed. I hope you all are too, have a great week.
Today was the official start date of my new job/promotion. I am working lates this week with Thursday off. I plan to go to the supermarket tomorrow and get some ingredients to make healthy cooked meals to have for lunch before work, I also need to get some more fruit and bits to take for my evening meals at work. I feel more settled now I know which shifts I am doing and can plan ahead. I want to do something fun on Thursday as over the last couple of months I have had barely any social life. Most of the time I just work and relax at home. I don't think I want to do anything wild on Thursday just something to get out the house.
Yesterday I ended up working as someone was off sick, this was fine but I was a very tired chicky afterwards. Last night was my cousin's engagement party, it was really great fun. I did have an energy slump about an hour before the end though, I managed to wake up a bit to start dancing again to the last few songs.
I have to say last night I did think to myself I need to do more stuff like this, you're only young once and I think sometimes I am acting old before my time. The problem a lot of the time is that everyone is so busy all the time you have to plan in advance and it's hard to be spontaneous. My solution is to book things in for days/evenings off in advance. Not for every single evening/day off obviously but for more of them. Whether it be having a friend over, going for a walk with a friend, a day out, the pub, shopping, it would be nice to let my hair down a bit more. It was great to see my cousins and their partners who we don't see very often last night and to get to know my cousin's fiancee a bit more. I'm looking forward to the wedding-I love weddings!
I'm feeling pretty happy right now as you might have guessed. I hope you all are too, have a great week.
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