Caty is Committing Herself!!!

Hello there! Today we are goal setting and making commitments. Or, I am.

I'm taking the afternoon to put myself first and catch up on my Preseason challenges for this round of 12WBT. Today I set goals, and I'll put them in concrete tomorrow with my personal trainer (eek!). I also made a commitment. To myself, to Mish, to my partner, and to my best friend.
Now, it should be noted that these goals and commitments range in time frame from two weeks to a year. However, here I am. I'm saying (shouting) it out loud. I'm making myself accountable. Again. Only, this time, I won't let the excuses in. I have committed to myself, and now to you. And I WILL succeed. Watch out world!! Caty's back with a vengeance!!

And here we go:

I am committing myself to my body! No more excuses, no more "I'll do it later". NOW is my time. I'm grabbing this opportunity with both hands!I WILL lose 2kg a week this month. I WILL work out six times a week. I WILL get my 1km time trial under 7 minutes. 
I WILL improve my life. I WILL keep a food diary. I WILL reach my goal of being 69kg on my birthday (October). I WILL succeed at living with my partner, and cooking amazing, healthy meals for us both. I WILL encourage her to work out with me! And, I WILL find the awesome in every situation.

 

BRING IT ON!!!!

So, we meet again!

Aaaaaaand I'm back! It's only been (almost) two years, but my head is back in the game! I've signed up for Michelle's 12 Week Body Transformation again, more deterined than ever to succeed!

This time around I'm more prepared. I've spent a few rounds watching on the side lines, and I am finally able to financially support my journey.

It won't be easy though. I've fallen down before, and I know I will again.  But this time, I know I'll get back up and just keep trucking. I'll need your supprt though, who ever you are. Comment away, show me that there is someone out there hearing what I'm saying. Because if I fall this is where I'll come.

I apologise in advance for the endless ranting - for the bombardment of updates. Happy reading!

Caty x

Back on the Horse - Again!

Here we go again - I'm going back to the Gym!  After a bunch of dead weeks, where I did nothing but sit on the couch and munch on Chocolate and Chips, I'm getting back into it. 

My O B-P plan got rejected - I'm seriously angry and disappointed. But onwards and upwards.  I'll give them the best damned O B-P they've ever seen! Which gets me back to the gym...

I've lost 12 kg total, but put another 5 back on in my lazy weeks.  Whoops. So it's out with the chocolate (it's on special this week, too!) and in with the fruits and veggies again.  Out with the TV (and new playstation games) and in with the Gym, and Zumba.

12 WBT's almost over now, one week left.  But this is a lifestyle change, not a short term fix.  I many not be able to afford the program again ($200, ouch!) But I CAN afford to go to the gym, or to walk around the block, or anything to that effect. 

I'm dropping my car off for a service, and walking to the gym from the dealership... Then to Zumba and a walk home.  Excellent! Can't wait!!

Shameless (well, shameful) Self Promotion...

So this is the point in time where I get down on my knees and I beg. Yep, beg.

You see, I'm broke. I'm completely, utterly, totally broke.  My credit card is (almost) maxed, and I cannot go to my parents again ofr yet another loan. 

So I turn to you, my friends.  The ones who love me, the ones who don't.  The one's who've been following my journey from the start (thank you!), and those of you just joining me (welcome!).  I turn to you, and I ask the one question I absolutely hate asking.  Please, please, will you sponsor me in my journey? Please - help me get to my goal of showing off my amazing new body at the finale party. 

I need to have at least $100 in the next week or so to be able to book my tickets.  To get myself there, however, and with somewhere to stay, I'm looking at upwards of $400. I'm not expecting that from you guys - don't worry! But anything would help me get to that goal, so I can get my butt to Brisbane!

I've created a facebook page for the fundraising..
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/event.php?eid=254977311183566

I don't want any money given to me yet - of course! I need to make sure I'll have enough to get there before I can book.  But I'm kind of just putting out feelers to see if my goal is a feesable one.

Thank you so much, already.  Whether you look at this and donate, or you laugh at me.  You've all been amazing support for me so far - and I really do thank you for that.

-Caty x

Personal Bests, Perspiration, Persistance, and Positivity!

As I sit here with my legs crossed (those that know me will understand that this is no mean feat...), I'm contemplating the last week...  Of course, in true Caty style, there were plenty of ups and downs, but I'm blogging now becausew I haven't had a positive post in a long time. 

Today was a day of bests. I FINALLY got back to the gym, I got my finances in order (well, prepared to be in order anyway), and all round had an amazing day. Work is finally great again, with my second job starting soon. 

But most exciting was my Gym adventure this afternoon.  Last week, for the first time in 12WBT, I cracked the 500calorie mark in a work out.  Today I went that bit harder, and hit 725! HELL YES!!!!! I smashed all my old records to pieces.  I've been pyshing myself on my daily walk to the station.. incorporating some running/jogging, and it's really showing.  I ran 800m at 9km an hour today - further and faster than I've ver run in my life! wound up walking/running 2.5 km in no time at all...

No rest for the wicked... I went straight onto a bike, to give myself a bit of a breather.  90 rpm on level 6 for 15 minutes. Holy crap that was hard! looked at my HRM for the first time in my workout, 280 calories gone. My immediate reactions: WHAT?! Where? How? Yay! In that order haha. 

Feeling great in my work out AND my amazing purple 12WBT shirt, but needing to give my legs a rest, I moved onto strength...  Chin ups, - new personal best - 20 reps! WOO! leg presses, arm something's (darn these technical names :p) and then more chin ups.  Then steps with 2kg weights. 30 seconds on 10 seconds off. Ouch.

I was sitting at about 450 after this, and determined to beat the 508 from last week, hit the cardio again.  This time on the cross trainer... I don't know whether I've mentioned this before, but the cross trainer and I do NOT get along.  At all.  But I was determined, so on I got.  My record for the cross trainer was 500m at 8km/hour before I had to stop.  Today... Oh my God I still can't believe it... 2km at 9km/hour! AAAHHHHH!!! Yayyyy!!!!

Needless to say, that did the trick.  300 calories more! Almost... I finished the night on 725 calories in one hour and one minute. I haven't felt this good in SO long!

Then I went to mum and dad's - whoops haha.  Had caneloni for dinner... but only one roll! Old Caty would have devoured at least a double serving, but today I had only half a serving. Still overloaded on carbs, damn pasta, but that's okay.

So here's to me... Tooting my own horn, back on the wagon.  Feeling amazing, looking good, and more determined than ever! I'm officially 11.2 kg down, too. Three more kilos until I never have to see a number starting with 9... WIN!

-Caty x

One Month On...

So it turns out that I'm terrible at sticking to my word... When it comes to myself at least...  I was doing so well in the first two weeks.  Eating excellently and working out a lot.  And the results were showing it.  I lost 7.5 kg in two weeks - AMAZING!!! Then disaster struck. 


And here are the excuses:
I started socialising you see... feeling confident in my already slimming body.  I went out for sushi.  Not once, not twice.. but FOUR times in a week.  FOUR! I ate really well other than that and was still losing weight - though not as much. 

THEN - excuses piled up.  I got the flu, and didn't get out of bed for three days, and couldn't walk 20m without dissolving into a coughing fit.  So I gave up the gym in order to make myself better (the last time I had a persistant cough it stuck around for 10 months so I really wanted to shake it quickly). 

Unfortunately, a month later, and I still haven't been to the gym.  I haven't weighed in for the last two weeks - I'm almost positive I'm back over 100kg and I don't want to know. 

My eating went to shit... I started just eating whatever.  Hot chips, lollies, chocolate.. you name it.  I felt completely  out of control... but I didn't care. At all.  Even tonight; I had pasta and creamy sauce for dinner.. half a caramello koala... I've all but stopped eating breakfast.. Goodbye, kick started metabolism...

My heartrate monitor arrived in the mail over three weeks ago... I still haven't taken it out of the box.  How awful!! 

I got my 12wbt shirts in the mail yesterday - all the Sydney Ladies (and Men!) got together and organised shirts so we'd regocnise each other etc.  I ordered two - a size 18 for now, and a size 14 for when I'm smaller.  I was so disappointed to find out that the 18 was tight.  And buying a shirt for Guides today - that I had to get a size 20.  The Guides do have small shirt sizes though, but even so - what a confidence killer.  Can't wait to put on that size 12.

I guess, for now, I'm back where I started.  Unfit, obese, in a terrible mindset.  I haven't been able to listen/join in to Michelle's live chats because I have prior commitments on a Wednesday... But I've failed to listen to them later... I haven't watched a weekly video since week three... Haven't even looked  at my meal plan in almost a month.  What the hell am I doing?

I've paid so much money for this course - with things like the heart rate monitor and shirts included, upwards of $500... It's just ridiculous.  And I'm sitting on my ass not doing anything.  I'm so disappointed in myself.

Even as I say that, I can only partially say I'm disappointed.  I am, no doubt, ashamed and angry at myself for giving up so early.  I should have stuck with it.  However, I'm determined to get my life back on track - my work seems to be (finally) settling down, even though that's still going to get worse before it gets better.... But my personal life is on the mend too. 

Enough excuses.  I know I'm weeks behind, but I'm still going to do this.  I've made myself so accountable for this - everyone at work is behind me, people all through my life are supporitng me... Telling me I look great-  even when I know I don't.

I feel like I owe Vanessa - my personal trainer - a huge apology.  I've cancelled on her after being called into work, then cancelled on her again with the flu... Then I just stopped going to the gym.  I need to get back on the wagon.  I need to do it now.  Well - tomorrow.  Tomorrow's going to be one hell of a day, and I'm looking forward to after work when I can settle back into routine, and sweat it out at the gym. 

I'm not excited for work tomorrow - It's going to be stressful and emotionally draining.  But no better way to forget all about it than to flog myself at the gym.  Let's just hope I can walk on Friday!

Oh - also!!  I can FINALLY get back into my Zumba - I've changed Guide Units, so I now meet on a Wednesday, not a Monday.  Meaning no more clashes!! yay for weekly Zumba!!

I hope my posts can be more positive from now on - I feel bad always just whinging and bitching..  But - back on the wagon! Back on track! No more looking back! I CAN do this! No - I WILL  this!!

-Caty x

"Week one" - Weigh in complete!

Jumped on the scales on the weekend to see I've put weight on.. Damn.. BUT weighed in this morning like we're supposed to - 4.2kg gone! YAYYYYY

The first hurdle is over.  I still have to do my 'before' photo - I'm going to get Shell to do it tomorrow night :)

I need to figure out what my commitment is - that's one of the pre season tasks I apparently haven't finished.  Hmm....

Anyway, had a FABULOUS day today - there were 13 responses within 40 minutes from the forum I posted on today... All sending me major messages of love and support - all from people I've never met! It was great - made me feel so welcome..

I'm constantly being surprised by these meals - they've all been so tasty! I've mixed up my menu a bit, having things out of order etc... I'm doing my 'treat meal' tomorrow, because I'm going out for lunch with my Aunt.  Which is fine, because I'm taking all my own food for the weekend to camp...

On that note, I have to go prepare - I'm sure I'll be back ranting soon!!!

-Caty x

The response. Becky B - You're AMAZING!

Hi Caty

I too switched the alarm off on Monday and Tuesday morning… I love exercising in the cold weather but I also enjoy snuggling up under my doona for “5 more minutes” which often turns into an hour.  Nutrition is a large contributing factor to weight loss and you’re sticking to the meal plan, which is great! Keep it up!

The exercise routine will come, how fast is up to you.  Consistency is the key… challenge yourself to go every morning for the rest of the week, you’ll probably be exhausted for the first week or two, but before long your body will automatically wake you up at 4:30am and you’ll want to go because you’ll enjoy going and starting your day with a workout. 

I have to wake up at 4:50am to get ready to go to the gym or go for a walk as well.  I’m usually quite useless dressing myself at that hour of the morning so I have my clothes and everything I need ready to go so I don’t have to think.  At times I even put my alarm somewhere in my room where I physically have to get up to switch it off. 

It’s good to have a couple of workout DVDs, you can add them to your routine a couple of mornings a week, then you don’t have to drive to the gym every morning.  Chris and Gonnabannda’s idea of taking a walk in your lunch break is a great idea! I don’t know why I don’t do this, I work in such a beautiful area by the river! I’m definately going to start doing this.

When it comes to meals, like Andi has suggested, I look at the meal options and do batches which I pop in the fridge or freezer. 

Plan and organise your week in advance, on the train on your way to work is a perfect opportunity to do this.  It takes me an hour to get to work, I use to catch the train and it’s surprising what and how much you can do when taking public transport for an hour each way per day. 

Schedule your workouts, and treat them as you would your work commitments and girls guides – you can’t not show up!  Looking at your week ahead you’ll also know what pre-prepared meals you’ll need, and when you’ll need to prepare them – schedule that in too. 

Everything else will need to fit in around your diary.  I’m a big believer of the saying “If you want something done, ask a busy person”  so I have no doubt you’ll be able to fit everything into your week that you need to!
Best wishes, you can do this.  We all can. 

Becky B

FRUSTRATION!!!!!!!

The excuses are piling up.  I’m eating what I should - and nothing else, but I can’t bring myself to get up at 4:30 am to go to the gym.

Starting work at 8:30am in Surry Hills, I have to be on a train to work just after 7.  I live 25 minds from the gym, and it opens at 5:30. Therefore, if I actually do what I should and go to the gym, I hav to be up at 4:30 to gte ready and out the door to fit everything in. 

I can’t train after work because I have commitments every night - genuine, long standing commitments - such as my Girl Guides (2-3 nights a week).
By the time I get home I’m too tired to eat, let alone cook… But I have to because no one else I live with wants anything to do with the 12wbt. “it’s a waste of time and money”... UGH!!

I’m so annoyed at myself… But every single morning when my alarm goes off, I turn it off, and think to myself, work will be better if I get that extra hour’s sleep…

How do I get myself out of this mindset???

-Caty x

p.s. The next post is one of the (many) replies I received to thiswhen I posted it on a 12wbt forum. How amazing are these ladies!?

My thoughts so far...

Day one, check!

I've just finished day one or eighty-five.

Food: muslei with berries and LF milk, 1 apple, 3 rice cakes with turkey, avocado, cranberry sauce and snow-pea sprouts, and a serve of salmon+asian greens stirfry.

exercise: 45 mins at the gym. 15min Treadmill (1.2km), 12min bike (7.6km), and 8 mins cross trainer (1km), and a few minutes stretching... I felt like I was going to pass out on the cross-trainer, and so I called it a day early... I couldn't walk afterwoods!!!

So here's my theory - I'm not actually hungry. Maybe this program isn't  going to kill me after all!! today was a good day.  My best friend was teasing me with me favourite food - bagels!! But I didn't fold.  I won my temptation battle! 

Here's to a fabulous day one, and to eighty-four more of the same!

-Caty x

P.S. - Thanks to everyone who is following me on my journey.  Especially to the ones who comment, and remind me that other people are as excited as I am about this. I'm sure I'll have to call on you all a lot over the next few months, but I have no doubt that I can do it!!

Day one.

This is going to be a LOT harder than I thought.  I had my prescribed breakfast of untoasted muslei with mixed berries and LF milk... three hours later and I'm so hungry!!! And there's still three hours until lunch!!

My neighbour just asked if we could go out for coffee... She nearly died when I told her coffee is off the menu! She asked if I could have juice instead... I just laughed!!

However, I'm feeling good. The rest of my life is starting to get back on track, thank God.  Last week was a total write off - but never again! I'm off to the gym this afternoon, and then to the park with the kids I babysit. 

I'm about to go do my measurements, "before" photo, and weight. I'll post them all here!

-Caty x

That's it...

I give up. 

Say goodbye to your thoughts of an attractive Caitlin, it'll never happen. As if it ever would... As if I ever had a chance.

I need my comfort food.  I need support from my closest friends and family.  I don't have that.  I need motivation, and I don't have that either.

My biggest inspiration just walked out.  I don't have anyone else to do this for anymore.  Fuck, the season hasn't even started yet.

Sitting here at work, with tears streaming down my face. No doubt someone will mention that I'm not doing work for ten minutes while I write this... Sigh.

I just want to crawl under a rock until someone invents a time machine.  I'd go back and stop myself ever becoming such a horrible person.

Train of Thoughts...

Guilty.  I feel guilty. Every time I eat something, I am consumed by guilt.  I'm making healthy choices. I've halved my meal sizes. And I'm at the gym all the time.  Yet I still can't eat a sandwich without regretting it.  I can understand feeling guilty when there's chocolate or a deep frier involved, but this is just silly!

On another note, I can hardly move... I did weights training at the gym yesterday, and I'm definitely paying for it now.  My abs are so sore! I didn't even know i had  abs, but they're letting me know of their existance now! Ouch!!

I'm doing to do cardio at the gym tomorrow, because I was naughty and didn't go today. 


--Caty x

Side note - I had lunch with the State Comissioner and the State Executive Officer of Girl Guides NSW and ACT today.  NEVER thought that would happen! I was a little star struck... Having been a Guide all my life, I never expected to meet such high-ranking women - but here I am working with them! AWESOME!!

Ups and Downs

As I sit here during the last ten minutes of my lunch break, I'm pondering the week that's just passed. 

Last week started really well - I said no to the staff birthday cake going around (Caramel mudcake - YUM!), and everyone was impressed at my self control.  But it was all downhill from there...

So many excuses, and my best friend visiting from Cairns, and relationship issues meant that I wasn't at the gym for 6 days.  And I missed the first Group Work out.  Very disappointed in myself.

 I found out that I was eating carbs at every meal - and lots of them (did any one else know that tomatoes are mostly carbs?).  So I'm making changes - Slowly.

However, I had my first ever personal training session yesterday - It was great! I felt like a fool, my trainer is so fit and strong - She was lifting heaps and heaps and I was struggling on the lowest settings.  But I'll keep at it, and it'll all be fine.

I hit the gym this morning before work, and I'm paying for it now.  I can hardly move, let alone think.  My back aches, my shoulders, ribs and legs ache. And my head aches - though I can't blame the gym for that one.

I'm so tired - falling asleep at the computer.  But that's okay, I've done everything that was urgent for today, so I can take it a bit easier this afternoon. 

I've planned grilled fish with garlic prawns and salad for dinner tonight, as a welcome back surprise for Shell- I'm excited!! I don't think I'm going to want to cook it though... So much effort!!

I'm so excited to get onto this eating plan with the 12wbt; I hate having to think everything through so much!! I'd rather Mish tell me what to eat and when.  It's easier.

Not excited about the gym tomorrow - though at least I can do cardio and not weights!!

-Caty x
 

Zumba!!!

So so good. Just did my first ever Zumba class - so much fun!!! It was really touring - I stopped just over half way and kind of half assed it, but I'll get better! I have a new 1 month goal: finish a Zumba class completely!! It's going to hard cause I won't get to do them regularly. However, I WILL do it!!!

I think I'll be paying for it tomorrow, but right now I feel on top of the world.

-Caty x

The almost failure!

Today I almost lost my battle before I really started. I cleaned out my cupboards today - eliminating all my "no go" foods and such, and donating them to my ever-slim sister. Only one thing remained: one lindt chocolate bunny.

I did well all day- I went shopping, and didn't eat a single thing. Then I went to the gym - it was hell. BUT THEN temptation struck. The bunny was talking to me.. I said no. But then I put it in my mouth anyway. I immediately regretted it, and spat it out and got Michelle to eat the rest. Problem solved!!

Also, can't move. My quads are SO sore. Yes, I know where they are! Haha

I'm up at four tomorrow morning to hit the gym before work- dedication!!!

-Caty x

As a present to myself, a reward for starting the transformation, I just spent a small fortune on new shoes. I couldn't believe how expensive they were!!!

$200 for a pair of shoes. That's the same price as the course! And I looked into the heart rate monitor I'll need to be able to properly measure my output of energy, another $200!! I don't know where I'm going to get this money from- but I guess I'll find a way!!

Hitting the gym for the first time ever today- I couldn't be more excited!!! Wheeee!!

-Caty x

Pre Season Tast Three - Take Control - Set Your Goal

Here we are again - goal setting!  I wish it was simple.  I have no idea what's realistic, but here's my first shot - I'm excited to be able to edit these and hopefully cross some off as I go!

1 Month Goals

Lose 4 kg Run 1km

How I Will Get There

Follow 12wbt. Start small - 100m sprints. Settle into running slowly - build up stamina.

---

3 Month Goals

Lose 10 kg

How I Will Get There

Follow the 12wbt program. Keep up regular gym sessions.

---

6 Month Goals

Lose 20 kg Run 10ks without stopping

How I Will Get There

Follow specific meal plans, train hard. Follow a marathon training program

---

12 Month Goals

Lose 40kg.

How I Will Get There

Follow the 12wbt right through. Put what I learn into practice and make it a habit. Train hard, eat very well. Non food rewards.

Brick Wall Number One.

Oh my God. 

I just jumped on the scales to help me figure out what my goals should be...

104.6kg

That is HUGE.  I had no idea I'd crossed the 100kg mark.  Massive downer. 

In January this year I was at the 95kg mark, I lost a bunch of weight, and got down to 87.  I have NO idea where this came from. 

Except I do.  I just dind't know it could happen so fast.  I could write a million excuses, but my head doesn't accept them any more! Thanks Mish! But even so, I'm shocked, and slightly horrified at the numbers in front of my eyes.

I guess I will only get smaller from here!

-Caty x

I'm On My Way (Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh)

Yayyyyyy!! I am SO proud of myself.  It's not much, but I got up early, and walked for an hour after I dropped Michelle at work this morning. 

I went looking at various gyms yesterday in search of my new second home.  World Gym was recommended to me yesterday, and they certainly didn't disappoint.  Super long opening hours; so I can fit in training around work, amazing atmosphere; I actually felt like I should be there, the staff; one spent almost 40 minutes showing me around and talking me through everything so i didn't feel so out of place!  This week they're celebrating their third birthday with a free week - so I'm off to the gym this afternoon - and every morning before work this week, to test it out.  I'm thinking this will be it though!

Every where else I went wound up being closed, but upon further research, they either weren't open early/late enough, or, like in the case of Fitness First, were just plain rude.  The staff there made me feel stupid for wanting to join a gym, and who wants to work out in that kind of atmosphere?

But back to this morning.... I woke up at ridiculous o'clock - unintentionally too! Did the usual, including a super healthy breakfast (yay!).  By 5:45 we were out the door and on our way to Shell's work! I couldn't believe myself - the sun wasn't even up!!

Went to 24hour K-Mart to get some walking pants - thank God they don't fall down! And then hit the pavement.  I walked... and walked and walked and walked.  It was great! The cool (or maybe slightly too cold) morning air, music blaring from my iPhone, and the warmth in my legs from the constant movement. 

I'm eternally greatful for Michelle's lesson last night - she taught me a whole bunch of stretches, and we bought a gym ball - which possibly saved my legs today!! I'm super keen to keep going, but let's just say: I'm VERY excited for when my body gets over the shock of exercising!

I'm about to complete Pre-Season Task Three.  Wish me luck in my goal-setting!

-Caty x