Sarah here :)
Well, Bernie and I started our New Year with a workout with Lesley and Toni from the Perth Crew. It was a fantastic morning where we decided that Bernie's new nickname is Rocky (much better than my previous one from earlier in the week!) and she held a plank for 1 minute! Lesley was standing over her not letting her give up and it was FANTASTIC! We did some shuttle runs, kettle bell exercises and push ups (I managed 31 on my toes!!!) so all in all a great start to the year.
Lesley, Toni and I went on a little shopping expedition which saw me buy a RED dress for our Perth Crew dinner in a few weeks (size 14!!!!), a gorgeous maxi dress for our school ball which is at the start of Feb (I think the 11th) and new bathers (again, SIZE 14!!!!!). We all had success in the dress department and it was so nice to go shopping with supportive girls!
For the end of 2011, I completed the WA Marathon Club's NYE Run along the Swan River near Burswood. I did the 4km run in under 31 minutes which was smashing my expectations (hoping for 35!). I didn't stop and it was a battle for the last 2 km but I just refused to let my mind take over. Tania came alongside me and ran the last 1.5km with me and it was GREAT to have some Perth Crew support.
Then it was off to see in the new year with the runners and walkers plus a few extras at Peta's house. What a FANTASTIC night! I had such a fantastic night with the girls (and a few blokes putting up with us!) and I really couldn't have asked for a better end to the year.
So what is next for me in 2012?
It's all about STRENGTH.
Strength is not giving in to the temptations around me
Strength is not giving up when the going gets tough
Strength is saying NO when I need to
Strength is not allowing other people to dictate how I live my life
Strength is putting myself first
Strength is persevering
Strength is taking a risk
This week Bernie and I have some cool workout plans, which we will VLog about next Friday, so keep an eye out (it's sure to be entertaining and probably have lots of giggling again!). Lesley is going to help me buy a new bike and then I start a 6 week triathlon training course on 10 January so BRING IT ON! Tomorrow is a Perth Crew workout at my place in the morning and Tuesday we are tackling the DNA Tower.
That's it from me for now, but stay cool and stay tuned :)
Sarah
Saturday 31 December 2011
Friday 30 December 2011
Bernie reflects
Oh my goodness. How is it New Years Eve already? It doesn't feel like 5 minutes has passed since I was last thinking that, and anticipating the year ahead (2011 was going to be awesome... I had my wedding ahead of me, my honeymoon - and i'd decided I was finally going to lose all my excess weight and be a slim bride).
Oops.
Well, granted I lost about ten kilos (waved between 4 of them) - am currently 9 kilos down from where I was this time last year. Alas, I was not a slim bride, but I was a happy, happy bride, marrying a man I love. I feel very blessed. But regarding my weight loss... I'm trying to figure out where it went wrong. Why did I not achieve as much as I'd wanted?
Had I set my sights too high? - no.
Had I done the wrong thing? - sometimes.
Let's face it. I did the 12WBT challenge, and at times I did it with gusto. I saw results. But other times? (2011 was an emotional roller coaster) I cut corners. I didn't make time - and I made excuses.
2011 saw me feeling exuberant. Or saw me feeling so so tired.
But oh my goodness. This year I WANT it. This year, I want to be a success story - like our Noala, our Sarahs, our Rebecca, and so many others in PERTH CREW who have done so damn WELL. This coming year I feel a fire in my belly. This year, I want it, I need it. I am GOING to lose those 30 excess kilos. I am going to exercise, do the reading, and eat clean. I am going to participate. I am going to make my health my priority. I HAVE UNRESTRAINED ENTHUSIASM! (hear me roar!).
So, yes. Will leave 2011 with a quote from pg. 7 of my seriously tattered 15 year old copy of "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" (oh yes... 2012 sees me turning 32).
" After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if
you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own
soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you
flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And that you do have worth. "
That section of poem comes from the chapter on relationships. This year, I am focussing on my relationship with myself. I think my metaphorical garden will have lots of sunflowers in it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! xx
Oops.
Well, granted I lost about ten kilos (waved between 4 of them) - am currently 9 kilos down from where I was this time last year. Alas, I was not a slim bride, but I was a happy, happy bride, marrying a man I love. I feel very blessed. But regarding my weight loss... I'm trying to figure out where it went wrong. Why did I not achieve as much as I'd wanted?
Had I set my sights too high? - no.
Had I done the wrong thing? - sometimes.
Let's face it. I did the 12WBT challenge, and at times I did it with gusto. I saw results. But other times? (2011 was an emotional roller coaster) I cut corners. I didn't make time - and I made excuses.
2011 saw me feeling exuberant. Or saw me feeling so so tired.
But oh my goodness. This year I WANT it. This year, I want to be a success story - like our Noala, our Sarahs, our Rebecca, and so many others in PERTH CREW who have done so damn WELL. This coming year I feel a fire in my belly. This year, I want it, I need it. I am GOING to lose those 30 excess kilos. I am going to exercise, do the reading, and eat clean. I am going to participate. I am going to make my health my priority. I HAVE UNRESTRAINED ENTHUSIASM! (hear me roar!).
So, yes. Will leave 2011 with a quote from pg. 7 of my seriously tattered 15 year old copy of "Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul" (oh yes... 2012 sees me turning 32).
" After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if
you get too much.
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own
soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you
flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And that you do have worth. "
That section of poem comes from the chapter on relationships. This year, I am focussing on my relationship with myself. I think my metaphorical garden will have lots of sunflowers in it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! xx
Thursday 29 December 2011
Oh Yes WE DID!!!!
We made our first ever video blog :)
Watch it...seriously
It will be an epic 6 minutes of awesomeness :)
It's true...really...
Click here to watch :)
Sarah and Bernie
Watch it...seriously
It will be an epic 6 minutes of awesomeness :)
It's true...really...
Click here to watch :)
Sarah and Bernie
Monday 26 December 2011
Sarah's Christmas Ramblings
Well Christmas has meant one thing this year...so much food to avoid! The last two weeks of school were the last weeks of Round 3 and I kinda fell off the wagon big time. There was food EVERYWHERE! I wasn't training properly and I was putting absolute crap into my body. So what did I learn? My body does not like that food anymore (if it ever really did!)
So, Christmas day comes around and we have a heap of food in our house. Thankfully I didn't do too badly, even went for a walk in the late arvo before gearing up for the second family do for the day, this time with heaps of extended family. I stayed away from the alcohol in the evening because after 3 glasses at lunch I felt a bit ill.
Boxing Day is TODAY and I decided to make the most of my new Kettle Bell (awesome present from my mum!) and designed a workout for the morning. I did about 25 minutes inside and then headed out for my walk (about 25 minutes around a circular loop my street comes off).
Here is my workout as shared with the 12WBTers on the forums
It was a BIG workout but I felt TERRIFIC afterwards! I am looking forward to our Perth Crew workout on Wednesday in Kings Park, my walk with Nat tomorrow and the NYE run and hang out with the Perth Crew to see in the new year - how can you go wrong?!?
Hanging out with Bernie on Wednesday for the Workout so I'm sure we'll be back with new ramblings soon...and on our agenda is finding Bernie a gym! Since I am on holidays I am making it my mission to help her find one - more workouts for me!
2012 is going to be MY YEAR! I am going to eat clean, train hard and have fun! I have a trip to America next December which is a great long term goal to aim for.
Until next time...
Sarah
So, Christmas day comes around and we have a heap of food in our house. Thankfully I didn't do too badly, even went for a walk in the late arvo before gearing up for the second family do for the day, this time with heaps of extended family. I stayed away from the alcohol in the evening because after 3 glasses at lunch I felt a bit ill.
Boxing Day is TODAY and I decided to make the most of my new Kettle Bell (awesome present from my mum!) and designed a workout for the morning. I did about 25 minutes inside and then headed out for my walk (about 25 minutes around a circular loop my street comes off).
Here is my workout as shared with the 12WBTers on the forums
Warm up (1 minute each exercise)
Ice skaters
Ski jumps
Burpees
Knee ups
Circuit 1(20 reps) - 6 kg KETTLE BELL
Kettle bell swing squats
Squat press
Reverse lunges with kettle bell
Cardio blast (1 minute each exercise)
Ski jumps
Burpees
Circuit 2 (15 reps) - 4kg DUMBBELLS
Dead lifts
Bicep curls
Chest press
Cardio blast (1 minute each exercise)
Knee ups
Butt kickers
Circuit 3 (12 reps) 6kg KETTLE BELL
Stationary lunges with kettle bell
Kettle bell twists
Single arm kettle bell swings
Abs (20 of each)
Medicine ball crunches
Bicycle crunches
Side planks (15 secs approx. each)
Plank (as long as I could hold it but didn’t time)
Cardio - 3km walk
Ice skaters
Ski jumps
Burpees
Knee ups
Circuit 1(20 reps) - 6 kg KETTLE BELL
Kettle bell swing squats
Squat press
Reverse lunges with kettle bell
Cardio blast (1 minute each exercise)
Ski jumps
Burpees
Circuit 2 (15 reps) - 4kg DUMBBELLS
Dead lifts
Bicep curls
Chest press
Cardio blast (1 minute each exercise)
Knee ups
Butt kickers
Circuit 3 (12 reps) 6kg KETTLE BELL
Stationary lunges with kettle bell
Kettle bell twists
Single arm kettle bell swings
Abs (20 of each)
Medicine ball crunches
Bicycle crunches
Side planks (15 secs approx. each)
Plank (as long as I could hold it but didn’t time)
Cardio - 3km walk
It was a BIG workout but I felt TERRIFIC afterwards! I am looking forward to our Perth Crew workout on Wednesday in Kings Park, my walk with Nat tomorrow and the NYE run and hang out with the Perth Crew to see in the new year - how can you go wrong?!?
Hanging out with Bernie on Wednesday for the Workout so I'm sure we'll be back with new ramblings soon...and on our agenda is finding Bernie a gym! Since I am on holidays I am making it my mission to help her find one - more workouts for me!
2012 is going to be MY YEAR! I am going to eat clean, train hard and have fun! I have a trip to America next December which is a great long term goal to aim for.
Until next time...
Sarah
Saturday 12 November 2011
Mini Milestone Week!
Sunday November 6 2011
Well this morning I competed in my first triathlon! I signed up for the long course in the Pink triathlon and was so nervous about it! The course was a 300m swim, 10km ride and a 3km run. Now, individually I can do all these things well but put it all together and I was stuffed at the run!
The Swim
Well, firstly let me say that people can be RUDE! I was kicked, hit and ploughed into during my six laps. The worst was as I reached the steps to leave the pool someone basically pushed me out of the way (the apologised but didn't let me through first). Anyway, out of the pool and running to transition was I!
The Cycle
I so wish I had a road bike, or at least a hybrid! It was great being cheered on by various Perth Crew members as I kept cycling along - especially Peta Pring yelling at me to JFDI! Three laps of the route and I was headed back to transition.
The Run
Now, I am a decent jogger. I can shuffle it up with the best of them! However, when you have swum and cycled already, running is HARD! The first lap I had to walk part of it, then at the start of the second lap someone passed me telling me not to stop but to keep shuffling! That was all I needed and I just kept going!
So...my final time was 1:14:59 which I was ecstatic with! I have signed up for the training at Arena Joondalup for the Women's Tri in March so I will be attempting at least the short course (same as what i have just done) or the long course which is 750m/21km/5km which will be a CHALLENGE!
Of course, no Perth Crew event would be complete without some awesome planking as seen below. These ladies are AWESOME and it was so great being cheered across the finish line. I love you guys heaps and I wouldn't have been able to do this without your support!
Sarah
Well this morning I competed in my first triathlon! I signed up for the long course in the Pink triathlon and was so nervous about it! The course was a 300m swim, 10km ride and a 3km run. Now, individually I can do all these things well but put it all together and I was stuffed at the run!
The Swim
Well, firstly let me say that people can be RUDE! I was kicked, hit and ploughed into during my six laps. The worst was as I reached the steps to leave the pool someone basically pushed me out of the way (the apologised but didn't let me through first). Anyway, out of the pool and running to transition was I!
The Cycle
I so wish I had a road bike, or at least a hybrid! It was great being cheered on by various Perth Crew members as I kept cycling along - especially Peta Pring yelling at me to JFDI! Three laps of the route and I was headed back to transition.
The Run
Now, I am a decent jogger. I can shuffle it up with the best of them! However, when you have swum and cycled already, running is HARD! The first lap I had to walk part of it, then at the start of the second lap someone passed me telling me not to stop but to keep shuffling! That was all I needed and I just kept going!
So...my final time was 1:14:59 which I was ecstatic with! I have signed up for the training at Arena Joondalup for the Women's Tri in March so I will be attempting at least the short course (same as what i have just done) or the long course which is 750m/21km/5km which will be a CHALLENGE!
Of course, no Perth Crew event would be complete without some awesome planking as seen below. These ladies are AWESOME and it was so great being cheered across the finish line. I love you guys heaps and I wouldn't have been able to do this without your support!
Sarah
The Adventures of Sarah and Natalie!
Okay, so this post is over a week late but here goes.
So, Bernie is off on her honeymoon so I have been finding other people to work out with. This week it was Natalie Campbell, and let me just say - running with someone is so much better than running alone! We pushed each other (partly because we were both thinking 'I can't stop running yet, she's still going!') and got to catch up at the same time. We had planned five workouts - but we were rained out on Thursday (and I piked on Wednesday at Lesley's because I was EXHAUSTED)
Sunday
Met up for a 8km walk/run along the coast. We ran 3km and then did intervals of 500m on the way back. Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tuesday
Met up for our walk again and ran the whole 4km to Hillarys from Mullaloo! Walked 2km and then ran the final 2km and beat our time with 1 hour 18 minutes!
Friday
KIMAX with the Perth Crew!
So, we are planning on running a couple of times a week together which I am really looking forward to!
Sarah
So, Bernie is off on her honeymoon so I have been finding other people to work out with. This week it was Natalie Campbell, and let me just say - running with someone is so much better than running alone! We pushed each other (partly because we were both thinking 'I can't stop running yet, she's still going!') and got to catch up at the same time. We had planned five workouts - but we were rained out on Thursday (and I piked on Wednesday at Lesley's because I was EXHAUSTED)
Sunday
Met up for a 8km walk/run along the coast. We ran 3km and then did intervals of 500m on the way back. Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Tuesday
Met up for our walk again and ran the whole 4km to Hillarys from Mullaloo! Walked 2km and then ran the final 2km and beat our time with 1 hour 18 minutes!
Friday
KIMAX with the Perth Crew!
So, we are planning on running a couple of times a week together which I am really looking forward to!
Sarah
Sunday 30 October 2011
Wedding Day!
8:45amArrived at Bernie's and sat around with hash browns and sausage and egg mcmuffins while Bernie had a little freak out that she had lost 1.5kg due to stress, all off her chest and that her dress didn't fit!
9:17am
 |
| On our way to Museo for hair and makeup |
 |
| Emma was done quick, while Judy is still going |
 |
| So many bobby pins! |
 |
| Judy and Bernie being made up |
Part 1 complete! Anita and I are sitting in the relaxation room at Museo eating all the goodies after having our makeup done. Bernie, Emma and Judy were getting their hair done and they look awesome! Feeling very pampered and excited for the rest of the day!
12:09pm
Nearly done! Miracle of Miracles they could do something with my hair! Bernie is just finishing with her makeup and we are feasting on the awesome orange crisps!
12:53pm
Lunch!
An awesome feast of chicken and avocado rolls, fruit, apricot squares and meringues! A minor hiccup with Bernie's headband digging into her scalp but all fixed by Emma with some foam!
2:15pm
The dressing...a very funny sight to see! The bridesmaids were in their dresses very quickly and then we all had to help Bernie into her dress, which included Emma standing on the bed!
3:15pm
We're on our way! All dressed up with somewhere awesome to go! Bernie looks amazing and we haven't had any major wardrobe malfunctions! Bernie says "this is fun" as we drive along.
4:00pm CEREMONY!
5:30pm
Well Bernie and Mike are off for their photos without the bridal party (check some out here) but the bridesmaids are hanging around near where we had our photos in case we are needed. We all have sore feet but keep telling each other not to take our shoes off until we won't have to put them back on! We decided to head to the reception and end up having lots of silly photos with the groomsmen.
6:30pm
Having made our entrance into the reception and been served our drinks, the girls all get up from the table and start socialising while the boys stay put!
Now I have to admit...from here on out it gets a bit blurry! We had a fantastic night...we did the time warp, Mike bought me a Cosmo, we took Bernie's hair out (I wish I had counted those bobby pins!), we basically had an awesome time celebrating!
More photos from the day - enjoy!
 |
| Mr and Mrs Nye |
Monday 24 October 2011
On our own
Well, this weekend was a little different to the past month or so because we did not hang out together! I know what you're thinking, "that is not possible!" but it was. Now it is Monday night, we have been to yoga, eaten noodle box and are watching 27 Dresses in preparation for WEDDING WEEK!
So here is a run down of my (Sarah) weekend.
Saturday consisted of lots of running around- getting my dress altered, buying shoes for the wedding, buying some more work clothes (stuff doesn't fit!) then falling into an exhausted nap on the couch! Sunday started early to head over to Rottnest for the fun run. Meeting up with Robyn Power and cruising over to Rotto was such a good move. It was so great to hang out with Robyn, and we got to chat about where we are at and future plans and it made me realize how special it is to hang out with people who build you up and encourage you and not tear you down. Running in the 5km race, I was really happy with my run. I kept a steady pace and managed to run up the hill to the halfway point! My official time was 40:29 which was a new PB. Awesome work by Robyn with a time for the 10km of 52:04 and the 29th female across the line (out of 169)!!!!!!!!!!
[PHOTO COMING SOON OF ME CROSSING THE FINISH LINE!]
So what's next for Sarah? Well, I am competing in the Pink Triathlon in 2 weeks and am really looking forward to it! I had a ride around Rotto yesterday and felt pretty good so BRING IT ON! My plan is to get my training on in the next five weeks so that when Bernie comes back from her honeymoon she is GOBSMACKED by my progress. So what do I have planned? Well, this Friday I am heading to Mindarie with Terri and whoever else wants to come for some beach walking and dune running - gotta smash it up before the wedding on Saturday! The following weekend is the triathlon and then the weekend after that I am doing the eagle hike again. Mixed in with that is my normal 2 PT sessions a week with my trainer Gill, some swimming, some running and some BOXING!
WEDDING NEWS...
Bernie's wedding is in 5 days which is super exciting! I am planning on blogging throughout the day (although you will see it all at once!) with our adventures, photos and funny quotes for the day. Of course, we can't put any photos online until after the ceremony otherwise Mike will see Bernie before the ceremony and that just won't do! Still have heaps to do before then, including sleep so I need to sign off now.
Until you read again...
Sarah
Sunday 16 October 2011
We beat the Texans!
This afternoon 1401 people Zumba'd for Telethon, out in the heat at the Perth Convention Centre. We mingled with celebrities and got our jiggy on!
A few technical issues along the way, mainly due to Transperth stopping trains between Stirling and Perth! So...4 trains and 2 buses later including keeping our balance standing on the bus, we survived.
At the moment we are sitting on the train with Elaine, waiting for the train to move! We will have to finish this later though, so we can add our photo with George (Kabo on Packed to the Rafters).
Okay, PHOTO TIME!!!
At the train station with Elaine
On the bus to Perth from Stirling
The Perth Crew with George!
Well, until next time...
Sarah and Bernie
P.S. If you would like to train with me (Sarah) while Bernie is away on her honeymoon and make a guest appearance on this blog let me know!
A few technical issues along the way, mainly due to Transperth stopping trains between Stirling and Perth! So...4 trains and 2 buses later including keeping our balance standing on the bus, we survived.
At the moment we are sitting on the train with Elaine, waiting for the train to move! We will have to finish this later though, so we can add our photo with George (Kabo on Packed to the Rafters).
Okay, PHOTO TIME!!!
At the train station with Elaine
On the bus to Perth from Stirling
The Perth Crew with George!
Well, until next time...
Sarah and Bernie
P.S. If you would like to train with me (Sarah) while Bernie is away on her honeymoon and make a guest appearance on this blog let me know!
Saturday 15 October 2011
Eagle View Hike
What an achievement! Today we hiked the 15k loop at John Forrest National Park. It took us 5 hours to complete, and was quite challenging at times because there was little shade, and many high inclines to walk. The views were absolutely amazing. We learned a few things:
1. Moondyne Joe the bushranger blazed the trails that we were walking.
2. Honkey nuts don't exist in Adelaide.
3. What Bernie thought was a nut in her shoe, turned out to be a MASSIVE blister which requires attention and is most unpleasant! Yuck.
4. Orange juice, wine & beer go down a treat after a 15k walk.
5. Sometimes rocks look like houses.
Now... Bernie must go lance her goiter. Sarah will continue this enlightening entry...
So 12 days ago I headed off on the Bibbulmun Track with Terri and Dorianne and hiked for 10km with a 10kg pack on my back. Today, in comparison I only had about 1kg on my back (I think) and we hiked for 15km. I had a great time but my short hamstrings are now quite sore again so I am looking forward to Yoga on Monday night.
We are now in the final countdown for Bernie's wedding which is in 2 weeks today. In fact, as I am writing this I notice the time is 4:17pm which means this time in 2 weeks Bernie will be getting married! My dress is so big, and it falls off my shoulders so it will be getting taken in sometime this week. Still on my to-do list for the wedding is to write my speech, record the music for Bernie and us girls to walk down the aisle to and buy my shoes!
So what is next in the adventure's of Sarah and Bernie? Well, Term 4 starts on Monday so I (Sarah) am heading back to school and Bernie will be heading off on her honeymoon so will be away for a month. There will be a wedding blog and then I will be lonesome :( My plan is to lose a lot of weight in the month Bernie is away so that I look heaps different when she returns...so anyone who wants to be my workout buddy let me know!
GOOD THINGS FROM TODAY
You know you want it...here are the pics!
Yep...our normal pic! Couldn't do a trip anywhere without this shot!
Our final calorie count. Total burnt 4526!
Some of the girls afterwards!
Elaine, Terri, Kathy, Sarah, Bernie and Jade
1. Moondyne Joe the bushranger blazed the trails that we were walking.
2. Honkey nuts don't exist in Adelaide.
3. What Bernie thought was a nut in her shoe, turned out to be a MASSIVE blister which requires attention and is most unpleasant! Yuck.
4. Orange juice, wine & beer go down a treat after a 15k walk.
5. Sometimes rocks look like houses.
Now... Bernie must go lance her goiter. Sarah will continue this enlightening entry...
So 12 days ago I headed off on the Bibbulmun Track with Terri and Dorianne and hiked for 10km with a 10kg pack on my back. Today, in comparison I only had about 1kg on my back (I think) and we hiked for 15km. I had a great time but my short hamstrings are now quite sore again so I am looking forward to Yoga on Monday night.
We are now in the final countdown for Bernie's wedding which is in 2 weeks today. In fact, as I am writing this I notice the time is 4:17pm which means this time in 2 weeks Bernie will be getting married! My dress is so big, and it falls off my shoulders so it will be getting taken in sometime this week. Still on my to-do list for the wedding is to write my speech, record the music for Bernie and us girls to walk down the aisle to and buy my shoes!
So what is next in the adventure's of Sarah and Bernie? Well, Term 4 starts on Monday so I (Sarah) am heading back to school and Bernie will be heading off on her honeymoon so will be away for a month. There will be a wedding blog and then I will be lonesome :( My plan is to lose a lot of weight in the month Bernie is away so that I look heaps different when she returns...so anyone who wants to be my workout buddy let me know!
GOOD THINGS FROM TODAY
- We made some new friends, and got to hang out with friends like Elaine and Terri
- Finishing
- Date loaf (Bernie friendly = Dairy free)
- Bernie lives next to a nurse
- Dairy Free Orange Chocolate (at Bernie's house!)
- 15km up and down hills is HARD!
- Blisters hurt
- Sarah does not have long hamstrings
You know you want it...here are the pics!
Yep...our normal pic! Couldn't do a trip anywhere without this shot!
Our final calorie count. Total burnt 4526!
Some of the girls afterwards!
Elaine, Terri, Kathy, Sarah, Bernie and Jade
Wednesday 12 October 2011
I know where I've been...
Sarah's Story
There is a song in the movie Hairspray that has the line "I know where I'm going, and I know where I've been" and I think this is quite true of where I am at at the moment. This past week Bernie and I have been reflecting a bit about our journey so far. Where we have come from and what we have achieved. Bernie found an old photo of me at a wedding a few years ago and I just could't believe the difference. I know that I have really been growing on the inside (and shrinking on the outside!) I thought I would share with you my journal entry from just after Emazon Stand Your Ground earlier this year...
Who am I?
What do I want?
I want to be free to live my life. I want to feel healthy, happy, strong, confident. I want to be free of the restrictions I have placed around me. I want to feel comfortable by myself.
What am I afraid of?
I am afraid that no one will love me if I don't act the way they want me to. I am afraid that I will be alone, left behind by friends who are getting married and having kids. I am afraid that I will always be overweight and uncomfortable with myself.
What is holding me back?
Fear.
My blue chic is running the show, reminding me of all the times in the past I have tried something and failed. In health/fitness, finances, so many aspects of my life.
My red chic has gotten to the truck point again and again and I haven't learnt. I want to let her out. I want to allow her to run my life. I want to feel alive and feel good and feel happy. I want her to take control and not take any crap from anyone!
My red chic has gotten to the truck point again and again and I haven't learnt. I want to let her out. I want to allow her to run my life. I want to feel alive and feel good and feel happy. I want her to take control and not take any crap from anyone!
So now here I am, much healthier, much happier and much more confident! I am really looking forward to wear I go from here.
Bernie's Story
I have always battled with my weight. I have been 'heavy' since I was about 8 years old, and bullied by my peers about it all through my school years. Psychologically and physically, my build was a heavy weight to bare. Swimming and sport lessons were terrible, then later trying to find clothes for parties, or school events. I had very little confidence about the way I looked, and when I did find some, it was often knocked down again by hurtful comments. I am 31 now. I know, I should build that metaphorical bridge (Perth Crew is helping significantly...), but some things, while they don't have the sting in them that they used to - have not been forgotten.
Example 1 (from a boy who was friends with my best friends boyfriend): "Look, I think you are a nice person, but you don't have the body to match"
Example 2 (some random I didn't know): "You look like a fat Brooke Shields!"
Example 3: (guy in a club) "You'd be hot if you weren't fat"
Example 4: (a girl in the same 9th grad cooking class I took is consoling a friend, she so tactfully uses me as an example) "No, you're not fat! (nods towards me and doesn't lower her voice) "She's fat!"
Looking back, half the time I thought I was hideous, I actually wasn't. I had curly brown hair and was a healthy size 14. I just didn't fit in with the bottle blonde size 8 that Dolly magazine was promoting. Then later, I was a 16, then an 18, then a 20...
So yes. 31. Still chubby (but finally doing something about it!), but now I feel comfortable in my skin. I've grown up, have good friends, a great career and the people I choose to suround myself with are those who support me in my journey. Now, it is about health and feeling good, being able to sleep and breathe and function properly in society.
So, I have been thinking about Sarah's journal entry. I thought i'd answer the questions here too:
Who am I?
I am a woman who has chosen to get healthy, and to try her hardest to lose weight. I am a librarian, a teacher, I'm almost a wife (yay!). I am a woman who is looking forward to her future.
What do I want?
I want to be a good mother, when the time comes to expand our little family. I want to make sure that my children learn good values about health, and how you should treat other people. I want to be a good example.
What is holding me back?
Time... and wasting it. I work hard. I get tired. I sleep. I need to be accountable to the fact that if I don't do it today, tomorrow's healthy me, may never come. I don't ever want that.
I too am looking forward to the next stage in my journey :-)
Past Photos (for better or worse!)
Boat trip 11 August 2006
'Alice' photoshoot 20 September 2007
Bernie's birthday party 17 March 2007
Garden Party in Karratha 8 September 2007 (we confused many people with these wigs!)
Cocktails at Icon in Karratha 10 October 2007
Out at Burswood 11 October 2008
Amanda's wedding 12 April 2008
Day trip to Rottnest 7 October 2009
Friday 7 October 2011
Week 2 Blogger Challenge: HEALTH
What is health?
For me (Sarah) I think that health would be when I can walk up one flight of stairs without puffing and my heart rate jumping straight up to 150!
Health is an interesting issue. I have had a low immune system for many years, and I am finally in the place where I am NOT catching every little bug that goes around (no flu for me this year, just one little cold!). In previous years I would catch absolutely everything and it sucked. I think it definitely shows that my clean eating and exercising has helped my level of health.
What do you think Bernie????
It has taken me a long, long time to get to this point. When I was younger, I wanted to be slim and look cute in clothes. It was more about being attractive (it's sad to say, but i'm sure many of us have been there), but now - particularly after a horrific car accident which has left me with a sore back - it is more about feeling good. I am being careful with everything I put into my body. I want to fuel it with healthy food, snack to keep my metabolism going (not for the hell of it), and I want to feel GOOD!
And good health is not a 3 month fix... it is a life journey. :)
Saturday 1 October 2011
POW POW POW
A BERNIE THOUGHT... My shoulders hurt a bit and I have a sore hip. Sarah probably has a sore lady chest appendage, as I um... missed the actual target when I was throwing a punch today (does this mean we are even because she packed me a full punch in the arm when we were at emazon?). Oops.
Hi again from Sarah & Bernie. We have been having a lot of fun this weekend with boxing gloves! It is AMAZING how many calories you can burn from punching with gusto, and combining the punching with intervals of cardio is a recipe for... fitness and success! It is also a lot of fun :-)
A SARAH THOUGHT...Why oh why did I go rock climbing after two boxing sessions? Or, more to the point...why did I then go to Jacob's ladder????
So, this morning we were joined for breakfast at my (Sarah) house by our awesome friend Kate Farley, who came to Kimax and Rock climbing. Chef Sarah cooked up a storm after PunchFit which had my parents asking (via text as they are in Adelaide) why I don't cook for them while they are home! An awesome breakfast for only 314 calories and it was sooooo good!
This afternoon Chef Sarah made up 'Sarah's Sweet-Tooth Snack' for the weekly challenge, the photo with recipe is below - only 137 calories and full of deliciousness!
Hi again from Sarah & Bernie. We have been having a lot of fun this weekend with boxing gloves! It is AMAZING how many calories you can burn from punching with gusto, and combining the punching with intervals of cardio is a recipe for... fitness and success! It is also a lot of fun :-)
A SARAH THOUGHT...Why oh why did I go rock climbing after two boxing sessions? Or, more to the point...why did I then go to Jacob's ladder????
So, this morning we were joined for breakfast at my (Sarah) house by our awesome friend Kate Farley, who came to Kimax and Rock climbing. Chef Sarah cooked up a storm after PunchFit which had my parents asking (via text as they are in Adelaide) why I don't cook for them while they are home! An awesome breakfast for only 314 calories and it was sooooo good!
This afternoon Chef Sarah made up 'Sarah's Sweet-Tooth Snack' for the weekly challenge, the photo with recipe is below - only 137 calories and full of deliciousness!
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| Kimax at Morley |
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| Punchfit NOR |
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| Awesomeness for 314 calories |
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| 137 calories of yumminess |
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