Cool Cookin'

 Roast Vegetable Salad with Feta

 Sweet Potato & Eggplant Bake

 Chickpea & Cauliflower Curry

 Bunless Burgers

Creamy Pasta Bake

Bikini Competition?

So I've been considering what I'd like to do after completing the city-to-surf. At first I was considering a triathlon but a couple of days ago I came across some INBA champion interviews---- They've quite changed my perspective. I had known about figure competitions for some time now but these have never appealed to me as I don't wish to develop quite that level of muscle tone. However I had not realised that they also run 'bikini' competitions---- a type of competition that requires the "toned yet not full-on six pack" look that I've been aiming for... I've been perusing their website and I honestly think I could do it! If I still feel the same way later in the year I think I'll go for it!

Pre-season tasks

So the time has come once again for me to complete my pre-season tasks. I've signed up to round 1 2013 & in four weeks (remember I'm finishing this round late due to my holiday) I will be starting the lean & fit program. As follows are the three pre-season tasks that mean the most to me. I have written them out & stuck them up on the wardrobe overlooking my bed. I have also signed the paper on which I have written my commitments to signify that my word is indeed my bond.

Task 1 - Get Real, No More Excuses!

Internal Excuses

• I'm not fit enough
• I don't feel like it/I'm not motivated enough
• I deserve the treat
• I'll do it later
• I'm too worn out
• I've done enough this week
• I have my period
• I won't enjoy it

External Excuses

• I don't have the time
• I'll ache at uni/work tomorrow
• I should spend my time studying instead
• It's way too hot today
• I'm on holiday, there's no equipment

My Solutions

• JFDI!! 
• Motivation is a myth & is definitely not required for working out!---- working out should be done in robot mode, just like brushing your teeth!
• Working out makes me feel better
• I DESERVE to be healthy
• I can do it if I try, history has shown this
• I'll get it out of the way so I can relax later
• I have plenty of free time, who am I kidding with that excuse?
• I study much better when I've been eating healthy & exercising
• I can work out indoors (in fact I do even when its not hot!)
• I can do bodyweight exercises without equipment

Task 2 - Take Control, Set Your Goals

1 Month Goals (10th March 2013)

• Run 5km non-stop

I will continue my current lean & strong program then swap to lean & fit when finished.

3 Month Goals (5th May 2013)

• Run 8.5km non-stop

I will follow the 12wbt program--- running twice a week at the gym & once a week at my partner's house (plus weights twice a week).

6 Month Goals (28th July 2013)

• Run 12km non-stop
• Bench-press 30kg x 12

I will follow the 12wbt program, reassessing my program at the 3 month milestone. I will potentially swap to learn to run or if I feel I'm losing too much form I will go back to lean & strong while incorporating weekend runs.

12 Month Goals (12th January 2014)

• Squat 30kg x 12
• Complete Beginners 1 Pole Dancing
• Learn to ride a bike

I will follow the 12wbt program, swapping back to lean & strong (if I have not already) once the city-to-surf is complete. I'll sign up to pole dancing lessons & my partner will teach me to bike ride.

Task 4 - Say it Out Loud

I am 100% committed to running the 12km city-to-surf.

I am 100% committed to my new healthy lifestyle.

I am 100% committed to maintaining a weight of 61-63kg.

I am 100% committed to moving forward in my fitness journey & to constantly challenging myself.

I am 100% committed to developing a healthy & positive mindset.

I am going to do this, my word is my bond.

This Program

I love how this program has made me feel. I love how its sparked a passion & creativity in my life that wasn't there before and I love the fact that I'm starting to build my own ambitions. I've proved to myself that I can achieve a goal if I put the effort in & work towards it consistently so there's no reason for me to not apply this methodology to the rest of my life. Healthy eating & exercising has made such a difference for me mentally as well; I find my thinking is clearer & I no longer get as depressed. I find myself actually doing things now like reading books & crafting things--- I haven't had the enthusiasm to do this since middle school! In short I guess I really needed this change, its made my life so more worthwhile.

A Small Change

Unfortunately I need to remake my original small change from round 3 2012 as old habits have started to sneak in a little bit----- My commitment is to completely eliminate caffeine! I've managed to avoid coffee for 6 months but diet coke has made its way back into my life on a casual basis. It makes me feel sick so quite frankly it has to go for good!

A Good Day

I went out with one of my friends today (after completing my 3rd workout of the week) & was exceptionally proud & happy when she told me that the change in my body was incredibly noticeable & that I looked great. I guess I spend most of my time around the same people, whom get to see me nearly every day & so haven't really noticed the huge change. I was starting to feel a little disappointed whenever my mum insisted that she didn't see any difference in my photos so it's very nice to get such positive feedback. She even told me that one of her male friends was jealous of my physique so that really made my day!

Self Portraits

Two pictures that really hit home for me the change in my looks that has taken place during the program--- I look so much healthier now! My skin is glowing, there's no acne---- I actually quite like the way my face looks! Hooray!!