Mini Milestone

For the past 3 weeks I have been taking part in Michelle Bridge's (Biggest Loser) 12 Week Body Transformation Program (aka 12WBT) which basically means I have been following a 1200 calorie a day diet and exercising like a crazy woman!  Today was officially declared "Mini Milestone Saturday" and as a "Beginner" I had to select an activity which would challenge me for at least 1 - 2 hours.  So this was my Mini Milestone - climbing Walsh's Pyramid!  I mentioned in a previous post how the Pyramid has been my nemesis and how every day (for the last 27 years) I have driven by it and (secretly) dreamed of climbing to the top.  Now suffice to say I didn't get to the top - all 922 metres of it, however Julie (my training partner) and I made a pretty good fist of it and managed to get about 1/3 of the way up.   So we were both pretty pleased with our efforts. 

We started the climb at 7 a.m.  There were already a couple of cars in the carpark when we arrived so we knew we wouldn't be the only climbers on the mountain.  Checked out the sign and the base which told us it was a 5-6 hour return trek (you must be kidding!) and then started the climb.   The Tropical Walking Tracks Guide lists the walk as strenuous however Julie and I have decided that this must be a mis-print and it should be listed as extremely strenuous and gruelling!

The first half of the walk passes through open woodland up an ever narrowing spur that gets steeper as you climb.

We passed by a number of large trees which had been burnt out during last summer's bush fires.  We had to keep looking out for the orange tree markers which showed the track.  It would be pretty easy to take a wrong turn however the track seemed pretty well worn so obviously there had been a fair bit of activity up there over the school holidays.  We were actually overtaken (on more than one occasion!) by a couple of crazy people who must have decided that they would go for a easy little Saturday morning jog up the mountain.  Not human obviously!

After a solid 40 minute of climbing and scrambling - we reached a rock which marked the 1K point (approx 300 metres altitude).   We decided that this was a pretty significant milestone to reach.  So, after giving our lungs a bit of chance to catch up to our breathing - we started the descent.  The views on the way down were spectacular. I truly felt like I was "on top of the world!"

 It was such an exhilarating experience and Julie and I are definitely hooked.  Next Saturday our goal will be to get to the half way mark (approx 450metre altitude).  With a bit of luck my ageing knees will hold up okay - will have to mega dose on the Fish Oil capsules this week!  

Day 1 of 12wbt

Alarm went off at 6 a.m. and what did I do........ bounce out of bed with the speed of 20 fleet footed gazelles? No, looked outside and saw it was still pitch BLACK and promptly hit the snooze button!

Guilt got the better of me, so at 6.25 a.m. I slid out of bed into my waiting joggers and exercise gear (which I had strategically placed beside the bed the night before). At least I could see a slight flicker of daylight - so with a bounce in my step I headed off on my 3km walking/jogging track. Problem #1 - who would have figured that there would have been SOO many dogs up SOO early in the morning and why do everyone of them feel the need to BARK (at me)! If I was trying to be inconspicuous in my initial attempt at jogging - well my cover was well and truly blown. As I seriously considered just turning around and going home - Michelle's words echoed in my head - "No Excuses". So, I plugged in my Ipod earphones and off I plodded. Problem #2 I'm all UP for giving this jogging/running thing a go - but how come no-one told me just how PAINFUL it was going to be! Now, I understand a good sports bra is invaluable (particularly for those of us over a cup size 12A) however what does one do to beat the bottom wobbles. Those bottom wobbles are seriously painful!

**Mental note to self - "Control briefs!"**

Managed to walk/jog the 3kms and felt pretty pleased with my efforts. Decide to hit on a plan for future training sessions - walk the distance between 2 sets of street lights and then jog the distance between 1 set of street light and then build up from there. Will give it a go tomorrow and see how it works.

The day went well. I think it helps if you are busy and have something to occupy your mind. Certainly stops you thinking about food! Stopped briefly for lunch and then back up the ladder for more painting. By the time Alan arrived home from work he was chaffing at the bit! " Please don't use the "S" word!" But I'm STARVING - he said. I quickly threw 6 Vita Wheats and vegemite at him and started with the dinner preparations. He no sooner scoffed down the Vita Wheats and he was eyeing off the Kendall's vegetable soup.
Dinner over and done with. All good. Managed to source out these little beauties for Alan for dessert : (only 160 cals and he did have 300 cals up his sleeve!) He was chuffed - they tasted so good.

Feel asleep watching "Master Chef". (Must have been that early rise!) Will need to get my body clock into sync.

Good news of the day : Day 1 down only 83 more to go!

12 Week Body Transformation

It's official!  I am now off chocolate for the next 12 weeks as  my commitment to Michelle Bridge's (aka Biggest Loser's personal trainer) 12 Week Body Transformation challenge.    It is not going to be easy - I kid you not.  I'm already beginning to have cravings and I haven't even started!  Tomorrow is "D" day.   The alarm has been set for 6 a.m.;  the weekly nutrition plan and exercise program are stuck to the fridge door.   There's no turning back now.    Kendall and Alan are both joining me on the challenge so at least we will all be able to suffer get fit  together.  First up tomorrow morning we have the weigh in and measure up plus the optional taking of "before" photos.   Alan is still to be convinced that the "before" photos are a good idea.  There's something about being photographed with no shirt and a pair of briefs which doesn't sit quite right with him!   I will blog our progress and I have promised Alan that I will NOT be including photos.