The Diet goes on . . .

I've now been dieting for two weeks.  It's been quite a roller coaster ride what with crazy diets and loads of exercise!!!  I weighed on Monday - twelve days in to my diet and I'd lost a total of 9 pounds.  I was really happy with this!!!  Woop woop!!!!!

I haven't found the eating too bad so far but the last two evenings I've given in and had a glass of wine with dinner.  It's really really hard to stop at one.  A lovely cold glass of Makutu Bay!  Who can resist!

 I'm still tracking my calories on my phone. I'm allowed 1155 calories a day.  It's not too hard.  I have cereals for breakfast, egg on toast or tomato soup and a bit of crusty bread for lunch and then whatever I want for dinner with either vanilla yogurt and fruit or jelly for desert.  I snack on apples, tangerines and Rich Tea biscuits.

I am exercising lots though!  This week I've already done loads.  I feel really tired tonight.  My back aches and my left hip is sore but I feel good too.  On Monday evening I ran with my lovely running buddy, Heather.  We ran 4.32 miles.

On Tuesday morning Rich and I did an early gym session.  I did interval training on the bike, resistance work on my legs and bingo wings, core stability/abs work and walking lunges and squats with weights.  Then I swam 30 lengths.

At lunchtime I walked with my good friend Jane and our dogs for about an hour on snowy Cleeve Hill.

Last night I ran again with Heather.  We ran 4.56 miles.  We ran for 50 minutes without stopping.  I track our run on my phone now!  We started running in April 2012.  When we first started we ran 20 steps, walked 20 steps.  I did a ten week beginners course with Cleeve Ladies Running Club.  We never imagined we would be able to run for 50 minutes without stopping.  There have been times when we have thought we would never get any better.  We have hit a plateau and just not been able to move on.  But we have persevered and we are so proud of our progress.

Today, once again, Rich and I did an early gym session.  I didn't want to do any aerobic exercise in the gym because of all the running I had done already this week.  I felt I needed to give my joints a rest so I did more resistance work and abs/lunges/squats, etc.  Then I swam 40 lengths.

This afternoon I walked my dogs for an hour.  When I walk I don't dawdle I walk really quite fast.  Thankfully though, tonight was a no running night.  Chilling in front of the TV watching Gok!!!

Tomorrow evening Heather and I will do a shorter run - about 3 miles.  And on Friday I will probably go to the gym and walk the dogs.  So quite a bit of exercise!  I do rest at the weekend though.  The only thing I might do is walk the dogs.

I have an exciting weekend coming up!!!  Girlie supper at our friend Cath's house on Saturday evening and then a really posh spa day on Sunday.  More details to follow . . .

Diet and Fitness

Like a lot of you I am beginning my diet and fitness regime today.  I am fed up of eating rubbish and feeling fat!  Although I won't be feeling like this in a week or so and will be craving chocolate!!!

I've weighed myself but I do find that the scales are not always a friend to me.  They never say what I want to hear.  People will tell me I've lost weight but the scales don't necessarily agree.  I think I build muscle fairly quickly and as we all know muscle weighs heavier than fat but takes up less space.  With this in mind I have also taken my measurements: bust, waist, hips, thigh, calf and upper arm.  Hopefully this will give me a truer reflection of what's going on.

I'm not completely ready for my new regime as I haven't yet cleaned out the fridge and cupboards to get rid of all temptations.  I haven't been to the supermarket to do a healthy shop.  I haven't signed up to a gym.  But I do intend to eat sensibly and to exercise and within the next few days address all the above tasks.

I bought a running magazine which gives you an exercise plan to lose body fat.  I have thought for some time that running - even three or four times a week - is not enough if you always run at the same pace.  The plan supports this.  Sometimes its ok to do this but sometimes you need to do quick sprints for short bursts and then recover and do it again and again . . .  Also you need to do strength training.

I'm adapting this plan to work for me.  I want to use the strength training to tighten my core (which should give me a flatter stomach), bum and arms.  I also want to do some swimming because that works well on the stomach.  Alongside this I intend to ride a couple of times a week and walk the dog 4 times a week.

I'm not going on one of these diets where you only eat nutritious shakes and lettuce leaves or cabbage soup.  I have an app on my phone called Livestrong where you can track everything you eat.  I find it's the best way.  Otherwise you conveniently forget that mid morning cereal bar you had, etc.  If you create a profile where you input your age, sex, height, weight and how many pounds you want to lose a week it works out how many calories you are allowed each day.  So you just have to enter everything you eat and it tells you how many calories you have used and how many you have left.  You can also track your exercise and how many calories you have burned.

I think it's important to allow yourself the odd day off from your diet too.  So, for example, if I'm going to a girlie supper I will have pudding and wine but then the next day get straight back to being good again.  That way it's not so hard.  You don't feel like you are denying yourself all your favourite things.  The hardest thing is when Rich has wine with dinner.  Nothing looks as good as a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc!!!


I hope to reach my target weight by the end of February.

Over indulgence!!!

Well Christmas is that time when we all over indulge - in spending, socialising, eating and drinking and under indulge in exercise and fitness!  I have to say I can't wait to start my healthy eating and exercise plan.  I feel so lethargic and fat compared to how I feel when I'm watching what I eat and running regularly!

I missed my evening runs with my running buddy, Heather.  And I've hated feeling so full.  It hasn't stopped me eating though.  We still have loads of chocolate which I feel obliged to eat before 2nd January as that's when I will start my diet!  Also drinking so much wine leaves me feeling not so good.  Not hung over but not as fresh and alert as usual.  I feel like not drinking any more but I know I will!  Especially as we are out on New Year's Eve.  I probably won't even last until then!

Also Ive been haphazard with my beauty regime!  Usually I cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening.  I also exfoliate twice a week and put on a face pack once a week.  A lot of that has not been happening over Christmas.  I think it's really important to do that at my age!!!  Lack of beauty regime, unhealthy diet and no exercise is not an ideal combination!  It doesn't make for glowing, youthful skin!

I've been giving my New Year's resolutions some thought and definitely my main one will revolve around diet and exercise.  Heather and I have already resolved to do three 10k races in 2013.  Running is great but it doesn't tone up your bingo wings or your stomach so I need to do something else too.  I was doing Kettlercise earlier in the year which is fabulous but I injured my shoulder and am reluctant to put it under pressure as it was so painful for so long.

I'm on the look out for a cheap gym membership for a couple of months.  I don't want to sign up for a year just to give myself a boost to start the New Year.  Once the nights get lighter and the weather improves (if it ever does!!!) I tend to run more, ride more, walk the dogs more so I don't need on- going gym membership.

It's interesting though looking back at the photos I've posted during the course of this blog.  On some I look reasonably slim and on some I look positively chunky!

AVERAGE

FAT

SLIM

SLIM

SLIM

AVERAGE

FAT

FAT

SLIM

AVERAGE

AVERAGE

AVERAGE

DO YOU AGREE???????????

A Quiet Week

I've not posted for a week because it's been a pretty quiet week, as in I've not got dressed up to go out anywhere special in the last week.  Sometimes life's just like that I guess.  Instead of dressing up I've been out running.  I did seventeen miles last week and stuck to my diet.  Yesterday was my diet day off as I took my children to London -  shopping for their Christmas presents.

So the only new clothes I've had in the last week is a fluorescent yellow running jacket, new running tights and gloves.  I would post a picture but I think it's better that I save you from such a sight.  But rest safe in the knowledge that I can now be seen by passing motorists. 

I'm trying to have a better beauty routine.  Under instruction from my gorgeous hairdresser - Simon - I am deep conditioning my hair twice a week.  I'm also exfoliating twice a week and using a face pack once a week.  Since the Neal's Yard party I have been using a toner.  I always use eye cream and moisturiser. Hopefully my skin and hair will benefit.

This week I've got a couple of outings coming up.  On Friday we are off to the Races again.  On Saturday we are going out for our Girlie Christmas Supper and Secret Santa.  I have no idea what to wear on Saturday.  I'm going to try to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow.  I don't really have a sparkly going out top.  I think quite a few of the girls will wear dresses.  I'm not sure what to do.  I will search out a few alternatives and let you know.

Oh here is a picture of one of the tops I bought from Oasis a week or two ago.  I really like it.  It looks better on. I'm sure I will be going out in it soon.

Finally I go out in a dress!!!

So what do you think???!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who commented on which dress I should wear.  Actually it wasn't too bad.  I thought I'd feel really uncomfortable but it's a very easy dress to wear.  I've had it for ages; probably at least a couple of years.  I'm pretty sure it's from Primark.  My boots are also old.  I found them in the back of the cupboard.  As my son put it, "they're really old school".  Maybe I'll get some new ones in the sales.

It's inspired me to try dress wearing again.  Claire and Sarah also wore dresses but they are regular dress wearers.  We had such a lovely evening.  Claire's house is always immaculate but at the same time warm and welcoming.  Although Claire, like myself, is a reluctant cook she always gives us a lovely meal and is a wonderful hostess.  We had salmon in a cream sauce, roasted new potatoes and salad followed by trifle and of course plenty of bubbly and wine.

Yesterday was my day off my diet.  I really enjoyed the whole day but feel crappy today.  I'm not sure you realise how over indulging effects you until you diet then there is such a contrast in how you feel on diet and none diet days.  I still exercised yesterday.  My friend Paola picked me up at around 8.30am and we met some of the Cleeve Ladies at Pitville Park and went for a run.  The reward at the end of the run was coffee and cake at the cafe!  I also walked the dogs for over an hour. 

I'm actually glad to be back to dieting today but it's an exercise free day for me - unless you count walking round Sainsburys!  Tomorrow back to running!  Bring it on!  Oh and it's my day to weigh!!!  Prepare for me being devastated!!!!

Saturday Night Supper

Last night I went to my friend Jane's for supper along with three other friends.  We had a fab evening, lush food, lots of wine and even more laughs!  I wore my burgundy/wine coloured Gok straight jeans - again - and my Joules hunting shirt.  Doing this blog has made me realise that the saying "you wear 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time" is true.  I'm very aware now that I wear the same things on a regular basis.

I looked through my wardrobe last night and tried a few things on that I hadn't worn for a while but ended up going back to my favourites!

At supper Heather - who also usually avoids dresses - was telling us that she had seen a dress in Monsoon that she had coverted for weeks and finally went to buy it only to find it didn't fit her.  She was gutted because she loved the dress.  I know that feeling.  I saw Myleene Klass in the newspaper wearing a dress from her own range and just thought - that's so me - only to find that it's sold out in all sizes except size 20.  Gutted!!!

This is said dress.  I just love it.  Anyway in order to be more interesting with my wardrobe I have ventured into the loft and returned with four dresses.  My dresses live in the loft due to lack of use.  So they are currently hanging in my bedroom and I am determined to wear one next Saturday for supper at Claire's.  Now I've said that I guess I'm actually going to have to do it.  I'm feeling uncomfortable already.  I will try them on tomorrow and see if that makes me feel any better???!!!

I have to say the Myleene Klass range of dresses is really nice but others must agree as most of them are out of stock.  I like the following ones too:

I've had such a naughty week of eating and drinking this week so from tomorrow I'm off the wine, on the diet and out there running.  Wish me luck!!!

Running Goddesses!

Feeling tired after a busy weekend.  Yesterday had a lovely lunch with two friends at the Wine Bar in Winchcombe.  Super venue, excellent food - as always - and even better company.  I wore tan Top Shop skinnies, knee high flat brown and black Top Shop boots, beige cardigan with elbow patches from Primark and my tweed jacket.

Yesterday afternoon I went for a run with my friend Heather.  Even though it was a couple of hours since I'd eaten lunch it wasn't very comfortable running but we did it!

Last night Rich and I went to see the Spanish Riding School at the NIA in Birmingham.  I have to say I don't like the NIA its such a pain to get to, so busy, and even more of a pain to get out of.  The Spanish Riding School was OK but I'd probably rather have been at home watching X Factor.  It took an hour to get out of the car park.  Rich slept though the second half of the show and most of the way back down the motorway.  I was driving I hasten to add!!!!!

Today has been catching up on stuff at home and grocery shopping as well as another run with Heather.  We started running back in April.  I joined Cleeve Ladies 10 week beginner course.  The idea was you can run 3 miles by the end of 10 weeks.  In fact I'd done it by week 5 or 6.  Heather couldn't join the group but did all the practising with me between sessions.  We have tried to keep it up since then.  We have had the odd few weeks where life has got in the way but we haven't given up. 

This week we have run four times and each time about three and a half miles so about 14 miles in total.  We are going to up some of our runs to four miles next week.  I have done a few five and a half mile runs but it's time consuming and hard on your joints.  We very often don't feel like going out on dark winter nights but once we have done it we feel so good about ourselves!

In the summer we were also doing Kettlercise.  We really enjoyed it but I injured my shoulder and was advised by my physio to rest it.  I'd like to get back to it but there's only so many evenings you can be out exercising!

We were debating the benefits of joining a gym.  Especially one with a pool.  I think it would need to be somewhere that you didn't have to sign up for an annual contract.  I figure there may be lots of offers on in January.  I hate being tied in though because we all start with the best of intentions and a few months down the line those intentions have fallen by the wayside.  Usually in there place is a beautifully chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and a bag of Galaxy Counters!

Obviously if you like clothes staying slim (ish) is important. Especially if you are like me and constantly beating yourself up about being fat.  I know it's crazy.  I have friends who wear a bigger dress size than me and they look fab.  Our friend Claire always looks amazing!!  I think she just knows how to dress for her shape.  And she is always immaculate!

I'm constantly on and off diets.  I hate that feeling when you go to your wardrobe and wear the same few outfits all the time because you're scared if you try something else on it might be too tight!  I hate the scales too.  I weigh heavier than people imagine so it can be soul destroying when the scales flash up some mammoth figure at me!

Running is really good exercise but it doesn't tone up your flabby, wobbly bits!  I think in January I'm going to have to address this!  I'm a size 12.  I tend to be a size 12 whether I'm feeling fat or thin!  I very rarely get into a size 10 and don't that often have to upgrade to a size 14.  But I do get those horrible rolls of fat that bulge out from every place where there's an escape route.  I have no idea where they come from.  It can't be the amount of Sauvignon Blanc I drink and surely has nothing to do with Galaxy Counters, Giant Buttons, Ripples, Milky Bars or my love of deserts.  It must be those greens Rich is always banging on about!