First stone lost..

Weigh in so far was:
Week 1: 6lb loss
Week 2: 2 1/2lb loss
Week 3: 4 3/4lb loss
Week 4: 1 1/4lb loss

So first stone is lost, I've been eating healthy but not depriving myself, so plenty of Hellmans light and poached eggs *Drool*, also my new Saucony omni progrid 9's came through. I've started back at Spin class, it was my fourth yesterday morning (Saturday). I thought I'd be on the floor but was OK *shock*, plus running again *happy dance*

So last week I've upped the exercise, Monday 30 mins X trainer & 45 min spin class, Tuesday was a 5.11 mile run in the lovely cold, Wednesday was the gym (50 mins hill X trainer number 10) and a 10 minute run on the treadmill, Thursday was 30 mins X trainer number 10 & a 45 min Spin class, Friday was a 6.16 mile run in -5 and I loved it, Saturday was 25 mins on the X trainer and a 45min Spin class.. Today (Sunday) is a rest day.

This week is Toby's half term so this week will be a military operation to fit in my runs and spin classes.. Roll on next week X

Starting again (not proud of myself)

Here we are again, on the 7th of January I weighed 14.4 3/4. Last year I was around 9st 7lbs, fit healthy and a size 8-10, running, going to Spin, to the gym.. Then everything seemed to fall apart, I got sloppy, tired, depressed and bogged down, my back was constantly playing up. I felt washed out and putting one foot in front of the other exhausted me, I stopped going to the gym, spin, did run but my legs felt like lead..

I went to the doctors and had some blood tests, I was low in iron but nothing major. Toby's behaviour was suffocating, I wallowed and even stopped talking to my running and gym friends. The only thing which chilled me out was wine in the night and some fat ladden food and Ben and Jerrys (I opt for the frozen yogurt type now ;-)). Inevitably I piled on the weight, wore baggier t shirts, leggings, pinched Toby's hoodies and drank a big cup of denial!! Things at home didn't help, Toby being assaulted, my friend dying, Toby's endless meltdowns and wet beds.

Christmas was was crunchtime, I'd been on anti depressants for over two months. I thought get Christmas over and start again. I could either wallow, get bigger, feel like crap or start living again. So four days after my birthday I hit the gym. Saying it was hard work was an underestimation, I was knackered and thought I'd never get back to pounding the pavement, I'd never get back running long distances and getting a huge buzz.

Two weeks on I've been to the gym (50 minutes X trainer, hills level 9 / 10 minutes run/walk on the treadmill), I've managed to lose 8lbs altogether. I've cut out alcohol and junk, eating more steamed veg and salads, soups and fruit, plenty of egg and soldiers and poached eggs too *yum*.

So onwards and upwards, I'm going to hit the pavements in February as I miss it so much. It'll be a run / Walk first until I get my mojo and fitness back.

A well over due update (Slack alert)

Well I'm still plodding away, going further and further.. Did a 13 miler last month to Penarth and back and still meet up every other Thursday with my pal Sophie for a 9 mile bay run. I've added a few more classes as well as the running as I don't want to get injuries, too much road running day after day and I'll soon have shin splints *gulp*

Spin, boxercise, step circuits and circuits and my new close friends and they are great. With spin I can still use my legs but without the shock of the pavements, I do about 2-3 a week and I'm hooked, especially with some good pumping music playing. Circuits is helping me challenge myself more and working the upper body with all the running as I had NO upper body strength whatsoever six months ago! That's when I started using the weights as well as the running, also boxercise with lots of upper body work and sprints. On average I do six days a week now.

An average week is:

Monday: A hill run to the Leisure centre (around a mileish), then 20 minutes cross trainer, 15 minutes weights, and 500 sit ups (that includes sides). Then a circuits class(1 hour) which can be very heavy going but a great crowd, then a long or short run home (1-2 miles).

Tuesday: Sometimes a rest day, but yesterday it was 30 minutes no11 on the treamill, 20 minutes on the crosstrainer (hill resistance 11), 15 minutes weights, 150 sit ups, then a spin class (45 minutes)

Wednesday: A 10k run or 10 mile run (all according how I feel), then a boxercise class in the night (1 hour).

Thursday: 20-30 minute run on treadmill (11)or Cross trainer, weights, sit ups, then a Spin class (45 mins), then drive to the bay for a 9 mile run with my friend. (the run is sometimes fortnightly).

Friday: Either a 10 mile run, or 20-30 min run treadmill/cross trainer, weights, sit ups and Spin (45 mins).

Saturday: A long run 10-12 miler, sometimes a rest day.

Sunday: A 60 minute run on treadmill, weights, sit ups, spin (45 mins), then if I can make it a Step circuit class in the night (60 mins weights, sprints, step)

I'll try and make my next blog a bit more exciting, need to find some races and things to enter and to aim for. I won't leave it so long next time, I promise ;-)

A 2011 update... Beyond target reached!

I know I haven't posted for a long time, been so busy leading up to Christmas, then the snow, then Toby's birthday etc etc

Now I'm back blogging with good news.. I've reached my goal and lost a few more pounds on the way. At Christmas I was 9 stone 7 lbs (mainly as I was ill with a flu bug), but now have settled at 9 stone 9 lbs. I'm very happy with this, I'd not like to get below 9 stones as I look so drawn and haggard as I've got down to 8 stone 10 and was asked if I was ill!!

I've been doing loads of running and loving it, even in below zero temperatures with my "blue lips" (I hate the cold and go blue. I've done plenty of Roath Park runs, Rumney runs and Newport runs. I even wrote into my favourite mag "Women's running" and got a letter published (I'll upload a piccie), feeling very positive and happy right now. I've even included a before and after photo (found on Hope's DSi)

So my next mission is to run a marathon, and go in for plenty of half marathons as the longer the better. My name is Tracie and a long distance runner and loving it ;-)

An bit of an update.. 5 lbs until goal!!!

I've been a terrible slacker posting on here lately, so much to do and been training hard for the half marathon coming up, plus keep everyone happy etc.

I'm now down to 10 stone 5 1/4lbs, it's been a pound here and there then a big loss etc. You just can't control what you lose and when etc. I've been doing the weights a lot so that's probably a factor in it as I'm bulking up a bit.

My week goes a bit like this:

Monday: Gym 60 minute run up to 10 mph and 5 incline at 1 min every 5 mins/ 12mph 1 min every 5 mins.. Then weights on arms and dips for 20 mins and 20 mins of sit ups and stretch. Then Zumba in the night.

Tuesday: A 10 K run outside usually or a 9 mile run to Roath park and back.

Wednesday: The gym same as Monday, then Zumba in the night.

Thursday: Up to 11 miler run with friend training for the half marathon.

Friday: Gym or a rest day.

Saturday: 1 hour kickboxing then maybe a run in the evening (10K).

Sunday: 30 min run on treadmill and 1 hour Step Circuit.

I will put up before during and after photos soon, just so busy at the moment. I have a lovely before one stored on my daughters DSi *shudder* so will work out how to upload that here. For now I've uploaded one profile piccy of me today. I finally don't have a round face lol!

Almost at goal weight! (6 1/4 lb loss this week)

I thought I'd catch up as I've been so busy and not had a chance to do so. Last week I did a lot of running, went to London and was on my feet for 9 hours.. When I went to weigh I was the same which was disappointing. I put it down to the "Time of the month" as I was bloated to hell and felt rough..

So today I weighed and found I had lost 6 1/4 lbs taking me to 10 stone 13 1/2 pounds, so now I've lost over 5 stones. It just goes to show your body doesn't lose weight on a particular day and it can cross over to the following week. I'm VERY pleased as over the past few weeks the weight loss has been slow and it's been a juggling game to get the runs in.

It's also my Half Marathon next month, I'm up to over 11 miles on the running now. I just need to squeeze a 13.6 miler out and I've done it. I've become quite a bore about running and now want to do a marathon next year as it gives me such a buzz..

Will update soon with an up to date picture of myself and find a dreaded fatty one from last year..

OMG! 2 weeks since update *Blush*

Well it's been like the Y.M.C.A. here these past two weeks having the three of them off, plus sleepovers galore. I've not been able to get on the laptop as it's had various children on it so have been using my iphone or ipod to browse the web etc.

Well my back recovered and I got back into it, More running, more circuits, More Step Circuits, more gym. I did slip up and had a bottle of wine, so August 17th was a loss of just 1 3/4 lbs .. then went shopping with eldest and had such a bad day I had ANOTHER bottle of wine plus other junk.. not good.

My weigh in today (August 24th) was much much better, (even though I eat donuts and drank wine on that very stressed shopping day) was a loss of 4 1/4 lbs which I'm shocked at but very pleased. So 8lbs plus in 3 weeks is good, just to shift 5 more lbs and it'll be a 5 stone loss. Just have over a stone to go until goal and will see if I'm comfortable at that weight.

Bad back = No running

On another note 1 3/4lbs off this week, would have liked a bit more but a loss is a loss. Managed to hurt my back this week during Step Circuits, I felt it "twang" and it's been hurting ever since. Trying to keep active and sticking to the cross trainer until it gets better as sitting down makes it hurt more than actually moving around!!

Last week went a bit like this:

Tuesday 4th August : Gym 40 mins fartlek running on the treadmill, 9.5 - 12 speed. Then on the Crosstrainer on the Crosstrain for 20 mins on number 12. Weights for 20 mins (arms, legs) and sit ups.

Wednesday 5th August: Rest Day

Thursday 6th August: A 8.73 mile run (1 hour 32 mins) to Roath Park and back in the evening.

Friday 7th August: 1 hour Circuit Training, which was tough as they had 3 minutes on each station!

Saturday 8th August: A 5.7 mile run (55 mins)

Sunday 9th August: Gym 40 mins fartlek running on the treadmill, 9.5 - 12 speed. Then on the Crosstrainer on the Crosstrain for 20 mins on number 12. Weights for 20 mins (arms, legs) and sit ups.

Then 1 hours Step Circuits in the night.

Monday 9th August: Gym, 60 mins on the Crosstrainer on cross train number 11, then arm weights for 20 mins.


I'm hoping by next week my back will get better and will carry on with the running for the Half Marathon in October :-)

Updated 27th July- 3rd August (8lb loss)

Thurd week of the holidays it's getting harder to keep the blog up, plus the laptop always has one of the children on it.. Roll on September!!

Well 2 weeks on and an 8 lb loss, 4 lb on 27/07/10 and 4lb this week 03/08/10. Very happy as I've now lost over 4 STONE! I'm very pleased as the running is going well and I'm up to 10 miles now when I go for runs, just another 3 and that'll be 13 miles for the Half marathon in October. Still loving the Zumba, also added a couple of "killer" step circuits and gym sessions with weights to tone up.

The Other half is taking next week off so I can get some serious running under my belt as it's so hard fitting it in around the kids "social life" and OH's work. Here's to next week :-)

A day late but 3 1/4 lbs off (3 1/2 stones so far)

Well the SEVEN weeks holidays are here and fitting in the running is more of a challenge. I did a 5 mile run on Monday and didn't push myself too much as my ankle and hamstring was a bit tight, but on Tuesday (yesterday) I did 40 mins fartlek on the treadmill and only 10 mins on the X trainer (had to cut it short as it was the holidays and didn't have much time). I did though go to a step circuit class in Llanishen LC for an hour later in the day when Ian got back from work. It was a nice change and a chance to work on my top half with the weights, and catch up with the instructor who I haven't seen in years.

So just a quick blog to say I've lost 3 1/2 stones now and am chuffed :-)

2 lbs off this week :-)

Also got some good runs under my belt and some new routes, one being Hendre lake as seen on the pictures. My new belt is fine now, I've adjusted it and it's snug around my waist so no "chaffing", and the water bottle is staying put. I've pinched Ian's old portable radio and am listening more to the radio now for a change.

Just got back from a 8 1/2 mile run in the rain, I wore a black top as my hair is a nightmare and is still running *tsk*.. the only thing is by mile 5 my hamstring was hurting on my right leg, I think with my bad toe I've been over using it and not running properly and it's got tired. My toe is now fine so I'm trying to use my left leg more to push off from. I'll see what it's like tomorrow and make a decision about running or have it as a "rest day".

Yesterday was a good session at the gym, 40 mins fartlek on the treadmill and 20 mins on the X trainer (number 10, on hills), then 40 minutes weights and 100 sit ups. Must get the top half evened out now as I'll be like popeye on the bottom halfand wimpy on the top lol. Will try the 10 mile run this week down to Newport and back, have to get up to 13 for the Half marathon in October!!

Another weigh in success :-)

*I thought I'd add a picture of myself "pre run" standing awkwardly in my very cluttered kitchen*

After last weeks 1.5 lb loss (which I was very pleased about) I was hoping for more this week as I'd put in a lot of running. So standing on the scales this morning I found I'd lost 5lbs!!!! I'm over the moon, I think it goes to show running is the best weight loss exercise and the most enjoyable (in my book anyways).

I popped into Moti (running shop) in Albany road yesterday to ask them about water bottles and camelpaks etc. I ended up with a running belt (I did have another one but can't find it)and a bottle which fits snuggly in the "holster" .. or so I thought. I went out today for a run and it started working it's way out of the holster and became every annoying, every position it bounced and was uncomfortable. So after all that I was back to square one holding a heavy uncomfortable fiddly water bottle. On the plus side I had some hydrating tablets to put in my water which made the difference as I'm always thirsty and I did feel better for it.

Also on a plus side I did push myself (after yesterdays 1 hour circuits class and 40 mins of fartlek training on the treadmill), and managed over 13K which is over 8 1/2 miles. I did feel it towards the end as I was pretty stiff from yesterdays sessions. It was a lovely run down to Roath park, around and back. Lots of scenery and sunshine..

So a rest day tomorrow to let my aching bones recover!

1.5 lb loss this week :-)

It's been hard to get out and run these past few weeks with Toby off, the only times I can is around midday when the temperature is at it's highest. Not by choice it's when he is taken out for a few hours by his care workers.

I have managed Mon 21st June 5 miles (8k)
Tues 22nd June 5.33 (Just over 8.5k)
Wed 23rd June 3.86 miles (6.21K)
Thurs 24th June 5.16 miles (8.3K)
Fri 25th June 5 miles (8K)
Mon 28th June 6.22miles (10k)

and today Tuesday 29th June 5,10 miles (8.2K)

I've ordered some more trainers too, SAUCONY Pro Grid Omni 7 as my others are losing their bounce. The toe is still swollen and uncomfortable but trying to rest it when I can.

Just need to get a good play list going on my MP3 and some longer routes, also a few biking sessions down Taff Trail would be good.

A late entry.. 3 lbs off for Tues 22nd June.

Plus the running is going very well, managed good times and speed and even running up the steep hills which used to crease me as they are killers around here. The only downside of losing weight is that my clothes are drowning me.. I've got a few days/nights out coming up so will have to get a couple of nice but cheap tops or they will be too big soon and it's a bit of a waste of money!

My toe is still twice the size, I wear flip flops or go bare footed when I'm not running to give it a break. I know I shouldn't run but I'll go stir crazy otherwise. Also my running shoes are losing the "bounce" so will look online and order another same pair at a fraction of the price! I did treat myself to a FETCH running top as pictured, I love it.

Next time I Blog I "hopefully" would have lost 3 stone altogether, it has surprisingly been quite easy, I think it's the running which "doesn't" give me an appetite afterwards, oh and egg and soldiers ;-)

3 1/4 lbs off and going back to the gym.

Well I've managed to lose 3 1/4 lbs without running and the gym. I think it was all the painting and glossing, and the stress of a birthday party etc. As you can see the toe is looking somewhat better but isn't totally healed.

I bit the bullet and went back to the gym yesterday, I was getting very depressed and down about not being able to run/gym it. It's still pretty sore and hurts with the trainer on but numbs up after a while. I managed 1 hour on the Cross trainer number 11 on a cross train, I did book in for a Spin class right after with my friend but thought against it last second.

Not sure what's happening next week as Toby has 2 weeks holiday from school which messes up my gym routine (pesky kids ;-)). I just can't wait until I can run again and then I can at least run in the night when OH gets back from work.

So this week will be a week of solid X training me thinks x

6 lbs off this week..

I don't know how but I'm over the moon. Last Saturday I managed a 10K, I was so pleased that the old me is coming back. To be honest I didn't do much last week just 3 times I went running/training as it was half term, I was very busy though.

Disaster struck Sunday afternoon, I was mopping the floor and I clipped the side of the door hard, my little toe made a clicking noise and I knew I'd broken it, AGAIN! This will be the third time I've done this.. I did try to put my trainer on on Monday to try to gym it on the Crosstrainer. I couldn't even put a sock on properly for the pain, and the trainer was very painful. So no more running/Gym/Zumba for at least a week and then I'll see what it's like.

I'm going stir crazy already! So I'm throwing myself into painting my Daughter's room to keep active. I miss running and am actually starting to feel depressed and cranky :-(..

A bit late but a 2 lb off for 01/06/10

(A picture of Beautiful Tintern, on the right)



Been very busy so haven't been able to log in to post last Tuesday, with the half term etc. Been to Tintern with friends and did a lot of walking in the forest, then to Ceredigion for the Eisteddfod and loads of walking and standing (about 15 hours worth). Then a day off as I was exhausted..

I did manage to go to the gym for an hour on Wednesday where the rest came in well as I managed much better on the treadmill, and didn't feel tired at all. Then a Zumba class in the evening, in the heat, VERY hot. Nothing for Thursday apart from mowing lawns and running the kids about. My mum did sit for me whilst I went for a 5 mile run yesterday in the sun, 3 mins run 1 walk, even a 6 min run with no stops. So pleased it's getting easier.

I did cheat and step on the scales (should be on Tuesdays), it was a good one but will reveal all this Tuesday. All that walking etc has paid off :-)

Roll on Tuesday, and enjoy the sun all!!

Another 3.5 lbs off this week..

Plus another run in this glorious weather.. I'm finding it less effort each run and really getting into it, also a lot of support from other runners who are road running which is lovely, one on a bike and one who said "well done" as she was on the same route but going in the opposite direction.

So Mon & Tues I've done the same route (7.9k)in an hour.. I want to aim for 10K next week which was a normal run when I was fit, and then the long 12 mile run on the Sunday (which is a few months off). Feeling really positive, plus the Zumba is so much fun and you really work up a sweat.

Went for a run in the Sun..

I've been so jealous seeing people going for a run in this lovely weather, I thought Sod it I may not be as fit as before but I'd rather run outside than a stuffy gym.

So I charged my Garmin watch (which only found the signal towards the end of the road which is over a mile long *tut*), then forgot my MP3.. I started the 1 min walk/run until I hit Newport Road (very steep in places), then a 2 minute run/1 min fast walk for the last 40 minutes. The only downside to forgetting my MP3 was I could hear my strangled breathing lol.

I felt hot, sweaty and red faced but a sense of achievement, on the way back to my 12 mile runs in the sun on a Sunday which I loved in the past.. cross your fingers for me :-)

2 1/2 pounds off.

I weighed myself yesterday and I've lost 2 1/2 pounds which I'm very happy with. I've kept up the gym work and the two Zumba classes. I've also signed up to a spin class this Friday which I'm a bit nervous about as I haven't done one for ages!

My knees have been a bit sore last week (sore knees) so I've bumped up the incline and done a fast walk on the treadmill (incline 7 and 30 mins at a speed of 6), then on the cross trainer on a number 9 on the X train programme. Plus plenty of walking last Saturday (3 hours worth). My knees are much better now, not even a twinge so I'll go back to the running. The weather is so lovely and I miss my runs in the sun..

Also my clothes are very loose now which is a bonus..

Onwards and upwards!!