get into shape

Got a gym membership and am planning on running another 10k in the summer- just ran 4.5k in 41 minutes which is not amazing, but definitely a start! :)

This is so hard, and it takes aaages. I really need to up the ante here, although I’ve been hitting the gym hard. I am fitter than I used to be, I’ve trained up to run 10km and did it in an hour and four minutes, so that’s an indicator of being in reasonably good form. But how do I actually visually shape up??

I’m doing a mixture of running, weights & crunches and zumba, 3-4 times a week. Foodwise I think I should be eating more fruit & veg. I’v’e been ok with reducing the sweet stuff, I’m not going completely overboard but I’m not depriving myself of it either. I guess I just have to keep at it… any advice anyone?

Ok, it’s time to really attack this mother! Summer is not far off (some say it’s here), and I’ve got some serious body confidence to gain. But you know what? I’m up for the challenge!

All I need is a plan. I know where my weak points lie:
- bad meal planning: I go hungry for hours because there is no time to cook or eat, and then I fall for the rubbish and overeat as well
- exercise needs to be a planned part of my life. It’s simply about the logistics of not having my gym stuff when I’m in town etc.
- Eating in company: especially with that one special gentleman I tend to tuck into pork chops and things that I would never buy, cook or consider making myself. Now that’s not bad, but needs moderation.

So what actions are due?

1. Drink at least 4 large cups of water/liquid at work. More is better. How: Try to work it into the routine, always have some to sip. But the moment I realise I’m running low, to take 2 minutes, go to the water dispenser and have a glass there and then.

2. Schedule exercise sessions one week in advance and stick to them. Aim for daily, so that 4-5 a week is a doable minimum. How: use an electronic calendar and rope in my friends.

3. Commit to flexible dieting. Essentially go by Bethenny Frankel. Maybe her character is not everyone’s cup of tea but that woman talks a lot of sense. How: Get back into thinking about portions and approximate caloric value (no need to become anal over this, just have an idea). Treats are usually reserved for when I have company (eating sweets by yourself is like drinking alcohol by yourself… why would you do it?). A big dinner is preceded by a small lunch. A fatty piece of meat is accompanied by a salad. Well you get the gist. And I will definitely remember to cancel my membership at the clean plate club.

4. Eat more raw food. No need to go happy clappy over this, and I think a bit of everything is the way forward, but having more fresh and alive fruit and veggies will propel me right where I want to be. How: take fruit to work every day – Desperation will drive me to eat it. Prepare raw food dishes I know I like in advance (e.g. marinated brokkoli, carrot pasta with tomato sauce).

5. Hold on to a fit, healthy, beautiful, bubbly and enthusiastic mindset, regardless of what mirror and scales have to say. They’ll change their minds in due course…

I’d love to buddy up with people who are likeminded. I think losing weight and toning up is much easier when you’ve got someone to share the journey with you! Get in touch if you’re interested.

I had a gym induction yesterday and a phenomenal muscle ache today :)
It seems to be quite a good programme with trainiers reviewing your progress charts, so hopefully that will keep me motivated.
I asked for a particulary short programme that I can fit into a busy day. I hope I can fit it all in and keep it up!

I have had enough of feeling uncomfortable in my jeans. It’s ridiculous and it doesn’t have to be this way. I started to make more sensible choices as to what I eat today, no extra sweets, no second helpings, no late night snacking.

Tomorrow I’ll go to Zumba class. I’ll aim to do an hour of sports every day from tomorrow for a week and see how that goes and how I feel.