Run Fat Bi*ch Run!  (Nice I know!)

Ok, so I'm back... and still on my mission. Not quite Julie and Julia style. How the days have flown and how they continue to fly by... I now have 152 days left and I'm determined to make them count. My time has been swallowed by the wedding arrangements, a new (and increasingly demanding) job and a severe amount of back pain. 

Much time has been devoted to reclining on the couch, ensconced by recipe books and househould management (dressed up as a barrell of laugh) books. About to move house, I feel just about ready to deal with the domestic demands of marriage. I have accomplished unblocking the U-bend, cross stick, microwave cleaning and vaccum repairs. This no longer ills me with panick. I still endeavor to extend my cullinery repotoire and have got as far a putting Mastering the Art of French Cooking Vol 1&2 into my Amazon basket. It is as yet saved to buy for later. 

My progress aside, I am still in a flap about my appearance for 'the big day'. The photos that will be amassed and then cheaply spread on Facebook.The no doubt gormless changes of expression I will find tagged on return from my honeymoon. The pressure is beginning to sink in. I loathe having my photo taken and now I am supposed to enjoy, even revel in it! I don't want my day to be about photos. I feel action must be taken to increase my confidence so that my day does not become my plight to avoid the snap. I have several amateur photographer friends that no doubt will swoop and flash.

Another motivation I have to improve my confidence and figure is that I have the honour of being maid of honour to a very dear friend. This time I will not have the option to choose a flattering dress that hides and accentuates. I will obligingly wear what I am told. So I need to be whipped into shape. 

A louder motivation pushing its way from the back of my mind is the plan to become baby making ready...

Let the project begin!

I am freshly inspired by having lost 2lbs since the last time I weighed in. Hardly radical - since before Christmas. I expect there have been many fluctuations since then. But that happy news combined by the purchase of Run Fat Bitch Run by Ruth Field. This has changed my life in little over a week. I have found my Grit Doctor. See me go...

For the first time since my trampoling disaster I am excited about exercise and my capacity. I absolutely LOVE the/ my Grit Doctor. Long reign the Grit Doctor!

Tomorrow the plan (or my version of it) will continue and conquer.

Over and out...

Two steps forward, two steps back?

OK, so not quite the dedicated start I had envisaged for my blog and plight to chicdom. I obviously did more damage than I though last Wednesday at trampolining. As much fun as it is, I've decided my trampolining days are over. I just can't afford having to take so much time out of my schedule due to the pain. After the crunch when I did a dodgy forward bounce ( I can't even remember the name, but you bounce from standing to horizontally flat and back up) I popped a few painkillers and carried on. The next two days I battled through, counting down the minutes until the next dose, tears close due to the pain. As a result, my fitness plan took a bit of a dive.

Saturday was my first scheduled surf lesson. I wasn't sure I could face it when I woke up, but drunk on my regained mobility I went for it. All excitement faded and I nearly ran back home when as I arrived at the beach the life guards were in the middle of a rescue and a helicopter was airlifting someone out of the water. Encouraged by Beau, I was kitted out with my wetsuit. Five minutes of grunting and gasping behind the surfing instructor's van and I was finally in my wet suit. Definitely a team effort! I felt a bit self conscious as two slips of women easily pulled theirs on, laughing at how baggy they were. I had the last laugh there. Two hours later, they were blue, I was toasty.


Surfing was amazing... I just loved being that close to nature and the freak ocean swell instead of the promised wavelets gave me the extra thrill. As I battled out and got thrashed back to shore, I could make up my mind if I was good scared or scared scared. Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze some more lessons in this year, before the weather changes and when my back is back to full mobility. I had no idea I was 'working' out when in the sea, but the next day my arms really knew I'd been surfing.

So, I finished my book club book. Thankfully in two evenings. Quick and painful like ripping a plaster off. I hate to give books a bad review. I feel it's a bit rich when I've never even written a book, never mind got someone to agree to publish it. Anyway, it wasn't my sort of thing. I am looking forward to hearing what the others think at the book club. I love the book club! It's so much more than discussing books. It's great for people watching, politics, power struggles and in an amazingly, hilariously funny/bad hotel. The reviews on Trip Advisor make for a novel of their own.

I thought this was a bit of a slow week in my plight for self improvement. But I will list my achievements/positive steps...

Surfing - experienced, not yet conquered!

2 x healthy meals cooked from my Body Fit and Health & Fitness magazine.

Progress with my online TEFL learning.

Watched, not yet fully participated in the dance work out DVD I purchased - Can't wait!

1 x session of swimming and water walking.

A full fridge of healthy fruits and veggies.


This one was a good try but a bit of a booboo!

This afternoon the sun was out and it was warm, with my back still complaining a jog was out. So I decided on a blackberry picking adventure. I found an amazing spot last Monday but didn't have anything to collect them in. There were loads of ripe looking berries, but all quite reluctant to leave the bush, so I left them - maybe a few more days. Then I noticed the most beautiful purple flowers smothering the bushes. I took a little photo, then I wondered are they DEADLY NIGHTSHADE? The plant that would, as a child, send me running to my grandma in horror. I looked again. Surely not. How do I feel about eating berries that have been almost smothered by this plant. I thought surely not. As a child I only remember it growing in small isolated patches - not claiming a whole hedgerow. I've googled it and sadly it was the DEADLY NIGHTSHADE. Also, I met an old lady walking her dog and she looked pitifully at my  punnet then started adding her own. Except hers are covered with a white mould or lots of bird poo. What could I say? So now with my OCD tendencies I am left with around 40 small, possibly contaminated by DEADLY NIGHTSHADE, and mould/ bird poo. Can I bring myself to sort, wash and eat? Or are they to be given to the birds? I wanted something to show for my nettle stings.

A coffee morning tomorrow and birthday drinks in the evening. Two opportunities to make progress on the journey to classy and chic.

Over and out...

Domestic Goddess - almost!

Again a busy few days...

Monday: Yoga. Hooray!!! I'm almost there with Crow! I can't do it for very long but I'm getting better... My wrists knew about it on Tuesday am though!

Tuesday:

Inspired by BodyRock tv and lovely Zuzana and Freddie. Today I tried the burpees and the bridge then back to some hula hooping - such fun and I can actually do it so I feel like I've achieved.

A lovely exhilarating walk along the coast. I didn't get quite as far as I planned due to a storm that came from nowhere. I worked those muscles walking across the sand though. It might sound a little corny but I think I will always remember that walk - it will go in the same memory basket as seeing the seals up close and crossing the causeway to Holy Island for the first time. As the rain pelted, shafts of light shone through the clouds on the ships at see - priceless. 

Wednesday: Time for trampolining. I wasn't as carefree this week. I got a little carried away with hula hooping and actually have some nasty bruises on my hip bones :o( Still I had an amazing time and it made me whoop like a child. I try very hard not to, as the instructor takes it very SERIOUSLY!

Then I decided to cool off at the gym with a few lengths and a jacuzzi. I also did 30 lengths walking as apparently this helps build the muscles you use for running and helps balance you. Well I'll give it ago.  However, I'm not that encouraged - I've noticed that the others doing this are considerably older, larger and rather infirm. Maybe it's not the best thing for me?

Job 2:
Super market sweep. I know I'm going to be busy the next few days so I decided to do the food shop now, while buoyed up on exercise. I got loads of vegetables- the fruit wasn't up to much. Mostly marked down as it's going too soft or so hard you could use it as a bullet. That can be a job for another day.

I also had a mad craving for chicken nuggets. I'm not sure why. My mother NEVER gave these to me as a child. 'Chicken don't have nuggets...' But I had this strange craving. I never usually go down that aisle even. But they looked so good. But then I hear my mother's voice... I imagine the meat factories... I decide it will have to be vegetarian soya/wheat protein nuggets. I also know that if I had bought chicken nuggets I wouldn't have actually enjoyed them...

And so I arrive home and cook my golden nuggets and they were lush! Then set to work to prepare some healthy ready meals so that I don't get an attack of the munchies and fall from grace.

I feel my cookery session this afternoon was a work out in itself. It was unbearably hot in out kitchen even with the fan on.

With my quorn mince I have made...

2 x shepherd's pie for the freezer

1 x bolognaise with peas and new pots (meant for tonight but there's enough for a freezer portion too)

1 x potato bake. I peel and slice the potato and line the pot and layer with loads of onions, peppers, tomatoes and make a white sauce. In my version I use corn flour mixed with water, whisk over the heat and add grated nutmeg and parsley. I think it is healthier this way and less fatty.

I intend to pad out the above with lots of green veg and sweetcorn- my fav. And have some grilled fish in between what now looks like a lot of stodge!

I have made a large batch of vegetable and lentil soup for lunches.

I have cut 3 pineapples and put them into portions for the freezer. Pineapples are usually expensive here. But I got 3 medium one for 49p today!!! Madness.

To quench my sweet tooth I made Nigella's pistachio fudge. Got to say it looks lovely but is very very sickly. One piece goes a long way.

This lot should keep us going for a while so I'm hoping minimal trips to the supermarket over the next 10 days ish. Will shop locally for milk and veg. Supermarkets make me feel a bit sick after a few minutes. There is just something a bit morally icky seeing all these people with 3 for 2 offers of crisps and chips and pop and other 'delights' I just find it overwhelming to have 40 packets of crisps in a trolley? I wonder if anyone else finds these places overwhelming. I think I was better at food decision making when I lived by myself. Somehow the business of choosing what others eat and spending other's money makes it all the more serious. Then I get unfocused by all my label reading and the music and special announcements and discounts... Well Beau always thinks I've done a good job so the only pressure is from myself.

I was feeling absolutely exhausted and miserable as my back is rather painful from a bad front drop on the trampoline. Then I logged on... I have a comment!! And such a lovely, helpful one. Thank you Hiro Pro! You have been very encouraging, especially your tricks for motivation. I am going to take regular photos, but I'm not brave enough to put them on my blog yet. I think you are right about success feeding motivation - this worked for me when studying. I'm trying to make myself think positively about my achievements and focus on what I have rather than what I haven't done. And to record it on my blog to pressure me into doing something towards my goal on the days I feel like slobbing.



 Anyway, my book club book is calling me -  The Guardian Angel's Journal.

Thank you, good wishes.


Over and out.

Nuptial Nightmares!!

OK, so a busy weekend.

Sunday

Job 1: Conquering the kitchen. Lamb tagine - conquered. Deliciously tender slow cooked lamb. A bit sweet though, not sure I'd do it again.

Job 2: Fitness

4 mile walk in the sun with Beau - perfect!


Sunday finished with a nice glass of Chardonnay and left over olives while watching Sex and the City. Having never jumped on the bandwagon and only having caught a few disjointed episodes, I haven't come to love the girls in the same way my peers. Not being a girly girl I found it hard to watch yet strangely hypnotic - as if it is a window to another reality. I wonder if this reality exists somewhere. Do women like this really exist? I compare my aspirations and friendships and count my blessings. Hypnotic, but not enough to keep me awake. I decide to watch the rest in the morning and turn in. I leave Carrie jilted at the altar. Having watched an episode of Don't Tell the Bride earlier in the evening, it doesn't make for happy sleeping.

This brings me through to Monday morning. I wake with a start. In my nightmare I'm getting married the next day and we have no cake - Grandma is suggesting biscuits instead. We have no bridesmaid's dresses. I want to cancel, postpone. It was never meant to be like this. How did I get to be so disorganised. Slowly as Beau kisses me good morning, I realise with relief I'm NOT getting married in the morning. I can breath again. Glad not to be starring in Don't Tell the Bride, I ponder on weddings and marriage. I don't need a wedding to have a marriage. The luxury of it is making me feel a bit sick. Do I deserve it? I'm filled with guilt. I am shocked at how excited I've become about The Wedding. Is this bad? Have I, like Carrie lost sight of what it means? Why else would I be having nightmares about cakes and dresses - this is not what it's about. Two coffee later, I resolve - my dress is not a  bespoke one-off, not a meringue , I will NOT be wearing a bird on my head and I've just about still got as firm a grip as I ever had on life. I still listen to Cameron talk about Gaddafi's. The depressing news about the economic downturn. How badly off we all are. Given all this, I think it is time we made out own happiness and find it in all the small and large things that make up life.

I am not going to feel guilty ( I know I still will a bit) in an uncertain world I want to be married and I want to share it with my loved ones. It is everyday expereinces mixed with occassions such as this that make happy memories that can be treasure and fed upon in less happy, more difficult times. For this reason and all the joy it will bring, surely it can't be wrong. Surely it is only dangerous if it boils over and takes on a persona of its own? I have not lost sight of what it means. I guess I'm very lucky that my Beau is even more keen on sharing our wedding with others. The traditions are as important to him, maybe more so, as they are for me. They say it's the Bride's day. Well I'm going to make sure it is OUR day.


Well, even in the end Carrie got her happy ending- or did she - I'm sure, even with all her shoes, I wouldn't want her ending.I watched the rest of the film this morning, which squeezed out any time for a run. Course of action: Walk after lunch and yoga this evening. Surfing tomorrow has been cancelled so time for something more strenuous then!

Over and out...

Derby day doldrums!

Job 1: 2.33 miles 27 minutes. Not much better...

Job 2: Interest in Beau's hobby - the town football derby. Mission accomplished. Not to be repeated. Foul language (not from Beau) absolutely disgusting eating manners- ripping the chicken off the bone with their (few and yellow) teeth and licking their sticky fingers. YUK!! (Also not from Beau - bless him - he didn't think it was hygenic- right there at least one reason to marry him!!!)

Moroccan Fish & Chips

Job1: With sore joints curtailing my exercise regime, I've taken a short walk and go the rest of my workout through the much needed housework. Waging war on grime and heavy shopping bags I'm sure must count for something.

Job 2 on the Journey from Miss to Mrs: Increased competence in the kitchen. We seem to eat the same few dishes on a rotation - time for more adventure and variety. With Jamie Oliver's help I've made Moroccan Fish & Chips. Job done. One dish under my belt!

Over and out...

This time next year we'll be millionaires or married!

So another day down... Many steps to go...

Not very productive start to the day. I nursed myself through the first few hours of the day with ibuprofen, milky coffee and a scone (perhaps not the best food choice - although it was homemade with dates and walnuts, so not all bad!) My toils from yesterday have caught up with me. My joints are so stiff, I feel like I'm moving in treacle. After a rerun of Only Fools and Horses, an episode of my beloved Cold Feet all washed down with a gallon of milky coffee, I'm feeling human enough to feel guilty that I'm still in bed. Embarrassed that my curtains are still shut and the workmen outside on the scaffolding will know I'm a lazy cow. They don't know I'm a teacher on a well deserved holiday and that actually I work very hard - they sneer like I'm a lady that lunches and lollops around doing not a lot. Inverted snobs. I bet myself that they probably lie in on their holidays, but somewhere hot, abroad, probably boozy and smoke filled in a jungle of bikini clad beauties. I won't pass them any tea out the window today.

I do a few Sun Salutations to loosen up and it works a treat. God bless yoga! Then I decide to brave it through the hallway, past the inverted snobs. So I'm ready, MP3 player, Gymboss and door keys. I have hit upon the idea of safety pinning them to myself to I can run hands free. I walk the first 5 mins at a pace to warm up. Then I've set the Gymboss to laps of 1 minute running, 2 minutes resting. Yes I heard it too- sounds rubbish. But sadly for me, it's still a challenge and I can't even run for a minute on the sand once I've reached the beach. Still I'm determined to improve.

I did 2.77 miles in 32 minutes - something to beat next time.

Job 2: Improve nutrition.
Increase intake of oily fish.
Achieved this with a very tasty grilled sardine sandwich.
Verdict: The house stinks, even out to the hallway - like a mini Craster!



Jobs for tomorrow:

Another jog/walk if joints allow.
The Food Shop!!! An exciting adventure - it's like travelling abroad up and down the aisle. I think maybe I fancy bit more of India and Greece this week. Also an opportunity to make more healthy choices and increase good nutrient intake. One step closer to glowing skin and inner chic!

Over and out.