The Courage To Start Round 3 Bloggers' Challenge!!

Well hi everyone!! I set up this blog site last round of 12WBT, but didn't really get to work on it all that much. I really hope to write a lot more this round, but so far, haven't really got there. I have start of round blogs to write, and I still have a blog to write about my experience in my first every fun run from last weekend. However......joining this blogging challenge will make sure I get on here at least once a week, so until I can get the posts done I want to for myself, I am happy to know I have committed to this challenge! Thankyou to the wonderful Kath for getting this challenge up and running, and it's fantastic to see so many have joined in.

Anyway.....to the task at hand.....

1. Describe yourself in 25 words or less. You can get straight to the point - or bring your creativity into play.
I am a singer and retailer from Brisbane, newly getting into the fitness thing, loving the results so far and excited for Round 3!

2. What brings you to 12wbt? Getting fitter? Losing weight? (Gaining weight??) Are you first timer, a repeat offender??


This is my second round of 12WBT. I did the last round, and lost quite a substantial amount of weight (22.4kg!!), however I still have more to go. Currenty at last weigh in was sitting at 81.7kg, and would like to get down to 70kg by the end of this round. While the weight-loss and looking slimmer is a visual bonue, my main reason for finally starting something was for my health. I am petrified of death, and knowing that heart disease is common for the men in my family line, I was always scared of the thought of having a heart attack. At least now, as I am not a drinker or smoker, combined with my newly improved health and fitness, if something happens, I can't say I didn't try to live as healthy a life as possible for myself.

This round I also want to continue to improve my fitness, tone up the arms more, lose more 'jiggly bits' off my tumm yand hip/thigh area, I would like to get better at running and improve my stamina.

3. Why do you blog??


When I started my blog, it wasn't 'for' anyone in particular. It was actually more for me, so I could look back and see how far I had come, and what I could achieve. Kind of a way to record things, but with video and photos to accompany experiences I had had during my weight loss process, during the return to me!! (Hence the name - Return Of The Mackie). I don't have many followers, but I like to share my blog posts by linking it on facebook or on the 12WBT forum sites. I want people to know - and in particular the newer members - what can be achieved if you really work hard. Especially for the ladies (& gents) that started over 100kg like I did, that you can get your body moving, and really have results that blow your mind! The fact that I have had emails and messages from people stating that, and that I have inspired/encouraged them to keep going makes me want to write more!

4. Who is your biggest inspiration in life and why (doesn't have to be weight loss)

I am constantly inspired by fellow 12WBTers - their amazing transformations, and their commitment to creating their most spectacular lives possible. Whether it's a participants who has done lots of rounds and are at their goal weights and now doing the lean and strong round, or someone just starting out, who has managed to walk around their block for the first time in a long time. I am inspired by the whole program and especially Michelle Bridges for the wonderful program she has created and the empowering way she speaks and teaches us all about the choices we make, and how to live a better life.

5. What things in life bring you the most joy?

My partner Leonie, my friends and family, my band members and performing in my band, my cats, the sound of laughter, the smell of rain and a day off with no housework to do, to relax and maybe read a book (very few and far between those days!!)

6.What do you think your greatest challenge is going to be this round?


I think for me this round, I am really going to step up the intensity of my workouts, I need to really get a sweat happening. I need hardio cardio workouts, and to push myself to that uncomfortable place to get the most out of my time.

7. What are you most excited about 12wbt?

To see the results for myself and everyone else after all our hard work over the next 3 months. The look on people's faces when they have started losing weight is exciting. There is a sparkle in their eyes, that despite the early morning workouts and sore muscles etc, they are feeling proud of themselves, sometimes for the first time in a long time!! Also I hope to meet lots more new friends this round!

8. And what scares the pants off you?

The thought of the increased intensity level I know I need to work at to get to my goal!! Also the thought of my wedding part way through this round, and being out of my normal routine for about a week!! Will be doing lots of planning for that soon though to ensure I stay right on track!

9. Tell me - right now - today - how do you feel about exercise in no more than 10 words

I get it done, but don't love it - yet.

10. Complete this sentence - in 12 weeks time - on the last day of 12wbt I am going to be feeling
like I left nothing in the tank, I gave it my all, and that I am proud of my achievements and couldn't have done any better!

Thanks everyone for reading! And thanks again to Kath for the great challenge. I can't wait to see what the next week's topic is! Looking forward to a night at home tonight so I can read everyone else's introductions!


Kate xxx