Round 1, 2012 12WBT Pre-Season Task 3 - My Goals!

Goals goals goals!! So what do I want to achieve this round??

I have been pondering this for a few days, as I have been unsure which program to follow this time round. I had been thinking I might like to try the Lean & Strong round, but have come to the conclusion that there is a bit of mid-section flabbiness that I would really like to work off first - you know the usual spots us ladies have trouble with, the tummy/hips/thigh region. Also, I have really only just started doing some running on a regular basis in the last month, I want to see how I go with that for a while longer, as I hope to increase my cardio fitness, reduce my run times, and get an improved, more efficient technique happening. So, it is Lean & Fit again for me, and I am going to push myself to the advanced level. I am not quite in the advanced level for my push ups etc, but the rest is fine.

So, my main goals for the next 3 months are as follows:

* Get to my goal weight, which I think will be somewhere around 62-65kg. 2 rounds ago I had the long term 'goal' of 70kg, thinking it would take years to get there. I am currently at 68kg, and although I would be happy to not lose any more from my face/neck/chest area, I know we can't be picky like that, so if I am aiming to reduce more tummy etc, I have to continue to work out as I have been.

* Continue with the weekly running events I do, in particular Park Run which is a free 5km run in New Farm every Sunday morning. I have only done this a few times, and my current best time is just over 38minutes. By the end of the next 12 weeks, I would like to have this time consistently under 35 minutes, and then begin to work towards 30mins.

Out of interest, Park Run is a free event done in many capital cities and towns over Australia. You get an official time at the end and can check your results on the website which are usually posted the same day! See www.parkrun.com.au

* Compete in another triathlon enticer event. I recently did my first one, which was great fun, and I would love to do some more!! I am aiming for the Gold Coast entiver in April, which is a larger distance on all 3 legs than the one I did last weekend at Caloundra!

                                             *Me approaching the finish line at Caloundra!*

Here is the link to the next enticer event:

http://www.usmevents.com.au/Triathlon___Multi_Sport/Gatorade_Queensland_Tri_Series/Gold_Coast_Triathlon___Luke_Harrop_Memorial.htm

* Start using the weights machines at the gym to get more toned and get some more definition happening - in particular in my arms.

What goals do you have set for yourself for this round? Looking back on my first round, I can tell I was nervous and unsure the I would succeed. I set good goals, but what I set were small goals. I suppose, so that I could be sure I would achieve them. I look forward to setting myself a big challenge now, as it gives me something to really work hard for over each 12 weeks. For me this round, running is definitely going to be that thing!! Who knows, I might become a regular Forest Gump and just keep on running!!

Round 1, 2012 12WBT Pre-Season Task 2 - My Excuses!!

After 2 rounds of 12wbt and over 40kg lost, it is interesting to analyse the excuses that I still have going on inside my head. Basically, I still don't love exercise, and I would probably love a good sleep in from time to time rather than busting my butt at whatever training session I have on that day, HOWEVER I know that doing those things isn't going to get me any closer to my goals, and that is why I choose to get up early and eat clean. So basically, these excuses aren't there everyday, but I know that some of these babies might try and re-surface when I least expect it! These are the main ones I can think of for now, but should any new ones decide to reveal themselves over the next 12 weeks, I will certainly let you know!!

My Internal Excuses & Solutions:

* I'm so sore, I should just rest today
-  Have a hot bath after a big session, stretch and know that doing some more training will keep everything loosened up.

* I can't go at 100% right now, as I need to be able to finish the session
- Aim to get a bit faster or go a bit harder - lift a bit heavier - each session. That way I might not be going as fast/hard/strong as a champion athlete just yet, but I am building towards it. Also trust that I can complete the sessions, and if I really get stuck, I have my phone with me anyway!

* I couldn't be bothered with it, I'll just have takeaway
- Pre-plan meals and do big freezer cook-ups so I can have something ready to go at all times - very handy for if I am unexpectedly getting home late.

* I have worked out hard today so this one little snack won't matter  
- Remind myself of what it will take to burn off that one little treat, remind myself of how much I still dislike running and working out, that I will have to do even more in order to have not wasted my previous workout

* I have worked out hard today, so I can sleep in tomorrow and skip training
- Remind myself that in order to achieve my goals I still need to be working out hard every day. Skipping a day makes it harder to pick up the day after. Working out hard in Round 1 is what got me the results I wanted, so if I want to keep that up, I need to keep up the same level of frequency, intensity and momentum.

External Excuses Within My Control & Solutions:



* My feet hurt 
- Go to shoe store, and check that my current workout shoes are still in good condition and don't need replacing

* It's too hot/cold/rainy 
- Invest in a good sun protective cap and lots of sunscreen for outdoor training. I also have Michelle's dvds so I can still do an inside workout if the weather is too unbearable/miserable

* It's not my day with the car - I can't get to the gym as there is no bus that gets me there early enough for my class



- Walk to the gym, or do a different workout to normal - mixing it up keeps it interesting!!


External Excuses Outside Of My Control & Solutions:

* Car breaks down - can't get to gym
 - Use public transport, or walk

* Gym is closed for public holiday
- Do an outside training session or one of Michelle's dvd workouts

* Get held up at work - I'm going to miss a meal/have to have takeaway

- Have an excess supply of snacks and frozen meals at work. Also fammiliarise myself with some 'good' takeaway options if I am really desperate - eg a subway wrao or salad (no cheese or sauce of course, and something from their healthier range - ham, salad, or turkey)

Have you looked at what excuses might be holding you back from achieving your goals? What solutions can you come up with to combat those excuses??

I'm Back - Round 1, 2012 12WBT Pre-Season Task 1

Introduce yourself!

Well for those of you just stumbling upon this blog, my name is Kate. I've completed 2 rounds of 12WBT & I am currently 38kgs lighter than I was at the end of May 2011. I am yet to do a 'wrap up' blog for 2011, which was a year that seriously changed my life. For good. Please stick around though, as I have lots in store for this round!!

For those who have read my previous ramblings, welcome back! I am signed up and ready to go for another round of www.12wbt.com.au and raring to go!!

To save repeating myself, here is my introduction video for this round! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1oQJfumLrQ&feature=youtu.be

Kate :)

Biggest Loser Australia - the Singles Edition!

Episode 2 of The Biggest Loser done! Last night I cried my way through the whole episode. There is something about watching it, now that I have travelled (and still am travelling) the journey from obese down to a healthier version of what I was, that I can REALLY relate to. I really am FEELING the contestants this year.

I have heard many mixed views on the 'singles' version. Some love it, some absolutely hate it. It definitely has a lot of focus put on it. I know there are plenty of overweight people who are not shy retiring wall flowers hiding away at home. They are outgoing, loud and funny. They put up a front of confidence, but deep down would love to have someone to share their journey in life with. I know, because I was that person in the past. In face, my whole life I had been single, until the age of 29. I was an outgoing independant woman, seemingly full of life, but there were plenty of times I felt down about being on my own.

I was lucky that once I met someone, my partner loved me, even at the size I was. I was around 95kg at the time, and only got heavier.

Should she have encouraged me to lose weight? I don't know. The size of me didn't worry her, but should she have looked at it from the health perspective? Looking at photos now, she says she can't even remember me looking the size I was.

I do know though, that a lot of the things this year's contestants have revealed that they are feeling, I have felt before, both as a single person, and someone in a relationship. And I, for one, am going to love watching their transformations as first and foremost, they begin to love themselves.

It's Been A While........Round 3 Week 6 Update!

Hi all,

Well I must firstly make a MASSIVE apology! After promoting this blog on various facebook posts and 12WBT forums, I have been massively MIA since the start of this round.

There is much to catch up on, including running (yes, I ran the whole way) the 10km Bridge To Brisbane fun run, starting Sunday morning group training sessions - and a double every fortnight!!, trying to overcome many extra work hours that severely cut into my training times, and finishing organising my wedding, which is coming up in 3 weeks!!! Eeeeeek! It has been a very busy time indeed, adn sometimes I have felt I wasn't giving the commitment I promised to 12WBT.

In spite of it all though, I have kept my nutrition clean and trained as often as I could, but I have missed some of Mish's videos, & had NO time at all for this blog, or the forums. In fact, right now, I am in between getting the groceries out of the car, and putting out a load of washing that has just finished!!

I just want to let anyone who might be reading this blog know, that I am still here, and am now down to a loss of 33.4kg since the start of Round 2. I am at about an 8kg loss so far for this round, which is a slower pace than last round, but I suppose I don't have as much to lose this time round, so the numbers won't be as large!! I currently sit at 75.5kg, and my 'goal' that I had in mind was 70kg, so not far to go now.

Anyway, I will hopefully be back over the next few weeks more frequently to update you on more of what has been happening over the last 6 weeks, and to share some goals etc for the remaining 6 weeks!

Now......off the the groceries and washing...........

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

12 Week Body Transformation - Wrap-Up of My First Round!

Well.......this post has been a long time coming, but finally I have time to sit down and write it.

So let's recap on where I started out at the beginning or Round 2 of Michelle Bridges' 12 Week Body Transformation, roughly now around 14-15 weeks ago.

I weighed in for my pre-season weight at 108.9kg - the heaviest I had EVER been, and yes, while I might be smiling in this 'before' photo, I knew then that I was not at all happy with how I looked, and I was worried about my health. I was especially also worried about my wedding coming up this November, and how I was going to look, if I was going to find a dress, and how much I would regret looking back on our rather pricey photographs years later and thinking ' what a waste of all that money, to be so unhappy with how I look'.

I had put off joining 12WBT in January, thinking 'I can do it myself', but 4 months later, I hadn't done anything, except maybe put on a few more kilos. In the last few days of registration for Round 2, I decided - 'this is it!'.

For me, once I had made that decision, and said out loud my commitment to Michelle, her program, and to my friends, family, and MYSELF, it was like a light was switched on. I had focus, determination, and I had a goal to work towards! I wanted to become the best version of myself possible!!! Yes there were days when I didn't feel like exercising, but I did it anyway, and I did it as hard as I could. I stuck to the nutrition plan, and didn't once stray from it. I found I had light bulb moments, where, when I said no to a piece of cake or chips, I realised I wasn't resisting saying no, I was actually fine with saying no. I had made the choice to be good to my body, as I want it to last me as long as possible.

About half way through the round, I started saying to myself that I was going to win the competition (which I had only just found out there were actually 'winners'). I didn't really expect to, but I started to think like a winner, and act like a winner. My whole life the hardest thing had always been getting the exercise done, so I just put my head into the place of an athlete every time I worked out, giving it my all, setting myself goals in my training sessions - eg just 5 more laps, or get to 15km, or 1000 cals burnt. This definintely got me through the sessions, and kept me getting up every morning when I was already feeling exhausted.

Week 10 arrived and I made this 3 minute video (which I have posted before) to show all that I had achieved up until that point in the round. Looking back, I still can't believe that this was the change in my lifestly after only 10 weeks!!!

With 2 weeks left of the round, I got really sick with the flu, and tried as much to keep up with my training. I eventually had to have about 4 days off, which really disappointed me as this was right in the last week of the round. It was such a weird feeling to be actually upset about not being able to do my workouts and exercise routine. It felt especially disappointing as rather than being able to really bring home the round strong, it almost fizzled out. I was really happy to still record a loss in Week 12, so I guess it really goes to show that the nutrition still plays a big part in losing weight.

Here is my Week 12 'after' photo!! Note the genuine smile! My finishing weight is 86.5kg - a whole 22.4kg less of me, and a loss of 54.5cm from off my body!!

In addition to the physical changes, I also took almost 2 minutes off my 1km running time trial, as well as increased other ares of my fitness test - my push ups, wall sit, flexibility - and generally feel fitter, less out of breath, and like I have more energy.


Here are my full comparison shots -

After all that hard work, there was one date we were all looking forward to - August 20th. This was the day for our massive group workout with Michelle and the party that night at The Hilton in the city. A chance to see everyone all dressed up and showing off their new bodies! Plus another opportunity to have a photograph with Michelle, and also have her give us one final mindset lesson for the round.

I decided to challenge myself in the training session and go in the Intermediate group. I am glad I did. It was a hard workout, but it felt very satisfying, and the time went so fast! Although everyone was sweaty, hot and sore, everyone had a smile on their face and I am sure could have gone longer if the opportunity was there!

With some of the 12WBT QLD Crew!!

Having fun doing push ups?!!

Ski-Jumps with the Viper!!

At the party, I got a big surprise when my parents were there, and the night got even more surprising a after that!! First they were on stage talking to Michelle's husband Billy about my changes in the 12 weeks, then I was on stage to talk about a big pivotal moment in the 12 weeks, where I discussed setting a big challenge for myself early on, and that I think that set me up for the round as I had proved to myself I could do anything after the 10k kayak challenge. This was after the fabulous Leanne - also from Brisbane - had been up to talk about her 12 week experience.

We were shown a fantastic video of the 12 weeks program, with heaps of video and photos sent in from fellow 12WBTers - it made me feel awesome just watching it, to see the changes everyone has made in their lives. I still get goosebumps watching it again today.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFADP1GnkfM&feature=grec_index

Later in the night, it was time for the awards and presentation. Mish first gave a speech - which I am sure was amazing, but unfortunately there were 4 or 5 REALLY drunk and loud people standing right near me, with their backs to the stage, and I found it really hard to concentrate on what was happening on stage :( Anyway, Michelle announced the winner of the magazine competition - Jo! She has had an amazing transformation, and looked fabulous!! For the regular 12WBT competition, Clinton was the 3rd place winner, and then when announcing the 2nd place winner, all the stats Michelle was reading out were mine - and next thing I knew, I was up on stage again!! 1st place, was the very deserving Mary (aka Splasharama!). Kerri was the winner of the Lean & Strong category - and she sure did look lean and strong! Everyone was very excited and happy, and after posing for some photos, the rest of the night was spent being congratulated and saying hi to lots more new friends from the forums etc. I would like to point out, that although I said I started thinking like a winner throughout the round, I most certainly did not do this for prizes, or status, or to 'win'. The prize to me is being healthier and stronger, and adding years onto my life. The other thing that I am most proud of, is that I have had some lovely emails and messages, from people heavier (and lighter) than my start weight, who are feeling a bit daunted about starting their journey, who have seen some inspiration in what I did, and are telling me they're feeling like they can achieve something for themselves too.

With my beautiful partner, Leonie, as we arrived at the party.

Mary, Kerri, Myself & Clinton

Michelle Bridges & Myself!

Here is a wrap-up video of the night, made at 1.30 in the morning when I got home!! -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaEnrnoQCD0&feature=player_embedded

                          **************************************************
So, 12 weeks on and what have I learned......

I have learned that I am worthy of a healthy body, healthy mind and healthy future.
I have learned I can do more than I give myself credit for.
I have learned that I am strong.

I have learned that preparing and eating healthy, nutritious food is more rewarding than a quick fix from a takeaway store.
I have learned not to give in to my weak inner teenager.
I have learned that life isn't meant to be easy, but that persistance and determination makes it much more rewarding.
I have learned that I am becoming a better version of myself every single day.

I am ready to SMASH Round 3 now. Round 2 is gone. It is a clean slate. In 2 weeks I will take a new set of 'before' photos, my measurements, re-do my fitness test, and start Week 1, Day 1, with thousands of other people across Australia and the world, wondering what my results will be. I have between 16-20 kilos to lose, as I am still deciding what my final goal weight will be. I have set myself new goals for this round, and in the middle of it all, I have my wedding!!

Good luck with all your health and weight loss goals, be it on the 12WBT or something you are doing on your own. I can't wait to share with you (a lot more regularly) the next chapter in my journey to a better me!

xxx