blog

Sat 17 October 2009

Where has the year gone? I had a guy come and see me today at Workout World. He wanted to get onto the biggest loser and was asking for advie. That was easy. Stop thinking about the biggest loser and start getting healthy RIGHT now. It took me only 17 weeks to lose 40kg. Why wait on the slim (pardon the pun) possibility that your application could be seen among the many thousands of others. Start now and get ready for summer, look hot before the next season of Biggest Loser even goes to air. Just my thoughts. xxx

Wed 26 March 2008

Another Easter over and man have I got one BIG headache. It proves that chocolate can't be good for you if it leaves such a nasty hangover.

On a healthier note we had a great Easter long weekend. On Friday we all canoed up the swan river. Baby Finleigh, Darcy 14 yrs and Me in one canoe, Katelyn 15 yrs and Mckenzie 11yrs in another and my sweetheart Dave, Fletcher 5 yrs and Morgan 4 yrs in a third. My arms felt like I had pulled another truck but it was fantastic fun and the kids had a ball. We saw a Platypus slide off the bank into the water and a mother Cormorant feeding her shrieking baby in an overhanging branch. The big boys all had turns doing bombies off a massive rope swing while the girls cut up watermelon and investigated the river bank.

We stayed over night at El Caballo Blanco in the hills where we watched the Spanish horse show, swam for hours in the pool, played golf and created our very own style of tennis...Dignam Family Cricket Tennis. I think the rules changed as often as the shots went out so don’t ask me how to play it. It is so wonderful that I am now able to be so active and enjoy these special experiences with the kids. For me losing weight has been so much more than simply being able to fit into size 12 jeans but I did not realise this until I had done it.

Now that Easter weekend is over it is back to work, back to school and back to training and much to my relief back OFF chocolate!

Mon 17 March 2008

My current goal is to get my 5 km run time down to 24 minutes, currently I am sitting just under 28 but improving slightly every session. I am not going to win any races with times like that, I know, but that is not why I do it. For me just being able to run is a BIG thing, I am not a natural runner (although who really is?) and two years ago I could barely walk to the letterbox let alone run 10 km. I aim to complete a triathlon by the end of the year so the race is on to get into better shape, improve my times and get as much training in as humanly possible.

Monday 22 January 2008

The new year is really flying and I feel so excited about what it will bring. I can't believe that in just a few short weeks my little Fin will be turning one (valentines day). Something else that amazes me is that my oldest Katelyn is soon to get her learners permit. I feel like I only just got mine!

I remember when I was nearly sixteen and every day seemed like an eternity. My predominant thought was simply a wish to be older. I Couldn't wait to get my drivers lisence and desperatly wanted to finish school. I vividly remember people telling me, "these will be the best years of your life, don't wish them away". I thought those people had NO idea but of course I find myself now echoing those same words to my children.

Something I have since learnt is, that every day can be the best day of your life if you have a worthy goal, make a realistic plan and do your best to stick to it. Nothing is more satisfying than closing a day knowing that you did the very best you could do. I'm not getting older, just better!

A few old favorites...

"It's only pain!"
Remember when you are training that the benefits far outway the discomfort you may feel. I can say from experience training does eventually become easier, the work you are doing doesn't change (it should get tougher) but your capacity to do the work improves. Lungs get stronger, muscles build, joints loosen up, balance improves, all combining to make the work easier. You may eventually find that it takes the place of chocolate...and maybe not :)

"I can do ANYTHING for 15 minutes!"
When I am pushing myself I whisper in my mind that it's only 15 minutes, or only two laps, or only one more carb free salad and no matter how tough the thing is it seems easier.

"Live in the now."
Forget how many kilos you have to lose or how far you have to go... Think about what you are doing right now. Get up off the computer and go for a walk. Go into the kitchen and prepare a healthy meal. Plan your evening training session. Wash your training gear and lay it out for the morning. Write down what you have eaten and done today or simply get your sneakers on!!!

Thursday 9 August

I have recently met some absolutely amazing people. It is so much easier to feel happy and motivated when you surround yourself with these kind of people, it just rubs off on you.

I spoke recently with Robert a young olympic wheel chair basketballer whose infecteous spirit just oozed out of him. His passion for his sport was a real testament to his character. After losing 3 friends and both his lower legs in a car accident in year 12 this young guy just refocused and moved forward. When I asked him what motivated him he simply said "I just want the best out of this life".

Then there is Barabara from Momentum Womens Forum. I have been planning with Barabara for the Pink Ribbon Ball in September a bubbly beautiful elegant women, everything about her screams class. She is so generous fundraising for cancer causes, planning events and filling every room she enters with her gorgeous smile.

Christine has really changed my life by helping me improve my skin. Her sole aim in life is to make other people happy. She is a busy mother and a qualified masseuse and I have never met a more thoughtful and humble person.

Just makes me want to be better and got me thinking you simply can't feel depressed in a room full of happy people. You know what else I have learnt, it is really hard to sit on your butt when you're in a room full of Personal Trainers. Surround yourself with what you want to be.
Hmmmm, I think there is something in that for all of us :)
Have a happy week!
Kristie x

Monday May 7

Hmmmmm... Just realised I have been really slack ALL week! In my eating and my training and I am really feeling it. Time to recommit and get back on track.

Normally I would wait until I had a reason, I am really good at leaving things to the last minute. I thrive on pressure! I am sure this is one of the main reasons my weight got so out of control in the first place.

I can not afford to wait for a reason, so....

I will finish this blog, check my calendar, plan tomorrows meals, do a quick house pick up, take my supplements with a big glass of water and go to bed. I will then be better prepared to get up and do an hour of early morning training before the chaos sets in.

After all real weightloss can only be acheived with a permanent lifestyle change. Onward and upward :)

Tuesday May 1

Now that Biggest Loser Series 2 is over people are thinking about applying for series 3. Heaps ask me how they can make there application successful and all I can say is.
Don't do it!!!!!
Start now, don't wait until next year.
It is so much easier to lose weight surrounded by loved ones and with the freedom to train and eat when you want. Filming and 'playing the game' actually take time away from the weightloss.
It may seem glamerous - it's not... it may seem an easy option to be locked away but believe me it's hard work and then some... it may look like a financially lucrative opportunity but only one in thousands of applicants wins the money and you have no control over that... you might think it is the only way you can ever lose weight but if you put your mind to it you can do ANYTHING!
Surround yourself with good friends, read heaps, ask for help, be kind to yourself and move!
Don't wait to lose weight!

Thur 5 April

Happy Easter everyone! I hope you get to spend quality time with people you love.

Wed 4 April

I am getting realy excited about the 'You Can Do Anything' tour in May. I love getting out and about and meeting people, many who generously share with me their own personal success stories. I am inspired to continue to strive for my own goals when I see others reach theirs.

Tue 13 Mar

Where did the last four weeks go???

Loving every moment of this new baby but have had to be really organised to fit in the training. RPM is still my favorite exercise but also now look forward to putting the kids to bed each night (and the hubby in front of the TV) and going running.

Running before bed helps me to sleep really well and I enjoy reflecting on my day and planning for the next while doing it. Running is not something I find easy but it is so rewarding. (I find the cover of darkness prevents people from stressing about my ridiculously red face too!)

YOU don't have to run, fast walking is just as good and hills are a great way to work up a sweat too.

Wed 14 Feb

Valentine's Day and I got the best gift ever a 3.12kg little girl. Finleigh was born at 10:29am and everything went well. She took about an hour and a half to arrive and I must say being 40kg lighter made the whole experience alot easier manage.

Finleigh is absolutely beautiful and has the loveliest little doll like face. She is peaceful (for now:)) and the other kids are beside themselves with joy that she is finally here. It is a difficult thing to evenly distribute the cuddle time as everyone wants to hold her. It is odd that they are not as enthusiastic about changing her so that remains solely my job:)

Having a baby was a very quick way to lose a few kilo's but now the hard work begins as my pregnancies leave behind a lot of work and, even in this case, a few extra kilos to lose.

I have set a goal for the Series Two finale (at the end of April) to be at the same weight I was last finale but with much better shape and muscle tone. With 2 weeks of the Biggest Loser already gone by I have a fair bit of work to do to reach that goal so there is not a minute to waste.

I will check in more regulalry now that she is here and keep you up to date! I would love to hear how you are going and what you are doing to reach your goals. You can email me at messages@kristie.com.au

Wed 1 Nov

Here is a bit of insider info for all you 'Biggest Loser' fans. Next week Crackerjack start filming series two. Another brave bunch of Australians commence their weight loss journeys being locked in the 'White House' (or torture house as I like to call it).

It's the perfect time for those of us who may have been procrastinating getting series, to get our training shoes on and get out there.

Why not try to lose your extra kilos as these new contestants slog it out and when they have their grand finale reveal in April you will be right there celebrating with them.

Sunday 29 Oct

I'm feeling a little sunburnt today as yesterday we had a family outing at the beach. I carefully lathered up each one of the kids with suncream and reminded them to grab a hat but forgot to put suncream on me.

Funny that! Anyway, Saturdays are always jam packed when you have kids and I knew that there was not going to be much time for exercise, so I tried to make the most of our beach adventure. I boogie boarded for ages with my big boys while my husband had watch of the little ones. Then we swapped shifts and while he went snorkling I vigerously dug a super sand pool with towering castle walls. The babies had a ball, and while my arms felt like lead when I had finished, it was a great feeling to know I had made my kids day and still managed to get some exercise in.

If you have little ones perhaps you can think of ways that playtime can become harder work for you. Your kids will love you for it and so will your scales.

Friday Oct 27

Hi all! What a crazy week this has been.

The weather was perfect for outdoor training, bush walking was fantastic. It was hard to keep my pace up though, so many beautiful things to stop and look at:)

All that said, at 24 weeks I am starting to get a little pregnant puffy and have put on a little more weight than I would like. I've had to harshly reassess my progess as I found myself slipping back into some old eating habits. I reworked my schedule and included more training but more importantly reinstated a very strict eating plan.

It's important to regularly look at where you are heading and what you are doing to get there. Weight loss doesn't happen without hardwork, unfortunately weight gain does.

I realised I've not been drinking enough water, it's amazing how you confuse dehydration for hunger. I was hungry ALL week (I know I'm pregnant, but I'm not getting sucked into that 'eating for two' thinking). I've recommitted to carrying a water bottle everywhere and also cutting out diet soft drink. They may have next to no calories but they do have harmful chemicals and additives that I'm certain are affecting my appetite.

On another note, I'm heading over to Sydney next week for the Fernwood tour and look forward to meeting the girls at Miranda. I'll also be in Canberra at the end of the Nov and Brisbane early December. Now I've lost weight I'm able to fit so much more into my schedule. My energy levels are higher but I am also planning my time better, getting up earlier and feeling less guilty about asking my family to do their chores. (The kids have two arms and can clean their own rooms.)

Smile BIG!

Question of the Week As a mother of five, how do you fit training into your week?

Honestly, it isn't easy, it takes alot of planning. I've forced myself to only run errands on one week day. I've rushuffled my priorities and some things, like painting and scrapbooking, have taken a back seat. I get up earlier and consequently have cut most TV so I can go to bed earlier. Also after explaining to my family specific ways they can support me, I found they were keen to help. Hubby now cooks the evening meal and since taking over the kitchen, I've had to admit, he is by far a better cook. When I train at home I always set up a few extra stations so the babies can join in and I have to confess I couldn't do what I do without my treadmill, I'm on it whenever I watch TV, sometimes even when I'm on the phone. There is no excuse when it is in the middle of the lounge and it saves me so much travel time. Here is a photo of the babies copying me doing situps, it only lasts a few minutes before they get bored but it's the cutest thing I've ever seen. Send your questions to - messages@kristie.com.au

Wednesday Oct 18

Now I know how to update this section without my webmasters help, I've decided to write a blog every few days. It is important for me to remain accountable to someone and who better than the whole of Australia :)

Today I am heading to the beach. It isn't perfect beach weather but I can't wait for that. The babies love it and the beach sand is great to train in. Running in sand is quite gentle on your joints so if you want to run the beach is a good place to start. Given up worrying about how I look in bathers so I will leave my shirt off, promise.

I've had a 20min run on my treadmill, got the big ones off to school, buzzed through the house doing a quick pickup, had a low fat yoghurt for breakfast with oats and a handful of almonds and packed salad sandwiches for lunch.

Oh! and I am going to leave my purse at home so I can't be persuaded to buy icecream. I'm off before the phone rings!

What exercise are you going to do today?