Concentrating

Concentration, the elusive beast that inspires my most creative forms of procrastination. At uni I discovered donating platelets was a guilt free way of procrastinating but as I haven't been well I am resorting to writing here instead. (Hello GT, LS and DP. I fear our lack of communication in September may have lost everyone else!)

Seeking inspiration for this blog I stumbled across this line, 'concentration is like a muscle, the more we exercise the stronger it becomes' and felt it was a very appropriate quote to remember today as I sit staring at the pile of text books beside me writing my exercise blog!

So what exercise have I done today. Nothing. What am I going to do once I leave this law library? I am going to walk to the top of Mt Eden. It is only a 7km loop from my house, a mere walk in the park in light of the fact Chloe and I are meant to be walking a 1/2 in a few weeks time...will report back tomorrow with photographic proof that I went and hopefully fresh inspiration to take on all of the peaks around Auckland over the coming summer.

Happy Labour day everyone. I had better go and labour. *sigh*

P x

Starting the day on the right foot...

This morning I was woken by a friend jumping on me. Luckily he is a good friend and gives pretty great hugs otherwise this post might have been on how starting the day annoyed leads to bad decisions!

Once awake I realised I couldn't push 'snooze' and felt much more alert because of it. I usually have the best exercise intentions when I set my alarm at night but when 6am comes around I can hit snooze without really waking & the desire to get up to exercise is outweighed by how snuggly my bed is. 

After a quick google on the topic I came across http://www.thedailymind.com/how-to/17-ways-to-wake-up-feeling-fresh-in-the-morning/ which I wanted to share with you because I'm feverently hoping I'm not the only one that hits snooze!

As it is a long weekend let's toast not having to work tomorrow and waking up more energetically in the future! 

P x

Informed decisions

There were two articles that caught my attention this week, especially in light of our whole 'make better 50/50 decisions' philosophy.

Both served as a reminder to be wary of 'health' branded foods, especially drinks. 

The first was, 'Are you drinking yourself fat?' 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/wellbeing/9317865/Are-you-drinking-yourself-fat

I consciously try to avoid alcohol during the week to avoid drinking empty calories but invariably a social event pops up that I can't resist and a glass or two of fermented grapes are consumed. 

If similar temptations crop up for you over the long weekend, the image from the second article written by Les Mills might help...

Happy Labour weekend everyone. Enjoy the sunshine for me, other than some very necessary walks I will be in the Law library studying. *sigh*

P x

Time to focus on "i"!

Where does time go?

I wonder if anyone will read this, so much time has passed since I last wrote I wouldn't have been surprised if you had all lost interest.

Perhaps that is what happened to Chloe and I, to a degree, over the past month. Or, perhaps it was a reflection of how time disappears as we all face the challenges life constantly throws at us.

I'm currently sitting at VTNZ getting a new license because mine had expired. Where on earth did the last decade go? How am I old enough to refer to my life in decades?! 

10 years ago I was 16. During that year I was fortunate enough to go to Fiji with my family and for the only time in my life wore a bikini. I was motivated, enthusiastic and excited about figuring out what was to follow high school. More bikini's, boyfriends and success were not only dreamt about but somewhat expected, my how those post tertiary/GFC/redundancy/real world expectations have changed. 

Life is hard, sometimes devastatingly cruel and repetitive. There have unfortunately been numerous events in the past few months that have left me feeling helpless. How do you make sense of the unexpected, of trauma, of illness? Perhaps there is no sense in these things and chasing it is as futile as wishing we were born with different bodies. For those who have faced any of those things I send you my love, my unconstrained, unlimited love. At the end of the day it is the only balm we can give each other.

It is also the balm I keep reminding myself we should all give ourselves. Whether it be in the form of nutritious food, heart pumping exercise or peonies...as it is peony season I am very partial to the latter! 

So as we leave the dredges of winter behind I am recommitting to this blog and the basic principle behind it. I am going to make better decisions when it comes down to a 50/50 split and am thrilled to have my partner in crime along for the ride. Because the biggest element that has changed for me about expectations is the realisation that everything takes work and the more effort you put in the more likely bikini season will be and for everything out of our control there will always be alcohol! (Ha probably not consistent with the health focus of this blog but I refuse to lie to you all!) 

My newsfeed this morning had the following messages (clearly 'liking' health focused pages has worked for me!) on it which I wanted to share with you all. Join us, wherever you are, in changing what you can control for the better.

Oh and be nice to each other, the butterfly effect is real. Wink at a stranger and I bet he will be nicer to everyone he interacts with afterwards and so forth...

P x

*wink*

[No exercise today but I have been walking Mitch as much as possible ahead of Chloe & I's 1/2 marathon & have started swimming again which is bliss! Re weight, too scared to check. Mood, pleased to be back on the bandwagon]

Teaser....

I know I am overdue a blog post but in the interim I thought I would share this

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3909772

Oh and the view from the top of Mt Wellington at noon, I didn't walk but Mitch will ensure I hit the pavement later.

Chin up, it's hump day!

P x

I can't stop watching this!

A motivational clip....

Time to make the impossible possible

I was just sent this by one of my idols and decided it was greedy not to share. 

It seems a different type of strength training is in order!

If only it wasn't miserable outside, oh well, more to feel virtuous about later.

P x

Blue connotations...

Why is the saying 'I feel blue'? Blue is the colour of the ocean, the sky on sunny days and turquoise jewellery...all wonderful, positive things.

If you're feeling a little more negative than positive today then get outside and enjoy this blue!

Also taking Chloe's post to heart I thought I would break down my healthy mind platter...

1. Focus Time

I have written a to do list so that I can stay goal orientated. Fingers crossed I make a couple of deep brain connections. 

2. Play Time

I am sanding down place mats for a cool new concept, very nice to be creative whilst I have time on my hand.

3. Connecting Time

I remember watching the movie Romie & Michelle's high school reunion and being amazed by the concept of video messaging. It seemed so futuristic and crazy and yet within a decade I have connected with #1 fan via Skype and numerous others via Snapchat video clips, not only at home but at the park this morning. 

4. Physical Time

Having a dog to walk means there are no excuses at the moment! Starting to worry about hills in the 1/2 marathon though so I had better add Mt Hobson, Mt Eden & One Tree hill to the training program. (Ewwww I hate hills!)

5. Time In

This might be TMI but when I am busy I love zoning out in the shower. It is such a soothing place to reflect on the day ahead, maybe it is because I love swimming. I can't wait for summer beach adventures but at present I am using spring blossoms as an excuse to pause and reflect. I'm envious of everyone in CHCH about to get to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Hagley Park, Chloe can you pretty please get some snaps for me? 

6. Down Time

Ha yes I've got this completely covered at the moment! Hence why I can write midday!

7. Sleep Time

This is one area I still struggle with, anyone that has been following us will know I set myself the challenge of getting 8 hours a night. Unfortunately as this shows my average is still below 7. 

Oh well, one can only keep trying! 

In the interim how is your healthy mind platter? Also why don't we all change the saying 'why so blue' to 'why so maroon'?  No one likes maroon! 

P x

SPRING has SPRUNG

Oh hiiii there Spring you cheeky wee thing! You snuck up on me! I simply cannot believe that it is SEPTEMBER already...Only 16 weeks left in 2013 HOLY MOLY! 

Lets take a minute to think about all the truly wonderful things Spring has to offer (before we blink and miss it!)

The Best of SPRING:

 

1.

Blossom

2.

Baby lambs frolicking

3.

Longer daylight hours

4.

Warmer weather

5.

That ‘Spring’ smell

6.

The return of salads/BBQs and lighter foods

7.

Birds chirping

8.

Outdoor activities

9.

Pastels

10.

Daffodils

11.

Spring Cleaning

12.

Open windows

13.

SUMMER is on the way!

 

I hope you are all feeling positive and enthusiastic about the new season! 

Bye for now! 

Chloe x

Do something to make the world awesome.

As a chronic procrastinator I am acutely aware that we all need a pep talk from time to time. I don't feel qualified to do so at present so may I please introduce Kid President. Watch it, it will improve your Monday. Embrace it, you might make someone else's life better. Share it and the world might become more awesome.

http://youtu.be/l-gQLqv9f4o

Now that I have watched it (again) I am going to embrace this beautiful day & take Mitch for a nice walk. 

Happy Monday everyone.

P x

The Healthy Mind Platter

As someone who has struggled with depression I am well aware of the intricacies of the human mind and the variety of things we can do to help with mental health and wellbeing. Recently, I was introduced to The Healthy Mind Platter a theory created in collaboration by Dr. David Rock, executive director of the NeuroLeadership Institute  and Dr. Daniel Siegel , executive director of the Mindsight Institute and clinical professor at the UCLA School of Medicine.

The Healthy Mind Platter suggests that there are seven daily activities that we must include like ingredients in our daily mental diet. Because we are all different we each require a different serving of these ingredients everyday. Just like you wouldn't eat only pizza every day for days on end, we shouldn't just live on focus time and little sleep. Mental wellness is all about giving your brain lots of opportunities to develop in different ways.

So here are the basics…

The Healthy Mind Platter

The seven essential mental activities necessary for optimum mental health in daily life

Focus Time

When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, taking on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.

Play Time

When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, which helps make new connections in the brain.

Connecting Time

When we connect with other people, ideally in person, or take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, richly activating the brain’s relational circuitry.

Physical Time

When we move our bodies, aerobically if possible, which strengthens the brain in many ways.

Time In

When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, helping to better integrate the brain.

Down Time

When we are non- focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, which helps our brain recharge.

Sleep Time

When we give the brain the rest it needs to consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.

I really felt that this whole concept resonated with me - I don't know if it is because it was related to food and eating my favourite things EVER or because I am fascinated by the human brain but I am definitely a believer! 

I guess it all comes down to...

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! 

Love Chloe x

A humbling moment

In my very first blog I clearly stated that:

...Our goal is to support each other to reach our own personal goals, if we can help others along the way that would be wonderful but at this stage if I can get more out of my Les Mills membership I'll be happy! 

Writing that I had no idea we would reach so many people, in such a short amount of time. This humble blog has now been read over 5000 times! I feel incredibly fortunate to have a friend who has committed to supporting me make better 50/50 decisions but now hope we may have helped other people to do so too. 

Interestingly this is where our blog has been read:

The surprises for me were the US, India and Russia! The world seems so much smaller when you realise our concerns, whether they be weight loss, fitness and well being like ours, or other mundane things are universal concerns!

This humbling moment has come at a critical time, for the first time since beginning this blog I have had a break from exercise. 

Last week I was completely smashed by a cold, this time a week ago I didn't get out of bed until gone noon and then it was only to get more Coldral! This amounted to 4 days of no exercise. I did have to walk Mitch but due to the inability to breathe through my nose I don't think it can be called exercise!

I have put my membership at Les Mills on hold to focus on walking, both for 1/2 marathon prep and for Mitch the furry friends sake. I need to be wary of this decision however, pace is a lot harder by yourself so if any of you have good exercise tunes to keep me stepping out briskly I would love to hear your recommendations.

So getting back into the daily grind my goals for the next week are to follow the Walking Stars 1/2 marathon program and to complete some weight resistance exercises (I have enough to work with!)

Thank you to everyone that takes the time to read this & therefore supports Chloe and I, we do genuinely appreciate it. 

P x

Cheeky motivation...

P x

It's been awhile...

Sorry readers the last few weeks have been a bit of a blur and this blog has suffered! One thing that hasn’t suffered has been my exercise regime. Last week I attended 7 classes including a re-visit to Anti Gravity Yoga with some of my gal pals. I am pleased to report I actually found it more enjoyable and easier this time around- something must be working!

 

This week I took part in a ‘Boot Camp’ class run by a Personal Trainer friend. Although this was challenging I found it really enjoyable and was pleased to see that on the whole I could keep up with the rest of the group- if I had attempted this a few months ago I am sure this would have been a different story. (Let’s see how I go this evening given I did Pump this morning and my muscles are SUPER fatigued!)

 

My exercise for the week:

Monday- Body Pump, Body Attack

Tuesday- Boot Camp

Wednesday- REST

Thursday- Body Pump, Boot Camp

Friday- Body Attack

Saturday- Long walk

Sunday- REST

 

(One of my goals for next week is to get back on track with my walking. I have been TERRIBLE MURIEL! Major shake up required. )

 

I am really looking forward to the end of this week because my manfriend will be returning home after a week away at an intensive litigation skills workshop. Although a week sounds like nothing and I am sure there are seasoned long-distance lovers out there laughing as they read this- I have to say that I am not enjoying this break to my usual routine much! I am so used to my tall, gangly other half loping around the joint doing ‘tall walk’, whistling and singing tunelessly at the top of his voice that I just don’t know what to do with myself! Hurry up and come home kid!

 

Until next time,

 

Chloe x

 

 

One of those days...

As the rain slashes the house I can't help looking at the couch and thinking 'gosh you look soft and snuggly'. Unfortunately if I sit on it rather than braving the weather I will remain soft and snuggly too. Urgh, it is official...I am having one of those days. To motivate myself I read through this:

http://www.wisebread.com/feeling-stuck-100-ways-to-change-your-life

and thought what a jolly good concept. My reward for going outside perhaps? Although my following end goals should be enough motivation...neither will happen without the work now!

Chloe I hope you have nicer weather in CHCH but if not then perhaps the list could be your reward too? 

P x

Alternative exercise...

A week ago I finally moved into my fellow Carebears house in Kingsland. Although where I find a job is going to dictate where I live, I do hope it will be here for a while. Friend comes with a furry friend too & so now I have an additional excuse to walk, something I haven't done for a while & with Chloe & I's 1/2 marathon looming I realise I really ought to get on with some training. 

Cue the heading of this blog. For now, I am taking my exercise out of the gym and walking & if I feel up to it running instead. 

One of my walks last week with Mitch (the furry friend) was around the bays.

It was a lovely crisp winters day & although the initial sunshine was diluted it was far more preferable than the freezing rain that hit 1km from the car. 

Mitch is an odd dog, instead of chasing sticks or attempting to swim as Otto & Bear would do, every time I stopped he would stare at me reproachfully. One could argue I read too much into his look but to me he was saying 'can you really justify stopping?'

So that is my motto for the week, I have such a long way to go with both my fitness and weight loss goals that whenever I tire of either, I'm going to look down at the skinniest dog I know and think 'Can I justify stopping?'

P x

[Various walks, 1.5% goal weight loss (should have unpacked scales sooner!), still a little hungover...or maybe just tired, being a Carebear was tiring ;-p] 

Another year older...

A huge thank you to Pizey for the lovely birthday wishes- I loved your goal setting idea!

My apologies for the delay between posts from me team- last week was so packed full of birthday cheer I didn’t have much time for blogging!

Although I am not a naturally goal oriented person I do love making lists and cataloguing. Now that I am the big 26, AND scarily approaching late-twenties (shudder) I thought that I should semi-formalise some goals for myself for the next 12 months…

1. Eat less processed food
2. Continue blogging as a way of expressing myself and keeping on track
3. Get my license
4. Squat 20kg (10kg each side) in Body Pump
5. Complete the Walking Stars Half Marathon in less than 3 hours
6. Embrace socializing sober
7. Travel internationally with Ed
8. Become a home owner
9. Go to the dentist (long overdue)
10. Bring my own lunch to work as often as I can
11. Stick to my savings plan
12. Go to at least one Body Balance class per week
13. Eat a healthy breakfast everyday
14. Teach myself to touch type
15. Drink at least 2 litres of water everyday
16. Continue with counseling sessions
17. Fit comfortably into my favourite jeans
18. Buy myself a car
19. Keep in touch with friends living abroad
20. Grow my hair
21. Seek further challenge in the work place and learn new skills 
22. Read more widely
23. Start creating, testing and writing recipes for my recipe book
24. Try to sleep 8 hours each night
25. Complete a Body Attack class using only the high impact options
26. Be happy

And now for an onslaught of my latest favourite motivational quotes and images- this is for you Kate Mulholland! I know you LOVE them!

This week I am beginning my walking training for the Walking Stars half marathon- Anyone who wishes to join me for some Hagley park walks or anywhere more exciting please let me know!

Monday-         Body Attack

Tuesday-         Body Pump

                        Walk (40min, fast)

Wednesday-    RPM

                        Body Balance

Thursday-        Body Pump

                                   

            Friday-           Body Attack

            Saturday-        Body Pump

Walk (60 min, moderate)

            Sunday-           REST

                                    Walk (15 min, slow)

Bye for now,

Chloe x

Choose the grind

Yesterday I was dorkily fulfilling my new role of 'mature student' when I realised my sense of déjà vu was being accentuated by my sense of smell. The comforting scent of chlorine brought back memories of sitting next to a former Commonwealth athlete in previous lecture theatres. I was younger and definitely fitter then but in both circumstances, both of my aromatic friends were highly motivated and successful individuals both in and outside the pool. It reminded me that mentors are everywhere and sometimes the best mentors are the extraordinary people we surround ourselves with. We ought not forget that.

If any of you are searching for motivation today, this clip from yesterday's aromatic friend might help...http://youtu.be/hbkZrOU1Zag 

P x

[Stuck to POA, ?, Amused by Tinder]

We will all get 'there'...

Know what you want huh? Seems simple enough. If only everyone was honest and admitted simple is usually anything but. I do want something though, I want to do press ups. It has been 6 months since I tore my wrist ligament & although it is only press ups and tricep dips that have proved impossible to do I feel like an utter twit trying to work the same muscle group in an alternative manner whilst surrounded by 100+ synchronised press up gods/goddesses. 

This morning I had the company of one of those goddesses and as we wandered back to the changing room we both commented how much easier it is to get up before dawn when you're meeting someone else so for those in AKL here is my plan of attack, if you would like to join me I would love the company.

Tuesday       Swim & Walk up Mt Hobson

Wednesday  6.10 Pump City club

Thursday      Swim & Hobson Bay Walk

Friday           6.10 Pump City Club

                    5.30 Balance City Club

Saturday      4.30 BodyVive City Club

Sunday        Cycle out West from new flat

Whatever your challenges are this week, remember 

I have complete faith we will all get 'there' so today celebrate the steps you have taken to be an inch closer and let go of everything else. 

On a final note, my baby brother (he will hate me describing him as that) signed his first permanent employment contract today. A momentous occasion for everyone. Boy, I hope it is the start of a prosperous future for you. Your methodical decision making over the past few years inspires me. You've shown that no one gets 'there' in a day but hard work and perseverance pays off & I'm exceptionally proud that this day has come for you. Enjoy your moment & when you get them I want a business card. 

P x

[Pump & CRX, scales still packed, VERY PROUD]