Round 3 PreSeason Week 3 Weigh In

Round 3 PreSeason Week 3 Weigh In
Weight 72.3kg
This week lost  1.9 kg (2.62%)
Round 3 PreSeason weight loss 1.9 kg (2.62%)
28 week weight loss 37.3kg (34%)

Great week. Exercised approx 500cal per day average HR 150 (excluding 1034 cal high intensity Thursday). Ate well. Weird how I have dropped a big amount this week after 2 weeks of no loss, without exercising at a high intensity every day. I will maintain medium intensity training for another week and see what next week's results are.

Oh and i have good news... I tried on bikini tops on Sunday and this body is bikini top ready!!! I have NEVER tried them on before and I'm wrapped!!! And I'm comfortable in short boardies now instead of long ones.

Oh and I got my boat and jet ski license on Monday so this summer will be confidently spent at the beach with my family playing with the new jet ski (we pick it up this weekend)... I'm excited!!!

Round 3 PreSeason Week 2 Weigh In

Oops i forgot to blog my weight last week.

Well, 3 wines on saturday, family BBQ on sunday where i ate too much and not training for 3 days really worked miracles... NOT!  What was I thinking??

Still 74.2kg on Wednesday 24 August 2011.

So i refocused, replanned everything and smashed 1034 cals at the gym on Thursday (the most i have ever burnt in one session).  I've been good with exercise and nutrition this week so we'll see what the scales say next week.

A week of hard to digest compliments

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your messages and questions about my week post-finale.  Here's a summary of what I have experienced.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OSs2lPLUic

I was definitely under-prepared for this honour and am still trying to fully understand what has happened.  Compliments are really hard for me to accept, but I hope one day soon I can nod, smile and soak them all up.

Splash thanks Michelle & Crew

Michelle Bridges

• I thank you for  your years of knowledge and experience that has created an empire that is transforming people's lives everyday

• Nothing I say or do can truly show you how thankful I am that I am one of those people
• You and your 12WBT program have transformed my mind which has allowed me to live the life that everyone deserves
• You have made me fun sized and I am never going back - I am forever grateful

12 WBT Support Crew

• Thank you for supporting everyone in the program and getting us through our struggles and celebrating our achievements
• You are an essential part of this program
• As a newbie in Round 2 I felt really special when you would comment on my posts and did a little happy dance in my stomach

12WBT Admin and Management

• Thanks for everything you do behind the scenes that make this program possible

• The website, Facebook page and emails work like clockwork, so thank you for making this program so easy for us to access

And thank you choosing me!  OMG I still can't believe it.  It's really special to me and I still get shaky and shed a tear when I think about the presentation on Saturday night.  It's an awesome feeling that I will never forget.

At the end of the day, the words in this blog post really don't explain how thankful I am... but this amazing life I am living and will continue to live says a million words.

Round 2 Finale Party Professional Pics

Mini Comp Team!!!

Splash's Quotes

Here's some quotes of mine that were apparently read out at the finale party (I didn't hear them as I was too busy screaming!).  Hope they help you on your journey.

What was the hardest thing you had to overcome in order to succeed?

Eliminating the excuses in my head.   I am a thinker and analyser from birth.  I have had to stop thinking and analysing, and just start doing in order to make this program work… not thinking is so unnatural for me!  But totally worth it.

Was there any 12WBT ‘memorable moments’ that you had?

My boss emailed Mish (without telling me) to thanks her for my transformation.  Mish then posted it to her Facebook page and quoted my boss in an email to the Round 3 members!  This blog details what happened…  http://splasharama.blogspot.com/2011/08/best-day-ever.html

And here is the email from my boss, Kerry (even though you already have it)…

_____________________________________________

From: Kerry

Sent: Friday, 5 August 2011 1:12 PM

To: 'admin@12wbt.com'

Subject: 12WBT Site Enquiry

This is a big THANK YOU, not a site enquiry. 

One of my team at work (splasharama) is doing your program and the transformation is absolutely amazing, not just the weight she has lost, but her whole personality has changed into a bright, bubbly young woman who now has a continual smile, laughs and  interacts with the rest of the team.

It has been so beautiful to watch her blossom and see her enjoyment of life as it unfolds.

I’m sure this is only one small story not just of the lives you have changed for those directly involved in the program but also for all the lives that are touched by these success stories, friends, relatives and work colleagues.

Thanks

Kerry

 ______________________________________

How do you feel now compared to before?

I’m fun-sized now and in the lyrics of Lady Gaga… I’m on the Edge of Glory!  Only 5kg to go!

Any funny stories to report?

Everyone touches me when they comment on my transformation.  I hate being touched!  Please ask before putting your hands all over me lol   The end of this blog mentions the touching thing…  http://splasharama.blogspot.com/2011/08/12wbt-round-2-highlights.html

I went shopping with my sister (Ski Chic) and cried when I realised I am ‘normal’ size now and fit into Jeans West and JayJays jeans!!!  How silly of me!  I’m now addicted to JayJays casual clothes and look like a teenager all the time.  http://splasharama.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-fit-into-jayjays-jeans.html

What is the one thing you attribute to your success? It could be a part of the program, a support network around you, something in your head?

My strong mind - I finally have focused my determined streak on me instead of my work.  And being a little competitive also helps

Round 2 2011 Wrap Up

Round 2 has come to an end for Splasharama.  Thanks again for everything, you are all amazing and I have had a blast.

What prizes did I win?

• My new healthy lifestyle forever :)

• 4 night trip for 2 to Thailand or Bali

• Athletes Foot Voucher
• Adidas Voucher
• Polar FT60 Heart Rate Monitor
• Tanita Body Fat Monitor Scales
• Starshots Photography makeover session and photo credits

Where are Pics of the finale party?

Right here… FINALLY!!!!  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzgD8UZD5Hs&feature=youtube_gdata

There was Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga originally playing in the background but I don't know if you can view the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp5CAKF58bc&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL .

Congratulations to both Clint and Kate for making Top 3.  It was an honour to be standing with them on stage on Saturday night as I find them both truly amazing.  I know they will continue to succeed and continue inspiring so many others to improve their lifestyles.  There was so much inspiration and excitement in the room.  I'm so glad i got to experience that.  Here's a short vid that was played at the party that is so inspiring.

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

And a massive congratulations to two of my 12WBT friends that made Top 10 - Nicmack and Mooboofoo.  They are both beautiful people and I am so proud of their acheivements.

That's my last Round 2 2011 post.  Time to get into Round 3 and complete all the pre-season tasks - I'm one week behind already!

Bye everyone, see you in the forums and I'll be back blogging soon...

Your body will do what ever your mind tells it... so tell it good things!!!

Finale Party Pics

I made a slide show of finale pics but can't upload it to YouTube.  So here are a couple of pics until i get time to try again...  My video blog post-party is in the post below these pics.

Ski Chic, Ute, Splash, Nicstar

More of the Mini Comp Team

Hug from Michelle Bridges

My cute Trophy :)

I just won the 12WBT Round 2 2011!!! Aaaaahhhhhh!!!!

Here's my post-finale blog of what happened...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKbjqH0ZTRU

Pics will follow tomorrow!!!   Aaaahhhh still on a high!!!

Round 2 2011 Finale Brisbane Part 2 20/8/11

Wow what a day so far!  I'm on a total high and don't want come down.

• Ski Chic and I slept well last night as we were exhausted from shopping yesterday.
• We got up, ate a healthy breakfast in our room and got all geared up ready to hit Ballymore Stadium to train with Mish and her crew.
• The cab driver ran a red light and had no idea where he was going, even though we gave him a map!!!  But we got there on time.
• Here's a pic of Ski chic and I at the stadium.

•  I got to meet some of the Mini comp Team!!!  Yay!!!  Ute, Nicmack, Snow Bear and x-tina all came up and we exchanged hugs and kisses.  It was sooooo cool.  We will catch up properly at the party tonight and hopefully takes some pic.
   
• The Support Crew were great to meet in person and really encouraging.  Ski Chic, Nicmack and I had our pic taken with Gabi and we had a great long chat about the Round 3 Newbies.

 

•  We warmed up with Mish then hit the stations with the trainers. I started in the advanced group but quickly changed down to the intermediate group when i could not keep up with the running.
  
  We did bootcamp style training for about 50 minutes and then an aerobic cool down and stretch with Mish.  I burnt 480 calories and broke 1 nail. Mish came round to each group during the boot camp and trained us for about 5 minutes.  I got to give her a high 5... still totally on a high about that!!!  Ski Chic got to high 5 her twice!!!  Wooohoooo!
  
  Didn't get our pic take with Mish at training but we will line up for a pic tonight and hope for the best.
  Time to snooze then get myself looking hot for tonight's party!!!
  
  I will post tomorrow with all the finale party goss and pics :)

Round 2 2011 Finale Brisbane Part 1 19/8/11

Friday 19 August 2011

I flew into Brisbane early Friday morning with my sister, Ski Chic, so we could spend the day shopping.  And boy did we shop!  We tried on clothes in every store we walked into... just because they fit!  lol  Some weren't flattering but we took pics anyway!  It was soooooo much fun.  Between us we bought shoes, dress, tops, cardi & lingerie.  Here is our day in photos.

On the Plane

 $800 Alex Perry Dress

$400 Alex Perry Dress

Other dresses

Our hotel room

Dinner

Cup of Tea & Bed Time

Will post tomorrow after the Workout with Mish and Finale Party!  Wooohoooo can't wait to meet her!

Mish posted about me again!!!

NOW i know why my blog got over 1000 hits today... Coz Mish got involved lol

http://www.facebook.com/12wbt/posts/10150253865961056?notif_t=feed_comment_reply


She is getting a huge hug from me on saturday if I get to meet her :)

Over 4000 hits now???

My blog received over 1000 hits in the last 24 hours... What The...?!?!?!  I think there must be a glitch in my counter.  Weird.

I made Top 50 of the 12WBT Round 2 2011

Got an email today... how exciting!!!!  I'm on the Edge of Glory!

Can't write more as I have to finish packing for the finale workout and party in Brisbane this Saturday!

Round 3 PreSeason Week 1 Weigh In

This proves I am still human.  I have not changed my nutrition or exercise regime much since last week's weigh in.  I'm exercising about 150 cals more per day and eating about 150 calories less - I have a gorgeous black cocktail dress to fit into on Saturday!!!

Well, this morning on the scales... I saw no loss, I saw no gain.  I'm still 74.2kg.

Weird thing is, my body feels smaller.  My jeans are loose around the waist.  My new work pants are a little loose.  And you know what???  I still feel fantastic!  I'm treating my body right, I feel great when exercising and I feel good during the day.  I'm going to up my calories back up to 1200cals after I make sure my dress fits when i pick it up tomorrow :)  Please fit!

1000 calories smashed for the first time!

This morning I trained for 1hr and 50min doing gym cardio and I burnt 1010 calories for the first time ever!

The most I had previously burnt was 900 calories on three occasions over the last 25 weeks.  I usually burn about 600-700 calories per day, unless my body hurts.

Well, now my body is hurting but my brain is buzzing!  Such a good feeling as I have a huge day ahead of me so I need a buzzing brain to get me through :)

If you have signed up for 12WBT Round 3 2011... the forums are buzzing like my brain!  Get in there and get to know the family.  So exciting!!!

A weekend of ticks

Had a productive weekend and achieved a couple of goals.

• Passed my First Aid Course today.  Normally I hate these types of courses as they involve role plays where you have to be the patient.  I didn't like people having to roll me into recovery positions or move me.  Today I was so confident as no one would have any trouble rolling or moving me because I'm smaller now!  I have done everything I need to renew my Certificate 3 in Fitness qualification.   That is one tick off the bucket list.
• Went clothes shopping yesterday with my sis.  We had an awesome time - so much fun.  I fit into all size 14 clothes now…  Wooohooo!!!  AND I bought one size 12 skirt for work -my first size 12!  My goal is get to a size 12 and I'm almost there!  That is one tick off my goals that I can nearly tick.

• A couple of weeks ago I found the PERFECT cocktail dress for the finale party in Brisbane.  BUT, didn’t want to buy it unless I fit into the size 14 (I couldn’t breathe in the 14 last fortnight and it took 2 people to zip it up!).  Well, I tired it on again today and size 14 fit - tick!  So I have ordered it in the colour I want and it arrives Thursday… It better get here before I board the plane for Brissy on Friday morning!

• It's weird, i thought that after the last weigh in (Wed 10 August) i would feel like slacking off.  But that has not happened!  My exercise and nutrition hasn't changed at all.  I'm really pleased that the lifestyle is continuing even though I am not accountable to weigh ins for a few weeks.  Let's hope it lasts!  My mind is still so strong... tick!

All the hard work is definitely paying off :)  Will be signing up for Round 3 before I head to the gym tomorrow morning :)  Who's joining me?

12WBT Round 2 Highlights

Wow what a ride!  I am having the BEST year of my life and the last 12 weeks have been amazing.  I lost 20% of my body weight and 62cm in the 12 weeks.

Here's my top highlights of my first round of the Michelle Bridges 12 Week Body Transformation (Round 2 2011):

1. This program has transformed my mind to focus on me.  I come first.  Making healthy and active choices everyday are my number one priority.
2. Working more efficiently as I am healthier and have a stronger mind.
3. My boss, Kerry, emailing Michelle Bridges to thank her for my transformation.

4. Michelle Bridges quoting Kerry's email on her facebook page and in an email to the people signed up for Round 3 2011.   http://www.facebook.com/12wbt/posts/10150245644436056

5. Running 1km non-stop for the first time ever in my life in the Week 12 fitness test.  (I'm now training for a fun run in October and I have hated running all my life!)
6. Actually getting fit, participating in Step, Pump and Sh'Bam classes, and seeing my fitness improve every week.
7. Clothes shopping and fitting into JayJays jeans :)
8. My nephews telling me I look skinny.
9. Writing a blog for the first time ever.  It's been fun and emotional.  I'm glad I have documented my journey in writing so I can look back and remember this amazing experience.
10. Exuding confidence I didn't know I had.
11. Having a 'pay it forward girl' that will join me in Round 3.  That is so rewarding to me.  You are gonna smash it!
12. Participating in the Mini Comp and getting wonderful inspirational emails from my Team every Wednesday that kept me on track.
13. Seeing my muscles defining, my stomach getting flatter, my collarbones are back, and my little biceps are cute & getting stronger :) 
14. And most importantly… having a fabulous support crew including family, friends, bosses, instructors, 12WBT crew & members and many others… This is not a one person journey.  You have all contributed to the new me.

Things I could have done without in the last 12 weeks:

1. People touching me when they are commenting on my new body… Please don't touch me without asking :)
2. The sore muscles and body from training like a crazy woman.
3. Getting sleepy by 9pm due to the early morning training.
4. Not fully understanding what 'space' I take up.  I wish I could have appreciated me sooner.  The penny only really dropped last week that I am 'normal-sized' now.  It sooooooo hard to get your mind to stop thinking like a fat person, sounds ridiculous but it's true.

This program is awesome (just look at what it did to me people!!!).  If you are thinking about a healthier and active lifestyle, it will be the best $200 you invest in yourself.  It's not just about weight loss and it's not a diet, it's a lifestyle.  And if you need support, I will help you :)  

In the lyrics of Gaga, you are on the edge of glory, so sign up for Round 3 on 15/8/11 :)

Week 12 Weigh In

Week 12 Weigh In
This week lost  1.8 kg (2.36%)
This Round weight loss 18.6kg (20.04%)
25 week weight loss 35.4kg (32.29%)

Calories 9/8/11

5.30am weight - 74.8kg

Exercise - 400cal
- 50min cardio (ave HR 145bpm)

Food - 1100cal

Net Calories - 700

 

Took it easy at training today as my body is still sore for the weekend Pump classes and the fitness tests.  I have lost 1.2kg so far this week.  I ate really clean today for the accelerator day and fingers crossed that the scales reflect this tomorrow for the final Round 2 weigh in!!! This program is fantastic!

 

Round 2 2011 Fitness Test and Measurements before and after

Here's my results from week 1 to week 12 in 12WBT Round 2 2011.

Weight
Week 1 - 92.8kg
Week 12 - 74.2kg
Total loss - 18.6kg

Measurements

Chest  -  lost 11cm

Waist  -  lost 12cm

Butt  -  lost 16cm

Right thigh  -  lost 12cm

Left thigh  -  lost 11cm

Total cm lost in 12 weeks = 62cm

1km time trial

Week 1  -  8min 40sec (had to walk a lot of it)

Week 12  -  7min 10sec (I ran the whole way!)

Push ups on knees in 1min

Week 1  -  27

Week 12  -  44

Wall Sit

Week 1  -  1min 5sec

Week 12  -  2min 15sec

Abs Stage

Week 1  -  Level 2

Week 12  -  Level 3

Sit and Reach

Week 1  -  +10cm

Week 12  -  +13cm

Best Day EVER!!!

OMG What as day!!!  Can't believe it.  I'm pinching myself!  Here's what happened…

• Went to the gym early this morning with a sore and tired body and my mind just couldn't get my body to do what it needed to do.  Felt pretty awful as I cut my workout short, but I accepted the decision I made.
• Got to work half hour early and got a message from my Pump Instructor.  She mentioned something about a Facebook post on Mich's page.  I then saw an email from JoHarry saying something similar but both messages were a bit cryptic to me.
• I jumped onto Mich's Facebook page and found this.  http://www.facebook.com/12wbt/posts/10150245644436056?notif_t=feed_comment_reply
• For those of you that can't access that, this is what Michelle posted on her page:

"I got an email from splasharama's boss, saying 'her transformation is absolutely amazing, not just the weight she has lost, but her whole personality has changed into a bright, bubbly young woman who now has a continual smile, laughs and interacts with the rest of the team.' What an AWESOME boss, for an awesome 12WBTer. I hope your bosses are thinking the same xx "

• Well the tears started flowing uncontrollably after reading 10 words.  I had NO IDEA that my boss had emailed Michelle (and she is not that savvy with technology so I'm surprised she figured out how to do it!).  I cried for about 20 minutes as the comments to the post began appearing.  Sooooooooooooooo overwhelming!!!  Mich thinks I'm awesome!  OMG Mich thinks I'm awesome!
• My boss arrived at work and I said "Kerry What Have You Done???" as I hugged her and started crying again!!!  She had no idea her email would make it to Facebook for everyone to see.  She just genuinely wanted to thank the program for transforming me in so many ways.  She too was overwhelmed!
• I had the most productive day at work as I was on an absolutely high.  Michelle posted about me… ABOUT MEEEEEEE!  OMG that is so cool :)
• Did my fitness test tonight and Splash Smashed It
• Since 4 weeks ago I took 1min 20 secs off my 1km run (and i ran the whole way for the first time!!!), did 8 more push ups, got to the next level of sit ups (level 3) and reached 2cm further in the sit and reach.  Still have to do the wall sit, take my measurements and after pic tomorrow.  I hated taking my before pic but I am damn excited about the after pic!  Who would have thought taking a half naked pic of yourself would be exciting?!?!?!  I'm crazy I guess :)
• I AM LOVING THIS PROGRAM and what it has done to me.  Mich, you and your crew have transformed me into the person I never even dreamed of being as I thought it was unachievable.  You have transformed my mind, which has ultimately transformed my life.  There is no way of thanking you enough for making me me :)  You guys rock!

Calories 8/8/11

5.30am weight - 75.1kg

Exercise - 380cal
- 40min cardio

Food - 1050cal

Net Calories -670

 

Poor effort in terms of exercise.  But today was the BEST DAY EVER!  I'm about to blog about it so have a read :)

Round 2 is ending but this isn't over

Only 1500 calories left to burn before the last weigh in… I can't believe the 12WBT Round 2 2011 is nearly over!  I won't have my 12WBT support crew anymore :(

I've got three days to complete my last fitness test, take my last lot of measurements, weigh in for the last time and take my 'after' photo.  Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!  This is stressful!

But you know what…?  It's sooooooooooooo is not over for me.  This is the life I will live forever.  Just because the last weigh in is over, doesn't mean I can eat chips and sleep in.  Doesn't mean I can snack on a vanilla slice.  Doesn't mean I can order baked cheesecake with my coffee.  It doesn't mean any of that.  It means I have to go it alone in the off-season while I wait for Round 3 2011 to start.

I'm actually looking forward to the off-season.  It will be a great test for me to see how easy or hard it is for me to keep living the lifestyle without being accountable to Mich or the 12WBT team with my weekly weigh in results.  Mich has done such a WONDERFUL job transforming my mind that I know Splash will Smash the off-season :) 

Plus, I will continue to record my weekly weigh in results on here and I DO NOT want you all to read "Oops, I was a slacker this week and put on weight".  That is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!

Bring on the Off-Season!!!

Please note - by 'off season' I mean no weigh ins. Pre-season Round 3 actually starts the day after Round 2 ends.

Calories 7/8/11

8.30am weight - 75.6kg

Exercise - 900cal
- 5 min warm up on Bike

- 1hr Step Class

- 1hr Pump class

Food - 1150cal

Net Calories -250

 

I don't believe it.  I only netted 250 cals yesterday but I apparently put on 500g since yesterday??  Must have been the litre of water I drank during the Sh'Bam class in the afternoon!  

My body was sore all over this morning from Pump yesterday, as I had not done pump for over 3 weeks.  However, I chose to exercise today instead of having a rest day as there is only 3 days until the last weigh in... gotta burn those cals so the scales make me smile on Wednesday :)  

Calories 6/8/11

7.30am weight - 75.1kg

Exercise - 850cal
- 20 min gym cardio (HR ave 155) 200cal

- Pump class 270cal

- Sh'bam Class 380cal

Food - 1100cal

Net Calories -250

Had a great day!  Trained this morning and did some cardio and Pump.  Then went dress shopping and found a cute little number for the finale party.  Then I went to the launch of Sh'bam at a local gym in the late afternoon - lots of fun.  Had great energy all day and am taking it easy tonight.

Calories 5/8/11

5.30am weight - 75.3kg

Exercise - 515cal
- 60 min gym cardio (HR ave 155)

Food - 1050cal

Net Calories -535

 

Worked out at a lower intensity than the last 4 days and didn't feel tired in the afternoon at all.  I'm all rested and read for my Super Saturday Session tomorrow - 1hr Cardio, 1hr Pump, 1hr Sh'bam.  Splash is gonna smash the cals on Sat! Plus I'm going Finale Dress shopping :)

Calories 4/8/11

5.30am weight - 75.4kg

Exercise - 700cal
- 70 min gym cardio (HR ave 168)

Food - 1100cal

Net Calories - 400

Felt good at training today.  Calves a bit sore from Step yesterday.  I'm busy at work at the moment so I'm pretty tired by about 3.30pm but I Just Keep Working (JKW).

Calories 3/8/11

5.30am weight - 76kg

Exercise - 800cal
- step class 390cal
- 40 min gym cardio (HR ave 162) 410cal

Food - 1200cal

Net Calories - 400

Felt hungry and tired until 3pm (I probably exercised too hard too soon after recovering from the flu).

What's My Secret?

This week I have been turning heads each day. I don't know what is different this week to last week lol!! I've been getting asked "what's your secret? I want to be like you! I want to do what you're doing! Tell me, please help!!!"

There is no secret peeps. It's science and the theory is simple - eat less & exercise more.
Is it easy? No.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!!! Look at me!!!

For the last 7 days of 12WBT Round 2 I will blog my daily calories and weight, even though I don't usually weigh myself daily (because it drives me crazy! Lol). Hopefully that will give you a little more insight into my lifestyle.

Here are some things I follow daily, which are not negotiable:
- I always exercise in the morning. Weekdays from 6.15am to 7.45am. Weekends 9am to 11am.
- I never eat before I exercise (my body doesn't need it)
- I haven't been adding salt to food for about 3 weeks.
- I never eat anything after 7pm
- I plan my food each night for the next day and don't stray from my plan

Hope this helps some of you. Please remember we are all different and so your results may vary.

Round 2 is nearly over and it's time for thank yous

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEOEAvBwXCA

Week 11 Weigh In

My stats:

This week lost 1.9kg (2.44%)

This Round weight loss 16.8kg (18.10%)

24 week weight loss 33.6kg (30.65%)

Shout Out to the Mini Comp Team

Can't believe there is only one week to go!!!  I want to send a huge thank you to the Mini Comp Team for keeping me on track over the last four weeks.  I eagerly await to received your emails every wednesday and love all the messages you send me. Looking forward to meeting you in Brisbane and giving you all a massive thank you hug :)

I will be doing Round 3 and will start another comp then so hope to see you all on the Round 3 Transformation Board.  We will be soooooo much closer to our goals weights then... how exciting?!?!

My Life in the Lyrics of Gaga

Those that know me know I'm addicted to Lady Gaga.  I just love her!!!  Her music, her image, her lyrics, what she believes in and how she empowers all of her 'little monsters" (fans) to believe in themselves and not focus on what others think of them.  Her songs motivate me when I exercise and I love wearing one of my three Gaga tees to the gym :)

Here's a summary of key moments in my life in the lyrics of Gaga.

Poker Face

"Can't read my, Can't read my, No he can't read my poker face"

• Although everyone tells me I'm no poker face, you wouldn’t know that I hated my appearance for most of my life as I never showed that side.  I focused my energy on everyone around me, rather than myself.

Dance in the Dark

"Baby loves to dance in the dark, 'Cuz when he's lookin' she falls apart, Baby loves to dance in the dark"

• I would pretend that I didn't like an activity instead of admitting that my weight was stopping me from doing it.

Just Dance

"Just dance. Gonna be okay. Da-doo-doo-doo. Just dance. Spin that record babe. Da-doo-doo-doo"

• Music has been a part of my life since I began tap dancing at the age of 4.  Music is now what keeps me training hard at the gym in the mornings "Keep going for just one more song Splash.  You can do it"

Born This way

"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are, She said, Cause he made you perfect, babe.  So hold your head up girl and you'll go far, Listen to me when I say"…  I'm beautiful in my way 'cause God makes no mistakes, I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way.  Don't hide yourself in regret, Just love yourself and you're set, I'm on the right track, baby I was born this way"

• I was born with a determined and stubborn streak.  As a kid I put my energy into my swimming.  It was a recreational activity that I loved from age 2.5 to 17 years.  As an adult I channelled my energy into my work, into achieving the next goal in my career.  I worked my way from a casual lifeguard to a Centre Manager for YMCA Victoria and I loved every minute of it.  I was the "get it done girl that kept everyone organised and colour-coded".  This year, I have focused my determined streak into making the best possible version of me.  And it's not just a 12 week fad, this is me forever now.

Speechless

"I'll never talk again, Oh boy you've left me speechless, You've left me speechless so speechless"

• The 12 week body transformation program has left me speechless.  Although I was losing weight on my own for 13 weeks prior to 12WBT, Mich has taught me to be strong in mind and JFDI.  The mindset lessons are invaluable.
• My sister has left me speechless.  She  has been that one person that I have been totally honest with during my journey and she gives me a reality check when I start freaking myself out.  Her success in Round 1 2011 of this program was very inspiring.  I'm so proud of her!!

Edge of Glory

"I'm on the edge of glory, and I'm hanging on a moment of truth"

• At week 11 of 12wbt, I'm on the edge of glory.  Here's why:
• In 11 weeks I've lost 9cm off my bust, 12cm off my waist, 14cm off my butt and 11cm off each thigh
• I've lost 31.7 kilos in 23 weeks
• I've improved my fitness by a zillion per cent
• I have the strongest mind ever that focuses on me first
• I'm about 2 months away from my goal weight then ready to get lean and strong for life. 
• Mich did this to me and I hope she is proud.  I know my family certainly is and that means the world to me!

Hair

"I’ve had enough, This is my prayer, That I’ll die living just as free as my hair"

• My body is transforming into the person I want to be and I can really start living.  I'm free of the old me and my life is just beginning...

2 weeks to go of 12WBT Round 2 2011

It's the start of week 11 and there's only 2 weeks to go of the 12WBT Round 2 2011.

The last two weeks have been challenging for a few reasons:

• I was sick with the flu for 12 days and stuck at home bored

• I did not exercise for 15 days because of the flu

• I had to be really strict with food to compensate for no exercise

• I celebrated my birthday twice:
• with a family dinner on 25/7 where I ate twice as much shepherds pie than I should have
• with my girlfriends over for afternoon tea on 31/7 where I controlled what I ate

On a brighter note:

• I hit the gym this morning for the first time in 15 days!!!  OMG it felt soooooooo good!  I wore my new leggings for the first time and I found it rather exciting  (I have NEVER bought or worn leggings before).
• My friends are absolutely wonderful and their birthday gifts compliment my new lifestyle perfectly!  I received a Bras n Things Voucher, Lorna Jane Voucher, money to buy a new outfit and a gorgeous candle holder.  Love my girls!
• There are 4 of us doing 12WBT Round 2 (my sis, 2 cousins and I).  I think we may have recruited a few more to do Round 3 with us... exciting times ahead!!!

I'm so motivated to finish this round with a bang, and continue living and breathing this program during Pre-season Round 3 2011.  I'm aiming to lose another 3kg in the next fortnight.  I can definitely achieve this if I JFDI.

I got a feeling the scales are going to be great this week...