Day 98, 99, 100 +1

Day 98 I did yoga after school.

Day 99 I went for an outdoor run (5ks) as it was a cooler morning. I also did weights after school for 30 mins or so...before heading out ofr a fab dinner at one of our fave restaurants.

Day 100 was 100% a rest day! I capped off my very rewarding challenge with a massage after school. Disappointly, the massage sucked! My normal lady is on vacation, so I had to go with an unknown entity. I figured it would be fine since all the staff are usually great. This time, not so much. Not only was it not relaxing even one tiny bit - she HURT me! This is an example of what she did - picture me laying on my tummy, she folds my leg back at the knee and then with all of her body weight, she pummels my leg not once but twice so my knee totally jack-knifed. I literally let out a shriek of pain! From that point on I was very vocal in telling her not to wrench my shoulder out of the socket, not to bend my toes so far back they were touching the sole of my foot, not to PULL MY EARS really hard! I am telling you the woman was a psycho. On top of all that, she ripped me off. My one hour massage turned out to be barely 45 mins - not that I cared - I just wanted to get the heck outta there!!!

So, I'm thinking that I am now going to go somewhere on the weekend and get myself a GOOD massage. I certainly think I earned it over the course of my challenge! Speaking of earning things, not sure if I shared that I bought a stunning new white ceramic watch after running my 20ks. I love looking at it and being reminded of my achievement!

Today I kicked off my summer spa holiday with a 5k run - hard and fast intervals on the mill at 5am! Bliss :) (Although the colour of my face post run would suggest otherwise!).

Day 95, 96, 97

Day 95 I headed to yoga at the end of a long, busy and stressful working week. It was a great start to the weekend. Even better cos I came home to dinner cooked by Matt. Woohoo!

Day 96 I hit the treadmill and ran 11ks. I was a little apprehensive about being able to do a long run on the treadmill, but I found that I actually really enjoyed it. Here's why: It makes a nice change from running outside so there is a novelty factor; the A/C is my best friend at the moment - it was 44 degrees yesterday, so being able to run in cool comfort makes any possible treadmill tedium totally do-able; I listened to a Dr Oz and Oprah podcast - makes a nice change from tunes; I love being able to change my incline / speed and feel very in control. It took me 70 mins. I felt a million dollars after it and it was the start of a fabulous day that included surprise flowers from Matt!

Day 97 I went to the pool and did 40 HOT laps. The dang compressor in the pool is broken so it is HEATED BEYOND BELIEF!!! Think hot spa and you'll get my drift. I spoke to the pool guy when I got out and he said they're working on fixing it. I was like 'yeah - you might wanna hurry up with that'. I am pleased that I did not abandon my swim plans as soon as I got in the pool and realized how disgustingly hot it was. On hindsight, maybe I should have abandoned plan as I did not feel so great when I got out after my swim. Oh well, lots of water and a green smoothie later and all was well with the world again.

I also headed over to the gym and did weights for 50 mins. All good there :)

So this week's workouts consisted of:
1 x 5k run
1 x 11k run
1 x 30 mins bike
40 laps of pool
2 yoga classes
2 weights sessions.

Oh yeah baby!!!

Spa Holiday

We have a long break over summer here. It is one of the definite perks of teaching in an international school. Summer this year will include 10 days in China; 4 days in Singapore; 2 weeks in Queensland; 2 weeks in Adelaide; 2 weeks in Dubai; and finally, 4 days in the Seychelles. It is my goal that when we go to the Seychelles I will be looking and feeling as good as I do now - OR even better!!!!

When on vacation, there is a HUGE temptation to over-indulge, let exercise fall by the wayside and generally slide into a sugar and alcohol induced coma. Normally I am fine with this as I figure I work so hard during the year that I deserve a little break, so I live it up over the vacation big style! This rationale especially takes hold when I consider all the treats and delights that come my way on vacation, not to mention the delicious goodies that await me in Australia. Goodies that I cannot get my hands on over here, so I HAVE to make the most of them while I am back.

But you know what, this year I don't want to do that. I don't want to feel yuk. I don't want my skin to go all rashy again. I don't want to put on weight. I don't want to feel lethargic. I don't want to feel agitated. I don't want to feel that all my efforts in my 100 day challenge were in vain. All these things (and more) happen to me as a side effect of over-indulgence. And yet, somehow, in the past I have been prepared to put up with all these negative side effects just so I could eat what I (thought) I wanted.

But here's the difference: These days, eating what I want does not include unhealthy food. I want to eat fresh, wholesome food that makes me feel good - so that's what I CHOOSE to eat. Of course, I still have the occasional treat (see last night's chocolate) but by occasional I mean o.c.c.a.s.i.o.n.a.l. My food for 99% of the time is food that will nourish my body, give me energy and make me feel as though I am living my best life.

When I am in my normal routine I find it 100% easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I exercise without dreading it (in fact it's the opposite - I love it!); I drink my green smoothies religiously; I consume healthy food without even thinking about it; I have healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, partaking in leisure activities I enjoy and generally being very balanced.

And so comes the challenge.

The challenge will come on vacation in many forms. Can I resist the all you can drink and eat at the hotels we are staying at?(I mean we've already paid right, I may as well get my money's worth). Can I cope with the fact that maybe I won't be able to have a green smoothie every day? Will I really want to exercise first thing in the morning when I have been out late the night before and know I have a full day of siteseeing ahead? Can I say 'no thanks' to all the treats that will stare me in the face at the Central Markets and cafes of Adelaide?

You know what, I think I can. Why? Because I know what is best for me in the long run. And because I have a plan! Here it is:

1. I will exercise each morning. That will include running 3x per week (a mixture of interval, tempo and long runs - I want to clock 20ks a week); swimming; weights; yoga and walking. By getting the exercise out of the way early, it will set me up for a great day and ensure I don't run out of time later in the day.

2. I have bought some green smoothie powder and capsules for those days when we haven't been able to find greens / fruits. Whilst not as good as the real thing, I'm hoping these babies will still give me a boost.

3. I plan to buy a travel blender so that I can whip up smoothies in the hotel room.

4. I will have 4x glasses of wine max per week (maybe even less). This will still allow me to treat myself without going over the top.

5. I will have a sweet treat one time per week.

6. I will choose the healthy options when possible.

7. Most of all, I will be mindful of the choices I am making regarding everything I do. I will make the conscious decision to exercise. I will make the conscious decision to eat healthy. I will make the conscious decision to be mindful of every action that will affect my well-being.

By doing the above, I hope that I feel EXCELLENT at the end of the vacation (hopefully even better than I do now). Seychelles here we come baby!!

I always say that if I didn't work full time I would be the fittest person going. You know, with all that time on my hands, I would be free to workout when I feel like it and plan and prepare meals carefully. Well, here is my opportunity. I therefore plan to treat my summer vacation as a spa holiday. Bring it on!

And when will this start? June 16th baby. Yes. The day after my 100 day challenge finishes :)

Days 92, 93, 94

Day 92 I did 30 mins of intervals on the bike before school. At least I think I did - I can't remember back to Monday and whether I did a run or bike ride. But I know I did something. It's been that kinda week! Still, the week has not been all doom and gloom. I mean what's not to like about getting to the end of Monday and having a pedicure and foot massage after school, followed by dinner at one of my all time fave restuarants?! Mmmmm green papaya salad ...

Day 93 I headed over to the gym after school and did an hour or so of weights on the bosu and fit ball. The workout managed to revive me and give me energy for the evening.

Day 94 I did 5 ks of fast intervals on the treadmill before school (32 mins 30 secs). It was great!

Last night I was reading back over my posts from the start of the 100 day challenge. It is so good to have a record of all the hard work I have put in. I am so proud of the fact that I am still going strong. For the last 94 days, I have done at least 6 workouts per week (often more like 7-8). I have been super healthy with my eating (give or take the odd glass of wine or piece of choc). And the result, with 6 days to go, I am feeling fabulous. Clothes that have not fit me for years now fit. I have little / zero back pain. My knee pain is manageable. My skin is clear. I feel positive and balanced.

I know that this is just the beginning for me - I am shaping my new self. My fit self. The self I intend to me for the rest of my life.

I am actually a little sad that the 100 days is coming to an end next week. But never fear, I am currently in the stage of mentally planning my summer vacation challenge so that I do not undo all my hard work. Stay tuned!

Day 88,89,90,91

Day 88 was a rest day. I went for a 1 hour massage after school instead of working out. What a lovely end of week treat it was. Even more so as the place was having a 50% off special! Happy with that :)

Day 89 I got up at 4am and was running by 5am as Safa Park. I did one lap (3.4ks) before deciding that it was waaaaaaaaaay too hot. It was steamy, humid and baking hot. My legs felt good but my beetroot face did not. So I decided to head home and take my workout inside. I ran for a full hour on the treadmill - that is a definite pb for me as I have never done that before! I was listening to some podcasts, gazing at the pool and dreaming of floating up and down in it later that day. Turns out it was a good move to take my workout inside. It ended up being 47 on Friday!!!! At 5am it was already close to 40! Jeepers. Oh well. I guess the outdoor running in Dubai is now shelved until post-summer. Treadmill it is then!

Day 90 I swam 40 laps and then later headed to the gym to do weights, bosu and ball for an hour. Fun!

Day 91 I will head to yoga after school.

Day 85, 86, 87

Day 85 I did 30 minutes of intervals on the treadmill (3 minutes fast running / 30 seconds walk for 30 mins).


Day 86 I dragged myself to the gym to do weights. I was a bit rushed for time as we had been out shopping and then I was going out for dinner. A HUGE part of me wanted to go into a coma on the couch for an hour... instead it was off to the gym to pump iron and balance on the bosu. Of course I loved it. Of course I was pleased I went. Of course I felt like a baby for complaining about HAVING to go to the gym. That's why the phrase 'Just do it' is so apt. Just damn well do your workout and get on with your life! As someone wise once said, you know you ALWAYS feel better after a workout! And it made my yummy dinner out even more enjoyable :)

Day 87 I did 5 ks on the treadmill. (32 m 10 secs). I ran 3 minutes at 9.0, with a minute at 10.0 thrown in every 4th minute for 5ks. I don't usually do this style of run on the treadmill but I loved it. It was a great challenge to run at a swift pace, interpsersed with a fast minute, for 5ks.