1800 cals

This is what Monday looked like. Plus an additional coffee. And three clif shot blocks, not just the one. And yes, lunch was a protein smoothie, which isn't ideal, but I was time poor. I love sneaking "healthy/diet" food into the Man's day, even better when he enjoys the meal.

I rode & I kickboxed, I totally hit calorie deficit!

How I felt: Stomach wasn't overly pleased with a smoothie for lunch. I added more protein than usual and think it may have contributed to a stomach ache, but thankfully no bloating. It dissipated by late afternoon.

What I'd do differently: Add more veggies to my day. Lunch, I'm looking at you.

Tues; commute: 1:15 on the slow bike.

Mon; ride: 1:18 | 33km | 25km/hr. I rode with my Mum and the group of ladies she's joined. A bunch of really nice women. Took it easy to Patterson Lakes with the group and then pushed it back to Blackrock into a headwind by myself.

Mon; kickboxing: 45m. I was dreading going back to class. Yes, I've lost fitness, but it's more incentive to go, right? PS. Skipping is hard. So is 10 x 10 sets of push ups with boxing between each set!

10000 steps

This is what I'll be wearing for the next however many weeks. It's 10,000 step challenge time at work again and there's already some smack talk being bantered around. No one wants to be the person on the team who didn't record their 10,000 for the day. And as a team captain, I'm aiming to go higher.

Getting through yesterday's fitness test has taken a weight off my shoulders. I feel as though I'm ready to get back into an exercise routine, rather than having a fear of aggravating my ITB.

Goals this week:
1. 12,000 steps per day
2. Two kickboxing sessions (I haven't been in weeks)
3. Three runs
4. One bicycle commute
5. Five days of calorie deficit.

Applicant 22

...you have passed the fitness test. Thumbs up and happy faces here. 6.10 on the beep test. Hell yes! So much easier running it in a group. I even think I could have kept going and I'm sure all my nervous energy would have contributed to a good result.

I'm off to have my first coffee for the day, the lack of caffeine has left me with a punching headache.

1500 cals

I've got to get back on the Fitday bandwagon. I've watched my weight creep ever so slightly up to my uncomfortable point. I couldn't even begin to estimate what I've been eating per day at a guess between 1800-2000 cals. Which would be fine, if I was actually exercising. But I'm kind of not at the moment.

So today I wanted to be more mindful. I indulged over breakfast, coffee, french toast with raisin bread, stewed apples, strawberries & maple syrup (468). Lunch was a slightly less calorific affair, stir fry broccoli, fresh corn and home grown carrot, with chili, soy, lime sauce (143). A huge bowl of canteloupe, with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of almonds (184) followed not long after. Afternoon snacks included and orange and a piece of bread with almond butter (178). Dinner was tacos, with refried beans, avocado, low fat cheese, tomato & lettuce (520).

How I felt: There was no denying I felt hungry. Which makes me feel uncomfortable. But I didn't feel bloated either, which is awesome. I drank far more water than I usually would, and far less coffee.

What would I do differently?: Opt for a smaller breakfast. Add more protein. Particularly at lunch.

Resuming normal programming

Today was a good one and I felt like me.
I was able to let go of the anxiousness that Sunday's fitness test is causing me. What will be, will be.

Started the day with a commute on the Gazelle. There is no speed option but slow, whereby you just have to enjoy being on a bike. Do I ever. Then at lunchtime there was time to abandon my desk for a river run. It was an effort, but so very worthwhile. After the work day was done I walked into the city, encountered some huge sculptures, striking against the Town Hall and Cathedral (as part of the Melbourne Festival) and ate dumplings with a friend. Finishing the day off a ride home against the backdrop of a glorious sunset in time to view The Slap. Today bought me joy.

Ride: 1:15 | 20.3km | 16.24km. It's near on impossible to be fast, but still quicker than catching the train!

Run: 21:38 | 4km | 5:25/km. Longest run post ITB injury. Added an extra km and suffered not pain. It was windy and warm out, but seriously, I think this is a PB for 4km :).

Ride to Work Day

I'm work's Ride to Work Day ambassador. I have been for years. I felt a little sham-like this year because it's been ages since I've spun the legs into work. But last night I packed my clothes, pumped up my tires and laid out my gear in anticipation for this morning, so all I had to do when I got up at ridiculous o'clock was get dressed and jump on the bike.

And you know what? It was bliss. Being so early meant fewer cars, trucks and cyclists to contend with. Plus I didn't have to sit idle for 10 mins as seems to be the norm on the train these days.

We had a great response at work with a total of 10 bikes racked. I organised a healthy breakfast, complete with bananas as a special treat for riders, which were well received.

I'm tempted to ride in again tomorrow!

Ride: 52m | 20.6km | 23.7km/hr. I had the path to myself this morning, but found this afternoon to be a little congested and as a result had to take it easy in parts.

Beep test: Level 7. Yesterday wasn't an anomaly.

Tues; beep test: Level 7. I freakin' made it, finally. It wasn't easy, but I got there. I know I am physically capable, I just have to believe it on the day.

Melbourne Marathon

I didn't get to run, my ITB injury put paid to that idea. Instead it was all about supporting. I rode to the start line and then around the course with M, to support P. A few people had the same idea, and good to see that the Melbourne bike share got a fair bit of use.

For the most part the weather behaved, I was a little worried for the runners when woken at 5:30am by belting rain but it passed over and apart from a light sprinkle it was clear, if not a little windy.

Our plan of attack was to ride to certain sections of the course to cheer. We had a trusty cow bell that actually garnered many cheers and thanks from the runners. A couple of times P spotted us first because we were making a small racket. Incidentally I overheard a runner remarking that Melbournians don't know how to cheer a marathon, but I can tell you there was a small group of supporters giving it their all at Domain interchange (where the barricades are in the top photo).

Sadly the finish line was a disappointment. At the same time the sub 3 hour marathoners were finishing, so were the sub 2 hour half marathoners. Because of the volume of people we missed P cross the line for 2:53:30*. This is where Gold Coast gets it really right. The 21km starts an hour before the 42km, so there's almost no overlap. Something to think about for MM 2012?

*That's an instant qualifying time for the NYC marathon. So excited for him!!

Sun; swim: 36m | 1700m | 2:07/100m. I was tired after the early start. There's no way I would have swum if it wasn't for the fact that I'd arranged to meet J at the pool. Not an awesome swim, but I'll take it.