A brief review

Not where I review briefs ha ha!

I was after some running bottoms as sharing with hubby makes it harder for him to run two days in a row. After a cursory glance to eBay for bargains, which I didn't really find, I remembered seeing some workout gear in Primark back along. As it turns out, they had a small corner dedicated to gym kit. I opted for plain black Capri leggings/tights for £7 :D I was tempted by the shorts for £5 in the same design but I don't think I'm quite there mentally yet. They also had t-shirts for £6, jackets for £12 and some bras. After finding my lovely Nike dri-fit for £3.95 in brand new condition in a local charity shop, I didn't stop to check prices on the Primark version!

They fit fab in the 14 :o shocked as I was an 18-20 before slimming world in April. They don't feel any different than Hubby's Karrimors but are much more flattering on my shape. They also have the nifty pocket at the back. Such a bargain! I'd definitely buy again.

Inspirations

I have a few current inspirations

My hubby: He's recently completed couch to 5k and had been totally inactive before. His determination and improvement inspire me hugely. I am very lucky to have him coach me and support me.

My friend R: After a back injury left her paralysed for a spell, she's fought damn hard to regain her mobility and freedom. She also juggles two kids and self-employment. Where I'd have been sulking and feeling sorry for myself, she's pulled on her big girl pants and got the f*ck on with it. She is so much stronger than I could ever be, and thinking of her always motivates me to put my big girl pants on too. Life's too short to wallow.

My friend L: She loves her fitness and has recently qualified as a cross-fit instructor. She's my go-to when I need any advice because I know she knows her stuff. She's a great support and guide. She inspires me with her passion and knowledge.

Julie from www.toofattorun.co.uk: Her success and passion for promoting running for plus sizers is inspiring. There is a lot of great info there as well as on her blog The Fat Girl's guide to running that helps me along :)

WeightLossBitch: This lovely blogger inspires me to stick to SW and to keep going even when it seems too hard. She's hilarious and serious at the same time. Well worth a read.

My slimming world consultant: Kate is a great lady and is always ready to help me along my journey. She's a fab consultant and is never afraid to admit her own hurdles and drawbacks during her journey.

These people help me stay on track and focused, something everyone needs :)

Week 1 Run 2

After a great first session I was feeling excited for run 2. I'd done some kettlebell in between as I need half hour a week of strength exercise for my Gold Body Magic for Slimming World. The previous run and the squats had made my inner thighs feel a little sore and tight but I didn't think about it much til the first minute's run. It didn't feel great, and I was dubious. But I ploughed through, even going a little faster than on Friday. The last couple of runs were quite hard, and my legs definitely had had enough, but I was determined to complete it, which I did. The full outing (inc walking there and then home) was 3 mins faster than when we did W1R1.

I was pleased to have done it, and not hugely surprised it was harder because of my thighs. I did feel very flat footed and stompy by the end which I need to work on.

This was my last chance workout as tomorrow is weigh in. Even though c25k is usually 3 times a week, I'll only be doing Mon & Fri so that hubby can still run twice a week for himself to move up from 5 to 10k.

Wish me luck!

Couch to 5k

((A brief note, still on SW,19lb down))

I started c25k on Friday. This is my second attempt after last time the first run resulted in collapsing (possible seizure after 6 years of medication control) and going to A&E. I lost a lot of confidence that day, not just from a running/fitness standpoint, but generally. I was back at square one after six years, driving license gone (it was only a provisional though, I'm a hideous driver!), afraid to be out alone, medical alert tags...

So getting back on the horse with c25k has taken me 9 months. In that time my lovely hubby has indeed gone from couch to 5k. He's generously offered to be my coach/safety net, so I've accepted. We bought a dirt cheap 3 wheeler so our 2 year old boy can join us. Scheduling time around him is a big challenge as he's not a good sleeper, I don't have much evening freedom. Being able to take him has made it infinitely easier.

Off we went, and apart from a wheel falling off (wasn't clicked in enough) a fab time was had. It was warm and sunny, and our local trail is perfect for exercise. But the best bit was achieving it! I got through the run with no health problems at all. In half an hour the damage to my confidence was mostly undone. I felt bloody awesome! It was nowhere near as hard as I expected.

On we go!

Can I do this?

I'm a week and a half in. I sneakily popped on the scales, only to find I'm only .2 of a pound down. I know I shouldn't look, because it depresses me. I wanted my half stone award this week, which means I need 1.5 off. It doesn't look likely. I'm worried that I'm not going to lose much long term, and I'll have spent money for nothing. I am following it, but I see a lot of people say no green days with PCOS, which I have. I can't do red as our food bill would be well over £100 a week which we can't afford. I can't do extra easy as I'm still not confidently eating enough superfree yet.
No more scales! I don't need this stress.

Slimming World

I'm two days in to attempt 3. The first two times I lost a little then stopped following the plan and attending group. But this time I need to do it for the good of our little family, to eat less crap and more f&v. I've been a fussy eater since I was very young, and DS is starting to show signs.

Doing ok so far, though anxious that I won't succeed!

Starting weight 14-1.

Week 1

Just to update :)
I lost 5.5 so I'm really pleased. I've made a real effort to reintroduce foods that bothered me (beans, sweetcorn, pineapple) and introduced foods I've never eaten (carrot, spring onion, broccoli, leek, watermelon). This is a huge step for me, it's more new veg than I would usually try in a year!
We've also started eating at the table instead of in front of TV. It's improved my 2 year olds mealtime behaviour and eating :)