It’s about…kicking off

So tomorrow sees Round 1 2011 12wbt kick off – finally!!! I remember that feeling at the end of Round 3 last year thinking how far away this date was. I wondered how would I cope without the structure of the program and if I would be able to maintain or even improve my weight loss and fitness. I thought I would just follow the program from week 1 again and it would be dead easy – nothing to panic about. I knew what to do.

But I didn't.

Despite the panic, I managed to sort my shit out over that time. I didn't follow a single meal plan. Nor did I determine the meals for the week or a regular training regime. I just did stuff. And it kind of worked. And I am kind of impressed with myself for that, because I can assure you I wasn't always so certain it would.

What I have learned in the between rounds period is that I am more aware of the choices I am making. I might not calorie count, but I have a fair idea of what is going into my body and how much I am moving it to balance it out. I discovered that I have learnt to compensate myself with balanced food if I make some interesting choices during the day, say if a glass of wine or so is involved. I know I am training WAY more than I ever did in my life and that I love the feeling I get afterwards. My family expects me to go and do something which has taken an incredible pressure off my shoulders and relieves that mother guilt so many of us have.

I have another driver with this round – and it's a pressure I need to manage. Through my success in Round 3, I have directly or indirectly inspired over a dozen people to sign up to 12wbt, including my Mum, dear friends, work colleagues and some people I don't really know that well! These people have seen my transformation and want a piece of the action. I am so thrilled that so many people I know and love are taking that big step into life transformation. There are some I know will nail it and there are others I know will have demons they might struggle to deal with. None of them I expect to get involved with the forums or even Facebook in a big way. None have a twitter account. I hate to say it, but the social network is what has been the most effective component of my 12wbt story. In a selfish way, I don't want to share it with some of these people. It's like something I have earned – like a Round 3 medal! Pathetic, but true – perhaps a shadowy insight into my personality…

Anyway, in the spirit of sharing I've decided to post you my round 1 before shots and stats. Don't laugh at some of them – thought I'd see how much the muscles in my back and arms change over 12 weeks.

Starting weight - 68.1

Body Fat - 28.6%

BMI - 24.7

Muscle Mass - 33.0%

H2O - 52.1%

Just to prove a point - here is a before and after from Round 3. By god I've changed...

So there you have it. I am ready to rock and roll. Tomorrow morning I am doing the outdoors session with a game of netball later that night. I have taken the chicken out already and I will prepare my wrap bits for the morning. I am ready to define myself this round and work out just who I am and want to be for now and for always.

Cos really, it's about change…

xxx

It’s about…being focused

I have NEVER been good at goal setting. I am a procrastinator at heart, so actually finishing or achieving something doesn't happen that often. Sounds like an excuse, hey! Might have to add it to my list...

Preseason task 3 is always a tough one for me. One month goals I can do, even three months, but beyond that you've lost me. I'm already bored and distracted so it just ain't gonna cut it. Sorry Mish. That said, I've had a stab at it and here they are - complete with a couple of excuses for good measure.

One Month Goals	Three Month Goals
Lose 3kg	Lose an additional 6kg
Run 8km without walking	Be at 22 BMI
Drop 2% body fat (get to 28)	Run 5k in 30 minutes
Be 24 BMI	Run 10k in 75 minutes
Make a decision about work	Drop an additional 3% body fat (Get to 25)
	Do the advanced session at 12wbt training
	Be happy with my work choice

How will I do it for Round 1?

• Follow 12wbt food and exercise plans
  
• Follow a combo of Lean and Strong and Lean and Fast programs - make it work for me
  
• Drink at least 4 bottles of water a day
  
• Track my food at least 75% of the time
  
• Ask myself "Do I really need that?"
  
• Plan the week out - food and exercise plans to be in place by Sunday
  
• Gym session 3 times a week (or Capital Punishment session)
  
• Running with Kaz on Fridays and by myself at least one other day
  
• Find a 10k program and fit it in
  
• Register for Canberra Marathon 10k event (done!)
  
• Register for Mother's Day Classic 10k event
  

Six Month Goals	Twelve Month Goals
Sustain weight loss	Sustain weight loss
Run 10k in 60 minutes	Be still inspiring people to be fit, healthy and happy
Run City to Surf 2011	Do the Paddy Pallin Adventure Series in 2011

My excuses are lame – but whose aren't. They are mainly related to my laziness and skilled procrastination capabilities. None of them mean I can't do something to make a difference to me, my family or something bigger. Ultimately, it comes down to communication and organisation: the two things that are meant to be my specialty. This year I will apply the tools I learned from 12wbt to my work life and will JFDI to my deliverables and business. That means (ironically) less time on-line and more time on-task.

So, are you with me? Got a spare boot to nick up my butt when I am being lazy and self centred?? I'm ready to take it and am relying on you, my friends to apply as you see fit.
xx

It's about...getting started

Hmm...all a bit daunting, this blog stuff. You'd think that someone who specialises in communication might feel a little more comfortable writing for an audience than I do right now. Perhaps when I write for work it's about things that are going to happen to other people that I have little or no control over. This is different. It's personal.

I am a management consultant. I help businesses deal with the people side of changes that happen to their organisation - big, small, whatever. My role is to sift out the rubbish and find the issues that impact how people feel when they are at work, doing what they do every day. Their advocate - someone who gives a toss about how somebody elses big idea affects them. I make it easier for them to deal with change - big or small, short or drawn out. It's my job to make other people feel better.

If I am so good at helping others, why did it take so long to start helping myself? Why do I seek out others to support, yet fail to invest in my own person? Stuffed if I know, but I am going to use this blog as part of my second 12wbt adventure to make amends.

So hang on to your hats, because for the next few months I will be sharing and declaring all the bits that fall out (and off) during the next stage of my life transformation.

Cos, it's about change...