Mountain Highs and Valley Lows

So I'm into my third week and this is the first time I'm feeling less than super-psyched. My first valley. It really sucks coming down from the mountain high, but I am determined to navigate this valley to get back up there!

 
I don't hate anything I am doing, it's just the first moment where I feel like I am so far away from any real change and tangible results. And I choose to recognise that is true, but I am so much closer to those results than I was three weeks ago, and if I falter I won't reach them at all.

So to help me get through this I find myself analysing where I am with my goals so far and where I am not. Perhaps a few ways to help me would be shifting some focus or changing things up.

I have been running and doing strength training on alternate days, with one or two days a week off.

Maybe I will do short update posts with my Quest levels, just to have it for posterity. Well maybe not quite that far ahead, but at least for my own reference :)

I feel it might be time to level up on my strength training. I will take time this week to check out the more advanced workout on NerdFitness.

Also since I haven't been studying much my Temptation-bundling with that hasn't been happening. Although the socialising and exercising bundle is going strong. So focusing on my study schedule this week to get going by next week will also help.

I also think a bit more focus on shifting daily eating habits to healthier options is another thing I can focus on. I usually only buy rye and wholewheat bread but to cut down on consumption of grains I have found a recipe for coconut bread to have as a replacement option. Thanks Coconut Mama for the recipe. Also doing things like planting more vegetables and herbs in our backyard, which I am already using. Roasting pumpkin seeds (yum) and focussing on buying more viable "paleo" snacks for those moments when you're hungry and need something to keep you from making a terrible choice like burgers and fries.. I do, of necessity, have a cheat day and that has worked well for me. So there is no guilt when I really do feel overwhelming urge to indulge, and I'm back on track by next day without setbacks.

So overall just sticking to little changes daily, trying to schedule as much exercise as I can daily and implementing stiking-to-it-iveness. Yes I know its not a word but I got a badge with that (or similar) name from Khan Academy and like the sound of it :) 

A shout out to my now-over-300 Twitter followers, it really helps me connecting with people. And to you reading this blog. I might not know you, but writing this for you keeps me focussed too.

Then lastly, and probably most importantly, I will keep up the focus on the amazing work The A21 Campaign does. And remember how this might be a long term project, but when I get to do the Comrades to raise awareness for them.. What a great mountain high that will be! A smaller and attainable sooner high will be taking part in the Walk For Freedom.

There wasn't one in my area last year and there doesn't seem to be one this year either, so I have decided to host one and this has me flying out of the valley already :) By the time I get my application done I bet I'll be soaring over the mountain tops! You can support this amazing stand by joining a walk or if there isn't one near you, do what I am doing and make it happen!

My Goal: The Comrades Marathon

"Comrades 2015 belonged to South Africa." This is the headline on a News24 article and it's so true! Another is: "Clean sweep for SA at Comrades" says another on EyeWitness News.

Wow. This is what I actually said when I heard the news, that not only did a South African, Gift Kelehe, place first yesterday in Overall and Men's, but we also had Caroline Wostmann representing in the Ladies' division. What a Proudly South African moment. The twitterverse was buzzing with all the tweets and the whole country was on that high that comes from such a momentous occasion when it seems that anything is possible.

It was also extremely motivating for me to keep up with my training.. Which I did, all weekend!
So my 2nd week started Sunday and I've completed a strength & a cardio training session. I will also put some time in Dancing today, it's basic dance but an hour and a half training session is good.

The weather forecast for the whole week is cold and rainy, but nothing is stopping me! I'm bundling up and heading out rain or shine.. See you on the flip side.

Week One Done and Dusted

So I've completed my first full week of exercising and I am getting more and more motivated every day!

A friend gave me a PowerPlate machine that she has in storage and just doesn't use. It's so impressive how it will help my existing stretching and strength routines. It doesn't add time to my workouts, only effectiveness. And if that isn't enough it has added bonuses of increasing circulation, weight-loss and reducing cellulite.

Aside from just completing workouts, my other NerdFitness quests this week were:

• Take a before photo - Check

• Change my thinking to see workouts as gaining points for skills - Check. My points stand as follows:

1. STA (Stamina) + 3 
2. WP (Will Power) + 6 
3. STR (Strength) + 3 
4. DX (Dexterity) - Will start incorporating this training next week.

• Make one dietary change for the better - Check.

1. Drinking 2 litres of water a day, by drinking a glass of water before other drinks and meals.

• Temptation Bundling - Check

1. Socialising + Running: Arranged to start running with a friend from next week to do socialising while exercising. 
2. Studying + Exercising: I have a brutal study schedule at the moment, so doing exercises like squats while watching the video portions mean I study and train.

What a first week and next week will only be better with the measures in place to be even more effective.

Aside from twitter and this blog I have also spoken to people (in real life) about how I'm integrating my desire to raise awareness for The A21 Campaign with my new work out routine. It is a great way to introduce people to the very real problem of human trafficking and how we can use our everyday lives to help.

I'm loving it

So am I pumped after finishing my first strength training exercise session today? Day 4 of my Nerd Fitness programme and having a blast!

Yesterday I chose my character: a monk :) This was an easy choice since I am doing Krav Maga, which strictly speaking isn't Martial Arts, but it is contact combat so it's essentially the same physically. 

I completed another 20 minute "Run" yesterday, although according to my programme it's still speed walking and not running yet. 

Then I just have to mention that I have been meeting lots of amazing people on my twitter account (@mywalkinhershoe). So I want to take a moment to say a sincere thank you to everyone supporting me and our cause to stand against the injustice of human trafficking. 

To all the individuals who make up The A21 Campaign and all the other organisations involved with this worthy cause: Thank you and we will not stop until every last human being is free!