So, the day has come. William was selected to play football for his school in a tournament this morning so we were up early to get him ready and drop him off. Simon rightly guessed what Patrick had up his sleeve. So, we choose Day 11 workout - I had been missing the lunges. It was AMAZING to see how far we have all come. 600 jumps - 5 mins - and I hadn't even broken out into a sweat. Anyway, we did the routine and added 8 mins Abs and took lots of photos. I felt a huge sense of achievement and I'm going to put that bikini back on to see just how big it is for me now. We have a tailor coming over later on today to take all our clothes to alter - those he can - otherwise, it's shopping time!
Our medicals went really well yesterday and I have excellent news to report. In my medical this time last year, I weighed 59.7kgs. This morning, I'm 52kgs (8 stone 3 oz). My body fat last in my medical last year was 32.4% in the obese catergory and, I am DELIGHTED to report that today, it is 20.7% - I actually fall into the Athlete category! Hooray and Hooray! I am SO very pleased with myself! I never ever thought that I could get my fat down to such a level and most importantly, I feel on top of the world! Hooray!
Looking forward to the maintenance program / tips but for today, yes, going to relax and enjoy the sunny day in Tokyo and Simon is cooking tonight and we have THAT bottle of wine to look forward to. And then, 10 hours of sleep tonight!
Congratulations everyone!
Friday 28 October 2011
Thursday 27 October 2011
Day 89
Simon and I have full medical examinations booked for today. We have them done annually and thought it would be a good idea to do them just as we finish PCP. The comparative analysis is going to be very interesting. I feel on top of the world and sprang out of bed this morning, ready to get on with those super sets. They were so tough - da vincis followed by forward shoulder raises, but I am now using the next level resistance band and loved them! Managed 2 lots of plank again but did 8 mins Abs and V-sits were great - first failure was at 50 reps!
No breakfast this morning as we are fasting for our blood and cholesterol tests, so managed another 4000 skips in 40 mins! Wow! Really struggling without breakfast but going to examination soon so have to just hang in there. Simon is treating us to lunch at Nobu - I'm excited to go as everyone who has been is going on about their bento box......
As I got ready this morning, I commented to Simon how lovely it is to have our clothes fit properly. I just realised that some of them were actually quite snug fitting and now, with toned shoulders and Abs, everything feels comfortable and that gives one a confidence boost and so one walks taller!
Got to go now or I'll be late for my appointment, but just want to say that I've been exercising for over 20 years now and PCP has been the best thing I have ever done in terms of exercise and diet! Thank you Patrick - and Ren for sharing PCP with us!
Hope you are all keeping strong. One more day to go and can't wait for Patrick's surprise tomorrow! Gambatte!
No breakfast this morning as we are fasting for our blood and cholesterol tests, so managed another 4000 skips in 40 mins! Wow! Really struggling without breakfast but going to examination soon so have to just hang in there. Simon is treating us to lunch at Nobu - I'm excited to go as everyone who has been is going on about their bento box......
As I got ready this morning, I commented to Simon how lovely it is to have our clothes fit properly. I just realised that some of them were actually quite snug fitting and now, with toned shoulders and Abs, everything feels comfortable and that gives one a confidence boost and so one walks taller!
Got to go now or I'll be late for my appointment, but just want to say that I've been exercising for over 20 years now and PCP has been the best thing I have ever done in terms of exercise and diet! Thank you Patrick - and Ren for sharing PCP with us!
Hope you are all keeping strong. One more day to go and can't wait for Patrick's surprise tomorrow! Gambatte!
Wednesday 26 October 2011
Day 88
Oops, forgot to say that, I, too, am intrigued to see what Patrick has under his sleeve for us for Saturday. Bring it on, Patrick!
Day 88
Jumped out of bed as alarm went off. Wanted to get on with those super sets and was concerned I wouldn't have time to finish workout. Great to get the blood pumping at 5am and enjoyed the super set exercises but plank continues to be a struggle so only managed 2 sets to failure - 90mins and then 70 mins - but then decided to do 8 mins Abs, too which went well.
Absolutely loved the skipping - another 4000 in 45 mins this time but then managed another 30 mins session after my Japanese lesson. Feel on top of the world! I will actually miss PCP next week, but I shall definitely continue the good habits and fitness regime, as I'm now having the time of my life as I sprint towards the end!
Well done everyone!
Absolutely loved the skipping - another 4000 in 45 mins this time but then managed another 30 mins session after my Japanese lesson. Feel on top of the world! I will actually miss PCP next week, but I shall definitely continue the good habits and fitness regime, as I'm now having the time of my life as I sprint towards the end!
Well done everyone!
Tuesday 25 October 2011
Day 87
Woke up another 10 mins earlier today to get all exercises done. 4:50am! That's commitment! To make matters slightly more tricky, William came into our room around 4am having had a bad dream, so I consoled him and took him back to his bedroom so, I had just managed to drop off to sleep again when the alarm went off. Anyway, glad I made the effort to wake up so early as managed to get all exercises done and feel really encouraged as, for once, I managed the da vincis! Yippee! Shoulders were on fire after the super set. Loved Abs work - managed one lot of 50 reps V-sits! Was going to incorporate some 8 mins Abs but was keen to get onto the skipping as really loved it and managed to do 4000 in 40 mins!! Really pleased with myself as the skipping has really helped to move that stubborn fat I seem to store on my hips! For the very first time ever, I can actually SEE the difference the skipping is making so, I'm not going to worry about what the scales say too much from now on! Feel really positive today. Sun is shining again in Tokyo and I'm spending the day with our relocation lady, as she is helping me locate a hairdresser and nail bar etc, etc.
Hope you all have a good day and keep going!
Hope you all have a good day and keep going!
Monday 24 October 2011
Day 86
Woke up 5 mins before the alarm clock went off this morning so decided to get up and get on rather than just lying in bed..... enjoyed the sets but plank and V-sit combo is just evil! My core has definitely strengthened but doing these 2 exercises to failure is just painful. I was shaking and sweating and glad to go and get skipping afterwards.
Loved the skipping and wanted to do more but just ran out of time. Breakfasts and school lunches had to get done. The intention was to be able to fit another skipping session in at some point during the day, but it is not looking possible now. So hard to fit it all into the day. Still I guess the good intention is there and that must count for something post PCP, I hope?
Can't keep my eyes open much longer after 9:30/10pm but this way, I can actually get up at 5am to do exercises. End is in sight now, so have to remain focused. Come on everyone - you can do it!
Loved the skipping and wanted to do more but just ran out of time. Breakfasts and school lunches had to get done. The intention was to be able to fit another skipping session in at some point during the day, but it is not looking possible now. So hard to fit it all into the day. Still I guess the good intention is there and that must count for something post PCP, I hope?
Can't keep my eyes open much longer after 9:30/10pm but this way, I can actually get up at 5am to do exercises. End is in sight now, so have to remain focused. Come on everyone - you can do it!
Day 85
5am start is getting to me but it's the only way I can fit exercise in so have to get to bed early! Exhausted today - was going to try an extra skipping session - but no chance of that! Busy, busy, busy. Feel a bit fed up but think it's just because I'm tired. Food is good, skipping is good but had a peak - perhaps silly idea? - at exercises towards end of the week and they are just pure EVIL! Goodness knows how I'm going to get through them all, but I'm definitely going to give it my all.
Simon and I have booked full medical examinations for Friday. We'll have to fast from 10pm on Thursday night until our appointments which are at 10:30am Friday morning - those are the earliest and first ones. Aargh! Going to be tough morning - only allowed water - but then we're going to lunch - PCP compliant, of course! - and then looking forward to the weekend.
I'm intrigued to see my report as, if I'm honest with myself, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't manage to lose more weight. There does come a point of acceptance of one's body type and shape and I know that I've done all I possibly can by sticking to the program as rigidly as possible. I keep on saying to myself as though it were a mantra, that it's not necessarily the weight loss that matters, but, like Junko, it is hard to see the weight drop off the guys - Simon, Graeme - and not off of us!! Perhaps my target weight of 50kgs was an unrealistic one? Anyway, I'm going to concentrate on the medical results, fat %, cholesterol etc, etc.
Hope you are all coping well this last week. Good luck everyone!
Simon and I have booked full medical examinations for Friday. We'll have to fast from 10pm on Thursday night until our appointments which are at 10:30am Friday morning - those are the earliest and first ones. Aargh! Going to be tough morning - only allowed water - but then we're going to lunch - PCP compliant, of course! - and then looking forward to the weekend.
I'm intrigued to see my report as, if I'm honest with myself, I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't manage to lose more weight. There does come a point of acceptance of one's body type and shape and I know that I've done all I possibly can by sticking to the program as rigidly as possible. I keep on saying to myself as though it were a mantra, that it's not necessarily the weight loss that matters, but, like Junko, it is hard to see the weight drop off the guys - Simon, Graeme - and not off of us!! Perhaps my target weight of 50kgs was an unrealistic one? Anyway, I'm going to concentrate on the medical results, fat %, cholesterol etc, etc.
Hope you are all coping well this last week. Good luck everyone!
Sunday 23 October 2011
Day 84
Another 9 hours sleep and feel like a new penny! Absolutely loved skipping - managed 40 mins which was just AMAZING!
Simon and I had a big cook-athon this morning and into the afternoon to get all vegs and protein prepared for the week. Children back at school tomorrow so it's good to get the fridge stocked up with all the tupperwares... and, the boys are going to watch the rugby final later on, so it's good to get all the jobs done.
Looking forward to last week. Going to give it everything I have - going to try 2 skipping sessions if I can but not sure if that's going to be possible so will continue to wake up at 5am to get as much done as possible before the real day begins.
I wish you all a lovely, final week. Gambatte - good luck as they say in Japanese!
Simon and I had a big cook-athon this morning and into the afternoon to get all vegs and protein prepared for the week. Children back at school tomorrow so it's good to get the fridge stocked up with all the tupperwares... and, the boys are going to watch the rugby final later on, so it's good to get all the jobs done.
Looking forward to last week. Going to give it everything I have - going to try 2 skipping sessions if I can but not sure if that's going to be possible so will continue to wake up at 5am to get as much done as possible before the real day begins.
I wish you all a lovely, final week. Gambatte - good luck as they say in Japanese!
Saturday 22 October 2011
Day 83
Managed 9 hours sleep last night and woke up headache free! Hooray! Feels great to feel "normal" again and I'm really grateful that they have now gone. I was going to see the doctor today if they hadn't as I've never ever experienced such debilitating pain before.
Bit of a busy morning as our children had swimming lessons this morning, so we had to get on with getting exercises done before we left mid morning. Skipping greatest enjoyment, with old rope. Just needed a break from the new one so decided to use the old one only and skipped for 40 mins! Wow, felt amazing afterwards! Kung fu sit ups still very difficult to do but at least I do try, I guess, - and then substitute with leg ups or another kind of abs exercise.
Simon's special prawns and a salad seem to be our Saturday favourite for lunch. Yummy.
Weighed in today and weight is up by a kg. When I think about it rationally, that makes sense as we are building muscle, but emotionally, it's hard to deal with weight going up when one is making an effort reduce it....maybe I should just embrace the fact that my clothes don't fit anymore and I feel so much more healthy, and not be too concerned - hard as it is - about what the scales say? One is so conditioned to living by what the scales say, that it is really hard to change that mindset. By try to change it I MUST!
Last weekend of PCP. Our son, William, has a football tournament next Saturday, so it's going to be a very early start for us all so we will have to do exercises when we get back before our celebratory home-cooked meal and that bottle of wine......
Keep up the good work this last week, everyone.
Bit of a busy morning as our children had swimming lessons this morning, so we had to get on with getting exercises done before we left mid morning. Skipping greatest enjoyment, with old rope. Just needed a break from the new one so decided to use the old one only and skipped for 40 mins! Wow, felt amazing afterwards! Kung fu sit ups still very difficult to do but at least I do try, I guess, - and then substitute with leg ups or another kind of abs exercise.
Simon's special prawns and a salad seem to be our Saturday favourite for lunch. Yummy.
Weighed in today and weight is up by a kg. When I think about it rationally, that makes sense as we are building muscle, but emotionally, it's hard to deal with weight going up when one is making an effort reduce it....maybe I should just embrace the fact that my clothes don't fit anymore and I feel so much more healthy, and not be too concerned - hard as it is - about what the scales say? One is so conditioned to living by what the scales say, that it is really hard to change that mindset. By try to change it I MUST!
Last weekend of PCP. Our son, William, has a football tournament next Saturday, so it's going to be a very early start for us all so we will have to do exercises when we get back before our celebratory home-cooked meal and that bottle of wine......
Keep up the good work this last week, everyone.
Friday 21 October 2011
Day 82
Woke up exhausted. Throbbing headaches have turned into a constant dull ache which is very annoying and worrying. I want to feel 100% well again! Body sore from all the catch up exercises but good to get the blood pumping again with exercise - the only thing that completely cures my headaches....
Enjoyed session but plank is evil! Still fail to do 90 secs on last set but will keep on trying.... Loved skipping and only had to stop to re-focus and have a sip of water. So glad that I've discovered jumping as a form of exercise. Really looking forward to carrying on with it post PCP.
Food excellent but could do with a gin and tonic tonight..... Our children have been on half term and, as much as I love them, I'm looking forward to their getting back to school on Monday. That's why a G&T would be great.... Just 1 week left to go now. Have to get some sleep which will hopefully help to get rid of these headaches, and then re-focus for the last week.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Enjoyed session but plank is evil! Still fail to do 90 secs on last set but will keep on trying.... Loved skipping and only had to stop to re-focus and have a sip of water. So glad that I've discovered jumping as a form of exercise. Really looking forward to carrying on with it post PCP.
Food excellent but could do with a gin and tonic tonight..... Our children have been on half term and, as much as I love them, I'm looking forward to their getting back to school on Monday. That's why a G&T would be great.... Just 1 week left to go now. Have to get some sleep which will hopefully help to get rid of these headaches, and then re-focus for the last week.
Hope you all have a good weekend.
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Day 81
Headaches have finally gone! Yippee! The pain was unbearable yesterday, so glad today is a new, pain free day.
Did yesterday and today's exercises this morning so have now caught up. Very hard. Bicycle and creep hard but enjoyed doing some legs again. Getting stronger and more toned and everything fits much better over a toned body, so going to keep working at it. A bit of a busy day today but going to try if I can to do another skipping session much later on during the day - just before dinner perhaps.
Food portions ideal and encouraged to think that we can easily continue eating like this post PCP.
Did yesterday and today's exercises this morning so have now caught up. Very hard. Bicycle and creep hard but enjoyed doing some legs again. Getting stronger and more toned and everything fits much better over a toned body, so going to keep working at it. A bit of a busy day today but going to try if I can to do another skipping session much later on during the day - just before dinner perhaps.
Food portions ideal and encouraged to think that we can easily continue eating like this post PCP.
Tuesday 18 October 2011
Day 80
Just thought I would blog again as I've had the most excruciating headaches all morning. I wondered if I was a bit dehydrated after our recent travel so have had lots of water, but still have the headaches. I decided to bite the bullet and go for another skipping session. At first, my head felt as though it was going to explode and the pain across my forehead was unbearable so I stopped a few times but then, once I got into a rhythm, the endorphins kicked in and the headache went away. Feel a bit better now and having my lunch, but was really concerned that something was wrong with me. I'd love to hear from anyone else who may have experienced these headaches.
Onwards and upwards. Lunch delicious!
Onwards and upwards. Lunch delicious!
Day 79
Back in Tokyo after a lovely couple of days in Osaka. We managed to get our skipping done before boarding the Shinkansen at lunch time on Sunday but didn't manage other exercises - we were at Universal Studios all day Monday - until our return late last night - I just managed to skip as I decided to do the cooking as Simon is back to work today and it's school half term so I am trying to catch up on exercises in amongst everything else...... So, it was hard this morning - I was going to have a lie-in but couldn't get back to sleep once Simon was up so decided to get my exercises done then. Did Monday and yesterday's routines as well as 1 lot of skipping. Very tough. Will try to have another skipping session later on and then tomorrow, will try to do today and tomorrow's schedules - not sure if this is the sensible way of going about "catching up" but don't want to miss out on the last couple of weeks?.....
We went out to a wonderful French restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Osaka and had a lovely meal. They had some white truffles, so we had a course each which was just delicious - I'm sure Simon will blog more about food. Still no wine which was hard, but we enjoyed our indulgence and feel focused once again for this last home stretch.....
One thing I have noticed is that I've been suffering from very bad headaches in the last couple of days. I wonder if I'm dehydrated a bit? Never one to have migraines or headaches so this is really quite unusual and quite worrying as they momentarily affect my eye sight, they're so bad. Anyone else experiencing the same? Any advice / suggestions gladly received!
Not so sure it was sensible to weigh myself this morning, but felt I had to after a couple of days away and also to refocus for the last bit. I was very disappointed to see my weight is up again so had to put on a pair of my "before PCP " trousers just to remind myself that I have indeed come a long way even if the scales tell me something else. I was hoping to end PCP around 50 kg mark so, despite keeping to the program as rigidly as possible, it looks like I'm not going to meet my target. As Patrick has mentioned, I think, sometimes, one just has to accept that that is the way one's body is and I don't want to become skeletal and unhealthy?...... Going to try an extra skip session if I can - see if that'll help a bit?
Anyway, good luck to you all. The end is in sight. Keep strong.
We went out to a wonderful French restaurant at the Ritz Carlton in Osaka and had a lovely meal. They had some white truffles, so we had a course each which was just delicious - I'm sure Simon will blog more about food. Still no wine which was hard, but we enjoyed our indulgence and feel focused once again for this last home stretch.....
One thing I have noticed is that I've been suffering from very bad headaches in the last couple of days. I wonder if I'm dehydrated a bit? Never one to have migraines or headaches so this is really quite unusual and quite worrying as they momentarily affect my eye sight, they're so bad. Anyone else experiencing the same? Any advice / suggestions gladly received!
Not so sure it was sensible to weigh myself this morning, but felt I had to after a couple of days away and also to refocus for the last bit. I was very disappointed to see my weight is up again so had to put on a pair of my "before PCP " trousers just to remind myself that I have indeed come a long way even if the scales tell me something else. I was hoping to end PCP around 50 kg mark so, despite keeping to the program as rigidly as possible, it looks like I'm not going to meet my target. As Patrick has mentioned, I think, sometimes, one just has to accept that that is the way one's body is and I don't want to become skeletal and unhealthy?...... Going to try an extra skip session if I can - see if that'll help a bit?
Anyway, good luck to you all. The end is in sight. Keep strong.
Saturday 15 October 2011
Day 76
After 9 and a half hours sleep, feel like a new penny and managed exercises with no problems. I do find that the workout takes more time now given extra sets and increased reps, so, split my skipping in two. Used my old rope after workout and then managed to go for another session later on this afternoon with my new rope. Shoulders really get an excellent workout.
Food very good today. Chilli prawns with a large salad of red and yellow peppers, sweetcorn, lots of lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes. Yum!
We're off to Osaka tomorrow so up early to skip before we leave. Will pick up again when we get back on Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing another city in Japan and enjoying our indulgence while we are there!
Food very good today. Chilli prawns with a large salad of red and yellow peppers, sweetcorn, lots of lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes. Yum!
We're off to Osaka tomorrow so up early to skip before we leave. Will pick up again when we get back on Tuesday. Looking forward to seeing another city in Japan and enjoying our indulgence while we are there!
Friday 14 October 2011
Day 75
Found exercises really, really difficult today. The relentless 5 / 6 sets per exercise, especially the plank, is a gruesome schedule but I managed. Struggling to cope with my new rope. Kept tripping up so was hard to get into a rhythm....
And, with the increased exercise load, I've found an appetite! Really look forward to my fruit snacks and unlimited veg at lunch and dinner times are getting me through the day.
Half term break for our children next week and we're going to Osaka for a little break, so indulgence is VERY welcome. Simon and I are going to have a lovely dinner out whilst we're there and then concentrate of the last 2 weeks. Great timing for the indulgence!
Hope you all enjoy your indulgences. Would love to hear what you spent it on! Enjoy!
And, with the increased exercise load, I've found an appetite! Really look forward to my fruit snacks and unlimited veg at lunch and dinner times are getting me through the day.
Half term break for our children next week and we're going to Osaka for a little break, so indulgence is VERY welcome. Simon and I are going to have a lovely dinner out whilst we're there and then concentrate of the last 2 weeks. Great timing for the indulgence!
Hope you all enjoy your indulgences. Would love to hear what you spent it on! Enjoy!
Thursday 13 October 2011
Day 74
Creep today was very difficult but I did enjoy doing them. Have been missing squats and lunges - my shoulders and arms are getting nicely toned now, therefore enjoyed the leg work. Also, I always skip MUCH better after leg exercises.
Another successful lunch out. Chicken salad. No carbs though - didn't know what to have in the restaurant - so have felt really hungry when I got home, so had some veg to tide me over until dinner time.
Really enjoying protein (other than egg white) at dinner. Early to bed today as attending our daughter's assembly at school and she's dressing up so, it's going to be a very busy morning......
Another successful lunch out. Chicken salad. No carbs though - didn't know what to have in the restaurant - so have felt really hungry when I got home, so had some veg to tide me over until dinner time.
Really enjoying protein (other than egg white) at dinner. Early to bed today as attending our daughter's assembly at school and she's dressing up so, it's going to be a very busy morning......
Wednesday 12 October 2011
Day 73
Struggled to wake up this morning but was grateful I did after all exercises were done. Found bicycle very hard but absolutely love the skipping and am now using my new rope more and more. They give my shoulders a good work out - they are usually burning - so building up to using it more and more.
Managed a successful PCP lunch out with a friend today, so really pleased with myself. It is doable if one remembers the principles of PCP with lots of plain steamed veg! Pleased as I have another lunch out tomorrow so fingers crossed, I'll be successful again.......
Managed a successful PCP lunch out with a friend today, so really pleased with myself. It is doable if one remembers the principles of PCP with lots of plain steamed veg! Pleased as I have another lunch out tomorrow so fingers crossed, I'll be successful again.......
Tuesday 11 October 2011
Day 72
Ok, so we now have to wake up at 5:05am in order to get all exercises done in time to get breakfast done and children out the door to school. Extra sets really hard but managed all ok except for plank, which is just plain evil and continues to defeat me......Will keep on trying though.
Enjoying AMAYW on the veg front, but still tend to get hungry a couple of hours later. Guess this is good as it means that I'm using all I'm eating to make muscle, hopefully? Simon and I are tending to have salmon and stir fry veg for dinner which is really lovely. Oh, yes, and the must have egg white, too!....
Enjoying AMAYW on the veg front, but still tend to get hungry a couple of hours later. Guess this is good as it means that I'm using all I'm eating to make muscle, hopefully? Simon and I are tending to have salmon and stir fry veg for dinner which is really lovely. Oh, yes, and the must have egg white, too!....
Sunday 9 October 2011
Day 71
I found the exercises very hard this morning. The floor jumps were evil - thighs shaking and burning. Da Vincis to failure, were very hard, sweat pouring down my chest. Skipping was great.
Looking forward to some other protein at dinner, even though still have 1 egg white. Nice to have AMAYW on the veg front. Although I feel stuffed once I've eaten, I do feel hungry again in a couple of hours so it'll be good to see if the hunger pangs stay at bay a bit longer now that we have a bit more to eat.
Forgot to mention that I weighed myself yesterday and was up 1.5kgs which was a bit depressing. Simon reiterated what Patrick said that muscle will weigh more than fat, so I should weigh a bit more, so had to put on a pair of trousers from pre-PCP and when I saw that I could put them on without undoing the fastenings, it made me feel a whole lot better. Very hard not to take note of the weight increase. I'm going to work even harder this last phase of the program.
Keep up the good work everyone.
Looking forward to some other protein at dinner, even though still have 1 egg white. Nice to have AMAYW on the veg front. Although I feel stuffed once I've eaten, I do feel hungry again in a couple of hours so it'll be good to see if the hunger pangs stay at bay a bit longer now that we have a bit more to eat.
Forgot to mention that I weighed myself yesterday and was up 1.5kgs which was a bit depressing. Simon reiterated what Patrick said that muscle will weigh more than fat, so I should weigh a bit more, so had to put on a pair of trousers from pre-PCP and when I saw that I could put them on without undoing the fastenings, it made me feel a whole lot better. Very hard not to take note of the weight increase. I'm going to work even harder this last phase of the program.
Keep up the good work everyone.
Day 70
Managed to get 9 and a half hours sleep last night so feeling much better today. Enjoyed skipping, and tried to have another skipping session with my new rope, but ended up running out of time - supervising home work and ferrying children to various activities......Will try with it tomorrow if I can - tried yesterday and it had my shoulders on fire! Much better rope but harder work on the shoulders as it is heavier.
Have struggled with feeling hungry today. AMAYW vegs are great as I feel full after I've eaten, but after an hour or so, I start feeling hungry again. Really hope that we get more food in new diets later on today......
A bank holiday in Japan tomorrow but the children still go to school, so going to enjoy with Simon!
Wishing you all a good week. Stay strong!
Have struggled with feeling hungry today. AMAYW vegs are great as I feel full after I've eaten, but after an hour or so, I start feeling hungry again. Really hope that we get more food in new diets later on today......
A bank holiday in Japan tomorrow but the children still go to school, so going to enjoy with Simon!
Wishing you all a good week. Stay strong!
Saturday 8 October 2011
Day 69
Our lovely son woke me up at 5:30am this morning. I was exhausted and looking forward to the usual Saturday 10 hours of sleep. No such luck today so decided to get up and get on with exercises, so as not to disturb Simon who was catching up on some much needed sleep.
Exercises good although I always find it difficult when I'm alone in the exercise room but I was glad to exercise, so got on. Found ski jumper hard today but loved skipping and, kung fu sit ups still elude me but have to keep plodding on.......
Another week has nearly passed by. Looking forward to new diets tomorrow.....
Exercises good although I always find it difficult when I'm alone in the exercise room but I was glad to exercise, so got on. Found ski jumper hard today but loved skipping and, kung fu sit ups still elude me but have to keep plodding on.......
Another week has nearly passed by. Looking forward to new diets tomorrow.....
Thursday 6 October 2011
Day 68
Good exercise today but failed on set 3 and 4 of plank again. 60 secs no problem, it's the next 30 secs that kill! Will keep plodding along, though......
Looking forward to some sleep (8-10 hours) tonight and over the weekend. Always feel more positive about my efforts and achievement thus far - I know Patrick says it's not about the weight loss but it's really hard when Simon is disappearing right before my eyes. He is doing very well - I think he has lost 2 stone to date, which is such an amazing achievement. Anyway, I'm trying my best and that is all I can do!
Hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Looking forward to some sleep (8-10 hours) tonight and over the weekend. Always feel more positive about my efforts and achievement thus far - I know Patrick says it's not about the weight loss but it's really hard when Simon is disappearing right before my eyes. He is doing very well - I think he has lost 2 stone to date, which is such an amazing achievement. Anyway, I'm trying my best and that is all I can do!
Hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Day 67
It's my brother's 30th birthday today so woke up at 5am to do exercises so that we could skype him at 6:30am - he is in the UK. Sprang out of bed and got to exercise room to find that it was legs of course! Still, got it all done and skipping went well, so that was a great way to get out of the bit of a "downer" I'd been experiencing these last couple of days. Have been on a course for expats, so tried hard to stick to PCP food and am pleased to report no digressions!
Going to try to up the skipping over the weekend - going to try twice a day if I can - just to up chances of another bit of weight loss if possible. End is in sight and Simon and I have booked our celebratory dinner out already. Just have to find the right bottle of wine.........
Going to try to up the skipping over the weekend - going to try twice a day if I can - just to up chances of another bit of weight loss if possible. End is in sight and Simon and I have booked our celebratory dinner out already. Just have to find the right bottle of wine.........
Day 67
It's my brother's 30th birthday today so woke up at 5am to do exercises so that we could skype him at 6:30am - he is in the UK. Sprang out of bed and got to exercise room to find that it was legs of course! Still, got it all done and skipping went well, so that was a great way to get out of the bit of a "downer" I'd been experiencing these last couple of days. Have been on a course for expats, so tried hard to stick to PCP food and am pleased to report no digressions!
Going to try to up the skipping over the weekend - going to try twice a day if I can - just to up chances of another bit of weight loss if possible. End is in sight and Simon and I have booked our celebratory dinner out already. Just have to find the right bottle of wine.........
Going to try to up the skipping over the weekend - going to try twice a day if I can - just to up chances of another bit of weight loss if possible. End is in sight and Simon and I have booked our celebratory dinner out already. Just have to find the right bottle of wine.........
Wednesday 5 October 2011
Day 66
Haven't had a good day today. Sleeping dead - a good thing! - but also having terrible, weird dreams - anyone else experiencing this? - so woke up with a start this morning, feeling exhausted! Exercise didn't go well, except for skipping. Kung fu sit ups really hard. It's hard to remain positive and upbeat and I feel a bit de-motivated today....
Monday 3 October 2011
Day 65
Only Tuesday and I struggled to get out of bed this morning. Just wasn't in the mood but glad, as is always the case afterwards, that I made the effort.
Good exercise but that plank it just plain evil! Managed 2 sets of 90 secs but failed after 70 secs on 3rd and 4th set. Whole body shaking and starting to arch my back. I hate feeling defeated by an exercise but glad I keep on trying.....
Despite as much as you want veg, I seem to be getting hungry very quickly. Not even mid morning yet, but already looking for my snack.....lovely day in Tokyo today, so going to get on with doing my japanese homework - I'll definitely need a snack after that!
Good exercise but that plank it just plain evil! Managed 2 sets of 90 secs but failed after 70 secs on 3rd and 4th set. Whole body shaking and starting to arch my back. I hate feeling defeated by an exercise but glad I keep on trying.....
Despite as much as you want veg, I seem to be getting hungry very quickly. Not even mid morning yet, but already looking for my snack.....lovely day in Tokyo today, so going to get on with doing my japanese homework - I'll definitely need a snack after that!
Sunday 2 October 2011
Day 64
Woke up this morning with a bloated and very sore tummy. Think it might have to do with a yoghurt I had last night which had curdled but didn't smell or taste off, so I had a spoonful and then decided to chuck the rest. Anyway, exercises were an ordeal given my physical state. Could barely stand up straight - goodness knows how I managed to get through it all including my skipping! After school drop off, felt much, much better and my tummy has gone down to normal size. Anyone else experienced this?
Loving the extra veg at breakfast. Going to pass at the vegetable market on my way to school pick up to see if I can get lots of other veg - the more the merrier!
Hope that you are all doing well.
Loving the extra veg at breakfast. Going to pass at the vegetable market on my way to school pick up to see if I can get lots of other veg - the more the merrier!
Hope that you are all doing well.
Day 63
Decided to try new skipping rope today but it was really difficult to get into a rhythm and I was constantly tripping myself up so decided to use my old skipping rope for today. Managed to skip for 10 mins non stop which was great! New rope is much better quality so will definitely work on getting skipping with it in the coming weeks but for now, really enjoying my skipping so don't want to change it now!
We visited the Hokkaido food festival / fair in the park near our apartment and it was a big test of resolve not to tuck into the super noodle dishes and bbq meats etc. It smelt delicious! Glad to report that, whilst I was constantly licking my lips, I managed to hold fast!
Looking forward to new diets and a new week. All boxes now unpacked so apartment is in top shape - time to start living and enjoying Tokyo!
Here's to a great week for you all! Be strong!
We visited the Hokkaido food festival / fair in the park near our apartment and it was a big test of resolve not to tuck into the super noodle dishes and bbq meats etc. It smelt delicious! Glad to report that, whilst I was constantly licking my lips, I managed to hold fast!
Looking forward to new diets and a new week. All boxes now unpacked so apartment is in top shape - time to start living and enjoying Tokyo!
Here's to a great week for you all! Be strong!
Saturday 1 October 2011
Day 62
Managed to get 9 hours sleep last night so always in much better shape as the weeks are always manically busy. Exercise good - kung fu sit ups still near on impossible but trying to do the knees up version instead. I managed to find us new skipping ropes - Nike speed ones - and they are super! They will take some getting used to though, as they are a bit heavier than the Asics ones we've been using, but we're excited to get them after looking around for ages and ages....
Food very hard over the weekends. We live next to one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and every weekend there is some sort of food festival / fair. Lots of food stalls and the smell is always so alluring. Very hard to resist - we stay away for fear of the temptation being too great! Looking forward to taking the children tomorrow though - Annabel is crazy about horses and they have some there so she can have a ride. Think we will go over after having a meal so that we are full!
Simon and William are watching the rugby - very close to the end now and England are losing against Scotland, so the tension in the apartment is very tense! Think it's going to take all the willpower in the world, not to pop open a bottle of wine if England manage to win!
Food very hard over the weekends. We live next to one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and every weekend there is some sort of food festival / fair. Lots of food stalls and the smell is always so alluring. Very hard to resist - we stay away for fear of the temptation being too great! Looking forward to taking the children tomorrow though - Annabel is crazy about horses and they have some there so she can have a ride. Think we will go over after having a meal so that we are full!
Simon and William are watching the rugby - very close to the end now and England are losing against Scotland, so the tension in the apartment is very tense! Think it's going to take all the willpower in the world, not to pop open a bottle of wine if England manage to win!
Thursday 29 September 2011
Day 61
Enjoyed exercises but struggled to do the last set of plank yet again! Whole body shaking and started to arch back again so stopped short of the 60 secs. Had minor procedure to remove a lump in my elbow just before we left the UK and today my elbow feels a bit sensitive for the first time since surgery so I'll have to be careful with all the arm curls.....
Looking forward to lunch and have a busy afternoon so should get by easier today.
Hope you're all well and keeping strong. I'm finding this week really tough so I hope that with more food next week, I'll be energised for the last month.......think I'll have to wake up a bit earlier to get the new exercise regime done?....
Looking forward to lunch and have a busy afternoon so should get by easier today.
Hope you're all well and keeping strong. I'm finding this week really tough so I hope that with more food next week, I'll be energised for the last month.......think I'll have to wake up a bit earlier to get the new exercise regime done?....
Wednesday 28 September 2011
Day 60
A beautiful sunny day here in Tokyo today, so it was lovely to wake up early to get exercises done. Legs today - went well and enjoyed skipping. On average, I can now manage 5-8 minutes without stopping unless, of course, I trip! Feel great after exercise but am now feeling very hungry and it's mid-morning, so think I will have my snack now.
I, too, share the sentiment of some of the other PCP ladies in that whilst I'm looking forward to a bit more food in the coming weeks, I'd really like to burn off the last little bits of fat, if possible. I'm hoping that the fat burning will continue despite us having a little more to eat? Otherwise, it'll be a shame to have made all the effort with PCP and not achieve all one's goals, but perhaps I'm focusing again on how much I weigh rather than looking at the broader context of having more muscle?!......
I, too, share the sentiment of some of the other PCP ladies in that whilst I'm looking forward to a bit more food in the coming weeks, I'd really like to burn off the last little bits of fat, if possible. I'm hoping that the fat burning will continue despite us having a little more to eat? Otherwise, it'll be a shame to have made all the effort with PCP and not achieve all one's goals, but perhaps I'm focusing again on how much I weigh rather than looking at the broader context of having more muscle?!......
Tuesday 27 September 2011
Day 59
Managed to get to bed earlier last night so feeling less tired helped with exercises this morning. Ski jumper and pull down really got muscles working and kung fu sit ups impossible so tried with knees up as Patrick suggested and managed the reps and sets! Hooray!
Was REALLY hungry yesterday and am finding the lack of food a struggle. Trying to keep focused and busy, but it is really hard.......
Just booked medical examinations for Simon and I for Friday, 28th October. We have had annual medical examinations in the UK and we're both curious to see how PCP has changed our body fat percentages etc. Fingers crossed it's going to be a cause for celebration! Have to just say a huge "WELL DONE" to Simon who has now lost 2 stone and is looking good! WOW - keep up the good work, sweetheart!
And, to all of you, keep strong and well. BTW, if any of you find yourselves in Tokyo, please look us up. We would love to meet you.
Was REALLY hungry yesterday and am finding the lack of food a struggle. Trying to keep focused and busy, but it is really hard.......
Just booked medical examinations for Simon and I for Friday, 28th October. We have had annual medical examinations in the UK and we're both curious to see how PCP has changed our body fat percentages etc. Fingers crossed it's going to be a cause for celebration! Have to just say a huge "WELL DONE" to Simon who has now lost 2 stone and is looking good! WOW - keep up the good work, sweetheart!
And, to all of you, keep strong and well. BTW, if any of you find yourselves in Tokyo, please look us up. We would love to meet you.
Monday 26 September 2011
Day 58
Struggled to get out of bed this morning, but glad I made the effort in the end! Good exercises - shoulders on fire - although I just couldn't manage to hold for the full 60 secs on the last plank. Whole body was shaking and I started to arch my back so stopped but I'm going to keep on at it! I WILL be able to do 4 sets of 60 sec plank!!!
Really hungry today. Trying to revise before my japanese lesson, but it's hard to focus on an empty tummy, so just had my mid morning snack. Going to keep busy and that should help me get through today.....
Really hungry today. Trying to revise before my japanese lesson, but it's hard to focus on an empty tummy, so just had my mid morning snack. Going to keep busy and that should help me get through today.....
Sunday 25 September 2011
Day 57
Had to be very disciplined when the alarm went off this morning as the rest of the household snored away, I crept off down to the exercise room. Lunges and floor jumps - thighs on fire but enjoyed exercise. Skipping was great! Makes getting up so early worthwhile.
My diet hasn't changed much at all this week, so going to just plod on. Have to finish the unpacking - just my study to sort out now - so that I can enjoy living in this lovely city.
Hope you all have a good week.
My diet hasn't changed much at all this week, so going to just plod on. Have to finish the unpacking - just my study to sort out now - so that I can enjoy living in this lovely city.
Hope you all have a good week.
Day 56
The day of the triathlon, so it's a bit of a rush to check out of the hotel before the swimming part of the race began. Beautiful sunny day and the race went well for Simon. He managed to shave 10 mins off his previous time which was great! Back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen after the race so no time to skip......Missed my yoghurts and fruit so glad to get back to diet and exercise tomorrow...
Day 55
In a lovely place called Murakami and weather is a bit cool but it is so lovely to be out by the sea. Lovely Japanese hotel - Ryokan - and children enjoying the sea and sand.....
Traditional japanese breakfast so was able to have rice and fish and veg, so that was good and a delicious dinner of sashimi, no carbs, and fruit. We had some delicious noodles last night as our treat as they were stir fried and amazingly, we could tell just how salty it was.
Glad I brought my exercise gear although only managed skipping along the beach whilst the sun went down. Spectacular!
Traditional japanese breakfast so was able to have rice and fish and veg, so that was good and a delicious dinner of sashimi, no carbs, and fruit. We had some delicious noodles last night as our treat as they were stir fried and amazingly, we could tell just how salty it was.
Glad I brought my exercise gear although only managed skipping along the beach whilst the sun went down. Spectacular!
Thursday 22 September 2011
Day 54
Shoulders sore this morning, so found the exercises difficult. Couldn't quite manage to hold for 60 secs on the 3rd and 4th plank. Skipping good but shoulders burning throughout which wasn't pleasant but one has to work through the pain barrier and keep pushing oneself, I think.........
We're off to Murakami for Simon's triathlon, so, after the typhoon, it'll be good to head out of town for a bit. This will be our very first trip on the Shinkansen and the children are wildly excited. Packed skipping rope and resistance bands so that I can carry on with exercises and will try my best with regards to the food.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend.
We're off to Murakami for Simon's triathlon, so, after the typhoon, it'll be good to head out of town for a bit. This will be our very first trip on the Shinkansen and the children are wildly excited. Packed skipping rope and resistance bands so that I can carry on with exercises and will try my best with regards to the food.
Hope you all have a lovely weekend.
Wednesday 21 September 2011
Day 53
Ok, so it's clear, blue skies and a lovely warm day here in Tokyo after the complete devastation of Typhoon Roke yesterday afternoon. The winds were frightening - even from the safe-ish haven of our apartment - and the rain torrential. Wow! It's clear up day today - fallen branches and leaves, broken umbrellas and cars. It seems like everyone we know through school is safe but we think of those who didn't make it. How can it be so different today - weather is truly an amazing phenomena!
Back to PCP - good workout this morning. Managed to get a really huge blister at the back of my achilles from wearing my wellies for a long walk to school yesterday to pick up our children, so Simon kindly popped them for me or else I wouldn't have been able to put my trainers on at all! Loved getting the legs going today. Shoulders killing me - really burning throughout the jumps. Bicycle abs really tough and I had to grit my teeth to get through them all.
Simon's doing a triathlon this weekend so we're away from tomorrow afternoon - another public holiday here in Japan. Going to pack my skipping rope and resistance bands so that I can do my workouts on Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to supporting him along the way and, hopefully weather will be good. We're staying in a Japanese hotel so food should be PCP compliant! And, if not, we can have our indulgence treat which we've got stored in the bank.......
Back to PCP - good workout this morning. Managed to get a really huge blister at the back of my achilles from wearing my wellies for a long walk to school yesterday to pick up our children, so Simon kindly popped them for me or else I wouldn't have been able to put my trainers on at all! Loved getting the legs going today. Shoulders killing me - really burning throughout the jumps. Bicycle abs really tough and I had to grit my teeth to get through them all.
Simon's doing a triathlon this weekend so we're away from tomorrow afternoon - another public holiday here in Japan. Going to pack my skipping rope and resistance bands so that I can do my workouts on Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to supporting him along the way and, hopefully weather will be good. We're staying in a Japanese hotel so food should be PCP compliant! And, if not, we can have our indulgence treat which we've got stored in the bank.......
Tuesday 20 September 2011
Day 52
Exercises went well - apart from kung-fu sit ups! Can't even manage one! My whole body has toned well through PCP and feels great, but just can't do these sit ups! Hate feeling defeated by something but that's the truth of the matter for now. I will keep trying but think I'll do leg ups or something else instead so at least I'm working that part of the abs?
Arms and shoulders on fire so looking forward to doing some leg work tomorrow - I know I'll regret saying that tomorrow morning when my thighs are on fire..... Struggled to get rhythm with my skipping - I think that my legs weren't as warmed up as they normally are when we do leg work as well? Very frustrating.
Children finished school early today due to the arrival of typhoon so just having my lunch and enjoying the unlimited veg! Yum. Keeping me going at the moment.
Arms and shoulders on fire so looking forward to doing some leg work tomorrow - I know I'll regret saying that tomorrow morning when my thighs are on fire..... Struggled to get rhythm with my skipping - I think that my legs weren't as warmed up as they normally are when we do leg work as well? Very frustrating.
Children finished school early today due to the arrival of typhoon so just having my lunch and enjoying the unlimited veg! Yum. Keeping me going at the moment.
Monday 19 September 2011
Day 51
BAck to 5:15am alarm and early start. Lovely to have had a bank holiday yesterday - the sun was shining - and now it's raining with the arrival of this typhoon....
Exercises good - felt like the arms and shoulders were on fire but strong shoulders are what are needed for good skipping. Missed not doing some legs today but I'm sure they will be killed and shaking tomorrow. Good for them to have a break, really after yesterday...... Enjoyed leg ups but struggled with plank. 1 whole minute of holding, is a real killer. Everything was shaking at the end of each set and I needed more than 15 secs rest.....
Looking forward to unlimited veg at lunch time!
Hope you all have a good day.
Exercises good - felt like the arms and shoulders were on fire but strong shoulders are what are needed for good skipping. Missed not doing some legs today but I'm sure they will be killed and shaking tomorrow. Good for them to have a break, really after yesterday...... Enjoyed leg ups but struggled with plank. 1 whole minute of holding, is a real killer. Everything was shaking at the end of each set and I needed more than 15 secs rest.....
Looking forward to unlimited veg at lunch time!
Hope you all have a good day.
Day 50
Very hard exercised! My legs were like jelly after half the floor jumps! Found it very difficult to do all the leg exercises - they were burning - but managed to do all sets, eventually!
Great skipping! And, as it was a public holiday in Japan today, it was lovely to have the day with Simon whilst the children were at school! Did some furniture shopping and then Simon cooked a DELICIOUS lunch - stir fried all sorts of vegs - leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, bamboo shoots, pak choi, and we had it with prawns and scallops - YUM!! Having as much veg as you want is great! Really fills you up! Cheered me up no end!
Great skipping! And, as it was a public holiday in Japan today, it was lovely to have the day with Simon whilst the children were at school! Did some furniture shopping and then Simon cooked a DELICIOUS lunch - stir fried all sorts of vegs - leeks, mushrooms, asparagus, peppers, bamboo shoots, pak choi, and we had it with prawns and scallops - YUM!! Having as much veg as you want is great! Really fills you up! Cheered me up no end!
Day 49
Not sure what happened to my blog for yesterday as I did write one, but I must have mis-labelled it as Day 48 instead of Day 49!
Sunday 18 September 2011
Day 48
Oops, forgot to mention the hellish plank yesterday. I had to stop in the middle of the third set as every bone in my body was shaking and I was beginning to arch my back. Another 10 seconds added but it made all the difference to me.
Great skipping today after 10 hours sleep. More sleep / rest is the secret to good exercise, I think. Appreciate it's hard to get with young children, but Simon and I made an effort to get to bed early and it definitely pays off.
Great to have an 'indulgence" this week. For us it has come at a perfect time. Bank holidays tomorrow and Friday in Japan, so Simon and I were going to go out for a lunch - Nobu here does a wonderful lunch box, apparently, but just found out that they aren't open for lunch tomorrow, so think that we're going to save our treat until after next Sunday as Simon is doing a triathlon then and it'll be good to have something to celebrate with given we've given up alcohol completely.
Anxious to see our diets for this week. How much lower can my carbs go???!!! .....
Good luck everyone and hope you have a good week.
Great skipping today after 10 hours sleep. More sleep / rest is the secret to good exercise, I think. Appreciate it's hard to get with young children, but Simon and I made an effort to get to bed early and it definitely pays off.
Great to have an 'indulgence" this week. For us it has come at a perfect time. Bank holidays tomorrow and Friday in Japan, so Simon and I were going to go out for a lunch - Nobu here does a wonderful lunch box, apparently, but just found out that they aren't open for lunch tomorrow, so think that we're going to save our treat until after next Sunday as Simon is doing a triathlon then and it'll be good to have something to celebrate with given we've given up alcohol completely.
Anxious to see our diets for this week. How much lower can my carbs go???!!! .....
Good luck everyone and hope you have a good week.
Saturday 17 September 2011
Day 48
Woke up in a thoroughly bad mood and with a headache - our son, William, was up at 5:30am for some strange reason! He's usually exhausted on Friday evenings. Anyway, went straight down to do exercises and worked very hard. Loved skipping and came back, headache gone and in a positively good mood - the smell of butter and honey on toast as I walked into our apartment was overwhelming!!(that's what William and Annabel have after a bowl of cereal).
Food at the weekends is really difficult. The children want to go to this most amazingly fantastic, renowned (allegedly) hamburger place down the road for burgers and it's just torture going in there whilst on PCP. I took them there the day our furniture arrived and we had no plates, cutlery etc and they had the MOST DELICIOUS smelling burgers ever. All home made - husband and wife team - and no additives etc - even the tomato sauce is home made - so we've promised to get them burgers tomorrow - might have to do a take away, though. Just too difficult to sit in there....
Anyway, we've done well and just need to persevere.... it's soooo hard, though.....
Food at the weekends is really difficult. The children want to go to this most amazingly fantastic, renowned (allegedly) hamburger place down the road for burgers and it's just torture going in there whilst on PCP. I took them there the day our furniture arrived and we had no plates, cutlery etc and they had the MOST DELICIOUS smelling burgers ever. All home made - husband and wife team - and no additives etc - even the tomato sauce is home made - so we've promised to get them burgers tomorrow - might have to do a take away, though. Just too difficult to sit in there....
Anyway, we've done well and just need to persevere.... it's soooo hard, though.....
Thursday 15 September 2011
Day 47
Exercises hard this morning - couldn't even manage the kung-fu sit up at all! Did some leg ups instead but will try again later on.... loved skipping!
Managing to cope on less food and it's Friday - yippee! We've got a Newcomer to Tokyo lunch today so that should be interesting - back to egg whites & apple tonight!
Keep positive everyone and hope you have a good weekend.
Managing to cope on less food and it's Friday - yippee! We've got a Newcomer to Tokyo lunch today so that should be interesting - back to egg whites & apple tonight!
Keep positive everyone and hope you have a good weekend.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Day 46
Managed to get to bed by 9:30pm last night so, after 8 hours of sleep, feel rested and more positive today. Exercises hard but managed da vincis ok and the bicycle was a killer. Really burns the abs! Enjoyed skipping but amazing how many stops and starts once one nears the end....legs just start to give up, I guess!
Trying to keep positive and busy today so as not to think about how hungry I am. Breakfast always lovely but barely touches the sides! Have my Japanese lesson soon, so going to do my homework now and, by the time I've had my lesson, it'll be time for mid morning snack! Found it very helpful to have more fruit and veg yesterday. Don't like being a cranky mum - not fair on the children - so rather have more fruit and veg to eat.
One last thing. Simon and I have had break outs of spots on our faces! Anyone else have the same?
Onwards and upwards. Keep up the excellent work everyone. Simon needs new suits soon!!
Trying to keep positive and busy today so as not to think about how hungry I am. Breakfast always lovely but barely touches the sides! Have my Japanese lesson soon, so going to do my homework now and, by the time I've had my lesson, it'll be time for mid morning snack! Found it very helpful to have more fruit and veg yesterday. Don't like being a cranky mum - not fair on the children - so rather have more fruit and veg to eat.
One last thing. Simon and I have had break outs of spots on our faces! Anyone else have the same?
Onwards and upwards. Keep up the excellent work everyone. Simon needs new suits soon!!
Tuesday 13 September 2011
Day 45
Really, really struggling today. Exercises good - working hard on floor jumps but they continue to get the thighs burning, which, I suppose is good?!
Feel hungry a lot of the time. Trying to fill up on all sorts of fruit - pineapples, watermelon, grapes etc but perhaps I'm having too much fruit and sugar?
Weighed in today and no change in weight so I guess that's a good thing, although given all the effort I'm making, to be honest, I'm slightly disappointed with not losing any more weight. As Patrick says, it's not so much about weight loss but rather changing body composition. Good to remember! We're so conditioned to what the scales tell us - they can dictate one's mood, but I'm going to try really hard to keep my chin up! Lunch soon....
Anyone else struggling?
Feel hungry a lot of the time. Trying to fill up on all sorts of fruit - pineapples, watermelon, grapes etc but perhaps I'm having too much fruit and sugar?
Weighed in today and no change in weight so I guess that's a good thing, although given all the effort I'm making, to be honest, I'm slightly disappointed with not losing any more weight. As Patrick says, it's not so much about weight loss but rather changing body composition. Good to remember! We're so conditioned to what the scales tell us - they can dictate one's mood, but I'm going to try really hard to keep my chin up! Lunch soon....
Anyone else struggling?
Monday 12 September 2011
Day 44
I really struggled yesterday afternoon and last night with being hungry. I could have eaten the table! Got very grumpy and irritable! Woke up with sore butt due to lunges and dreaded exercises but they went well this morning. Enjoyed skipping - just the lack of food which is an issue now. Not going to give up but it's really hard. It's very hot and sunny here in Tokyo so one shouldn't need much food but, with carbs and protein cut at lunch time, really struggle to get through the afternoon, so have decided to have my soya milk portion after school pick up around 4pm. Eating lots of fruit - only 1 banana a day, though, but just trying to fill up!
Apartment more settled and homely now so that's lovely. Think we managed to find our lost sofa - it managed to stay in England - so that's going to make it's way over.... Start my japanese lessons today which I'm very excited about, so that will keep me busy hopefully, so I don't think too much about how hungry I am!!
Apartment more settled and homely now so that's lovely. Think we managed to find our lost sofa - it managed to stay in England - so that's going to make it's way over.... Start my japanese lessons today which I'm very excited about, so that will keep me busy hopefully, so I don't think too much about how hungry I am!!
Sunday 11 September 2011
Day 43
Alarm now set for 5:20am - 5 minutes earlier, so that we can complete exercises before breakfast / school run. Found floor jumps and lunges really tough today. Quite a lethal combination!
Have been really hungry this morning - have had lots of errands to run, so had more fruit and trying to last as long as possible before lunch, but could eat the table at the moment, so going to prepare it soon. Going to find the cuts hard but hooray for an extra egg white!!
Good luck everyone. Keep strong!
Have been really hungry this morning - have had lots of errands to run, so had more fruit and trying to last as long as possible before lunch, but could eat the table at the moment, so going to prepare it soon. Going to find the cuts hard but hooray for an extra egg white!!
Good luck everyone. Keep strong!
Day 42
After yet another good night's sleep - managed 10 hours last night - YIPPEE!! - really enjoyed skipping and, as Simon was on breakfast duty with our 2 rascals, I managed 2000 skips. Felt REALLY good! What a lovely way to start the day. Picture hanging task today, so apartment feels like home despite a few more boxes here and there....
So, looking forward to another week. Interested to see what is going to be cut - less carbs, I reckon??!! Simon and I really struggled not having a glass of wine last Friday. We'd both had a tough week with removals and lost furniture etc and just fancied a nice Pinot Noir, but we both managed to encourage each other along and say "get thee behind us, satan!" - helps looking at photos we take every week. Progress from week 1, for us, is amazing.
Chin up!
So, looking forward to another week. Interested to see what is going to be cut - less carbs, I reckon??!! Simon and I really struggled not having a glass of wine last Friday. We'd both had a tough week with removals and lost furniture etc and just fancied a nice Pinot Noir, but we both managed to encourage each other along and say "get thee behind us, satan!" - helps looking at photos we take every week. Progress from week 1, for us, is amazing.
Chin up!
Saturday 10 September 2011
Day 41
Yippee! Managed 9 hours sleep last night and feel like a new penny! Exercises much better and skipping good except I need to find a new jump rope. Any recommendations, please? Apartment starting to feel like home now with pictures up and less boxes around the place. Lovely to have the feeling of being settled.
Thought less about food today - always the case when one is busy! Nearly half way through the program now....
Thought less about food today - always the case when one is busy! Nearly half way through the program now....
Thursday 8 September 2011
Day 40
Fed up of the unpacking now and tired to the bone so exercise this morning not great at all. Quite depressing actually. The effect of being tired is amazing. Floor jumps and da vincis the worst for me and my skipping was just horrid! Beginning to feel a bit run down now so have to rest this weekend to feel energised and positive once again.
Put on a dress which fitted quite snuggly last night and it looked MUCH better on me now, so I must be doing something right......
Put on a dress which fitted quite snuggly last night and it looked MUCH better on me now, so I must be doing something right......
Wednesday 7 September 2011
Day 39
Two days of unpacking with removal crew and it has been nothing but stressful! Furniture which was supposed to be stored in the UK has ended up here and they seem to have lost a sofa and coffee table and a few breakages.....I know that moving can be stressful especially across continents, but this has been a bit of a disaster from the removal company's point of view!
Managed to get exercises done but was very tired from unpacking etc so skipping didn't go well at all - it s amazing to note the effects of lack of sleep on one's exercise abilities....
Needed extra fruit so have had some and really hungry - guess the stress doesn't help at the moment. Really hope I can get through the next couple of days and weekend.......going out tonight so, looking forward to meeting new people (ladies evening out) in our building.
Managed to get exercises done but was very tired from unpacking etc so skipping didn't go well at all - it s amazing to note the effects of lack of sleep on one's exercise abilities....
Needed extra fruit so have had some and really hungry - guess the stress doesn't help at the moment. Really hope I can get through the next couple of days and weekend.......going out tonight so, looking forward to meeting new people (ladies evening out) in our building.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Day 38
So, as I predicted yesterday, we both struggled to get out of bed this morning, having had a night's sleep in our own bed. Still, got exercises done - floor jumps a killer and plank was especially hard today. Lovely to have new exercises - love a bit of variation - and skipping was good. Dinner remains a tough one for me - just really hungry but going to perservere. Got to give it 100%.
Monday 5 September 2011
Day 37
Our sea freight has arrived from the UK, so the next few days are going to be chaotic with unpacking and FINALLY getting settled here in Tokyo. Exercises good, skipping good but really hungry at night.....after months of sleeping on a hired bed, tonight will be the first night in our own bed so waking up for exercises tomorrow will be very hard, but, the best feeling ever is once exercises are done and all systems are up and running, so have to hang in there and keep soldiering on.........
Sunday 4 September 2011
Day 36
Up at 5:25am - much better as could do exercises as planned before getting children ready for school. New squats feel weird to start off with - I think it's using a chair as a support - I ended up working my triceps as well - perhaps that's a good thing?! - but found floor jumps hard again. Thighs on fire but just gritted teeth and got through the sets. Bicycle abs good and extra plank set really hurt!
No banana at dinner time. Wow! Used to dinners now - just enjoy lunch! Found your email about fats yesterday very informative, Patrick, so sticking with you so that I can lose those stubborn bits of fat. Hope it'll all be worth it in the end although I must remember that it's about building muscle and not so much weight loss for me.....
No banana at dinner time. Wow! Used to dinners now - just enjoy lunch! Found your email about fats yesterday very informative, Patrick, so sticking with you so that I can lose those stubborn bits of fat. Hope it'll all be worth it in the end although I must remember that it's about building muscle and not so much weight loss for me.....
Saturday 3 September 2011
Day 35
Managed to get 10 hour sleep so feel top of the morning today. Skipping went well but then did lose a bit of form towards the end. 1400 jumps! Need to get up another 5 minutes early in the week, so as to fit exercise in before school run....
Can't wait to get new diet plans later on. Wonder what it'll be like this week - suspense is killing me......
Can't wait to get new diet plans later on. Wonder what it'll be like this week - suspense is killing me......
Day 34
Have had a very busy day today so didn't manage to get exercises done in the morning - our son started his cello lessons here with his new teacher, so we were dashing around the place. Managed exercises around 4:30pm and they went really well - those floor / squat jumps are just evil. Thighs on fire after second set, but managed to grit teeth and finish the sets.
Skipping went well. Good rhythm and managed today to do 500 without a problem. Weighed in today and down to 54.7kgs - 3 kgs lighter than when we started - which is lovely but want to try to get down to about 50kgs, but not sure if I'll manage. Trying really hard to stick to exercises and diet, so going to have another concerted effort and push this week.......pleased with progress so far but don't want to stagnate......
Skipping went well. Good rhythm and managed today to do 500 without a problem. Weighed in today and down to 54.7kgs - 3 kgs lighter than when we started - which is lovely but want to try to get down to about 50kgs, but not sure if I'll manage. Trying really hard to stick to exercises and diet, so going to have another concerted effort and push this week.......pleased with progress so far but don't want to stagnate......
Thursday 1 September 2011
Day 33
Chest dips very difficult and seem to manage the creep much better. Skipping went well, too. Much better waking up earlier to have enough time for exercises.
Getting used to dinner regime. Thanks for the information on proteins at night, Patrick. Very interesting. Clothes are getting baggier now - will soon have to do some clothing shopping. Yippee!!
Getting used to dinner regime. Thanks for the information on proteins at night, Patrick. Very interesting. Clothes are getting baggier now - will soon have to do some clothing shopping. Yippee!!
Wednesday 31 August 2011
Day 32
Exercises are taking a bit longer to complete in the morning, so setting the alarm 5-10 mins earlier tomorrow. Da Vincis getting much better and managed better skipping - for first half and then everything goes awry as my legs get more and more tired.....
Going to have an extra piece of fruit today. Very hungry but getting through the evening dinner OK.
Going to have an extra piece of fruit today. Very hungry but getting through the evening dinner OK.
Day 31
Really hungry this morning but managed to do the exercises. Floor jumps are just plain old evil and managed elevated chest dips. Seem to be going through a rough patch with my skipping - perhaps extra exercises are making me a bit tired and so I'm losing co-ordination and therefore struggling to get rhythm going? So depressing when I managed to do 500 jumps without a problem on Saturday..... haven't changed technique - only thing that has changed has been the exercises, so that's what I'm going to blame for my lack of form on the skipping front. Try again tomorrow.....
Monday 29 August 2011
Day 30
Our children start school today so up half an hour earlier to get exercises done before preparing school lunches.... exercises went well but really can't do the chest dips! Have to work on them as I've really enjoyed the strength I'm getting in my upper body - arms and shoulders. Skipping not going too well at the moment and I think it has to do with my rope. It gets tangled and have to constantly untangle it which means stopping and breaking the rhythm...... ho hum
Dinner is taking some getting used to.....
Dinner is taking some getting used to.....
Sunday 28 August 2011
Day 29
Good exercise but couldn't get rhythm with skipping which is very frustrating as it was stop start all the way. Think my rope gets very tangled - or it was today! - and had to stop to straighten it out.
Going to be hard with food but good to have a bit of a change. Dinner is going to be interesting..... chin up everyone!
Going to be hard with food but good to have a bit of a change. Dinner is going to be interesting..... chin up everyone!
Saturday 27 August 2011
Day 28
Woke up with sore throat again today but no aches or shivers, so decided to have breakfast and do my exercises from yesterday as well as skipping before lunch. Very warm here in Tokyo today so skipping outside was hard as it was very hot. Struggled to get a rhythm going but at least managed to do 1300! V-sits hard and really felt triceps working during the double katanas.
A month of PCP and a new week begins tomorrow......
A month of PCP and a new week begins tomorrow......
Day 27
Just managed to do my skipping. Throat still sore so won't push myself to do anymore for today. Skipping went very well. Despite being "under the weather," I managed 500 jumps in one go! Hope this virus or whatever it is passes soon as children start back at school next Tuesday, I can concentrate more on PCP, without too many interruptions..... Glad I made an effort to do the skipping.
Friday 26 August 2011
Day 27
Woke up with an extremely sore throat this morning and a bit of body aching, so, for the very first time since starting PCP, I'm not doing my exercises before breakfast! Feels a bit weird but trying to be sensible and taking your advice, Patrick. Can't even manage skipping at the moment, but hope to try to do at least that later on in the day. Rather take it easy for a few days than put myself out for a week. So, onwards and upwards......
Thursday 25 August 2011
Day 26
Those leg creeps are evil! Couldn't manage them in reps of 40 so did 20 reps and then had to have a break, with my thighs on fire! Plank getting better and skipping going really well.
Am considering my little indulgence treat. I love these granola and fruit bars, lightly toasted with a dollop of jam and a cup of tea, so think that I'll have one of these in the coming days. Don't feel like it just yet, but nice to know that it's doable when I fancy it! But, on the other hand, perhaps I'll just have a lovely piece of steak instead?......
Am considering my little indulgence treat. I love these granola and fruit bars, lightly toasted with a dollop of jam and a cup of tea, so think that I'll have one of these in the coming days. Don't feel like it just yet, but nice to know that it's doable when I fancy it! But, on the other hand, perhaps I'll just have a lovely piece of steak instead?......
Wednesday 24 August 2011
Day 25
Found new exercises VERY challenging today. Great to have a bit of a change. Woke up with a sore throat this morning so not sure if I'm coming down with something.... will keep up skipping though as really love it at the moment.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Day 24
Forgot to mention that I was "eaten" by some sort of insects when I took our children to football camp, so have been itching uncontrollably, but still managed to skip through it!
Day 24
Skipping went very well! Managed 300 jumps without a break! Plank difficult - holding for 30 seconds - but great to do something different for core strength. Getting used to portion size in the evening, so no more complaints!!!
Day 23
Struggled with lunges today. As the sets increase, one can feel a difference in exercise output! Really struggling with dinner portion of protein and not getting on with extra egg white mid morning snack, so will cut it out from tomorrow. Rather not have it as feel full in the mornings but struggle at night time. Nevermind, just have to keep focused and soldier on!
Sunday 21 August 2011
Day 22
Found exercises tough this morning but have new resistance bands so that'll explain why! Skipping a killer, too, but worked hard to go up to 200 reps without stopping which made it much better to deal with higher set number.
Excited to get an egg white in the morning! Yippee!
Excited to get an egg white in the morning! Yippee!
Saturday 20 August 2011
Day 21
Back from Shimoda and have now done yesterday's exercise as well as skipping for today. Wow! Great adrenalin to get 200 jumps without stopping! Enjoyed having soya this week - had yoghurt instead of milk - and felt MUCH better!
Looking forward to new week of eating and exercising. Can feel the intensity increasing on exercise front.
Looking forward to new week of eating and exercising. Can feel the intensity increasing on exercise front.
Thursday 18 August 2011
Day19
Woke up a bit later - was lovely to get some more sleep. Have felt very tired. Exercise went well but not getting on well with da vincis - was using a cable machine for the resistance but my shoulders aren't strong enough yet, so just used a pair of dumb bells. Much better as could then complete the reps and sets, feeling the burn - have to be careful as hard a minor procedure to remove a lump in my elbow joint about 6 months ago, so don't want to aggrevate the injury while it heals.
We're off to Shimoda soon. Going to be interesting to see how we get on with food whilst we're away. Apparently there is lots of fresh fish given it's a sea side resort, so it should be fine and lots of fun!
We're off to Shimoda soon. Going to be interesting to see how we get on with food whilst we're away. Apparently there is lots of fresh fish given it's a sea side resort, so it should be fine and lots of fun!
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Day 18
Loved exercise this morning but still working hard with forward shoulder raises. They're tough but key is to keep at it and not give up - seems to be getting better as shoulders get stronger. Glad to be home bound for lunch today so that I can have proper proportions and decent food! We're off to Shimoda (beach) for weekend tomorrow so looking forward to some sea air as it's extremely hot here in Tokyo. Packing our skipping ropes so that we can keep up with that at least!
Day 17
Rubbish day today regarding eating. Was out to lunch at a Burger place -not my choice - and there was literally nothing to have except a burger & chips (burger look great ) so I ended up having some avocado salad which had a very sweet dressing on it - didn't realise until I tucked into it! And have been out all afternoon getting our children's school uniforms sorted etc etc, so got home at 4pm, in a ratty mood, very, very hungry, so had my lunch carbs in the form of bread with a cup of tea and my mid afternoon piece of fruit. Feel much better on the mood front now, but going to have a packed lunch if I'm out again although this is hard to take into a restaurant.......
Ho hum, chin up and start again tomorrow - or rather at dinner tonight!!
Ho hum, chin up and start again tomorrow - or rather at dinner tonight!!
Tuesday 16 August 2011
Day 17
Can't move a muscle now. Shoulders on fire after all exercises and skipping! What a way to start the day, - gets the blood pumping - but it does hurt! Couldn't weigh in yesterday but going to keep motivation up having watched both videos from Patrick. He answered all our questions and I feel a renewed sense of enthusiasm for the training and diet program!
Monday 15 August 2011
Day 16
Good exercise although did struggle with skipping again. So hot here in Tokyo that even at 6:45am it can feel too hot to skip outside - we skip on a balcony outside our family room. No carbs last night was difficult. Looked at portion of protein - we had salmon - and veg and then wondered where the "mains" were...... Have to get used to it, though. Going to have a weigh in for motivation......
Sunday 14 August 2011
Day 15
I'm getting over the feeling of being hungry at night time and managed 9 hours sleep for the first time in a very long time - have 2 young children just doesn't permit this luxury often - so have a renewed sense of enthusiasm this morning. Exercise going very well - love doing it first thing in the morning - but still struggling with davincis, although incline pull ups getting bit better.
Food - no carbs at dinner time. Hmm. Have to see how I get on......
Food - no carbs at dinner time. Hmm. Have to see how I get on......
Friday 12 August 2011
Day 13
Excellent exercise today. Skipping a revelation - good rhythm until I get a bit tired.....
Simon and I had a delicious fresh tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar salad instead of steamed veg and it made a lovely change!
Simon and I had a delicious fresh tomato, basil and balsamic vinegar salad instead of steamed veg and it made a lovely change!
Thursday 11 August 2011
Day12
Struggled with davincis and incline pull up this morning. Having problems with alarm so woke up 15 mins later with a start! Looking forward to lunch today as we poached some salmon for dinner last night and have some left over for lunch. Just simply poached - if it's in a non-stick pan, it releases it's own natural oils so no need to add water. Delicious!
Day 11
absolutely great advice from Patrick. I'm exhausted and going to make an effort to sleep for longer - hard with 2 young children - but, given it's officially part of our training at PCP, I'm going to try my hardest to get more sleep!!
Wednesday 10 August 2011
Day 11
Struggled with skipping today - just couldn't get a rhythm going. Also, those forward shoulder raises are amazing once you can do them properly. Just not very good at them at the moment. Ready for my breakfast!
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Day 10
Up at 5:15am to get exercise done. Much better approach - feel top of the morning! Struggling with inclinations and da vincis.....
Day 9
Have to exercise first thing in the morning, because if I don't, it's so hard to fit in later on in the day....
Day 9
It has been a manic week, with sorting out immigration papers, bank cards etc so haven't had the chance to blog....
Exercise going well, loving the jump ropes but legs do hurt a bit from squats and lunges....
Struggling with food - a few dizzy spells - it is VERY hot and humid here in Tokyo - so trying to cut down a bit on extra activities which is hard with 2 young children on summer vacation.....
Going to stick to it though, as hoping to be able to see some results after the 90 days.....
Exercise going well, loving the jump ropes but legs do hurt a bit from squats and lunges....
Struggling with food - a few dizzy spells - it is VERY hot and humid here in Tokyo - so trying to cut down a bit on extra activities which is hard with 2 young children on summer vacation.....
Going to stick to it though, as hoping to be able to see some results after the 90 days.....
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Day 3
Exercise going very well - especially enjoying the skipping - haven't skipped since my school days some many, many years ago..... Food reduction going well, too. Just relocated from London so our air freight arrived today and was busy running around unpacking, so only managed some brown rice and a boiled egg!
Looking forward to getting diet sheets with guidance on portion sizes in the weeks to come.
Hope all is going well with you?
Looking forward to getting diet sheets with guidance on portion sizes in the weeks to come.
Hope all is going well with you?
Sunday 31 July 2011
The night before the day to come....
The time has finally come! Very much looking forward to toning up and getting into peak condition!
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