It comes in threes...

For those unaware, I am now waiting on three, yes '3', different operations!

1.  Lapbad port revision

I discovered in January 2020 that my port has done a 180 degree flip.  This means that they are unable to get the syringe in to draw any fluid out, or put any fluid in.  I got called in to have the operation done only a few weeks after the mastectomy, but for obvious reasons said no! 

2.  Additional Breast Surgery

More tissue transfer to get the breast size even, and provide fullness.  As well as fix and smooth out the scarring.

3.  Hysterectomy 

This has been recommended by both the team at the familial cancer centre, and the gynecologist due to previous abnormal checks, high risk and various issues.  Paperwork has been submitted and I am on the 90 day waiting list as Category 2.  

Waiting isn't so bad...

In saying that though, due to Covid-19 putting a hold on elective surgeries, when they will happen is anyones guess.

As much as I'd love to get them all over and done with, this waiting period is allowing me the opportunity to focus on getting in tip top shape and becoming 'op-ready'.  

Confession Time...

Unfortunately, during my recovery time, the sedentary lifestyle has seen me put on a whole 8 kilos eeekkk, and I have reached a point where I am ultra uncomfortable in my own skin.  I am thankful that I realised my downward spiral before I entered triple figures...just!

My Goal...

-  To be op-ready; mentally and physically strong, healthy, and lighter!

My plan...

- Move more by walking (aim of 10,000 steps per day) and doing physiotherapy exercises.  Not only will this improve physical stamina and strength, I am hoping that coupled with the next goal it will see the scales and tape measurement numbers go down.

- Be more mindful of my unhealthy food choices, and make small gradual changes to improve nutrition.  e.g. drink more water, reduce sugar in cuppas, cut back on crappy carbs!

- Keep my mental health strong by attending psychology appointments, and keeping it real!

-  Most importantly, I will listen to my body, and not get down on myself if I don't reach my steps, or am too sore to do my physio session.

My thoughts...

I am pissed off at myself, and totally embarrassed to be here in this place again!  But, I will forgive myself, and I will show myself love by working hard to reach a place where I will stand tall with pride.  I've done it before so I know it can be done, even with the restrictions that I face.

When I get there, I will share my before photo, so be sure to stay tuned!

Read more "It comes in threes..."

Physio Exercises

Well, I said I would do it and so here it is.  This is my post-mastectomy strengthening exercise program as prescribed by my physiotherapist at Djerriwarrah Health Services.  Please excuse my shabby looking appearance, but it was a matter of just getting it done! Totally cringey but I'll get over it, just makes me more determined to keep on going.  Whilst not about losing weight, it is my hope that it will happen as a chain reaction.

I've had quite a few other exercises before getting to this stage, which I videoed way back at the beginning and then forgot along the way.  Oh well, there is still much progress that can be made so this is still a good semi-starting point.

A movement I am finding difficult is raising my arms above my head.  When doing the movement it feels as though the side of my foob is going to rip open.  This means that I am struggling when it comes to hanging clothes on the line, reaching the top cupboards in our kitchen, washing my hair, and sometimes dressing.  

The exercise I am doing to help is called a Wall Crawl.

Quite simply, in both the front and side positions I slowly crawl my fingers up the wall as high as I can (before being painful), and then crawl down again.

My Strength Workout Circuit 

All exercises are performed 10 times x 3 sets 

1.  Stand to Sit Squats 

Start by standing close to the front of the chair.  Then sit down on the chair for a second, and push back up to a standing position.  Hold dumbell weights to make harder.

2.  Wall Push Ups

Start with feet and legs together, standing about 60 centimetres from a wall with your arms straight out in front of you. Palms should be on the wall at about shoulder-level height and shoulder-width apart, with fingers pointed upward. (If you feel like you’re reaching too far, move your feet closer.  The further feet are from the wall, the harder it is).  Bend your elbows and lean your body toward the wall until your nose almost touches it. Ensure your back stays straight and your hips don’t sag.  Push back to the starting position.

3.  Bridge

1. Lay on the floor face up, with knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Place arms at your side with your palms down.  Lift hips off the ground until your knees, hips and shoulders form a straight line. Squeeze the glutes hard and keep your abs drawn in so you don’t overextend your back during the exercise.  Hold for a couple of seconds before easing back down.
3. 4.  Single Leg Bridge 

As above with the difference of one leg straight up in the air with sole of foot pointing towards the ceiling.

I only manage to do 5 on each leg at the moment as other wise my form goes.

5.  Front Raises 

Begin by holding both dumbbells of equal weight in front of your thighs with your palms facing your body. Keeping your back straight and feet shoulder-width apart, lift the dumbbells in front of you in a controlled manner until your hands are in line with your shoulders. Pause, then slowly lower back to the starting position.

6.  Lateral Raises

Stand tall with your core braced and feet together. Hold the dumbbells together in front of your abdomen with palms facing each other. Leading with your elbows, raise the weights out to the sides, making sure you use your muscles and not momentum. Stop at shoulder height, then slowly return to the start.

As 1/2 a kilo was too easy, I decided to up my weights to 1kg.  This made a big difference to the feeling felt through the foobs...not ultra painful but it can be felt!

7.  Bird Dog 

Begin on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Pull your abs in to your spine. Keeping your back and pelvis still and stable, reach your right arm forward and left leg back. Don't allow the pelvis to rock side to side as you move your leg behind you. Focus on not letting the rib cage sag toward the floor. Reach through your left heel to engage the muscles in the back of the leg and your butt. Return to the starting position, placing your hand and knee on the floor. Repeat on the other side to complete one rep.

8.  Walking

No set distance, just simply moving.  To make it more challenging suggestions include walking with dumbbells, adding incline or stairs, and doing varied walking tracks.

It is my goal to go for a walk, and do the circuit, three times a week, alternating between each.  This will allow me to have one day of rest.

You will notice a few blogs popping up all about my walking adventures...be sure to stay tuned!

P.S.  I want to give a shout out to a mate of mine who has given me a little kick up the butt by sharing his own journey.  Thank you for the inspiration Adam xo

P.P.S.  And...because I get frustrated at myself for not being able to lift as much, or do as much as I once could, here's a reminder of where I was 5 months ago.

Not forgetting the infections, open wounds, and two additional operations a month later.  Plus additional nether region issues to complicate matters further!

Maybe I'm doing a-okay afterall, I've got this, onward I go!

Read more "Physio Exercises"

Don't wait for motivation!

Motivation is defined as the process that initiates, guides and maintains goal-oriented behaviours. It is what causes us to act, it is our desire to do things.

There are 2 types of motivation: 

· Extrinsic (external) motivation 

· Intrinsic (internal) motivation

Extrinsic motivations are those that arise from outside of the individual and often involve rewards such as trophies, money, social recognition or praise. 

My reward for reaching goal is a trip to Sydney to climb the bridge and to trek through the Blue Mountains.

Intrinsic motivation are those that arise from within the individual, such as doing a complicated cross-word puzzle purely for the personal gratification of solving a problem.

I want to feel proud and accomplished and feel like I really do belong in the field I have chosen to work in.

What are your 'motivating factors' for staying true to your nutrition and exercise regime?  

So often I hear....Oh I wish I had your motivation and oh I just can't get motivated how do you do it?   And again I ask....

What are your 'motivating factors?  What do you want to achieve?  How badly do you want it?

For me it's not about 'being' motivated OR 'having' motivation in fact I say 'Motivation Schmotivation', Don't wait for motivation to hit - go out and find it! Just do it without even thinking about it and before you know it, you will be 'motivated' to continue.

Every morning I tell myself the same thing...'Come on - get up and just do it' and I do just that despite wanting to stay snuggled up in bed, despite wanting to waste time on facebook, despite wanting to just catch up with mates and despite wanting to comfort eat.  I am certainly not motivated to get up everyday and do the same mundane everyday chores, juggle  my time so that I can fit everything into my day and stick to healthy food choices BUT I do it anyway and now its habit.

Alongside Habit is 'Organisation', and each day I have a list of things to do (cleaning, working out, studying, juggling motherhood, work and a social life) and a meal plan (eating healthy and limiting junky choices) and I simply just do it.

Admittedly there are days where plans go out the window and that's ok it's a part of life but that's where you need to work hard at making good choices or adding in incidental exercise and making sure that you get straight back into routine when you can.

Ok, so if you are paying attention you would have noticed the little pictures with 'motivational / inspirational' quotes on them.  Do they help you to find motivation?  Do they give you a little kick up the butt?  If so that's great but REMEMBER:

So tomorrow when you have that feeling of 'I just can't be stuffed'....Get up off your butt anyway and JUST DO IT!

  

Are you MOTIVATED Now?

Read more "Don't wait for motivation!"

Awesome ABS August

August is Awesome Abs Month with the challenge being put out to complete a total of 5000 Ab Exercises from August 1st to 31st.  This works out to be 162 Ab exercises per day.

DAY 1 - Before Photo

Day 1 = 200 (Combination of Crunches, Sit Ups and Russians)

Total Done: 200 / Total Remaining: 4800

Day 2 = 50 (12kg Kettlebell Side Leans)

Total Done: 250 / Total Remaining 4750

Day 3 = 350 (combination of v-tucks, spoons, crunches, alternating leg ups, side taps, crunches and leg lowers)

Total Done: 600 / Total Remaining 4400

*HAD TO STOP & REST DUE TO BACK INJURY*

I was hoping that after a week of rest I would of been able to get straight back into training again but unfortunately my 1 week is now going to be 2 and from there who knows...

Read more "Awesome ABS August"

12WBT Task 3, 4, 5, 6

PRE-SEASON TASK 3 - Gear Up

Get geared up with some sports gear, a gym membership, personal training sessions, water bottle, fitness dvd's, a heart rate monitor and some basic gym equipment.

PRE-SEASON TASK 4 - Say It Out Loud

Saying it out loud and sharing it with friends and family makes you more accountable to make the commitment to yourself.  

I Natasha Hurst, commit 'out loud' to put in the hard work towards a fitter, stronger, healthier version of myself which in turn will provide me with a feeling of empowerment and allow me to proudly 'walk the talk'.

I am committed to achieving my goals with the use of healthy food and exercise and I promise myself that I will not slip into negative patterns of behaviour as they are only destructive.

I am committed to praising myself for even the smallest of victories and achievements as I have earnt it and they all add up to the grand prize.

I am committed to not allowing a figure on the scales determine whether it is a good or bad day but will continue on my journey with the same dedication and motivation regardless of the result.

I am committed to following a healthy nutrition plan consisting of 5 - 6 small meals per day and sticking as close to my 1200 calories as I can.

I am committed to not over endulging.

I am committed to allowing myself 1 free meal per week and will not feel guilty for doing so.

I am committed to forgiving myself for being human should I experience any slip ups along the way (no matter how big or small) and I agree that I will not allow them to trigger any self sabotage episodes (binge/emotional/comfort eating). Instead, I am committed to picking myself up, dusting off and getting straight back on the wagon.

I am committed to exercising for a minimum of 60 minutes (1 hour = 4% of my day), 6 days per week which includes a minimum of 2 PT sessions.

I am committed to allowing my body to have 1 day of rest.

I am committed to maintaining a food and exercise diary on a daily basis and to blogging my journey at least once per week as doing this makes me more accountable.

I am committed to making time to study so that I will finish my courses as this is an important step for my future.

I am committed to giving myself adequate rest and will ensure that I am in bed with lights out by 11pm on weeknights.

I am committed to hydrating my body by drinking at least 1 - 2 bottles of water per day.

I am committed to stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change.

I am committed to accepting the limitations that my knee operation has produced and be kind to myself. Should I experience pain (in the joint) I will stop as it is not my friend and will only cause more damage and thus more recovery time.

I am committed to not allowing my excuses to stop me and will use my solutions to help me push past them.

I am committed to loving myself for who I am no matter what shape or size I am and I will look in the mirror everyday and say 'I love you Natasha Hurst, you are beautiful to me'.

I am committed to giving my all to this challenge from Day 1 to Day 84 and I will finish it and achieve the results that I desire.

As a reward for all of these commitments I will be the best version of myself possible which in turn will make be a better person all round and a great role model for my children.

PRE-SEASON TASK 5 - Kitchen Make Over

Clear your house of anything that is processed, not nutritious, high in sugar, high in fat and replace it with foods that are healthy, unprocessed, low sugar and low fat.

Nutrition makes up 80% of the equation (with exercise being the other 20%) and if there are no temptations in your fridge / pantry then you can't be tempted.  

This part was pretty easy for me as I had made the switch to low fat, low sugar and unprocessed alternatives a while ago and of late have stopped buying any chocolate or soft drink.  The one area in my pantry that wasn't so healthy was the kids snack box so I have stocked up on celery, carrots, dips, cheese, rice crackers and fruit and will take some extra time to prepare them a healthy lunch rather than taking the quick and easy option of processed pre-packaged snacks.  I will admit that I did allow them one treat and they chose roll ups.

PRE-SEASON TASK 6 - Organise and Diarise

Organisation and Planning is the key to success

• Schedule your workout sessions
• Plan your weekly menu in advance
• Buy all ingredients in one shop once a week with only 1 top up shop if needed
• Mark all RED FLAG events (anything that could disrupt your routine) so that you can plan around them
• Set Mini Milestones - an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development.

MY MINI MILESTONES

WEEK 4

• Ftiness Test
• Do a Body Pump Class

WEEK 8

• Fitness Test
• Do an Acrofun PT session

WEEK 12

• Fitness Test
• IF I have reached my goal I will attend the Finale Workout & Party in Perth

Read more "12WBT Task 3, 4, 5, 6"

12WBT Task 2

PRE-SEASON TASK 2 - Take Control and Set your GOALS

WHY are you doing this challenge?  WHAT do you want to achieve? and HOW do you plan to achieve it?

Break goals down into blocks - Overall, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months.

Goals should be S.M.A.R.T!!

Specific

What exactly is your goal? To feel healthy is not specific. To Lose 2kg in a month is.

Measurable

Make sure you can measure your improvements along the way. For example you might have body shape measurements such as weight and blood pressure, or performance measurements such as running 4km without stopping.

Achievable/Attainable

Is it actually possible to achieve your goal? In your heart you need to believe that you can actually get there.

Realistic/Relevant

This is one notch higher than achievable. It might be possible for you to run a marathon (with the right amount of training) but is it realistic given your lifestyle factors?

Time Based

You need to set your goals against a time frame - when do you want to achieve them?

At the moment I am finding goal setting a little difficult due to not really knowing from day to day what is happening with the progress of my leg but I have set what I believe is achievable.

MY GOALS:

OVERALL:

• I will lose 14.5kgs and 25.9% BF - Goal 71kgs & 25% BF
• I will be able to run 10km's

1 MONTH GOALS:

• Walk 1km without my walking stick
• To lose 4 kilos
• To finish my Cert 4 in Massage, Cert 3 and 4 in Fitness and Cert 4 in Nutrition

HOW I WILL GET THERE:

• I will get there by doing my physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and resting when needed in order to rebuild the the strength in my leg.
• I will lose 4 kilos by following a healthy nutrition plan and exercising
• I will manage my time better so that I can study

3 MONTH GOALS:

• To walk further than 1km without my walking stick
• To lose 8 kilos

HOW I WILL GET THERE:

• I will get there by doing my physiotherapy and resting when needed in order to rebuild the the strength in my leg.
• I will lose 8 kilos by following a healthy nutrition plan and exercising.

6 MONTH GOALS:

• To be able to walk around Moon Reserve without my stick
• To be able to do a slow jog for at least 100 metres
• To be at my goal weight of 71kg and have a body fat of 30%

HOW I WILL GET THERE:

• I will get there by doing my physiotherapy and resting when needed in order to rebuild the the strength in my leg.
• I will lose 14.5 kilos and body fat by following a healthy nutrition plan and exercising.

12 MONTH GOALS:

• To be able to run 1km or more
• To have a body fat percentage of 25%
• To have maintained my weight and still be at my goal weight of 71kg or less

HOW I WILL GET THERE:

• I will get there by doing my physiotherapy and resting when needed in order to rebuild the the strength in my leg.
• I will continue to follow a healthy nutrition plan and exercising.
• I will not slip back into negative patterns.

I have only listed my health and fitness goals for the purpose of the 12WBT but a few personal goals are:

• To finish my Website
• To see an accountant with regards to my businesses
• To build up my businesses
• To pay off my credit card ($5000)
• To buy a block of land

Read more "12WBT Task 2"

Kicking Goals...

Wednesday 23rd May 2012

WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!  I feel FAN Freaking TASTIC!!

I just had my PT session with Craig and I kicked some awesome goals.

• Cycling (Recumbent Bike)
• Single Legged TRX Squats
• Single Legged TRX Lunges (with my good leg on a chair)
• Calf Raises
• Deadlifts
• Leg Lowers

We did about 7 minutes on the bike as a warm up (next time I want to aim for 10minutes) alternating between speed (my knee didn't like this much), high resistance, low resistance and isolating the left side to make the right leg work.

The lunges were really tough mentally as I had to trust that my right leg would hold me, which IT DID and although I didn't have a huge R.O.M it was still better than nothing.

The deadlifts started off easy so we added more weight and then I realised that I was favouring the left side, so we dropped the weight and really focused on shifting the weight to the right side to make the leg work.  It felt so awesome to be able to feel my hamstring engage.

Read more "Kicking Goals..."

This week is my week..

So I woke up this morning feeling incredibly heavy and blah and unfortunately the scales agreed with that feeling but rather than letting it get me down I decided to just get back on the horse!  This is something I had to do regularly as a kid growing up on the farm, I loved my horse/s but was a lousy rider and I spent more time off the horse than on the bloody thing.  My sister used to sit on the fence and watch me and was forever running back and forth between my Mum and I saying 'Mum, Mum, Tasha fell off her horse' and then coming back to tell me exactly the same thing 'Tasha, Mum said to get back on'...(funnier when told in person because then I can use the funny accent she used to talk in hahaha) anyway, I've gone of track - where was I??

Oh yeah, so rather than let it get me down I decided to just get back on the horse and change the day from a negative to a positive.  Firstly I decided to give myself 2 things to focus on, these being Productivity and Will Power; both of which have been lacking for me of late.

So despite wanting to crawl back into bed I got up and got on with my morning jobs....Getting the kids ready, Taking them to school (on my trusty scooter - very cold trip this morning as Jack Frost was out in full swing), Making Beds and a General House Tidy Up.  Then, I decided that it was time for some Renew Juice to get me through the mornings PT sessions - 3 back to backs.

RENEW JUICE - Serves 1
½ Carrot
1 stick of celery
¼ small beetroot
½ small cucumber
½ knob of ginger
¼ bunch of parsley
3 mint leaves
¼ whole lemon
Process all ingredients in juicer and serve with ice. For a runnier consistency, add a little water.

So once I had finished putting everyone else through their paces,  I went and did a 45 minute Hydrotherapy Session.  I have to say that today's was a little awkward as everyone else in the pool with me were 70+ and here was little ol'e me - shame!

HYRDO SESSION

3 x Sets of each 

• 10 x Squats
• 10 x Pistol Squats (Left)
• 10 x Pistol Squats (Right)
• 15 x Calf Raises
• 15 x Calf Raises (Left)
• 15 x Calf Raises (Right)
• 10 x Lunges (Left)
• 10 x Lunges (Right)
• 10 x Lateral Raises with weights
• 10 x Push Ups on side of pool

As well as laps forward and backwards and knee lifts and some nice relaxing floating LOL!

After Hydro I came home and booked in a wedding to photograph in Feb next year and also had a lovely catch up with my friend Sarah who I have to say is Superwoman as after only 2 weeks of a major surgery she is out and about - talk about inspiring.  Then it was more housework before picking up the boys from school.

As Glenn got home in time for the school run today he helped me to walk in to pick them up from their classrooms - something that I haven't done in 8 weeks - the boys were happy and it was nice to see some friendly faces.

Then it was home again for 2 more PT sessions and I even managed to squeeze my own workout in between each one.

MY WORKOUT

(15 minutes)

3 Rounds - x21 reps, x15 reps, x9 reps

• 5kg Medicine Ball Throwdowns
• 8kg Kettle Bell Swings
• TRX Rows / Pull Ups

2 x Sets

• 10 x 8kg Kettle Bell Shoulder Press  

Finally at 6.30pm I got to sit down and put my feet up and I have to say that despite being tired and really sore (my leg is aching and I've been getting an electric shock feeling shooting through the bone for the past couple of days - horrible feeling), I no longer feel as heavy or blah.

MY PLAN (as at May 21st 2012)

• 2 x Personal Training Sessions (Wednesday and Saturday)
• 3 x Hydrotherapy Sessions
• 1 X Physiotherapy Session with Hospital 
• Daily Physiotherapy Exercises (3 exercises 3 sets x required reps)
• Use only 1 crutch and/or Walk unassisted as much as possible
• Listen to my body and do not push too far
• Lose 500 grams 
• Finish at least 1 module
• Use my Will Power
• Stay Positive

Today's Food...

Breakfast - Renew Juice

Snack - Banana

Lunch - Coles Asian Salad with 50g Turkey

Snack - Mandarin & 1 Cup of Tea (white x 1 sugar)

Dinner - Savoury Lamb Mince and Mashed Potatoe (mix of sweet and normal)

Snack - I plan on having 2 X Cups of Tea (white x 1 sugar) and maybe some Greek Yogurt with Sugar Free Maple Syrup or some tinned (Weight Watchers) fruit and yogurt but right now I'm feeling satisfied, I will let you know tomorrow what I ended up doing.

I have to say I am really happy with todays food so far, now to keep it up over the weekend too!

Read more "This week is my week.."

I've been slack I know...

Holy Cow, the last time I posted anything in here it was like Day 5 of the 1MKC and now the 10 week challenge is well and truly done and dusted.  I knew that I hadn't posted in a while but I didn't realise that it had been THAT long!  The only excuse I have is that life had been crazy busy and I was exhausted and of late not really up to much of anything,  let alone trying to string a sentence together.

To cut a long story short (well shorter) my knee op has been and gone (7 weeks this coming Wednesday) and recovery has been slow, painful and frustrating to say the least BUT despite all this there has been positives and progress is being made.  

The funky leg brace that I had to wear day and night for 4 weeks

and...days only for 5 weeks.

I am still technically supposed to be wearing the brace until my Quad strength increases (the reason I can't lift my leg), but it's been hurting so I have taken it off and actually I feel that I have made much more progress without it as my muscles have had to work harder to support me.

Dressing - I wonder what it looks like underneath?

Just one of the fun and games associated with showering. 

 I had a cankle :(

9 days post op...dressing is now off No more garbage bag showers and granny washes. 

At this point the brace still needed to stay on (no knee bending other than physio) and there was still no weight baring and no driving.  Pain was (still is, although not as much) being controlled with good meds and despite my frustration levels being high I kept on 'trying' hard to stay positive and not over do anything so that my recovery wouldn't have any set backs.  

Considering that they removed a piece of bone from the outer side of my leg and moved (and screwed) it to the inner side, it looks pretty good.

3.5 weeks post op

The wound looked good and I no longer had a cankle.  The brace still had to stay on during the day but I was allowed to take it off to sleep (whoo hoo).  At this point I was allowed to slowly start increasing the bend and the weight bearing but both in very small increments.  Still no driving allowed.  Pain had eased enough to be able to cut back (just a little) on the happy pills. Frustration levels were still high and despite having the flu I managed to stay positive. 

Depite feeling incredibly ill I think the flu probably come at a good time because it stopped me from pushing too much and hindering my recovery. 

My knee today

I can now bend the knee, I can weight bare, I can walk 5 -10 steps without my crutches and I can lift my foot off the floor when my knee is bent.  Pain has increased due to doing more but I am managing to control it with meditation and rest and only using my med's when really needed.  The biggest negative however, is that I cannot lift my leg when fully extended which means I am still not allowed to drive.

Luckily, I have a little scooter to get me around and even though the battery life isn't that great (I have had 3 occasions where I have needed to be rescued, yes go on you can laugh, my rescuers did), it helps me to get the boys to and from school and gives me a little bit of freedom to go for a 'walk' if I need some me time.

On the day of the operation (14th of March) I weighed in at 83.5kg and now I am 87.1kg (a 3.6kg GAIN).  I did so well for the first 4 weeks and managed to maintain my weight despite not being vigilant (and it being Easter) with my nutrition, but complacency set in and whamo up went the scales.  Needless to say that I am once again really uncomfortable in my own skin and feeling very much like a good year blimp.  I have to say though that considering my activity level has gone from manic to pretty much non existent, the gain could of been much much worse.  

Up until the operation my nutrition was at the better end of the scale and my training was AWESOME.  I was so happy with how much my overall health had improved and with the help of my 3 incredible trainers, Steve, Rolando and Craig I was kicking goals. I loved that each of them gave something different to my training that helped to keep me pushing to reach my full potential and I really miss it.

Anyway, the way I see it is that I could wallow in self pity and play the poor me game OR I can stop the sooking and focus on all the positives.  Hmmm, what will I choose??  

I won't lie to you, there has been times in the past 6 weeks that throwing in the towel seemed like a good option but my Mum (my strength) reminded me that us Hurst girls are not quitters and so as hard as both of them can be, I choose positivity and a healthy lifestyle.

And now with all of that said and everything else put behind me and used as a life lesson,  here I am at Day 1 of getting my life back on track.

*Alarm Bells - Negative Alert*  I just caught myself say the word AGAIN very sarcastically as I wrote the above line and have had to stop and give myself a pep talk.  

Yes I am 'back' at Day 1 'again', but does it really matter how many times I have to start again if I am continuing to not give up??   In short, NO it does not.  

I have not failed.  I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work ~Thomas Edison

Failure doesn't mean you are a failure.  It just means you haven't succeeded yet ~Robert Schuller

Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.  ~Henry Ford

Your attempt may fail, BUT never fail to make an attempt.

Here's my plan...

Good Nutrition

I will STOP binging on a block of chocolate every night.  If I really feel like a chocolate I will allow myself a 'mint pattie'.

I will STOP skipping meals.

I will make healthier meal options.

I will not allow my emotions to destroy my hard work

Exercise

3 sessions per week ( 2 on my own & 1 P/T)

I am so lucky that Craig (NexgenFitness) is willing to come here to train me.  So far I have done 2 sessions with him and they were tough.  It's amazing what you can do without using your legs, you just need to think outside the square.

Ideally I would love to be able to lose 3.6kg in 4 weeks (by the end of May) but I really think that would be too much pressure, so for now I will be happy to just lose anything rather than put it on.

I also really really want to be able to lift my leg so that I can start driving again but I know that if I put too much pressure on myself that I will make things worse rather than better.  In order to combat that I plan to just continue doing my physiotherapy exercises and hoping for the best.

Anyway that's it for now, I will try my hardest to keep this updated more often.

Wish me luck xox

Read more "I've been slack I know..."