New kids on the block

Watch out - there's a new team in WA, La famiglia bambola. You guessed it - my family. Here's mum modelling her kit before a mountain bike ride around her back yard. Glad to hear mum might finally be having some luck sorting her asthma out. She'll be pushing dad in sprints before he knows it I'm sure.
I've started to commute on the bike a bit which has been good for the legs and the soul. Seems such a waste to live in a beautiful city and not get to enjoy the views. The draft of my second last paper is practically done and I'm starting to sort out the pieces of the last one! Won't be long now before I can get some use out of the new kit. I'm in training for a TT in May! Won't be aiming for a PB that's for sure but would like to know where I stand based on minimal training. Here's to the body holding up - all has been well for a few days and I would like to get some fresh air and sunshine.

Self restraint

This week I started the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation.

She has got a great website that takes you through all the necessary steps to sort out your demons for the best chance to lose weight. Saying that my body decided to pack it in the week of starting and hence my exercise is still not taking off.

For two days after exercising I am extremely fatigued, my muscles are stiff and ache. And not the good ache, my muscles actually refuse to work whilst doing simple things like cooking, getting dressed, cleaning, walking.

Luckily my home office set up is quite comfortable and I can continue with my thesis whilst feeling like my body is made of concrete. To meet my work pressures I was resorting to chocolate and take out food for convenience. I am now dealing with the consequences and it's an interesting world to live in. I have now made a conscious effort not to eat chocolate and include fresh fruit and veges in every meal - following the 12WBT plan. Experiencing a few hiccups already as a forgetful mind, tight budget and family emergency meant a few substitutions have been made. Thankfully it all seems to be working - there was a 4 week preseason period where I made changes to diet and started to exercise. 4 kg down already! I'm impressed because I was struggling to stop the gain. My comfort eating has now been replaced by bottles of water which I am happy to do as I have a wedding to look great at!

Perth crits day 2

These photos were taken on my iphone and processed using the Instagram app (one of my favs)

Despite her best efforts, Emma Pooley could not shake the bunch. Various break attempts lasted a few laps but were chased down, leading to a final sprint. TIS outpowered the bunch to take 1st and 2nd, Pooley 5th.

Out of hiding

For the past year, I have been hidden under piles of papers. Lists of jobs to complete and the burden of finishing my thesis.

I would love to say that it is finished. But after slogging through illness for 9 months I needed a break.

Had the most relaxing few weeks over the break - despite the last minute shopping efforts, house hopping and party going. It was great to catch up with the family and friends that I have been so badly neglecting for a long time.

It allowed for reflection back on a tough year. And the time to recharge the batteries for a strong TT like effort home.

So whilst hidden behind the slog of writing a thesis my sloth-like personality developed and lets say I'm itching to ditch it. Have joined up to @MishBridges 12WBT (http://www.12wbt.com/) and am looking forward to the Challenge which starts late Feb. Here's to getting my life back in order... Looking fwd to sharing some success stories this year!!
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