Mandy, if i am hanging to see these photos you must be. Did he tell you when you did the shoot how long it would take before you would get them?

As for food a little break is nice, but i always try to make sure that i do not gain much, that way i do not undo all my hard work. I have several reward meals a week and this helps me to stay sane and i do not blow out of my other meals, which i try to keep perfect and often.

You set yourself the goal of getting in shape for your photos, why don't you alter that now and just make it a long term goal, so that you look hot just for you. Not for the photos. Just my two cents worth, i think that it will help you to stay more focused.

Having the road works must be a drag, how much longer do you think that they will be there?

Cheers,
Veronica

Hey V

He said 2 weeks, 3 weeks max, if not before and that he was going to post them directly to my place.

Re: program / eating
V, I’ve been doing pretty well. Went to some friends place yesterday. Just drank water and didn’t eat their snacks. They said they were impressed with my “leanness”. So that was nice to get a compliment. For sure, V, I’m definitely going to keep going with it.

Up until I got crook from the facility… I used to stay relatively lean and fit all year around. It was never really an issue for me. Even in between bouts of it I did pretty well at ensuring I stayed on top of things. But when I got super crook it really knocked me around. So it’s nice to feel like I’m back to “normal” again. If that makes sense.

I think what has been so hard for the photo shoot has been the “emotional” side of it. Not so much getting lean but being terrified of doing a photo shoot. I would’ve found it a heck of a lot easier if I didn’t have the “pressure / phobio” of the shoot. It was like all the knowledge I have, experience in the past, all courses etc I’ve done… all the stuff of knowing what to do – just went out the window. I second guessed myself heaps from the get-go. It was strange how vulnerable it made me feel.

So… from here on in it’s easy, V. I’m not worried at all about staying in shape. The hard part is behind me. I’m really excited about what’s ahead now. Because the photo shoot was holding me back. Can’t wait to get the pics so can I get my projects finished - that are waiting on the photos. Woohoo!!!

Thanks for your support, V… you rock. I enjoy watching and following your progress too. Did you enter yourself into the Oxygen Cover Model contest, V?

Kind regards
Mandy

Miss Mandy - didn't you see Veronica's photo in Oxygen? She most certainly did do the Cover girl contest!

Which edition, Judith?

YAY V!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just phoned Lindy's office and asked them... Issue No 50 - which is the latest issue out.

Mandy

Very cool Veronica getting yourself in Oxygen Congratulations!

Mandy - I saw on FB you are getting your photos soon - awesome! Can't wait to see them. I am glad to hear that you are in a great place mentally and you are focussing on how far you have come - one of the hardest things to do. Most of us (me included) spend far too long analysing how far we have to go and the challenges that lie ahead, filling ourselves with doubt.

I am sorry for my absence. I have been in a bit of a hole the last week.
One thing I kept off here (and FB) and only because I am a very private person is that I have been seeing someone here in Sydney the past 4 or so months. It is someone I have been close friends with for about 6 years and while there was always a very strong chemistry and feelings between us, the timing was never right before. Well apparently the time wasn't right now either but we gave it a shot not realising that, and things ended last Thursday. I have been in a bit of a hole since and not wanting to do anything, see anyone, and training and just doing stuff like going to work and shopping and stuff has been a challenge that I have been forcing myself to just do. I know it's soemthing we all go through and I just need to pull myself together and live but at the same time I also need to let myself be a bit sad.

Anyway I just wanted to explain why I haven't been posting. I have been reading (a little only though) but just haven't been in a mindframe to comment on posts etc. So I am sorry but wanted to let you know where I am at.

As I mentioned I am a private person and don't like splashing my PERSONAL stuff all over FB and the like so would be appreciated if any comments about any of this are kept in here.

Thanks ladies - I will be back - I just need some "me" time to deal with my emotions and move on.

Hey Vic,
Look after yourself babe. The heart is just like any other muscle you break it down and it'll heal stronger and bigger
Relationship stuff is never the right thing to post on FB. It really freaks me out when people drag their personal laundry all over FB.

xo
Mish

Thanks Mish. I know I just have to give myself time and I will be fine.

And I couldn't agree more...FB is not the forum for dirty laundry. I couldn't think of anything worse than my 850 odd 'friends' knowing all my issues. At least in here I know I have true friends who are here offering support rather than helping me wallow in misery.

Hey Vick - big hugs.

Couldn't say it any better or agree with Mish more. Look after yourself and give yourself time to be get back to yourself.

Take all the "Me" time you need.

Hey Vic, sad to hear your sadness. Thinking of you.....

Mandy, love your attitude hun, you are going great, look forward to seeing your projects come together for you.

Getting in Oxygen was also an emotional journey, i was not worried either way about the cover, I always think that what will be, will be and i try not to stress about the things that i can not change. The emotions are based on the changes and the challenges that i have had to make to get to this point. I have to say that there were some great looking girls that entered, it is encouraging to see them all.

Cheers,
Veronica

Hi guys

I am here, still lurking and still in a bit of a rabbit hole but slowly crawling back out. Some days are good, others not so good but I am slowly getting there.

Training is still a bit all over the place, there have been days where I just haven't done anything and the other days I have literally made myself train but the more I do that, the easier it will get. Food - also been all over the shop. I have barely cooked my own stuff and have been going out for dinners with my bestie a bit and those nights usually involve non-diet food and wine (which is good for the soul, bad for the butt). I think that this has just come at a crappy time of the year with Christmas and all - just not feeling very festive. I am hoping that changes on Friday night when I see little Aurelia who is sure to cheer me up.

God I feel like a blooming nutjob at the moment...this heartbreak stuff isn't fun at all

Sorry for the down post - I didn't intend on doing it but maybe I just needed to write.

Ah Vic - everybody goes through it when relationships come to an end - different relationships have different impacts and if this person was a close friend for so long and then this has occurred no doubt there are lots and lots to get over and work through emotionally. Just ride it out with your bestie - sounds like she is doing a great job of being there for you. Work through it and then pull yourself out the other side. Glad you are still lurking though - we miss you when you go AWOL.

Can't do more than let you know I am thinking of you and big hugs.

Hey All

Sorry I’ve been “away” for a bit. Me, Matt, Arnie and Louie (Arnie and Lou are my doggies) just spent a week in my home town with my parents.

Re: V… I know, how cool is that. I’m off to get the latest edition of Oxygen this week. I have a file at the local newsagents. Can’t wait to see Veronica in there! Goooooo Veronica! You truly are inspiring!

Thanks, Vic. I’m in a fairly decent place now mentally. Although work-wise I just want things to hurry up. I have projects on hold waiting for my photos… I still don’t have them. Starting to get a bit worried about that actually.

Vic, hugs to you… of course you’re down… you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel sad about your breakup. I’m so sorry. Wish you weren’t so far away. I’d invite you over for a “treat day” Jim Beam and coke. :-) LOL – and I’d hire out some Chuck Norris movies for ya.

In regards to FB and personal stuff… most folk here, I’m sure are the same. There’s lots of stuff I don’t include on FB – and never will. This forum thread is spidered by google and other search engines so I’ve often come across it in google when looking for other fitness stuff. So I’m careful what I put in here now too.

Vic, I agree with the gals… take some time for you. You’ve had a crazy year. You deserve all the good things that are coming your way in 2012 – and there will be lots, you’ll see.

Re: Accountability

Training and eating has been a bit off due to visiting parents. But I handled it much better this time going away. It was great. I allowed myself to eat a treat here n there. And just ate clean the rest of the time. I got some great compliments from some of my old friends. Which I really appreciated. As lot of my old friends can be a bit negative as they’re not into the fitness lifestyle.

It was nice to spend time with Mum and Dad.

Vic, thinking of you. I’ll log in again in a couple of days.

Hugs
Mandy

Got a sms from my photographer... he's posted off the photos today... can't wait to get them.

Mandy

absolutely Brilliant! - Can't wait to see them Mandy - you must be so excited. Nice Xssie present

Cheers, Jude...

Just wanted to say 'MERRY CHRISTMAS' everyone... and thanks so much for your support this year...

hugs
Mandy

Hey All

Hope you're enjoying the festive season.

Mandy

OK I am back after my hiatus.

Firstly - HAPPY NEW YEAR - I hope the festive season has been festive for you all

Mandy, your shots look incredible - you should be super proud of your efforts - they truly paid off!! You have definitely inspired me to book myself in for a shoot.

I have decided that now - the new year - is a perfect time to crawl out of my little rabbit hole, and get back into it. My training and eating has been a write off for the better part of the last 3 weeks and I am feeling it. I have trained a bit but not every day - there have even been days where I have gotten up, eaten my breakfast early with full intention of training after it, and going back to bed. There have also been days where I have driven half way to the gym only to get all emotional and have to turn around and drive home. But no more of that.

2012. New year - new leaf.

So today's food has been a lot better than any given day in the last few weeks. And no wine. Tomorrow will be even better. Gym opens tomorrow and I am intending on going first thing, like normal. And training like I mean it.

My first mini goal is to hit FitX (as a spectator not competitor) looking like I belong there!! I wanna look HAWT, dammit!! And am contemplating doing October comps - but that will depend on how I am doing with Uni during the year. I am not sure if I posted in here but I got an offer to do my Masters this year and decided to accept. So it will be a year of head down, bum up. I have a dissertation to write this year which will be a big feat BUT I know I can do it and if I pace myself right (not leave it to the last minute, which I am notorious for - although with a 10,000 word research project to write I don't think that's possible) I may be able to compete too. I am hanging to get back into comp condition.

So 2012 - here's to it being my year! And the year of all you fabulous ladies too!!

Hope you are all well and I promise - no more hiding.

Vic xx

My assault on 2012 has begun with a vengeance. I did an awesome arms session yesterday with some PBs thrown in on biceps. I have decided while the weather is lovely like it has been to take my cardio outside as I get bored on the machines. So yesterday after arms, I chucked my gym gear in the car and decided to take a walk, through the Domain, Botanical Gardens and around Mrs Macquarie's Chair. It was stunning. I forgot how lovely that part of Sydney is. I followed it up with some beach time with my cousin and some of her friends. Back to work today so training was at 5am, drove home and did a 40min walk around my area before work. It was legs day today and it was a good session.
Food has been clean for 3 days running now which is definitely a first lately. I even cooked up food yesterday to take to work today - which I haven't done in about 3 months I reckon.
I am hitting it, I have definitely improved in the mojo stakes. And to be honest - a lot of this has come from a friend of mine lending me a book last week that I am finding to be the positive influence I need right now. Not sure if any of you have read The Secret, but it's probably changed my life more than anything else I have read, and I am only half way through. Whatever it's doing I am not complaining.
Anyway that's it for me. Hope all is fabulous in Forum Land.

Vic x

So great to hear you full of enthusiasm again Miss Vic! We are certainly very lucky to have access to these beautiful places, right on our doorsteps here in Sydney, and let's be honest, how can you not do cardio with a smile on your face when you are out there in this fantastic weather

I shall have to look that book up, sounds like something worth reading!

Take care xox

Beki - I highly recommend you do. You are actually a person I thought about when I started reading it....I honestly think it would make a very large impact on your life xx

Hey Vic...

It's so exciting to have you back again!! WOW and you're kicking ass! Chuck would be proud of you! :-)

I've taken a couple of weeks off, it's been kinda nuts here. I've trained a few times but my eating has been on and off. To be honest it's just made me want to get back on track again super fast.

We went away for a few days before Christmas to visit Mum and Dad. While we were away our dogs caught bloody fleas. They've NEVER had fleas before - ever. I've spent the last few weeks cleaning and washing, cleaning and washing... --- both the house and the dogs. :-) And everything in the house. Cause the boys (Arnie and Lou) haven't had fleas before we didn't know they were allergic to them. I feel so sorry for them. Every time we go away something crappy happens to them. I spend so much time looking after them and their health due to them copping the emissions from the facility here. So frustrating. Poor babies.

Enough whinging...

Vic, don't worry you will rock! You'll look like you are competing!

V, was so excited to see your pic in Oxygen!!! WOOHOOO!!!

Hugs to everyone... I need to check out everyone's FB accounts so I can see what you're all up too... including Bek and Jude's.

Take care
Mandy

Oh that sucks Mandy, hope the fleas bugger off quickly

I thought that you had access to my thread... I'll see if one of the lovely ladies can sort it out for you as I'm not posting my goals on facebook at the moment

xxx

Hey Bek, that would be great!

Just saw the 2012 cover with Lindy on it on FB... holy cow!!! Lindy's abs are awesome!

Kind regards
Mandy

Haha Lindy IS awesome, in general!!

Well - quick update (am at work so won't be long) - had my first full training week in I don't even know how long last week. And ate clean all week. Free on the weekend.

Felt good to get past that first week of structured training. Full weekend, full of catch ups. I even went to Luna Park on Sunday, with the boy. Was nice to do something fun together.

The week so far is going well with both training and diet. I have had a new program written for me - first actual program I have followed in a million years (I normally go into the gym knowing what body part I am doing but make the actual program up as I go along on the day) - and it's great. Food is also great so far.

So...all going well so far. I am looking and feeling leaner already - amazing what a bit of consistency and muscle memory can do when teamed up.

YAY AWESOME VIC!!!!

I've been doing full body high intensity workouts of late. Mainly because I've been super knackered from lack of sleep and long hours.

I'm really enjoying it actually. It's giving me rest days as well which I need at the moment.

Looking forward though to getting back to my normal training.

Kind regards
Mandy

Heya Mandy, sometimes it's good to mix the training up with full body workouts and the rest days will do you good.

I am down to 4 weights days a week with my new program which might take some getting used to on my part BUT the workouts are amazing and I think the rest days will probably be a good thing. I am still doing cardio 5-6 days. Food has been pretty good too (cheat day yesterday though).

I have found a new physio which I am really excited about. I know that sounds silly but when I moved back down to Sydney I started at a physio, and went to maybe 3 or 4 sessions, which were the biggest waste of time and money. My last session literally involved the physio sitting and watching me do the exercises he gave me to do at home, over and over for half an hour. Didn't touch my ankle once - despite me telling him that through that week it had started aching during my walks again (same way it started at the beginning of the injury). Needless to say I decided then and there to make no follow up appointments.

When I was venting about this last weekend to a PT friend who has been in the industry forever, he gave me the name of another physio who he said he had been sending people to for years. So I went and saw her Friday afternoon and OMG - the first 5mins she did more than the bad physio did in multiple sessions. Anyway she is a bit concerned with where it is at at the moment so I have been given strict instructions regarding training and what to do if it is hurting. I am pretty confident that if anyone can get me back to plyometrics and intervals and stairs and sprints, it is this woman. So I am pretty excited about this

Not much else to report to you all. I have had the laziest weekend in the world (aside from training of course) - nice change as all I have been doing for the last 7 weeks since moving back is socialising, so it was nice to have early nights on Friday and Saturday and spend most of yesterday on the couch

Anyway hope all of you are kicking butt!

Vic x

OK it's vent time for me.
Ankle sitch isn't great
I had a bit of a catch up day (hung out at my bestie's for a couple of hours then coffee / what turned into a meal as well at a cafe with another friend, then a quick visit at my parents' place) but didn't do anything strenuous, unless you count playing tabletennis with the bestie (I don't count it as we don't do scores / points etc we just rally a bit).
Driving home from mum & dad's and the ankle started hurting just with the pressure of using the accelerator...and then got home, was vegging on the couch and having a blanket on my foot was aggrivating it. Not a good sign.
This morning it felt OK when I got up so went and trained legs (I am not going heavy in the slightest as my new program has a lot of triple-sets on the legs and given the reduced load on them in the last 6 months I just can't go heavy). Only did 10min on the bike afterward.
Now the ankle is really sore, just sitting at my desk at work, doing nothing.
Not very happy, Jan.
So it looks like on Wednesday's physio appointment I might be asking her for a referral to a specialist down here. And no cardio or lower body anything for now. And maybe back on the anti inflammatories (last specialist gave me 5 repeats on the prescription in case of flare ups so now may be a good time to get back on them).

Anyway rant over. Just a bit over it - just when everythign started feeling like it was coming together

More upbeat post next time, promise!!

Ok quick update before I am off for a girlie weekend with the bestie.
Ankle situation is static - no better but no worse so that's a good thing. Physio got one of the sports physicians to write me a referral for a bone scan and a CT as she is concerned the stress fracture and/or tendons are flaring back up. Dependant on results...well if the fracture is back I guess it's a matter of keeping off it as much as possible, and if it's the tendons we are talking about PRP (Platelet rich plasma) therapy which involves removal of blood, spinning it in a device to separate the components of the blood, harvesting the PRP component and then injecting it into the injury site. Anyway - will keep you all posted.

Training this week has been really good (aside from modified cardio due to said ankle pain) but weights are going awesome and I have been setting some pretty decent PBs on areas that were stagnant for so long, where I just couldn't go up in weights for what seemed an eternity! Happy with that.

Food has been pretty good too - in saying that I confess right now that this weekend will be diet free and I will be enjoying probably loads of wine and ice cream. Me and my bestie have each gone through a bit of a crappy time of late (for very different reasons) and I think a weekend away will be awesome...really looking forward to it.

Anyway that's it from me.

Mandy.......any updates girl??

Hey Vic, that's excellent about the physio! Good move about scrapping the previous one.

OH NO....I cant' believe the problems you're having with your injury... I feel so sorry for you. I'm kind of surprised your new training program has so much cardio involved... especially considering what you've been through with your injury.

I hope your new physio and specialist can get you back on track. Fractures are a pain in the ass.

Vic, sorry I haven't been around lately. I've had a migraine for a week. Just when it starts to die off a bit, it turns around comes back big time. I'm sooo over it.

We've had the emissions from the facility going flat tack.

It's been an stressful week. I got a new business coach - he's kicking my ass. Which has been lots of hard work. My computer went caput. I'm using my hubby's laptop at the moment.

... But the hardest has been our Lab Louie - the one that got attacked by the pitbull - he's got two massive tumours that have come up in the last week and a bit. He's had cancer when he was 4yrs old (rare aggressive cancer caused from environmental conditions). Anyway we've got to get through the operations first and then go from there.

Training has been off and on. I've only trained twice. Forced myself too but ended up feeling sick as it made my migraine worse. I have to walk the dogs still so I'm saving my bouts of feeling "ok" for that. As I don't want them to miss out. Especially Louie. He needs something to help cheer him up.

Sorry for not logging in sooner. Even though I haven't been logging in, I'm still thinking of you and what you're up too, how you're going. Can't believe what you're going through with your injury, Vic.

Take care
Mandy

Hey Mandy,

That's no good about the migraine! You poor thing - rest up when you need to and I hope it gets better for you soon.

My program doesn't have loads of cardio - it's me who increased the load on my own accord. My bad!

Anyway missy take care and hopefully you will come good soon x

You're a naughty girl, Vic.... :-) Too funny about the cardio.

I'm not doing any cardio at the moment. Since my last post I've done a lower body workout, upper body workout, next one will be abs circuit then day after that will be shoulders...

Migraine is nearly gone! Woohoo! Hopefully it'll stay away for a bit too!

Computer has gone caput on me so I'm borrowing my hubby's laptop at the moment.

Louie, my black Lab, goes in to get his tumours out on Friday... wish us luck... we've got an awesome vet so we're confident things will go the best they can.

Take care, Vic... can't wait to see your progress!

Kind regards
Mandy

Mandy - hope the op goes well, I have fingers and toes crossed for you xxx

Vic - what the hell is the story with the super glue and the hair??!!! x

Aahhh...you know the old motto...
What goes on tour... haha

Might tell you when we finally catch up for that lunch or dinner!! lol x

Ahh Vic you are a shocka - but at least you have fun doing it! Just try and not undertake any more super glue and hair forays. Sounds like you are having a ball being back home. Hope the leg is back on the mend - did you find out any more about the blood cell thingy treatment and whether it would work? Let us know.

Mandy hope the tumour surgery has been fine and an fur baby is well.

Take care guys

Heya Mandy

Just checking in to see how your baby is going? Hope it's all gone well x

Jude - yes glad to be home....God knows if I were alone up in Brisbane this last 2 months or so I don't know how I would have gotten through. I really have had some very black days and my best friend has been a true godsend.

I have an appointment with my sports physician this Tuesday afternoon and will discuss the PRP treatment with her a bit more and make some decisions from there. At this point I am giving it serious consideration as it sounds like it is something that will help and quickly, which is what I want.

I am tightening everything up now. I went to a seminar by Jon D yesterday, he was down at World Gym in Penrith and I sat down and had a long chat with him after it. I am determined to get back on stage in October, and so as of tomorrow I start back on his eating plan.
I am actually cooking up my meals as we speak

I did an awesome back session at World yesterday too - trained with my little buddy Dewayne, who is competing in the Juniors at the Australasians in March. He is seriously a FREAK. 20 years old, I watched him deadlift 225kg. And then had to pick my jaw off the floor. He has been dabbling with some strongman stuff in his off seasons and it is clearly working - he is a blooming beast!! Haha In all seriousness, I love training with him - it's been about a year since our last session together - no one has pushed me as hard as him (maybe it's a dignity thing as I don't want to seem like a weakling to a 20yo and so I push myself harder to lift heavier haha).

Anyway I am in a WORLD of pain today. It hurts to even sit down and do nothing!! lol

Today I went to help out at the IFBB posing workshop and there was a fantastic turnout.

So anyway I feel like my mojo is getting right back up there and I can't wait for comp season to begin to give me some more fuel!

Anyway hope all is well with everyone. Vic x

Great work. I am truly glad for you that you are home and happy. Keep us posted on the treatment. Love hearing about things like this.

Take care guys.

Hey All

That's so cool, Vic. Awesome! It's fantastic having someone to push you with your training isn't it?

Sounds like moving back was soooooooooooo meant to be and at the right time for you, Vic. You sound so different since you moved.

Something about Mary hair thingo does sound a bit weird... :-)

Vic, Jude, Bek... Re: Louie and Tumours... Last night was my first night of sleep since the operation. Hopefully from here on in he'll be on the up and up. We find out the results this week sometime.

I skipped a few days training, mainly because I hadn't had any sleep and was feeling dizzy all the time. I trained today. Mini-circuit.

My computer is back up and running again. It went caput about a week or so ago and I've been borrowing my hubby's laptop to do the basics. So glad to have my computer back. Although I'm not sure how long it will last for.

Looking forward to getting in some solid training sessions this week.

Kind regards
Mandy

Hey Mandy,

Firstly - was so glad to hear on FB that Louie is doing well That must be a really big relief! Now - to get you back on track and get rid of these silly headaches and dizzy spells! Must be so frustrating.

Me...training has failed this week. Monday I had to swap legs for chest/tris as the DOMS from Saturday did not subside til Tuesday and there was no way I could contemplate anything to do with legs! But I did my session which was great. Tuesday was cardio only and did a walk in the morning and planned on a second one, home from the Specialist in the arvo (it's about a 4km walk so just a bit extra) BUT Ms Specialist gave me not one but TWO cortisone shots, on either side of my ankle joint. Which I might add is a rather painful place to have them done (it's always been in the tendon shaft, at the front of the shin previously). So on the outside of the ankle I had one just below that round bone that pops out of the side, and on the inside I had it just above the little round bump bone that pops out. So cab it was home.

Yesterday training didn't happen as once the local anaesthetic wore off the ankle, I was in agony. No sleep Tuesday night and a very painful Wednesday, unable to move my foot upwards at all. With cortisone it generally feels worse before it kicks in as apparently it crystalises temporarily in the body and therefore stiffens everything up.
I had dinner with my parents last night, we went to an Italian restaurant so I also had a mid-week cheat meal. Not very good of me but I did.

I am going to attempt to hobble round the gym for a back and bis session this morning and see how I go. A little bit of pain has started kicking in but hopefully it won't get worse than this. I am not allowed to do legs or cardio for about a week so it's gonna be upper body only again.

Anyway chickadees will chat to you all soon.

Have a good one

Hi Mandy,

I've heard that magnesium is good for treating headaches & migraines. Don’t know what dosage though.

I used to get dizzy also and went to my doc but he couldn’t find anything wrong and so went to a Naturopath as I had other worrying symptoms also. She put me on to a variety of supplements including a form of iron supplement. This stopped me from feeling dizzy within a matter of days. I went off it after a while and my dizziness came back, so I take them every day and feel better for it.

Good luck with your training! :-)
Rena

Hey Vic and Rena

We're stoked about Louie. Now that he is sleeping through the night, most of the night anyway, it means I'm getting more sleep. Which has made a big difference to reducing my dizziness - and the migraines.

HOLY COW, VIC, OUCH - plus the cort shots! Please, please, be careful. I can nearly feel the throbbing pain from here. Listen to the specialist and don't get down on yourself for not training the way you'd prefer to be.

Rena, I'm taking iron, but I have to admit there's been some days I skip / forget to take it. :-) Due to the emissions from the facility here I suffered from vertigo for nearly two years. So I started taking Tebonin. That did help. So I'm going to start taking it again. Form of ginkgo biloba extract.

Stress and lack of sleep / and the stupid emissions definitely bring on the migraines big time.

Take care Vic and thanks Rena. Nice to meet you.

Kind regards
Mandy

Hey to you both. Feels like ages since i have been here. I am treking around in Malaysia/ Borneo with my family at the moment and i do not always have internet. Sounds like everyone has been doing well and hanging in there with all the ups and downs of life.

Mandy, i was also excited to be in oxygen, a hoot for an old mumma.

Being on holidays and giving me another challenge to try and eat well, especially with so many carb heavy foods and all the veges cooked in oil. I try to get them steamed, but no one seems to understand what i am saying. So i have been trying to cook for myself and have food on me, so i do not have to eat out. Getting creative with my workouts also. I have my skipping rope and dumbells.

Hnag in there everyone.... mmmwwwaaa

Cheers
V

Hey ladies,

Mandy, it's great to hear about Louie and the extra sleep helping with the dizziness. YAY to that! And it should just get better from here I imagine
I hope you are feeling better by the day!

Veronica - I had no idea you were trekking about the world at the moment! Good on you for doing your own thing with the food - it is so much easier to take the easy option and use it as an excuse to eat bad foods BUT you aren't doing that...just shows how committed you are to your lifestyle

My ankle is feeling loads better, the cortisone kicked in over the weekend (finally!!) and it's made a huge difference now. I was at the physio yesterday and she did say that the worse the immediate aftermath of cortisone injections, the more effective it generally is, and I would say this has been the most successful one to date. That's not to say I am going to go testing the waters too much though - I am also aware that it isn't a cure, it's an anti-inflammatory and therefore hasn't actually "fixed" the problem, so while it's not inflamed and therefore not so painful, if I do too much I will be worse off for it.

Training is going well, I have been able to start a bit of cardio again as of yesterday, and the upper body weights are going very very well. I did a good back session this morning and the DOMS kicked in about lunchtime!

Anyway chickies, hope you are all well

Vic x

Hey Vic and V

V, old mumma, are you kidding? You are totally rocking it! I was so inspired by your photos! Sounds like you’re having lots of fun travelling. Considering how awesome you’ve been with your eating and training, I have no doubt that you’ll be able to figure out ways around things for your eating and training. Gooo V!

Vic, yay… so glad your ankle is feeling heaps better. Just be careful and don’t go getting up to too much mischief and doing things you shouldn’t. You crack me up, Vic.

I’ve been training 2-3 days in a row then a couple of days off. Sounds weird I know but I’ve been stressing about work and I figure with more sleep and taking recovery days off – just as long as I keep up with decent eating – I’ll be fine. Surprisingly enough I’m losing more of my lower abs pouch fat, which is good. That’s a real pain in the ass for me. The fat heads straight there. Drives me nuts.

Sorry I haven’t been in touch via Facebook lately. I’m not a big social media person, it goes in bouts. I need to get in there and see what everyone is up too.

Hugs to you all… keep at it, Vic..
Mandy

Hi Mandy, Vic & Veronica,

Haven't checked this thread in a while so sorry for not replying! :-)

Glad to hear you're dizziness and migraines are less now with more sleep. Hope it continues to improve. I'm a mess if I haven't had enough sleep. :-P I can't imagine how you coped with vertigo for two years?! I know it used to spook me when I'd feel dizzy for no reason (or so I thought). Good to know we can remedy these things with natural products.

Veronica, congrats on being in Oxygen - how awesome! :-)

Vic, what can I say, thanks for everything and from what I can see, you are a busy girl inspiring and motivating many of us to be the best we can be - THANKS! :-)

On another note, I have noticed that there are too many stairs at work today. Legs. Hurt. Hate. Squats. Well, it's a love/hate relationship. :-D

Here's to being the best we can be! ♥

Hello all,

Mandy - great work on getting back into training and no, it doesn't sound weird. Whatever works best for you is what is best at the time. I have been doing 4 weights days a week which is foreign to me (I have been doing 5-6 for years) and it's not bad at all! Feels strange having more frequent rest days but probably doing me the world of good!

And great work on the abs girl - when you get it coming off your tough spots, you know you are doing something right!

Rena, thanks - that is lovely for you to say that

Haha I hear you on the love/hate thing - I used to have the same relationship with leg day and now I am just hanging to get back into decent leg training and stair work!! Soon...

Vic x

Hey Vic, yes I guess you are hanging out for your ankle to heal to get some good leg training in. I went lighter with my weights but made sure my legs were in parallel with the floor with squats, and with lunges made sure my knee touched the ground. 4 days later and my quads are still hurting, so it definitely did the trick!

I think I need to look into something to help my recovery as doms gets me bad.

So, tomorrow is another day, and I think I'll hit the hay now so I can get in some cardio before work. I'm really not a morning person but cardio first thing really gets me in fat burning mode. Gotta' love that. :-)

Nite all and happy training! :-)

Yep til the ankle is fully healed I have to be very careful with anything that loads it up. So squats (the few times I have done them) have been pretty much bodyweight only or extremely light weights (besides the ankle, cos my leg training was non existent for so long and following that has been minimal, I can't go as heavy anyway)...there have been no lunges at all, any leg pressing is done at a very light weight etc. But I will get there.

Re: recovery...are you supplementing at all? BCAAs / glutamine are good and also magnesium if you cramp is also very helpful

OK so my week. Well so far training wise it's been pretty good.
Monday - chest / tris, 40min cardio
Tuesday - cardio only (was a short one, 30min walk...intended on doing more at night but the physio hurt me too much)
Wed - back and biceps (killer session and PB'd on DB curls, 35lbs each...go me!!), 30min cardio
Today - shoulders (another killer session), 45min walk

Food - well it was going ok this week til tonight...dinner with the bestie - dinner was ok, but had gelato afterwards.

I have a massive weekend coming up so can tell you all in advance that there will be way too much alcohol consumed both tomorrow night and Saturday night - just sayin'!!

Anyway that's me for now...hope everyone is having a good one x

So how are you feeling after the weekend Vic?

I had a meeting with Rawdon at Clean Health yesterday in St Leonards and was really happy with the plan of attack for my program. After doing my biosignature he estimated my body fat to be 15.9%, which I'm pretty happy about! After adding to my already extensive supplement range I'm hoping that doms will now be under control as well as a host of other things. I guess I'm a bit of a hard case as I have digestive and gut issues, not to mention lack of sleep and a few other challenging aspects that I hope diet and supplementation and training will overcome.

I'll be training two days a week with Jes Murphy in Hornsby, and the rest at home.

So, let's see what changes I can achieve in 12 weeks on this program! I'm excited!

I feel a bit like a walking pharmaceutical company with all the supplements I'm taking, but so long as they improve my health and recovery, then I'm all for it. For the past three years, the supplements my naturopath prescribed me have brought me to a place where I feel physically capable of weight training again, so I'm not really concerned that I have to up my intake or add to my range to accommodate for my increased physical activity and stresses on my body, in fact, I knew it was bound to happen. I can only eat so much goodness in a day and supplementation helps my body to be 'normal'.

Had some bad IBS symptoms this past week. So it's no gluten or wheat for me for a while.

Anyway, enough about me, how you all doing? Loving the sunshine and relaxing weekend?

Hope you have a great Sunday and week ahead!