Want to break a habit???

[Ange]

Tania- Why am i not surprised you bungee jump? The 'bionic woman' side of me would luv to do that but i have a feeling i would have a heart attack on my way down cause i wouldn't be able to handle the fear, the adrenaline. I get scared in the dark. How do u keep from pooping your pants the first time? How often and where do you do the jumps? More importantly, Why?I know, lots of questions but i don't know anyone who does this stuff so i have to ask. Everyone i know just hangs out at the pub and spends their weekends spending money and just being plain old complacent. And i am one of them as well, except for the pub. Don't drink so don't really do pubs. I don't need anymore addictions.

I don't think i'm ready for jumping off bridges yet but one thing i'm kinda interested in is indoor rock climbing. I'm too chicken shit to do the real thing but i think indoor would be a nice start. But i figure i should work on building my upper body strength before i even attempt it. Any of you guys tried climbing?

Kazz-don't beat yourself up over the food thing. We all have our moments. I think i'm about to have a moment myself. Because of the flu I've hardly eaten anything in the last few days but i'm slowly getting my appetite back. I tell ya, no kebab shop will be safe from me. Watch out banana breads of the world! Ok now i'm just making excuses for myself to binge. I do this all the time. So maybe i should forget the kebab and the bread. I know, for dinner i'll have vegies and a tin of tuna. And the banana bread. If i have vegies can i have banana bread? I really want banana bread. I don't need it but i want it.

[Kazz]

Hey all
So how are we all travelling this week?
Tania - how is the recovery going for you? ARe you following a program to assist with this? HAve you been thinking about what is next for you? Mind you from what we read you seem to be pretty much in the right place with yourself ....... willing to share any tips on how to get to that place?????

Ange - hope you resisted that banana bread yesterday!!! Now would be the time to really pull the eating habits into line - the flu has provided a pseudo break from the previous habits, so instigate some new ones from now. Would help with your recuperating too .....

Gb - any news from the saddle??? How are those legs?? How is that countryside out there???

Jayber - So what rides have you done / will you be doing this week? Consistency is what pays off.

Narnie - any effects from your walks and ride over the weekend?? Hope you are able to do some more without incident. What about your study - where is that at?
Enjoy your days one and all.

[Ange]

Kazz- I managed to resist the banana bread last night. I had it this morning instead ha ha. My breakfast was half a banana bread and a nice hot skim latte. I know, if your going to eat something like banana bread there's no point in having skim milk but you need to save calories were you can. But i have to tell you it all felt good going down. Especially the latte as i haven't had any coffee or dairy for more than a week. Don't know if this is true but apparently too much dairy can cause more mucus and the last thing i need is more of that stuff. I have noticed that diary and caffeine does seem to make a sore throat worse though. So does chocolate. If i'm sick and have a bit of a temperature eating something like chocolate or too much sugar seems to make the fever worse. Don't know why.

Tania- where are you? I wanna hear about the bungee jumping.

Well my headaches are finally gone and my throat is no longer sore just a very dry cough and a bit of that wheezing sound when i breathe. The sinuses are still stuffed but can now finally taste a little bit of food. But i have had a few nose bleeds since yesterday. Not sure if that's a good sign or not. May have over done the nasal spray. The only thing good about a stuffed nose is that i don't need to put up with the bad smell from the work toilets. More than half the time i go in there it stinks. I never realised women's poo can smell so bad. Women are supposed to be these delicate clean creatures (NOT!) but you walking in those toilets and you hear battleships being bombed and cannons going off.....

I will go back to the gym on saturday. I've decided to be smart for once and wait.

[Tania]

Morning

Hey Ange, bungee jumping is a lot of fun! It tends to be a holiday/travel experience for me, so i probably only do it once or twice a year.....I have bungee'd in Queensland, New Zealand, and Alaska. My first jump was in New Zealand......I didn't find it scary, more just amazing......it is just over too quick.....you spend longer getting into the harness sometimes than you spend actually flying. Diving off is amazing, you have to work really hard to keep your eyes open so that you can see everything....the bounce backs are fun, because you have 'survived' and so you just spin yourself around trying to maintain as much momentum as you can and have a really good look around where you are. I reckon the jumps in New Zealand are the most amazing ones I have ever done.....the scenery is amazing and there is one where you jump from a pod in the middle of a suspension bridge into a river....spectacular. That one is in Queenstown and I get to go there a bit for work.....so I always try and find time for a jump! Why do I do it? Because I like the feeling of absolute freedom and weightlessness and I love the rush! I have done indoor rock climbing once and it was great fun....it is hard work on your arms but also on your legs but it is a heap of fun! Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better and I think noy gymming it until Saturday is very wise!

Hey Kazz, recovery is going well thanks. I was a bit stiff on Monday, mostly in my driver muscles, but that has passed now! I'm taking it pretty easy this week with a couple of walks and a swim. I don't think I will do any running until at least the middle of next week, give all my musles and joints a bit of a rest! A new challenge has emerged this week.......in our bag of goodies that we received after completing the run we got a brochure about the Trailblazer event through the Kuitpo forest in the Adelaide Hills.......well my friend reckons she and I should do the 100km route over that week end (18/19 October......so it will be 50kms a day with a combination of walking and running!! I am mildly excited and terrified at the prospect........but I reckon it could be pretty amazing!! I will have to do a bit of research on the necessary gear etc., as I am pretty sure that I will need different shoes to manage the terrain etc. and I am not sure if we camp overnight etc. Or of course as one of my sisters said to me, perhaps I just need to investigate getting new friends!?!?!? LOL. You asked how I get/stay in the right place.......I'm not sure that there is a right place specifically....every day is something new and potentially exciting.....of course I have days where I get sick of stuff and I feel a bit sorry for myself.....but then I give myself a metaphorical slap in the head (and occasionally a real one!!) and think how lucky I am to have a great life, great opportunities and a strong functional body that mostly does what I ask of it. I also think I am incredibly lucky to have the family and friends that I do......that thing about surrounding yourself with positive, happy people and then it just grows. I am incredibly lucky that my family are so amazing......my friend who is the instigator of the Trailblazer challenge is an amazing person, but she has had to combat quite destructive family/parental/cultural conditioning.....she is of Serbian descent and culturally this seems to be a bit of a challenge and she does experience that real external sabotage that Craig spoke about in a recent post.....I had to send it to her!! I can't imagine how difficult it would be to combat that sort of stealthy dismantling of your self esteem.......I have a 76 year old Mum who came out in the cold on Sunday and sat on a park bench so that she could see me run past!! I think the other thing that helps me to stay positive is to always have a focus on something.....a sporting challenge, a professional challenge or a personal challenge......I am one for enjoying the moment you are in but always with a view to the future and doing what I can to make my future fulfilling and fun. Sorry i think that was just a ramble and not a very conclusive or concise answer to the question!?!??! No wonder I always dod better at Maths and Science than the arts....I am better when there is an absolute answer!

Narnie, Gb and Jayber..............HEEEELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOO......how are you guys?? How's those seat welts going Gb?? What about you Jaygirl, did you ride yesterday?? Hope the foot continues to get better Narnie!

Talk later in teh week! Taniaxxx

[Jayber]

Hi all,
I am still here. Can’t write much now though. Beautiful sping day here and I am looking forward to getting up early tomorrow and riding, I haven’t done an early morning ride yet (I am thinking 6.30 ish is early morning enough for me, so don’t laugh!). did a short ride yesterday, still trouble by post g.e issues (tiredness and feeling sore mostly). But I work with nurses who deal with dying people, so that keeps the ol’ perspective!
I have been having a tricky kind of self sabotage time, speaking unkindly to myself- but I am trying to “tell that girl to shut up” (wasn’t that a song in the 80’s- Roxette, maybe?) Am feeling more positive and am planning a good, restorative day tomorrow.
I don’t know about bungee jumping, it’s the upside down thing that unnerves me. I may jump of a bridge in a harness, but upside down, hmmm. Not sure!
Your mum watched you, Tan, that is really sweet.
More soon.
X Jay

[Kazz]

Howdy all

Jayber - how was the ride this morning???? It is beautiful being up around dawn - and that is getting earlier now. There is something very peaceful about that time of the day - not many people around ...... you are on your own!!! That unkind speak ...... think about what you would say to one of us or a girlfriend if you heard her saying those things to herself ..... then SAY THEM ALOUD TO YOURSELF!!!!!!! This time will pass... it will take a little more energy right now to get through it. Hang on ........

Tania - the TRailblazer!!! Nothing like setting yourself another big challenge!!!Brother-in-law did it with a group of 4 a couple of years back ...they walked it, no running. Don't count on camping .... seems the challenge is to do it in the quickest possible time, which means grabbing bits of sleep. Must have wonderful support team with you too. GO for it girl!!!! What a wondreful mum you have - that small practical support says so much. I guess what my question was really asking was what are the little things you do every day to make all that happen. (anyone else pelease feel free to add your thoughts!!!). Already a NO to the bungee jumping from this little black duck - too high for me!

Ange - yes the dairy is supposed to add to the mucus. As a young kid I had to drink goats milk or powdered milk to reduce the mucus because of the asthma. Do you make your own banana bread????

Enjoy. x

[Narnie]

Hi girls (and the awol Gb..yes I am missing you!)

Kazz.......FINALLY a like minded soul who also likes early mornings. I was starting to think I was the freak on this thread. Apparently we are the gazelles of the world. Our best cognitive energy and result is before lunch and then we need to be outside to recharge to get us through to bed time! I know somedays after lunch a power nap would go down really well! Reminds me of school when after lunch you all could put your heads on the desk for a little kip. Lord make me 5 again
I am pleased you and Tania have joined us on the thread as both of your positive energy has been great. And on the study front honestly..nothing. I will make an excuse here and say I have just had too much on lately, which really isn't that far from the truth. Anyway I have to submit my assignment soon so I need to get a plan happening. Me being the queen of lists and schedules should be able to organise her own personal stuff you would think!

Hey Tania how is your week going? I am with Kazz in that the height would do me in with bungee and the fact that someone would have to push me off! I get terrified on rollercoasters and most rides etc. You would think after going on them once I would get better but no. Air travel is also a bit of a mmmmm...especially at the moment! I joked that if I was ever on the biggest loser it would take them two weeks to get me over all my fears!! Not just one adventure!

Ange. I am starting to think you must work with the grubbiest people with really gross toilet habits. Or maybe a heap of vegetarians with all those beans and lentils Glad to hear your getting better with the sinus and dairy is a killer when you have nasal hassles. I also love banana bread, and carrot cake. Why is it that these "healthy" things are even worse than chocolate cake. Doesn't really seem that fair! Resting too... you deserve a gold star, actually wasn't Gb handing these out earlier? So here is the official Want to break a habit Medal of Commendation Good going and keep it up. clap clap clap clap etc

Jay. How is it in Victoria. If I didn't like the tropics as much as I do I reckon I would live in Victoria all those beautiful deciduous trees the lovely colours of Autumn and the gorgeous bulbs blooming spring, the magnificent Magnolias Cammelias etc and all those lovely box hedges Yes you are right I should live in England! We have hibiscus and pineapples! Should be the official emblem of North Queensland! Today is a little on the drizzle side with the weather, I am in tshirts and shorts when I walk and the blankets have been taken off the bed. Kids are pestering me to go to the new waterpark in the holidays so I need to go and buy myself some new bathers for summer and boardies. Lets face it I have a mum bum and boardies are forgiving! Hope you are getting on top of it. I reckon the long winter got everyone down this year.

Gb...Hope you have had an incident free ride with lots of laughs and fun and little chaffing!! I checked it out on the website and it looks pretty good except for the day you travel to Maleny. You will be glad of the mountain bike gears there! Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back!

So here it is spring has sprung and you get the rest. Magpies are out (%$#^ pests) why are all the annoying dangerous animals protected????? I have seen a bike helmet completely destroyed by one magpie on a drive by "shooting". Today I am off for another massage, won't that be fun! but I have been assured that they hurt less (or maybe you toughen up) the more you have. So I have to have one a week for september than go to one a fortnight. A little niggly sort of a pain in my ankle and calf but nothing like what I was having before (praise the lord) I also fee up that I have been a train wreck this last week with my eating. All over the shop. Eating because it was there not because I wanted it and stuff like that. So will have some serious dialogue with myself (out loud only if I am home alone, or could end up in one of those designer jackets with the really long arms that wrap around like a belt!!) And set myself some specific goals for september.

Have a great day everyone.

[Kazz]

Morning!
Yes .....early mornings are a thing I have grown to really enjoy ....they have been gettting progressively earlier over the last 18 months. Now if I do 'sleep in' i miss those first couple of hours - my own time, the peace...... I would be happy to re-introduce afternoon power naps at school - there are many staff and kids who would benefit greatly!!!!

Weekend is just about here - YAY! Ours starts with a slumber party for my 10 y.o this evening / tonight. I think all is just about organised - will require a little runing around after work. Will get an extra workout pumping up 5 airbeds though HAve to share the joy and excitement of kids ...... last night her father and I took her to buy her new geared bike. The excitement she exuded was awesome! She was talking talking talking ..... and just so up all night, buzzing!! I am so grateful to share that with her!

May you all have a fabulous weekend, doing things of your choosing ..... ticking your own boxes! Enjoy the wonderful people around you.
x

[Jayber]

Morning all,
As I was riding along yesterday I was telling you guys things in my head, because I thought you would be interested (does that mean I might get one of those 'designer jackets' too, Narnie?) It's okay, I think, because none of you were answering back! (No offence to anyone who does hear voices, I think that would be absolutely horrific- I did a project on 'auditory hallucinations' at uni...but I digress).
Anyway, I discovered that early mornings are the best kept secret (but they aren't because Kazz and Narnie at least already know about them!). As I started off, it the fog was sitting slightly above the paddocks and the sun was shining through so all these amazing spider/cob webs were sparkling with dew, and it was very still and quiet. Beautiful. I had't been going long when I was swooped by my first maggie (glad I didn't read your post first Narnie). I was stuggling with sore knee and groin (left leg) after 10 km so I stopped at this little town that has a park bench and did about 15 minutes of stretches. I was worried about time yesterday, just distance. I shut my eyes, and looked into the sun, felt its warmth on my skin as I stretched and really felt like I was doing something really good for my body. It all felt kind of zen ish- calm, puposeful etch. So I got back on my bike with renewed commitment that I was half way to my 20 km mark (my parents house where I was planning another stretch break), so off I went, no dramas, got to mum and dads, accidently stayed closer to an hour that the 10 minutes I had planned (we all talk too much!) and headed back. My bum was sore when I got back on, but soon enough I was back in the little town and had done 9 km's already. Then my gears started clunking, I tried to keep riding and jiggering with them but they wouldn't come good, I thought "aarrh, what if wsomething like this happens on my big ride??" Got off the bike and der...my scarf had fallen out of my pocket and got caught up in the chain/ gears. I tried to get it out. Couldn't. Had a few tries, no luk (poor scarf). Lucky I had taken my phone and lucky I could get reception (not a given). Rang the fella, no answer (he was home, just in the paddock)- unlucky, rang the neighbour who I know was home too. Unlucky. Rang them both again and dear neoghbour answered and came and got me in the sag wagon! In the mean time I had got the stupid scarf out and was riding again. Still, I was pretty happy to see her car I must admit. so I did 30km, had been planning 38km. Tania has done me a revised training plan, (which I have sort of revised myself, as I have tended to do!!).So now I am having a rest day today, tomorrow I will ride at least 35km, but aim for 40km (hey, it's only an extra 5km!!), gentle session Sunday- walk for an hour, Monday ride 15km, Tuesday rest day, Wednesday 10/9 - 10km,Thursday 11/9 - 8km
Friday 12/9 - Rest Day, Saturday, rest day, Sunday- 50km the big ride. Yee haa! I am i count down mode. YOu guys have gone through this whole thing with me. THanks.
Bllody maggies, I got swooped about 4 times yesterday.
Narnie, I have never been to far north Queensland- do you eat a lot of pineapples? I feel like one of thsose people who asks Aussie tourists 'do you have electricity, do you have kangaroos hopping down the street'?! We have daff's out at the moment and tulips on their way. In our garden brocolli is on for young and old, peas, coriander, leeks, spuds, cabbage, cauli, carrots- wintery things. Best of all some of the fruit trees are starting to blossom. I love fruit tree blossom. Bear branches with pink or white flowers on them which smell nice.
Ange, I hope you are enjoying you rest days and not feeling guilty.
Have a great day everyone.
Jay

[Jayber]

hello,
I'm zausted! This morning I rode 36.5km, yey. Felt okay. Once again stopped at 10km to stretch, then stopped at 23 km for a longer (maybe 10 min) break, pretty much rode the rest straight, getting off a couple of times- once to find a stick to put in my helmut to scare the maggies!, once to answer my phone (which rarely rings and always surprises me when it does, it's really an 'emergency' phone- it was my mum wanting to know where I was!). Had a good stretching session after. Then tonight I decided I wanted to make it to 50km in one day so off I went again, it was dark by the time I got to where we were going out for tea, when I got there I realised I was 250 metres short! I have ridden 49.75 km today. Feel physically tired but happy to feel more confident that even if it takes me all day next week, I have done 50 km (ish!) in a day before! Hope the weather is exactly like today next week, it was great.
Hope y'all are having a happy weekend.
Jaygirl