My First Race!

I did it!

Yesterday, I ran an entire 8km race without stopping once... in fact, I even ran the second lap faster than the first. My time was 48:11.35 ~ so now I've got an official time to work with and improve upon.

According to the official race results, I was in position 571 at the split (halfway) and overall I came in at 523. So somewhere in the second lap we overtook 48 people - some because we picked up the pace, and others because they walked for a bit.

What helped me the most was having Daniela by my side the entire time. The conversation (between breaths) passed the time and she was so encouraging. Dan also pushed me in the last km to run as fast as I could to the finish line ~ when there was about 300m left to go I felt like I couldn't breathe, but she kept telling me I could do it, and I did. It also felt good to overtake the 10-12 people we overtook in that last km. =)

Signing up for this race made a huge difference in my training and exercise regime, just as Daniela told me it would. Because I knew I had to be prepared for yesterday's race, at times when I felt like stopping mid-run, I kept going.

The next race I plan to participate in is a 6.7km race ~ Portsea Twilight 2007. It's just over 5 weeks away, giving me plenty of time to focus on a new goal - improved pace. The last 1.5km of this race is on sand (which is much more difficult to run on than pavement) which will add an additional challenge to the mix.

My husband James and my friend Devi will be joining me. We plan to head to Portsea in the morning and spend the day there prior to the race, which doesn't start til 6.30pm. Fish and chips for dinner after the race, of course! If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with me.

I leave you with a couple of pre-race photos James took before I left home. It would have been a little difficult to race with my camera, and even more difficult to take pictures of myself whilst racing (I can multi-task, but not THAT well!) so these will have to do.

Encouragement

Today a lady from my church who has three young (and gorgeous) daughters, and whom I admire very much, approached me after the morning service.

She shared with me that she, too, has had an interest in working in the fitness industry. However her own internal voices told her that she doesn't have the right personality for it. Since learning that I am moving in this direction from the beginning of next year, she has been inspired to re-visit this dream of hers, do some research, and possibly do a course next year too.

It is such an encouragement to me to know that simply by daring to pursue my dreams, and sharing this pursuit with others, they are being encouraged to do so too!

Pre-race prep run

I know most of my posts lately have been focused on the 'fitness' F. I guess that's what's on my mind most with the race now less than a week away (this time next week I'll have finished it hours ago).

The run yesterday was not bad. I didn't really know how to pace myself and so of the 8km I ran about 7km of it and walked a bit in the middle to work a stitch out of my side.

Afterwards I did a little naughty - I ate McDonald's for lunch. However, it was in support of McHappy day, so it felt nice to see the follow up ad on TV today and know I played my small part in helping to raise $1.7 million. The scary thing is... that means yesterday Australia bought (and therefore probably ate) 1.7 million Big Macs.

It is nice these days to eat McDonald's and not feel guilty about it afterwards. I would never support eating it regularly (even once a month is too much in my opinion) but the odd occasion here and there is okay.

I also went for a run this evening ~ I am getting better at this! Ran my normal route, but usually I would walk the final 1km home to cool down, today I ran all the way home instead and even picked up the pace.

Little by little... before you know it, I might even be going for a half marathon one day!

Running Notebook

You may notice a new link that i have listed in Fy-berworld ~ my Running Notebook.

This Google Notebook, another of my new toys from Google Labs, is where I will be storing any information online that I find with regards to running, including upcoming events, places to run, races I'm doing and those that I'm considering. If you have been inspired to start running, check it out!

My friend Devi asked about doing a race with me the other day. Wow, I haven't even run my first race yet - only one week and one day to go! - and already others are wanting to come along!

That, my friends, is the purpose of the fitness posts in my blog. Regular readers will already know that fitness never came easily for me. 18 months ago I couldn't even run, and next Sunday I am running an actual, real-life race. This is a huge achievement for me.

Trust me ~ if i can do it, YOU most definitely can! Ask anyone who knew me in high school.

Today I'm heading out to the banks of the Yarra River to run around the same track that I'll be running on race day. I want to know what to expect, at least in terms of the run itself. However, there's probably not much that can prepare me for the super-charged butterflies that I know will take up residence in my stomach as the race approaches.

Daily Exercise...

Check out this video on my friend Lowell's site.

It features a series of advertisements by "The Health Promotion Foundation' in Thailand. I don't know what scares me more - that the producers of these ads appear to be completely serious (i.e. these appear to be actual promotional tools, not someone making them as a joke), or that this is the tool being used to promote an active lifestyle amongst viewers of the ad.

powered by performancing firefox

Giant Gelati

I also posted in my other blog today, the one I share with my husband. If you like ice-cream, read on to find a fantastic $$ deal.

No turning back!

I registered for the 8km run option for the Spring into Shape 2006 race today. I know I already said a few weeks back that I would do it, but now the deed is official... so there's definitely no turning back.

Even though I hadn't officially registered until today, the verbal commitment I made a few weeks ago to my friend Daniela has certainly made a difference in my training since making that commitment. I have had a tangible motivation to push myself - that motivation being a combination of a desire to be prepared as best I can, and a fear of not being prepared enough.

Yesterday I ran 6.5km on the treadmill, the furthest I have ever run on a treadmill. And if that wasn't enough, today I upped the stakes and ran for 7km. This morning, the only thing that kept me going beyond the 5.5km mark was the thought that in less than two weeks I have to run 1km further and on a footpath, not on a treadmill, which is more difficult.

I am pleased that this new level of motivation is already showing through in the results I am getting.

Health & Fitness workshop

Last night at my church's youth group I conducted a health and fitness workshop. I have been excited about doing this workshop ~ it was a small opportunity for me to give some input into these young peoples' lives.

When I was a teenager, "fitness" was very daunting to me. It was more of a burden than an enjoyment, and "being fit" was something I felt I couldn't achieve... so I didn't try. Because of my own experience growing up, the main message I wanted to get across to the youth last night is the same message I want to get across to everyone: we each have a personal responsibility to maintain our health and fitness. As a Christian, we do so to honour God, and as human beings in general, we do it for the sake of our families and ourselves. But it doesn't have to be boring or difficult or scary ~ it can be fun, and anyone can do it. If you've never started a fitness or exercise program before, you just have to start somewhere, start small, and gradually build up your stamina.

My favourite part of course was the practical stuff. We started with some aerobics, and whilst the boys were initially unimpressed or surprised by this idea, they did us all proud!

Unfortunately a lot of the pictures came out quite blurry because of all the jumping and running around we were doing, but I managed to find a few good pics.

Leg squats:

Lunges:

Everyone's favourite ~ sit-ups! :

And finally, here they are - the toughest youth in all of Melbourne!

They did such an awesome job, and did me proud!

P.S. More photos are available at my Picasa web album.

Yummy breakfast

Mmmm, pancakes for breakfast this morning. James is truly a wonderful husband. And look at how perfectly he cooked the the stack!

Hats off to our friend Chris who presented us with this lovely gift a few weeks ago - official, delicious buttermilk pancake mix from the Pancake Parlour!

On friendship - husbands take note! Sometimes i think James could run a very successful training school on how to be the best husband in the world.

On food - friends, even though I sometimes come across as a fitness and health food freak, here is photographic evidence that Fiona does, in fact, like to induge. She's just learning to do it in moderation, not every day. Our God is the God of tastebuds so let's use them!

And whilst I'm on the topic, ice-cream makes a great breakfast food ~ maybe not from the most nutritional perspective, but it certainly tops the scale from a yumminess perspective.

Fitness Instructor Courses

I got information for fitness instructor courses in the mail earlier this week. The next course intake commences in February. It seems like so long away, I almost feel like I can't wait that long because I'm so keen to get started now.

However in terms of my current job, I must finish strong and it will probably take until the end of this year to train the girl who is taking over my job. So really, with that in perspective a February start is quite good timing.

The Ultimate Jewellery Stand

I made a fabulous purchase today: The Ultimate in jewellery stands.

Yes, of course I have a photo to show you! But before I proudly display it for you, please allow me to introduce you to my space ~ not MySpace, but rather, my real-life you-can-actually-touch-it space, located in a corner of our bedroom:

I love my special space, it is like a haven to me.

It took me much thought, arranging, rearranging and more rearranging to get it just how I wanted it.

As a result, it comes complete with any girl's basic desires, including a mirror (of course ~ two actually!), ample shelving and storage space for makeup brushes, makeup, various other facial and beauty products, fragrances, and even some decorative ornaments to add a little touch of personality.

One particular thing to note about my special space is that I have several storage spots for my jewellery:


An earring stand I bought several years ago.

The ladies will appreciate how handy something like this can be - because I no longer have all my earrings just stuffed together in a box, tangled about and difficult to sort through, I don't have trouble finding a matching pair of earrings anymore.

An acrylic jewellery box my mother bought for me many years ago in Hong Kong. This handy little thing is not only able to store both hanging and stud earrings, but has a little drawer at the bottom where I can keep my rings.

And finally - one of the best buys I have ever made.

People often ask me were I got this little baby, saying that it is such a great idea to hang necklaces because it prevents them getting tangled or becoming bent out of shape from poor storage inside a box.

This wonderful item cost me only $8 because it is not a jewellery stand, it is a mug tree! How's that for a great jewellery storage idea for all you out there looking for a better, yet cost-efficient alternative to shoe boxes?



Now that you have seen my jewellery storage techniques, here is my exciting story.

About three months ago, my brother told me about a purchase his girlfriend Carina made at the St Kilda Esplanade Market - a really awesome jewellery stand. Being male, if he says it's awesome then it really must be something! Well, he sent me a photo of this item and ever since I've been thinking about heading to the market to find one for myself.

Today, I got my opportunity to go to the Esplanade market. It was not long before I found the stall I was after, admired the items on display (a variety of types and sizes of handcrafted, metal jewellery stands) and purchased myself a jewellery stand very similar to and possibly the same as Carina's.

I know, I know, you want to see what is so good about this jewellery stand. Words just cannot describe this amazing piece of handiwork, so here it is ~ drum roll....

If this amazing display causes you to want to head out to the Esplanade Market in search of your own ultimate jewellry stand, some things to note:

***This particular stand was the biggest one for sale. As you can see I had no trouble filling it up with jewellery because over the years I have gathered quite a collection. Be not alarmed - there are also smaller ones available. This large size was great for me ~ everything from my mug tree, acrylic box and round earring stand and more are now located on to this one, beautiful stand.

***The metal look is quite simple, and when you first look at the stands you may think they aren't very nice looking, especially compated to the array of beautiful-looking doll-like stands now available at places such as Bevilles Jewellers. When I first look at the stand at home, I had some doubts because the metal finish didn't even look that nice. But noe that my jewellery is on the stand, it looks pretty darn amazing. Simplicity is the way to go because the attention is then focussed on the jewellry rather than the stand.

And finally, a picture of my now updated special space:



Isn't it just lovely?

*sigh!*







P.S. the cost of this stand was $50 ~ in my opinion, a good bargain, especially compared to those doll-like stands at Bevilles which cost $30-$40 and don't hold even half as much as this baby! Smaller stands from this stall started at $20

Thai Style Caramelised Pork Steaks - an update

A quick follow up post on the trial meal I made at Meal Magic.

James and I had it for dinner a few days ago and it was absolutely delicious! I knew it would be but here is the confirmation - tried, tested, and definitely highly recommended by both James and I.

Spring into Shape 2006

It's one thing to declare my readiness to fight a battle and win, it's another thing to be faced with the actual challenge and have to make an actual decision about what to do.

This week, Daniela emailed me about the Spring into Shape race which takes place on Sunday 26 November. There are two race options - 4km and 8km.

So I have a choice to make, and to be perfectly honest, I'm too scared to make it! Argh!

I am able to run 5km on a treadmill. This would suggest that with 3 weeks' training I should be able to complete an 8km run. To choose the 4km run would not really be challenging myself. According to advice I've read, as a beginner, my aim should be to complete the run. However, I know I can finish an 8km run if I push myself, especially with a few weeks' preparation.

I just don't want to finish last! That is my fear. I mean, right now I'm even feeling scared to do the 4km run, let alone the 8km one!

It's a New Season

If you noticed how late I posted that last blog and also this one (around the midnight hours) it's because I've been a very busy bee lately. This week Kellie, who will be taking over my job, started her training with me at the office.

That's right, it's official! She's taking my job, I'm training her to replace me! Wow, I'm actually training someone to replace me. Which means I'm working myself out of a job. This job. Which means that weeks from now, I won't be working in this job. Wow!

HOW EXCITING!! It's a new season, it's a new day, a season of power is coming my way!

But this training season is oh, so daunting because I never realised just how much I do and know... from nothing, I created and developed many of the systems I use and because I created them from nothing I understand them intimately and now have to explain not just how to use them but how to understand them to someone else, something I've never had to do before. I've been "doing" much of it for so long that now I really do run on autopilot.

In only two days I am beginning to realise how big the task of "passing the baton" on is going to be.

However it's also exciting ~ I can already tell that Kellie is going to be great at this job, and probably even better than me! It will truly be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Yay

...finally the post you've been waiting for!

Okay, I am really, really, sorry! It's been 3 weeks. Thank you Vicky for the gentle reminder!

It just goes to show how quickly time can fly... we need to start acting upon our dreams today, not tomorrow and certainly not next week. Otherwise before you know it, your life will have flown by and your dreams remained unrealized.

But to my dream... or more specifically, to the meeting with my gym manager, Glen.

In summary, my meeting with Glen demonstrates just how little I know about the fitness industry in Australia, because one major thing I learned is that most fitness professionals don't have a "full time" job with one gym, but rather a series (I guess two or maybe more) of part time jobs with several gyms. The main exception to this is those who work their way up to a manager level. Most also work to build their own personal client base. So all in all, in this industry employment means having a combination of several part-time jobs and also working for yourself through gaining personal training clients of your own.

Our discussion was all very interesting, educational and completely foreign to me. But I liked what I heard.

Where to from here? Well Glen told me that if I am good there will be no end to the number of gyms that will employ me. I am feeling quite optimistic about my prospects because I have the passion and desire to excel and be one of the best in this field. This is not going to be just a job to me. I even have a medical science background to get me started (pop trivia about me: at University I got an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science) which means I've already got a bit of foundation into the workings of the human body, and I plan to learn more and know my stuff well, not just enough to get me by.

Whilst I know this probably isn't quite the exciting news you were expecting to hear, one thing is for sure. I am definitely excited!

For those of you who are thinking, "yeah, yeah, but what is the outcome of all this?" - my hunch is that Glen would be willing to take me on board his staff once I get my qualification. As for when I will be getting said qualification, I've inquired with the training school and their next class intake is February. I could start earlier if I do it by correspondence but I really feel that I want to do it in a classroom setting and learn from others in the industry whilst also making some friends.

Also, Glen is still willing to book me in through his gym, and has even kindly offered to help me out with anything if I get stuck in my studies. Isn't he awesome?