The year that was!

And the absolute highlight! Our Wedding - Bamboo Island, Thailand

2008 has been filled with many extremes, some absolute highs and some real lows. I must say I'm looking forward to 2009 and so very very excited about what it will bring!

The highlights of 2008 were:

Number 1 - Getting married in January, 26 close friends and family all made the trek to Thailand to share our most special day! Although it wasn't just a day but two weeks of lots of fun, sun, drinking, great food and excellent company!

Number 2 - Finally following my dream and starting our own online Personal Training business. My wonderful husband showed me that anything is possible if you want it badly enough and I'm so grateful to have someone support me in all my crazy ideas.



Number 3 - Stepping on stage in Sportsmodel catergory at the INBA All Female Show. This was such a personal and enpowering achievment. Years ago I would have never ever dreamed of stepping on stage in bikinis. Again it just proves if you want something badly enough it can and will happen.

So what's in store for 2009? Well no body really knows what life will throw at you but it is all one big adventure. Here are a few of the things that I plan to acheive this year!

Continue to build and grow Get Active Online. The rewards of helping others feeling better about themselves is unbelievable, I get just as much from it as my clients!


Move back to the place I love - Cairns!


Setup our own Personal Training Studio. Our house in Cairns is an ideal design to incorporate a Studio and we will focus on this in the second half of the year.


Continue to stay fit & healthy! Focussing on year round consitency. Learn to appreciate my body and what it can do. Achieve and maintain a few kilos below my "set" point that I have been stuck at for the past few years. Believe you can and you will!

Have heaps of fun! Not just on holidays or weekends but every single day. Cherish my husband, family and friends, appreciate the small things. Life is now!


There's lots of other things that I have instore for 2009 but really I just want to enjoy every moment, not when I reach a goal, or get to a certain weight or once we go on holidays, but live every single day, enjoy what we have now!


So here's to an awesome 2009, I'm excited and can't wait to get stuck into things. I hope everyone else is off to a fantastic start and has lots of positive things to look forward to in 2009.

Back into it!

Couple of pics from Chissy in Cairns, the view from our room!

It's so good to be home, even though I'm off again tomorrow it is only a short trip and will be back on the weekend!


Had a very lazy day on Sunday, didn't do much at all besides my big jog in the morning. The rest of the day was spend veging out with my lovely hubby.


This week has seen me get back into the swing of things. I'm on a bit of a mission to shed a few kg & cm's before my School Reunion in March. I've worked out that I seem to function so much better when I have a goal or a deadline. For me just plodding along doesn't seem to work, I'm definatly a goal oriented person!


So I've set myself a few goals and put a plan in place, now all I need to do is consistently do it!!!!!!


I've noticed over the past few years that my body seems to have a "set point", a happy place that it likes to stay. I can get rid of a few kilos but I always seem to end up back at my comfy place. It's not a bad place but my goal is to reduce my body fat a bit and stay there! I'm not sure whether it is a subconscious thing that we make ourselves get back to the place that we have always been or it really is just where my body likes to be? Regardless I'm going to change it, 2009 is the year that I will get & stay just where I want to be.


So yesterday was spot on and it all seems easy I just wish everyday was like that. I did Chest & Back weights, my 30 min Tempo Run, 10 min incline treadmill & a nice 50min powerwalk in the arvo. Food was all spot on and enjoyed every meal!


Today is a different story, went for my 10km jog followed by a big powerwalk on the beach with a girlfriend (buggered after that, so humid up here). Food has been good today although as the afternoon has hit, i'm starving! I always find it hard when I spend the day in the office but today I've been fighting off the cravings big time. Happy to report still on track and blogging to keep me occupied.


Anyway will keep you updated on how I go on my little journey. Bring on 2009 and all the adventures it is sure to bring.


Love, Hilds

Living at the airport!

Sometimes I think I may as well live at the airport! Here I am just hanging out again. Although I think it's my own fault, I flew from Sydney to Melbourne to Cairns today and had booked myself on a flight from Cairns to Mackay as soon as we were due to land. I was going to be pushing it to make it if all went well and as usual when you want something badbly every bloody obstacle just seems to pop up. Firstly we didn't have enough crew out of Sydney, so late leaving. Then had too many passengers booked out of Melbourne, late leaving! So my changes of getting my flight were looking slim, so secretly I was hoping that my Mackay flight would be delayed and I would make it! Well my wish came true, I have a boarding pass but the plane isn't looking too healthy and we are delayed and hopefully might leave about 2pm were due out about 12:30pm. Anyway I'm just stoked that I might actually get home today. I'm craving just having a routine for a few days, having a stove, making my egg white omlettes, having fresh vegies, oh the simple things!!!!!

I can't believe how much I don't even want a drink or any sweets, strangely I don't think you could force me to have one! I was really organised and bought lots of turkey yesterday to bring on the plane with me and guess who left it in the mini bar fridge, oh how annoying. So I've still survived and managed to make do, lots of boring lettuce leaves, a couple of prawns and a bit of chicken. It's funny when your in the mode that you just don't want to ruin it by eating whatever is around. I could have easily used today as an excuse not to eat well but you really can make do if you need to, I've still got a can of tuna in my bag in case I'm stuck here for a bit longer.

So all is going well, not feeling great yet but I can slowly feel the energy coming back and hanging to go for a big run in the morning and a powerwalk in the arvo.

Thanks for your comments Magda and Lia, it's so nice to be reminded that your normal!

Have a great day!

Hilds

I'M FEELING A BIT LIKE SANTA!

I might even look a bit like Santa, he he! So where have I been? Too much to even remember but most recently I've been enjoying Chrissy and living the high life! This year I had to work on Chrissy Day so we decided to celebrate Chrissy a little bit early. So we spend a few nights in a gorgeous apartment overlooking the Marina in Cairns, it was great! Mainly because I got to see my hubby after a couple of weeks of travelling all over the place. In the last 3 1/2 weeks I've been home for a big three nights which were all filled with Christmas functions. I'm still away.... currently in Sydney and heading back to Cairns tomorrow and hopefully just make the last flight back to Mackay otherwise it looks like another week until I'll be home.......

Up until a week ago I was feeling great and had managed to keep up a good level of exercise and had a nice balance with my nutrition. What's amazing is how quickly things can change!!!!!!! Yesterday after a week of too many vodkas and too much christmas cheer I was feeling a little, no make that a lot worse for wear. I decided to have a week of just relaxing with my food and training, which turned into a week of way too many sweets and not enough training (only did nothing for 2 days, but for me that is two days too long). I know! I should know better than anyone that my body can't handle deviating from good nutrition for more than two days or I just bloat up like a balloon.

Today I'm back on the good stuff, lots of chicken, fish, greens and plenty of water. I got to Sydney about 10am this morning, checked in to my hotel room and put the training clothes on before I even had a chance to let the mind games begin, 10km later I was feeling a lot better. It made it easier that the treadmill I was on was overlooking rushcutters bay in Sydney and I could see all of the yachts in the bay!

What has been good about feeling like a beached whale, he he (what can be good about that?), well I just appreciate so much more how much I LOVE FEELING FIT AND HEALTHY! When I eat crap I feel lethargic, tired & get grumpy, I can't believe that so many people feel like this all the time, if only they knew how good you can feel by eating well.

So the good news is I'm back on track and already feeling better again. I hope everyone else had a fantastic Chrissy and enjoyed a few treats without going overboard!

Well Done Cassie!!!!!

Cassie & her daughter Lauren

Ok so I've been missing in action for a while. It's always the way when you're not feeling good I avoid blogging, don't want to bore everyone with my complaining!

I've still been sick and just finding it imposible to kick! As soon as I start to feel good and start doing stuff then next day I end up feeling like crap, I'M OVER IT!!! I can't remember ever being out of action for this long.......... So I'm feeling fat, frumpy and BORED!!!! I'm so hopeless at relaxing and just get so down, I can't describe how much I rely on my exercise to kick in my happy hormones!!!! Anyway on a positive note I'm feeling a bit better tonight and hopefully will be over it by tomorrow. I better be as I'm off to Cairns for a work trip this weekend, I'm hanging to get back to work and training!!!!!! I just want some energy again!

So other than being a misery guts! I've been helping one of my bestest friends feel fantastic and get organised for her photo shoot! My school friend Cassie has managed to completley transform her lifestyle over the last 12 weeks. She's a Mum of three who has little time for herself since her hubby works away. So for her to take some time out for her and exercise and look after herself as changed her outlook completly. I'm amazed at what Cass has done, not only physically but she has finally got her confidence back. I'm so proud of her, well done Cass! I've attached some pics above which were taken at my Dad's Photo Studio (Peter Franz Photography). I'm a bit bummed as I was suppose to be in Adelaide (with work) just in time for the shoot although as I'm sick and I missed my trip (yes I'm having a bummer of a week!). Anyway they had a ball and got some great shots.

Well enough rambling and complaining for one post! I'll be back when I'm feeling a bit better about things!!!!!!

Sick again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm home for a couple of days but unfortunatley I've got a cold! I'm so bloody frustrated as in past years I have only got sick maybe once but this year I seem to be sick all the time!!!! I think commuting for work and trying to do to much while I'm away is taking it's toll, plus the serious lack on sleep. I got home on Tuesday after not sleeping for 24 hours and feeling a bit worse for wear!

My hubby went to the gym this morning to do Spin class and I was so annoyed I couldn't go! I haven't trained for nearly a week, which is just unheard of for me, but I'm struggling to make it to the shops to get some washing powder so I think training is out of the question. It's so annoying as my mind is ready to go and I'm keen to get stuck into some serious training although the body doesn't want to play! I have managed to eat really well which is one good thing.

So I'm home until Sunday arvo and then I'm up to Cairns to fly throughout the night to Perth and have a five day trip, night in Perth, night in Adelaide and night in Brissie. I'm catching up with my friend in Adelaide and heading to Dad's studio to get some after pics of her as she has just finished a 12 Week Challenge! So I've got a couple of days to get better before I head off again. After my next 5 day trip I have one day off in Cairns and then a Canberra overnight and then I've got 2 glorious weeks at home. I can't describe how much I'm craving routine, just to be able to get up at the same time each day and hit the gym, have a fridge to put my food in and be able to eat lots of fresh vegies. Oh how we miss the simple things.

Anyway I'm sure you've heard enough of me whinging, I'm going to focus on some serious rest and get this body of mine back in shape!!!!

All over the place!

Well I'm feeling a bit weary today, I think it all hits you when you stop! I feel like I've been everywhere this week!

Last Sunday I flew to Adelaide to hang out with the family for a few days. I managed to spend a night with my little sis, a night with my big sis and a night with Mum & Dad. It was so good to see everyone again, although as I speak to them every couple of days it always feels like I've just seen them. I managed to get in a few good runs while I was away, I just love exploring new tracks and running in different spots. My little sis lives near a big bush park which has a lots of fantastic walks. So I decided to go for a run up torture hill and yes it was torture, I'm glad I took a little map with me as I nearly got lost as it all started to look the same (I'm not the best navigator!). I also went to an RPM class at their local gym and it was really interesting to see how different instructors run a class. The instructor decided she didn't want the aircon on and that everyone would just need to sweat it out! I felt really sorry for a couple of girls in the class as it was their first one and it didn't look like they would be back!

My older sister lives in the Adelaide hills out on the dirt roads so I used it as another opportunity to go for a run although I forgot just how many hills there are! Also I'm not really used to the cold in the morning, it was so foggy and I my legs felt numb half the time although I did get to see lots of Kangaroos and cows! Althoug I don't think I could live down there again, I just love the Sunshine too much.

I also got to spend a day hanging out with Dad helping him put together his business plan for his new business. Dad and my little sister have set up a Gallery in Lyndoch (Barossa Valley) and Dad is also into Photography and has set up his own studio and will be doing portrait work. So after a day of non-stop and a ideas we were both a bit brain dead! I don't think Dad knew what had hit him, with my million and one questions, the Sales & Marketing side of me came out in full force.

Then it was up super early on Wednesday to head back up to Cairns. It seemed to take all day to get back and I was glad to feel the warm sunshine again. Thursday I had to work (fly) and had another early start, up at 3am! Stayed with one of my best friends in Cairns and got to spend lots of time catching up which was great!

Yesterday I had a day off in Cairns and went for a big run to the beach and also a nice powerwalk up my favourite hill near our house in Cairns! It actually made me so home sick and I'm just hanging to get back to Cairns, I just love it up there and it's torture spending a few days up there each month although not being able to stay. I also had lunch with my buddy Paul on Friday and then an afternoon shopping, if I'd managed to sit by the pool for a bit it would have been the perfect day although just run out of time!

It was up early again this morning, a bit of a sleep in only had to get up at 4am! I've ended up in Sydney and I've struggled to get out of my room. I had these grand plans to hit the gym but I'm just so buggered. I've got another early start tomorrow, not too bad though only about 5am.

So that's been my week, all over the place and now I'm ready to go home, only 3 more days to go! Anyway I better get my butt out of this hotel room and go for a wander to the shops and hunt down some food, I'm hungry!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Yeah it's Friday!!!!

I'm so glad it's Friday as this week just seems to be going forever!!!!! I've had some big ups and some big downs this week! I've been struggling a bit, too much time on my hands and a little bit lost as what to do!

At the moment I'm living in Mackay although hanging to get back to Cairns and all my friends! Don't get me wrong I've made some great friends here but it just isn't the same and I also want to get back into our house in Cairns and get our personal training studio set up. So this week with too much time to think I got a bit down! You'd think anyone would love lots of time to just do nothing, but for me that is torture, I'm so much happier when I have a goal and my life is flat out! Whereas at the moment I don't really have any set goals and just feel a little lost!

I'm also not feeling as great about myself as I would like to, still struggling a bit with the whole "eating normal" thing post comp. I've been trying to be too strict and end up just not staying on track at all! I've been trying to eat too little for the amount of training I do and I end up tired, grumpy and hanging for sweets. So I've kicked myself up the bum and I'm back to eating more, and I can't believe what a difference it makes, just today I haven't been thinking about food all day because I've actually eaten what I should! It's strange the things we do! I know that I should be eating more and then I would easily be able to maintain it and end up actually losing fat, whereas I've been trying to be so restictive thinking that if I can just be really good for a week or two I'll be feeling fantastic again! It's so not healthy and not good for the mind either. It's frustrating that comp can lead to so many issues with food. Because you feel so fantastic when you step on stage and all you remember is what you ate in the lead up so you are forever trying to feel like that again and end up screwing up your eating habits!

I'm not saying that I've put on heaps of weight or out of control with my eating but I definatley haven't found that nice balance with food yet! I'm trying to focus on building some muscle at the moment, which I know will require me eating enough food as starving myself and building muscle don't really go hand in hand. So I've switched my routine around a bit this week and focussing more on the weights and cutting back on my running. I've actually loved doing my weights this week and have been super sore. I'm still struggling to walk after my leg session on Wednesday followed by a 1 hour spin class on Thursday and I've only managed a powerwalk today instead of a run as I'm just too sore! Also just wondering if anyone out there takes creatine? Do you get bloated from it, or is that the old stuff? My hubby takes it and seems fine (well sort of, he, he) but I've always been a bit cautious, scared I'll puff up!

Anyway to snap me out of my low mood I'm heading to Adealaide on Sunday to catch up with my two sisters and Mum & Dad and then up to Cairns on Wednesday to see some friends and do a few flights for work!

So that's my exciting week, rather depressing really (sorry). Anyway better get my butt in the shower, hubby will be home soon and we are going out for some drinks!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Love Hilds

What you can do if you believe in yourself!

I just love my job! Especially when you get clients who believe enough in themselves to completley transform not only their physical appearance but their mindset! Above are a couple of pictures of a client of mine - Alexia, who just finsihed her 12 week program. Not only does Alexia look fantastic but she now loves doing weights and actually enjoys going for a run. I can't describe how good it is to help someone truly change the way they see themselves.

I sometimes think we all tend to underestimate the power of the mind and how much the way we think & see ourselves can affect what we will achieve in life! As most of you would know it's not some secret miracle diet or a fancy training plan but believing in yourself enough to truly believe you can change. I find the ones who succeed in changing their pysical appearance do so because they change the way the way they think first! If you keep telling yourself you can't change, you won't! Anyway I just wanted to say a "BIG WELL DONE" to Alexia, she has achieved what she never thought was possible, simply by changing the way she see's herself (& a lot of hard work!)

Anyway better keep going, lots to do today. While I'm home I try and get as much stuff done for Get Active Online as I can as when I'm flying I don't get a chance to do to much. At the moment I'm just in the progress of getting our website updated as we have lots of exciting stuff happening!

Have a great day! Love Hilds

PUFFY!

That's how I'm feeling today, or maybe another word for it would be FAT! That's generally what happens after a weekend of eating crap! Yes a few treats turned into a whole weekend of treats, which doesn't really leave you feeling fantastic on Monday. You should have seen Cam & I last night, it was quite funny! After eating lots of yummy homemade Roasted Vegie Pizza, sounds kinda healthy but wasn't really, we could not sleep to save our lives. We went to bed about 10:30 knowing we had to get up at 5am to go to the gym, at 1:30am we were both still wide awake with super full bellies and feeling rather uncomfortable! It's amazing how much food affects you! It doesn't take more than a few days of crap food for me to actually want to eat well again. So I'm feeling sleepy, fat and very frustrated but moving forward and back onto the good food again. I went for a run before and got rained on but I wasn't letting a few rain drops stop me from trying to burn of at least half a slice of pizza (I've got a bit more running to do yet, he, he, he).

It's funny when I'm away I'm really good and not even tempted by a lot of treats but when I come home and the weekend hits it's always a struggle. It's because Cam & I have always used food as a way of relaxing and enjoying being home together, although always end up feeling worse for it afterwards. So this weekend we are going to try and slowly start to break the habit (yes, it's just a bad habit) and instead focus on doing things rather than eating!!!!!!

One thing I didn't do this morning is weigh myself, I'm still amazed at how many people have had a bad weekend, over indulged and still jump on the scale the next day, knowing full well that the number will have gone up and you will be holding a lot of extra fluid as well as a bit extra fat! I don't need a number to tell me I ate crap, I know I did & I also know what I need to do to feel good again, so why let a number ruin my day.

So anyway I'll keep you posted on how long it takes for me to feel back to "normal" again. I always say about three days but I'm curious to see how long it acutally takes.

Anyway better go do some work, enough procrastinating for one day!

MY APPETITE IS BACK!

I'm feeling better and of course my appetite is back and as such I had a few too many treats yesterday! I was just so happy I could eat again that I induldged in a few too many chocolate coated fruit and nuts (they're my favourite). I wasn't planning on having them but as usual when they are in the house I just couldn't resist them and once that packet is open I just can't stop, I did manage to put them away and make my hubby eat half just so I didn't feel as bad!

We are having friends over tonight for drinks and nibbles and I went out and bought everything ready for tonight, silly idea! As once it's all in the house it's just a little too tempting to have some especially since I hadn't been able to eat much all week.

After being on the couch for the last three days after having some energy back I went a little crazy! I went to the gym and had a great weight session plus did 20 mins on the treadclimber (couldn't quite manage running just yet). Then I met up with a friend for lunch and then hit the shops. Finally made it home about 4pm and then started a cleaning frenzy and couldn't stop until 10pm. It's amazing how much there is to do when you start, I cleaned the oven, windows, skirtings, started on the bathrooms and then it all got a bit hard and I had to go back to my Chocolate coated Nuts (he, he).

So the weekend is here, god I love the weekends and I'm about to hit the gym and work off a couple of these chocolate nuts. I wanted to go for a run outside but it's just way to windy down here at the beach and I don't think I would get very far running.

Anyway time to stop procrastinating better go as the gym isn't open for too much longer!

POST COMP PROGRESS

Another day on the couch!!!!!! I still haven't kicked this bug yet, I'm hanging to get back into training but even more so some variety in food. I've been living off muesli bars for the last 3 days, yeah I know not the most staple diet but its about the only thing that stays down and I can stomach at the moment. Hopefully I'll be back to normal tomorrow although I can't imagine I'll be up for a massive training session just yet!

On a positive note I'm in a good place after comp and have managed to stay within about 3kg of where I was on comp day. I'd still like to get down a couple more kilos as I wasn't super lean on comp day and should be able to maintain to close to where I was at. I've actually been avoiding the scales as I despise getting on them and letting a little number tell me how I should feel. So I've been just watching how the clothes fit and taking measurments and might only jump on the scale every couple of weeks. It hasn't been easy especially when I'm flying so I'm looking forward to get into some good eating & training routines while I'm home for the next couple of weeks. I keep thinking about wanting to compete next year although not quite sure if I have the right body for it! In the meantime I'll keep training hard, eating well and enjoying my health & fintess!

So between work and my Online Personal Training business I'm keeping really busy. I'm loving the online training and so inspired by so many of my clients who continue to make great changes. It's funny it seems the ones with the biggest obstacles seem to do the best, it's all about planning, prioritising and believing enough in yourself that you can change!

The new Womens Health & Fitness mag is out now and we have our very first ad in it! Oh how exciting!

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

Love Hilds

SLACK BLOGGER!

Ok so I've been slack! Still reading everyones blogs but not much posting going on. Isn't it strange how you put of things that will only take you a few minutes but you just keep putting it off! That's me and blogging!!!!!

So I'm back! Mainly because I've been couch bound for the last couple of days and bored out of my head! I'm not very good at relaxing at the best of times and especially not when I'm forced to do it.

On Monday I finally got home after 2 weeks of flat out flying. I was in Melbourne for the last week just flying from Melbourne to Perth every day, massive days. My life consisted of trying to fit in a quick run in the morning, get ready for work, go to work, on the aircraft all day and then back to my hotel room about 9:30pm only to do it all again the next day. So for a week I didn't see the outside world, so as you can imagine I was just hanging to get home.

Oh nearly forgot I got to see the INBA show in Brissie a week ago. It turned out that I had a night in Brissie when the comp was on. So after getting up at 3am and flying all over the place I managed to get into Brissie, quick shower and caught a bus out to Chandler to catch the 2nd half of the show! It was awesome, I got to catch up with the beautiful Di, Gerard, Cheryl & her lovely family and Christie. I love the motivation you get from going to a comp but mostly I love catching up with the amazing people I've met through this sport. I also got to meet Tara, who looked just amazing and finally got to meet Liz who was madly helping out all of her clients!

So I got home Sunday arvo and had a few drinks with my hubby. It's so nice to get home and be able to chill out, as when I'm away I don't really drink and am quite good with my nutrition and training. Strangely it's when I'm home and have all the opportunity in the world that I tend to pick and veer off track! Anyway back to why I'm couch bound, I seemed to pick up some kind of bug and was vomitting all monday night and not very good yesterday and slowly getting better today (I can finally eat again!). The good thing is I got in a great weight session on Monday before the bug hit. I trained with my hubby and I'm soooo sore, so kinda nice to have a couple of days off, althought already hanging to go for a big run!

So I'm home for a couple of weeks and looking forward to lots of time in the gym, sun and just enjoying life!

I'M BACK

(this is just a few steps from our front door, nice!)

I'm just loving the weather at the moment! I'm actually home and getting to enjoy living on the beach. Most days I've been sneaking out of the office in the afternoon and getting about 40minutes just laying on the beach, its heavenly!

Today I'm feeling so so sore. I'm back into the straight set heavy weights and they are hurting! I'm actually enjoying my weights again at the moment as I seemed to have lost my mojo for a while there. I've discovered that I have to get all my training out of the way before lunch otherwise I just dread it all day! I have so much more energy in the mornings but tend to hit a bit of a wall in the afternoons. I've learnt to listen to my body and use the energy when I have it, so most afternoons I go for a walk, but it's more so to just wake me up and get me out in the fresh air.

I'm home until Saturday and then I'm back up to Cairns and off on a 4 day trip around the countryside!

Anyway just a quick one, my stomach is rumbling and I'm hanging out for my Barramundi, yummy!!!!

I love Weddings!

I just love weddings, they are so much fun! We went to a friends wedding yesterday and it was so nice. Awesome setting, great day, good group of people, yummy food and lots to drink, what more can you ask for! It's so nice watching a couple on such a high, the bride and groom truly had an awesome day as they had the day just as they wanted it!

So today I'm feeling a bit bloated from all the food and drink but I'm sure after a few days I'll be back to normal. I did do a lot of grooving on the dance floor last night although don't think it would have come close to burning of even half the calories I consumed, oh well it was all worth it. Cam even got up and was doing some (funky), well not quite sure what moves but he was moving on the dance floor alright!

So I'm all packed up ready to fly up to Cairns in an hour or so. I'm actually looking forward to heading off on my work trip as its been a while now and it will be good to get back into the swing of things, although not looking forward to the cold down south. I know Canberra is always cold and so is Melbourne and I'm sure Adelaide will be too! It's a bugger coz I can't pack much stuff as it's a six day trip but I can never check a bag on, so I'm a bit limited on clothes to take. Especially since I need 5 sets of training gear and my sneakers plus a lot of my food (protein powder/oats/ tuna etc), it doesn't leave much room for clothes!

I'll get to catch up with the family in Adelaide and lots of friends in Cairns so I'm really looking forward to the next couple of weeks. In saying that the social eating and drinking is about to get cut in half. If I'm going to get on stage in 8 weeks I need to get my act together and start making some serious progress! I've started to change my training around and have been challenging myself a bit more. I managed a couple of soft sand beach runs this week and geez it was hard, but strangely love the buzz I get out of pushing myself. So if I can just stay on track with my nutrition I should be alright.

Anyway better get moving, need to have a cuppa with the lovely hubby before I head off for 2 weeks!

Hope everyone is well, love Hilds

FEELING GOOD

I'm feeling great at the moment, it's been two weeks since comp and I've managed to get back on track and I'm loving life! My weight and measurements are all pretty much where I was at the week before comp which I'm really happy with.

I'm right back into training and have actually been enjoying it, strangely loving my running at the moment (actually a bit addicted!), I even went for a run on Saturday morning after going out for a Hen's night on Friday and having some bevies (Cam thought I had lost it). I think I could be the new campaigner for exercise, it seriously is better than any medicine out there! I've realised recently that exercise for me is much more than about being fit, lean, healthy etc etc, I actually love exercise for my mental well being. It might sound a bit nutty but I'm such a happier person after a good run and just love those endorphins running through my body, I've got to the point now that I don't even think about not doing it as the mind games wouldn't be worth it.

I introduced some plyometrics into my routine last week (gotta get that wobbly bum in shape) and it hurt to sit all week (not good when I go to the toilet so often), I was still bloody sore by Friday. I've got to do it again tomorrow so I'm hoping I don't pull up as sore as it made my running and spin classes a bit difficult last week. So as usual the training is going along nicely although the nutrition is a bit up and down. I tend to be pretty good throughout the week but have been having one day on the weekend where I allow myself some treats, yesterday it turned into a few too many treats (still a work in progress). So I'm not sure how my day of treats will affect my progress but honestly at the moment I'm really enjoying being "normal" for a while. It's so nice to be able to have a piece of cake if you feel like it and not have to say no to everything. The good thing is I have found that after a day of foods I don't normally eat I'm ready to get back into the good clean food the next day...

So I would love to compete again at the Qld INBA State show in 10 weeks and then at the Nationals but I'm just going to see how the next few weeks pan out. If I can slowly drop a little weight over the next month then I might just do it as I will be in a good place, although I'm not quite prepared to get too strict just yet as I know that I couldn't maintain it, so we will just wait and see!

So all is good from me, I'm loving life and feeling fantastic. We have got lots of exciting things happening over the next few weeks. Tuesday we have friends arriving from Cairns for a couple of days, then more friends coming on Friday night, Saturday we have a big wedding to go to. Then on Sunday I'm off to Cairns for a 6 day trip on Monday, I've got 2 nights in Canberra, 1 night in Melbourne and 2 in Adelaide so I'll get to catch up with the family! Then I've got a weekend in Cairns to catch up with lots of friends, another 4 day trip to Canberra and Perth, home for my Birthday on the 16th and then 2 glorious weeks at home. I've planned a 70's Disco Party for the weekend after my Birthday, I just love theme parties and I love the 70's!

So lots of exciting stuff happening but have already planned all my training regardless of where I am, who says you can't be fit and healthy and live out of a suitcase!

Bye for now, love Hilds

Time to get back on track!

Mmmmmm all my favourites!!!!

So it's been one week post comp and as I promised myself I've had a full week off from my nutrition plan. I've been a bit of a pig this week, having lots of treats and just enjoying myself socially but the day has come where it has to stop! So today I'm back on track, no more being a pig as if I want to compete in October I can't afford to keep eating crap! I wanted to have a whole week off training and nutrition although I've still been for 3 big runs and a couple of power walks as I just feel better mentally after a good workout! Although I made up for it on the food front, forgot how much I could eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back into it today, went for a big run and the weights start next week! Nutrition is back on track, I'm actually a bit over all the crap food anyway, I'm looking forward to waking up feeling lean and hungry again (not bloated and sluggish!). I'll be tracking all my food in Calorie King and blogging a lot more just to help me stay on track.

So overall I'm feeling bloated and fat but strangely ok with it as I know after a full week of eating clean and training I'll be ok, I just need to make it through this next week and I'll be feeling a lot more confident with achieving my next lot of goals.

Anyway better keep moving, lots to do!

Love Hilds

I JUST LOVE EVERYTHING HEALTH & FITNESS!

I must say I'm absolutely loving helping others with their Health & Fitness Goals. My online business Get Active Online is going great. One of my very first clients Lee Horton is this months WH&F Mags 12 Week Body Blitz Winner!

So since returning from Comp I've been pretty busy with business stuff, although loving every minute of it. A big thanks to everyone for their comments regarding comp, I just loved everything about comp day and might just do it again yet!

The big challenge at the moment is finding that balance. I've given myself a week of freedom, although struggling a bit with it all. I tend to have a day where I'm really good (trying to be too good most probably) and then a day where I just crave junk! I'm not stressing about it this week as I wanted to give myself a full week not to stress over it. I've managed to go for a couple of big runs and will try and fit two more in before the weeks out. I'm avoiding going to the "actual gym" this week as I need a break.

I would really like to give the Nationals a go in October but it means I'd have to get back into it on Monday (11 weeks out). If I decided to do it I'd want to be a lot leaner this time around plus really work on my stage presence and posing! I do get excited about the thought of doing it again although just wonder if I'll be able to get my mojo back (next week will tell!). I think I've discovered I'm a girl who needs a goal! If I don't have something to work towards I feel a bit lost, I don't know if it's a good or bad thing but it's me. My biggest concern in competing again was my wonderful hubby cam, but he just supports me 100% whatever I want to do so can't use him as an excuse. (Some more fun pics & me getting glued and makeup touch ups back stage, geez I felt like a princess for a day!)

Anyway better keep moving, the sun is shining and I've got some dirty cars to wash (how exciting, not!)

Thanks again to everyone in blog land, your all an amazing support and thanks again for your kind words!

Love Hilds

I've done it & I had the best time ever!

I can't believe I've finally done it. After wanting to compete for so long I've finally achieved my goal & it was better than I could have ever hoped for.

The whole experience has just been so much fun and I feel so lucky to have met so many amazing people! I don't think the weekend would have been quite so good if we hadn't all stayed in the same place. From Friday onwards it was just fantastic sharing all the lead up and excitment of the day together. My biggest supporter and fan, my amazing hubby Cam didn't arrive until late Friday night after sitting at the airport all day trying to get a flight, he wasn't going to miss it for the world. So once Cam arrived the whole team was there, Di & Gerard, Shar & Paul, Vicki (Hair & Makeup superstar!), Cheryl & Christy, Jenny & her Mum Pat.

Saturday started with Hair & Makeup at early hours, but who can sleep the night before comp anyway! Then it was off to the show for registration and get ourselves sorted.

The first time I had to step on stage I was quite nervous but by the 6th time I was loving it! The day just flew by as there were 3 rounds in Sports Model and I basically had enough time to get changed and I was out there again. I can't even begin to thank everyone for all there help back stage, Vicki was truly amazing, she was there everytime ready to fix my hair and just help out (I felt like a superstar for a day!). Di was the best, without her and my amazing hubby I wouldn't have achieved my goal. Di made the whole process so much fun and nothing has ever been too much trouble. I just feel so lucky to have met and become friends with so many amazing people. Oh my god nearly forgot the cheer squad, you all made my day! I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear with all that cheering going on. THANKS!

My Comp goals were to step on stage and feel confident & to have fun & I well and truly had lots of fun! I know that I have a lot of improvements to make if I want to compete again but the goal this time wasn't about being the best, it was about feeling confident and proud about what 'I' had achieved and truly enjoying the experience. The bonus was I game 3rd in my round and got a trophy to take home. Initially I was quite intimidated by all the other competitors and felt way out of my league, but once I reminded myself I had done the best that I could I stopped comparing myself to everyone else and just enjoyed what I had achieved.

So for me, comp has been a fantastic experience. After comp the weekend was spent catching up with people and eating lots of yummy melbourne food! Oh and the coffee's, I don't know how many coffee's I had but they are sooooo good in Melbourne.

So I'm back home now and back on the good food, couldn't handle much more junk after eating flat out for 2 days. I even went for a run this morning and it felt fantastic! I've decided not to step near the scale for at least a week and then I'll see where I'm at.

I'm toying with the idea of competing in October although need to give it a couple of weeks to see where I'm at.

Anyway enough for one post. I've attached some pics, not the best quality but lots of fun shots!

Keep Smiling, Luv Hilds

I'm here!

I've made it to Melbourne and it's bloody cold! I decided to come down a day early as flights were getting full due to school holidays and coz I travel on standby I didn't want to risk it on Friday. I'm just hoping Cam gets on a flight tomorrow.

So I'm just hanging out in my toasty apartment in town, I'm enjoying having the heaters going flat out and just relaxing. Although too much time on my own doesn't seem to be a good thing. I just tried on all my outfits for the comp and I'm not too happy with how I'm looking, I kinda felt better a week ago. I'm hoping once I've tanned up and Saturday arrives I'll be looking better. Obviously I've still got a lot of work to do on my legs and butt but I've done the best I could to get where I am now. It's hard coz I know I don't need to be super lean like the figure girls but it's hard not to compare yourself and next to a figure girl I still feel fat! Anyway enough of the negativity, I think I'm just starting to panic. I've got to keep reminding myself that I'm doing this for me and I've done everything I could to get where I am and I need to enjoy Saturday!

I'm so excited about tomorrow, Cam should get here along with Di & Gerard, I'll get to catch up with Shar and meet her hubby and Christy and Cheryl will also be coming in. I feel for the poor boys caught up in it all (although I don't think many blokes would mind being surrounded by bikini clad girls!).

Anyway that's it from me, most probably won't be checking in until after comp. Thanks Hilary & Selina for your well wishes and I promise photos as soon as I get back home.

Luv Hilds

4 DAYS TO GO!

Wow how close is it now! I'm excited but getting a bit nervous now, worried about controlling my nerves on the day, will I look ok....... So many things, but overall I'm just excited, IT'S GOING TO BE SO MUCH FUN! My biggest goal is to have a blast and enjoy the moment! I still can't quite believe I'm going to finally do it!

I'm finding these last few days tough to say the least. I'm tired, having big cravings, sick of having no energy, generally look and feel like shit! You start to wonder how in 4 short days you are going to feel fantastic, I think one bite of chocolate would do it (he he he, already drooling at the thought).

So I've been keeping myself busy. Sunday was an AWESOME day, we went out for breakfast (I had herbal tea) and then I went on my first chopper ride! Some good friends own Whitsunday Helicopters and were nice enough to take us on a ride over the Gorges, dams and rain forest. We were hunting out cool camping sites, and we found plenty. I loved being in the chopper, so smooth and fun! Although felt a little queasy went we did a few crazy moves, but overall an awesome experience.

Yesterday I ran around like a headless chicken, getting all my comp goodies. I think I'm finally sorted and just need to find a way to fit it all in, I can't believe how much stuff I've got. Having three outfits to sort out plus the Sunday photo shoot is has taken some organising.

I hit the gym early today and got my training out the way as the pampering starts today. Firstly I need to get my waxing out the way and then this arvo it's time for a much needed Hair appointment, I'm hanging out, bring on that head massage!

Tomorrow is my final day of training and then it's off to get my nails done! In between I really want to clean the house. As after comp I'm off to Adelaide for a few days and when i get back I want to be able to finally relax with Cam in a nice clean place!

Anyway time to free this body of all signs of hair! OUCH.....

Keep Smiling, Luv Hilds

Buzzing......

That describes me at the moment! I should be feeling shattered but instead I can't stop doing things buzzing about with too much energy for what I should have! I'm sure I'm just super excited as the last couple of nights I haven't been able to sleep well either.

I'm enjoying being on holidays for these last few days of comp prep, it is such a relief not to be flying. Although not all rest and relaxation, the business is going along nicely and keeping my just busy enough (don't want too much work for the next 9 days!). So everything is on track for Melbourne, I even started getting clothes out ready to pack (just a little excited). Just waiting on one of my costumes to be altered and everything is all organised.

I'm looking forward to next week as I get to do all the girly stuff. Have booked in to the Hairdresser, need to get my nails done, waxing and lots of time on the beach!!!!! Sounds like the perfect week, except no wine or chocolate.

Anyway nothing exciting happening here, just counting down the days.

Looking forward to meeting lots of bloggers soon.

Hilds

Struggling.....

Oh my god I'm sooo hungry! I keep telling myself only 12 days to go, don't lose it now! It's funny how some days you just breeze through and others are a constant struggle. I'm sitting here just counting down the time until I can go to bed so I don't have to fight the urge to eat something I'm not suppose to.

I've done a bit extra training today, so that is most probably why I'm so hungry!!!!!! Geez I can't wait to have some energy and more food again. Anyway only 12 short days and it will all be worth it!

Today I've been planning all my catch up dates when I go to Adelaide after the All Female Classic. All my family and close friends are in Adelaide and I can't wait to catch up with them all, and I'll actually be able to have a glass of wine. I've learnt from past visits that it's best to organise it all before I go or I never have enough time to see everyone I want to. So it's looking like all my days are full and I should have a great week, as long as it's not too cold!

Anyway not much else happening with me, just trying to train as much as I can and keep my head out of the fridge.

See you all soon, Hilds

Pushing Through......

Geez I've been a slack bogger this year! I've been loving reading every one's but when it comes to posting I have so much to say coz I've left it too long that it all seems to hard!!!!

Anyway 2 weeks to go and I'm counting those days!!!!! Had a fabulous weekend last weekend with the amazing Di. God that girl is an inspiration, she is so motivated but most of all so giving! Gerard is one lucky man, I kinda felt guilty going home to my poor neglected Cam who tends to fend for himself, especially at the moment with the little energy I have it doesn't necessarily get spent on him. Oh well not long to go and life should be little more normal.

So after my weekend away I was feeling so motivated and super excited about the show. I just want it to be here now and my biggest goal is to have "FUN" with it. It is going to be a great amazing opportunity to meet so many amazing people, I'll apologize in in advance if I forget names (a really bad trait of mine), please don't take it personally, I'm just really bad with names! (will work on it!).

Feeling a bit run down at the moment, got back from my weekend away with the razor blades in my throat, which is always a sure sign of a cold to come. Have managed not to get too sick, but haven't been feeling great. Especially since I picked up another trip which saw me fly out Tuesday night, fly around the country and get back late last night feeling very very average! Too many early starts, not enough sleep and no cooked food! Anyway I'm back at home and managed a spin class this morning, maybe shouldn't have been there but this close to comp I couldn't bear the thought of not training! Also I checked my weight this morning and no movement, although cm's are still coming down nicely. Wasn't expecting much weight movement this week as I had a massive drop last week although was still secretly hoping!

Anyway better keep moving, need some food for the fridge and it's house cleaning day today! (oh joy).

14 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So much going on!

It seems that when things happen they tend to happen all at once. I can't believe it's only Tuesday and we have had so much exciting news already!

Can't reveal all just yet but things are finally looking really positive!

So less than 4 weeks to go until Comp time, I'm starting to count down the days now. I'm very excited about it all and also looking forward to getting my life back. At the moment I seem to live in sweaty gym clothes, constantly preparing food and generally just thinking about comp. This weekend I'm off to see the fabulous Di! I can't wait to get some tips from the pro, as I need as much help as possible getting my confidence up on stage! So with everything about comp at the moment it hasn't left time for my new business venture!

For a while now I've been in the process of setting up Cam's and my own online personal training site & yes it's finally up and running! Check it out www.getactiveonline.com , obviously it's a work in progress but it's so exciting to be finally following my dream. I can't wait to help others reach their health and fitness goals and generally just feel better about themselves. So I've got 6 weeks off from Flying and I will be busy getting things off the ground!

Anyway time to get these sweaty gym clothes off, just finished my spin class and geez I'm feeling it today! (might need a nana nap before my arvo cardio sessions).

Keep Smiling everyone!

Luv Hilds

I'm doing it!

Well no point avoiding it any longer, for a while now I've been training my ass off and eating well in the hope of making it to the INBA All Female show in July! Today it's officially 1 month out and as freaked out as I am there is NO WAY I'm not making it to that stage in July!

I've had the help of gorgeous Di from Fabulous figures getting me prepared (& just listening to all my whinging along the way!). I have decided to give the Sports Model Division a go!

At the moment I have the constant mind games going on, one day I'm feeling great and can see myself making it and the next I can't imagine how this huge ass of mine is ever going to shrink enough for me to feel good about getting on stage. For me I just really want to do this to prove to me that I can! It scares the hell out of me and the thought of standing on stage freaks me out (I'm nervous just thinking about it now!), but for some bizarre reason I really really want to do this!

So 1 month to go! I've got one more trip to Japan to survive tomorrow and then I have a few weeks at home to burn some serious fat! I've done a few overseas trips lately and I'm really struggling with the lack of sleep. Yesterday I got back from Japan, had two hours sleep and felt like crap all day! Anyway only 1 more to go and then there are no excuses for not being 110% with my nutrition and training!

Today I've managed to get my weights out of the way nice and early and backed it up with an RPM class. Geez I burned some calories this morning! I've got a big run to go this arvo and I'm all done for another day, one day at a time!

Anyway time for a coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Luv Hilds

Busy, Busy, Busy...

Well it's been a while! I've been flying all over the countryside but finally home for a week or two.

At the moment I'm part time flying (flight attendant) and fly about two weeks out of the month. As I'm now living in Mackay I still have to fly up to Cairns for work but tend to do longer trips so I don't have to go up too often.

This month I had my worst nightmare happen to me! I got the dreaded phone call at 4:50am asking where I was as my flight was leaving in 40 minutes!!!!!! Geez I thought an interval run was hard, but have you tried getting ready, packing bags for a 6 day trip, driving to the airport, running to the terminal (all with a head cold) in 40 minutes!!!!! Well, let me tell you it's bloody hard, but possible. It's amazing what you can do on adrenaline, I couldn't imagine not making it and having a aircraft full of people stuck because I slept in.......

Anyway got that trip out the way and got to come home for two days to participate in "Relay for Life". It is such a great event, and amazing to see everyone get involved. It really hits home that Cancer can hit anyone and it felt good to be helping in a very small way.

So after a couple days home, I was back up to Cairns to go to Japan, not once but twice in one week. Geez I haven't done a Japan for a while and I sure don't miss the lack of sleep on the way home. Although I did enjoy Japan, managed to go for a great walk and do some stair sprints with a fantastic temple as the back drop! So anyway landed home on Saturday a very very tired tiger. I contemplated flying straight to Brissie for the comp but didn't think I'd be looking or feeling too flash, and I don't think it would have been a great look sleeping at a Body Building Comp. So very annoyed I didn't make it, but completely inspired by everyone who competed (more pics everyone, you can't post too many pics!).

So back home, doing lots of training and enjoying being in one place for more than two days!

Well enough rambling for one post, time to eat!!!!!!!!

Love Hilds

Entertainment at the gym.........

There's many reason we all choose to go to the gym, I love the feeling I get AFTER a great workout. Some people love the different classes or just having some time out from the kids. Well I've discovered a new reason to go to the gym! Pure entertainment! Man I could just sit in the corner for hours and watch all of the funny little things that everyone does. Everyone seems to have their little habits or special routines they like to do. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it, it's just some leave me feeling a little bewildered. There is this one lady who goes to my gym who insists on cranking the treadmill up on full incline and then at a running speed hangs on to the handles for dear life and runs. It's just the funniest thing to watch, it looks like her arms are going to snap off at any time! Anyway at least she's out there doing stuff (or maybe just out there!).

Anyway I'm loving my spin classes at the moment! I'm truly hooked, i just wish my gym had more on. I find it so much easier to really push myself in a class environment. My training has been going great, although today I woke up with a cold. Don't really know where it came from but have felt rotten all day. I'm not very good at being sick, so have been bored out of my head all day just hoping a good day of rest will help me to get back on track asap. I've been a good girl and haven't trained today. I still put my training gear on this morning and contemplated it for a good couple of hours, although after realising how much I was struggling to just walk around the house I figured going to the gym was a very bad idea.

I'm flying up to Cairns to start my next 6 day trip on Friday. It's a pretty cruisy trip so I should be fine to go! I'm hoping I can train tomorrow but will just have to wait and see how I feel in the morning. It's strange how much I hate missing my training sessions, don't get me wrong I love having a day of here and there but when I can't train it really annoys me.

Anyway better get organised and bags packed to head of tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

Cheers, Hilds

Back to normal!

I just realised how long it had been since I have blogged. I suppose when your feeling down you don't really want to keep whinging about it!

The good news is I'm back to normal (if there's such a thing). And wow is it great to feel human again. I can finally fit back into my clothes again and my moods are back on track. It's amazing when you start to talk to other people about what your going through you find so many others who have experienced something similar. So after many weeks of hormonal hell I'm feeling great. Training is going great guns and nutrition is good. I've been pretty busy flying around with work the last 3 weeks but am happy to say i'm at home for 2 1/2 weeks now. Lots of exciting things happening at the moment, but will save that for another post.

Keep Smiling! Hilds