Three hours in the Gym at Gosford.
Not much to tell.
Less than two weeks to go now.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Patonga to Woy Woy
We started this walk on Saturday 31st October at Patonga beach at 8am.
Gosh it was hot.
This walk goes up the mountain to the top of Patonga and then across the mountain following the Great North Walk.
It was way too hot to be doing this walk and we both got seriously dehydrated.
I took us the wrong way, we went way past the entrance to Woy Woy Landfill which is supposed to be the end of the walk.
Because I was dehydrated I started to panic a little bit and that uses up a lot of energy, but we got there in the end.
12.99kms all up and it took us 4 hours.
Hard but good.
Gosh it was hot.
This walk goes up the mountain to the top of Patonga and then across the mountain following the Great North Walk.
It was way too hot to be doing this walk and we both got seriously dehydrated.
I took us the wrong way, we went way past the entrance to Woy Woy Landfill which is supposed to be the end of the walk.
Because I was dehydrated I started to panic a little bit and that uses up a lot of energy, but we got there in the end.
12.99kms all up and it took us 4 hours.
Hard but good.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I have a skin cancer
I have a small bcc on my head in my hair. We had a free skin cancer check at work yesterday and the doctor found it. Am going to have it removed on Monday. Awesome!
Luckily it is the 'good' type of cancer not the bad type.
Luckily it is the 'good' type of cancer not the bad type.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Seven bridges walk
This walk was 25 kilometres over seven bridges around the Harbour.
I started out at 9am and walked through six bridges and 18 kilometres.
It rained for the last three hours of the five hour walk and I was soaked through and every step was a squelchy experience.
My clothes and shoes are still wet!!
I am quite excited that I did 18 kilometres and am okay today with no blisters!
S
I started out at 9am and walked through six bridges and 18 kilometres.
It rained for the last three hours of the five hour walk and I was soaked through and every step was a squelchy experience.
My clothes and shoes are still wet!!
I am quite excited that I did 18 kilometres and am okay today with no blisters!
S
Donations
Hi everyone who is reading this blog, (which may be just me...lol)
I have set up a website for donations.
http://www.breastcancerfundraising.org.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=313477
Feel free to donate, or not, no pressure.
S
I have set up a website for donations.
http://www.breastcancerfundraising.org.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=313477
Feel free to donate, or not, no pressure.
S
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Quote that I like
He who does not get fun and enjoyment out of every day … needs to reorganize his life. — George Matthew Adams
Katandra Reserve
Sunday 18th October
4kms
This walk was so quick, we thought it would be really hard but we did the 2800m up in about 45 minutes. Then the 1500m down in about twenty minutes.
We are going to come back and do Rumbalara Reserve to Katandra Reserve and back.
Not much to tell about this walk cause it was so quick!
S
4kms
This walk was so quick, we thought it would be really hard but we did the 2800m up in about 45 minutes. Then the 1500m down in about twenty minutes.
We are going to come back and do Rumbalara Reserve to Katandra Reserve and back.
Not much to tell about this walk cause it was so quick!
S
Sunday, October 11, 2009
City to Surf route
We started out on Saturday 10th at 9am catching the bus into Oxford Street. We walked down to outside the Australian Museum and started at 9-30am. Past William Street, Kings Cross, Edgecliff, Double Bay, Rose Bay then the start of Heartbreak Hill.
Well Heartbreak Hill was a bit of a nonevent. Hardly even a hill!
Past Watsons Bay then down into Dover Heights, North Bondi then Bondi.
Three and a half hours in total, then we had lunch right on the beach and caught a taxi back to my place.
Gosh it was so different hiking in our sneakers compared to hiking in our boots. Boots must absorb alot more energy, cause at the end of the walk in our sneakers we were soooooo tired, our feet and legs were so sore.
Not much else happened on the weekend, I went to anaconda and got my thermals, two pairs of trousers, some socks, a rain jacket and a fleece. Bloody expensive business!
S
Well Heartbreak Hill was a bit of a nonevent. Hardly even a hill!
Past Watsons Bay then down into Dover Heights, North Bondi then Bondi.
Three and a half hours in total, then we had lunch right on the beach and caught a taxi back to my place.
Gosh it was so different hiking in our sneakers compared to hiking in our boots. Boots must absorb alot more energy, cause at the end of the walk in our sneakers we were soooooo tired, our feet and legs were so sore.
Not much else happened on the weekend, I went to anaconda and got my thermals, two pairs of trousers, some socks, a rain jacket and a fleece. Bloody expensive business!
S
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Next walk
On 3rd October Katrinna and I were supposed to do the City to Surf walk, but it poured down the whole day so I did three hours on the treadmill instead.
4th October we met at Berowra train station at 10am, then set off down to Berowra Waters through the bush, 5.4kms straight down, it started to rain right at the end. We had an iced coffee then started back up the road. And up, and up and up. Five km's straight up the mountain.
Then two kms on the flat back to the station. But we didn't stop.
Oh and we found a mulberry tree and ate alot of mulberries...lol.
That was a hard walk. Oh and Katrinna had a leech in her sock that she didn't realise was there.
S
4th October we met at Berowra train station at 10am, then set off down to Berowra Waters through the bush, 5.4kms straight down, it started to rain right at the end. We had an iced coffee then started back up the road. And up, and up and up. Five km's straight up the mountain.
Then two kms on the flat back to the station. But we didn't stop.
Oh and we found a mulberry tree and ate alot of mulberries...lol.
That was a hard walk. Oh and Katrinna had a leech in her sock that she didn't realise was there.
S
Goals - From my favourite blog - not my writing!
""Determine what is important to you. Money doesn’t bring happiness; pursuing goals and experiences that are aligned with our personal values brings happiness. How can you be sure your spending is aligned with your personal values? By setting goals. I’ve had great success using George Kinder’s three questions to crystalize what is important to me. This, in turn, helps me set meaningful goals.
Look forward, not back. Base your goals on the future, on what you want to accomplish, not on where you’ve already been. This forces you to think outside the box. Don’t worry about past failures. Concern yourself only with what you want to accomplish in the future.
Take one step at a time. It’s vital to break large goals into smaller ones. If you focus too much on the Big Picture, you may become intimidated and give up. You eat an elephant one bite at a time. So too with goals. Once I decided to pay off $35,000 in debt, I shifted my focus from the big number to the smaller steps along the way. I made incremental progress. If you’re pursuing a big goal, break it into small components.
Keep your goal in mind. One way to do this is to advertise to yourself, perhaps using the techniques described at Take Back Your Brain. Regularly remind yourself of why you’re doing the things you’re doing — but don’t obsess over the Big Picture.
Use an accountability partner. In June, GRS reader Kinley shared her system for meeting financial goals. She and her sister serve as accountability partners for each other. They’ve shared their current financial situation and future goals. Every month, they review their progress together. An accountability partner — whether sister, friend, or spouse — can help you keep on track.
Be patient. Progress toward your goal can seem slow at first, but will accelerate with time. Things will get easier. You’ll learn new techniques. You may receive support from unexpected sources. Together, these things will help to accelerate your success.
Don’t let setbacks derail you. It can be discouraging when your goal seems to have been thwarted. You save a $5,000 emergency fund only to have your car totaled by an uninsured driver. You start a new busines and a big-name competitor moves in down the street. You get your debt snowball rolling and your credit card company changes your terms. When setbacks happen, don’t give up. And if you make mistakes, just get back on the right track. Persevere.
Look forward, not back. Base your goals on the future, on what you want to accomplish, not on where you’ve already been. This forces you to think outside the box. Don’t worry about past failures. Concern yourself only with what you want to accomplish in the future.
Take one step at a time. It’s vital to break large goals into smaller ones. If you focus too much on the Big Picture, you may become intimidated and give up. You eat an elephant one bite at a time. So too with goals. Once I decided to pay off $35,000 in debt, I shifted my focus from the big number to the smaller steps along the way. I made incremental progress. If you’re pursuing a big goal, break it into small components.
Keep your goal in mind. One way to do this is to advertise to yourself, perhaps using the techniques described at Take Back Your Brain. Regularly remind yourself of why you’re doing the things you’re doing — but don’t obsess over the Big Picture.
Use an accountability partner. In June, GRS reader Kinley shared her system for meeting financial goals. She and her sister serve as accountability partners for each other. They’ve shared their current financial situation and future goals. Every month, they review their progress together. An accountability partner — whether sister, friend, or spouse — can help you keep on track.
Be patient. Progress toward your goal can seem slow at first, but will accelerate with time. Things will get easier. You’ll learn new techniques. You may receive support from unexpected sources. Together, these things will help to accelerate your success.
Don’t let setbacks derail you. It can be discouraging when your goal seems to have been thwarted. You save a $5,000 emergency fund only to have your car totaled by an uninsured driver. You start a new busines and a big-name competitor moves in down the street. You get your debt snowball rolling and your credit card company changes your terms. When setbacks happen, don’t give up. And if you make mistakes, just get back on the right track. Persevere.
The power of goals
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
William Hutchinson Murray
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.
I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets: “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!”
William Hutchinson Murray
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Too true.
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”– Malcolm Forbes
Gosh it has been a while since I posted....
Is anyone reading this? I know Lana is!
So what has been happening...
I went camping on Cockatoo Island for Sarah's (not me) birthday, that was fun, although it was very cold and my sleeping bag zip broke and I had to tuck my sleeping bag in around me.
It is very pretty there and I will be going there for New Years Eve with eight other people.
I went to see Avenue Q on 1st September, gosh that was funny!
I had the Aussie Home Loans man over and he told me I could get a loan for $511,000- which is ridiculous.
I have looked at many many properties online and a few in person, and what you can get for your money is ridiculous
I have been doing altitude training in the gym at Fox Studios. It is really good.
I have been doing boxing on Mondays, Boot Camp on Wednesdays and Fridays, stair walking on Thursdays and supposed to be doing Yoga on Tuesdays but have been slacking off....
I saw Wicked on 12th September, it wasg reat but not really like the book. It had a musical ending.
Katrinna and I went for a walk on 19th September from Little Beach to Maitland Bay and back, gosh it was so hard. But I didn't complain and I was slow but steady. That is my mantra for Nepal.
Oh, we had Community Day at work on 24th September and then I went to Canberra on 25th on the bus to see Bec and Fraser. Bec is about five weeks away from giving birth.
It was very cold, down to one degree overnight and cold and rainy both days. But we had a lovely time catching up.
I sent my visa away for Nepal on Monday and got it back last night, so so quick, I was so impressed.
I also got my shots on Tuesday, gosh my arm is still sore and on Wednesday I had to cancel a boot camp class cause I couldn't move my arm.
And I think that brings us up to date. I have two walks this weekend and then two days off for the long weekend.
S
So what has been happening...
I went camping on Cockatoo Island for Sarah's (not me) birthday, that was fun, although it was very cold and my sleeping bag zip broke and I had to tuck my sleeping bag in around me.
It is very pretty there and I will be going there for New Years Eve with eight other people.
I went to see Avenue Q on 1st September, gosh that was funny!
I had the Aussie Home Loans man over and he told me I could get a loan for $511,000- which is ridiculous.
I have looked at many many properties online and a few in person, and what you can get for your money is ridiculous
I have been doing altitude training in the gym at Fox Studios. It is really good.
I have been doing boxing on Mondays, Boot Camp on Wednesdays and Fridays, stair walking on Thursdays and supposed to be doing Yoga on Tuesdays but have been slacking off....
I saw Wicked on 12th September, it wasg reat but not really like the book. It had a musical ending.
Katrinna and I went for a walk on 19th September from Little Beach to Maitland Bay and back, gosh it was so hard. But I didn't complain and I was slow but steady. That is my mantra for Nepal.
Oh, we had Community Day at work on 24th September and then I went to Canberra on 25th on the bus to see Bec and Fraser. Bec is about five weeks away from giving birth.
It was very cold, down to one degree overnight and cold and rainy both days. But we had a lovely time catching up.
I sent my visa away for Nepal on Monday and got it back last night, so so quick, I was so impressed.
I also got my shots on Tuesday, gosh my arm is still sore and on Wednesday I had to cancel a boot camp class cause I couldn't move my arm.
And I think that brings us up to date. I have two walks this weekend and then two days off for the long weekend.
S
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
From 'The Consolations of Philosophy' by Alain de Botton
We find that the requirements of our bodily nature are few indeed, no more than is necessary to banish pain, and also to spread out many pleasures for ourselves. Nature does not periodically seek anything more gratifying than this, not complaining if there are no golden images of youths about the house who are holding flaming torches in their right hands to illuminate banquets that go on long into the night. What does it matter if the hall doesn't sparkle with silver and gleam with gold, and no carved and gilded rafters ring to the music of the lute? Nature doesn't miss these luxuries when people can recline in company on the soft grass by a running stream under the branches of a tall tree and refresh their bodies pleasurably at small expense. Better still if the weather smiles on them, and the season of the year stipples the green grass with flowers.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Morning
Am fully back into training now. Had boxing class this morning, gosh it was hot. Apparently it was the hottest August morning in about 100 years. Bloody felt like it too.
Went on a walk from the Communications tower at Forresters Beach to the Entrance a few weekends ago.
Going camping not this weekend but next.
S
Went on a walk from the Communications tower at Forresters Beach to the Entrance a few weekends ago.
Going camping not this weekend but next.
S
Monday, August 17, 2009
I haven't posted for a while
So what's being going on....I started Altitude Training at Fox Studios, it's great! I really enjoy it.
I am back on the treadmill and did 45 minutes last night on a 9 incline at 3.5km per hour.
Was going to do yoga today, but think I might go for a walk instead.
What has everyone else been up to?
I am back on the treadmill and did 45 minutes last night on a 9 incline at 3.5km per hour.
Was going to do yoga today, but think I might go for a walk instead.
What has everyone else been up to?
Monday, August 3, 2009
I'm back
Well the Gold Coast was lovely, and it is so nice to be in a female friendly nurturing environment.
Back in training tonight and I have Boot Camp tomorrow.
Altitude Training on Thursday night.
S
Back in training tonight and I have Boot Camp tomorrow.
Altitude Training on Thursday night.
S
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Countdown - 112 days
Had a good weekend. Back on the treadmill for 10 minutes last night and I did okay.
I am now going on holidays to the Gold Coast for a few days and then tidying up my house so I can move easily when my landlord comes back.
S
I am now going on holidays to the Gold Coast for a few days and then tidying up my house so I can move easily when my landlord comes back.
S
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Boo hoo
Not whooping cough, pneumonia.
Have to stop all exercise for at least two weeks. How frustrating for someone who normally recovers very well and very quickly.
Am supposed to be going in the City to Surf in two weekends time. That is probably not going to happen.
Oh well. Just taking it easy.
S
Have to stop all exercise for at least two weeks. How frustrating for someone who normally recovers very well and very quickly.
Am supposed to be going in the City to Surf in two weekends time. That is probably not going to happen.
Oh well. Just taking it easy.
S
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Altitude training
So last night Katrinna and I checked out the Altitude training room at Fox Studios. I of course still being sick just watched, but it was a very interesting room.
You walked in and immediately felt your heart start to beat faster. It was a strange feeling.
Anyway, I bought some visits as I live close to the gym so hopefully I will go before I go to Nepal.
http://www.tbc.net.au
S
You walked in and immediately felt your heart start to beat faster. It was a strange feeling.
Anyway, I bought some visits as I live close to the gym so hopefully I will go before I go to Nepal.
http://www.tbc.net.au
S
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Back to work
Sorry about the delay, have been quite sick with suspected whooping cough.
Not going to do any exercise until I recover as I have previously returned to exercise too soon and have gotten sick again.
Keep well.
Not going to do any exercise until I recover as I have previously returned to exercise too soon and have gotten sick again.
Keep well.
Monday, July 6, 2009
So over the weekend I got a treadmill
From my friend Danielle (thanks!!) and have used it so far every day for at least 45 minutes.
I did yoga today and it has been a while since I did it. Gosh, I noticed it was sooo much easier for me to do the moves than it has been in the past. I guess that means that all of the exercise is working.
Oh, and I had my performance review at work today. That went quite well. I have to keep my desk tidy....lol.
S
I did yoga today and it has been a while since I did it. Gosh, I noticed it was sooo much easier for me to do the moves than it has been in the past. I guess that means that all of the exercise is working.
Oh, and I had my performance review at work today. That went quite well. I have to keep my desk tidy....lol.
S
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tired now
Walked up and down the steps again at lunch time.
5 times for 540 steps up. My legs are like jelly now.
I have figured out that I work better when I am exercising with someone who is slower than me. It makes me go so much faster. Try to work that out.....I'm obviously mucked up psychologically.lol.
S
5 times for 540 steps up. My legs are like jelly now.
I have figured out that I work better when I am exercising with someone who is slower than me. It makes me go so much faster. Try to work that out.....I'm obviously mucked up psychologically.lol.
S
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
I watched 'The Red Shoes' again over the weekend
It is beautiful.
So I am going to take Adult Ballet Classes. Beginners of course.
I have always loved to dance.
So I am going to take Adult Ballet Classes. Beginners of course.
I have always loved to dance.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Did lots of odd jobs over the weekend
Lots of things I have been putting off. I bought new athletic shoes.
It feels great to do all these little chores that have been piling up.
I did boxing this morning. Lunches, squats, punching, crunches, running.
Gosh, I wish it was just boxing. Oh, and it is so hard to get out of bed at 6am on a Monday morning.
S
It feels great to do all these little chores that have been piling up.
I did boxing this morning. Lunches, squats, punching, crunches, running.
Gosh, I wish it was just boxing. Oh, and it is so hard to get out of bed at 6am on a Monday morning.
S
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
New goals
Had a bit of a revelation yesterday. We only get one life and I am wasting mine sitting at home watching tv.
Here are my new goals:
Go horse riding - am too heavy at the moment
Go skiing - used to do this but stopped when I started getting out of shape
Go skydiving - I am petrified of heights, but what am I waiting for
Here are all the places I would like to visit:
London 2012 to see my first Olympics
Greek Islands - when I lose weight I might want to go swimming
Gallipoli - Anzac Day
Cruising in the South Pacific
Canada - I know I am a geek but I really want to see where Anne of Green Gables was set and was filmed.
Here are my new goals:
Go horse riding - am too heavy at the moment
Go skiing - used to do this but stopped when I started getting out of shape
Go skydiving - I am petrified of heights, but what am I waiting for
Here are all the places I would like to visit:
London 2012 to see my first Olympics
Greek Islands - when I lose weight I might want to go swimming
Gallipoli - Anzac Day
Cruising in the South Pacific
Canada - I know I am a geek but I really want to see where Anne of Green Gables was set and was filmed.
Hi
It is very quiet at work which is really good. I am getting lots of extra projects done that take up way too much time when I am getting interrupted with emails and phone calls.
You would think that I would use this time to do the filing that is piled high on my desk wouldn't you!
But I am determined to not feel guilty.
S
You would think that I would use this time to do the filing that is piled high on my desk wouldn't you!
But I am determined to not feel guilty.
S
Monday, June 22, 2009
So
I know of two people who are reading my blog. That is quite exciting!!!!
Does anyone have any suggestions for things they would like me to write about? Feel free to ask.
Does anyone have any suggestions for things they would like me to write about? Feel free to ask.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Again, not much to tell
Had a filthy headache yesterday which finished about 5am, so didn't go to boxing this morning.
Made up for it by going for some stair walks at lunch, five times up some hard steps.
Note to Sarah: make sure you have had something to drink before you do this. I feel quite sick now due to exertion.
Oh well.
Have signed up for another six weeks of follow up boot camps on Friday mornings. So that is Boxing on Mondays, Yoga on Tuesdays, Boot Camp on Wednesdays, break on Thursdays and more Boot Camp on Fridays.
S
Made up for it by going for some stair walks at lunch, five times up some hard steps.
Note to Sarah: make sure you have had something to drink before you do this. I feel quite sick now due to exertion.
Oh well.
Have signed up for another six weeks of follow up boot camps on Friday mornings. So that is Boxing on Mondays, Yoga on Tuesdays, Boot Camp on Wednesdays, break on Thursdays and more Boot Camp on Fridays.
S
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Not much to tell....
I signed up for boxing and boot camp, but they cancelled boot camp on Fridays due to not enough people attending so I am now going to Wednesday classes of Boot Camp and Monday for Boxing.
Apart from that, not much is happening.
My landlord is coming back on 2nd August so I will probably be moving then.
Not sure how I feel about that. I hate moving and will be so sad to say goodbye to Sam the Wonder Dog, but I think I need a change.
S
Apart from that, not much is happening.
My landlord is coming back on 2nd August so I will probably be moving then.
Not sure how I feel about that. I hate moving and will be so sad to say goodbye to Sam the Wonder Dog, but I think I need a change.
S
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Boxing!
First class for boxing. Gosh it was hard. Push ups, lunges, sit ups, hover, punching, uppercuts.... it was good though.
And now I feel great!!!
And now I feel great!!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
BTW
Is it really geeky of me to get excited about receiving my first comment on a post???
Thanks nomind...
S
Thanks nomind...
S
I think I've finally lost my mind
I have signed up for Boxing at 7am on Mondays and Boot Camp at 7am on Fridays.
So I get NO break from the end of boot camp yesterday to the beginning of boxing at 7am....
Oh well. You live and learn.
S
So I get NO break from the end of boot camp yesterday to the beginning of boxing at 7am....
Oh well. You live and learn.
S
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
One thing I have noticed
Since starting all this exercise is how positive most people are. Everyone has mostly been very encouraging about my goal.
Sure, there have been one or two people who have said that I need to do more, go faster, get slimmer now, but on the whole I can't get over how encouraging everyone is.
It is so nice to feel that acceptance and the joy that everyone seems to have at the fact that I am achieving my goals.
S
Sure, there have been one or two people who have said that I need to do more, go faster, get slimmer now, but on the whole I can't get over how encouraging everyone is.
It is so nice to feel that acceptance and the joy that everyone seems to have at the fact that I am achieving my goals.
S
Monday, June 8, 2009
Boot Camp performance assessment results
So I did the same test that I did six weeks ago this morning.
Sore quad still but I did the performance assessment test for boot camp this morning and beat every category.
Last time:
Sit and reach: +8cm
Hover: 15 seconds
Push ups: 1
Abdominal situps: 28
This time:
Sit and reach: +14cm
Hover: 1 minute
Push ups: 2
Abdominal situps: 43
The only thing I did the same in was the running test and I had to stop due to pain in my quad.
Sore quad still but I did the performance assessment test for boot camp this morning and beat every category.
Last time:
Sit and reach: +8cm
Hover: 15 seconds
Push ups: 1
Abdominal situps: 28
This time:
Sit and reach: +14cm
Hover: 1 minute
Push ups: 2
Abdominal situps: 43
The only thing I did the same in was the running test and I had to stop due to pain in my quad.
Eleventh walk
8th June 2009
Unsure of length
Wentworth Falls car park to Rocket Point and back
This was a challenge, down all the way and of course, up all the way back.
Once again, Pete challenged me, walk faster Sarah, get your rate up, in the end I was almost catching up with Sarah and Katrinna in front of me, bloody tired by the end of it though.
My quad is still hurting.
Verdict: The falls are beautiful and I totally recommend this walk.
Unsure of length
Wentworth Falls car park to Rocket Point and back
This was a challenge, down all the way and of course, up all the way back.
Once again, Pete challenged me, walk faster Sarah, get your rate up, in the end I was almost catching up with Sarah and Katrinna in front of me, bloody tired by the end of it though.
My quad is still hurting.
Verdict: The falls are beautiful and I totally recommend this walk.
Tenth walk
8th June 2009
Giant's staircase
0.05km
Did I mention I was frightened of heights.
Got about 50 metres down and couldn't go any further.
Embarrassing.
Verdict: Weak
Giant's staircase
0.05km
Did I mention I was frightened of heights.
Got about 50 metres down and couldn't go any further.
Embarrassing.
Verdict: Weak
Eighth walk
10th June
Scenic World to Leura Cascades
5.4kms
4 1/2 hours
This was a lovely walk, we walked Scenic World to Echo Point, Echo Point to Three Sisters, then all the way around and down to Leura Cascades.
Back along the road then back to Leura Cascades car park where we got a lift to Leura.
I was tired and my quad hurt, but I didn't stop and the views are beautiful.
Verdict: Lovely and SOOOOO much easier than yesterday.
Scenic World to Leura Cascades
5.4kms
4 1/2 hours
This was a lovely walk, we walked Scenic World to Echo Point, Echo Point to Three Sisters, then all the way around and down to Leura Cascades.
Back along the road then back to Leura Cascades car park where we got a lift to Leura.
I was tired and my quad hurt, but I didn't stop and the views are beautiful.
Verdict: Lovely and SOOOOO much easier than yesterday.
Seventh walk
6th June 2009
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest and back
3km
2 hours 30 mins
Once again, this is the hardest walk I have ever done. The walk lulls you into a false sense of security by being flat for about half a km, then....straight down a mountain. Of course the walk is return so you are going straight back up as well.
I was concerned about not finishing in daylight, but we did. I needed coaching the whole way from one of the guys in the group, Pete. I wouldn't have done it without him!
I used my right leg as my push leg for the whole way up and now three days later my right quad is still sore. Have to work on evening out my legs.
So this is how hard it was, it took just as long to get down as it did to get back up again.
A challenge, but so rewarding at the end.
Perrys Lookdown to Blue Gum Forest and back
3km
2 hours 30 mins
Once again, this is the hardest walk I have ever done. The walk lulls you into a false sense of security by being flat for about half a km, then....straight down a mountain. Of course the walk is return so you are going straight back up as well.
I was concerned about not finishing in daylight, but we did. I needed coaching the whole way from one of the guys in the group, Pete. I wouldn't have done it without him!
I used my right leg as my push leg for the whole way up and now three days later my right quad is still sore. Have to work on evening out my legs.
So this is how hard it was, it took just as long to get down as it did to get back up again.
A challenge, but so rewarding at the end.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
This weekend
I am going to the Blue Mountains this weekend.
I am going on a small hike on Saturday, a 6-7 hour hike on Sunday and a small hike on Monday.
I am really worried about the 6-7 hour hike. Will I let everyone down by being so slow?
I can see a difference in my body with the Boot Camp, but I am not losing weight on the scale, why not? I am doing all the right things with food, low or no carbs, lots of veges, so much water it isn't funny.
All I can do is try!
I am going on a small hike on Saturday, a 6-7 hour hike on Sunday and a small hike on Monday.
I am really worried about the 6-7 hour hike. Will I let everyone down by being so slow?
I can see a difference in my body with the Boot Camp, but I am not losing weight on the scale, why not? I am doing all the right things with food, low or no carbs, lots of veges, so much water it isn't funny.
All I can do is try!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. at last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. this perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happinedd. happiness is the way. so treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.
happiness is a journey, not a destination....[souza]
happiness is a journey, not a destination....[souza]
Monday, June 1, 2009
OWWWWWW!!!!
So yesterday I did some stair walking at lunchtime.
I did the steps next to work, five and a half times for a total of 595 steps.
I am hoping to do this twice a week. Increasing it by one set per time.
Then this morning I did Boot Camp and I ran!!!!!
I haven't run since high school I think.
But so sore now.
Oh well
S
I did the steps next to work, five and a half times for a total of 595 steps.
I am hoping to do this twice a week. Increasing it by one set per time.
Then this morning I did Boot Camp and I ran!!!!!
I haven't run since high school I think.
But so sore now.
Oh well
S
Sunday, May 31, 2009
13 steps to a better life - From my favourite blog
- Don’t compare yourself to others. Financially, physically, and socially, comparing yourself to others is a trap. You will always have friends who have more money than you do, who can run faster than you can, who are more successful in their careers. Focus on your own life, on your own goals.
- Foster close relationships. People with five or more close friends are more apt to describe themselves as happy than those with fewer
Have sex. Sex, especially with someone you love, is consistently ranked as a top source of happiness. A long-term loving partnership goes hand-in-hand with this.
Get regular exercise. There’s a strong tie between physical health and happiness. Anyone who has experienced a prolonged injury or illness knows just how emotionally devastating it can be. Eat right, exercise, and take care of our body.
Obtain adequate sleep. Good sleep is an essential component of good health. When you’re not well-rested, your body and your mind do not operate at peak capacity. Your mood suffers.
Set and pursue goals. I believe that the road to wealth is paved with goals. More than that, the road to happiness is paved with goals. Continued self-improvement makes life more fulfilling.- Find meaningful work. There are some who argue a job is just a job. I believe that fulfilling work is more than that — it’s a vocation. It can take decades to find the work you were meant to do. But when you find it, it can bring added meaning to your life.
- Join a group. Those who are members of a group, like a church congregation, experience greater happiness. But the group doesn’t have to be religious. Join a book group. Meet others for a Saturday morning bike ride. Sit in at the knitting circle down at the yarn shop.
Don’t dwell on the past. I know a guy who beats himself up over mistakes he’s made before. Rather than concentrate on the present (or, better yet, on the future), he lets the past eat away at his happiness. Focus on the now.
Embrace routine. Research shows that although we believe we want variety and choice, we’re actually happier with limited options. It’s not that we want no choice at all, just that we don’t want to be overwhelmed. Routines help limit choices. They’re comfortable and familiar and, used judiciously, they can make us happy.- Practice moderation. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing. It’s okay to indulge yourself on occasion — just don’t let it get out of control. Addictions and compulsions can ruin lives.
Be grateful. It’s no accident that so many self-help books encourage readers to practice gratitude. When we regularly take time to be thankful for the things we have, we appreciate them more. We’re less likely to take them for granted, and less likely to become jealous of others.
Help others. Over and over again, studies have shown that altruism is one of the best ways to boost your happiness. Sure, volunteering at the local homeless shelter helps, but so too does just being nice in daily life.
Weekend
I went to Melbourne this weekend. It was nice, I caught up with my friend Lana.
We did a short one hour walk around Brighton Beach. Gosh Melbourne is flat.
This weekend I have three one day bush walks in the Blue Mountains.
I'm off to do some stair walking in anticipation now.
S
We did a short one hour walk around Brighton Beach. Gosh Melbourne is flat.
This weekend I have three one day bush walks in the Blue Mountains.
I'm off to do some stair walking in anticipation now.
S
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Sixth walk
3rd May 2009
4th April 2009
Communications Tower, Forresters Beach to Toowoon Bay and back
17kms
4 hours and 15 mins
Wow! I can't believe I did this AGAIN.
Mum came along this time and despite having an upset stomach we actually finished in less time than before.
Gosh my mother is fit.
S
4th April 2009
Communications Tower, Forresters Beach to Toowoon Bay and back
17kms
4 hours and 15 mins
Wow! I can't believe I did this AGAIN.
Mum came along this time and despite having an upset stomach we actually finished in less time than before.
Gosh my mother is fit.
S
Fifth Walk
2nd May 2009
Tapley Road Lisarow and Katandra Reserve
2kms and 3kms
40 mins and 45 mins
Tapley Road is one of those streets that you drive down and think, gosh I would never like to break down here. It is 500 metres of up and down, steep up and down.
Took us 10mins to do 500 metres.
Went up the road to Katandra Reserve and did a short walk around the park, it was hot and hard.
Verdict: I hope Nepal isn't hot.
Tapley Road Lisarow and Katandra Reserve
2kms and 3kms
40 mins and 45 mins
Tapley Road is one of those streets that you drive down and think, gosh I would never like to break down here. It is 500 metres of up and down, steep up and down.
Took us 10mins to do 500 metres.
Went up the road to Katandra Reserve and did a short walk around the park, it was hot and hard.
Verdict: I hope Nepal isn't hot.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Miscellaneous
What am I seeing when I think about Nepal?
I close my eyes and I see myself at Base Camp. Looking down the mountain. Having completed half the walk, the half up the mountain, knowing that the remaining half is downhill.
Sometimes I close my eyes and I see myself back at Lukla, having completed the walk in full. Tired but triumphant.
It's hard to reconcile that with the feelings I have when I'm walking in the bush. It is so easy to look in the distance and think, gosh, I won't make that.
What I have to remember is that it isn't a race. Slow and steady Sarah.
We are walking 8km a day. I already know that I can walk 8km a day. It is not about being fast, it is about being able to walk up hills.
So what do I need to work on to achieve that?
Balance
Core Strength
Endurance
Cardio
Tenacity
Positive attitude
All the things I thought I did well, I now realise I do not so well.
That is the scariest thought of all.
I close my eyes and I see myself at Base Camp. Looking down the mountain. Having completed half the walk, the half up the mountain, knowing that the remaining half is downhill.
Sometimes I close my eyes and I see myself back at Lukla, having completed the walk in full. Tired but triumphant.
It's hard to reconcile that with the feelings I have when I'm walking in the bush. It is so easy to look in the distance and think, gosh, I won't make that.
What I have to remember is that it isn't a race. Slow and steady Sarah.
We are walking 8km a day. I already know that I can walk 8km a day. It is not about being fast, it is about being able to walk up hills.
So what do I need to work on to achieve that?
Balance
Core Strength
Endurance
Cardio
Tenacity
Positive attitude
All the things I thought I did well, I now realise I do not so well.
That is the scariest thought of all.
Fourth Walk
26th April 2009
Lane Cove National Park
10kms
3 hours and 15 mins
This walk was almost my downfall.
Has anyone been to Lane Cove National Park? I thought I was getting used to bushwalking, but this was the first time I had to actually walk over rocks and through tracks that weren't as clearly defined as the paths I had been used to.
I was wearing the wrong shoes as well. My trainers were not the right footwear for the conditions.
We started off and right away I started falling behind. Katrinna tried to let me go ahead but I was just slow. It was a hot day too and her friends are very fit and used to lots of walking.
I was okay until we crossed the highway and started back to the Park and we encountered boulders and rocks and twisty, windy paths.
Katrinna's friends went on ahead and I was pleased cause I was a mess. I am not very steady on my feet at the best of times and now I had to shift my weight and go over and around slippery sandy rocks.
I started to cry and for the first time told Katrinna that I thought I would have to give up. She refused, politely, but refused to let me stop. She went on ahead and left me to do it on my own as I wanted her to do. It wasn't so bad on my own, I didn't feel like I was letting anyone down and could take my time.
Katrinna waited at the end where it went to the road again, then we walked back to the car park where her friends were waiting, and had been for about 45 minutes!
They all headed back to the Coast, without going to the toilet mind you, how can they do that, they hadn't gone for over 4 hours as far as I could tell. What are they, camels?????
Anyway, I went home and fell asleep due to the emotional exhaustion I was feeling. This was my first test and I am not as strong as I would like to believe. I am going to have to toughen up to succeed.
Verdict: I am getting slightly worried about my reactions. Need to work on this.
Lane Cove National Park
10kms
3 hours and 15 mins
This walk was almost my downfall.
Has anyone been to Lane Cove National Park? I thought I was getting used to bushwalking, but this was the first time I had to actually walk over rocks and through tracks that weren't as clearly defined as the paths I had been used to.
I was wearing the wrong shoes as well. My trainers were not the right footwear for the conditions.
We started off and right away I started falling behind. Katrinna tried to let me go ahead but I was just slow. It was a hot day too and her friends are very fit and used to lots of walking.
I was okay until we crossed the highway and started back to the Park and we encountered boulders and rocks and twisty, windy paths.
Katrinna's friends went on ahead and I was pleased cause I was a mess. I am not very steady on my feet at the best of times and now I had to shift my weight and go over and around slippery sandy rocks.
I started to cry and for the first time told Katrinna that I thought I would have to give up. She refused, politely, but refused to let me stop. She went on ahead and left me to do it on my own as I wanted her to do. It wasn't so bad on my own, I didn't feel like I was letting anyone down and could take my time.
Katrinna waited at the end where it went to the road again, then we walked back to the car park where her friends were waiting, and had been for about 45 minutes!
They all headed back to the Coast, without going to the toilet mind you, how can they do that, they hadn't gone for over 4 hours as far as I could tell. What are they, camels?????
Anyway, I went home and fell asleep due to the emotional exhaustion I was feeling. This was my first test and I am not as strong as I would like to believe. I am going to have to toughen up to succeed.
Verdict: I am getting slightly worried about my reactions. Need to work on this.
Third walk
4th April 2009
Communications Tower, Forresters Beach to Toowoon Bay and back
17kms
4 hours and 30 mins
Wow!
I can't believe I did this. Our longest walk so far.
We started off at the Communications Tower at Forresters Beach and immediately walked down about 1km of wooden steps, it dawned on me that these steps would form the end of the walk as well.
Along the valley floor then up some metal steps at the other side, phew, only a little bit into the walk and I'm already tired.
Stopping at Crack Neck lookout then through the bush, going downhill all the way, until we hit the main road and walk to Toowoon Bay. There was a wedding on the beach that we wanted to see but had to leave and start the long walk back up.
Along the coast, through the Golf Club, then through the bush going uphill slowly back to Crack Neck and then back along the walk.
It's deceiving, you look in the distance and can see the communications tower and think it is not that much further, then you remember that there are the metal steps down down down, then along the valley floor then yep, straight up for the last km back to the tower.
Gosh, I am so proud of myself for this.
Verdict: Long and hard, but glad I didn't give up.
Communications Tower, Forresters Beach to Toowoon Bay and back
17kms
4 hours and 30 mins
Wow!
I can't believe I did this. Our longest walk so far.
We started off at the Communications Tower at Forresters Beach and immediately walked down about 1km of wooden steps, it dawned on me that these steps would form the end of the walk as well.
Along the valley floor then up some metal steps at the other side, phew, only a little bit into the walk and I'm already tired.
Stopping at Crack Neck lookout then through the bush, going downhill all the way, until we hit the main road and walk to Toowoon Bay. There was a wedding on the beach that we wanted to see but had to leave and start the long walk back up.
Along the coast, through the Golf Club, then through the bush going uphill slowly back to Crack Neck and then back along the walk.
It's deceiving, you look in the distance and can see the communications tower and think it is not that much further, then you remember that there are the metal steps down down down, then along the valley floor then yep, straight up for the last km back to the tower.
Gosh, I am so proud of myself for this.
Verdict: Long and hard, but glad I didn't give up.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Second walk
Second walk:
7th March 2009
Spit to Manly
11km
3 hours 12 minutes
Wow, there is a big mountain in the middle of this walk. Does anyone know that???? LOL.
I realised that for me the issue is a psychological unwillingness to push myself. I thought we were near the top and we encountered a man coming down the other side who told us we were almost at the top, this turned out to be not true and I was devestated.
Once we got down the mountain there was what I thought was a flat walk back to the car, but we had to go up a street and back down. I couldn't do this more than once and made Katrinna walk the long uphill way back to the car as I was could not have handled thinking that the rest of the trip was flat and having a hill put into the middle.
How am I going to get beyond this? Katrinna is great at pushing me along. But I will need to work on tools that I can do myself.
Verdict: Hard but rewarding. Hope to do this again soon
7th March 2009
Spit to Manly
11km
3 hours 12 minutes
Wow, there is a big mountain in the middle of this walk. Does anyone know that???? LOL.
I realised that for me the issue is a psychological unwillingness to push myself. I thought we were near the top and we encountered a man coming down the other side who told us we were almost at the top, this turned out to be not true and I was devestated.
Once we got down the mountain there was what I thought was a flat walk back to the car, but we had to go up a street and back down. I couldn't do this more than once and made Katrinna walk the long uphill way back to the car as I was could not have handled thinking that the rest of the trip was flat and having a hill put into the middle.
How am I going to get beyond this? Katrinna is great at pushing me along. But I will need to work on tools that I can do myself.
Verdict: Hard but rewarding. Hope to do this again soon
First walk
First walk:
7th February 2009.
West Gosford RSL to Woy Woy
8km
2 hours 15 minutes
This was my first challenge. This walk was boring. Long and flat and nothing to look at except how far in the distance we have to walk til we get there. It was 'Black Saturday' where lots of people lost their lives in bushfires and it was hot hot hot. I don't deal well with hot weather and we were almost at the end at Koolewong station when I thought I would have to give up. We stopped at the fish and chips shop and bought a bottle of water and Katrinna poured it over my head. Man, that felt good, and I was able to get to the end of the walk.
Verdict: Long, hot and boring
7th February 2009.
West Gosford RSL to Woy Woy
8km
2 hours 15 minutes
This was my first challenge. This walk was boring. Long and flat and nothing to look at except how far in the distance we have to walk til we get there. It was 'Black Saturday' where lots of people lost their lives in bushfires and it was hot hot hot. I don't deal well with hot weather and we were almost at the end at Koolewong station when I thought I would have to give up. We stopped at the fish and chips shop and bought a bottle of water and Katrinna poured it over my head. Man, that felt good, and I was able to get to the end of the walk.
Verdict: Long, hot and boring
Monday, May 4, 2009
Sites that I like
Here are some sites that I like that are mostly about personal finance:
http://www.gailvazoxlade.com/
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/
http://www.simplesavings.com.au/
http://www.gailvazoxlade.com/
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/
http://www.simplesavings.com.au/
All about myself
I guess I should talk about me.
My name is Sarah and I am 37 years old.
I live in Sydney Australia, in Waverley in the Eastern Suburbs and I work in the City for a property company in a job that I really enjoy.
I was brought up on the Central Coast of NSW.
I went to work straight after year 12 for a bank which I hated, although I did loads of travelling, going up and down the Coast of Australia, to the US , South Pacific, until I decided to go travelling to the UK in 1997 when I was 25.
I had a fantastic time and lived there for three years, including six months in Dublin.
Came back, went to work for the property company.
Did some more travelling.
More to come!! Just back to work now.
My name is Sarah and I am 37 years old.
I live in Sydney Australia, in Waverley in the Eastern Suburbs and I work in the City for a property company in a job that I really enjoy.
I was brought up on the Central Coast of NSW.
I went to work straight after year 12 for a bank which I hated, although I did loads of travelling, going up and down the Coast of Australia, to the US , South Pacific, until I decided to go travelling to the UK in 1997 when I was 25.
I had a fantastic time and lived there for three years, including six months in Dublin.
Came back, went to work for the property company.
Did some more travelling.
More to come!! Just back to work now.
More to come!
Topics to come:
- How I hate to walk
- Why eating bad food the night before going on a 17km hike is a BAD idea
- How to reduce a 37 year old woman to a crying mess
- How I hate to walk
- Why eating bad food the night before going on a 17km hike is a BAD idea
- How to reduce a 37 year old woman to a crying mess
My journey to Nepal (or how I learned to fail)
The story so far.
In 2007 I attended a Personal Development workshop in Charlotte North Carolina. It was fantastic and I learnt alot about myself. One of the many challenges we had to face was a ropes course involving full gear, a telegraph pole and some rubber chickens....I failed miserably and was a crying mess. It made me realise that I never challenged myself to do anything that I didn't know that I would do well. Failure is not an option for me. I simply refuse to try if I think I won't excel.
In 2008 I had a horrible break up that left me sad and slightly depressed. I lost weight but then put all that back on and more. I did do a Foundation course at UNSW and managed to pass with a credit and distinction and get accepted at University for 2009 to do Primary School Teaching.
In 2007 I attended a Personal Development workshop in Charlotte North Carolina. It was fantastic and I learnt alot about myself. One of the many challenges we had to face was a ropes course involving full gear, a telegraph pole and some rubber chickens....I failed miserably and was a crying mess. It made me realise that I never challenged myself to do anything that I didn't know that I would do well. Failure is not an option for me. I simply refuse to try if I think I won't excel.
In 2008 I had a horrible break up that left me sad and slightly depressed. I lost weight but then put all that back on and more. I did do a Foundation course at UNSW and managed to pass with a credit and distinction and get accepted at University for 2009 to do Primary School Teaching.
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