Day 47 - Back on the blog

It's been almost a week since I last posted so before Patrick punishes me by taking away my last remaining carbs (which he'll probably do anyway...) I thought I should write something pronto. This last week was pretty hectic. Everytime I went to post, something (conveniently) got in the way. A big part of the problem was that I was a complete sloth for the better part of the week and ended up doing most of my workouts at night. Add to that cooking, conference calls and wedding planning and I have had almost zero time to sit down and just write...until now. Next week I am getting back into my morning routine. The days are just too short otherwise!

Today Gilles and I did our workout at the mini-muscle beach area in H.Valley racecourse. Yeah, definitely a bit of postulating and parading going on around there but it was great to workout outside in the sunshine. I felt so...dare I say it - healthy! However, I have discovered that I am not a social exerciser. I don't mind being around people when I work out - hooray I'm not a complete misanthropist - but I found myself getting really crabby when Gilles would speak to me in the middle of one of my sets. How does 8minsabguy exercise and talk??

It's hard to believe we are already over halfway and the group ahead has finished. I went through their blogs today and the change not only physically but in everyone's outlook by the end of the program is impressive. It's quite strange to think we are now the 'group ahead'. I guess there is no backing out now. So I guess this what it feels like to be an older sibling? Don't expect me to slip you any underage beers newbies!!

I think I have finally started to notice some changes but I guess only the week 7 photos will tell - fingers crossed. My flexibility is returning and I feel more fluid when I move around with a spring  limp in my step - unfortunately I can't shake the pain my my right ankle. All week I have had to do my cardio on the elliptical at the gym to avoid any impact. I am hoping I'll be back on the rope in a few days - I really don't want to get left behind :(

The strength exercises are starting to be killer - lunges STILL feel me with utter dread. Today was 25 per leg - C'mon! Seriously? It took me an absolute eternity to get through them. Fine for the weekend but an absolute pain in the a$$ on a weekday morning. Given I haven't been able to jump, my whole routine is taking absolutely forever to get through which is fine (it just means I have to be more organised). Even without the cardio my strength is now taking me about 40-50mins. Anyone else taking this long? I wonder if I am going too slow.

Abs...in a weird and twisted way, I love 'em. I don't even mind the plank that much - yet. Kung fu sit ups looked a lot scarier than they actually were BUT it's a struggle to not work up momentum and start swinging around. It was all I could do to not work up some height and hurl myself off the bar in a flying kick. I'll save that one for next time. I also might also need to get some gloves...sweaty palms and a chin-up bar are a disastrous  combination.

I can feel my core getting stronger and it's affecting the way I stand and generally hold myself. I feel so much more lifted and centred which in turn seems to affect how I hold my pelvis which in turn affects my shoulders and spine - or so it feels anyway. Could this be the famed tadasana????  Maybe, but whatever it is it feels good.