6 weeks till the next hit out

Well, with only six weeks left until the Kokoda Challenge at the Gold Coast, life is rocking. I have done two weeks in a row of 100 kilometres. They were big weeks, and yesterday, to get the ks done, it was a 30k run before the sun came up, then a 10k run at Ecofest in Gladstone.

Yesterday was a momentus day - it was my wife's first 10k run. She is training for the Noosa Triathlon and she is living the dream. She is going really well, and I am very proud of her. She did about 70 minutes, but that was great, she stopped a few times for short walks, but generally, she got it done, and worked really hard. Very inspiring. I ran with her, and we came home second last, but that was ok. Good fun. It was gret running with her. She did not say a word for 10k, was just breathing hard, so I did all the talking. She said it was like her own personal trainer there the whole time. She is on fire, and going really well.

Anyway, six weeks out, life is good. Really looking forward to the next challenge. Bring it on. I am really confident, after yesterday, that we could run most of it, even though it will be 96ks. After the 30 in the morning, and an hour spell, then to run 10 with Julie, and felt great. And, feel great today.

What am I learning - long ks really do create endurance. THey also seem to create the ability to run fast, which is nice, too. But, on the long runs, I take a back pack, I have heavy shoes, and make sure that it is all hard work. Nothing easy. Others I think would say my times are slow - 30k in 3 hours - it is slow, but carrying an extra nearly 10kgs makes a big difference. I use rice in my backpack to weigh it down.

For the next few weeks, it will still be 100k per week, I think. We are going to Rockhampton this weekend, for a half marathon, and another 10k for Julie. Pumped.

Until next time, keep running.

Weight

Now, I have not blogged solely about how my weight loss journey has been travelling this year. I thought I might spend one blog doing that, to show you what is possible, with dedication and effort.

So, on January 22, I was over 91kg, on our return from the Christmas holiday to Vietnam and Bangkok.

My goal was to get down to 80kg before the Mooloolaba triathlon in March. I did not quite get there, but was about 82kg for that event. Not bad, but not great. So, what was the secret. Eat clean and do twice a day sessions. Very tough. My diet was plain at that stage. Fruit fr breakfast, white meat and salad for lunch and white meat and veges for dinner. I always play up a bit on Sundays, though, but that is fine.

So, what is the next goal. To get to 75kg prior to the 100k North Face 100 run. Well, last week, I weighed in at 79.2 on the scales at home. Not bad, heading in the right direction. What have I changed ... not much really. I have oats for breakky now, instead of fruit. I put fruit on the oats.

Now, the key is to count calories. More out than in, is the key. Do that, and you have to lose weight. That is happening, albeit slowly.

By the next major event, which will be a 96k run/walk in July, I want to be under 75kg, without question.

Now, all that is not as important, I don't think, as it is to know what your body fat is. Mine is currently 11.2%. Now, that is still very high (average for men's are between 13% and 19%- generally). I want to start living my life at about 6 or 7%. I think that is achievable. Especially with all the exercise.

Anyway, keep you diet clean, except on Sundays, when Pancakes are the standard brekky and eating out is the standard lunch. But, the secret is to have a healthy Sunday dinner, and have it very early. We don't eat after 6pm on Sunday night. That helps get the food digested by Monday morning.

Anton