My Running & Climbing Aims for 2015

As I mentioned in Monday’s blog post I have a number of runs and climbs that I am aiming to complete this year! I have purposely set myself some long term goals, to be completed by December 2015, and they are:

·         Run 10 Miles by April

·         Lose 2 Stone by my sister’s wedding in September

·         Do 8 hill walks/mountain climbs

 

I wanted to let you all know what we have planned and the dates of each even just in case you would like to join us, as they say the more the merrier!

 

Running

 

Shortly after my son was born, in June 2014, I decided to sign myself up for the Run Clare Series. This is a series of 4 races over 4 months. Starting on 31^st of Januarywith a 5k, followed by a 5 mile at the start of March, a 10K at the end of March and finishing with a 10 mile run in West Clare in April. This for me is a fantastic initiative as I will go from struggling through a 5K to running a 10 mile race! I know it’s a huge aim but I feel that with my motivation and dee-termination, I can and will achieve it!

 

Not only have I signed myself up for the Run Clare Series, but I have also pencilled in a number of other local runs into my diary. The details of all of the runs are below:

1.       31^st Jan 5K Lees Road Ennis (Run Clare Series)

2.       1^st March 5 mile Quilty (Run Clare Series)

3.       21^st March 10K Newmarket on Fergus

4.       12^th April 10K Ennis (Run Clare Series)

5.       4^th April 10K Quin

6.       12^th April 10 Mile Kilnaboy (Run Clare Series)

7.       3^rd May 10K Great Limerick Run

8.       1^st June Womens Mini Marathon Dublin

 

The above runs have will bring me up until June but I will be participating in other local runs once I find out the dates!

 

Hill Walks/Mountain Climbs

 

A few years ago I climbed Croagh Patrick and to say that I was underprepared is an understatement! I won’t go into too much detail but a stupid me packed in jeans for the climb, I really don’t know what I was thinking! However, last September I climbed Galteemore and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was such an achievement reaching the top and I have to say that I was bitten by the climbing bug so this year I am aiming to complete 8 walks/climbs. The below is what we are planning this year:

·         Croagh Patrick 9^th May

·         Galteemore TBC

·         Moylussa Co ClareTBC

·         Mullaghmore in The Burren TBC

·         Gortnacluhy Loop Broadford/Ashford Co Limerick TBC

·         An Gleann Beag Loop Broadford/Ashford Co Limerick TBC

·         Carrauntoohill Co Kerry TBC

 

I have mentioned 7 walks/climbs but my aim is to complete 8 so I am going to leave the last one open to suggestions! We are willing to travel anywhere in Ireland so please send on your suggestions. Its going to be a busy few months but I'm hoping that it will be a fun few months too!

 

 

I hope that you will join us on one of the walks, runs or climbs. I always feel that it’s much better fun when you have someone else there with you and when there is a gang of people it’s even better!

 

 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 3

So another week is down and I'm feeling good! I was quite focused this week and so this was my motivating factor. So how did I actually do, lets have a look!

My Results

The target that I set for myself was to lose 3lbs. Well I can tell you now that I only managed to lose 2lbs. Now I know that at this stage I am building muscle and so I may not lose the weight as fast as I'd like but still its nice to see all the hard work paying off when I jump on the scales! However, I have to look at the positives and I am seeing a difference already in how my clothes are fitting.

I was bold again at theweekend! I have to be honest in telling you otherwise I'm fooling no one but myself! On Saturday my lovely aunt/godmother treated my granny, other aunt, mother, sister, cousin and myself to Afternoon Tea in Dromoland Castle and it was just fab! It was a real treat and I'm not regretting it one bit as I had been so good all week plus its not often that we all get together for a girlie day! The food was fab but it was afternoon so the portions were not huge, I suppose though, that the food was rich and I did have a glass of champagne with it (I deserve a slap on the wrist really!). In general, though I was focused on the plan. We had organised this day out back in November and I didn't want to miss out.

 

I did get back to my running which I am so proud of. It was bitterly cold the evenings that I went for a run, so much so that my ears stung like crazy but I stuck with it and felt great afterwards. I haven't gone in too much detail but I did say that one of my long term goals was to run 10 miles by April. My reason for saying that is that I have signed up for the Run Clare Series, which starts this coming Saturday with a 5K. I will do a full post on this tomorrow but to cut a long story short, the last run in the series is a 10 mile in April! I'm not sure how I feel about the 5K this weekend but I'll give it a go and hopefully I'll get through it ok! That will be my motivation for the week!

One positive thing from the past week was that I managed to get my routine sorted, in the evenings, and I was able to eat dinner at 7pm instead of 9pm. I'm delighted with this as it was adding to my stress levels in a huge way. My poor husband had to listen to my ranting and raving for the past few weeks so I think he deserves a mention (Or maybe a medal!), thanks Aiden!

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 3

 

This week I want to focus more on the fitness side of things because I know that I can manage the food side of it ok, bar the one or two slip up! With that being said here are my goals for this week:

Complete the 5K on Saturday

Lose 2lbs
Put more effort into my exercises
Set a date for my first climb of the year.

 

My Stats

 

So here is how I have done this week:

Weight - 12 stone 8lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 27.7 (Down from 28 last week)

Thighs - 26.5 - lost 1/2 inch

Bottom - 45.5 -  lost 1/2 inch

Hips - 43 lost 1/2 inch

Waist - 40.5 lost 1/2 inch

Chest - 38 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13.5 lost 0 inches

 

Again there is some change and I know that there would be considering that some of my clothes are now fitting better but I really need to push it a bit more in order to lose more inches. I want to fit back into size 12 trousers again. I went up to a 14 a few years back and after having Colin I got as big as a 16 but by my sisters wedding in September I believe that I will be fitting comfortably into a size 12!

Positivity and motivation are going to be my driving factors this week, and of course the size 12 jeans in the back of my wardrobe that I cant bear to throw out! So that’s it, I hope you are with me again this week because we will smash it!

My Support System

Just before I finish up I couldn't let this post go with out mentioning the support system that is involved when doing this program. When you sign up to do a program with Fit Man Fran he will email the diet plans and then he sets up a private Facebook Group and on it he shares our daily exercises and will answer any questions that we have. Fran will also interact with us posting motivational words/photos or asking us how we are doing. I always reply when he asks how we are doing because after all that's why the system is in place.

One thing I'm really finding difficult about this whole process is my training buddy, Eimear, not being part of the group. I know that I can, and do, speak to her when ever I need her support but I miss the group interaction. The reason I am missing Eimear is because whenever Fran or I post a comment Eimear is the first to like or comment. She is always full of compliments and motivating words. I have just found that, although there are 6 other people in the group, I seem to be the only person, apart from Fran, who will like, comment or post. It's a bit lonely really and it just feels like I am the only one taking it seriously. Now I don't know the others in the group so maybe I'm making an incorrect judgement but that is how I'm feeling at the moment. The interaction with the other members would be nice and I think for me its also a motivating factor!

My training partner Eimear has been following the Operation Transformation plan. Click on the link to see how she is getting on: Chirps From A Little Red Hen.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee xx

Liebster Award Nomination!

Liebster Award Nomination!

 

 

I would like to thank Eimear from Chirps From A Little Red Hen for nominating me for the Liebster Award. This is such a great initiative for new bloggers. I'm delighted to give you all a little insight into me and my blog!

My Questions

What do you enjoy most about blogging?
I love the freedom of blogging, I can write what I want and when I want.  I'm not really the type of person who can handle confrontation, I tend to get flustered when I'm put on the spot so blogging lets me express what I want to, in my own time!
 

How do you decide what your going to blog about?
Each Monday I blog about my weight loss/fitness/health/lifestyle but other than that I have no particular method to choosing my latest blog post. I always have 6-10 drafts saved so that I can edit and post when I feel its ready!
 

If you were to interview someone for your blog, who would it be?
That's a good question but I think I'd like to interview The Peru Two, Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid!
 

Why would you interview this person?
I love the programme "Banged Up Abroad" and so I'm fascinated by their story. I would just love to hear the TRUTH and understand why they did what they did!
 

What do you do if you get "writers block"?
To be honest this hasn't happened to me yet as I am still so new to the blogging world but hopefully it wont be an issue! I'm sure that if it does happen then I'll probably just take some time out to "Reboot" and see if that helps.
 

What's your ideal night in?
My ideal night is to be curled up by the fire with a glass of wine, a nice meal and a good film or documentary on the TV (I'm very boring really!!!!)
 

Where's the last place you went for a break?
Does the spare bedroom count?? My husband will look after the little man one night a week so that I can have a good night sleep. He works nights so its quite hard on him too! But the last holiday that I was on was my honeymoon in Sept 2013 to Cancun.
 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
 As much as I loved Australia I think it would have to be somewhere in America because its not as far away from home. Possibly in a mansion with a pool somewhere along the Pacific Coast in California!
 

If someone was to write a movie about you, who would play you?
I don't have a favourite actress and so this question has really stuck me! Maybe Reese Witherspoon!
 

What's the last film you saw in the cinema?
Its been so long that I cant remember but I'll take a guess that it was "Bridesmaids"
 

If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
If it were possible I would write and advise book to my 12 year old self.

11 Random facts About Me!

1. I met now husband in Sydney when we were introduced by mutual friends! We clicked instantly.
2. By some strange stroke of faith any destination that I have visited I have been twice! I've been to Australia, New Zealand, New York, Tenerife, Santa Ponca, London, Birmingham, all twice!!!
3. I lived in Fort Lauderdale for 3 sun filled months!
4. I grew up horse riding, we always had ponies and horses at home but I haven't been on a horse for approx 3 years!
5. I'm a butchers daughter!
6. My son was born on Father's Day last year.
7. My grandfather passed away exactly 1 week before my wedding in 2013.
8. My guilty pleasure is watching "the Real Housewives" TV shows with a glass of wine on a Friday night!
9. When I was 9 I went to Los Angeles and the father of the family that I stayed with was a music producer and I met lots of his friends but little did I know who I was meeting! Turns out I had breakfast in David Cassidy's house with his wife and newborn baby!!!
10. I'm addicted to the blue Nivea Lip balm and I always have 4-5 of them on the go! I have mini panic attacks if I realise that I have none with me!
11. I would love to work as a forensic detective or else in customs because I'm fascinated by how it all works but I think in reality I probably wouldn't be able handle it (CSI looks so glamorous on tv!).

I would like to nominate the following!

Annie Edwards of Make My Day http://makemyday2014.blogspot.ie/

Sinead Nic Eil of Sineads Baking https://smachale.wordpress.com/
Grainne Carroll of Tres-Belle https://tresbelleblog15.wordpress.com/

So ladies here are your questions! Enjoy and have fun!!!

1. How did you come to choose the name for your blog?
2. Where would you like to see your blog going in the next 5 years?
3. What is your guilty pleasure?
4. If you were stranded on a desert island name 5 things that you would not live without?
5. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?
6. If money was no object what would you do first?
7. What is your favourite time of year?
8. What's the best piece of advise that you have been given?
9. Who do you look up to most in life?
10. Dead or alive what celebrity would you most like to meet?
11. Why?

The rules of the Liebster Award are as follows:

• Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.
• Display the award on your blog — by including it in your post and/or displaying it using a “widget” or a “gadget”. (Note that the best way to do this is to save the image to your own computer and then upload it to your blog post.)
• Answer 11 questions about yourself, which will be provided to you by the person who nominated you.
• Provide 11 random facts about yourself.
• Nominate 5 – 11 blogs that you feel deserve the award, who have less than 200 followers.
• Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer.
• List these rules in your post. Once you have written and published it, you then have to:
• Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (they might not have ever heard of it!)

Thank you again to Eimear from Chirps From A Little Red Hen for the nomination, it was a hugely fun task!!!

 

 

So that's it! A little bit of me and my blog!!!!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

 

Monday Motivation Week 2

So the first week, of my 60 day challenge, is done. I'll go through my stats and tell you about the good, the bad and the ugly! Week 1 in General was a tough week. I was so busy because I went back to work following the end of my maternity leave and little man spent his first full week in crèche and was then sick both Friday and Saturday but on the plus I had a hugely supportive husband who encouraged me to do well and help wherever possible, thanks Aiden!

So now it’s time to give you the results and feedback from Week 1. I’m down 4lbs in total, which was my target for this week. I will admit that I’ve had ups and downs this week.

 

My Results- Week 1

 

While I am down 4lbs, which was my target, I’m a little bit disappointed. Why you ask? Well I weighed myself on Wednesday and much to my delight I was down 5lbs! This was fantastic and I was delighted but somewhere along the week I gained a pound. I did my daily exercises, ate healthily and drank my 2L of water each day.

 

I’ll be completely honest, the reason that I gained 1lb back, was down to my own indulgence. It was my sisters 30^th birthday on Saturday and we had a family meal at my parents house. Now I wouldn’t say that I went crazy but I did enjoy a fab meal and a couple of glasses of wine. I know I should get a slap on the wrist for it but my sister will only turn 30 once and since she didn’t have a party, we had to mark the occasion and make a fuss of her in some way. What kind of a sister would I be if I didn’t go and celebrate with her?!

 

I also let myself down this week by not running 3 days. I went back to work last Monday and I found it extremely difficult to get into a good routine in the evenings, once I got home from work. It was after 8pm a number of  evenings last week when I got around to eating my dinner, this is not a good habit to get into. I always knew that the first week would be the hardest but I got through it and still managed to reach my weight loss goal so I have to look at the positive.

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 2

 

So here are my goals for this week:

Improve my time management

Run 3 times this week

Lose 3lbs

Eat dinner no later than 7 each evening (I only get home at 6 so I have to be realistic)

 

In order for me to reach these goals I need to ensure that I do a number if things including making time to go for a run and trying to organise myself better when I get home from work so that I can do what I need to and still get my exercising done.

 

So here is how I have done this week:

Weight - 12 stone 10lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 28 (Down from 28.7 last week)

Thighs - lost 1/2 inch

Bottom - lost 1 inch 

Hips - lost 0 inches

Waist - lost 0 inches

Chest - lost 0 inches

Arms - lost 1/2 inch

 

So that’s it! There was some change which is good to see. Let’s hope that week 2 will be a great week with more change in my stats and that I will get back into my running and manage my time more efficiently. I have no excuses for not doing well at this because I have the Dee-Termination but I need the focus.

My training partner Eimear has been following the Operation Transformation plan. Click on the link to see how she got on: Chirps From A Little Red Hen.
 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee xx

Say Yes To The RIGHT Dress

I wanted to write this post to give my advice to any brides-to-be so as to ensure that they make the right decision and not the cheapest decision. It’s so important that you choose the dress that YOU love and not a dress that someone else likes or thinks is great value! You are going to have your wedding photographs framed and will see them every day for the rest of your life so when you think about it choosing the right dress for you is so important! This is a decision that should be influenced my no one but yourself.

 

My Dress

 

I got married in September 2013 and one regret from my wedding is my dress! I know I shouldn’t really think like that but my lovely sister, Orla, is getting married this September so it’s all coming back to me! Everyone thinks I’m mad to think like that but I know that I should’ve picked a different dress. I got swept up in the hype on the day in the bridal shop. I had the dress on, which everyone said was lovely on me, with a beautiful bolero and once the veil went on there were oohs and ahhhs all round. The dress itself is pictured below and don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful dress but really it wasn’t the dress for me!

 

 

On the day the sales assistant said that the dress was being sold off for an unbelievable price of €745! It fitted me like a glove, bar the length but that was easily sorted by a dress maker. I then made the impulse decision that I should buy this dress rather than leaving it and thinking about it. The spin that the sales assistant gave us was that because of the price it would be swept up so fast and if I waited then I might miss the chance to buy it!

 

I’m not saying that I hated the dress but what I am saying is that I wished that I’d have thought before I bought. They say that “Your” dress will run through your mind constantly and when I think about it I should have bought the below Grecian style dress.

 

 

This dress was amazing when I tried it on but there is no point dwelling on that now. I just want to share my story with you and help you to make the correct decision.

 

Budget

 

Whether you have a large budget or a tight budget it is important to stick to it. Weddings are expensive enough so going a little bit over budget means that you will have to cut back on something else. When buying a wedding dress you need to consider a few things:

• Depending on the time of year, does the dress come with a bolero/shrug?
• If you have fallen in love with a boob tube or sweetheart dress but want straps then you will need alterations
• Does the dress need to be taken up, let in or out?
• How much is the veil?
• How much will shoes and accessories cost? 

Borrow What you Can

 

If possible try to borrow what you can. For example my own veil cost €245, it was beautiful, and sister is now using it for her upcoming wedding. This will be her “Something Borrowed”. The accessories that you have on the day could also be borrowed if you have a tight budget. 

Pre-Loved Dresses

 

Brand new dresses can be quite expensive so buying a pre loved dress is another option. More and more Bridal shops are now taking in second hand wedding dresses and selling off at knock down prices. This is a great option for a bride on a budget. The great thing about this option is that there are minimal alterations needed as the bustle will usually already be added. The alterations for my own dress which involved adding the bustle and taking it up 2 inches, cost €150! The little white Dress in Limerick is one such shop that sells pre loved dresses. Jennifer is a fantastic help and the shop is fab! A number of the charity shops will also have pre loved dresses.

 

Tips To Remember

 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your wedding dress:

Always visit at least 3 bridal shops but no more than 6 as you will only begin to confuse yourself and remember that you will try on approx 10 dresses in each shop!

Never get swept up by the occasion and buy something without thinking about it first

• Always , always, always think before you buy
• Get the details of the dress(s) that you like so that you can look it up on the internet (Some bridal shops do not allow you to take photographs!)
• Be open minded and try all styles and  shapes and fabrics
• Wear nude and if possible a strapless bra when wedding dress shopping
• Don’t go wedding dress shopping on your own, it’s a nice day out and it’s great to have a second opinion
• Wear shoes of a similar height to those that you will wear on the day
• Know your budget and stick to it
• Never ever allow anyone to pressure you into buying something 
• Have fun and don’t allow stress and frustration to creep in!

 

 

I hope that my story and tips have helped in some way. At the end of the day it should be an enjoyable experience and so don’t allow stress to creep in. Have fun and enjoy being the centre of attention because once it’s all over you will feel a sense of anti-climax!

 

Please please please let me know if you would like me to blog about anything wedding related in particular, having been through it all quite recently I know the stresses and frustrations that go with it! You can contact me on:

Email:deeterminedtoglamandglow@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deeterminedtoglamglow

Twitter: @deeglamglow


Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee xx

 

 

Monday motivation week 1

Today was D-Day! It was day 1 of my challenge and the start of my journey towards reaching my long term goals for 2015. It was also the official end to my maternity leave and the day that I dropped my little man off at crèche and headed back to work after seven and a half months off! Needless to say I was a bit emotional but I'm not going to over think things and get stressed again. Positivity and dee-termination are my new middle names!

Long Term Goals

 

My long term goals are:

Run 10 miles by April

Lose 2 stone by my sisters wedding in September

Do 8 hill walks/mountain climbs

I have given myself until December to complete all if these goals. That is plenty of time and as long as I stay focused I know that I will achieve them. I will reach these by setting myself some short term goals. 

Short Term Goals

 

Each Monday I will post an update to track my progress. Within this weekly post I will detail my short term goals for that week. I feel that giving myself regular short term goals will distract me from the long term goals so that I don't get stressed from not seeing instant results!

 

With all of that being said my short term goals for week 1 are:

Lose 4lbs this week

Start back 30mins running training tues, thurs and sat

Do a 10-20 minute intensive routine 5 times a week

 

I will of course need to rest my body from all of this exercise so I will take 2 days to rest.

 

What Plan To Follow.....

 

So I'm going to be totally honest with you, as per my last blog post (Crawl-climb-walk-run-sprint...to the finish line ), originally I was taking part in Fit Man Fran's 12 Week Challenge but due to communication issues my training partner, Eimear, and I decided against it. Our new plan, as per my last blog post, was to follow the Operation Transformation plan.

Yesterday I spoke with Fit Man Fran and I am now back on track with his 60 Day plan. Fran has said that he is 100% committed to this plan so I am willing to trust him on this!

My training partner, Eimear, will follow the Operation Transformation plan. We are both following different plans but we are doing it together as originally planned! We will do a comparison at the end, as previously our weight and inch loss had been extremely similar. Eimear will also be blogging about her journey and you can follow her on her own blog Chirps From A Little Red Hen.

 

I do very much believe in Fran's plans as I've seen the results first hand myself. I lost 10lbs and 15inches of body fat when I took part in the "Drop A Dress Size" challenge on the RTE Today Show. The results speak for themselves!

 

I hate and love that picture. It's so hard to believe that I let myself get that big but it's great to see what I could do in 30 days! I've no doubt that I'll achieve the results that I want because once I focus on something I will give it 100%. I am the type of person who puts a lot of pressure on myself, which I know in general isn't good, but for this plan it will definitely benefit me. 

The Plan Itself
 

Foodwise Week 1 is a detox. For me this is needed as I indulged a bit too much over the Christmas period so it's now time to get back on track!  

 

The plan is quite strict for the detox week. No caffeine, alcohol, meat, sugar etc, the usual suspects. I need to be drinking green tea and water and eating only natural and healthy foods. I can snack on fruit and protein e.g. Boiled or poached eggs. Today I had porridge, made with water, for breakfast along with a green tea. For lunch I made a green salad with 2 boiled eggs and for dinner I had a delicious green veg stir fry with couscous.

 

Exercise wise Fran sends through 2 days of exercises, in video format, at a time. There will be 5 workouts in total with 2 rest days. All exercise routines are between 10 and 20 mins in duration. Day 1 is a simple fitness test lasting 12 mins and day 2 is a circuit style 20 min intensive workout. 

Day 1

It was an early start for me this morning, my alarm went off at 6. Now I know that for some people this isn't early but for me it is. Colin normally doesn't wake until 7.30 so I usually change and feed him and we'll both go back to sleep for another hour! Needless to say this morning was a bit of a shock to the system, on all levels!

 

The Fitness Test today was tough but I got through it ok! I had to do squat jumps, push ups, star jumps and burpees. I'm unfit only because I got lazy in December so I felt every bit of it but I struggled on through! I don't want to be sore tomorrow so I've done all of my stretches and had my protein shake following the workout. 

Each morning I take a wheatgrass shot. It comes in powder form from holland & Barratt (I'm sure that you can get it from any health food shop). I find that this wakes me up and refreshes me immediately. It definitely boosts my immune system and sets me up for the day. I take the wheatgrass just before I exercise.

My Stats

 

I'm going to be completely honest with you (much as it pains me) and let you all know my statistics. There's no point in me doing this if I'm going to disguise the truth and not be honest and . It's more motivation for me and hopefully for you too! 

Posting my stats will allow for comparison each Monday. I will update them weekly. So here are my stats for Day 1:

Weight - 13stone

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 28.7

Thighs - 27.5 inches

Bottom - 47 inches

Hips - 43.5 inches

Waist - 41 inches

Chest - 38 inches

Arms - 13.5 inches

 

I've been hiding from the scales for weeks now and the above stats prove why! I'm so disappointed in myself that I've slipped back so much. I have alot of work to do to get back down and stay down. It's scary because my BMI shows that I am over weight and my waist line is a full 6 inches over what is recommended.

 

Here's hoping that there will be a huge change in these figures next Monday!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee xx

Crawl-climb-walk-run-sprint...to the finish line

2015 is going to be my year! That's a big statement but for once in my life I am adamant that it will become fact and not a figment of my vivid imagination.

My 2015 goals are as follows:

• Run 10 miles by April
• Lose 2 stone by my sisters wedding in September
• Do 8 hill walks/mountain climbs

Now this seems like a huge task and you might even say that I'm a dreamer but I KNOW that I can do it!

Background

To give you some background, 2014 was a year full of challenges and full of firsts! I had my first baby, the beautiful Colin (of course I'm not biased!!!!!), in June. Following this I decided to set some goals for myself so as to not get "lazy". With that being said I signed up to do my first climb of Galteemore, 2 and a half months after my son was born, and to run the 5k with Ray in Limerick 10 days later! This all seemed achievable but it was not without some obstacles along the way.

I climbed Galteemore with my lovely sister, Orla, and a number of friends. It was tough but so unbelievably worth every excruciating step. The feeling at the top was so fulfilling.

Bump in the Road

Colin's christening was the following Saturday and as normal I did my 3 days of running training in preparation for the 5k with Ray on the following Wednesday. Of course, thanks to Murphy's Law, one of the tables at the christening, with all of the dinner plates piled high, collapsed and landed on my toe! I cried but not so much with the pain more so knowing that I probably wouldn't be able to run the 5k!

I'm not going to go into the gory details but I ran the 5k, or bits of it, and managed to damage my toe even further so putting a halt to my running training and general motivation for 3 weeks. It was during these 3 weeks of feeling sorry for myself that my moral and self extreme suffered. Old feelings resurfaced and created a negative atmosphere everywhere I went!

The Turnaround

I applied to take part in the "Drop A Dress Size" Challenge with  Fit Man Fran on The RTE Today Show. By some miracle one of the researchers called me and so my weight loss/health lifestyle journey began. I lost 10lbs and 15 inches of body fat on the program! To say I was delighted was an understatement! It made me realise that I have the will-power and determination to keep going.

Through the whole process I met my partner in crime, Eimear. Considering that we had never met before this, it's unreal how much we clicked! During the challenge we motivated and supported each other and weirdly it was almost like we were in sync! 

When I lost 2 lbs so did she or when she lost nothing neither did I! We both have very different shapes and have different goals but our ultimate aim is the same, to become a healthier and fitter version of ourselves!

Reaching my Goals

So initially the plan was to take part in Fit Man Fran's 12 Week Challenge but this is now not to be. I really don't want to be negative towards anyone or business but let's just say when you promise to commit to something then you should follow through on those promises otherwise people will lose respect for you quite quickly!

Eimear and I have been in regular contact and we both feel that each other is a huge support so we have devised a new plan. We will start, on Monday 12th January following the Operation Transformation plan in order to reach our goals. Eimear will be blogging about her journey also. Her blog is Chirps From A Little Red Hen.

Each Monday I will be tracking my progress so please join me on my journey.

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Never let anyone take your glam or dull your glow!

Why is the first blog post always the hardest to write? It's the same with sending an email or text message to someone for the first time. Maybe that's just me but taking the initial first step is always the hardest! So here goes...

I have always kept a diary, possibly as some form of support and comfort but I have now decided to branch into the big bad world of blogging. This is, on one hand so exciting but so terrifying on the other hand.

This is blog is a fun approach to my lifestyle as a 30 something new mom, beauty therapist/makeup artist, office manager and so many other things! This is me and I hope that you will join me and enjoy my journey to Glam & Glow!

Until the next time, always remember to be:

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow!

Dee X

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