Walking in The Beautiful Burren

Yesterday saw the first of my New Years resulolution walks/climbs. My sister, Orla, and I left early and headed for The Burren Trails, near Kilnaboy in North Co Clare.

We firstly followed the Blue Route (Mullaghmore Loop). It is 7.5K in total and is estimated to take 2hrs 55mins. It is classed as very difficult remote/ upland. 

We then followed the GreenArrow  Route (Nature Trail). It's is a moderate 1.5K walk and is estimated to take 40mins. In total we walked/climbed 9K in 2 hrs 55mins!

The trails are extremely well marked. We found that every time we were unsure of our way, there was a trail marker just ahead. They are suitable for any novice. 

 

We are by no means super climbers or super fit but we found the trails relatively easy. I think this is probably because the trails are not too long or too high a climb. Mullaghmore is classed as a hill because it is 180 Ft. Anything over 610m is generally classed as a mountain.

The trails range from moderate to very difficult with a climb of between 20m and 140m. There are some obstacles to climb along the way and you always need to watch your step as some rocks can be loose and there are holes along the ground. We luckily had no problems and enjoyed the 2 routes. 

The weather in general was lovely, although we did get caught in one hail shower. It passed quickly and we managed to get some shelter. It was quite windy but we really didn't notice until we were at the very top. I nearly fell a few times, mainly when I was trying to take photos!

The trails themselves were quiet, we only met a couple of people on the way up but by the time we got back down and walked back to the car, there were more people and cars visible.

I took my hiking poles with me but I found that I didn't need them. The one thing that was a must for me was my hiking boots. The ground was unpredictable in places and these boots definitely saved my ankles. As I've mentioned before I am by no means a professional and my boots were bought in Lidl last year but I have found them great for my needs.

We enjoyed our morning of climbing so much that we are planning another trip to walk all other routes! The routes that we still need to do are:

Yellow Route (Slieve Carron)

Brown Route (Slieve Carron)

Red Route (Mullaghmore Traverse)

Green Route (Mullaghmore Return)

Orange Route (Knockaunroe Turlough)

Purple Route (Lough Avalla Farm Loop)

We got back to the car by lunch time so once we had changed and had some lunch, we headed 5K further up the road to the house featured in Fr Ted! It's a private residence so we just took a couple of photos from the entrance. We did see a number of cars drive in to get photos beside the house. A number of people peered in the windows too! There is a big sign on the gate saying "Private" so I shocked that those people felt it ok to look in the windows! Maybe their excitement took over, who knows?!!!

If you fancy a nice day out and something that is different then I cannot recommend The Burren highly enough. We had such a great morning in the outdoors. Its so calming and peaceful up there. We looked like we were taken straight off the posters for Lidl and Aldi but we didn't care! It's all about the experience and we loved every second of it. It helps too that I'm not one bit stiff today, thanks to my stretching after the hike!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 6

It's Monday and I'm going to keep it short this week. I really just want to update you on how I've gotten on!

My Results & Stats

So here are my results for this week:

Weight - 12 stone 4lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 27 (Down from 27.3 2 weeks ago)

Thighs - 26 - lost 1/2 inch.  

Bottom - 44.5 -  lost 1/2 inch

Hips - 42 lost 0 inches

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 38 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

I have not lost any weight and did not reach my target of 2lbs. I knew that at some stage during this 6o Day Challenge, that I would not lose weight and it has happened this week! I have really noticed a difference in my muscle definition, in particular in my legs. Because of all of this I am not too upset that I didn't lose the 2 lbs as I am building muscles and tightening up all over. I have lost 1/2 an inch on both my thighs and bottom so that's the positive that I am going to take from the past week

Food & Exercise

The food plan is the same as in last weeks post. It is very manageable and easy to follow. This week also sees the start of lent and so every year I give something up for the duration of lent so this year will be no different. So I will be giving up all things sugar related! This will benefit the 60 Day Plan too!

Exercise wise I will continue on the route to my aim of completing the 10 miles by April. Along with this I will do a 20 minute routine, 5 days this week. I ran the 4 mile route, near to my house, on Sunday. I ran 2.5 miles, walked for 1/2 mile and ran the last mile. To be honest I found it tough and I was so annoyed with myself for walking that 1/2 mile but I have to look at the positive and that is that the last mile of the run was all uphill and I did it!

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 6 

 

I'm going to set myself the same short term goals for this week because I did not reach either goal last week so I feel that it is important for me to try to reach it this week.
 

So here are my short term goals for this week:

Run the 5 mile ring without stopping!

Lose 2lbs

 

I hope you are all with me this week. I know todays post is short and to the point but there is not need for me to ramble on and on. 

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Versatile Blogger Award

Versatile Blogger Award

Before I get started I would like to thank Eimear from Chirps From A little Red Hen for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger Award! It’s always a great way of getting my blog out there so thanks again Eimear. You are a huge supporter of mine and I also of yours!

The rules for The Versatile Bloggers Award can be found here! 

7 Things About Me!

        1.

         I have one sister and one brother,        and I am the middle child!

        2.

         I am named after my father. He is Denis Jude an I am Denise Judith. I am the 4th DJ within the                           family!

         

3.

By day I work for a frozen food company in Limerick so most days I am surrounded by foods of all types, it’s a tough job!

4.

I have 2 dogs called Berry and Ozzie. They are black Labradors and are brother and sister. My husband’s parents own their brother, Rex!

5.

I have done a sky-dive, bungee jump and white water rafting, all while living in Australia.

6.

I am avery shy person and I tend to get swallowed up when in large groups of people. I am much more comfortable in smaller groups. Once I know everyone in the group I usually begin to feel more at ease and will then join in on the chat more easily!

7.

I wore glasses up until I was 12 years of age. One pair of glasses that I had were bright pink, and looking back now, were hideous, but I loved them!!!!

According to the rules I must nominate 15 Blogs/Bloggers but to be honest I do not know 15 bloggers to nominate as I am new to the blogging world and almost all of the other blogs that I know and follow, have been nominated previously.However, I will nominate the below:

Annie Edwards of Make My Day

Thank you again Eimear for the nomination it was another fun challenge!

Until the next time, always remember to be: 

Dee-Termined To Glam & Glow

Dee x

Monday Motivation Week 5

Monday Monday! It's like Groundhog Day isn't it?! The weekends are just too short! For me the "fear" and that feeling of dread, sets in on a Sunday evening, knowing that I have work in the morning. I know that I'm not alone in my thinking though! Lately I think that I'm begining to dread Mondays because it's "Results" day but at on the other hand I've been doing so well that I shouldn't dread it. It's the fear of the unknown I suppose!!!

My Results & Stats

Enough rambling from me now and let's have a look at my results for this week. Once again the target that I set for myself was to lose 2lbs and I'm delighted to say that I did it! 

In total I am down 10lbs, since I started on the 12th of January, and it's the first week that I have recieved compliments as a direct result of my weight loss. A number of people commented on how well I was looking so naturally I was thrilled! It gave me such a boost and gave me the drive to keep going.

So here is how I have done this week:

Weight - 12 stone 4lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 27 (Down from 27.3 last week)

Thighs - 26.5 - lost 0inches.  

Bottom - 45 -  lost 0 inches

Hips - 42 lost 0 inches

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 38 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 0 inches

So even though I've lost the 2lbs, my inch loss is 0. This is disappointing but I know that I'm still doing well. Next week there will, hopefully, be more inches lost. I'm going to stick to the plan as much as possible and that should bring results!

Food Plan

This week the food plan is very similar to last week, white meat only, with salads, eggs, fruit and veg. It's actually quite easy to manage because I'm allowed 1 cheat meal so I generally keep that for the weekend and it's such a treat. I find that I appreciate meals like fajitas, lasagne, shepards pie etc, more when I dont indulge as much!

Exercise

 

Now that the Run Clare Series has begun I am focusing hard on my running training. I run Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. I like to run for approx 30 mins on Tuesday, do my interval training on Thursday and keep my longer run for Saturday. Last Saturday I ran the Killagholehane Way from the Broadford-Ashford walking Trails. This is a lovely scenic 6K run/walk and I ran the full thing in 40mins, which I was delighted about!

The exercise plan for this week is similar to the last few weeks, 20 minute intensive routine 5 days this week along with running training 3 days. I'm also hoping to plan a hill climb at the weekend on one of the local walking trails.

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 5 

 

So as I mentioned in last weeks Post I tend to hit my "wall" quite early when I'm out for a run. One of my goals was to work on this so I will keep working on this. On Saturday's run I hit my wall around the 2.5K mark so I just turned up the volume on my headphones and pushed on! I tried not to think about stopping, instead running to the beat of the music. I am happy to report that it worked for me! 

So here are my short term goals for this week:

Run the 5 mile ring without stopping!

Lose 2lbs

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 x

Monday Motivation Week 4

Another Monday is here upon us, the weeks are just flying by. Another Monday means analysing the week just gone and analysing my results, of course. Last week was a good week for me so I'm feeling extra positive for a Monday!

My Results & Stats

The target that I set for myself was to lose 2lbs and I smashed it! I'm am delighted! I really didn't think that I would lose anything because I'm at the stage of my training where I can see muscle definition, in my legs in particular, and as we all know muscle weighs heavier! I'm loving these subtle changes because my clothes are now starting to look and feel more comfortable. 

So here is how I have done this week:

Weight - 12 stone 6lbs

Height - 5ft 7

BMI - 27.3 (Down from 27.7 last week)

Thighs - 26.5 - lost 0 inchs

Bottom - 45 -  lost 1/2 inch

Hips - 42 lost 1 inch

Waist - 40.5 lost 0 inches

Chest - 38 lost 0 inches

Arms - 13 lost 1/2 inch

Although my inch loss is not to great I know that this is because I am building muscle but I love seeing the changes, yes they might be slow to come but I'm trying to do this in the healthiest way possible. It's so motivating seeing the numbers going down each week and I'm now finding that my stamina, when exercising, has hugely improved. 

Those size 12 jeans are within reach! I'm just filled with positivity today, considering that it's Monday!!  

Food Plan

This week the food plan allowed me to reintroduce white meat and fish and to have 1 cheat meal. This was a huge bonus and gave me a boost. My cheat meal was fajitas on Friday night, at my lovely mother-in-laws house and I enjoyed every bite! 

I'm now finding that I'm not craving sweet things as much but if I do get a mad craving for chocolate I'll just have some granola and natural yoghurt. I don't eat a huge amount as there is sugar in the granola but what I do eat is enough to kill any craving. So far that's what has worked for me so I'm going to stick to that.

Exercise

 

As per yesterday's post, I took part in Race 1 of the Run Clare Series, on Saturday. It was 5K which I completed in 34.51 minutes. Now to more seasoned runners I'm sure that this is brutal but for me personally it's a great achievement because I wanted to do it in under 35 minutes.

This week will see me running training 3 days, in order to build myself up to the 5 mile run in Quilty in 2 weeks. I will also do 4 20min intensive workout routines. I will allow my body to rest on Wednesday and Sunday because I don't want to over do it.

 

My Short Term Goals – Week 4

 

This week I want to focus on building myself up for the 5 mike run. I will be running training Tuesday and Thursday as normal and then I will attempt a longer run on Saturday. I do tend to struggle with hitting my "wall" quite early, when running, so I want to work on mental exercises to help push through this.

So here are my short term goals for this week:

Complete a long run on Saturday - 4 miles

Lose 2lbs
Train my mind not to hit the "wall" too early

Communication Issues

I hate to give out because I feel that the negativity gets me nowhere in life but sometimes everyone needs a rant! Here goes (I hope you are prepared!).

As I've previously explained, I'm doing the 60 day plan with Fit Man Fran, having previously had huge success doing his 30 day challenge. Just before I started the plan Fran had agreed that he would email the food plan, on a Wednesday or Thursday, for the following week and would post 2 days worth of exercises at least 24hours in advance. Unfortunately I have spent more time chasing after him for the information. It's very frustrating because I work full time as well as having a 7 1/2 month old baby, I don't have time to constantly beg for the information required, in order to plan ahead.

Now I do believe in his plans and I know from personal experience that they do work so that's why I'm so frustrated. Who knows maybe he has too much going on in his life but if so I wish he would say something instead of ignoring my messages and comments. I sent the below comment last night but I got no reply (the exercises were posted at 12 last night, which was too late for me to plan for today).

Maybe I'm being to harsh but I'm frustrated because I'm giving 100% to the plan but I don't feel that I'm getting the same in return! Anyway that's my rant over, I'm not letting my positivity get affected by it!

My final thought is this: I will mentally train myself to see the below vision (much to the annoyance of my husband) at the finish line of every race, surely it'll make me run faster!!!

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 x

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