Four workouts per week, as well as walking to and from work, is enough energy going out for me to start to feel results.
It's little things I'm noticing, not visible to anyone else yet but there, quietly egging me on.
For example: Five weeks ago pulling on a pair of jeans required a pair of pliers in one hand (trying to pull up the zipper) while lying on the bed.
I would be quick to swap them for track pants ASAP.
Now the zip glides up, I even noticed the sound the zip made when it was granted a smooth run, music to my ears.
I have chosen not to drink alcohol during the early phases of this challenge.
Not easy for me, but the calories and the sabotage the effects of a few wines would have on my regime just aren't worth it.
Down the track I will have the freedom to live in moderation, for now I need focus and encouragement.
I mentioned to Nick, from Let's go Fitness, that there was a quiz night fundraiser my friends and I were going to and I knew they wouldn't be shy in having a few wines.
Faced with temptation, and expecting I'd feel quite alienated not drinking, Nick gave me a pep talk.
He said if my friends choose to eat and drink in excess they will probably feel like rubbish when they wake up, while I would feel energised and ready to tackle the day.
The quiz night was really enjoyable.
No alcohol touched my lips, and I learned something.
You can choose not to drink in social situations and still have fun.
Oh, and Germany shares borders with nine other European countries.
Nick was right.
I did wake up feeling good, and slightly pleased with myself.
Why not, that was monumental for me, foreign ground, a real test and I passed.
It was a real wintry Dunedin day, perfect for doing indoor activities.
I asked my 7-year-old son if he'd like to bake with me.
He enthusiastically jumped at the offer.
I put on 25 Greatest Country Heartbreakers, which shooed away all non-bakers (note to self).
We dusted off the cake mixer, cranked it and the stereo up, and danced around the kitchen like there was no-one watching, singing the words to the songs I'd grown up with, Gabe wearing his onesie, and me in my jeans!
Yee-ha!
The Back on Track column is written by ODT photographer Christine O'Connor.
