This is was what happened when I dragged out the cobweb-covered scales, now I have completed week two. Now keep in mind this is not about weight loss, but any fat that decides to vacate my body is more than welcome to do so. I was thrilled to see I had lost 2kg since the start of this challenge.
After my great morning I thought I would tackle a solo 18km road bike. The wind was so strong I had to hold on for my dear life, but I have been told a little secret from a local iron man - you must train in all weather as on the day of the event it may not be ideal conditions.
I really had to keep this in mind as I felt like I was either going to end up in the ditch or pass out from exhaustion.
The next day, MJ and I headed out for our kayak session. It was blowing a gale again, but we got our gear on and got ready to head out on to the lake. As I turned to my kayak, the first thing I saw was its evil mouth ready to snack on my shrinking middle section.
I got in without tipping into the lake and started to paddle. I must say I was scared and nervous as the wind was blowing me into the shore. MJ got us to a sheltered spot and away we went, paddling back and forth.
This is my favourite discipline and I would love to continue with it after this event. We were paddling for a good hour and I am getting up my confidence.
On Friday morning, I decide to get packed for my night away and give up on any type of training. However, I have packed some baked fish and a nice salad for dinner. I have a feeling this will all go out the window and we'll just have a large night out.
So we complete our work meeting and we all head to the bowling club - can this count as some type of training?
Sunday is a new day and MJ, my wonderful trainer, informs me we are going to bike to Arrowtown - it was another one of those "Hell no" moments. I agree to ride one way, so we set off. I am nervous but yet so glad I am pushing myself out of my comfort zones.
I pushed through the pain and then hit the downhill (my favourite) and flat sections. In no time we had made it to Millbrook and were having a much deserved break. As we sat there enjoying the sun and coffee I decided that, as I had made it this far, I might as well cycle back to Arthurs Point.
This was not only going to burn off Friday night's bender, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would have never happened if I hadn't decided to take up this challenge.
My last down for the week was reached on Monday when I had to head to the dentist, so there was no training planned for that day. Going to the dentist really takes a lot for me so I take the whole day off, go through the ordeal and then head home for a hot date with my couch.
As I sit here writing this, I have great plans of running around Lake Hayes tonight. I have never attempted the whole thing, but this event has really pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and, to my surprise, I really can do a lot more than I thought possible.
So, Queenstown ladies, dust off that bike, find that old swimsuit and dig in the back of your closet for your running shoes. Join me on the mission to complete this event. Remember, it's not about winning or losing, it's about being part of a great community event and improving your fitness levels.
