A helping hand…

This challenge I took upon myself started out as a novel idea to raise funds for Foodbank South Africa but on this journey I found more than the satisfaction of being able to help and I’ve come to the realisation that one person, performing a simple act, can indeed initiate the ripples of change.

As I’m writing this blog, there are so many things that I’d like to share with everyone but time does not afford me that luxury to expand on the details. So, I’ll start with what this race meant to me. It taught me about courage, endurance and hope.

I was quite nervous on the morning of the race, particularly because this was the one race where I felt that I must achieve my goals so as not to disappoint my generous donors. On this race, I was joined by Faizel and my sister, Sharmilla. My goal for this challenge has always been to beat the 1H30 mark and as we jogged along, the first 5km gave me hope that I could actually accomplish that. We completed our first 5km in about 44 minutes and then we hit a long uphill which slowed me down. I found the next 5km extremely difficult as I struggled with stomach pains, the pains were sharper as I tried to jog faster.

We approached the 8km mark and I started going even slower and Sharmilla would have none of that. This was not her goal or her journey but she urged me on to finish the race in the best time possible regardless of the fact that she suffered some back pain during the race. She offered a "helping hand" and made me run towards the entrance of the MTN Expo Centre. Through all our races we’ve been on, we’ve built a stronger bond between us and I guess the sibling rivalry has also resulted in us trying to achieve more. At the finish line, I broke away from her “death grip” and ran ahead of her, just so I can claim to have gone faster than her. I was drained and ready to fall down but happy to see the finish line.

I accomplished my personal best on this race and our time was 1:34:34, at first I was disappointed that I didn’t make my time, but the more I thought of where I was and where I am at now, the more pride I felt. I pulled out all my medals and donned some “medal bling” when I came back home, this was the culmination of all my efforts and all the obstacles I’ve gone through.

For this year, I’ve completed 6 races, and improved my time overall by approximately 15 minutes. My weight has decreased by 10% of my overall weight and I am healthier. Who knows what the next challenge will be? Thank you to everyone who made a difference to my life and who so generously donated. Thank you also to Sheila from "Do it 4 Charity" Organisation and to Foodbank South Africa for allowing me to provide a helping hand in a very small way.

Regards

W

The final countdown...

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Its a few days before the Soweto Nedbank 10km Challenge and I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, thinking of all the times I had to eat a healthy alternative instead of chips, of all the times I didn't feel like going to gym and but actually went, but most of all, the difference between this attempt to lose weight and my last one, was all the words of encouragement and advice I've received. Thank you to all of you who were part of this challenge in some way or the other.

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My last race was the Spar Ladies' Challenge, and as you all know by now, Faizel has always been by my side at each and every race, except for this one (for obvious reasons).

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I wasn't alone though (amongst the 7000+ ladies), my sister and niece had taken part in this race too. In an attempt to make Faizel proud of me, I decided that I was gonna put in 110% into this race. My race started well, as I broke away from my sister and niece and created a nice little lead. I was proud of myself, listening to the thumping music on my mp3 player and running with purpose! Then I made a"blapsie"! I was following the runners in the 5km race and not the 10km :( As soon as I realised this, a wave of panic hit me and thought about just continuing with the 5km runners, my conscience didn't allow me to follow through with that plan, so I turned around, and like a fish swimming upstream, had to run back the way I came.

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When I reached the correct 10km route, I couldn't help feeling so stupid for making such a silly mistake. And then, in the distance, I saw my sister and niece again! I've never been as happy on a race as I was on that day, and I pushed myself a little bit harder to catch up with them. When I eventually caught up with them and told them what I'd done, we all had a good laugh and decided to run together (at least until we reached the sportsclub where we made a dash for it to claim winner status). Another awesome feeling is having fellow runners, wait for you at the finish line and spurring you on, thanks Martha!

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Just goes to show, that I really do need Faizel around at my races. Over and above being my motivation, my pace setter, my paparazzi, he's my guide too!

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W

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PS: This is my penultimate update, next week I will write about my attempt to break the 1h30 mark!

My week in pictures...

I had a super busy and exciting week, so I won't exhaust you (and myself) by describing where I've been and what I did. All I can say is that I'm on a high...

Bottom line: 81kg...

Guess who's back! :)

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Its been 6 weeks since my last update, and you'll be forgiven for thinking that I fell off the bandwagon (again). I've been away due to religious reasons, I was observing the month of Ramadaan and as you all know that this is a very holy and strenuous time, not only on the body but on the mind too. For me, Ramadaan is a time to reflect and implement the changes that we make during this holy month and carry it through to the rest of the year. What have I learnt? That a little bit of patience goes a long way and that our bodies really only needs a little to be satisfied.

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On 24 September 2009, I celebrated my heritage by doing the Clearwater Mall "Flat One" 10km. As we entered the parking area, we heard the MC of the event announcing that the only flat kilometre is the one inside the mall. We thought he was joking but later found out that in fact he was telling the truth, so much for being a "Flat One"! As you'll notice from the pics, that I'm not wearing my usual shy smile...it was not what I expected to be and being out of practice for 5 weeks, I can honestly say that it was one of the tougher 10km's I've done.

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Last week I went clothes shopping for a very special occasion. You can imagine being a + size customer for years, one would find this task quite difficult, not to mention frustrating. Two months ago I saw this stunning cocktail dress at one of the major department stores and tried it on. It looked good but it was a bit of a snug fit. I decided not to buy the dress as I was convinced that I would never really fit into it.
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So when I received the invitation, I knew that this particular dress I tried on a while back would be perfect for the occasion, so I went out hunting for the dress. My nearest branch did not have this dress and after enquiring at a few other shops, I became desperate. When they told me there might be stock in Pietersburg my eyes lit up with hopes that there's still a chance. However, the dress would've taken 3 weeks to get to JHB. I was so desperate, I even asked Faizel how long it would take to go to Pietersburg and back...

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The saga continued when I went to another branch, I looked at their sale items and at their end of range items. When I found the dress, I hopped, skipped and jumped all the way to Faizel, who willingly helped me search for the dress. I tried it on, being skeptical that it would fit. To my surprise, it was a perfect fit and it had transformed me. I felt like royalty and judging by the way Faizel looked at me, I think he saw his princess.

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This was my gauge that I had lost weight over the last 6 weeks. I have weighed myself and the numbers are looking good. My weight now is 80 kg.

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Thank you all for supporting me through the ups (the hills I encounter in my life) and the downs (the downward trend of my weight loss). Watch this space for pics in my new dress...

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W

Dance as though no one is watching you...

On Saturday I went out with a couple of girlfriends clubbing, and boy did I shake what my Momma gave me :) With all the dancing I did, I shook off an extra 200g and now I'm at 83.5 kg.

I love dancing, I have a passion for it. A couple of years ago, I would never have stepped out on a dance floor so boldly. I was shy coz I have a lot of wobbly bits and thought people would laugh at me. I created excuses & "obstacles" of why I should not do something that I obviously love doing so much. So, like any other normal person, I was a "closet dancer", I would only dance in front of my mirror at home (uh, maybe thats not so normal).

Come to think of it, there are other instances in my life where I purposefully waited for something to happen before I could really be happy. I would say: "I would be happy if we can move out of Eldos, I would be happy if I had a car, I would be happy if I could finish my degree, I would be happy if I get a promotion." And yes, while all those things did make me happy (and I thank Allah for all my blessings), the ultimate challenge was always "I would be happy if I was skinny". That is the one I would struggle with the most, it kept me behind socially.

Now with my confidence soaring more and more with each passing day, I find joy in dancing, whatever type of dancing it is, I will try it. I've learnt a few formal dances such as Rumba, Salsa, a bit of Vienese Waltz, as well as a little bit of Fox Trot. I am far from perfect but I feel alive when I move! I've tried belly dancing, and I enjoy the wonders of the female form and we even did an "old school" line dance in the club of all places...though I don't think the other chicks appreciated it much that me, Vee and Dee took over the dance floor ;)

So people, why wait? Why do we not follow our hearts and do what makes us happy? I am happy that I am able to walk, run, and dance, despite the shape of my body not being ideal. One of my favourite quotes are: "Dance as though no one is watching you. Love as though you have never been hurt before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth." by William Purkey.

W

Perseverance is not a numbers game...

If you have been an avid follower of this blog, you will know that there are ups and downs throughout the last few months but always brought to you in a manner that keeps the light burning for the following week, but being human, I know we all look forward to the weight loss number, and the story that goes along with the number.

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Allow me to be a guest blogger this week and give a little insiders view.

I have been with Wardieya on all the races (seen here on our very first race, Discovery WTT 2007) and most other outdoor training sessions, acting as the paparazzi or the "support human" (carrying her water, tissues and whatever else my pockets or hands can accommodate) or the pace setter or just the guy that’s near when she is there. So I have seen the progress and the setbacks up close and in person and of course waited like most to find out what the latest numbers are for this week, but as with most journeys (and 10km races) the numbers that we pass on the side of the road remind us only how far we have to go, but taking a look at the past few months I cant help but feel proud to know that we are closer to the finish than the start.

I have also been in the fortunate position to see what it means to get to that number, I have witnessed the blisters, the blisters on top of the blisters, and the blisters that come with their own personal assistants, the butterflies in the tummy at the beginning of races, and the butterflies at the end (these butterflies being a far more aggressive type) and a nose sometimes doing more running than her feet, but none can stand back for the way she lights up when showing off the medals, a sense of achievement that outlives all the transient pain.

But as we succeed the bar is raised and to get the same result becomes more difficult, the effort needs to increase, and sometimes the praise is less, as we the “numbers” audience become used to a certain level of success, its here were perseverance plays a role, knowing that whatever the outcome that the effort in itself is worth it, and the knowing that tomorrow presents another opportunity to at the very least persevere.

Faizel

"It's not a diet, it's a way of life"

I remember years ago when I first started "dieting", I was on quick-fix diet shakes that promised the heaven and earth (but only delivered the vacuum in between) and then moved on to eating plans, which only allowed for 5 provitas a day and fresh air and I even tried the "magic drops in liquid" diet, which didn't taste too good (now that would definitely put you off food). What I've come to realise, and though it's a clichè, that weight loss is not about dieting, its about changing your life. I've been through many changes recently, mostly physical but mentally too. My state of mind has changed, from being too timid and shy in the distant past, to being confident, no matter what shape my body was in. The only way to lose weight, is through sensible eating and being active, dare I say that I even enjoy exercise.

When I embarked on this journey, I was expecting donations through Do it 4 Charity for Foodbank South Africa (thank you to all my donors), but what I received was far more precious than what money could offer. Through my writing, I found a voice; through my 10km races, I found friends; through my struggle, I found perseverence. Its this perseverence that made me hold out for so long and continue with my weight loss. It feels like I've found a way to sync my mind to my body. The more confident my mind is, the more I feel I can achieve physically, the more I achieve physically, the more confident I become.

Today marks the day that I broke the 84kg mark, though I lost only a little weight, I feel like a mountain has been lifted off my back. For weeks and weeks on end, I was drifting between 84kg and 84.9kg.

I'm at 83.7kg and feeling really good about losing almost 7kg. Its taking longer than expected, and I still have a long road to travel, but through all the motivation I receive, I'll find solace.

Next week, I'll be doing things slightly different on my blog, so stay tuned...

W

The Diva and the Pineapple.

So I did the Discovery Walk the Talk and there were thousands of people ahead of me, good news is that there were thousands of people behind me too :)

Faizel has this cool application on his cellphone, its called Sports Tracker and he makes sure that our training sessions and events are recorded each time.

He always sends me the stats and yes, Faizel is the one who takes all the pictures. Its like having my own paparazzi following me everywhere. This time I was spotted in the crowds with a "Peculiar Pineapple"...

I completed the Discovery WTT 8km course in the following times for the last 3 years respectively:

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2007 - 01:58
2008 - 01:31:53
2009 -01:29:03

I managed to shave off a whole 2 minutes 50 seconds from my previous year's time. My average pace was 9 min 29 sec per km as opposed to last year's 10 min 5s per km. I was so focused and intent on improving my time, that for a short while I was walking by myself ahead of Faizel and my family. They caught up with me when I reached the hills. From the attached stats, one can see that even though my fastest lap was 8min 20 sec per km in 2008, my lap times in 2009 was more consistent, except for at the start when one needs to find a gap to walk lest you make someone fall.

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The 8km event was fun to do and yet still challenging, and if I look back to where I've been and where I'm at now, I've come a long way. This is one way of staying positive, when all other progress, like losing a few grams seems so negligible. This week, I lost 400g, putting me now at 84.05kg. Another way to stay positive, is to think positive. I'm gonna think "sexy, gorgeous, voluptuous Diva"...I already have the paparazzi following me and my 2 seconds of fame on TV :)

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W

Battle of the Scales...

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Another week gone, another 450g down, I'm at 84.45kg, officially. Today, I had to wake up really early (and for those of you who know me, will know that I am NOT a morning person) to go to the gym, to weigh myself on the "official scale". I was at gym last night and forgot to do my weigh-in on the "official scale", but I did weigh myself on the "Virgin Healthzone scale" (just to accumulate points of course). I was shocked and started justifying why the scale suddenly went above 85kg, it was frustrating because as much as I had good food over the weekend, I had worked my backside off (you may take that literally) trying to increase my fitness levels.

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I actually went to gym twice last week, completed a 10km run/walk and had a 45 min squash session but yet, the weight loss is slow. Now one might argue that I'm building muscle (I know I am) or that it was the time of day that I weigh myself, use water retention as another reason or even mention that I was layered with too many clothes on the "Virgin Healthzone scale". But, just to confuse things a little more, I weighed myself on Faizel's little mechanical scale too over the weekend, and it said 82kg! Faizel congratulated me and said that its been a good week, but I was sceptical and was proven right...its not over until the Fat Lady has sung, or more appropriately, its not over until the Fat Lady gets on the "official scale"...

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So why do we do this to ourselves? We have this love-hate relationship with scales, we love the ones that show us what we want to see, and hate the ones that don't OR, we just don't get onto them at all. So, the battle may be lost on the scale, but the war is won by my reducing waistline!

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W

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...NOT! (It makes the hips grow wider)

Hi All,

I've been quiet for a while now, and not as diligent as I should be when it comes to the updates. Thanks to everyone who has enquired about my status and also motivated me to continue, I do appreciate that you're expressing an interest in my cause and in my life.

From my last update, I informed you all that I would go for the Vitality Health Assessment and a Zumba class. I kept true to my word and did both. From the results of the assessment, you'll see that I still have a long way to go in terms of getting fit and healthier. Not everything is doom and gloom, I thoroughly enjoyed the Zumba class and loved the rythms and the hips swaying and the busts moving seductively (picture Beyoncè and her most daring dance moves here).

I've been absent from gym for a while after my Zumba class and my absence made me pick up a little weight. I'm currently at 84.9 kg. I have started following a new work-out plan that incorporates cardio and weight training, this specially adapted for me by my biokineticist.

Yesterday, 12 July 2009, I completed my second Pirates 10km race. It was a good route, with uphills within the first 5km and then downhill for most of the second 5km. I didn't go as fast as I wanted to, but did keep a steady pace...jogging that is. I even managed to run uphill and have a conversation with Faizel and other passers-by (and they do pass me). The thing I enjoy most at these races are the camaraderie amongst all the people. The bonding between family, the people you often meet at other races, people on whom you've made such an impression, that they still remember you after a year (even if you don't remember them at first) and can compliment you on your weight loss (Thanks Linda!) and most of all, the organisers, cheering you on, getting excited when they see you working hard at it and shouting "Good on you girl, keep it up". My time for this 10 km is: 1h 44 min. On 26 July 2009, we'll be doing the Discovery WTT, its going to be fun because most of my friends will join me in the walk.

Till next week (I promise)...

W

Still going Strong!

Its only when one is sick, that you find true appreciation for your [relatively] healthy body.
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This week was the first week I didn't have to suffer with headaches and congestion and its amazing how one takes for granted one's limbs, physical and mental capability. So another entry in my gratitude journal is to be thankful that I can walk, run, play, swim and feel like I can fly. And, to treat my body with more respect than I have in the past. So to show my appreciation, I think I'll celebrate by attending a Zumba class this afternoon at my VA gym.
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The numbers are looking good, I lost another 900g over the last 2 weeks. I'm down to 84.5kg! It really does make a difference, when my niece, Kaashifa, makes comments like "When did you get so thin?"
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I've also booked a fitness assessment for next week with a VA Biokineticist, and I'm hoping to get closer to my goals by applying the information from the Biokineticist's report.
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Keep warm and safe.
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W

Jive for 5!

I broke through the 5kg mark, I am now at 85.4kg, and lost 0.9kg over the last week. I was alternating my meals and did a bit of work on my exercise ball (though I think I had more fun just bouncing on it).

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The most difficult part is to get myself to the gym or get ready for my jog but the results are sweeter than the sweetest koeksister...yes, I can say things now like chips, cake, cookies without craving for it all the time :)

Keep well all.

W

Mini Plateaus and Really Mini Triumphs

Hi All,
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So I've hit a "mini plateau", and only lost about 100g again this week. Seems I can't get away from the 80's. I'm now on 86.3 kg and really need to up my game (though its difficult to get myself to gym these days, especially when its so cold).
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I completed my first 400m "sprint" (if you can call it that) yesterday, without stopping to walk or rest. Though I started seeing spots when I tried to repeat my triumph second time around.
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I've also started doing some resistance training in conjunction with my cardio exercise. So despite the slow weight loss, I'm feeling better and looking better. In fact, I had noticed earlier this week that my stretch marks are disappearing...just imagine the stretch marks being an army of soldiers and an Army Sergeant shouting "Retreat men, pull back!!...Sir, Yes Sir!"
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Till next week.
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W

Slow Week

Its been a slow week for me. I lost only 100g. I tried my utmost best to stay on the straight and narrow, but the samoosas/chicken nuggets and sweet chilli sauce was too lekke at Shaahida's place :)
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I'm still trying to maintain my jog sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and now at work, we've started walking during our lunchtimes. The irony of it all is that the more I excercise, the more I feel hungry. I wake up hungry and try to supress the pangs, but every time the tune of Lilly Allen's lyrics plays in my head - "And I am a weapon of massive consumption and its not my fault its how I'm programmed to function" (from The Fear).
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At least I'm not afraid to try again and again, even when there's negative progress, it brings me to one of my all time favourite star's lyrics (Aaliyah, may her soul rest in peace): "And if at first you don't succeed, Then dust yourself off and try again, try again". But, before I break out in song and dance (on the desks), let me sign off.
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W
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PS: Thank you to those who show their continuing support, I've "recruited" a few more people to walk with me and I think we're gonna have a blast at the Discovery Walk the Talk!

Gratitude

My apologies for not updating you last week, I was away on holiday.

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I was aiming for that 5kg mark this week, but alas! It has eluded me. To date, I have lost a total of 4.15 kg! Yes people, I'm down to 86.5kg! Its not as much as I'd hoped for but still something to celebrate, I celebrate the fact that I'm healthier (my blood pressure has decreased), I notice the difference in the mirror and I'm still feeling positive and having fun at the same time.

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This week, I'd like to take a page out of my Gratitude Journal (I'm a big Oprah Fan):

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I'd like to thank everyone who made my birthday special, all the phone calls/sms'es/birthday wishes, the appropriate gifts (all relevant to my cause), the donations (though some of you struggled to donate, I appreciate the gesture), and then to those who stopped me from eating too much chocolate cake :)

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Then, I'd like to thank my sister, Sharmilla, for being such a worthy opponent. There's this little thing called "Sibling Rivalry" between us, and it doesn't matter how fast I run, she just runs faster! Well done on beating me in the Cradle of Humankind Race! On Sunday, 03 May 2009, I managed to improve my time for the 10km race by 8 minutes (1h 49min to 1h 41min), but Sharmilla just managed to get in there before me.

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Also, a special thanks to Chaneen, who offered those words of encouragement during the race. Hope to see you at the next one!

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Have a beautiful week ahead, till next week.

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W

Entourage

Since tomorrow is a public holiday, I'd like to give my update to you a day earlier. I'm into my 3rd week of the challenge now and I'm happy...no, relieved, that the number on the scale is down to 87.8 kg! That's a weight loss for this week of 1.2 kg, bringing my total weight loss to 2.85kg. I'm more or less on track with where I want to be and I can see the results, especially around my waist.

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This week, I had lots and lots of support. My long time friend suggested we jog around the stadium in our area and we've recruited a few more ladies to join us today. It's actually a brilliant idea: We complain that we don't get to see each other often enough and that work and personal commitments keep us too busy. This way, we're doing something constructive as well as spend time together...thanks Noby!

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Also, on Sunday, I had my own "Entourage" :) My nieces, Kareema aged 19 and Kaashifa aged 12, also showed their support by joining me on my weekly Emmerentia training sessions. Despite all the ups and downs during this session, I managed to finish 3.7km in 38 minutes 55 seconds. That is, 2minutes 30seconds less than my work out on 13/04/2009. As always, Faizel was there to hook me up to all his gadgets and cheer me on!

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Be safe and have a good vote tomorrow...till next week!

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PS: Don't forget to please sponsor my cause. Do it 4 Charity has a celeb fundraiser...to find out who it is, browse the Do it 4 Charity website a bit more after you've read my update.

Challenges over the Easter weekend.

Hi All,

I'm accountable for my actions and since I made my weight challenge public, I owe it to the people who support me an update. So, here I am, telling you about the challenges I faced over the Easter weekend.

First off, I want to congratulate everyone who took the challenge with me, and thank my friends and family for their ongoing support.

Over the Easter weekend I asked myself "How does one maintain a diet and still get involved in social events?" The answer I now know is with a strong will and a lot of determination, something which I lacked this weekend, but aspiring to achieve through the next few months.

To recap, last week I lost 1.85kg, which put me at a weight of 88.80 kg. This week however, I picked up a whole 200g! I'm back at 89.00 kg and feel like I have to start all over again. That's the thing about changing your lifestyle. It has to be one day at a time.

The whole weekend wasn't lost though - I started my training again on Sunday. We were out at Emmerentia Dam early on Sunday morning and went for what I thought was a gentle walk. However, I was nudged a bit to do a bit more (thank you Faizel), and I ended up doing a brisk walk and worked up a bit of a sweat. I did 3.7km in 40min 58sec.

I knew I had to "catch up" on exercise (especially since Craig's mantra is "Eat Less, Walk More"), so I decided to do it again on Monday morning. This time, I thought I could beat my previous time by jogging instead of walking. I thought I did pretty well, and according to the heart rate monitor that Faizel let me use, I was in the "fat burning zone" for most of the time. However, not being as fit as I should, my recovery times were longer for jogging and because I wanted to rest a bit more under the Wild Cherry tree (its tough), my times was a bit worse than on Sunday. I completed 3.7km in 41min 25sec.

Immediately after the jog I thought "What's the point?". But every little bit helps, even just taking a walk across the street to the shops makes a difference.

So the moral of today's update is: "Instead of giving yourself reasons why you can't, give yourself reasons why you can." If I can get out there, jog and try (eventually I'll succeed), so can you...

The First week.

So the first week has passed, I must admit it was mind over matter, or should that be snacker :) This week was so hard coz I had to resist the temptations of easter eggs, good food at my friend's wedding, Simba chips at work and chilli bites (okay, i had a few of those to soothe my cravings). After all of that, I still made it! I lost 1.85 kg in my first week...its still a long road ahead, and to those of you who are taking the challenge with me, keep strong.

Initial Response

The response to my call for support is overwhelming!  I aim to lose approximately 1kg per week. As per my dietician's advice, anything more than 1kg per week would be unhealthy.  I'll post my weight on a weekly basis to keep you all updated.
W