Lady Witch - Hero Training 1 (CTPT part 2)

[LadyWitch]

It's time to knuckle down and get my 'hero' on! It's now only 14 weeks until the PT course starts, and I've not really made much progress in my own health/fitness/fat loss journey. So Hero training begins now!

My last challenge was a bit chaotic, as I had a week holiday and my birthday. Did fairly well on the exercise front, but not so well on fuel (I’ve decided I’m not going to call it a ‘diet’ anymore!) I’m upping my run requirement to twice a week, which is kinda what I’ve been doing anyway, now it’s just official. I also want to step up my game on my fuel – My goals here are to meet my macro targets 5/7 days and to stop drinking Coke again. I’d done really well with this, I’d stopped completely for over a year, but it has slowly been creeping back in again. I keep telling myself that diet coke is better than, say, apple juice, or a non-diet drink, but it’s all excuses. So my aim here is to cut it out completely again. I will allow myself 3 strikes, as I’m only human, but no more than that. If I have a 4^th, then there’ll be a punishment (haven’t decided what yet, may consult with my hubby).

As of the 1^st August my gym will be opening half an hour earlier in the mornings, so I’m planning on being there for opening at 6am. I’ve been having to cut my workouts short (I’m following the Lift Like a Girl programme, and been skipping the ‘finisher’ each time) so I’m quite excited for that, if not for getting up even earlier… I’m going to start setting my alarm for 5.30 NOW, so that I’m used to it by then. I’m also going to start taking my yogurt to work with me, rather than forcing it down before hitting the gym. I’ve been getting really nauseas during my workouts (especially doing things like planks), so think doing them fasted will probably be a better option. I’ll then have my yogurt (which I have with a scoop of protein powder and a chopped banana) at work with my protein shake.

The week starting the 18^th July is a charity fundraising event at work. It’s a walking challenge and the person from each division who gets the highest step count wins an extra day of annual leave. I WANT that day! So for that week, I’ll going to skip my regular workouts and instead walk to work each day (and home again). Its 6 miles each way, so I should be able to clock 60 miles or more and should easily be over 15,000 steps each day. Thankfully there are showers at work, otherwise I wouldn’t even consider this! I’m hoping to do a ‘test walk’ this week, so I know how long it’s going to take me, should be about 2 hours each way… I figure if I can do a tough mudder then there’s no excuse for not being able to do this!

 Goals:

1: Meet macro targets 5/7 days

2: No coca cola

3: Workout 3x a week

4: Run 2 x a week

5: Spend at least 2 hours each week studying for the PT course.

Current measurements:

Weight: 14 st 4 lb

Chest: 41 in

Waist: 35 in

Hips: 45.5 in

R Thigh: 27.5 in

L Thigh: 27 in

R Bicep: 13.5 in

L Bicep: 13.5 in

[Ann of Owlshire]

Good luck with your goals! And I like your origin story on your character  I am... somewhat familiar with that journey myself.

 

One of the things I've discovered since I moved here was fizzy water with a touch of cordial or squash. It's not free, but it lets me get my carbonated drink fix (and water) with minimal damage. YMMV of course

[ScoutSays]

Following!  

[MichiruSedai]

I'm totally stealing that and calling it "fuel" too!  Good luck!!

[Teros]

Good idea on getting rid of the word 'diet'.  I look at it as food choice.  As in, I'm choosing what I want to use.  Same principle.

 

What was your rationale regarding diet coke vs apple juice?  I get apple juice and then cut it in half with water (once I'm detoxed from sugar).

 

 

[Leigh]

I'm with you on the down with diet coke attempt. I love the stuff, but it's bad for my teeth and the amount of chemicals in it vs actual fuel is scary.

 

I'm also insanely jealous that there are showers where you work. I would absolutely bike to work 8-9 months of the year if I could shower when I get there, but alas, unless I want to construct a barricade around the mop sink at work and hose off in there, I'm out of luck

 

What kind of protein/yogurt flavour combinations are you using? I've always had totally shit luck with making a good one that I can tolerate for more than a bite or two.

[LadyWitch]

On ‎12‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 9:18 AM, Ann of Vries said:

Good luck with your goals! And I like your origin story on your character  I am... somewhat familiar with that journey myself.

 

One of the things I've discovered since I moved here was fizzy water with a touch of cordial or squash. It's not free, but it lets me get my carbonated drink fix (and water) with minimal damage. YMMV of course

I generally stick to soda and lime when I'm out and about now, but even that's slipped lately! Started having lemonade and lime, and then slipped back into having coke with lime... So its back to zero tolerance for me!

 

On ‎12‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 9:09 PM, ScoutSays said:

Following!  

YAY!

 

On ‎13‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 2:43 AM, MichiruSedai said:

I'm totally stealing that and calling it "fuel" too!  Good luck!!

I hate the term 'diet' It should just mean 'what you eat' but now it generally means 'Restriction, misery and guilt'. So 'Fuel' is a far better term in my head

On ‎15‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 9:45 PM, Teros said:

Good idea on getting rid of the word 'diet'.  I look at it as food choice.  As in, I'm choosing what I want to use.  Same principle.

 

What was your rationale regarding diet coke vs apple juice?  I get apple juice and then cut it in half with water (once I'm detoxed from sugar).

 

 

I'm trying to only consume fruit in its whole form, as a lot of the nutrients get removed when you juice it. If I'm aiming for 'low sugar' then fruit juice is out

 

18 hours ago, Leigh said:

I'm with you on the down with diet coke attempt. I love the stuff, but it's bad for my teeth and the amount of chemicals in it vs actual fuel is scary.

 

I'm also insanely jealous that there are showers where you work. I would absolutely bike to work 8-9 months of the year if I could shower when I get there, but alas, unless I want to construct a barricade around the mop sink at work and hose off in there, I'm out of luck

 

What kind of protein/yogurt flavour combinations are you using? I've always had totally shit luck with making a good one that I can tolerate for more than a bite or two.

My teeth have been so much better since I cut it all out. My gums used to bleed every time I brushed them, and the number of fillings I've needed since I 'quit' are down drastically, so the last thing I want is to start back tracking!

 

I'm not a fan of cycling through the city, or I would bike to work. I'd much rather be on my own two feet, even if it does take twice as long! I may try it one day, just to see how bad it is though...

 

I have the soya almond yogurt (I know soy isn't NF approved, but its cheaper than the coconut milk yogurt and I can't have dairy) and mix a scoop of chocolate protein powder into it. I then slice up a banana and add that too. It's definitely an acquired taste, but its quick, easy and the only way I ever come close to my macro goals!

[LadyWitch]

Regular update time…

I didn’t lose any weight again this week. Have to admit to getting a bit frustrated by it all. My diet all week is pretty much clean, and although I slip a bit at the weekend, it’s never a huge amount or what I would consider ‘bad’. I track everything I eat/drink so am getting annoyed at it all. There’s a little voice in the back of my head that says ‘why bother if it’s not going to make any difference?’

I know that being active and eating good stuff is more important than just the reflection on the scale, but how do I keep that in mind when I’m constantly failing at my weight loss coal?! *sigh* I know I need to keep being consistent and I’ll eventually see results, but when will eventually arrive??

Anyway… My workouts were all on point last week. I met my macro goals most days. I only had diet coke on one day. And I spent parts of the weekend doing some much needed de-cluttering of my craft room. It’s still a long way to done (and the rest of the house needs it too) but at least I made a start.

I started today by walking to work. All six miles of it. Turns out that there are only 4 people in my division taking part in the charity challenge, and they’re all site based… So hopefully I should win the extra day. Which would come in handy as I’ve just booked a week off in November which uses up the last of my free days off. I have to hold 3 days in reserve for the Christmas shutdown period, although technically I could go into work, but as there won’t be any work to do, I’d rather just take the days off and chill with my cats.

Just been talking to my boss/work colleague about weight loss. She was asking if a pink and white wafer-thing was ok if it fit into her daily calories. When I asked what her goal was, she said 1100. A day. Everything I’ve read repeatedly says to not go below 1200. At an absolute minimum. I think I’ve managed to convince her to up it slightly, but she insists that its ‘the only thing that works’… Makes me want to hit my head on the desk. Repeatedly. *second sigh*

Think today is just going to be a struggle. I’m struggling to stay awake. I’m struggling to get any work done. I’m struggle to not dive face first into the birthday cake in the kitchen. I’m struggling to not beat my colleague around the head with my nutrition homework… All I want to do if go back to bed and hope that tomorrow is more productive.

I’ll try and do a circuit of everyones challenges this evening… It’s not something I’m good at remembering to do, so no promises!

...

[LadyWitch]

So step count total for Monday was 26854. I walked most of the way home after work, but it was sooooo hot that I felt like I was going to melt and/or pass out, so I jumped on a bus for about a mile. Was exhausted by the time I got home, drank a gallon of water and had a cold shower… Didn’t really make me feel better, but at least I was no longer soaked with sweat

Food was on-point. Macro’s were fairly close but I’m thinking I may need to drop my overall calorie target. Although with the amount of walking I’m doing this week, I’m thinking it may not be a good idea just yet. Will see how the rest of the week goes I guess, and tweak accordingly. But I’ve got to do something to kick start the weight loss, otherwise I’m going to get completely disillusioned and fall so off the wagon that I can’t even see it any more.

Despite the walking, I didn’t sleep well. Not sure if that was due to the heat, or change in schedule, or something else entirely, but it meant that I wasn’t feeling great when my alarm went off at 5.30am. But, I got up. I got dressed. I packed my bag and had my breakfast. And then I walked the 6 miles to work. Go me!

Just before lunch today I got called into the ‘big’ boss’s office. Part of my job as a construction administrator is to log faults with properties for the first 20 weeks after the customer has moved in. They call these faults ‘snags’. There was one customer who was complaining about snags not being dealt with. The site had informed me of 3 issues, which I had logged. They had then gone in to fix them, and found something else that needed doing. But they didn’t tell me. Therefore when they told me that they had completed the works, I closed down the issues on the system. Leaving the ‘new’ snag un-resolved. Now, it wasn’t my fault. Site should’ve informed me that there was a new snag. But being called into the boss’s office and grilled about the procedures (I’ve only been doing the job for a couple of months) was enough to trigger a tear-fest. I cry at any strong emotion, and due to the abuse I suffered as a kid I have issues with men in authority scaring the crap out of me… So not a good combo. I ended up having to take my lunch late after finding as much paperwork as possible relating to the issues in question, and then ran away outside to hide under a tree for my lunch break. Did not want to come back in. And can’t focus on the work that I’m supposed to be doing. I’m writing this out instead. Not only do I feel bad for not checking that everything was sorted (not actually my job) but I’m highly embarrassed about crying in front of the Managing Director and his PA. Just want to crawl under a rock and stay there. I know the day will improve… But right now I’m struggling to not cry… Again.

Moving on… Not sure if I’ll be walking home from work tonight. Depends on how hot it is, and how drained I am from all the bloody crying. I’d normally have my counselling appointment at 6pm, but she’s on holiday this week. So technically I should be at work till 5.30pm. But I haven’t told my boss that there’s no session tonight and will probably leave at my normal Tuesday time of 4.30-4.45pm. Not sure I could stand to be here longer than that today. So yeah, I may or may not walk, and I may or may not slink out early… Guess I’ll see how the rest of the afternoon progresses. Already succumbed and had a diet coke, so that’s strike 2, 1 more to go and I have to do a forfeit (still haven’t decided what to do though…) But I REALLLYYYYY want something chocolaty and decadent and very very bad for me… Bloody stress!

[Sylvaa]

Ugh! I hate days like that! I too have been dealing with the aftermath of not having all the information available and having it come back to me. It sucks soooo bad! I am so proud that you went back in there and finished your day after everything that happened! That is such a step forward!

 

But don't give up! The day isn't over and it can get better! I believe in you!

 

Also, do you have a plan for what to do when you have a bad day? Maybe some dark chocolate as an "emergency stash" for when things get crazy? Or a special drink (instead of coke)? 

 

The walk, while warm, sounds like a great plan! 

[MichiruSedai]

Awesome job on all the walking!  Boo on the work stress!

[LadyWitch]

17 hours ago, Sylvaa said:

Ugh! I hate days like that! I too have been dealing with the aftermath of not having all the information available and having it come back to me. It sucks soooo bad! I am so proud that you went back in there and finished your day after everything that happened! That is such a step forward!

 

But don't give up! The day isn't over and it can get better! I believe in you!

 

Also, do you have a plan for what to do when you have a bad day? Maybe some dark chocolate as an "emergency stash" for when things get crazy? Or a special drink (instead of coke)? 

 

The walk, while warm, sounds like a great plan! 

I have some dark chocolate coated rice crackers in my draw, so I had a couple of them mid-afternoon. It was that of go out and jump the ice-cream man! But yes, the day did get better. Didn't manage the whole walk home due to the heat, but I still hit over 24000 steps!

 

 

15 hours ago, MichiruSedai said:

Awesome job on all the walking!  Boo on the work stress!

Thank you! I skipped the walk this morning, my alarm went off and I got up to feed the cats... Then went back to bed for 90mins. I didn't sleep at all well and had no energy! But I am about to finish work, and plan to walk the entire way home! (Hopefully... It's still bloody hot out there!)

[Altamarie]

I am sorry that happened at work! I have had that happen and it is the worst! I hope your day has been improving though, and i am glad to hear you know that it's not your fault that there was clearly an error in the whole process nothing you did.

 

I am amazing at all of your walking! Way to go! I am going to follow to keep on watching you keep butt!

[LadyWitch]

Just a quick pit stop on my way to bed, will do a proper update tomorrow... First off, hello Kelley! Welcome to my little corner of the Internet I do like to keep things interesting!

Had an impromptu photo shoot with some friends today and ended up feeling strong and badass (due to the pick below). After that we stopped in at the opening day of a new circus skills centre that's only a 10 minute walk from home. I've provisionally booked a aerial skills private class for me and some friends for next week (2nd). They teach aerial hoop, aerial silk and trapeze! Can't wait! Hope you all had a good weekends... And I promise that I WILL do the tour of your threads this week... Honest! (Someone hold me accountable!)

[MichiruSedai]

You look awesome!

[LadyWitch]

I’m really struggling to do my C25K sessions. I’m happy enough to get up and go to the gym on strength days, but on running days I can’t get myself out of bed. I was meant to go this morning, and didn’t. I’ve not been to a single session since this challenge started. I don’t get it. I LIKE running, and the only way I’ll get better is to actually DO it… So why can’t I? It’s soooooo frustrating. Maybe I need to rethink this and try something else for a while. Not sure what though. Maybe it’s because I’m using a treadmill atm? Would it be easier if I was actually going OUT for a run? I might try that on Thursday… Hmmm

On a more positive note, I won the walking challenge at work! I have an extra day off to use now J and to make matters better, I lost 1.5lb this week! First time I’ve been under 200lb in months! Now I just need the scale to keep moving down. Think the break from the gym and all the extra walking shook things up enough to break through the plateaux… I hope. Guess only time will tell.

I’m not doing so well on some of my other goals either. I’ve now had the three strikes for drinking diet coke, and we’re not even half way through the challenge. I don’t know why I suddenly can’t stop myself from drinking it again. I’ve also been slacking with my studying, haven’t done anything since I submitted my two assignments a couple of weeks ago. I think part of the problem is that I’m now second guessing myself about the PT course. I still want to do it, I just don’t know what I’ll do with it once I have. I’ve got several qualifications and haven’t done anything with any of them. I find it hard to imagine that anyone would want me as their personal trainer, and I doubt any gym would want to employ a slightly overweight, 33 year old woman, who has a dodgy back and suffers from depression… Guess I’m just feeling stuck in my job and trying to imagine a future where I’m fit and active and helping people achieve their goals seems so farfetched I may as well add riding a unicorn and flying to Jupiter to my to-do list. *sigh*

Guess I’m just feeling a little lost at the moment. It’s like my life is a dream, and the only time I’m awake is when I’m in the gym, or outside doing something. The rest of the time I just drift. Fairly sure my therapist would have a field day with that

[Sylvaa]

56 minutes ago, LadyWitch said:

just feeling a little lost at the moment. It’s like my life is a dream, and the only time I’m awake is when I’m in the gym, or outside doing something. The rest of the time I just drift. Fairly sure my therapist would have a field day with that

 

This happens to me all the time! Well, mainly about work / job stuff - but I'm definitely on the same page with feeling lost. I'm forever in an existential crisis about the fact that I don't want to be some kind of stiff in a suit but dammit I like having the money.

 

If you are struggling with C25K and running outside doesn't help, then don't do it. Just focus on the lifting. There's nothing wrong with changing goals on the fly. 

 

Yay on winning the walking challenge and the weight loss! That picture is awesome!

[Altamarie]

I agree with Sylvaa. 1. You look absolutely amazing in that photo! 2. If your not feeling it that's okay, i have already changed my challenge goals once, it happens and sometimes the body and mind do not want to cooperate.

Also way to go on the lifting

[LadyWitch]

I did not want to go to the gym this morning. I wanted to stay in bed. I was tired and achy, and did not want to move. But I did. I got up and I went. I didn’t do a strength workout, instead I did 15 minutes on the x-trainer and 15 on a bike, but I WENT. I kept the habit going. I’m proud of myself for that.

Tomorrow I’m going to try going for a C25K session outside, rather than on a treadmill at the gym. I’m hoping that will solve my ‘don’t wanna’s’ and get me back on track. Last time I made any progress with it was running outside, so hopefully its just a case of treadmill induced boredom causing me to stall.

Think I’m getting better at hitting my macros, but I’m still a long way off where I want to be. I know its an ongoing process, but I’m sick of being fat. Of not fitting into my clothes. Of getting out of breath walking up the slight hill to my friends house. I want to be strong NOW. I want to be fit NOW. I want to be doing fun things that push my boundaries and scare the crap out of me NOW. *sigh* I’m feeling impatient and I know that I’m in this for the long haul, but I’m sick of seeing little to no improvement. I retook my photos at the weekend, and can’t see much difference between those ones and the ones I took back in March. Yes I’m 6.5lb down, yes I’ve lost some inches, yes I’ve increased the weight I’m lifting incrementally, but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough.

How do I get my head to slow down and be proud of what I’ve managed so far? I’ve done a tough mudder. I walked 111,132 steps (over 46 miles) in 4 and a half days. I had a fantastic holiday where I went horse riding and parasailing. Other than the week on holiday and the week walking, I’ve consistently worked out for 8 weeks now. I’m building good habits. I eat good food that fuels my body and workouts, without starving myself or following any crazy ‘diet’. And I’m holding down a decent job and doing it all while battling depression and dragging myself through a weekly counselling appointment. I KNOW that I’m hard on myself. I always have been. It’s one of the things my therapist is trying to help me deal with. I’m quick to praise the people around me for their accomplishments, but I can’t do it for myself. For every silver lining I can find the grey cloud. I’m trying to change, which is another thing I should be proud of, but like everything it takes time. And second to being my own worst critic, is my lack of patience with myself.

Sorry folks, I guess I needed to offload and this is the safest place I know for that. I don’t know where I’m going, I have no real plan for the future other than taking the PT course, I know what I don’t want, but struggle to decide what I do want. That lack of direction scares me. Makes me want to bury my head in the sand and pretend the world doesn’t exist. Which is how my depression got so bad in the first place, and contributed to my weight problems and issues with eating my emotions. I guess I’m just feeling a little lost atm, like I’m spinning my wheels but getting nowhere fast. Time will probably solve all of this, but that scares me too, as you never know how much of it you have left. If I get hit by a bus today, there’d be so much I’d regret about my life. So many things I’d wished I’d done. I want to live a fun filled and active life, but I’m chained to a desk and carrying around so much baggage (physical and emotional) that I can barely move under the strain.

I guess I’ll keep plodding on, and hope things improve. And yes, I know some of this is probably the depression talking. I had a counselling session last night, and it’s stirred up a tonne of crap. It will settle, and things will improve. I am a goddamn triceratops and I will win at this thing called life. RAWR!

[LadyWitch]

On ‎26‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 1:08 PM, Sylvaa said:

 

This happens to me all the time! Well, mainly about work / job stuff - but I'm definitely on the same page with feeling lost. I'm forever in an existential crisis about the fact that I don't want to be some kind of stiff in a suit but dammit I like having the money.

 

If you are struggling with C25K and running outside doesn't help, then don't do it. Just focus on the lifting. There's nothing wrong with changing goals on the fly. 

 

Yay on winning the walking challenge and the weight loss! That picture is awesome!

I think I'm definitely going to have to give the running a break for this challenge. I didn't go this morning, and the only reason I can give its 'I didn't want to', so I think I'm going to ease the pressure on myself on that front and give it a break. Will think of something to replace it. And thank you! I was rather chuffed with the picture! I have some more coming through and they're also kinda cool... Will post my favourites as I get them!

 

On ‎26‎/‎07‎/‎2016 at 2:10 PM, Kelley Gammell said:

I agree with Sylvaa. 1. You look absolutely amazing in that photo! 2. If your not feeling it that's okay, i have already changed my challenge goals once, it happens and sometimes the body and mind do not want to cooperate.

Also way to go on the lifting

Thank you! I was feeling a little dull on the day, because the two friends I went with had taken some pretty fancy costumes to be photo'd in, and I just had the outfit I was wearing, but I still had fun, and we've planned another one for September... My weeping angle burlesque costume is going to get an outing in a graveyard... Should be interesting!

[LadyWitch]

So, last week I started following the Eat to Perform method of eating. It’s essentially macro counting (which I was already doing) but a bit more focused on the macros and calorie total. It’s about eating enough to fuel your workouts and build muscle, rather than cutting more and more to try and lose weight. For the first time in months my weight is trending down, and I’m feeling a little more energized. Of course I still haven’t solved any of yesterday’s issues, but I’m definitely a bit more positive this morning, even though I didn’t go for a run like I’d planned.

As far as the running goes, I’m going to drop it for the rest of the challenge. I’m obviously not feeling it at the moment, and I’m not going to keep stressing myself out over not doing it. Not sure what to replace it with yet, there are options… I could just go to the gym and spend some time on the x-trainer or bike; I could do something like yoga; I could plan to walk to work on those days; I could split my workouts so that I’m weight training 5 days a week, but working different muscles. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, or I might switch between a couple of them. I’m hoping to take pole dancing up again soon, so that will give me an outlet for all these proto-muscles I’m developing. And I definitely want to go climbing again, before I forget everything I learnt in my intro class! I’m thinking I may have to do them on alternating weeks, as I’m not sure I can afford to do both each week… Not unless something drastic happens to change my finances

Speaking of which, I adulted last night. I got my tax bill paid and filed my tax return. Which was more complicated that it has been previously as I started employment and had the self-employment for a while… But I got it done, and hopefully I’ll get a tax rebate at some point in the future.

[LadyWitch]

Not having a great day today. It started off ok, I got up and dressed, packed my bag and headed to the gym. On the way there I encountered a creeper. I encountered him on Wednesday on my way to the gym, I was walking along, headphones in and minding my own business, when he over took me and slowed to match my pace a couple steps ahead of me and off to my right. He then craned his neck round to start at me with a creepy grin on his face. He just kept staring and walking, starting and walking. When I tried to skirt around him he moved directly in front of me, still grinning. On Wednesday I dealt with it by putting my head down and deliberately slowing my steps. I guess he felt that he’d won, because he then moved off. It completely threw my workout off and I was annoyed for most of the day. Fast forward to this morning, SAME GUY did exactly the same thing with the walking and staring. Today I told him to fuck off, he just smirked and sped up leaving me on my own. By the time I got to the gym I was in the starting phases of a panic attack. Needless to say my workout didn’t happen, which I’m angry and annoyed about, but even now, 4 hours later, I’m still on edge and flinching anytime a man speaks to me. Which is rather frustrating as I work in the construction industry… Most people here are men. I hate that this one creep got to me. I hate that he’s still getting to me. I’m tearing up as I write this. I can’t tell anyone here about it, cos that will make my rather shaky control fracture completely, and the last thing I need is to draw attention to myself. Not sure what I’ll do if I encounter the same guy again.

[MichiruSedai]

Congrats on winning the walking contest!

 

I wish I had good advice to offer, but I do have internet hugs.  *hugs*  I think dropping the running challenge is a good idea since you're just not feeling it.  And you walked over 40 miles in 4 days? Daaaaaamn!

 

Regarding the creeper... that is terrifying.  Do you have a friend/coworker who can walk with you?  I fucking hate that people think they have the right to behave like this, and I feel like you can't even react much cause you don't know if they'll go nuts.  If you're in a super public place, I'd be tempted to start yelling things like "Why are you following me, leave me alone" or just have the police on speakerphone/speed dial or something.  I've never had to deal with that sort of behavior so I have no idea how I'd react in the moment.  I'd probably just pee my pants scared to be honest.  I am so sorry you are dealing with this. 

[LadyWitch]

If I encounter him again I'm going to take his photo and send it to the police. My local force are now treated misogyny as a hate crime, so might be able to get him arrested for it. As for getting someone to walk with me, it's not really possible, this is at 6.15am not many ppl around at that time, which is why I was so shocked to encounter him. Hopefully the slightly earlier gym time will free me of him

Better news, I've lost 5lb in two weeks! Not really 'official' till Monday's weigh in, but it's the first time the scales have dropped below 14stone in 6 months

[LadyWitch]

Well… I disappeared for a bit. That’s because I came down with flu last week, and didn’t have the energy for anything. I was off work for three and a half days, and slept most of that time. It completely threw my eating plan and workout schedule off, and I was incredibly frustrated and angry about the whole thing. BUT, I got straight back on the wagon this week. Hit my macro numbers every day since Monday, been to the gym twice, and made a start at re-launching my alter-ego Mercy Bites into the burlesque industry. (I have a show booked for September 13^th in London! My first since November last year.) So things are starting to progress.

I’ve already got my goals for the next challenge planned, and I hope to keep increasing strength while swapping out fat for muscle. I don’t really mind if my weight stays the same, as long as my body fat % goes down! GIVE ME ALL THE MUSCLES!!! (that being said, I can barely lift my cup of tea, my arms ache so much!)