Box, run, eat...

WIAW Birthday Edition

2011-10-12T16:12:00.000+01:00

And where the hell have I been?? Longest blogging break EVER!

But first... Welcome to WIAW birthday edition!

I kicked off my day with my usual ginormous mug of coffee and a bowl of wheatabix made with 2 wheatabix, boiling water, honey, xylitol and loads of cinnamon, don't knock it til you've tried it haha sounds gross but is really quite nice!

I wasn't planning on doing much for my birthday as I was feeling a bit depressed about being 27.... 27??? How did that happen? Anyway I got a text from Mike who said he was gonna take me out for lunch and stop me moping about! We went to cafe green ginger a veggie cafe in town, it's pretty cool in there you choose a main and three salads to go with it... sorry the pictures are quite bad Mike was very eager to tuck in... we each had half of each plate...

Aubergine curry with couscous, greek salad and a spinach salad with some sort of cheese...not sure what it was but I wasn't keen on it tbh... it might have been a smoked one.. I should have asked the woman there really!

We also shared a cheddar and spinach quiche with bean salad, potato salad and coleslaw, the coleslaw was loooovely!

I had a little snack before my tea, some yummy conscious raw chocolate from the prize I won on Rachel's blog... I'm not usually a fan of chilli chocolate but this one was perfectly spiced and the chilli was a nice background flavour..

Now, I managed to be the worlds worst food blogger when I went out for tea.... I forgot to photograph starter and desert.. doh!!!! I started off with bruschetta capra which was toasted ciabatta with tomatoes, goats cheese and olive tapenade

I then had the pizza Caprina which was kind of the same as my bruschetta... hey! I like goats cheese and olives! This usually comes with rocket but I had mine without, I don't really like rocket...

After this I amazingly had room for desert! My dad and I shared honeycomb cheesecake and chocolate nemesis... both absolutely delish! The chocolate nemesis was a molten chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and you could see all the little vanilla beans in the ice cream, yummy! Glad I had room for them!

Anyway, where the hell have I been? I've been doing lots of boxing, and lots of working, and my fair share of partying! All that equals one very tired Laura! I don't know why, maybe it's the too much partying but I hadn't really felt like blogging for once? Maybe I just needed a break or maybe I feel like a bit of a fraudulent healthy living blogger with all the drinking I've been doing lately....

Anyway, this definitely reminded me how awesome blogging is! I won one of Rachel's fantastic prizes! Look at all these goodies!! So far I've eated the luna bar (amazing) some of the truffles (also amazing) and the chilli chocolate (also amazing... you see the theme goin on here!!) Thanks for such a wonderful giveaway Rachel!

The Day my Clumsiness Finally Landed me in A&E....

2011-09-17T00:07:00.000+01:00

Those of you who follow me on twitter probably already know about my run in with Roxie's water bowl... For those of you who don't I'll fill you in! On Wednesday I was making my pre boxing food... Actually this is where I could blame Sarah 'cause she voted for Jacket tater and beans over pizzert and pizzert wouldn't have involved a knife hehe just kidding Sarah! Anyways... I managed to somehow knock the knife off the worktop and sent it flying towards my foot.. I deftly leapt out of the way... and landed on Roxie's water bowl which broke and cut my foot open... Cue much hopping around trying to find the first aid kit dripping blood everywhere and realising what a huge wimp I am at the sight of my own blood! Eventually found it and put a dressing on.. Stubbornly I decided I was still going to the gym if the blood didn't soak through the dressing before I was setting off...It didn't so off I hobbled to boxing (on my bike)... I struggled through the session feeling more and more pain, did a few rounds of sparring(!) some bags, some footwork (owwwwwwwww) some core (thank goodness) and a cool down!

When I went to get weighed at the end I realised there was blood on my sock I showed it to my coach and he suggested I went to get it glued up to help it heal faster... So off I rode to A&E! Gladly two of my friends came with me, bought me some chocolate and kept me company during the wait. (I actually typed weight then ughh can you tell what's on my mind!!) Luckily I was seen after about two hours, the nurse was able to glue me up and send me on my way... She opened the cut up to check there was no remainder of dog bowl in there... that was so, so painful, I thought I was going to be sick! Then she glued it up for me... She thought I was mental for going to the gym first and I am inclined to agree! I didn't really think it was too bad at first, yesterday I couldn't walk on it, today it's a little better.. I can bike though, and biked home from casualty haha it wasn't as hardcore as it sounds though, the cut is on the front of my foot so I could just pedal with my heel, in fact, biking is less painful than walking at the moment!

Well I can't remember the full gym workout anymore but I did do some sparring last Wednesday... sorry forgot to recap this one and now I can't remember it too well.. I did 3 x 3 minute rounds, I had a throat infection and felt really slow and sluggish.. I was still flinching which is really annoying me!I felt like this sparring went really badly but my coach and one of the younger lads dads who were watching both said it was good... I don't know if sometimes I'm too hard on myself, it just didn't go quite as I'd hoped

Sparring this Wednesday, done on bad foot oops! Was good sparring though, There were a few of us ready round the ring to spar, I was in first and did a round with a different opponent every 30s ish! This is really good because you're going against someone fresh when you're tired so it really forces you to work hard. I really enjoyed this sparring, I went against two southpaws which was hard.. I'm still getting used to changing up my shots to be more effective against southpaws.. I also went against an infighter which I really enjoyed, I'm more than happy to go toe to toe with someone and it gave me a chance to attempt some uppercuts and get off some good body shots. I kind of forgot about my foot hurting until I landed badly on it right at the end of my final round in there.. was kind of embarassing as I cried out in pain! Oh well! I'm looking forward to more sparring like this! I've got a lot to work on and I don't necessarily notice it on the bags!

This injury and being unable to go to the gym last night did trigger off an episode of purging. I'm mentioning it on the blog as I actually ended up vomiting blood. In ten years of disordered eating this is the first time it's happened and it scared me. I hope that fright is going to be a good thing and hopefully help me stop the purging at least. It really drives home how much damage it does to your body. I rung NHS direct and googled about to see what I should do. It seems this time I got lucky and probably just had a minor esophageal tear but it could have been worse.. Just because I've been lucky enough to not have severe problems from electrolyte imbalances yet does not make me immune... I'm going to take this as a wake up call and I'm sharing it because I hope anyone else reading and struggling can take a positive change from this too!

WIAW plus lots of cute animal pictures

2011-09-14T00:43:00.000+01:00

Welcome to my third WIAW post!

10.00Coffee (pic from last week...)

11.30 Pizzert (pic stolen from last week again... it was prettier!)

13.00 2 cups of teapigs winter spiced red tea

18.20 Gigantic salad, 1 nectarine, 2 plums, 2 graze boxes

It's too long between food here but I struggle on work days to eat right... I probably need to work on this a bit...

Anyway my rather yummy salad...

I used this for my base

Ahhh colourful already!

added roast peppers...

sundried tomato, olive and garlic tub

added lots of the olive mix

crumbled on lots of organic feta

added some roast chickpeas

The chickpeas were coated in a veg stock, garlic, chilli, ketchup and nutritional yeast coating before roasting and adding to the salad

I also added some roast new potatoes and butternut squash... there is salad under there, honest!

Add to that a questionable nectarine and two diddy plums...

yummy graze box number 1

yummy graze box number 2

This kept me going to the end of my shift! And so it should, what a volume of food... I was so hungry 'cause it had been a long time since breakfast I guess...

22.20 Hugh Jass Salad again
When I got in I had another bowl of salad, I had a bit of hummous with it this time, just 'cause...

23.00 Cereal
I was craving something sweet after so I had a small bowl of cereal... fruit n fibre with some musli and berries and cherries mix with soy milk and a little xylitol

This to me seems like a rather huge amount of food... I don't know... I'm liking doing WIAW as it's making me be a bit more conscious over my food... don't want to eat too little and put out a negative message you know, and also want to keep it healthy and interesting (apart from my pizzert addiction... not saying it isn't healthy but it's perhaps a little repetitive!)

Maria at Running Cupcake tagged me with this fun butterfly award

Favourite colour;
All time favourite is lilac or purple...but it depends on my mood really...

Favourite song;
So many, I could not pick just one! I like so many genres of music... At the moment I'm liking Swedish House Mafia One as it reminds me of Ibiza... yeah that surprised me actually haha I always thought I didn't like that kind of music but have been enjoying it lately! I love classical music too, Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto number one, especially the first movement is a favourite... I've also recently had a liking for Taking Back Sunday... makes me feel about 17 again!! And I always love to listen to musicals... It really depends what mood I'm in!

Favourite dessert;
Again! How can I pick?? There are so many yummy deserts! I do love Tirimasu though... if that is on the menu I usually choose it... mind you there is also cheesecake.... cheesecake is so good too.... ohhhhhhhhh how to choose? Maybe I need to invent a cheesecake tirimasu... now theres an idea... even better could I create a healthy cheesecake tirimasu... watch this space!

What really annoys you;
Oh far too much actually... I can really be a grump sometimes! People cutting corners at work, being overlooked at work for people to favour people who cut corners/frequently make silly mistakes....Being underestimated... just because I haven't been doing the job as long as some people does not mean I am any less capable.. in fact, being the arrogant person I am I often feel like I am more capable! Gosh I have a bee in my bonnet sometimes haha

When you are upset you:
I go quiet and try not to cry (usually fail) I'm not good at hiding my emotions, if you've upset me or annoyed me you will usually know about it even if I don't tell you!

Your favourite pet;
I could not pick a favourite, I've had so many, I always had rabbits growing up, a gerbil and hamsters when I first moved out of my mum and dad's house (I would still have them but when we were still together Mike banned me from getting any more cause I just got so upset when they died and really they didn't last long enough...) So since having my own houses I've had Oscar the gerbil, Natalie, Scarlet and Winnie the Russian hamsters, Missy the Siberian hamster who have sadly all moved on, I still have Gracie and Trudie the guinea pigs, Scooby the rabbit, Tia the diva cat and Roxie the dog.. I couldn't find any pictures of Missy.... I'm sad about that :-( I didn't have her long, she died really suddenly and I was heartbroken... I think most of my pictures of her must still be on my old phone I have the cutest video of her trying very hard to shove a whole broccoli floret into her cheeks... she almost managed it too!

Anyway I hope you like animal pics, if not you have a bit of scrolling down to do!

Oscar the gerbil, he was a grumpy boy! He wasn't much of a cuddle fan but he loved his treats, I wish I'd researched a bit more and bought two gerbils, they like play mates apparently...I'd actually gone out to buy a hamster but I fell in love with him in the petshop so he wasn't a very planned out purchase!

All the Russian hammies... they started off all living together but they fought, which led to one sleepless night where I had to supervise them all in their own cardboard boxes until a petshop opened in the morning haha! These girls were awesome, they all had such different personalities, Scarlet, the runt was so feisty, she would spend all night doing monkey bars... she was so buff haha but really tiny compared to the others! Winnie was a bit lazy and loved to eat and snuggle in my hand and Natalie was really shy and enjoyed cuddles but had to be coaxed slowly out of her house!

The piggies! I'm sure you will recognise these girls... Grace is the long haired and Trudy is the short haired... Trudy is definitely the boss piggy and Gracie follows her around all the time, but Trudy is actually a big wimp.. she'd never admit it though! Mike and I inherited the pigs in our first year of uni together from one of his family friends whose daughter was not taking care of them... funny/horrible story... when her mum asked her after we had them if she had fed them she said she had been doing... she never noticed they were gone!!

Happy Christmas piggies!

Scooby the bunny aka houdini... he was always getting out of his run! In fact he is currently running wild in the garden having escaped a few months ago... luckily he has stayed in the garden and seems happy enough... I am going on a huge effort to catch him for winter as I want him in the house where it's warm and safe! We inherited Scooby from Mike's half brother and sister when they got a cat.. Fun fact, Scooby and Tia are good friends.. they always play together... I'm pretty sure Scooby is the boss...

Tia diva kitty! I always wanted a cuddly lap cat... Tia is not a cuddly lap cat... I love her to bits but she does not like the cuddles and sometimes randomly attacks me... that being said when I spent 32 hours in bed asleep with a bad sickness bug I caught at work she only left my side once to go to the toilet so she must love me really...

Last but not least my crazy doggy! She is the most excitable and loving girl, we think she is half german shepherd and half springer spaniel but she could be anything really! She's essentially a very excitable 30kg lapdog!

Black or White;
Ummm either... I'm not too fussed really!

Biggest fear:
'Spiders, for sure. I am terrified of them. It is one reason that puts me off Australia.' <---- what Maria said... yeah me too... I've even had such vivid nightmares I've actually woken up hallucinating them and had to jump out of the bed screaming to put the light on to see there was nothing there... yeah Mike used to love that haha.. actually hasn't happened for ages it only seemed to happen when I was in the very early stages of recovery... something to do with the weight gain maybe? Very weird though I would be so frightened!

Best Feature;
I quite like my legs I suppose sometimes... and my eyes...

What is perfection?
A figment of our imagination...

Guilty pleasure:
Same as Maria, reality tv! Love it! ANTM, Biggest Loser, Come Dine With Me (just finished watching one my friends mum was on hehe)

Well I think most of the blogs I read have been tagged to do this, but if you haven't I'm tagging you... yeah I know that's kind of a lame tag but it's 12.42 and I'm up at 5.30am... I gotta get to bed pronto!

Happy Wednesday!

WIAW Super Sprints Edition

2011-09-07T16:25:00.001+01:00

Welcome to my second WIAW post!

Wake up at 6am.... a bit later than planned... hello snooze button!
Forced down some wheatabix made with boiling water, honey and cinnamon, a matcha shot, and a huge mug of coffee... sorry mostly, not pictured... I forgot it was WIAW! I don't always manage breakfast this early but my throat was really hurting and I wanted to take my vitamins and some ibuprofen.. Coffee and Matcha shot from another day... sadly it's nno longer that light in the morning :-(

I ate 2 handfuls of mixed dried fruit at work (cherries, cranberries and raisins), I love that combo, I probably would have had more but my shift was so, so busy I didn't have time for a break, I was the duty manager on shift for the first time and it was rather stressful, especially since they decided to spring a fire drill on me... hello heart failure hah! I was so nervous! I didn't know it was a drill at first either, I felt physically sick! I did ok though, stayed calm and was only one problem which wasn't really my fault and nothing bad came of it so... yeah, not too bad! I also drunk quite a few cups of coffee at work and had 3 crunchie rocks a residents family member gave me... yummmy! Can't beat a bit of chocolate when you're tired and a bit stressed!

When I got home... a little later than planned (3.30)... had too much work to finish at the end of the shift! I ate a choc chip pizzert as some pre-boxing fuel! Those things are amazing and work pretty well as pre workout fuel, hello carbs! (btw.. I totally ate the whole thing not just the pretty slice pictured...)

Warm up inc 20 press-ups

Sprints - ouch!
Went and did 3 or 4 sets of sprints/jogs, it was random, the coach shouting sprint/ jog.. trying to emulate fight conditions where sometimes you need to be punching rapidly and sometimes you can dance around and catch your breath a bit.. I was really trying to keep up with the super speedy guys next to me and one of them really pushed me through the last repeat! I was so tired after though, my legs were moving but I wasn't sure how.. totally felt like they were just going to collapse under me haha

Bags
6 x 3 minutes (1 min rest)

Footwork
Just a few footwork drills working on punching whilst moving forward and backwards... good to go back to basics, it's easy to forget them!

Shadow
Practicing the footwork drills

Cool down

When I got in I ate this fantastic yummy salad, the picture does not do it justice, it is mixed leaves with loads of cucumber, tomato, pepper, olives, chickpeas roasted with garlic, chilli, nooch and a little stock and loads of feta! Absolutely scrumptious!

I also had some PB mixed with honey... aka crack!

Then I went to bed, shattered! My cat woke me up this morning at 5am though... I've had a serious lack of sleep lately! Oh well, gotta get through tonight at the gym then tomorrow I can have a lie-in and hopefully shift this niggly throat!

Manchester Goodies

2011-09-06T17:14:00.000+01:00

... and recent workouts!

But first my Manchester shopping! When Sarah and I met up before the other bloggers arrived we went for a walk round Primark... I actually wanted some boots, and wish I'd bought some I saw but I was going to go back after thinking about it and cocktails and blogger chat became more important! Sarah and I did try on these rather fabulous heels which I also wish I'd bought... They were soo high but I'm of the opinion the higher the better with heels! Love 'em! (my ankles might thank me for it though) I'm in the black shoes/tights!

I did buy this rather bargainous dress in Primark, only a fiver! ps... please excuse the I just got out of the shower and haven't dried my hair yet look!

Close up - would you wear it buttoned right up to the top? Help me out fashionistas! I sadly have very little style ability haha! I'm not sure I like it actually... I don't know that it's very flattering on my figure... hmmmm.... oh well... only a fiver wasted if I never actually wear it! Is there any way I can make it more flattering? I kind of feel dumpy in it...Maybe I should have put some heels on with it..?

On to the fooooooooood! Check out my yummy haul... a shocking amount of which is already gone!

Foodie haul

Not tried this yet...

Nice but not my favourite bounce bar

I want to buy a dehydrator just to try making my own!

Looking forward to trying Lucuma fudge amongst other things

Noooooooooooooch!

Seriously amazing... I really need more but can't get them near me... probably good for my bank balance but not my mouth or tummy! I really need to try some more of these guys products!

Liked it but it had occaisional odd textured bites...

Gorgeous... want more!

What a haul!

I also bought some running tights not too long ago... I wore them for the first time doing mile repeats a few days ago... Love 'em, they're so comfy! I kind of like the photo to the right although it really highlights the fact I need to clean my mirror asap!

So... the workouts... mile repeats on Friday I think it was, plus an 800 in the middle... I can't remember the times all I can remember was my first was about 6.40 and my second was about 7.30... talk about bad pacing! I need to get back into my running, really badly! My 800m in the middle was about 3.20 I think...

I also got some distance going on Sunday, I met up with an old friend I hadn't seen for absolutely years and ran roughly 8 miles in 1hr 20mins... was a very relaxed pace, he biked and I run and I was worried about being able to keep up with him but it seemed to end up being the other way round! It was nice to run with someone else and to do a relaxed pace run, I also stopped to play with a few puppies! There were lots of dog walkers out and lots of playful doggies who wanted to join in my run! It felt really good to run a kind of long distance again! I was really tired before I went and it would have been so easy to stay at home but I'm SO glad I got my arse out there!

I've also been doing my boxing! I'm off to gym tonight, hopefully sparring! Will be back with a full recap if I am! Fingers crossed I need to get in that ring!

WIAW and Fabulous Blogger Meetup!

2011-08-31T12:46:00.000+01:00

Yesterday 10 healthy living/fitness bloggers headed to Manchester for a fabulous meetup! In attendance was Jemma (Celery and Cupcakes), Laura (Keeping Healthy, Getting Stylish), Jess (Almost Over Now), Ali (Almost Athletic Ali), Leigh (Peanut Butter Nutter), Emily (Sparkle and Shade), Sarah (Sweet Potato Sarah), Sarah (Everyday's a Picnic), Ffion (Chocolate and Raspberries)

Also, this is my first WIAW post! Hurrah, I've finally hopped on the bandwagon!

There were some issues with the trains so while we were waiting for everyone to arrive a few of us grabbed coffees/teas/juices at Cafe Nero... I thought I had taken a picture of my coffee but I either imagined that or my camera ate it... Anyway I just had a black coffee... Had it been a bit warmer or at Starbucks I might have treated myself to a caramel frappucino.. I love those! But they're so expensive/nutritionally void I don't get them often..

Once we had met everyone we headed to the Eighth Day Co-op for lunch and some shopping. I was absolutely starving by this point, I hadn't eaten breakfast 'cause I'd set off so early for my train! I ummed and ahhed at the counter for ages going back and forth between Mediterranean stuffed peppers and goats cheese spinach roulade.. I love goats cheese and spinach but in the end the peppers won out! They were absolutely gorgeous!

I also had a sneaky brownie for desert... it was massive and I'm not sure how I ate it all but I did!

l-r Leigh, Ffion, Ali, Me

l-r Ali, me, Laura, Emily... Ali and I are wall squatting!! Which perhaps explains the slight grimacy smile on my face...
l-r Sarah, Jemma, Jess, Sarah
l-r Sarah, Jess, Ffion, Ali, Me, Sarah, Jemma
After we'd eaten and chatted for a while we headed on upstairs to the food shop! We were like a bunch of kids in a candy shop! I haven't taken pictures of my fabulous haul yet so that will have to be another post!

We went to look round the Harvey Nicks food hall after we'd finished in eighth day.. That was filled with lovely treats, most of which I could not afford! I would have bought some peanut butter chips but they had hydrogenated oil in and I won't eat that so sadly they remained on the shelf.. I also looked at some chia seed cookies but they were out of choc chip, and they were out of oreo cupcakes which I also would have been totally tempted by! Oh well... That gives me a good excuse to go back!

After Harvey Nicks we headed to Kro bar for cocktails... They were yummy, I considered working my way through the menu ;-)

Laura and I shared as it was BOGOF, we chose the Caipirinha first but for some reason they couldn't make that so...
French Martini it was!

l-r: Laura, Ffion, Me, Sarah, Emily, Ali, Jemma, Leigh, Jess
Not sure why I didn't huddle in here! I stand out like a sore thumb!
Before Laura and a few other bloggers had to dash for the train we shared another cocktail deal.. Passionfruit martini... wowsers this was strong! But tasty!

Sarah and Emily
Sarah and I then shared a Bagpuss, mainly 'cause we liked the name! But also we had celebrating to do, Sarah had just found out she got a job at waitrose... I'm so jealous of her staff discount!
And it turns out Bagpuss was rather pretty...
I also finished this one off as Leigh wasn't keen, it was rather sickly but I have a sweet tooth... I'm not sure what was in it anymore, despite it's appearance it tasted a bit like a frappucino so I liked it!
Ali, Leigh and Ffion
Ali, Leigh and me
After Ffion and Ali headed to the train station Sarah, Emily, Leigh and I went in search of food and wine and went back to Sarah's swanky Manchester flat. You bet I had some alcohol fuelled greasy chips... I did miss the chip spice though... not sure why that never caught on outside of hull!
I also had a spicy bean and veg burrito from barburrito... love that place wish we had one in Hull

And one or two (*cough* half a bottle *cough*) glasses of very tasty cheap wine... which I got id'd for and we were almost unable to get it, despite me being 26 and the oldest person there!
Bloggers tweeting! I was rather gutted to not have my phone and be able to join in

So yeah... bloggers kind of fail at self portraits... best one I had guys haha!

And then feeling slightly worse for wear made a mad dash for the last train home and just made it! I kind of feel like this post should be WIDW (what I drunk Wednesday) due to the amount of cocktails and wine consumed hehe, fun times! Can't wait to see you all again!

Roadwork

2011-08-22T12:31:00.001+01:00

Thanks everyone for the comments on my last post. I got some good advice and like Sarah has mentioned on her blog it's easy to feel alone in food struggles so thanks for reminding me I'm not a crazy weirdo for feeling the way I do sometimes!

The boxing session I went to yesterday was tough! Something the runners will appreciate! We went to the docks to do roadwork on a bridge with LOTS of steps!!

Sprint up steps (one at a time), skim down x 5
Sprint halfway across bridge (200m? ish) jog back x 5
Sprint halfway across bridge (200m? ish) jog back x 5
Stride up steps (as many as you can at a time), skim down x 5
Steady paced run approx 3 miles
Sprint up steps (one at a time), skim down x 2
Jog across bridge
Sprint up steps (one at a time), skim down x 2

Wobble back to gym!!

3 x 3 minutes on heavy bag with 1 min rest

Enjoyed this but my legs are feeling it today, I've got really sore shins, I'll have to be careful, I didn't have my trainers so I did all this running in my boxing boots which wasn't exactly ideal... need to remember to take my trainers to the gym!

Runners: do you incorporate steps into your training? I'd love to have access to a big stadium where I could run the steps!

Strange Exercise Names

2011-08-21T00:50:00.000+01:00

I've been boxing four times since I last blogged! Eeep! The first three sessions were fairly standard and went a little something like this... The bodyweight circuit is full of weird and wonderful sounding exercises... where do people get the ideas from when they name an exercise!

Warm up

Bodyweight circuit

Mule kick to tuck jump
Alternate lunge jumps
Dirty dogs
Superman surfers
One legged burpees
Crab roll push-up
Reverse lunge to hop
Pike push-ups
Kangaroo jumps
Breakdance push-ups
Mountain climber push-ups

If anyone wants a description of any of these strange moves let me know!

Bag rounds
7 x 3 mins 30s rest

Core circuit... you know how that one goes!
Cool down

The one last night however, wow! I am aching all over, my body just hurts! I even felt like I was going to faint during the team drills! Can definitely tell we're getting ready for the season, I'm hoping to get my medical in the next few weeks and as soon as that's through I will be getting fights booked!! Exciting and terrifying all at the same time, I can't wait but I know I will be nervous, not about getting hurt per se but about losing or not doing as well as I can! Anyway.. last nights killer session!

Warm up
Run 1.5 miles ish

Team drills in groups of 3
* person a runs to ring, picks up bag, runs back hands bag to person b who takes it back to ring and runs back, person c runs to ring, picks up back runs back hands to person a... etc....
* run to ring jump on to side of ring 10 times, run back to half way line, do 10 reverse lunge to hop, next person goes, each person did it four times
* run to ring pick up bag, run to team and back to ring carrying bag, run to half way point and do 10 mountain climber push-ups, run back to team, next person goes. Each person does it 3 times.

Carrying the heavy bag and running with it is so hard, I can't always position it quite right on my shoulder so it always bashes on my leg and gets in the way! It was the last drill where I felt all dizzy but I didn't stop, I did think about it though!!

Heavy bag pyramid
5 mins on - 1.20 mins rest
4 mins on - 1 min rest
3 mins on - 45s rest
2 mins on - 30s rest
1 min on - 30s rest
30s on
3 mins rest
30s on
1 min on - 30s rest
2 mins on - 30s rest
3 mins on - 45s rest
4 mins on - 1 min rest
5 mins on - 1.20 mins rest

Cool down

I'd been panicking every night about getting weighed and I did get weighed last night, I have put on weight and I'm really frustrated about it. I feel like I can't stop eating at the moment and I feel really out of control with it. I've been trying really hard not to throw up and doing really well for the most part but I cannot stand this weight gain, I feel huge all the time. I hope it evens out back where it was and that I can get this under control. I'm so sick of feeling like this. It's on my mind constantly, I even dream about it some nights I feel like I'm completely crazy sometimes. Ughh I wish I could just eat normally, it's either too much, too little, or too much and end up making myself sick... Mind you today hasn't been too bad I feel ok about it, probably a little less than I perhaps should have but enough to function and not so much I'm freaking out! I need to try do WIAW then I might have a day of good eats and no ed behaviour as I'll be baring all on the blog!

Well I think that's enough confused rambling for one day! I'm hopefully off boxing tomorrow morning before work, hope you're all having a good weekend!

Vegan Roast Vegetable Paella

2011-08-15T12:30:00.000+01:00

A lot of you will probably already know I spent my Saturday night making a roast vegetable paella with my dad who had just got home from a holiday in Spain... Just realised I maybe should have took some pictures of me and dad but being in food blogger mode I only got food pics... On the other hand clearly not being in food blogger mode I forgot my camera so these are pictures from my blackberry so they aren't as good as I'd like but you get the idea!

First we prepped the veg, courgette, aubergine, sweet flame red pepper, onion, butternut squash and a clove of garlic in foil to add to the rice.

Then, and this step is essential, poured a glass of wine..

Put the paella rice on to cook in a frying pan with salt, pepper, veg stock and saffron

add in peas and chickpeas

and some sliced mushrooms

Simmer until cooked, squeeze in some of your roast garlic and serve buried in roast veg

I didn't take a picture but I then mixed it all together..

I recommend this rose, was yummy! From M&S and suitable for vegans, went well with the paella (in my non wine buff opinion!)

Also some very easy to drink apple schnapps my dad brought home from Spain... this went down far too easily!

Some of you following me on twitter may also know this meal was followed by my gran's home made apple pie and custard... I enjoyed it too quickly to photograph though.. oops! Sorry guys!

The only changes I would have made would have been to roast the veg a bit longer and to have fried the rice off in some tomato puree before adding the stock, I think that would have added to the flavour quite a lot! Hope you enjoy it if you make it, it was yummy!

Tire Flip

2011-08-07T13:40:00.000+01:00

Last weekend I did a tire flip in aid of new boxing kit to wear next season. My mum and dad picked me up and we took Roxie for a walk before it started.

The team waiting to get started

I ended up doing it with one of the junior boxers as we were the smallest.. I kind of wanted to go it alone but it was really hard in a two so after a few flips I was glad for the help! I later found out some of the guys had done it in twos too so I didn't feel so bad!

We came right from where the road is and this was still fairly close to the start! It was hard - about a mile at least half up hill!

My dad stopped taking pictures then... I suppose there are only so many variations of a tire flip haha I think it took us just over 30 minutes and the fastest time was 28 something I think but that was someone going it alone! Hope we do it again next year, even though it did leave me in pain for two days hehe.. it was that good kind of pain where you know you've worked hard!

Had to include more Roxie pics, she loved the car ride!

Tired out!

Well goodness me! Two posts in one day after nothing for a week! Hope you enjoyed the pictures :-)

July Recap

2011-08-07T12:38:00.000+01:00

July Recap, only a week late..!! I've just had a busy week and been feeling a bit down so I haven't felt much like posting.. I'm still really struggling with the ED stuff.. Going to self help group on Tues. I wish I could just switch my brain off sometimes! Anyway I don't want to get into the depressing stuff too much! How did I do on my goals....

July Goals
Continue boxing regularly - Done
Try and increase running - Kind of done, did some speedwork but could do a lot better here
Not stress too much about food on my holiday - Well and truly done, that care free atmosphere really rubbed off and I was really relaxed about food and my body.. struggled more since coming home but it's a work in progress!

July totals
Push-ups - ?
Miles -?

I forgot to keep track of my miles and push-ups this month... I don't think my brain ever left holiday mode!

Ok, so August goals........

August Goals
Continue boxing regularly
Try and increase running
Keep trying to get ED under control.. I don't expect this will happen in a month but it has to be a priority, I mainly want to get the purging under control, I just feel so disgusting when I resort to it, it's horrible.

Tire push pictures to come!

7 Links

2011-07-29T19:56:00.000+01:00

I was really excited when Sarah @ Every Day's a Picnic tagged me to write my 7 links, I think it's a great idea which has been floating around the blogosphere for a while now!

THE GOAL
To unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavour to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.

THE RULES
Blogger is nominated to take part
Blogger publishes his/her 7 links on his/her blog – 1 link for each category.
Blogger nominates up to 5 more bloggers to take part.
These bloggers publish their 7 links and nominate another 5 more bloggers
And so it goes on!
We’ll be sharing the best posts from participating bloggers on our blog and everyday on Facebook and Twitter at #My7Links

1. Most beautiful post – Meet Roxie

Roxie doesn't feature on this blog as much as she should! I need to take more pics of that crazy pooch!

and Crazy Snow Run

The snowy run post, well that was just crazy but we took some amazing pictures!

2. Most popular – Boxing Terms for non Boxers

A simple picture post explaining basic terms I throw about on here! Half of which meant nothing to me two years ago... This post makes my rambles easier to understand but it gets so many hits every week so it must help others too! Or at least I hope it does!

3. Most controversial – To Box or not to Box

This post was written after I seriously considered quitting boxing after an incompetent coach allowed sparring to happen where Mike got his eyesocket fractured... You all know how it ends now hehe couldn't stay away! (although seeing that picture again does make me feel a little queasy)

4. Most helpful – Core Challenge

I ran a core challenge last year which I thought was really fun! To get people started I posted lots of core exercises with poses to help people do them!

5. Surprise success – Manny Pacquiao Workout

I think this one is probably just so successful 'cause that man is so fit so people want to train like him, doesn't stop it being a kick arse workout though!

and Homemade Sugar Free Granola

A tasty (if I do say so myself) recipe which although it's scrummy I never expected it to still be getting regular hits today!

6. Not enough attention – Why I Box

This post is fairly old which is probably why it hasn't had much attention but it gives a bit of background into how I got into boxing.

7. Most proud – Good Friday Hill Race

My first ever race. I came last but I finished haha!

Now to nominate 5 other bloggers to tell us their 7 links:

I can't remember who's done this and who hasn't so I'm tagging anyone who comments who hasn't already been tagged!

Well that was quite an emotional journey going through all my old posts.. There were some I would have included had I done this a while ago like my first half marathon/engagement post but those things aren't really happy memories anymore.. It's strange to see how much my life has changed over the last 6 months I'm a lot less happy than I was when I first started this blog, my eating disorder has resurfaced and I feel totally out of control with it but at least I'm back boxing again and had my life stayed on the same path I wouldn't have been able to go to Ibiza and have such a great holiday so... Let's try to see the positives!

By the way, I'm sorry I've neglected my blog this past week or so... finding it hard to get back into my routine...I've been boxing about 5 times since I was back, the best being last Wednesdays session.... What a workout!! It involved several sprints with a boxing bag over my shoulder... an amazing core circuit and general arse whooping! Usual service to return next week, promise! I'm doing a sponsored tire push (300lb) on Sunday, am half excited and half terrified!! It's to raise money for kit for the team if anyone wants to sponsor me via paypal I would be so grateful! Let me know and I'll give you the details!

Ibiza

2011-07-20T13:20:00.000+01:00

Well I'm back on UK soil wishing I was still on Ibizan sands! I had a brilliant time... Far from a healthy living bloggers lifestyle though!! Detox begins now! Apart from breakfast it was very hard to eat healthily over there, if I went again I think I'd go self catering in an apartment so I could be more in control of my food... Being vegetarian over there involved a lot of cheese toasties and chips! Oddly all the cafes seemed to have the same menus so where ever you ate you got the same choice, which for me was a cheese toastie!! Oh well, could have been worse! I hope you guys like pictures 'cause this post is full of them!

Day 1
At the airport at about 5am having been up already for around 24hrs!

Pretty sunrise over the runway

The view from our hotel bar, was a perfect location!

Still going on the first day, at a beachside cafe, least I could wear sunglasses now to hide the dark circles haha

First trip to the beach outside the hotel <3

Exploring on our first night, we found a cute market near the West End.

Me posing by the fountains... feeling a bit worse for wear by this point had been up for about 42 hours by this point! Excitement kept me going I think!

Day 2
Going for a walk on the seafront, I couldn't believe how mountainous and beautiful Ibiza was!

This was a cool little outdoor performance area, we never got to see anything there but I bet it would have been good!

Coronita! Sneaky mid day beer :-p Well when you're on holiday....

In Itaka bar, this place was cool, it had a live saxophonist playing to background music. Loved listening to him, he was doing a jazzy version of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at one point!

Day 3
View along the waterfront

In the hotel bar drinking a Capitan Morgan... a cocktail with rum and I forget what else....

View from the hotel bar <3

Our room, basic but clean!

balcony

The strangest cheesecake I've ever had... come on guys make an effort with the biscuit base it's the best bit!

Gorgeous sunset from the hotel bar

Slightly blurry waitor bringing me a tequila sunrise

yum!

We got picked on by the entertainment... Oh no!

He kept telling me 'no haha' cause I got the giggles... the tequila sunrise might have had something to do with that....

Salsa dancing (badly)

This guy was so strong!

I didn't capture it on camera (was too busy gawping) but at one point he had her above his head with one arm and was spinning her round!!

Mojito

At Ibiza Rocks bar (my favourite place!)

Ibiza rocks bar again... yuck shiny suncream face!!

Day 4
This boat was abandoned outside our hotel, apparently it had been part of a drugs deal...

Our hotel from the beach

Me in the sea

And again.. think I'd just gone a bit deeper judging by my body position, looks like I'm thinkin oooh this is cold haha

Went on a boat trip to Es Vedra Island

View of some of the clubs and fun fair, the pyramid is Es Paradis which I went to later in the week.

Our hotel

A cave

Boat going in said cave!

Pirate watch tower from the 1700's

Me in front of some cool rock formations, there were lots of these just jutting out of the water.

Es Vedra Island

Getting back on the boat after swimming in the sea, friend tried to get me in the water but she wasn't fast enough before we all had to get back on the boat :-(

Couldn't resist another sunset shot!

Es Paradis, Eden and the slingshot..

Day 5
Me in front of all the boats, you can't really tell but our hotel is in the distance too.

bendy palm tree

Ibizan cat

Hot, hot, hot!

Poser!

Ohh more sunset pics...

Ibiza rocks again! HedKandi pre party

At HedKandi in Es Paradis

Day 6
Sunset near Cafe Mambo

Weird sunset glow picture!

Heading to Ibiza rocks bar for our last night :-(

Am I really a healthy living blogger.... I don't look like one here but who am I to turn down free shots :-p

Cherry popper cocktail, this was really yummy! Vodka, amaretto, cranberry juice and I forget what else....

Judge Jules' dancers

This was a really funny dance off, was so good to watch, a really young looking guy blew the other guy out of the water!

Day 7
Sunrise for a change... from the hotel balcony

bye bye hotel...

bye bye Ibiza :-(

Woahhh you made it to the end!! Well done!

Holiday Prep (or how NOT to take a good picture of yourself!)

2011-07-09T16:58:00.000+01:00

Well this is off the vein of my usual blog topics but I'm so excited I have to share it! When Mike and I broke up one of my best mates and I booked a holiday to Ibiza! I am so excited! I love to make lists so here's my holiday essentials list... plus LOTS of outfit pics... someone got a bit camera happy whilst making her list....

Clothes
Underwear
Polka dot bra
Strapless bra
White push-up bra
Red push-up bra
Knickers
Knee socks
Socks for travelling

Swimwear

Polka dot swimsuit 50's style Bhs

Stripy bikini, Primark

Polka dot bikini Primark

Surfer style bikini, Quicksilver

Shorts
Denim hotpants x 2 (1 from H&M 1 from Primark)
White denim hotpants (from the 9-15 section at New Look)
Sailor-esque shorts (SoulCal from Republic)
Black combat shorts (Next)

Skirts
Cherry print mini (Primark)

Dresses
Sailor style dress (A local shop near my old house)
Rainbow stripe (H&M)
Flowery sun dress (New Look)
Stripey racerback (SoulCal from Republic)
Strapless black w/ white embroider design (Primark)
Cream polka dot peter pan collar (Miso from Republic)

Tops
Pink polka dot strapless (H&M)
Baggy tank with horseshoe on front (H&M)
Flowery gyspy shirt (Miss Selfridge)
Red polka dot bandau.. not sure you can call it a top!? (Primark)
White tank w/ blue stripes and red bows (Zara)
Blue crop w/ white stripes and gold buttons (New Look)
Red and white stripey w/ plait rope straps (H&M)
Blue and white stripe cap sleeves with bow (H&M)
Khaki backless with sequins (New Look)
Frank's soda crop top (hand-me-down!)
Pink skull on black racerback (a custom boutique in Leeds)
Red strapless w/ bow (Oasis)
Red ballet esque top (Oasis)

polka dot strapless and black cargo shorts

red and white stripy top with rope straps and H&M shorts

polka dot bandau and H&M shorts

Cool is the rule crop and H&M shorts

Floral gypsy blouse and H&M shorts

Zara stripy top and sailor shorts

Horseshoe top and sailor shorts

red ballet ish top and cherry mini

stripy top with bow and white shorts

Red wedges... is that how I'm supposed to tie them?

New look crop top and shorts, not sure about the belt?

Full legnth of the same

My sunnies

bow detail on the side... that's what sold 'em to me!

Bikini top... and my other shorts (both Primark)

Shoes
Black stiletto peep toe w/ cream bow
Red canvas wedges w/rope ties
Grey gladiator-ish platforms
Navy flip-flops
Navy sannies

Accesories
Sunnies
Diamante bow belt
Pale pink bead set
Cream bead set
Bow bracelet
Nautical charm bracelet
Owl dangly earrings
Swallow tunnels
Anchor tunnels
Plain tunnels
Swallow necklace
Anchor necklace

Pjs
Strap top and shorts
White with lilac striped shirt pjs (I probs won't need them but I cannot sleep if I'm the slightest bit chilly lol)

Other
Makeup

Keeping it simple.. false eyelashes, waterproof mascara, eyeliner, eyelash curlers, tweezers and a little set with enough in to create a few looks...

Straightners
Hair dye?
Shower gel
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Sun lotion
Aloe vera gel
Towel
Spare glasses
Contact lenses
Perfume
Plug changer thingy (for camera and phone)
Camera charger
Travel kettle and coffee?
Ibuprofen/paracetamol

Hand Luggage
Books
Magazines
Passport
Tickets
Transfer info
Hotel info
Money
Bikini and change of clothes - just in case!
Camera
Mobile

Well I hope you guys love lists as much as I do... If not I have just written the worlds most boring post!!

Just before I go, I want to give a quick shout out to Rachel @ Rachel's Delicious Journey who sent me the most delicious healthy brownies yesterday. These lasted no time at all! Thanks so much Rachel!

Sparring Recap

2011-07-07T10:36:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone! I missed WIAW again! Oops, I actually ate pretty well yesterday too, not too restrictive and no purging incidents, hooray for good days! I spent my day off snuggling with Roxie and doing a bit of tidying in the house, lovely relaxing day! I wish I had more time to spend with Roxie she seems to really appreciate it and seems so much happier when I'm at home most of the day!

Anyway, boxing!

Warm up

Run - stayed at the front of the pack.. think they were going a bit slower than usual... I'm usually a few metres behind. I had to laugh 'cause they were talking about leaving everyone behind even though we weren't going really fast and one of the guys said I was a beast for keeping up.. it made me giggle 'cause I thought what kind of woman takes being called a beast as a compliment lol.. this kind!

5 x 3 minutes heavy bag

Sparring
First proper sparring back... I was rusty but felt pretty confident, did ok.. got plenty to work on! Got some compliments on my jab being nice and fast which was good to hear I'd been working on it with Mike before we broke up... I now have a sore nose and slightly bloody lips due to letting rather more shots in than I would have liked haha! But for first sparring in goodness knows how long I'm happy!

First off I sparred a guy the same weight as me, he's had 17 fights compared to my zero so he toned it down and didn't go as fast or hard as he was against some of the other guys. That was good sparring I was trying to cut him down and get him on the ropes which I managed once but then I was stupid and moved my back on to the ropes (!) Ermm... not my most inteligent moment!! I did land some shots though I'm starting to learn to spot the gaps and pick my shots more which conserves a little energy!

I also sparred a guy who's had around 40 fights and is a GB champ. Obviously he wasn't going full force on me! It was so frustrating sparring him! He just threw a barrage of shots and I couldn't get anywhere near him really, I landed a couple of shots but he landed loads haha. It's good practice though there's a good chance I could come accross someone in a fight who just hopes to overwhelm me by throwing lots straight off and this sort of sparring proves to me I can keep calm, keep moving and avoid as many as possible when under pressure. Then in a fight situation take them down once they've punched themselves out!

I also sparred a fairly young guy who I was a bit tentative about hitting as I knew he was lighter than me... I'm often the lighter person so I don't have to alter my power much.. The coach said I should hit him harder though lol so I did! This guy could punch anyway, and he was fast. That was good sparring, I think he took it really mainly 'cause his punch rate was a lot higher than mine and he got some nice body shots off as I was guarding my face too much and leaving my body open and he spotted the gaps! Hopefully if I wasn't as tired I would be able to even this out a bit more!

Lastly I sparred a guy who was heavier than me but more evenly matched on skills as he hasn't had any fights yet either. He was afraid to hit me and I hope he changes his mind 'cause I think we could be good sparring for each other being at a similar level skill wise. I do understand where he's coming from as I'm always a bit worried I might hit a lighter person a bit hard if I don't alter my power correctly. But if people tone it down too much with me in sparring because I'm a girl I will get in a fight situation and get a shock and that's the last thing I want! We did talk about it so hopefully he will lose his qualms about hitting a girl! I felt like I didn't do too well in this round anyway as I was really tired by this point.. To a non boxer I cannot describe the tiredness you get in sparring haha it's like nothing else, ring fitness feels so hard to acheive!

Circuit, joined by a football team

Jumping on to the blocks with 5k medicine ball.. who got on to the top block with the medicine ball oooooh yeah!! Shocked myself there hehe
Shrugs
Push-ups
Star jumps
Elevated push-ups
Upright rows (20kg)
Leg raises
Tricep dips
Step ups
Punches with weights
Mountain climbers
Weighted hook twist exercise (15kg on one end of olympic barbell)
Calf raises
Power drives (15kg on one end of olympic barbell)
Sit-ups with twist

Then instead of doing the circuit again I had to bail as my dad was giving me a lift home and we were going to be late picking my mum up. I had no feelings of sickness after this workout and was able to eat when I got home. I was so happy! Maybe I've finally kicked this virus to the curb!

I'm getting really excited for my holiday! I have a holiday post coming soon with soooo many pictures in.. got a bit camera happy while I was getting some of my stuff ready for it! It's been five years since I've been out of the country I can't even tell you how excited I am! I'm off now to think about packing my hand luggage and sorting out my holiday make-up... making sure I haven't forgotten to buy anything!

What are your holiday essentials?

Strange Sparring

2011-07-06T14:22:00.000+01:00

...and other boxing...

I did go boxing last Thursday before I woke up ill on Friday morning... I can't remember what we did anymore though to be honest! So we'll move on to Mondays... I didn't have the best workout... nutrition was all wrong, didn't eat breakfast before my early shift (gotta be there for 6.45 so not always able to eat that early..) only took a total greek yoghurt with me and forgot I was staying late so at work til 4pm on just a yoghurt after being up since 5.30... managed to eat a banana and 2 slices of toast with pb and honey by about 4.30 but it was too close to training and not enough food overall to do a boxing workout.. By the time I'd finished boxing I felt so sick I couldn't eat anything I just showered and went to sleep... Oh and there was the palaver with the escapee bunny, those of you who follow my twitter (@boxruneat) will probably know all about it... he's still running free in the garden, little b*gger!!

Warm up
Run
Heavy bag 5 x 3 minute (1 minute rest)
Pads 1 x 3 minute (1 minute rest)
Felt so sick and dizzy during these rounds, I didn't feel like my work rate was good at all but I was literally dripping with sweat (sorry tmi!) Not sure whether it had more to do with the poor nutrition or the fact I was just coming back from an illness or maybe a combination of both... I felt like I was either going to puke or pass out blehh

Now, the strange sparring...
We paired off, sat on the floor opposite our partners each person had one leg over the others so you had one leg on top and one leg underneath theirs, you had to sit close so it was emulating in fighting where you couldn't use your footwork to escape an attack.. Let me tell you I was not too enthralled being so close to all the men/boys haha I felt rather awkward but I got on with it! No time to be prudish haha it's not like that anyway obviously I'm just easily embarrassed! Anyway moving on! We did about 5 3 minute rounds with 1 minute rest with a different partner each time. I really enjoyed getting back into some sparring and I think this was about the only sparring I could have coped with tonight full sparring would have been too tiring! I'm glad to say I wasn't flinching as much as I was last time we did touch sparring! I found it hard to get through some of their guards but I found myself timing shots quite well and spotting openings.. I still need a lot of work obviously I'm pretty rusty but it felt good to be doing it again!

After that we did the legs circuit... yowza, mine were like jelly after this!

Jumping over a bench with a 5kg medicine ball
Jumping onto steps and off again with 15kg bar bell then stepping on and off the steps on the way back..I did it with the proper squats this time, a lower weight though otherwise I think I would have been stuck sat on the floor
Clean and jumping lunge press... clean to waist then to shoulders with feet together then press to full arm extension whilst jumping and landing with your feet in a lunge position.. hope that made sense... it would be so much easier to show you.. (15kg)
Jumping onto blocks... I got on the big tall scary one hurrah! Granted not with the medicine ball but I didn't end up on my arse, bonus!
Lunge jumps over and onto a step
Walking lunges with 25kg barbell
Bunny hops with 5kg medicine ball
Power drive with Olympic barbell plus 10kg on one end
Calf extensions
Hook movement with Olympic barbell plus 15kg on one end

Thank god we only did this once, I actually couldn't have coped with a second circuit, I seriously considered dropping out 'cause I felt so sick and I do not drop out of workouts lightly, I hate quitting! We did a cool down and I was so glad my dad was giving my a lift home, I felt really rough!! I showered and went straight to bed when I got home, good nights sleep though!

Like a glutton for punishment I went back last night!
Warm up (inc 10 push-ups)
Run
6 x 3 minute heavy bag (1 minute rest)
3 x 3 minute partner footwork drills (1 minute rest)

Cardio circuit 2 mins each station 30s rest between stations

Exercise bike
Exercise bike
Power drives
Weighted punches
Step ups with 15kg weight
Incline sit-ups
Treadmill
Treadmill
Cross trainer
Rowing machine
Rowing machine
Jumping lunges on step

and collapse!! (cool down) Felt really rough tonight aswell, bath and straight to bed... I'm hoping I feel better tonight, if not I'll give Thursdays session a miss.

My Foodie Blog Swap goodies arrived from McKayla @ Green Groats.... Sadly they did not survive the journey :-( But I do have the recipe to try them myself when I have the ingredients in... Gutted, they sounded gorgeous! I'll share the recipe with you all anyway.

Peanut Butter Flaxy Fudge Protein Bars
1 cup chocolate protein powder
2/3 cup flaxseed meal
2 TBS natural chunky PB
1/8 cup water
1tsp chia seeds
1tsp cinnamon
1/2tsp maple extract
1/4 tsp stevia

Mix all ingredients together, add a little more water if necessary. Divide into 8 balls and mold into desired shapes, wrap individually and store in fridge or freezer.

What a shame, they sounded so nice!

Luckily I have a few goodies to keep me going, I bought out H&B on their BOGOHP offer over the weekend and my granola I won from Laura @ Keeping Healthy Getting Stylish arrived to keep me snacked up!

H&B goodies

Lots of xylitol (some unpictured... I love this stuff)
Maca powder
Time release B vitamins (stress depletes B vitamins and deficiencies can lead to depression so I figured with everything going on right now I could do with ensuring I'm getting enough!)
Healthy habits bars, 4 hazelnut and honey (my fave), one oat cranberry and one almond pecan to mix things up a bit!
Bear fruit yo-yo, one blueberry, one raspberry.
Bounce protein bars 2 almond, 1 peanut and one spirulina ginseng
Finally 4 tubs of natural PB, 3 smooth (for porridge) and 1 crunchy (for toast)

So... I've never used maca before? Can you share your fave maca recipes with me?

June Recap

2011-07-02T10:09:00.000+01:00

June goals
Finish the Allerthorpe half marathon - probably now unattainable sub goal was to get my time in under 2hrs which I have acheived in training but.... DONE!!! Can't even believe it!! Recap of Allerthorpe half marathon :-)

Try not to lose anymore weight DONE!! - ok so my feelings around food are not totally healthy at the moment but I'm happy if I maintain this weight. It's a weight I can cope with and it's not too low to be really unhealthy but not too high that I'm constantly freaking out.

Get back in that boxing gym DONE, and loving it!

June totals
Push-ups - 200
Miles - 17.1

for comparrison May totals
Push-ups - 60
Miles - 24.1

Ok so push-ups are coming back and miles are going down! I just need to find my balance with running and boxing and work.. and sleep haha honestly I see some peoples blogs and I do not know how you do it! I'm always striving for this balance I can never seem to quite get. There is always something that I feel is lacking.. Maybe that is the perfectionist in me coming out.. Never satisfied, but that can be a good thing it means I'm always trying for something more! I just need to get my routine sorted, which is hard when my shifts are always changing! But Late shift = run, early shift = boxing should do the trick!

Those of you who follow my twitter account will know I've been feeling very sorry for myself since yesterday. I got that bloody virus. Woke up yesterday morning feeling very sick, decided to go to work anyway as I had felt really sick on Tues morning and it just passed... Anyway part way there on the bus I have to get off and ring my brother for a lift home. Luckily he bought a bucket 'cause I was sick on the way back.. Apart from my brief attempt at going to work and an hour on my laptop yesterday I slept for 32 hours!! And I still feel exhausted.. it's really taken it out of me :-(

Busy Little Bee

2011-06-29T23:31:00.001+01:00

Wooo it's been a while! I have been working like a mad woman. There has been a nasty diarrhoea and sickness virus going round the home I work at and I have been doing lots of overtime, including a 15.5 hour shift on Monday, my day off... I must be mad it was a gorgeous day should have sat myself in a beer garden and worked on my tan haha.. but the money will be good when it comes in and plus I might still end up catching this virus and having to take unpaid sick days... How bad is that I would have to take unpaid sick days for a virus I would have caught at work... Anyway... My body had been strong so far against it. I really feel like a ticking time bomb though haha. In all this I've actually just had a stonking cold... nothing to stop me working or getting to the gym though, just a bit tired and run down, probably from working too much and still not sleeping well. I'm up at 5.30am tomorrow and I'm writing this post wide awake at 11.15pm.. and that's the time now... Goodness knows what time it will be when I finish writing!! (ahhh only 11.30... is this full of mistakes?)

Anyway... you don't come here for my rants about how hard I'm working or to hear me feeling sorry for myself! I'll share with you my latest boxing workout instead!

Warm up 20 mins of the usual, jogging, stretching, tuck jumps, push-ups etc

Running team drills - this consisted of a few drills which we each did 3 times

run to the ring (approx 50m) pick up heavy bag, run back to team then back to ring, drop heavy bag and sprint back to team.
run to ring pick up heavy bag, run back to team, run back to ring, drop heavy bag, run back halfway to team and do 20 jumping lunge type things off a high step, sprint back to team.
run to ring, back to team, back to ring, back to half way, step up onto steps with med ball when you reach the top fully extend arms then bring back to chest, repeat 10 times for speed, jump sideways over steps 10 times, sprint back to team.

6 x 3 min heavy bag (1 min rest)

7 mins continual skipping

Partner drills with medicine ball

Person A throws medicine ball to person B who is sat on the floor, person B lies down, touches medicine ball on floor behind head, does sit-up and throws back to person A. Repeat 15 times then swap. x 3
Person A throws medicine ball to person B who is kneeling on the floor, person B throws back, drops straight down into push-up then back up ready to catch again. Repeat 15 times then swap. x 3
A & B stand back to back and pass the medicine ball from side to side 15 times each side x 2.

Weighted hooks with olympic barbell plus 15kg (3 x 12)

Cool down, 10 mins of stretches.

Plus I biked there and back... I'm not keen on road biking (always feel like I'm going to die on the roads or be fined massively if I go on the pavements..) but I'm trying to save money on bus fares. It costs me 2 pounds a night to box but would be over a fiver including bus fares, now if I go three-four times a week thats 15-20 pounds gone when it could be 6-8... Big difference if I suck it up and bike! Plus it's an extra little workout, it's about 25 mins each way, not sure how many miles but it will be good for leg endurance so... thinking of the positives!

Last bit of good stuff, I got my Matcha powder from Teapigs you can expect a proper review but so far all I have to say is LOVE IT! I had some the day I got it and really felt energised, moreso than my beloved coffee! Shock!! p.s. ETA just noticed they have an offer on the matcha at the moment, 2 for 40 instead of 25 each (sorry my pound button doesn't work!!) it ends 30/06/11 so get in quick if you want to save a bit! Enter matchabod at the checkout!

Hope you're all having a good week, hope I get to post more regularly this week I miss blogging when I'm busy!

Yet Another Boxing Workout

2011-06-19T18:25:00.000+01:00

How's everyone's weekend been? I'm just experimenting on my new phone and blogging from work on my break.. Not sure I could do this all the time though! On Friday I went boxing, only four including myself turned up!

Warm up (this one included squatting atg style and jogging? moving? as fast as you can along the floor in that position, moving as fast as you can in a bear hold and then in a crab hold... the first was the worst!)

8 mins continuous skipping

3 x 3 min heavy bag (1 min rest)

5 x 3 min touch sparring - working on technique - the coach seemed happy with me here but I was disappointed, I kept flinching and blinking even though it was only touch sparring and I knew I wasn't going to get hurt so it was annoying that I was flinching.. I know that will go once I get used to it again but...

Leg Circuit... Ohhhhhhhh.... Ouch!!

Jumping over a bench with a 5kg medicine ball
Jumping onto steps and off again with 25kg bar bell then stepping on and off the steps on the way back.. I realised afterwards seeing another guy finish it that I think this was meant to be squat jumps.. not just jumps.. think I may have ended up on the floor if I'd tried a squat jump though haha
Clean and jumping lunge press... clean to waist then to shoulders with feet together then press to full arm extension whilst jumping and landing with your feet in a lunge position.. hope that made sense... it would be so much easier to show you..
Jumping onto blocks... still bottling the big tall scary one haha.. I will get up there (and hopefully not end up on my arse..)!
Lunge jumps over and onto a step
Walking lunges with 25kg barbell
Bunny hops with 5kg medicine ball (the WORST!! yowza)
Calf extensions
Hook movement with olympic barbell

We did it twice, once with 1 min per station then a second time with 30s per station we had a short break in between, maybe 5 mins... This was tough!

My legs are still hurting today from all of that! It's still feeling so good to be back though!

Is everyone excited about the Healthy Living Gathering? I cannot wait!

Healthy Living Gathering

2011-06-18T10:00:00.000+01:00

Healthy Living Gathering: We want to know what you think!

A few of us have started to investigate the potential to hold a UK healthy living bloggers event (similar to the Healthy Living Submmit that takes place in the U.S) It’s very early days yet, but we wanted to post about it so that we could see how many of you would be interested in taking part!

There are 4 of us trying to organise things at the moment: Emily from Sparkle and Shade, Laura from Keeping Healthy Getting Stylish, Emma from Coming Up Easy and me, Laura from Box, Run, Eat.

At the moment we are looking at a possible date of the 8th and 9th October 2011.

If you would be interested in attending an event like this please send an email to healthylivinggathering@gmail.com with the following information:

Venue preference: Leeds / Manchester / Nottingham
How much you would be willing to pay for a ticket

We know it will be difficult to find a venue that suits everyone, but we have tried to keep the options as central and affordable as possible. If you'd like to come but can't make that weekend, please still get in touch - the date isn't set in stone, the main thing we need to find out is how many of you would be interested in coming along!

We really hope that some of you would like to join us at an event, it would be lovely to meet you all! This isn’t just restricted to bloggers either, anyone that’s interested could come along.

If you’re on Twitter, make sure you’re following @HLG11 for all the latest info and updates over the next few months.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Emily, Laura, Emma and Laura x

Lots More Boxing

2011-06-17T06:15:00.000+01:00

Went boxing again on Wednesday after a rather lazy day sitting down lots as it was my only day off out of 17 days... damn overtime why did I agree to you! Coupled with the fact my sleeping pattern has been destroyed lately - bed at 1 to wake up at 5.30 for work knackered straight after work then wide awake when I need to sleep.. I hope this stress goes soon, I really am not good on any less than 7.5 hours!! I needed to get my feet up! I spent the day thinking about some very exciting ideas... I promise I'll tell you more soon but October promises to be a good month - keep your diaries free!

Anyway, back to the boxing!
Usual warm up - jogging round the gym, few sprints, few tuck jumps, lots of stretches...
Then we went for a run, out of approx 20 male boxers I made it back 4th.. I was well pleased with myself! Maybe they weren't trying as hard as me but I was happy anyway! I'm guessing it was 1.5-2 miles... not sure really, only a quicky!
We did some partner drills after the run.. that's when it all started to go down hill for me.. I felt like I had absolutely no co-ordination tonight, I was slow and sluggish and I just wasn't getting it right. Really frustrating!
4 x 3 min heavy bag
10 mins core work (owwwwwwwww really got to me tonight!)
Cool down

And being a glutton for punishment as I am after finishing my early shift today I went home chilled for a bit with Roxie my doggy... rather old picture... need to take some new ones!
Anyway, after having some Roxie cuddles and then taking her for a walk I got myself ready to go back to boxing... and so long as I don't completely flake out I plan on doing the same tomorrow! I can have a lie in before my late shift on Saturday!

Warm-up inc jogging, tuck jumps and stretches
Sprint drills (this was fun!)
8 x 3 min heavy bag/shadow alternating (1 min rest)

Partner drills with medicine ball

Person A throws medicine ball to person B who is sat on the floor, person B lies down, touches medicine ball on floor behind head, does sit-up and throws back to person A. Repeat 15 times then swap. x 3
Person A throws medicine ball to person B who is kneeling on the floor, person B throws back, drops straight down into push-up then back up ready to catch again. Repeat 15 times then swap. x 3
A & B stand back to back and pass the medicine ball from side to side 15 times each side x 2.

More core!! After last nights core this didn't hurt as much as I was expecting but it did hurt haha I expect to be sore tomorrow.. that kind of sore when you dread someone making you giggle... and I happen to be on shift with a girl who cracks me up all the time tomorrow! Oh well! It'll be better than being down in the dumps as I have been so often lately... I'm still so up and down... One day I'm fine and feeling like it's the right decision and the next I just feel so fed up.. I really can't wait to go on holiday and get away from 'normal' life for a while! At least going back boxing has given me something to focus on... now all I need to do is keep my running up and sort my eating out and I'll be well on the way to sorted!

Top Ten Health and Fitness Tips

2011-06-16T16:41:00.000+01:00

TOTAL Greek yoghurt got in touch with me recently to see if I wanted to be involved in their #Fit4Summer campaign and share my top ten health and fitness tips.. Sounds good to me! They have a website with their own tips on Fit 4 summer website and you can win a months supply of TOTAL Greek yoghurt here... nom!

1. Add fruit or veg to your meal or snack.
Add extra vitamins, minerals and bulk to your diet. For example if I fancy ryvitas with hummous on I'll chop up some cherry tomatoes, baby beetroot, cucumber and olives to go with them. Or add fruit to your cereal/porridge/yoghurt.. Fancy a burger and chips, have half regular chips and half squash chips or sweet potato chips... Don't forget to load up the salad! I like some by the side too :-)

2. Don't deny your cravings.
If you really want some chocolate or crisps have some. I follow the 80/20 'rule' i.e. 80% good, healthy nutritious food and 20% whatever it is I fancy... Plus I always found I'd eat more if I denied my cravings as I'd eat something instead of what I was craving, find myself still craving a certain food and end up eating both leading to more calories consumed and feelings of guilt.

3. Sneak in little bits of exercise!
Every little helps... Drop and do 5/10/20 push-ups or sit-ups in the ad breaks if you're watching tv or just do them on and off throughout the night. I've not been doing this much lately but I should be! It really helps your strength and your numbers will add up really quickly. Make a tally chart and see how many you do over the course of an evening... Bet you surprise yourself! Plus once you have a base number you can get competetive with yourself!

4. Don't neglect your strength training.
Muscle burns more calories than fat, plus you will be stronger! Try one of mine here... scroll down past the nakd review and me looking VERY different to get to the workout! You can do it in a gym but I love having a set of weights to do it in the privacy of my own home..

5. Challenge yourself and compete against yourself.
The main reason I love running is because I can really compete against myself. Buy a garmin, try go faster or further (carefully though, don't increase too much too soon, you risk injury!). Try to increase your push-up numbers or your sit-up numbers too or do some Ross Training workouts and try and beat your times... my personal favourites are the Magic 50 and Workout capacity 101.

6. Fuel properly
Both before and after exercise... As someone with an eating disorder history this one can be tricky but I try to see my body as a machine... Like a car needs petrol to run our bodies need fuel to run/exercise/function.. So put the good stuff in!

7. Join a boxing gym..
Ok I might be slightly biased here but there is nothing more motivating than wanting to be fit enough, fast enough, strong enough to win a fight! But really, you don't have to fight or spar to get loads out of a boxing gym, you'll get an amazing workout and you'll learn techniques which make me feel more confident biking home from work at night... You attack me you better be ready for the backhand that's going to land on your nose! Plus you will most likely be made to feel really welcome and part of a team.

8. Switch it up
Usually go for a long slow run? Try some intervals... Always running intervals or really tough fast paced runs try a longer slow run.. Our body's get used to the same kind of training, shock it into submission with something new! Or something completely different... see the Ross workouts in tip 5, they're horrible but it's a good kinda horrible!

9. Get people involved.
I've just convinced a few people at work to do the race for life, it's fun to have new people to train with and it feels good to inspire others at the start of their fitness journey!

10. Experiment in the kitchen.
Want something sinfully unhealthy or nutritionally devoid? Experiment in the kitchen with your own healthy version! If you don't feel too confident in the kitchen check out some of these blogs Chocolate Covered Katie and Keeping Healthy Getting Stylish who have healthified lots of yummy recipes... Try Katie's cookie pie, I've not got round to making it yet but it looks AMAZING! I must get round to it! Or just google healthy *whatever it is you fancy* you're bound to find something!
Here's a list of some of my healthified recipes
Sugar free raspberry yoghut mess made with TOTAL Greek yoghuty as it happens!
Vegan english breakfast with homemade, baked hashbrowns
Allergy free cinnamon buns (also sugar free)
Healthy pizza night
Tabouli recipe and big summer salad plate
High protein truffle balls - kind of like fudge babies but my own version made without knowing fudge babies existed!
Baked tortilla chips and homemade guacamole

I can't believe how much my life has changed since some of those posts.. some of them are in Mike and I's old university flat! Seen how tiny the kitchen is! Wow it's amazing I ever cooked in there hehe.. ohhh all reminiscent now!

Now I'm tagging 3 bloggers.. 'cause I wanna hear your top ten tips!
Jess @ Almost Over Now
Maria @ Running Cupcake
and
Lindsay @ vivoir

Half Marathon Pictures and More Boxing

2011-06-11T15:52:00.001+01:00

I went boxing again on Thursday night... I've not really been sleeping so it was hard but a lot easier to motivate myself to go to the gym and train there than it would be to do the same thing at home! Also I have to say, people who've commented saying they'd like to try boxing do it! You don't have to fight and you can go to an amateur boxing gym and get a really great workout, learn how to punch (good self defence and proper punching will work more muscles..) it's not daunting or too full of testosterone, all the gyms I've ever been in have been really friendly, the only potential downside is there aren't many women at all so if you don't like being a minority you might not like it but that doesn't bother me personally!

Anyway here's how they killed me on Thurs!!

Warm up
5 x 3 min skip (1 min rest)
8 x 3 min alternating heavy bag and shadow (1 min rest)
1 x 3 min pad work (this was done in the middle of the bag/shadow rounds... totally killed me! My boxing fitness is definitely down!)

Another killer circuit... slightly different to last time... might have forgotten some stations but hopefully not!

Medicine ball sit-ups - twist each side and one in the middle
bar bell over the shoulder (it's a barbell with a heavy weight on one end and the other end is on the floor, you kind of punch it from one shoulder to the other... couldn't find a picture and my attempts to draw one on paint were no more helpful I'm afraid..)
Medicine ball rugby pass (to the wall and catch, 2 hands alternating each side of the body)
Neider press back against the wall
Raised push-ups (feet on second rope of the ring x 10)
Raised push-ups (feet on first rope of the ring x 15)
Resistance band punches (jab)
Resistance band punches (straight)
Resistance band punches (uppercuts)
Resistance band punches (hooks)
Push-ups (20)
Sit-ups
Jumping squats from side to side on a step
Jumping on to blocks with 5kg medicine ball
Jumps over benches
Jumps over piled up steps with some push-ups at the end (yeah this section FRIED my already dead legs haha)
Front of neck press (think I used 10kg)
Shrugs (used 10kg e/a I think)
Bent over row (think I used 10kg...)
Back of neck press (7.5kg for this I think...)
Squats and lunges (25kg I think)
hook type thing with barbell (this is similar to the other barbell exercise I couldn't describe haha weights on one end, other end on the floor and hook from one side to the other)
Raised calf extensions

push-ups = 55

Cool down

So tired after that! Been loving being back though, can't wait for more sessions and to get back in the ring for some sparring... my fitness definitely needs work though, don't want to be puffing and panting as much as I am at the moment ha!

The official pictures from last weeks half are online now... Loving mine for a change actually!

This is the pack I was with for a while at the beginning, when I checked their finish times I gained about 15 minutes on them so I made the right decision to speed up! (I was tentative at first in case I couldn't keep my lead haha)

Can't believe my muscles on this!!! This is a rare picture of my body where I can look at it and think yeah I look ok, maybe even good.. That's such a rare thought for me, I'm pleased, might buy this one even though I'm not a huge fan of my facial expression!!

Ready to stop the garmin... getting priorities straight!!

And I think I'm going to be sick...

Hope you're all having a good weekend!

Back to Boxing

2011-06-08T22:54:00.000+01:00

So back to boxing last night! Here's what we got up to! I'm buzzing to be back in the gym, I can't wait to get in the ring either... I could have gone to do some sparring tonight but I ended up sorting some stuff out with Mike and decided it was probably best to wait too 'cause it was at another club and I'm not quite looking my best yet... Want to get a reputation for myself for being a good, strong, gutsy boxer not a tired boxer haha

Warm up
3 x 3 min Skip (1min break)
8 x 3 min heavy bag (1 min break)
1 x 3 min pads (so good, but so tiring haha and my legs were dead but I found some power... I would like to think I'd be stronger if I hadn't run a half on Sunday!)
Circuit... this circuit has got even more awesome since I last went!

Medicine ball sit-ups - twist each side and one in the middle
bar bell over the shoulder (it's a barbell with a heavy weight on one end and the other end is on the floor, you kind of punch it from one shoulder to the other... couldn't find a picture and my attempts to draw one on paint were no more helpful I'm afraid..)
Medicine ball rugby pass (to the wall and catch, 2 hands alternating each side of the body.. kind of scared I was going to drop the ball and knock someone out... I didn't luckily!!)
Resistance band punches (jab)
Resistance band punches (straight)
Resistance band punches (uppercuts)
Resistance band punches (hooks)
Jumping on to blocks with 5kg medicine ball (I only managed the first two... last one was too high and since I almost bottled the first I didn't try it yet but give me some time I'll be leaping on to that thing don't worry ;-) I was so scared of falling on my bum in this one haha)
Jumps over benches
Jumps over piled up steps with some push-ups at the end (yeah this section FRIED my already dead legs haha)
Front of neck press (think I used 10kg)
Shrugs (used 10kg e/a I think)
Bent over row (think I used 10kg...)
Back of neck press (7.5kg for this I think...)
Squats and lunges (25kg I think)
hook type thing with barbell (this is similar to the other barbell exercise I couldn't describe haha weights on one end, other end on the floor and hook from one side to the other)
Raised calf extensions

and collapse! We did a minute on each station and I must admit my heart sank a little when the coach said we were doing it again it was tough... he was joking though hehe I like to work hard but I wasn't disappointed when he was joking haha not sure I could have taken another round!

Finished with about 15 mins abs and a cool down

My body feels beat up today but in a good way! I'm still sore from the half too, bending down to get in the meds trolley at work I'm groaning like an old lady and needing to pull myself back up haha.. Don't think that will stop me boxing tomorrow night though! Thought I was on a late but on an early so get me to the gym :D

Hope you all had a happy hump day!

Alpro Vitality App

2011-06-07T22:58:00.000+01:00

I must apologise for the length of time it's taken me to get this post up! The guys at alpro contacted me ages ago asking me to try out the vitality app and sent me some yummy soy deserts, the dark chocolate flavour... First time I'd tried those and I'll definitely be getting them again, much better than the regular chocolate... anyway I digress.... I tried the vitality app out at the beginning of my relationship breakdown with Mike when my eating was probably at its worst and it was good for helping me realise just how little I was surviving on a day... I also imagine it's good for people looking to cut down as it's probably more geared towards, or just people wanting to keep track. I think sometimes you just don't realise how many calories are in something..

Pros

Takes into account that there is more to health and wellbeing than exercise and nutrition and there is an option to add in social time and other non food/exercise related activities such as recycling.
Able to keep track of meals and snacks separately and collectively as the day goes on
Keep track of water intake as the day goes on so you don't do what I often do and forget all day and cram it all after tea meaning I'm up and down to the loo all night.. doh!
Also keep track of reaching your 5 a day, however, I wish there had been options for adding to this section as some people like to try and eat more than 5 often I ate more and would have liked the little ego boost of being able to put that down haha maybe that's just me!

Cons

At first I found adding meals hard to do I figured it out eventually but it didn't seem very intuitive..of course that just might be my lack of computer abilities...
No spelt on the ingredients list so I hd to use brown rice instead as I thought they might be similar, also no blueberries and a few other items which I had to try and put the nearest option in.
On a few occaisions it doubled the calorie count of one meal whilst stating the correct number of calories on the meals bit.. I had to half the grams of the meal for it to appear right on the chart although then it appeared wrong on the list... not sure what went on there, I tried all sorts to fix it and that was all I could come up with, but again someone more computer minded might not have found that so difficult!!

Whilst I think this is a great tool I probably shouldn't continue to use it. It's too easy for me to become obsessive about these things and whilst it did give me a kick in the right direction at first it would be too easy for me to use it in a bad way, and generally counting calories and I don't go well together... That's nothing really against the app though just personal choices, it's a great free app for people who get on with that kind of thing it's just not too healthy for me... Leads to too many up and down emotions from feeling high that I'd not eaten anything one day to looking at the same day and thinking what are you doing to yourself Laura you idiot.. In some ways these things are far easier not written down for me, on a computer program or otherwise... Anyway, go check it out here just 'cause it's not for me doesn't make it bad!

In other news I got back in the boxing gym tonight!! It felt SO good! I sweated buckets and worked hard, the coach said he thinks I'll be ready to fight come the new season in Autumn so that's great news! I'll write a proper post on that tomorrow... must sleep soon up at the ungodly hour of 5.30 for work :-( After 6 days off and lie-ins it's going to be so hard haha