I'M STILL ALIVE!

I just realised how long it's been since I've posted on this blog and I miss it and need to get started again!!!

WOW though - SOOO much has happened since July I don't even know where to start!

First of all and maybe most significant is that I actually completed my Certificate III and IV in Personal Training through the Australian Institute of Fitness so I am now a fully qualified trainer which is amazing! I've learnt so much through the course and it's not only developed my skills to help other people but it's given me such a good understanding of how to achieve your fitness related goals. 

Something else that happened that's probably the most amazing thing to happen to me is that I've gotten a job with Bondi Vixen!!! For those who aren't familiar with Bondi Vixe, it's an outdoor training group for women right on Bondi Beach run by the incredible Vix Erber, one of the greatest trainers in Australia! I will make a separate post all about it very soon!

Those are the two big things that have happened but other than those I've had lots of smaller achievements. I'm really into my weight training now and I have such a better understanding and confidence around the gym now. Now more getting intimidated by all the big guys in the gym - I'm right next to them now doing my own thing and it's awesome :)

Miss Bondi 2013 Finals

I was also lucky enough to compete in the Miss Bondi 2013 competition at the Beach Roach Hotel and I made it in the finals which was incredible! Such a fun experience and got some cool stuff out of it too ;)

Anyway, keep checking back for updates, I'll definitely be making the time to be updating hopefully more than ever now that my life is really taking off in an amazing direction!

Danni

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My First Half Marathon!

Hey everyone!!!

I DID IT!

On the 7th July 2013 I completed my first half marathon and I am so proud of myself!

I finished in a very slow time of 2 hours 42 minutes, but I don't really care because I think I did really well to even finish it at all! 

I managed to finish after having an injury that put me out of running for more than 2 months just before the event - so I think running a half marathon without having run for 2 months is a big achievement!

Not only this, but the first time I ever decided to "go for a run" was actually less than 6 months ago! My mum pointed out - not many people start off their running journey with a half marathon! So I'm pretty proud of this too!

I think it just proves that you can do anything if you put your mind to it and have a positive attitude, and never let the words "I can't" creep into your head!

I was pretty wrecked after it though haha!

The first 10km were great and I was running faster than I expected!! I actually did 9km in the first hour which is probably the fasted I've ever run for a distance like that ever which was excited for me! At the 10km mark the pain of my ankle started to come back but it was ok and I could push through it as it wasn't nearly as bad as how it used to me. Also, to get me through the half way mark, Bon Jovi's "Living On A Prayer" started playing for me, so I had a little bit of a laugh while I was running and singing in my head "WOAHHH WE'RE HALF WAY THERE!" hahaha :)

I was going well and up until the 14km mark I thought I would have a chance at finishing sub 2hr 30min but then this awful pain in my hips started to kick in and it was just so bad that it just really really ached when I tried to run, so my last 2 or 3 kilometers were very slow as this pain was just so bad. I managed to sprint down the finish shoot though haha and then I spent the day collapsed in my lovely hotel bed. I was happy to notice that my ankle pain actually got better straight after I ran when it used to remain sore or even get worse throughout the day when I ran on it. But my hips were awful, even when I was lying down. I was walking like a duck for the rest of the day and people kept staring at me hahaha :P

Just wanted to thank everyone who has sent messages of support to me and congratulated me - it means so much to have you behind me! Also the Gold Coast marathon people and the people at the water stands!!! And the people who stand on the sidelines cheering the runners on - they're amazing (especially the lady with the "RUN BITCHES" sign hahaha). It was a great morning and even though I was terrified when my mum dropped me off at the startline (I started crying and didn't want to get out of the car) I proved to myself that I can do anything if I say I can and stay determined and never let negativity into my mind! That feeling when you see the finish line is so amazing, and I encourage everyone to do something like this and get out of their comfort zone because nothing feels greater than achieving something for yourself!!!

Danni
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Long Time, No Post!

Hello everyone!

I just remembered that I haven't updated my blog in almost a month! What an outrage!

A lot has happened in that month. Biggest of all - I turned 18! Yay! 

Another thing that's happened is that the Gold Coast half marathon has been very quickly creeping up on me and my tendinitis-ankle... and now there's only 5 DAYS TO GO. WHAT!?

This is extra crazy because I haven't run in about 7 weeks. Yesterday was my first outdoor run in about 8 weeks... So I'm gonna say there's probably a fairly big chance I won't be able to finish.

It's not like I haven't been keeping my fitness up though - I was taking regular spin classes multiple times a week in addition to hitting the gym 5 - 6 days a week. The good thing about spending time in the gym was that I got to really build the strength of my leg muscles which was often my main weakness when running - my muscles would often start to let me down way before my actually cardio fitness levels would, so hopefully that helps me out.

My run yesterday was a little challenging - probably more in my mind than my body. I eased back into running with just a quick 5km yesterday and I'm about to head out today for 10km (hopefully can do that in about an hour). I have a bad habit of stressing out/panicking/doubting myself when big events come up and I did shed a few tears yesterday because I'm not 100% sure I'll cross the finish line, OR that my ankle is going to keep working throughout the whole length of the race. However, my mother reassured me that just entering is an achievement and that the fact that I'll be giving it a go even with an injury that's prohibited training is great. So I will attempt it and whatever happens, happens.

Also I'm sure that the race environment will be far more encouraging than running 5 laps of the promenade at Bondi Beach haha! It's all about the atmosphere I guess :) I was also pretty excited to learn yesterday that the course passes Cav's Steakhouse in the Gold Coast which has fake cows outside which always brighten my day hahaha :) So hopefully the cows will cheer me on a little.

I'm pretty happy to be attempting my first half marathon at 18 years and 2 weeks when most people will go their whole lives without doing one so I just have to stay positive, get rid of the tears, and focus on the next 5 days to make the most out of this event!

Danni
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Getting Started

To me it seems like the hardest part of everyone's fitness journey is getting started. People struggle to find motivation or time to put their plans into action and they're filled with self-doubt which ultimately holds them back from what they really want to achieve. Far to often people are more focussed on what they have to give up rather than what they have to gain. What people need to realise is what there is to gain is SO MUCH MORE than what they may have to sacrifice.

The first step is saying "I can." "I can't" is the most hurtful phrase to yourself and your well being and you need to eliminate it from your vocabulary, because you really do have the ability to do anything. Just one year ago I wouldn't try run if I was being chased by a hungry tiger. It was like "oh, I wasn't born a good runner so I can't do it so I won't try." Now I'm entered in a half marathon and I'm running multiple times a week, distances that I'd never dreamed of doing before! If you want to run, run! Say that you "can" and you will! This isn't just about running, this is about everything - weight loss, muscle gain, fitness, any sport! Obviously not everyone's going to get to the Olympics, but you can achieve so much even if you're not the best in the world. That seems to be another thing stopping people, "If I can be really good, what's the point?" THERE'S ALWAYS A POINT! It's about achieving things for yourself! It's not about being the best version out of everyone, it's about being the best version of you.

In terms of motivating yourself, you need to stop thinking of living a healthy lifestyle as a chore and as what it really is - a lifestyle! Too often I think people think of exercise and healthy foods as these things that are just waiting to be done and have to be done and are not "enjoyable" but that's so far from the truth! They are enjoyable if you do them the right way! Eating healthy doesn't have to be plain lettuce - find some great recipes, instagram is full of inspiring foodies who post so many amazing food ideas. Find a way to exercise that you really enjoy and incorporate it into your daily routine! I guarantee that it'll become something you'll love to do and rather than making excuses for not having time, you'll be making excuses for why you have plenty of time to workout because it'll become something you love to do! 

Always remember as well to look at how far you've come, not how far you have to go! This is SO important!!! People focus way too much on the negatives and fail to give themselves recognition for what amazing things they have achieved! One thing always to remember - Slow progress is better than no progress! We live in a world where everything is so instant now, but some things will never have a magic quick fix and that's just something you'll have to remember and deal with if you want to achieve your dreams! 

Remember, that you have to want this for yourself. The want for this change needs to come from within you, not from anyone else, and that's what's going to motivate you the most. Make sure you always love yourself and your body, and always motivate you with positive energy! Surround yourself with other people who are living the kind of lifestyle you aspire to be living and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support you through all your decisions!

For me, I just woke up one morning and wanted change. I wanted to achieve things I'd never done before and I wanted to make a commitment to myself that I would follow through with this dream and make it a reality. Find that place within yourself and the rest should just follow easily!

Good luck!

Danni
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