It's nearly here..............

Well it's now 5 sleeps to the challenge I have been waiting months for.............Tough Mudder.  Death waiver and confirmation are printed and almost good to go, well I need to buy gloves and goggles!

The course has been changed and to my delight the nettles are gone but, they have in their niceness added another electroshock obstacle.  Aptly named the electric eel I now get to crawl through mud and water under the electric wired which will hopefully zap me enough to hurry my tushy out of there!

The sleepless nights started a few weeks ago but in reality I can't wait for Sunday.  A day out with my lovely Destroyers doing what we do best, hitting the challenges hard!  We might not look your athletic, tough GI Jane types.  As the last year has proved though we all have the inner GI Jane just waiting to come out and Sunday is the day she will.

As a team of 10 Destroyers (Kim, Simone, Amanda, Kirsty, Kath, Barbara, Donne, Angeline & Susan) we will start together and finally after 11 miles finish together.  I'm not bothered if we are last over that line all I know is all of us will cross the line to receive our cherished bright orange headband!

So for now I'll go back to my YouTube videos and scare myself silly, only because I know on Sunday I will finish and complete this with the most amazing bunch of ladies ever.

Go Destroyers!!!!

 If you want to help ease the pain, click on the link and donate whatever you can to my chosen charities.  One day of pain for me but hopefully less pain for them :)

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=TeresaQuintela

What started it all.......................Tough Mudder

This time last year I was trying to figure out how best to get my backside off the couch that was now firmly imprinted with it's shape.  Facebook had become one of my many addictions that I found I could happily do off the said couch.  I kept noticing one advert that for some reason always seemed to appear.  One day I finally decided to "click" the link.  A momentary lapse in mental judgement?  Or the one moment that would forever change my life.  Tough Mudder appeared on my screens.  Most folk would laugh at the thought of this event but not me I had to find out more.

At that time the seed was definitely sown in my brain unknown to me!  I knew there was no way I could ever do it.  1, I never did any exercise.  2, I ate the biggest amount of rubbish and ate for the sake of eating, not because I was hungry but, just because it comforted me and finally.........3, it would kill me!

Roll on the to the 1st of August 2011 the day my life changed.  I signed up to bootcamp and almost killed myself all in the space of one hour!  But, that little seed that had been planted months before, well, it started to sprout and grow.  Maybe one day I could complete in Tough Mudder and this new bunch of "crazies" I met that night may just be the ones I needed to help me achieve this!  Seeing these girls battle to complete the first challenges I knew they would love the thought of the challenge as much as I did.  Only thing was I had to complete one last step.....................I had to actually talk to them all.  At that time my confidence was at an all time low.  I was at my heaviest ever weight and struggled to do anything let alone open myself up to ridicule if they didn't like me or, like school at school was the one that was always on the outside looking in.

I have no idea why I was worried!  The whole group just gelled.  Like a strange, crazy, no normal people allowed family.  These girls were what kept me going.  The day when I struggled to run the length of the hall, they were the ones cheering me on.  When I was about to collapse and be sick they were the ones telling me to puke and get back on it.  Just like on my first 10k when they were there at the start line telling me I could do it and then cheering me on the last stretch getting me through the finish!  You see I wouldn't want to compete in an event like Tough Mudder with anyone but this crazy, mad group of nutters.  Because, you see I know with these ladies I will get round it because, the minute I doubt I can't or say I can't they will be there telling me to Man Up and stop whining.

I can still remember the look some of them gave me when I fist brought up Tough Mudder.  Well most did apart from two.................the ones I knew would do it from the start Kim and Simone.  Two of the fittest ladies I know and the ones I always tried to keep up with in challenges!

The night we signed up for the challenge was the night of no return.  Watching the videos on YouTube was like a form of torture but I just couldn't stop!  It's like an addiction, just like facebook.  But, the more I watched the more I couldn't wait to do it.  So if I was going to sign up to something that could possibly just kill me I was going to do it for a good cause.  Trying to pick what charities to do it for one something I struggled with.  There are so many worthy causes out there but it was someone telling me to choose something close to my heart that made the decision easier.  Anthony Nolan and Leukaemia Research are two causes that are forever prevalent in my life so the decision was made.

  I just had no idea how to get more people interested.  Yet again I have no idea why I was worried.  Each night I just kept bringing up Tough Mudder when we met and slowly but surely I could see interest in more of the girls.  The cost was one main factor I know alot that were interested couldn't sign up it's definitely not a cheap event and not one that you couldn't do without being committed.

No turning back The Destroyers are born :)

Roll on 8 months of training, hard work and crazy ideas.................The team has grown to 10 and one crazy supporter who, deep down I think wants to do it but her fear of mud and bugs is stopping her.  Still wouldn't change her for the world.  So The Destroyers are born Simone, Kim, Amanda, Susan, Barbara, Kath, Kirsty, Angeline, Donna, myself and of course Kelly.  We may not finish fastest and it definitely won't be pretty but what I do know is we will start and finish as a team!  So 3 weeks from today I will say thank you and will be proud of my girls because if it wasn't for them signing up and helping me train my challenge would never have started let alone be part complete.  Love you all girlies and can't wait to celebrate on the finish line with you all xxx

Race Day!

Well it's been a long time coming round but boy did the last couple of months come quick!  A few set backs to training on the way and the next thing I knew it was race day.

Sporting a nice little stress fracture it was time to lace up and man up to face what I can only call my nemesis!  As most of my friends know I was never a runner, sports day, school PE, if I could avoid it I would.  Coming last officially becomes boring so finding excuses not to compete meant I didn't have to suffer coming last.  So was it going to happen again??

How scared do I look??

My world :)

Turning up to the event I had the all to unwelcome feeling I used to get before competing in an event.  Sickness, the little voices in my head (yep they talk to me all the time and yeah I always tend to have a full blown argument with them!) telling me I couldn't do it but inside I knew one thing,  even if I was going to be last I was finishing it with either a sprint or a crawl, that finish line would be mine.  My boys were going to see mummy finish something she had started.  Show them anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Lining up for the start, I have never felt so sick.  Feeling like I was the only person there ready to run this for the first time.  I didn't even know if I could run 10k, seeing as I'd only ever managed 5 miles in training.  Talking to another competitor on the line though I then got to see I wasn't the only one with the queasy feeling, others were in the same boat as me.  Looking up at the first section of the course, uphill I may add it would have been so easy to just not even start.  But looking down at the tops I was wearing I knew it was time to M.T.F.U (Man The F**k Up!).

Standing waiting for the start with some of the girls I'm now proud to call friends, I started to fight back at those little voices telling me I couldn't.  Imagining all the times I was bullied or made to feel I wasn't good enough.  Because, those girls are what got me going.  They made me believe I could do it.  They have seen me at my worst trying to run the length of the hall when I first started.  When am purple, out of breathe ready to be sick, they spur me on to complete whatever I am trying to achieve.  They have never doubted me even though I am my own worst enemy for doubting my opinions.

Then we started................................................................

I'll never forget that course for the rest of my life.  I'd love to be able to say I enjoyed it but in all honesty I hated it, but there in lies what I have gained from it all.  I now want to run a race to be able to say I enjoyed it!

Go me!

Running those hills, or gentle slopes as I tried to tell myself when my legs and chest were on fire.  Seeing the faster runners run past me on their way back when I was still trying to get to the half way mark was a killer.  But my kids, parents and partner were all waiting for me. So, one way or another I was getting back and so help me I wasn't going to disappoint them.  Running the last section of the course up the hill I had a good sob.  I'm not afraid to admit it but then from somewhere that image popped in my head of my dad sat in the hospital receiving his last dose of chemo just hours before I went on to have my oldest son and something changed.   My body seemed to gain its second wind and running downhill to the finish I could see my parents there, proud and crying because for once their daughter was finishing a race and she wasn't last!  I don't honestly think I have ever ran as fast as I did coming in to the finish.  Hearing my name over the tannoy system and hearing people I now see as friends shout my name gave me a boost that nothing else could compare too.  Crossing the line to see my two most precious gifts waiting to hug me and my family proud of what I had achieved made it all worthwhile, the pain, the sleepless nights, all the old memories of failure.  Well, they have been replaced with a new found confidence.  Not only in my ability but in myself.  Everybody that competed should be proud.  Doing something outside of your comfort level gives you a sense of achievement like no other.

So where does that leave me..........................

In just over 3 weeks I now get to compete with the most amazing bunch of people I have met.  Tough Mudder is almost here and I can't wait!  The event that started it all for me.  The crazy journey that has now taken over my life for the summer...............................Bring on the electrocution and nettles I say because with this group of ladies I know I can do it!

My inspiration

Inspiration is and will always be my driving force!

My boys and my family are my life and most of this journey has been for them in one way or another.   For my boys I want them to know anything is achievable and never say never.  For my Dad.  The pain and tears you went through fighting the disease, you worked all the way through chemo and never complained.

How do I get and focus on this inspiration?  Photos!  I love photos.  The good, the bad and the awful.  The latter always has be in it.  I've chosen a few photos that I class as my inspiration.

These photos are what focuses me when I just simply can't be bothered or when the dreaded DOMS sets in to give me a day from hell.  Sore thighs and glutes does not make for an easy day with two boys!

Still smiling and I know he was feeling rough!

My boys, the world is your oyster.  Grab every opportunity with both hands.  You can do anything :) x

Ronnie and Reggie my reason for getting up in the morning x

My parents and Kai just weeks after my fathers last chemo session :)

 

Now here are the photos that kicked off not only this challenge but my new life!

These are my "I will never be like this again" photo's.  I've came such a long way for this I now have a "fear" of slipping back in to those ways.

So now you know what pushes me to do what I do.  What's your inspiration?  xx

Is laughter the best tonic? Oh with my girlies it most definately is!

After a week of no running tonight was the night to get the legs back on track!

Not needing much persuading me and the girlie's took to the woods for a gentle foray in the wilderness.  Ha!  It was to all intents and purposes a lush night except for one thing.  Scotland's most feared and terrible creature..............The midge

The blood sucking, bitey, flappy, creatures.  They were everywhere!  For those that have never had the pleasure of their company they swarm all around kind of like a mini mosquito's bust faster and deadlier :)

The run started well.  Pace was good and we were all having a chuckle but they were everywhere! But then the magic happened.  Not only does one of the girls "not do" mud but she most definitely doesn't do midges.  The sheer panic after swallowing some was hilarity to the rest of us but, gagging and almost vomiting about had us on our knees.

You see these moments are the ones that keep me going.  Being able to laugh at each other has made me realise what an amazing group of girls these are and what good friends they have become.  There's no judgement, no bitching or backstabbing just pure and simple support and friendship.  We have all come a long way since August when I first met them all and can honestly say without their motivation and support I'd never have stuck in the way that I have.  It's testament to what friendships can accomplish.  To all you ladies..................Thank you xx

Workouts, obsessions and lady crushes :)

A question asked this week was what my favourite workout was and it kind of got me thinking!

I love my body combat and the new Insanity workouts but, really there isn't much I don't enjoy for one reason or another.

 Boxing is something I've grown to love.  Being able to focus on something and punch the anger out has been one of the best ways to relax I've ever found.  Not that I have anger issues I might add but normally something has annoyed me enough to build the rage in me.  Coming away from a boxing class is an amazing feeling.  Bailey seems to have a distinct aptitude for the sport which is something I look forward to seeing in him.  He just seems a whole different kid when he gets the gloves on and bashes the pads.  Maybe a future mean machine in the making.  Look out Kai!

Watching the Biggest Looser on TV has been a bit of an inspiration to me.  The willpower and desire that the contestants have is something to admire.  Oh but to be able to go to somewhere like that for a month, learn all about the nutrition first hand in a secure environment and to work out non stop learning new skills would be amazing.  But the Biggest Looser has also lead to my first lady crush!  I blame a good friend Kim for this because she actually gave my obsession the lady crush title!  The two instructors on this Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper have now become an obsession.  Not only am I finding myself looking on You Tube but I have now obtained their workouts and am actually doing these at home.  Maybe it's not such a bad thing then :)

So what do you guys love?  What springs that passion inside you?  Is it the music you work out to?  Or just the form of exercise you do?

I love to try new things so guys, get inspiring me.  Help me keep things fresh and realise my goals.  Feel free to comment your thoughts folks would be good to get a debate on likes and dislikes going xx

Bad week :(

Well this has been one horrid, awful week!

I've had two poorly boys, never seen them like this before and it has officially sucked the life force out of me!

Today they are off on their holidays to their dads so that gives me the opportunity to get back on track with the training and diet.  I've set myself some goals for the time they are away:

• 3 runs hopefully increasing to 3 miles
• Proper warm ups before running ( I will get passed the first mile mind block!)
• Meal plan, hope to share this as my diet lately has gone out the window and I feel all the worse for it!
• Cut the caffeine back out!  Cold turkey time again, oh how I hate that first week :(

This will all hopefully get me back into the right frame of mind to get my butt back in gear!

Only 101 days to go until Tough Mudder now, what am I thinking?.............................fear? Nope scarily enough its not the fear of the course that gets me.  It's the fear of letting people down.  I've never been a quitter and I don't believe in failure, especially if it's up to me to succeed.  So onwards and upwards, game face is on.  Bring on the next 101 days, Mudder you're mine.  In the words of my bootcamp buddies.  It's time to................................................

MAN THE HELL UP!!

For those that don't know what Tough Mudder is here's a taste of it!

and so it starts........................................

Well what can I say?  I am or at least I was a self confessed carbohydrate munching couch potato.  Unable to look at myself in the mirror, shop for clothes or actually walk and talk at the same time I knew it was time to change!
The all changing moment happened last April when I was asked to don my ice skates again for the first time in 15 years and play in a charity ice hockey match with my old colleagues the Scottish Ladies Ice Hockey Club.  The game was to be a charity match against the current team.  Like most people who havn't done much in 15 years I was stuck with the feeling of dread not about stepping back on the ice but, how on earth will I get the gear back on.  Back then although never a skinny thing I was for all intents and purposes half my size!!!!!  Asking my parents where my kit was, I think I was preying that they had binned it all so I could say sorry I can't play.  True to form though the hoarders had it all in their loft.  My excuse was now gone.
So thats how it all began, my quest to completely change not only what I looked like but my whole view and perception on life and where my love and passion for exercise and sport was awakened.  The rebirth had occured...........the pheonix had risen from the ashes, well she is slowley still rising so I hope you will follow her birth x

Today....not such a good day :(

Well I've now had a measly two hours of sleep in the last 65 hours not very conducive to my new fitness regime.  Especially seeing as I barely have the energy to get dressed.  Two sick boys has pretty muched zapped me and my will power, (the Malteser cake in the fridge is taunting me as we speak!).

Photos today have been whats kept me going and not staying too far from my healthy eating.  Looking at pictures of me at my heaviest, well have no photos at my heaviest they wern't allowed, I'm disgusted at how I let myself go.

So here goes..........................................

Me at my biggest

February 2012

4 sizes down!

 To say am happy is an understatement.  Long way to go but now am over the half way mark its not as daunting.  Some more up to date pictures soon :) xx

Why am I doing all this??

Some might say I've gone slightly mad, nuts, even obsessed with fitness and health.  Not really!  I've always loved it but putting the weight on made it harder than ever to find the energy to do anything.  Roll on to the light bulb moment.  A charity ice hockey match last year.  Getting back on the ice after 15 years not only brought the normal nerves but also that adrenaline rush, the type that makes you feel free and alive.  Only this time was a struggle.  Out of breathe and tired wasn't how I remember it and certainly wasn't going to be my last memory of being on the ice!

Roll on a year and my next charity challenge.................Tough Mudder!

Now you can call me mad and say I have a screw loose.  But, ask me why am doing it?  I'm doing it for two charities that mean the world to me, Anthony Nolan and Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research

 The reason behind my craziness?

My father was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma 11 years ago.  It was a long journey from being told he was fine to having to pay to see private Doctors (the same docs he was to see at the hospital)to get the final diagnosis.  With blood cancers its not as simple as getting treatment straight away.  My father has to suffer agonising years being "monitored" to see how fast the cancer was progressing.  Knowing you have a killer disease inside you is one thing.  But, dealing day to day with the disease making you sicker, waiting for the doctors to decide you are sick enough for treatment.  That is one strength I'm not sure I would ever have, and in my father for this reason I have utmost respect!  He finally received surgery and chemotherapy.  His final chemo session being the week my oldest child was born.
He still has to be monitored regularly but we are now on 6 monthly appointments with the docs so all things are crossed.

Another person who suffered with this horrible disease was my children's grandmother Lorraine who was cruelly taken by Leukaemia in October 2010 at the age of 50.

I joined Anthony Nolan the week he was diagnosed.  My reasoning?  If he ever needed a bone marrow transplant I'd be on the list.  IF I wasn't a match for him then maybe I could be a match for someone else in the hope that out there one day we can have matches for other people going through this horrific disease.

So really I might be nutty, crazy and have a screw loose but ultimately its those who are fighting the killer disease that are the bravest and strongest people I know.  So those 11 miles and 28 obstacles..............I'll just have to man up, suck it up because after all I will go through one day of pain when they suffer this every day!

So if anyone is up for helping me a little in my quest then any donations are more than welcome just click on the link :) xx

Teresa's Tough Mudder Challenge Please Donate :) xx

A week has passed and theres been some awsome highs.  Monday's bootcamp session was fantastic!  for the first time ever I feel like i've accomplished a major feat for me.  Full press ups for the whole session.  Some might say thats not much but for me it was like climbing my own little mountain.  But this was a twin peaks week.  Running has now started! With the help of my amazing new fitness buddies the runs are paying off.  I've never been a runner, or a walker for that matter but this week following a couple of group forest runs I managed a whole 2.5 miles solo without stopping.  The feeling on completing this I can't describe.

My forest playground, peaceful and tranquil.

So, this week, what will it bring?  Some more runs, thats it no excuses anymore.  But for the minute, playing nurse and looking after my two little men who appear to have caught some crazy virus just in time for the holidays!  :)xx