The other day I ran an impromptu kombucha-making fermentation workshop with some very inspiring people (I have been working with the Healthy Change Challenge recently, a fantastic initiative which you can read more about here: https://www.facebook.com/Healthy-Change-Challenge-268542223603234/ ). This was lots of fun, and I had almost forgotten how much I love to ramble about food and drink whilst given access to a chalkboard and chalk. It combines my love of teaching AND nutrition work in one. Boom. Anyway, during the day, one of the people there asked me to email him some extra information, which included a differing recipe and how-to instructions for making probiotic ginger beer, as well as its benefits etc. Imagine my delight when he got back in contact a couple of days later to let me know his ginger beer ferment was now underway and that he had gotten straight into making the ginger bug! I was thrilled. Awesome to know that little things we do in our day actually have an impact. Much like the feeling of getting a random message from one of my English students telling me thanks, or an email from a Lou's Weight client telling me that thanks to my program they have now lost 8kg and still going (some other recent causes of that warm, fuzzy feeling).

​My exciting news is that I am going back to work for NSW Health! I'm stoked. It is in a completely different department to previously (ie. not pathology or any kind of lab unfortunately) but I am excited all the same. I've been trying to get back into their system for a while now (the recruitment process is very long and thorough) so I'm thrilled to announce that as of 2nd July I will be a NSW Health employee again, if only for one day of the week.

​Running news? Hmm, I may have to change the name of this blog. I have been doing more cycling and Bodypump classes this week, than running. I did have one awesome, slow (and very wet) shuffle through Glenrock on Monday however, and a similarly slow, local shuffle on Friday evening, so maybe 15km for the whole week?! Hey ho....

​In other news, My Jump Into June Challengers are all doing fabulously! So awesome. They are halfway through Week 3, so they are almost at the tail end of the 30 day challenge. Blimey, how fast did that go?!

​Now, I better dash as I am off to Japan with my beautiful partner today: a second Babymoon slash early birthday celebration for him. I. Can't. Wait.

​Have a great week all!! xx

I haven't really posted much on here yet re: currently being with-child, and what that means for my running (and life in general). I spent the first few months just feeling constantly nauseous and mostly lying down on my sofa. Pregnancy nausea is a real thing and is extreme! I assumed it would magically disappear on that long awaited day that marked me entering the second trimester. But no, hmmm, it stuck around a bit longer. I think it finally was a thing of the past by week 16 of my pregnancy ( so pretty much from week 3 until then, yikes). So, whilst I could still run then (more easily anyway, as my bump hadn't really grown), I was unable to eat my usual favourites and I developed the weirdest food aversions (to broccoli, beans and other favourite veggie staples of mine! Shock horror). Luckily those now to seem to also be a thing of the past (although coffee is still pretty rank to me now. Oh how times have changed hey?!). My eating is back on track and, thank god, I can happily eat veggies again. Phew...

However, running is getting harder and harder, and I think it may soon turn into plain ole walking, or shuffling at most. I am still aiming to get out for between 2-3 runs a week, but they are very slow, and range between 7 and 12km (with 12 being a 'long run' rarity: my usual is now an 8km route nearby). Compare this to my previous usual of 10-12 being my standard, short/'everyday' run with a weekend long run of anywhere from 20 to 33 ish, depending on which event was coming up (or not). But not only that, but my pace is super slow now too. This is way ok by the way, I just find it very interesting the marked and very real effect even a small bump has on running. It just feels heavy and uncomfortable to run at any usual pace, hence the slower shuffle, which more often than not includes a couple of walk breaks too.

​That being said, it hasn't stopped me from revisiting magical Glenrock a couple of times last week. Ahhhh..... How about the serenity hey. My happy place. Whether I'm running, shuffling or walking. Whilst I am not running in any events for the rest of the year (for obvious reasons), I will try to visit Glenrock as often as weather, work commitments and other shizzle allows. But hey, you may see me walking those trails instead of running, as I think Bump is reaching his/her limit of what she/he will allow me to do (I'm almost 23 weeks btw). What a journey. One I'm thrilled to be on. Running can wait, and I know I will pick it back up after he/she is here.

It's been a strange week and a bit: two funerals, a couple of new jobs, a throat infection, and just not enough sleep. Really makes you think: how brief our time is here and how quickly everything flies past. Got to make the most of it while we can. However, family visits and catch ups with good friends (well overdue catch ups, I might add: eek, this year is going so fast!) have made all the difference. My Jump Into June 30 Day Challenge is under way too (hello to all you excellent members who have signed up! So great to have you there) so that's exciting too. I love running group challenges, and will aim to focus more on these going forward, and not so much on the one-on-one nutrition consults. Will see how it works out with being a full-time mum first though, of course.

​Running wise, I haven't been able  to get many runs in due to work and other commitments: a 12 ish km last Sunday, which included the awesome Garmin-man run (this was brilliant: organised by local legend Matt - thanks Matt! Great event), an 8km through the week, and a nice, long, S-L-O-W run yesterday (2 hours to run about 16km). Being pregnant definitely changes both your regular running distances and your pace! But I wouldn't change it for anything and it is so very worth it. Still doing bodypump classes when my schedule allows for it, and cycling as transport (again, time - and weather - permitting) so hopefully I will maintain my strength and fitness for when bub comes along in October.

​Here are a couple of shots from the MASSIVE group run I took part in last Sunday, featuring the inspirational Garmin Man  (almost as inspirational, but not quite, as the dude who organised this run. On ya Matt!):

Bonus points if you can spot me in the group picture above....

​Have a wonderful week everyone. Stay safe, stay healthy, stay happy, and if you're in Newy, Australia: stay WARM! :) xx

So, I finally made it back to Glenrock for a run on Saturday. It had been FAR. TOO. LONG. Maybe even two months since I was last there? Wowzers. I don't want to leave it quite so long again. That place is just so peaceful, so beautiful, and so damn healing. I swear it has magical powers. Saturday was a gorgeous morning for it too: the sun was shining but it wasn't hot, nor was it too cold: it was just right. The bell birds were making their wonderful, welcoming sounds. Glenrock was uncharacteristically quiet and devoid of other trail runners (I would say as Newy had left en masse to go to UTA in the Blue Mountains, ahh such an amazing event: I hope to go back to this next year) so I had it all to myself, save for a few ever present mountain bikers.

​I ran about 13-14km in total (I think, this is mainly guestimation work) and for me lately that is a 'long' run. Well, wow, I had even missed my long, solo runs: a chance to ponder on all things and clear my head (if it needed to be cleared). Truly meditation on the move. On the way back, amidst said pondering, I got to thinking about how sometimes the little things can seem important or urgent and can seemingly overwhelm us, when really, they're not that drastic after all. When I stepped back (figuratively, not literally, I wouldn't want to step backwards in Glenrock, who knows what I might stumble on: a loose rock, a gravelly patch, a snake sunning itself) and thought about those little things that have been bothering me (logistical things really re: needing to buy certain items and when to get them, and re: decluttering my house, yup first-world problems I think is the phrase) I realised that they are not actual problems after all. Waves of gratitude and a feeling of being oh-so-blessed washed over me.

I ran back home thinking about why I feel so blessed and of the amazing people and things in my life. So, sure, there are the not-truly-important (really) but nice-to-have, material things, like owning a car, owning a property, having a small amount of savings etc (for which I do feel blessed, of course), but then first and foremost there are my beautiful family and loving partner and loved ones/friends both here in Newy and around the globe: I am so grateful for you all. Then there's my current health/fitness, and being lucky enough to have my training/education centred around good health, nutrition, and avoiding/preventing chronic disease. My mind then thought of all the opportunities and jobs/career paths I've had over the years, and I've been so lucky to see first hand into various different industries. I feel blessed that I have gotten the chance to teach some incredible individuals over the years too. That got me thinking about my own education, one that will never stop (never stop learning hey), but that which I am so grateful for: I am so lucky to have two degrees (a Bachelor and a Master) so far. I am SO blessed to have discovered the joys of running, some 12++ years ago and to have run lots of once-in-a-lifetime races in exotic, far-flung locations: ultras, marathons, half marathons etc. I am also lucky enough to have won some of these and in others placed second or third. I am so blessed to be a published author (despite definitely not being a best-seller, but that's not the point). I am SO grateful for the places I have travelled to around the world and the places I have lived in. I am so lucky for my current freedom too, of 'being my own boss' and working mainly from home, and of having beautiful places like Glenrock (my favourite place in the world) practically on my doorstep. But mostly: it's the people and experiences that really make my heart sing. The 'stressful' little things will get sorted, one step at a time. Don't sweat the small stuff eh?

​​So, I can't believe the speed of this year. Oh my gosh, it is almost June!! Crazy... I apologise for my quietude on here of late: things have been very busy, as am sure they have been for all of you. Re the running part: my running has slowed WAY down, and my kilometres per week have reduced too. That's way ok. Still cycling lots and doing weight classes when I can. Happy days.

​But, yes, things have been a bit hectic. So it's time to get back on track!! No better way to do it than with a group challenge and motivating, fun times AKA Jump Into June! A 30 day challenge, that yes, you guessed it, runs for the month of June. Some of you may recall this from a couple of years ago: I first launched this program having recently moved to Vietnam, back in 2016, and I feel it's definitely time to run it again.

​So, what's involved? Take a look:

Discover simple strategies that you can EASILY add to your lifestyle to get in shape, feel great and get back on track.   You’ll be plugged into an amazing COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT every step of the way.   BONUS: You’ll get delicious recipes for nutrition-packed meals, plus “knock-your-socks off” juice and smoothie recipes.      
If you’ve been struggling to melt those stubborn extra kilos and get back in shape, and you’re tired of trying crazy diets that don’t work, you’ll want to keep reading. 
  


Let’s face it…
  
It can be confusing, frustrating and a bit overwhelming to know what to do for long-term success. There’s so much conflicting information everywhere we turn, and sometimes we just feel defeated and give up.   
  
 One thing we DO know for sure is that restrictive diets don’t work long-term, and rapid weight loss often leads to rapid weight GAIN.  
  
It’s not your fault that you’ve been fooled into thinking that restrictive dieting is the only way to reach your goals. 
  
It’s time to STOP the madness! 
  
Let’s help you get back on track the RIGHT way, so you can make sustainable changes you can live with FOREVER and be happy about. 
  
Get ready to learn simple step-by-step strategies that you can EASILY implement to help you:
•Lose Weight and Get Back in Shape
•Feel More Energized (and avoid the afternoon slump)
•Slip Into Your Favorite Jeans Again
•Fuel Your Body Without Ever Feeling Deprived
  

There are no crazy tricks, pills, potions or gimmicks! No fads! No bullsh&*t!
  
You’ll ALSO get the most delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes PLUS a community of support that’s with you every step of the way.  
  
Introducing the Jump Into June 30 Day Challenge!

  
During the Jump Into June 30 Day Challenge we’ll focus on one key strategy each week: 
  
•Week 1 – How to plan for LONG-TERM success – Simple, effective tips to save you TIME, CALORIES and MONEY, without feeing deprived. 
  
•Week 2 – Finding the right exercise for YOU – Hint: you don’t have to spend hours at the gym to get in great shape. (You don't even have to run! It's all about personal choice and knowing what works for YOU!)
  
•Week 3 – Why choosing the quality of your calories is critical for weight loss (not just the number of calories).
  
•Week 4 – Eating to fuel your body – what ONE thing you may be doing unknowingly to sabotage your efforts, and how to easily fix it. 
  
Since the challenge is online, you can participate no matter where you live!    
 

Here’s how it works:    
This is an online program so you can join us from ANYWHERE in the world (please invite your friends – extra support is awesome!). 
Once you sign up, you’ll receive: 

• One simple, transformational strategy each week to get you on the right track
• Templates and worksheets to make tracking and planning easy
• INSTANT access to the Exclusive Membership Group for support during the 30 days
• SUPPORT, MOTIVATION and INSPIRATION for 30 days
• PRIZES!!!!  

  
PLUS…You’ll get THESE Amazing BONUSES for FREE
 (A $65 Value)

1. Delicious, Nutritious Recipe eGuide for breakfast, lunch, dinner and side dishes (A $27 value)
2. A Grocery Shopping Guide to help you easily navigate healthy food choices at the store (A $19 value)
3. Sensational Smoothies and Juices’ recipe guide (A $19 Value) 

Grab a friend or 2 and come join us!
30 Days from the start of June, you’ll be glad you did!
  
Fun – Motivation – Inspiration – Support – PRIZES!
  
This program is valued at over $297,
but you can join NOW for only
  
$27

​If this floats your boat, please sign up here:

​http://lousweight.com.au/main/page_jump_into_june_challenge.php​


​To all my amazing friends taking part in Ultra Trail Australia this weekend: all the best and have an awesome time! I know you will smash your goals and have so much fun. I loved that event last year, and hope to be back next year to give the 50km another crack. xxxx

OK brace yourself. This may shock you.....


​











​.........I am not really a fan of Parkrun. It is usually a struggle for me to attend, honestly. I know, this is sort of illegal to admit to, as both a runner and a Wooter (and a sometimes Five30 runner) but Parkruns/ the 5km distance = not my favourite thing. Don't get me wrong: I love seeing friends and all the other runners there, doing their thing, and the wonderful supportive atmosphere (and hats off to all the amazing volunteers too!), and yes I quite like the Parkrun email I get afterwards. Oh, and I love getting to feature in Darrel's famous weekly Parkrun Wrap. I do also like this part:

Oh, and of course, I definitely like THIS part, the apres-parkrun breakfasting ('Will Run For Food'):

​But I struggle with two main things: 1) the crowd/congestion: it reminds me of the first few kms of a marathon, where you're just jostling for space and trying not to trip over feet: definitely my least favourite part of the race; and 2) the 5km distance: it's simply over too soon.

​However, Saturday's parkrun was different. I feel I may have cracked it, lol.... Why do one parkrun, when you can simply turn around and do two? A two for one deal. This is what we did at Mailtand parkrun, and it was awesome! It was such a beautiful course anyway (perfect course actually: a mixture of gravel/dirt/trail, a lake in the centre, lots of winding, fun parts, and lots of shady tree cover too), so I was stoked to go back and do it again, albeit with WAY less congestion and people the second time around. Starting your weekend with a lovely cruisey 10km in the sunshine is definitely the way to go. (It also helps that for once I wasn't working til 11:30pm the night before: another major obstacle for me to want to get up and get dressed for a 5km at 8am).

​So, yes, I may not truly be a fan of parkruns, but if I can stretch them out to a 10km, and then finish with the prospect of a delicious café breakfast, then I am one happy runner:

So, the much lower km schedule continues. Not much running in the past couple of weeks, save for a couple of Parkruns, a long run/ long run+walk (the heat just got to me), a Glenrock morning run with some wonderful women, and I FINALLY made it back to an evening Owls&Possums session (also in Glenrock), which was SO much fun. I have been trying to keep up the Bodypump classes and cycling as transport, but most of the time have just been feeling too zapped, so have been getting lots of rest and downtime. This can only be a good thing, yes?

​I even sold my UTA50 ticket, as I can't see myself starting the training needed to prepare for it. When I trained last year for this awesome event (and my training was more of the less-is-more approach) I was coming off the back of a few marathons, and had successively kept my km base quite high whereby a 35km training run seemed normal and easy. This time round this year however? A completely different story. I am listening to my body and taking it very easy lately. Which is WAY ok. There's always next year to do the UTA again, and I intend to get back to training and longer distances in 2019. For now, I will just run for fun, and when my body feels like it. Which is not today, if this incessant rain keeps up! (Newcastle = sometimes the rainiest city on the planet.)

​In other, non-running related news: my mum is coming over for a holiday from UK soon! Very excited. Immediately following on from that, my partner and I head to Bali for some international R&R (and maybe the odd volcano trek and adventure and barefoot run along the beaches there). Excitedly excited!!

​Have a wonderful week ahead all! Much love, Lou xx

This is woefully late. Such is the effect of working 3-4 different jobs and not much sleep, hmmm.... Hey-ho. The Cadbury Half Marathon, held on Sunday 14th January, was brilliant! I highly recommend it! A beautiful, scenic course that was perfect temperature (once we started and warmed up and I stopped complaining about the cold, lol...). Only a mere smattering of gentle hills, and the scenery more than distracted me on those lovely hills anyway. That and the excellent company and Wooter support too. Plus the goal of those hard-earned 'free' bars of Cadbury chocolate awaiting us in our goody bags with the all-important bling at the end of the race.

​Wil and I ran the race in a comfortable 1:36, and that was with having to stop briefly for a blown shoe-lace, eek... It was a fun and beautiful time. Followed by copious delicious Tassie meals and drinks. Oh Tasmania. You are amazing. This is a super short one due to exhaustion and being time poor, but here are some pics of the before, during and after the race:

Well, jetlag is a beast hey. I arrived back in Oz on Thursday, after a two day journey back from Scotland, via Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi, and with no accompanying sleep. Suffice to say I was (and still am) a wee bit wrecked. Add in to the mix the extreme temperatures here back in Oz (seriously, 43 degrees yesterday, waaaaaay too hot) and having foolishly arranged to go straight back to teaching work. Hmmm, hey-ho. It's only temporary I'm sure. Doing my best to get those important early morning runs in, to reset my body clock and assure it that all is right in the world. One of those morning runs happened to be in my soul's favourite place in the world (Glenrock) so I'm sure that helped no end. Plus, being reunited with my sexy man has helped immensely too. So now it's just a waiting game for this jetlag to piss off.
​
​But wow, what a beautiful country Scotland is! Majestic. Stunning. Fairly cold, but that's to be expected: it was Christmas time and New Year's (Hogmanay) after all. Again, when dealing with jetlag that occurred on the outward journey over there, I aimed to get a few runs in to overcome it. I think this was successful. It was so nice running in cold weather again, and having snowy, mountainous backdrops and herds of beautiful, nervous deer running away from me on various paths as I ran through the windy, narrow roads there (Struy/Glen Affric area) was so special. I also got to get a couple of runs in with one of my uncles, who I don't get to see that often, so that was lovely to catch up with him. One of our runs was in Aviemore (which I think is a big ski resort there?) for a parkrun on one of the Saturdays: beautiful snowy, trail course with amazing scenery.

It was truly a magical time. Spent with family and friends in an amazing destination. You can imagine how quickly the two weeks flew by....

​Other remedies for jetlag that I favour are: regular 'power' naps (nanna naps) and good, healing food (of course). Hydration is a biggy too, and all the more pertinent given the crazy hot weather here in Australia. Of course others out there have different remedies for jetlag: one such remedy involves eating NOTHING on the flights (yep, so basically a two day fast: crazy in my opinion, as that's one of the best parts of flying: the tiny, regular snacks brought to your lap), and one involves drinking your own urine. Hmm, I am going to stick with eating good food, sleeping when I can, and regular running. But to each their own yes? :)

​In other hugely exciting news (well, for me anyway) I got a ticket to UTA again!!! Woohoo! I'm going back to do the 50km again, in May. So, will no doubt start to up my training and trail runs soon (probably from February onwards). I loved this event last year: so beautiful (it's held in the Blue Mountains) and such a good, fun (hard) time. Watch this space for training updates along the way.

​Have a super week one and all. Much love xx