running

Last night I went for a run.

Now this should be a fairly ordinary, regularly occurring sentence. But it isn't.

I used to run a lot. I used to like it.

But I don't particularly like running any more, well not long distances. Put me in a 200m sprint and I'm all smiles, get me to sustain a moderate pace for more than a minute and you've lost me.

The reason I struggle with running is also the reason I try to persist with it. Yes I can go to the gym and do a more varied workout for the same result. (Though my strength is pretty average these days too.) Yes I can do classes. Yes I can do interval training. But I continue to run/jog because it is a mental challenge for me.

Last night though, it was almost too much. I jogged approx 3.5km with a few sprints and walk down thrown in. By the end, the pain in my chest (I'm an asthmatic) nearly brought me to tears. If I'd been able to breath more clearly, I might have cried. Instead I wheezed my way to the bathroom floor and stayed there. I can laugh about it now, but it was a horrible, horrible feeling.

This is why I'm not a 'runner'. This is why fitness and daily exercise are not easy things for me to accomplish, and certainly aren't positive aspects of my life.

If I reach a PB, I feel a sense of accomplishment, of pride. But physically, I always feel wrecked. Mentally, I always feel dejected and disappointed. I know that physiologically we're all supposed to have endorphins, but goddamn where are they?

I'm not using this an excuse, it is something I've pushed through since I was a young girl. But as time becomes more precious and priorities changes, it's easier to push aside the unpleasant things.

So what now?

I'm going to continue to push myself. To keep running.

- Dani

childhood memories

I have been wanting to go back to Point Nepean ever since I first visited those fascinating, albeit slightly haunting, tunnels during a school excursion. So I finally went for what was my fourth Weekend Walkabout.

Point Nepean is surround by water and has loads of history, and could easily have been an appropriate walk for many of the Weekend Walkabout Challenge "themes". But my memories there as a teenagers are still vivid, so childhood memories seemed the perfect fit.

Starting at the Quarantine Station, I had intended to hike up to Fort Nepean and back. However, the thrill of exploration was too great - I find the history, the stories, the remains at Point Nepean fascinating - so by the time I reach Fort Nepean I had already been walking for over 1.5 hours, and I knew I didn't have time for another 1.5 hours. Lucky for me, there is a transporter bus that shuttles people between the major sites. And nothing reminded me of being a child quite like being back on a bus.

I walked 7.73km with an elevation of 341m in 1 hour and 38 minutes. As previously mentioned, I was extremely distracted by the historical sights, so it wasn't a hike so much as an exploration.

The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful part of the world and I will definitely head back to Point Nepean for future walks - it really has a bit everything (good tracks, interesting sites along the way, beautiful landscapes).

- Dani

just add water

It is good to be flexible every now and then, so when I was asked to drive to Seafood on Saturday, I decided to go with it. This meant that instead of visiting the Gold Heritage Trail at Warrandyte State Park for 'a touch of history', I headed to the Seaford foreshore.

Seaford Pier - the starting location

Though the Seaford foreshore walking track doesn't have the most alluring scenery or challenging elements, it was a suitable substitute.

It is very flat and fairly sandy, and unfortunately very close to a main road. But there a couple of information signs with facts about the area, which keeps things a little educational.

Rather than walk up and down the same path, I crossed the Nepean Highway and headed back along the Kananook walking trail, which runs along Kananook Creek.

The Kananook walking trail is also lacking a little edge, but there were ducks aplenty, which entertained me greatly (much more than it probably should have).

I covered 8.35km in an hour and a half, but due to the flat terrain, only burned approx 700 calories.

As was evident by the number of locals walking/jogging along the foreshore, this walk demonstrates that you don't need to drive out to a National Park to find a reasonable walking trail. And while I am currently enjoying exploring new areas, this is probably not sustainable in the long term (at least not every weekend).

So get out there, enjoy the outdoors. I cannot express how happy I am that I set this challenge for myself. It is pushing me to do more outside and I'm really enjoying it. Sometimes it is nice to do something just for fun.

- Dani

challenge yourself

It wasn't easy, but I did it. I climbed the (approx) 1000 steps at the Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk.

After such a lethargic week - I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but my energy levels are low, low, low - it wasn't easy to get pumped up for my second Weekend Walkabout Challenge walk, but I am so glad I did.

See, I'm smiling!

Despite the throngs of people, many of whom passed me, I did feel a sense of accomplishment once I'd climbed the 1000 steps, so much so that I wasn't ready to stop (or go back down). So I continued on to One Tree Hill and then took a detour back to the carpark.

Wandering on my own along the Tyson Track was a truly blissful experience. Crowds have never been my caper, so once I was alone, with the sun shining and my legs walking, I began to sing.

Yep, I sang an awful rendition of It's a Wonderful World, but it felt fantastic! This is why I walk/hike - the enormous sense of calm, of adventure, of independence. I know a lot of people frown upon those who walk alone, but I feel such inner peace when I am bushwalking on my own.

Overall I walked 7km, with an elevation of 379m. My pace wasn't particularly great, but having struggled immensely with my breathing (being asthmatic and hayfever-ish) it isn't a surprise. Most importantly though, I got out there, saw something new and challenged myself.

Given the crowds (there are a lot of people there and it can be difficult to get a car park, but the crowd did seem to 'thin out' later in the afternoon), I'm not sure I would head back to the 1000 steps/Kokoda Trail Memorial Walk any time soon. For those interested in learning more about the Kokoda Trail and paying homage to the fallen soldiers though, it is worth a visit.

The greatest thing about this Weekend Walkabout Challenge so far, is that I am enjoying it. It is exercise, sight-seeing and down time all in one. I don't even feel like I am working out (although my polar watch says otherwise).

It really goes to show that if you find activities you enjoy doing, you're more likely to keep at it.

I haven't confirmed the location for my next walk, but given the theme is 'A touch of history', I'm considering checking out the Gold Heritage Trail, Warrandyte State Park.

- Dani

explore the unknown

The Weekend Walkabout Challenge has kicked off!

Week 1 was all about exploring the unknown. Having chosen a park I'd never been to before, in a region I'd never visited before, I'd say the unknown was certainly explored.

Despite my desktop research about the various walks in the You Yangs Regional Park, on the day I decided to 'wing it'. By which I mean, I parked at a random location and chose a spontaneous route from there on.

Please note I would not use this approach in a park without clear walking tracks and signage.

With one hydration backpack (filled with icy water), one phone, a few dog treats and one dog, I set off.

From the Big Rock picnic area we headed towards The Saddle along Rockwell Rd. Now at this point I have to admit, I didn't chose the best walk. At least 2-3 km of our walk was along a dirt road and walking along a dirt road isn't particularly interesting. Ah well, it was nice being spontaneous.

Once we reached The Saddle, things got a little bit more interesting. There were a number a smaller, more interesting paths to choose from. There was the East walk, West walk and Saddleback track.

Intrigued by the Bunjil geoglyph, we took the Saddleback track, which was predominantly a dirt track heading straight down.

I dislike walking downhill at the best of times. Add an impatient young canine and it was bordering on painful. Luckily we managed to reach the bottom without too much skidding and sliding, and it was a pleasant walk from there to the geoglyph.

The geoglyph was somewhat interesting, but does not need to be seen up close. If you want to see it in its entirety, I recommend walking to the lookout on the Flinders Peak track. (Of course, I didn't know this til later.)

Now it was time to head back up the hill. At this point I was planning to head straight back to our starting point, but... when we reached Turntable picnic area and I saw groups of people heading up to Flinders Peak I thought "challenge accepted".

At this point we'd been walking for 1.5 hours, but I was there, in the moment, with energy to burn. So 450 steps and steep gradients seemed a logical thing to do. Besides, you can't go somewhere and not reach the top, right?

So Maple and I bounded up the Flinders Peak track at a cracking speed. I was feeling fit and energised. Despite all the extra weight I was carrying (being overweight and all), I felt like my old-self again. The sporty, adventurous lass that I used to be. It was great.

The view at the top was pretty good, but the feeling of accomplishment, of having pushed myself and risen to the occasion, was even better.

But that wasn't enough for Miss Maple. She stepped it up a notch on the way back down from the peak and I ended up running the rest of the way. (Who would have thought it?!)

Eventually, 2.5 hours after we'd started, we were back at Big Rock picnic area. Tired, a little sore, but grinning stupidly.

Using the app, MapMyHike, I was able to track where I walked, how fast I walked and the elevation throughout my walk. Pretty nifty.

So there you have it, 11.37 km hiked over two and a half hours (during which I burned over 1500 calories). A fantastic adventure, so much better than spending the day pottering around the house.

I strongly recommend any of the walks at the You Yangs. There is enough variety to suit most fitness levels. And if you are very fit, you can always run instead.

Now I am thrilled about next weekend. What better way to challenge myself than the 1000 steps Kokoda Walk!

- Dani

weekend walkabout challenge

The days may be getting shorter and colder, but that's no reason to stay slumped on the couch all weekend.

Personally I love the colder days. Not only do I get to layer my clothes and wear my much-loved scarves, but I don't get hot and bothered so easily while exercising. And that crisp air can be goddamn refreshing.

I love the colder weather!

The change of season also means that footy is back, which means I am now sans boyfriend every Saturday.

So what to do on these chilly days as a lady of leisure?

Set a Weekend Walkabout Challenge, of course!

Over the next six weekends I'm going to tackle six different walking trails. I figure this is the perfect opportunity for me to explore more of Victoria, get active and enjoy some downtime. And it's a great way to make the most of the Autumn weather, before Winter well and truly sets in.

For anyone else that wants to partake in this 6 week challenge, I have devised a little plan that can help inspire your walks, wherever they may be.

My current itinerary looks something like this

20 April - You Yangs Regional Park

27 April - 1000 Steps Kokoda Walk

4 May - Gold Heritage Trail, Warrandyte State Park

11 May - Point Nepean National Park

18 May - Two Bays Walking Track (partial)

25 May - tbd

I might be flexible with the locations, but I will definitely stick the 'themes'.

So what are you doing this weekend?

Want to go on walkabout too?

I know I'm ready for "a spontaneous journey through the wilderness of one's choosing in an effort to satisfy one's itchy feet, a need to be elsewhere, the craving for the open road, that space over the horizon".

- Dani

PS. If you want to enjoy your walks with a canine friend, this is a great guide for dog friendly walks near Melbourne - Walking your Dog in Victoria's Parks

post 12wbt

It's over. While I'm partially relieved, I also feel hesitant about being 'cut off' from the 12wbt site/world.

Has my body transformed? Not really, well not much, but it has been a step in the right direction.

Some of the recipes were fantastic and it was nice having workouts planned by someone else, but I'm loving my new 'independence'.

Since the end of round 4 of 12wbt, I've been regularly running along the beach - though the weather really isn't making it easy - I'm loving healthy food and I'm keen to experiment a bit more in the kitchen.

After a recent conversation with friends, I'm also considering training for a mini triathlon. I'm a terrible swimmer, so I don't know if I will actually compete any time in the future. But being fit enough to do a triathlon definitely seems to be a motivating factor at the moment.

Basically, life is pretty great. I'm exercising, I'm eating well and I feel really happy.

Now that I'm not focused on the 12wbt, this blog is going evolve slightly. I'm hoping to share more recipes, discuss topics of interest, provide general updates about my life, etc. But my weight loss and transformation journey is far from over, so this will still be a recurring topic.

Looking forward to having this body again

- Dani

a few words from Japan

Eight fabulous, enchanting nights gone and four more nights left to enjoy. I am loving Japan.

I don't know why but I was expecting less similarities between Japan and Australia. I was expecting a topsy-turvy mind boggling world. But it reminds me a lot of my dear Melbourne, in ways, almost moreso than any other country I've visited.

And not that the Japanese restaurants back home are bad, but the food here is fantastic. (I love Japanese cuisine.)

Every day we are walking kilometre after kilometre. So it comes as no real surprise that I've lost weight. Though, having not followed any of the 12wbt plans for the last 3 weeks, I imagine that my strength and cardio fitness has decreased.

Furthermore, it's nice to be exercising and eating well in a more organic fashion. (Compared to the detailed and planned 12wbt world.)

- Dani

Ps. There will be more detailed posts in the near future (following my return to Aussie soil). If you want to see more pictures, please follow me on Instagram - daniemerson

it's all about the lifestyle

I said I'd plan, I said I'd follow through, but... I'm still working on it. My weekend involved unplanned meals, a bit of alcohol and lots of activity. I definitely have a long way to go, but in general, I am leading a more active lifestyle and it is fantastic!

Firstly, I went to a yoga class during lunchtime on Friday. It was tough and I was sweaty. I normally avoid midday classes because it feels inappropriate returning to work looking like a sweaty beetroot. But do you know what? I'm really glad I did it. It wasn't easy - I'm not very good at yoga - but it was a great way to break up my day. 

So I have a new goal - get better at yoga.

I did all of these poses, well I tried to

Saturday morning was stinking hot and I pushed through the Super Saturday Session down by the beach. It was up to 27.5 degrees by the time I left. (Whoa!)

I completed all 4 rounds fairly quickly (and I certainly didn't burn 1000 calories), but I got slower and weaker each time. So I know I have a lot of improving to do.

But my Saturday activities didn't end there...

My girlfriends and I hit up the driving range! And I cannot express enough just how much fun we had. It is amazing how much it works your forearm muscles and you are constantly engaging your core to maintain posture. Of course, constantly laughing at our lack of talent helped too.

A late lunch and few wines later, I found myself at a house party. Dangerous territory. But I took one bottle of cider and when it was finished, that was it. I stopped drinking alcohol for the night. Hallelujah!

Sunday was a little less successful. I planned a fantastic BBQ with lots of great, mostly healthy, salads, etc. But I had a few drinks and probably nibbled a little too much. When there is food around all the time it becomes much harder to monitor intake and know when to stop. Given that it is the season for BBQs though, I guess this is something that I'm just going to have to work on.

Overall it was a great weekend and though I have a few things to work on, things definitely seem to be getting better.

How was your weekend? Any stories to share?

- Dani