First position

My housemate and I have just finished a two week introductory offer at our local yoga studio. It's a five minute walk from home and has been a great way to try new classes that have previously seemed too scary or too expensive.

It's $25 for two weeks of unlimited classes so I've jumped in head first - yoga, pilates, core & stretch, fit barre.

I've even said no to social events because I've been committed to my two week program!

I've rediscovered my love for yoga. I've briefly dabbled in it before but nothing ongoing. I'm completely inflexible and have to stifle a laugh when we do any sort of bends and I look in the mirror and see that I'm towering over everyone else in the class who are all parallel to the ground or touching their toes and whatnot. I barely move five degrees forward!

But it's time out for myself when I can be in the present. Apparently that's a good thing?!

The class that has really caught my interest is Fit Barre. I thought I'd hate it but it was so much fun. It was a blend of yoga, ballet and dance and the music was modern and upbeat and the instructor was lovely. I never did ballet as a kid so it was a bit of a novelty standing at the barre and practising my plies.

I've only done one class but will be back tonight for another sweat out. It's so nice to have something to look forward to at the start of the week!

Bounce

I'm a bit of a bandwagon jumper when it comes to exercise, I love a new fad.

Zumba, RPM . . . and now BounceFit!

Em and I bought a two for one pass last week and couldn't believe what a work out it was. Once we got over the slight motion sickness in the first round, we loved it. Sweated up a storm, it was surprising how hard we found it. 

Push ups, lunges, tuck jumps, there was lots of action and we had a ball. 

Let's see how I feel in two days time . . . 

Putting the fun in run

We did it! 

Bree and I conquered our first 8km run in the 2014 Mother's Day Classic on Sunday.

I am so proud of our efforts - I ran the whole way without stopping and even mastered the Anderson Street Hill. I think I even overtook someone at some stage! That NEVER happens!

It was an early start on Sunday and I was sick with nerves, but Bree and I got into our zone, talked about random things (like my date on Friday night) and cranked up the beats (Florence and the Machine was a fave as well as Daft Punk. And Zac Brown Band for a bit of country!).

I am not a natural born runner. I don't have a natural technique and I look like such an unco, but Bree fired me up a few weeks ago and made me believe that I could do it. She is so determined and inspiring and I'm glad I've got her to give me the kick up the bum when I need it. Luckily, we run at the same pace and it's so nice to have that constant to your right. Makes the hour fly and full of fun.

We smashed it in less than an hour (it's not about the time, people, it's about the achievement) and are looking forward to our next fun run.

Who would've thought!?

Lemon

TGIF friends!

It's been a good week, and it's going to be a great weekend.

Taking inspiration from one of my favourite TV characters Lemon Breeland and am going to reeeelax this weekend. I might get a manicure and sleep in and watch some catch up TV. I might even do some blogging - shock horror!

On the more active side, I'm also taking part in the Field of Women on the MCG on Saturday, and running the Mother's Day Classic with the fabulous and inspirational Bree. That girl can run. And I kind of 'joggle'. So it's going to be interesting. I've never run 8km in my life #whatwasithinkingsigningup?

Luckily I have my new iPhone arm band so I can look the part on Sunday. And I have some hot pink shorts I might pull out. Or not. Let's not scare the other runners. Stick with black Kate. Black is safe, black is slimming. Hot pink earrings will be enough.

I have also just received the gorgeous Adore book (the birthday celebrations continue!) from my friend Kelly and it's sensational, can't wait to flick through the colour on the weekend. Looking forward to the launch party on Thursday! Then we're all signed up for the Adore Shopping Tour next weekend, can't wait!

Wish me luck on my run!

Daytime pyjamas

So Melbourne, what's with all the lycra?

Seriously, every weekend I'm made to feel like a huge heffer as I walk down every high street in town. There are guys and gals EVERYWHERE in their gym gear. Do people actually exercise or just laze around in their fluoro get up?

It's like the South Yarra uniform - those X full length leggings, long tshirt and puffa vest. And Ray-Bans or the like. Always a perfect blonde ponytail. And sometimes a NY Yankees cap. Now the cap, I can do.

It took me a while to get used to this phenomenon. I mean, I'm not unfamiliar with the concept of exercise but post brunch sweating? Not for me. What ever happened to lazy weekend sleep ins, slow starts in the morning before slipping into a pair of well worn and uber comfy ballet flats with a pair of tried and tested jeans and a nice top? Even a nice dress if the weather's warm?

No way, why would you peel out of your socially acceptable 'tracksuit' for those structured items!? Not in Melbourne. Lycra is the new black, ladies.

So I've decided to embrace it. Yep, you read right. I'm donning what I like to call my 'daytime pyjamas' and getting around in my lycra all weekend. My new gym pants even have a hidden zip and pocket in the waistband so I can hit the shops with a credit card. Genius.

And bloody hell, it's comfy. I'm especially digging my new neon pink, green and black cross over back sports bra. Who knew a sports bra so supportive and comfortable could even give you cleavage? If you've got it flaunt it, right Mum?!

And to top it all off, I'm even running. Oh yes, now you should be shocked. I've signed up for the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation. I'm afraid, very afraid. Everyone I know who's gone on it has had amazing results. But what if I'm that anomaly, the exception to the rule, the one that fails? I'm doing it with Bree so we send pics of our meals to each other along with words of encouragement and support. Bree is a lot more organised, disciplined and positives and she's seeing results while I just send her desperate texts "I'M STARVING! I HATE MICHELLE BRIDGES!"

But I'll stick to it. The recipes are YUM and the motivational videos are brutally honest. She's one unforgiving tyrant of a trainer, that Michelle! And it's nice to feel part of a community, a warm and fuzzy family of fatties, trying to change their lives one rice cake at a time.

So let this be a heads up for my future boyfriend . . . I'm currently in training to be the hottest girlfriend you've ever had.

Oh, and if you're looking for me, future boyfriend - I'm the one with the brown ponytail and good cleavage doing the Tan. Make sure you say hi!

Spring nose best

Two of the best things about going for a walk after work . . . 

The smell of jasmine creeping over front fences

. . . and BBQs cooking in backyards.

There's no smell like it (Dad would be proud!)

Spring is in the air . . . and not long until daylight saving.

Happy times x

Pics from Pinterest

It's coming!

Yay for motivation. I've found some.

In a very colourful little package.

Who's with me for The Colour Run!?

And the best bit? Radelaide is the first to kick off the calendar Down Under.

ADELAIDE: SUNDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2012

Heading home to dust off the treadmill tonight (in front of the Olympics - what could be more inspiring?!)

Stay tuned here . . .

Colourful start to the week

Some exciting news!

You might remember this post a few months back. I have had a few comments on it since - seems I'm not the only one inspired by 'colourful' exercise!

A recent visitor to my blog has just alerted me to this . . . .

Yay! The Colour Run is coming to Australia!

I have my doubts that little old Adelaide will be on the list, but am more than happy to travel to Melbourne to take part in the fun. And great that I'm alcohol free this month so can get a kick start on my training!

Who'll be joining me?

Follow all the latest news here

The Colour Run

I'm not a natural born athlete. Have you seen me run?!

In order to get the blood pumping and the beads of sweat dripping, I need to make exercise fun. I need an incentive.

And I think I've found one.

It goes a little like this . . . 

Take a bunch of people in crisp white jogging gear

. . . and add some totally safe, natural dye

. . . and run 5km to end up like this!

May I introduce you to . . .

Brilliant, yes!?

Look at those colours!

Get me there now! Have you ever seen anyone look so happy while exercising? 

I think not!

It's an American concept (like all wondrous viral campaigns from which I find so much inspiration) but I'd love to bring it to Australia.

We have the City to Surf and the City to Bay (of which I've run 6 of the 12km, yay for me!) and other charity runs, but nothing with so much  . . . well . . . colour!

Check out the youtube clip below for further inspiration.

Now this is something I'd be happy to break a sweat for!

The Colour Run. I'm sold!