“I know someone who was giving out about you.” I think only in Ireland would a conversation start like this. “Ara sure I hope I didn’t offend you” This is genuinely how a conversation started with me on Friday night in Galway. Great opener I thought, as he went on to explain his point around the fact that his wife’s friend had been talking about me and was well not impressed. He felt he was going to reserve judgement, so he looked me up, read a few of my pieces (He thought they were good FYI) and then he saw me and thought he would judge in real life. An hour later, he told me she was wrong and that I was a sound oul skin. Thank god I thought, thank god. I don’t know why but people talking or having an opinion on me doesn’t bother me, everyone has an opinion on everyone and all of them cannot be good. The issue with this woman and me was that I was training and she was not, so naturally that was my fault and I was a dick. Makes sense to me. In the larger context, her opinion on me has actually in fact nothing to do with me, but I am glad that now of course I met this buck who will of course champion my good name.....
In 2016, I have lived by the motto let your noise be your work. I made the decision that this year more than ever, I was going to work hard and dedicate myself fully to every task, professionally, personally and physically. This commitment for me was a test in itself and maybe not in the way you think. I am a very committed person so in order to really give 100%, this year I had to say no to things, jobs, events and possible opportunities as I was giving 100% to my chosen tasks, well then you cannot spread yourself too thin. Saying no is also a very empowering position to be in and one I am delighted I took up on occasion throughout the year. No excuses, no waffle, just NO!
Just over 10 weeks ago, I took on a strength training program like no other, called the Amazing 12. I came in on week 3 of the program and literally hit the ground running. This was exciting, was different and best of all was really going to test my mettle. I was excited by the intensity, the additional training and the fact that I was being programmed for 10 weeks. Having a coach and being fully accountable to myself and the process was another element that I liked. I would trust 100% in it, do what I was told and stick to the plan to a T.
The reaction post this training program from everyone was “Jesus you never mentioned that” well for more than one reason I didn’t mainly because, who the hell wants to listen to someone harp on about the training they are doing, the foods they are eating and or the struggle of both. The more talking you do the less action, sometimes you just need to shut the hell up and get on with it. Then again letting your noise be your work.
Maybe it’s because I am self employed and my own boss, but I really love being told what to do, being directed and having someone else make decisions for me (on occasion!)
Everyone wants a great body now; everyone wants abs, quads, a high firm bum, toned legs, to be slim, to be athletic, to look better. God we want it all. But this want can soon disappear when the reality of hard work and graft kicks in. Because if you want all those things, then you must commit. These programs can be viewed in two ways, just that a 12 week program to get your body in tip top shape or a catalyst for change within you, to adopt health, wellness and training as a lifestyle, your lifestyle.
The view that training is torture and eating well is a chore are the two negative components that hold people back. Subliminal language used around these infer that’s its a struggle, hassle and its awful all whilst a life of eating pizza, drinking wine and socialising is wonderful, fun and worth it. The key point about adopting health into your lifestyle is that you then get to experience the highs of living in a good body and mind. A place where you sleep well, a place where your mood is 85% in a good place, a place where you can functionally move, a place where you know what food fuels you and what food will slow you right down, a place where you are energetic, social able and have an actual zest and thirst for life. This is when you are living for health.
The Amazing 12 is a program that requires dedication and you must give the time to it. The strength element programming is exhilarating, you think you will never get through it and then by week 6 you actually cannot get over your own strength, all whilst your body is getting smaller, leaner and muscles are growing. One of things I loved slashed tortured me was the sprinting which is vital as part of this program. Sprinting is literally insane for what it does to the body, but it isn’t easy, there is nowhere to hide and although session s are quick, they are tough. You start with 5x80m uphill sprints and let’s just say things get harder, tougher and worse from here! However it was the sprinting that played a pivotal role in helping to get me fitter, faster, leaner and stronger than I have been in a long time. You know you are fully committed to this program when on a wet, windy Friday evening you are up in Dangan battling the elements and knowing that it’s for the greater good!
Everything you do on this program is for a reason, you need guidance and you are always under supervision. The first day I saw the training program I thought I would need a maths degree to understand it, but after week one. I got it and from here there were weekly improvements in strength, technique and in mental toughness. As a woman we are always lured in my scales and weight, more than half way through I put on two pounds, however this turned out to be lean muscle and the following few weeks, it’s all balanced out with my weight coming down and my lean muscle going up.
When I look back on this process, I realise I really committed to it but I was really involved in the process, it was exciting to see how much easier the sprints were becoming and just when I thought I could give Bolt a run for his money, the program switches to longer sprints and you are put back in your place! But this again tricks the body and triggers it to respond. Strength increases so much and normally people equate strength to getting bigger, but this is not the case on this. I was shrinking each week, looking more defined and yet I was increasing my strength on the Bench Press, Military Press, Deadlift and Back Squat.
Last Friday I went to do my photo shoot for the end of the program, I couldn’t believe it was finally over. I had no nerves or feelings of regret for not doing the program as I was supposed to, I was just nervous a little about taking photos, fitness photos. But that soon passed.
I always think everything is this life is worth trying and seeing if it’s for you. This was definitely one I am glad I committed to. I keep talking about commitment because I feel this is something that everyone struggles with and on. This is not another 12 week program whereby now it’s over I am also finished with it. No you must look at this and see what you can take with you. For me its sprinting I am going to bring this into my training twice a week and also I am taking a greater knowledge base of strength training that I can continue to work on.
If you are constantly in a cycle or having the same conversations with yourself or others about how you are wanting and wishing to be fit and healthy, well take control, stop talking, take action and let your noise be your work.
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