Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifestyle. Show all posts

Thursday, 5 December 2013

Hamilton Island, a slice of paradise

Seriously, what an amazing time I recently had away on Hamilton Island! The Fujifilm Triathalon and Whitehaven Beach and Ocean Swim was held a couple of weeks ago and it has got me super motivated! In case you missed this post last week, you can catch it up and then know exactly what I am talking about!

This event has totally got me pumped and inspired to train for next year's! More than anything, I'd love to have it include more of my friends, so ... come on, how about we all go?

Fujifilm Triathlon and Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim 


I reckon it's totally do-able, especially if we start training now and even hold our own little mini triathlon! What do you think? Are you in?

Baby steps are the go, remember. We can ease into it all, and start with a solid 25 metres at our local gym swimming pool ... then a 2km ride on the bike, to be followed by a 1km run on the treadmill. Sounds good to you, doesn't it?

Seriously though, when I was invited to be a spectator at this awesome event, I jumped at the opportunity. Little did I know that I would be rubbing shoulders with some of the country's favourite elite athletes!

I  particularly loved the fact this event encourages such a broad range of competitors and participants. It was super to see that Ironmen/women, and Olympians too, are much like us ... aspiring to be good at something. Yes, for sure they are total champions and in their sporting element however "us" ordinary people are encouraged to also give it a go as well.

Take my gorgeous friend Anita, for an example. She didn't even train for this event but was deadset keen to give it a go! And guess what? She smashed it in 2 hours!!! I am so proud of her!


Hamilton Island provided the perfect backdrop for an event like this. Just imagine swimming 750m, cycling 20km - including down a unique airport runway - and finishing with a 5km run through the island's Marina. Topped off by a beach-side finish, this was a triathlon held in paradise!

What a superstar you are Anita!!!! Woohoo!


Super star Anita Mitchell completes her second tri


Staying at The Reef Hotel brought back many beautiful memories. This was my third time on Hamilton Island ... the first time was back in my career days with workmates on the R&R sales team. The second time was much more special though and was when I said "yes" to my husband's proposal! Yes indeed, my wonderful husband proposed to me back in 2005 on this very perfect tropical island. Truly, it was one of the best days of my life….Aaaahhhhh.

To make perfect even better, island visitors get to wake up to this view every morning!!! Seriously, what more in life could you want? It's just sensational!

The Reef Hotel View


What better pastime on a tropical resort is there, than lazing around the pool? How cool is this place? A great life, becomes even more beautiful when poolside!
What else is super cool is bumping into these legendary Ironmen, Guy Leech and Jimmy, in the lift on my way down to brekky. You truly never know who you'll bump into when you go to Hamilton Island. 

Guy Leech, Jimmy and Dani 


Not only was I impressed by the triathlon itself - the event was run super professionally - but the fact we got to rub shoulders with some of the country's and world's elite Olympic champions made this experience totally unreal. Check out these guys, recognise them?!!!

Susie O'Neil, me and Michael Klim

Suzie O'Neil and Michael Klim are such down to earth people, who were both very generous with their time. It was an absolute delight to hear their journeys and especially their candid "on the couch" interviews which gave a real insight into their experiences. 

WHITE HAVEN BEACH - OPEN SWIM 17th November 2013


Another day, another sensational event. We travelled on a speed boat from Hamilton Island to the most brilliant white sand beaches I have ever been to. These two swims were 750m and 2km open ocean swims and they were positively thrilling to watch. 

I managed to catch up with 25 year old Melissa Gorman before her swim. She said it was her first event back after shoulder surgery and that she was going to take it easy. I say, good on her! This totally inspires me to learn how to swim (ahhhh....yeah, I have no clue, can tread water and dog paddle but that's about it! Go figure, hey!)

Melissa Gorman open ocean swimmer champion

So all in all, Hamilton Island is not only a place I'd love to travel to on holidays with the family but also it would be fantastic to arrange a group of friends to head there for a fit-cation and give these triathlons a go!!!! Sensational, don't you think?

Oh yeah..... how could I forget? Before I go, check out the amazing Qualia Resort (woot-whoo a couples only retreat) where I caught up with the Klims for lunch. This place was totally breathtaking and I seriously can't wait to go away on a romantic holiday with Adrian. Soon!

Qualia Resort Hamilton Island

Plus, you really should know these guys totally rock. Both Michael and Lindy are gorgeous people and I can't wait to share the interview I did with Lindy very soon, as she is one stylish woman!

Michael and Lindy Klim with Fitness Food And Style

Here's Michael & I fooling around with a bit of back and freestroke posing. Such good times.  


Who needs an excuse to ride these super cool buggies??? Another perfect excuse to head to Hamilton ;)

Hamilton Island buggies

Much love & friendship,
XxDani 



Tuesday, 9 April 2013

Weight loss story Transformation Tuesday - Helené

This transformation will blow your mind!!! Seriously! 

For those that are finding it difficult out there or feeling like they have plataued, this interview will make you realise ANYTHING is possible!!!!

Let me introduce the beautiful and wonderful Helené Mikanovic from the most romantic countries in the world, France. I have been following her on Instagram since early this year and all I can say is WOW! Truly one amazing girl and she has such a wonderful story to share!


Weight loss story 51kgs AKA 112lbs already LOST!!!! 

How old are you and please can you share your health and fitness journey to date?

I'm 25years old, I'm not really in a particular dietthe "basics" were given to me by a doctor in February 2012, and since. I eat healthy, I workout every day, trying to listen to my body and it works very well :)

What types of foods did you used to eat as a kid and young adult? What's changed since then? 


When I was a kid, I was like all the other children. I like to eat sweets, chocolate, chips, ice cream, cakes, Mcdonalds etc... all these things that are not healthyQuick things to eat. I don't take the time to discover the flavors, my mother had some vegetables I immediately said "no, I don't like it!" while I had ever tasted.
I learned to eat things I never eat before, some vegetables, for example, I learned to appreciate the real flavor and not things filled with chemical things.
Take the time to discover, take the time to try several times. It changed my way of eating, my way of life.

Do you play any sports or what sports do you like watching?
When I was young my weight was “normal”, I praticed sport (fencing), high level sport, I did sport for most of 12 years. I was departemental champion (I have pics if you are interested!) I was a sportswoman, I did bike and swimming. I was a young active child. Then one day I had a fight with my teacher. I think it was at this time (15yo) that I start gain weight.
Now I begin to love the sport again. I don't do sports at a high level because my highest weight was 396lbs (180kgs) and at this weight, you can imagine the difficulty playing sports!
Now, I do stepper, walking, squats, cycling and swimming. Gradually!

But on TV :) I love watching tennis

What are your interests, passion and what makes you smile?
I'm passionate about many things. I love the simple things in life. I like to walk in the forest, in the countryside. I love beautiful scenery, watching the sea, I love taking pictures. I like to capture every moment of my life.before my weight loss and even now.
I'm a very simple girla hello, a smile, a little attention makes me smile :) I'm not complicated, I love peopleI love life, I love the simplicity.
I like to share my experience on instagramI smile when I get nice comments, I smile when I get advice, I smile when I see the progress of my friends on instagramI love people who are fighting for their lives. I smile when I see people post nasty comments because I think they make me move forward in life.

What was the catalyst that sparked your lifestyle change?
When I was young, my parents took me see some doctors for my weight, I also went into center for obese children. 3 times for long months… I lose weight but after, I always became more fat. I know all methods “balanced” diet, as I was eating everything but in small quantities by removing cakes etc. I lost 2,2lbs (1kg) per month. I’m not saying it is not good but when weighed 319lbs (145kgs) at 24 yo height 1.69cm, it is urgent to lose weight for health reasons.
So I decided to make an appointment with a nutritionist (january2012). I was happy to go to my appointment … and then..........I went, I came out crying.
Why? Because I was unmotivated, saying that it was difficult to lose weight and in my case surgery would be best (sleeve, bypass etc …). For me it was out of the question that I do make. I was motivated and I was losing weight so why have surgery???
I’ve never been to see her again.
One word in my head: SUCCESSFULto become what I am!
NO! I can do it, I want to get therethis doctor was so mean to me, I was just looking for help!
It was THE thing.


What are some of your dreams/goals you hope to achieve over the next 12 months?

I don't have a goal for the next 12 months. My real goal is to have a healthy life. forever.

What tips would you like to share with my readers about your transformation?

I'm not a doctor, I'm not a professional. I just want to say that everything is possible, you should never give up. Don't let anyone discourage you, surround yourself with good people. Let anyone try to take the wrong wayeven onceBad habits are so easy to pick upI just want to tell you, no matter where you startnothing is impossible. yes it takes time, but believe me it is the best gift that you can do in life.
My journey is not over, I continue every day to share with you, I know how hard it isthere is no miracle but the miracle is really changing. become what you are.


NB: Helené has replied back to these questions via email and apologised for her English but I think she did an amazing job and I did not edit one word. I would be terrible at French! 

Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey with us all Helené. I look forward to catching up with you later on in the year to see your progress. For those that wish to follow Helené, please do so on her Facebook and Instagram pages. 

Tell me what are some things that stop your healthy lifestyle?

♥ Dani