A few months ago I got caught speeding – 34 in a 30 limit…in my defence – not that there ever is a defence when it comes to breaking the speed limit – I was coming out of a 50 limit and braking…but not quick enough!
It was the day that I first went over to the tack shop to sit on saddles and pretend to horse ride…it was the most expensive non-horse horse riding lesson I have ever had! 
On a serious note, speeding is not big and not clever – obviously!
I had the option of taking the £100 fine and 3 points, or I could attend the workshop for £80 and avoid a fine, so it was a bit of a no-brainer really especially when you factor in the impact of points when it comes to insurance. However, I was curious to see what the course would consist of and what I could learn too.
So off I went today. Ironically enough I was running late and had to make a concerted effort not to get caught speeding on the way to the speed awareness workshop. The roads were clear and I made good time, so no worries there in the end! 
I have to admit to thinking that I would be sat watching videos of horrific accidents in a bid to scare me into sticking to the speed limits. It was a relief to find that this wasn’t the case, especially as I like to think that I am an okay driver who drives at an appropriate speed for the road…I can often been found driving rather slowly around country lanes in case of tractors or horse riders, and I drive slowly in built up and residential areas too. I just happened to be caught – and if I am being honest, I have exceeded the speed limit on a number of occasions and probably will do again on clear roads.
The common misconception about these courses is that you will be sat amongst a crowd of boy racers with caps on driving souped-up cars…there was actually a real mixture of people – including a person that I couldn’t resist rolling my eyes at a few times and muttering, “There’s always one!” The kind of person who likes to challenge when there is no basis for a challenge…it’s the speed limit…it’s the fecking law!
One person made me chuckle. They said that this course was really good as they had been on one years ago…I had to wonder how good it was if they were back there again!
We discussed what caused us to be speeding on the particular day we were caught. There were various reasons and I did not think it appropriate to say that I was so excited to sit on a pretend horse that I couldn’t wait to get to my destination…so I just said that I didn’t slow down quick enough! Amongst other responses they have received over the years, the most stupid was ‘I was updating my Facebook status at the time’…although I guess any reasons for speeding are pretty bloody stupid.
There was an underlying theme of a Highway Code refresher which was actually well needed. I haven’t looked at the Highway Code since passing my test – at which point I had the stuff memorised by rote learning…or cramming! Whilst I understand most of the rules of the road, there were things that it was good to be reminded about…stopping distances for example – only a fool breaks the two second rule!
We looked at speed limits and had a little quiz…which I got right – I am currently polishing my halo with one hand and typing with the other! We also got some tips for working out what the speed limit might be if signs were not present. There were a few videos – one of which made me say ‘feck!’ quite loudly – nothing gory, but the sheer speed at which something could happen.
There were the obvious reminders of the disadvantages of speeding and consequences of misusing speed – ranging from having to attend such workshops, right through to imprisonment and death. Now, I do know a couple of people killed in car accidents and so do not take this kind of thing lightly. I think a few people on the course were shocked at some of the stories people shared…so hopefully it will make them think twice.
The aim of the course is to bring about a change in behaviour.
If I had to do a crude job of likening this course to weight loss, then I would say that had I sat there and watched a series of videos and had it hammered home that speeding equals death, then I wouldn’t really have made any changes. I would have been shocked initially, but there would be no motivation to change…as you never think it’s going to happen to you. You need to go a bit deeper than shock tactics.
The same happened with my weight. I was told by numerous professionals that I needed to change or die. I read articles, I saw TV programmes…but never did anyone get me to sit and look at my weight from a different angle – the mindset stuff. And this is what this course did for me today…it made me look at speeding from a different perspective. You were asked to visualise yourself in a certain situation, and think about the impact and consequences – you weren’t just subjected to the harsh messaging or videos. This is one of the reasons that I don’t think pictures on the side of junk food boxes will help to control the obesity crisis…but that’s a whole other blog post!
I realise that some of what I have said sounds contradictory. On the one hand I am saying that the course was good and that I learnt a fair bit, yet on the other hand I am saying that I will still probably speed at times…I am just being honest. Nobody is a saint and I cannot guarantee that I will never exceed the speed limit…I will do my best not to but, as with weight loss, to expect perfection is a bit stupid!
So that’s my day really. I went to the gym before the workshop and got a full workout in and a programme review…my programme includes some interval training, which should be fun. I am sticking with the static machines for now in order to isolate certain muscles – as they spent so much time being inactive and need to be worked well before progressing to free weights…I am glad that my PT and I agree about this. I have heard some say that there is no point using the fixed weights as all you do is sit on your arse…but as all I did was sit on my arse for a long while, the very fact that I am in the gym is muscle progress. Don’t knock it, as it is needed for certain clients!
I am planning on relaxing tonight and sending up a few weight loss wishes…it’s weigh in tomorrow and I need 2lbs off to get my 18.5st award.
Breakfast: Banana porridge (5 syns).
Lunch: Smoked salmon, rice and salad.
Dinner: Butternut squash soup with pizza Ryvitas (HEA and 2 x HEB).
Snacks: Fruyo (2 syns) and a Nakd bar (7.5 syns).
An okay food day. My usual brekkie which fuelled my workout, followed by a decent lunch to see me through the afternoon. I simply mixed a pack of salmon trimmings with a pack of savoury rice and added spinach, kale, chard, radish, cucumber, red pepper, red onion and cherry tomatoes. Dinner was leftover soup with Ryvita pizzas – Ryvitas spread with tomato purée, sprinkled with herbs and garlic, and topped with cheese…blitzed in the microwave for a minute. Another gorgeous yogurt for desert, followed by my beloved Nakd bars!
Exercise: 5 minutes treadmill, 55 minutes weights, 30 minutes elliptical.
Thank you for reading,
Weight Loss Bitch xxx
WeightLossBitch
On a health and fitness driven journey to lose over 32st / 448lbs / 203kgs – yes, it is a considerable amount – I am committed to losing my excess weight without the aid of weight loss surgery, diet pills, or quick fixes…as there aren’t any! Changing my eating habits and building up my fitness levels, along with addressing the ‘head issues’ will be crucial in order for me to achieve my goal. Living in England as a 31 year old super morbidly obese woman can be challenging to say the least. I have been shouted at in the street and verbally abused far too many times to mention; hence the name ‘Weight Loss Bitch’…the day I am just called a ‘bitch’ instead of a ‘fat bitch’ will be the day that I know I have cracked my weight loss! With many reasons to lose this weight I am documenting my journey for a number of reasons. Firstly, I would like to keep a record of the ups and downs, the highs and lows, and the challenges I face with such an enormous task to tackle. Secondly, I would also like to inspire and encourage other people who are in a similar situation and to show them that significant amounts of weight can be lost naturally…with a bit of motivation, hard work, dedication and will power. Thirdly, all of the blogging, Facebook-ing, Tweet-ing, Pinterest-ing and YouTube-ing keeps me occupied and keeps my fingers out of the fridge!
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