Little Voices

Made a big mistake today...I "popped" into the grocery store to buy some Vitamin 10 water on an empty stomach! To make it worse, I entered on the side with all of the prepared foods and gourmet cheeses!!! I heard all these little voices begging me to take them home with me...promising how happy and comforted they could make me feel!!! UGH!

I left with three Vitamin 10s and two bottles of flavored seltzers -- trying to give myself a break from regular water, regular water with electrolytes and unsweetened tea. I also went to the health food store and purchased all of the vitamins and supplements that the nutritionist recommended. She even told me brands to buy to ensure the ingredients are whole and healthy.

So now I am going to be taking...
1) Power Multi Vitamin (made from whole foods)
2) Calcium/Magnesium
3) D3
4) Fish Oil
5) CoQ10
6) Probiotics
7) Baby aspirin
...and my daily doses of ibuprofen so that I can move.

I also bought some new sneakers today. While I am a pretty loyal Asics wearer, I bought a pair of Brooks to try out. My two new pair of sneakers that I brought out here are trashed! On my way home from all these errands, I had to pass TWO Starbucks....the voices were back!!! I beat them away by drinking one of my Vitamin 10s.

In honor of my one month here at camp (Monday), I had planned on taking Sunday off and going to the Ritz Carlton for a spa day. Sadly, now the only way I feel like treating myself is SLEEPING. So I am taking Sunday off and....sleeping, recovering, relaxing...and did I mention sleeping???

Ready for the Weekend!!!

So happy tomorrow is Friday!!!!! My calorie burn is still struggling, but I am hoping that by the end of the weekend my calf will heal. I was not cleared to do the Santa Monica Steps tomorrow. Instead, I am going for a 2 hour bike ride (yay me!) and several training sessions and circuits in the gym.

One of my friends here, Mariah, dislocated her shoulder today in one of the boot camps. She popped it back in place herself!!!! She is TUFF...she consults in something with military security. I am such a wimp compared to her. She has been right on target with her weight loss goals (she gained a bunch of weight after her last assignment in Baghdad). This past Monday she had only lost three and she was very disappointed. She weighed in again today...she has lost 7 pounds since MONDAY!!! Go figure.

Well...I am in the middle of my nighttime ritual...soak, ice, yada, yada, yada...thought you'd enjoy this photo so you can enjoy the experience with me. Those are my legs under

the peas. Next is Icy Hot!!

Hope all of you are getting ready for a fun Halloween!!

To Rest...or Burn???

My fourth week here is bringing me confidence in my workouts. I am now consistently working out with the level 2-3 people and have been able to intensify my own level in my workouts.

Unfortunately, week four has also brought my first injury. Fortunately, it is very minor. I have been struggling since Monday night's beach boot camp with a muscle spasm in my calf. When it is in spasm it is very painful. When I rest it and treat it well, it is fine. However the second I engage it again it starts to spasm. SO...my struggle is rest it and not come near my calorie burn goal. Or keep pushing and come close to my calorie burn goal. I know the right answer...I just don't want another weigh in like Monday!!

I have worked with my trainers to adapt most all of my workouts. Today I was even able to "kill it" during Cardio Boo Hoo Hoo Camp (it is nicknamed that for a reason!). I did the boot camp (on the elliptical instead or the treadmill) in place of climbing the mountain...which would have killed my calf. I have also been riding bike a lot in place of impact cardio workouts. The Santa Anna winds are blowing like crazy, which made my bike ride today super hard. I could not even coast because the wind would stop me...had to pedal HARD the entire 20 miles.

The two things that are really making my calf better are SLEEP (I have been getting 9 hours...my body needs it to recover) and the massage therapist. She is this little woman from Thailand...little but STRONG. She worked on my legs last night and today. Last night, She was actually walking on my legs!! Today she was tying my legs up like pretzels to get deep stretches! Painful...but SO helpful!!

The last two days I have only worked out 5 hours instead of the 7 in order to try and rest a bit. I am hoping to get back to the 7 tomorrow. Unfortunately...that also means my calorie burn has only been around 2700 instead of 3500 where it is supposed to be on a daily basis.

Good news of the day is that we had the YUMMY pizza. My slices keep getting smaller...but it is good, good, good!

I am the Turtle and Not the Hare

Okay....so I only lost three pounds. YES, I am frustrated. YES, I want to pack up and go home. But the simple reality is that my furnace does not burn as hot (or quickly) as it should and therefore I loose the weight at a slower pace. Hey...didn't the turtle win the race??!!

This is going to be a long, slow journey that will continue on long after I leave this place. Every other time I have started on it, I quit. NOT this time. I just have to adjust my thinking and focus on all of the positive outcomes that I am already noticing. My strength, endurance, fitness level, muscle tone, and my overall increased confidence with working out and understanding of what my body can do. I also have a great new hobby in biking...and with some more practice I can add yoga and spinning.

All of this "sane" talk came out of a jet-fueled bike ride that I took right after my weigh in. A group bike ride was on my schedule. Well... I took my ipod that has about 4 hours of new workout music (thanks K), my frustration and my new love of riding ....and took off!! I was so far ahead of the rest of the group that I passed all of them on my return trip as they were still huffin it to the pier!! It was great...wind on my face, nothing but beach and ocean for as far as the eye could see, good music and plenty of time to have a serious conversation with myself. (plus I burned over 750 calories)

When I returned I had several people touch base with me -- like my coach, nutritionist, and even the owner of the gym. All had good bits of advice...and all asked about my thyroid. The nutritionist has given me a list of vitamins and supplements that she wants me to start taking...and she is changing my meal plan again. I am being moved to the "A" plan which is usually 1100 calories, but they are going to add an extra meal. So I will eat three 300ish calorie meals and two 200ish calorie meals per day. So my amount of calories per day is not changing, just the way I am taking them in.

My coach had analyzed my calorie burn for the amount of work I have been doing and noted that it is low...even for my age (thanks). We talked about what workouts I burn the most calories doing and she is modifying my schedule.

The owner of the gym just gave me a pep talk and told me his door is open if I want to talk more or if I have any questions. He also recommended a local doctor to have all of my hormone levels checked again...but I told him that I had just done so prior to coming to camp (and I am not about to spend another $1,000 for the blood panels that insurance won't cover!!!)


Other than all this drama...I had a great day of workouts. My energy level was good and my calorie burn is even up a bit ...not at the goal...but still up a bit for me.


Gotta go ice some minor strains (nothing serious Mom!)...then soak!!

I Survived CPK!

I took a little break from blogging this weekend so I thought I would provide a quick recap. Nothing too exciting to report.

Saturday we had 4 hours of work outs and then I came home and relaxed. Then about six of us went to California Pizza Kitchen to celebrate a birthday of one of the "campers" who I hang out with a lot. I did my homework prior to going out and did very well at my first restaurant challenge. I ordered the BBQ Chicken Salad (which is one of my favorites) -- I ordered a half portion with the dressing on the side and a club soda with lime. I only ate half of the salad and was satisfied. Everyone else at the table ordered PIZZA!! And sodas!!!! And dessert!!!! The woman whose birthday it was had calculated the calories she was going to consume and "saved" that amount through the day and day before. Everyone else...well, that's between them and the scale!

Today, we only had two hours of workouts (yay!!). I took the rest of the day OFF! I had a long week and have been really stiff and sore (and still am today). So, I took the rest of the day to chill. I caught up on some work, talked with some friends and family and did laundry...I even took a little nap!!

I am headed to bed in hopes of getting a full nine hours! Weigh in tomorrow morning...positive thoughts....positive thoughts...positive thoughts...

Oh .... as a P.S. ... In our nutrition class on Friday I learned that not only does alcohol slow your metabolism (which I knew), it slows it for up to 72 hours!!!!! I guess that means that my metabolism might pick back up right around my 75th birthday!

Trying to Keep the Faith

I am tired, sore and hungry...oh, that sounds just like all my other posts. I am not feeling any lighter or smaller this week. Two women that I work out with each only lost 1 pound this week. I just don't get it. How can you burn 3500 calories a day and only eat 1200 and NOT loose weight???? Anyone? Anyone?

On a more positive note, I climbed the Santa Monica Stairs today...NINE times! That tops my record by two. I am really learning how to manage my heart rate during my workouts, allowing me more endurance. I also did some interval running and was not completely winded.

Week three is coming to an end...fingers crossed for Monday's weigh in and measurements. I have faith in myself (which is a nice change in the health and fitness department), but am trying to keep faith in the program.

P.S. .....I REALLY miss my sweet doggy!!!!!

Coach Swap

While we are trained by all the trainers throughout the week, they assign one coach who is supposed to be our "go to" -- whether it is for support, encouragement, working through challenges or just general info. It is the coach's job to know what our goals are and to help us work toward them.

The trainer they had assigned me just doesn't seem to give a crap about anybody. The most encouragement I have ever hear come out of her mouth is "you've got this" during one of my workouts. I have never seen her drop an ounce of sweat in the gym even though she is known for brutal workouts (and they are). When I had gained weight my first week...she didn't say a word to me!

I talked with the head trainer tonight, who I have worked out with a ton over the last week and a half. She is really hard core...no BS...but still has a great personality. I really like her style...and she leads by example. I have seen her just tearing up a workout on her own when we have free gym time. I asked if she would consider taking me on and she said "I would love to...as a matter of fact, I was going to ask you if you wanted to switch." I am really happy about it...even though she is also known as one of the toughest trainers. That is what I'm here for!

Other than that, it was a typical day...yoga, spinning, cardio boot camp, two training sessions and 30 minute of boxing -- ALL level 2-3!!

Couple of stories about some of the other members.

One guy went out on a binge this past weekend. He ate at a ton of restaurants/fast food joints and was out drinking...by himself!!! More annoying...he still lost 2 lbs (instead of the 12 he lost the week before)!

We have had about five or six new people start over the last week. One woman, who told me she was 44 (but she looked much older), was in such shock over the workouts that she picked up and left after a day and a half...NO refund!!

Now, I am not saying that I have not had the urge to do either of these things, but I HAVE not...and WILL not. It really helps to have the support system that I came here with (you all) and the support system I have built here. I have chosen to surround myself with the most motivated people and now...one of the best coaches.

One of THOSE People

Yummy... just had a great dinner. Halibut with ponzu sauce on top of a green onion pancake. The food is really good. They make a pizza that is INSANE!! Of course, I only get a small piece :-(

Today was another LONG day. I hiked the mountain -- shaved 10 minutes off my time to the top. The hike is really hard, but I like it. The views are great. The next level people do what they call Bike, Hike, Bike. Just like it sounds...they bike to the mountain (I think it is like 18 mls), then do the hike, then bike back home!!! I'm scared of that one showing up on my schedule!!!

After the hike and lunch, I had an hour of cardio on my schedule (before 2 circuits and a boot camp). I asked the head trainer if I could go for an hour and half bike ride instead. She agreed and said that she likes to see us getting out of the gym. She also recommended that I go North toward Santa Monica (which I actually have not done yet). It was a fun ride...lots to look at through Venice Beach. As I was riding along ... in the middle of a weekday, I remembered all the times I have looked outside my office window and seen people running/biking/picnicing along the river. I always say "Who are these people???" And "Don't they work???" I smiled brightly when I realized...I am one of THOSE people!!!

'bout time!!!

Sleep is a Wonder Drug!

Wow...I slept about 15 hours yesterday!! I woke up this morning recharged, feeling good and ready to go!! I think my body was trying to tell me...HELLO...can we get a break here?!? So today I tackled all level 2-3 workouts and did pretty darn well, if I do say so myself!! I was most proud of Cardio Boot Camp. I did the ENTIRE workout without breaks and at the levels and intensity that the trainer was calling out!!! Thanks for the pep talk via e-mail Koren!

That success set the tone for a very positive day. I didn't even mind my meeting with the therapist. She is actually starting to listen more and get to know me...therefore being able to provide better insights that are helpful.

The last workout of the day was a 90 minute boot camp. None of the men scheduled to attend showed up, so it was a group of six women. All six of these women are the people that I have started getting close to here at camp. We are all in the same boat and are serious about the program. Most of them will be here for close to my entire duration. One woman is leaving this Friday. She came to visit for a bit tonight after the workouts. She is a Brit, very witty and endearing. She runs a similar facility back in the UK. Her program seems to be more intimate with only 8 guests at a time. We talked for awhile about running our own businesses and the toll it can take on our personal life and taking care of ourselves. We even discussed longer term strategies to overcome those challenges. I like her...sad that she is leaving on Friday.

Well...I am going to hit the hay...have to climb the mountain tomorrow!!

The Good,The Bad and The Tired

Well, I think I jinxed myself by gossiping about others being lazy. Today started out great...I lost SIX pounds!! I am very happy with a six! But then the day took a turn...I was about 2/3 through my morning cardio boot camp (basically 60 minutes on the treadmill at different speed intervals....my least favorite workout) and I felt very sluggish and as if my muscles just had nothing in them. Then I started feeling nauseous. I tried to push through but did not make it. I ended up coming home early today. I crawled into bed around 2:00 and just woke up. I am not sure what is going on with me. Either I needed a rest day or I have a bug of some sort.

One of the other campers just dropped off my schedule for tomorrow....it looks like they are giving me a crack at Level 2/3! All of my workouts are with the 2/3s! I am proud of myself....but also very nervous. Their workouts are much harder (believe it or not). I hope that after a good night of sleep I am ready for them!!!

Breaking in the Giant!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE Sundays??? I slept in until 8:15 (yes, sadly, that is my new definition of sleeping in), then had a two hour workout at the gym which was my only required workout today. After lunch I decided it was time to break in the "Giant" (new bike), so I went on a 25 mile bike ride with a few of the other campers along the beach...I loved it. Did not even feel like a workout even though I burned more than I did in my two hour gym workout!! My bike is great. I have another ride on my schedule for tomorrow.

So...I have been trying to figure out how to describe the people here. They basically fall into four categories.

1) Paying Their Own Way and Serious

This is the group that attend everything on their schedule, eat exactly what they are told to eat and actually add additional workouts. This group consists of people in their mid thirties to the few old farts like me. (there are only five of us in our forties...across all of these categories!!)

2) Paying Their Own Way and Lazy (or just not focused)

These are the people that I REALLY don't understand. These people are also in their mid-thirties to mid forties. They have paid their own way, left their lives and families...and just half-ass it...if the show up at all!! They only go to the activities that appeal to them. Hopefully, I will never fall into this category.

3) On Mom & Dad's Tab

This group is largely made up of twenty-somethings into early thirty somethings. This is the largest group here...probably 2/3 of the members (or "campers"). Sometimes they show up, sometimes they work but for the most part they just don't care. They are a bunch of tiddie babies (an expression taught to me by Patti, one of my high school/college friends -- it is a "dd" instead of a "tt" due to the Texan accent). All they do is whine and complain. They stay up all night hanging out at the apartments and gossiping about who likes who, who said what, and who is sleeping together. What is REALLY frustrating is they lose weight faster than I can gain it!!! Youth!!!

4) Pseudo Celebs - Not Paying AT ALL

I think I have mentioned this group before...beauty queens, actors, athletes. The owner lets these types come and go as they please and thinks it makes good marketing sense. They don't bother me all that much. I just realized that one of them is Matt from the Bachelor from a few seasons ago -- he was the British one that pick the Lamos girl. No where near as good looking as he thinks he is!!

So that is a general (very) recap. While I am friendly to everyone, I mainly either keep to myself or to a few people who are in the first group. It is so important for me to remain focused and keep my environment positive. I try to surround myself with people who are a little more advanced so that I keep pushing myself.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Weigh-in and fitness test tomorrow at 7:30 AM!! Wish me luck, say some prays, do a weight loss dance.....you get the idea!

Check Out My NEW Bike!!!

I bought a bike today!! I love it...I have not had a bike since I was in high school!!! Can't wait to go for a ride tomorrow.


I was dreading beach boot camp today...but ended up having fun. The trainers split us into two teams and sent us on "missions" on the beach. They assigned a team captain for each team....yep, I was one of them. Granted our team was the level 1/2 team vs. the 2/3 team...but still! Each of us had a walkie-talkie (do people still call them that??) and the trainers would give us commands that led us to treasures or clues that had our next activity (activities included things like jog for two minutes, do the Indian run to the next life guard stand, do 50 squats, 50 jumping jacks, etc). It was a fun way to get a great work out on the beach. Very clever!

I'm about to "reach out and touch" some friends and family! Miss you all!

The Little Things...

Today, one of the newer women here at camp told me that I am her workout inspiration!!! It made me feel so good! She said that she wants to be able to work as hard as I do and at the levels I am obtaining. I told her that after two weeks, she will be amazed at what she can do...and thank you of course!

I had a pretty good day. I am getting some great feedback from the trainers. Some of them are known for being really tough...I like them the best. I had three circuit trainings, an hour and a half of cardio (on my own), boxing (much fun!) and then...the Santa Monica Stairs (SMS) (cue scary music!!) The stairs where even harder today than last time because I did them last thing in the day after all my other workouts and it was HOT!! I only was able to complete 6 trips. I could have done another two, but we were out of time. On a fun note...Owen Wilson was working out on the SMS today...looks just like he does on screen...more fit than I would have thought.

After the SMS a few of us went bike shopping. I am going back tomorrow to test ride two of them - a Giant and a Razorback. If anyone knows anything about bikes or bike brands ...please give me the skinny. I am excited to get my own bike so that I can go on rides on the weekends to Santa Monica and to Manhattan Beach.

All I have left in week two is a two hour circuit training and a 2 hour beach boot camp tomorrow and a 2 hour gym circuit on Sunday. YAAAAAYYYYYYY! Then I have my next weigh in and measurements on Monday. I am already coaching myself to focus on what I am doing and not what the scale says -- he has never been my friend anyway!!

This program is so challenging and difficult (emotionally and physically) that it really is the little things -- a fellow camper or a trainer acknowledging my efforts, feeling stronger in workouts, not being so sore that I can't walk -- that get me through each day.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Clouds Are Lifting

This blog post is dedicated to all of you who have sent so much love and support my way. You have really been so fantastic. You have not only encouraged me, but reminded me of who I am, what I am made of and what I am capable of achieving....and that I am very blessed to have so many amazing people in my life! Thank you!!!!!

Today was a good day. Difficult as usual, but I felt strong and less daunted by the intensity. I hope this is the beginning of the turn around. I am now really just focusing on one workout at a time -- do my best, give it all I've got. The only downside is that I have not had a workout outside of the gym in two days. Tomorrow they had me scheduled for soccer...but am not sure if I want to go and play soccer with a bunch of twenty somethings. The last thing I need now is to get an injury! I also have the Santa Monica Stairs in the afternoon...need to save energy for those buggers! Other than that I have four group circuit classes in the gym, which are exhausting but I like them.

That is all for tonight...hope to write some more this weekend. I need to fill you in on all the people and the trainers....interesting stuff!

Thank you all again!!!

Strong Like Ox!

It may be no surprise, but I am managing very well on strength exercises....even though they are KILLING me. Cardio on the other hand....SOOOOO hard for me. It is my kryptonite!! So I am sending out a request for good cardio workout songs...my play list is already getting old and I have only been here for NINE days (that's right folks....knock another day off of week two!!)

Today, I was at the gym for 11 1/2 hours -- 7 SOLID hours of sweating!! Didn't think I would make it through the last boot camp tonight. We did a cross-fit challenge which was kinda fun -- but before and after every challenge we had to do a mile on the treadmill....NOT fun after all the cardio they made me do all day. It was raining all day -- so no mountain. The food cutback is no fun.....am hungry.

That is about it for tonight....want to crawl in bed. I am getting so far behind on all my shows!!! Thank goodness I can record them all here and catch up on the weekends!!

Day 8 ...Done

I am tired, aching, sore, black and blue, and tired. I just have to push myself through this week...everyone says it gets better if you can push through week two.

Weighed in again today -- the two pounds are gone -- but that is it. They dunked me again and the results were not helpful. Long story but basically they think the got a better reading on me because my body fat seemed low when they first did it. My food portions have been cut in half...I start them tomorrow.

We are supposed to climb the mountain again tomorrow, but we are getting a good bit of rain...so who knows. They have also added the evening boot camp to my schedule -- so instead of finishing at 5:00ish I will start going until 7:30.

One interesting tidbit of gossip....one of the "beauty queens" that are here training is dating Levi Johnston -- Sarah Palin's daughter's (Crystal?) baby-daddy. The girl here is like 13 years older than him.

That's all...I am going to bed.

And the Rollercoaster Ride Begins....

I woke up today and it was very grey and cloudy outside -- turns out that nothing else would have been appropriate. I had a very hard day. It began with my first weigh-in -- I GAINED 2 pounds. Then the measurements, I lost 7 3/4 inches (an inch here, an inch there...). Now before any of you start to comment that "oh, you gained muscle" blah, blah, blah -- I know all of that in my logical head, but it does not make it any easier. They have already cut my meal plan and are planning to dunk me tomorrow to see what is going on with my lean muscle mass vs fat. They said that they are not worried because my inches lost was strong.

I proceeded to go through the morning workouts, fighting back tears and trying to just focus on my calorie burn. I completed all my workouts today, but am just exhausted. My last boot camp of the day was not my best. Even my massage hurt like HELL! Every muscle she tried to work made me want to jump off the table and scream!! I have heard from many people that days 7 through 10 are the hardest....based on today, I am not looking forward to the next few days.

One high note again was the bike ride. I went 20 miles under the allotted time. It was only really hard on some of the inclines...but I enjoyed it. I did have one minor run in with a cement column...nothing serious. I noticed that the only time I come close to wrecking on a bike is when I get scared or nervous....hmmmm might be something to think about in everyday life.

Another positive note was how supportive the other campers were when I told them about the gain. They were all very shocked and said that they have seen how hard I have worked over that last week and that there is nothing else I could possibly have done...and to hang in there.

So that's what I am doing...hanging in there...not that I have a real choice. Time to ice, soak, heat (already stretched)...you all know the drill by now.

Sunday IS Funday!!

I woke up today after 10 hours of sleep and felt really good!! My muscles were still sore...but not painful. We had a "free-style" 2 hour circuit training -- which basically just means that they give you your workout and you can go at your own pace. I finished in two hours -- which is right on the mark! Then I got my schedule for tomorrow and it is packed! I have three hours of crazy in the gym (cardio circuits, partner training, etc), a massage (YAY!) a two hour bike ride and then a gym boot camp...for those of you counting (like me)...that is six hours of sweat!

Since I have not been on a bike (for more than a few pedals) in about 24 years, I signed out one of the bikes from the gym after I had my lunch. I rode it down and along the beach. I only rode for about an hour... but I had SO much FUN!!! I felt like a kid again!! I absolutely love doing all of these new activities. I am slowly dropping my fear of new physical activities and ignoring all my old excuses (I am too old, I am not athletic, I am too fat, I don't know how to do "that", I have never been good at "that"...etc). There are however a few activities here that still intimidate me...but I still have seven more weeks to conquer those!!!

The rest of my day is for laundry and I have some BRG work to do. I LOVE Sundays!

...spoke too soon

Curry chicken not so super...suspicious chicken

(see previous post)

I have a new boyfriend...

...his name is Icy Hot! And he is a DREAM!!! Today was a lighter day -- 2 hour beach boot camp (which everyone said was easier than usual...THANK YOU LORD!!) and 2 hours of circuit training. I am still crazy sore and am walking around like a 95 year old. Hopefully, I'll start feeling better by Monday when things get intense again. I got home around 3:30 today and had a chance to actually connect with some family and friends on the phone....much needed!! I miss my people!!! And don't get me started on my sweet baby. I had one of my throws sent from home and it smells like her -- makes me happy and sad at the same time!

The food is actually pretty good. They have us eating every 3-4 hours. I get to chose 4 meals from 6 options provided and then I get one protein shake. The options have been good -- lots of fish, chicken and other lean proteins plus a carb (rice, couscous, quinoa, potatoes) and veggies. Today they provided a sandwich bar at the gym between workouts -- it was yummy! Every option for a sandwich you could imagine...put Subway to shame. I had roast beef, marinated mushrooms, roasted red peppers and some kind of yummy sun dried tomato spread on wheat bread! My last meal tonight is a curry chicken with rice and veggies. I might have a different opinion after I have been eating their meals for several weeks...but for now...so far so good!

One note about food prep that is not so pleasant. They enhance several foods with protein. Whatever they are using really STINKS! There is this constant odor from food that is left in the fridge at the gym....and it just lingers throughout our lounge area (by "lounge" I mean a cement floored room with a couple of tables for meals and a couple of leather couches that look like they were picked up for a steal at a garage sale). Even worse....think of all the smelly people eating all this protein...that and the combined sweat of all those people! I am a long way from 612 S. Washington!!

That all for tonight....want to get 10 hours of sleep/recovery before tomorrow's workout!

Ice First, then Heat

So I didn't blog yesterday because I was beat, done, cooked, toast...you get it. I did not end up Spinning yesterday, instead the therapist met with me for the second time of the week (I think I would have preferred spinning). I guess she didn't like my answers on Monday. I have not decided what I think about her. Her approach is definitely not my style. She is a stare deep in your eyes, see your soul type...very granola. She has a tendency to put words in your mouth and try take you down a path that is not really on target. That said...eventually, she has some good insights. Time will tell.

I did however do some new things yesterday. Boxing -- liked it a lot...except for putting my hands in the nasty sweaty gloves....eeewwwww! I had several training sessions, did some additional cardio and then it was "Cardio and a Movie" night...just what it sounds like...they play a movie and we do cardio the ENTIRE time. By the end of Wolverine I just didn't care who killed who or experimented on who or why...I just wanted off the machines!!!!

Today was another good, but tough day. It started with the Santa Monica Stairs -- an old set of steep stairs with about 167 steps. I was very proud to do 7 ...that's right SEVEN trips up those suckers. I also went swimming today and apparently forgot how to swim freestyle without getting a snout full of water when I try to breath! BEST of the day was my MASSAGE!!!!! It was SOOOOO good.

Needless to say, pretty significant soreness has set in. I am very worried that I am not going to be able to walk tomorrow...or move for the matter...and we have a KILLER beach boot camp in the morning plus two hours of cardio circuits (it is a short day). Every night I come home and ice the daylights out of every muscle from my butt to my toes. Then I get in a tub full of Epsom Salt (my new BFF), I take Advil throughout the day/night, and tonight I am also using the heating pad for extra sore areas. If anybody reading has any other tips...PLEASE SHARE!

I have so many other things to share but I have to eat dinner (we have to eat every 4 hours on the dot) and then I plan to go to bed (yes...at 9:00 on a Friday night). Hopefully I'll have some time this weekend to blog more about the food...people...etc.

Climbing Mountains...literally

Today activities included me hiking 2 miles up a VERY steep mountain and 3 miles back down. Can you say fish out of water??? Then I had another 2 1/2 hours of training -- circuits and cardio. Again, I am very proud of myself for my performance today. On the way up that mountain I just kept telling myself...mind over matter...mind over matter. The other significant note of today was...I sweat SO much!! Honestly, I think I sweat out wine that I drank last week!! (sorry...gross....but I think true!)

I was not that sore today...but am kind of dreading how I am going to feel tomorrow. My schedule tomorrow is BRUTAL...they put me in a Level 2-3 Spinning class....WHAT??? I have never done spinning in my life and they are going to start me at a Level 2-3??? Well, then again, I had never climbed a mountain before either. :-)

I Survived (day one...anyway)!!!!!

For those of you hounding me to post...I just got Internet in my apartment. So here is a recap of my first two days.

Day One

I ended up not working out on day one because by the time I arrived, waited around (2x) for the Camp staff to come for me and did all of my measurements and testing...it was time for nighttime boot camp (which is for Levels 2 and 3 -- more on that in a moment). I learned several things.

• I am overweight (which I knew)
• My measurement were frightening
• My % body fat was actually lower than I thought (since in the past, it was tested in less accurate ways - here they dunk you which is the most accurate measurement)
• My fitness level is not so hot, which I pretty much knew -- BUT when I got my schedule for day 2...they had set my level at 1/2!!!! 1/2!!!!!! ( they have three levels - 1, 2, 3) ...a 1/2!!!!!
• Oh, and apparently, I am old! This camp is filled with 20 and 30 somethings...and I should clarify, mid-thirty somethings!

My apartment is bare bones...feels very much like the apartment I lived in my third year of college. I have already sent word for some "emergency supplies to be sent to me (ie towels, a big throw to cover the couch, etc). I do give them props for the bed and the TV.

DAY TWO

Well, of course today I woke FULL of anticipation and nerves. But I have to say, I am proud of what I delivered. I worked out for 5 1/2 hours today and NONE of it was easy. Workouts this morning included yoga ( did well...but need much more "flow" to my practice) and a long walk on the beach (which I smoked...was definitely sweating and huffin it...but made great time and completed it). THEN I had three hours straight of workouts after lunch. I will be honest and tell you that at many points I thought I might die. I also thought...what in the world have I gotten myself into. I had two, one hour boot camps...both PAINFUL...but I did really well and did not wimp out on anything....not that they let you. In between the boot camps I had an hour of intense cardio (treadmill, elliptical and bike - 20 minutes of intervals on each). With all of this...I only burned 3500 calories. I say only because many people were up over 4000. I guess that is where being a 42 year old woman with marginal thyroid numbers comes into play. I will just have to keep pushing.

The group that I do most of my workouts with is very nice. The campers as a whole are great...very helpful, encouraging and they all can relate. I did find out that I am NOT a 1/2... I am a 1 - 2 -- meaning depending on the workout I am either a 1 or a 2. SO much better than being a HALF!!!

Sorry this is a long post...trying to capture two days! I am going to run now...need to soak in epsen salt and then watch Biggest Loser...wonder if I will still like it, or if it will give me flashbacks of today...?