Ooooh hi everyone!
Day 4 of Boot Camp is done and behind me. Hooray! I thought today was going to be climbing 45 flights of stairs - and I was really looking forward to that. But no - I was wrong. Instead, we did obstacle courses, cardio, and agility training.
After warm ups (only 100 jumping jacks today! YAY!), we jogged down to a new PT field. We had been going about a mile away, but this morning was a little bit further and had shorter grass. We arrive, and team up in groups of 3 or 4. Because of our small numbers, we had 2 groups of 4, and 2 of 3. Sgt. Roy instructed his helper (Sgt. Major) to join our team when we needed a 4th. (The other team of 3 was all in shape - so they could run someone twice when needed.)
And we did all sorts of crawl-in-the-grass activities: baby crawl, crab walks, wheelbarrow, piggy backs, and fireman's carry. For the last three (wheelbarrow, piggy backs, and fireman's carry), we were supposed do the exercise down field, switch who was being carried or whatever, and then do the exercise back.
Now, I was moderately horrible at the baby crawl and crab walks. But I literally Could Not be the bottom of the wheelbarrow. I couldn't put one hand in front of the other. I was fine to carry Lisa's legs, but when it was my turn to be the barrow, I couldn't do it. Sgt. Sheri asked if I had carpel tunnel or had hurt myself. No, I replied. I'm just terribly terribly weak. It was embarrassing.
Then came the piggy backs. Two of my teammates went down and back - no problem. Then Sgt. Major joined up and carried me down field. Now, we're supposed to switch up at the other end, and the runner gets carried back - but how in the world was this huge man going to get on my back? Right? Right?!?! Oh Lordy. That man jumped on my back. We were one of the last teams to finish up, so most people were watching me grunt and breathe and jog. Sgt Roy came and jogged next to me "Be careful. Take your time. Drop him if you need to." Now, I am Italian - so I have good, strong hips for carrying pots and pans and seventeen child'en, and am stubborn as a mule. And while I can't be the wheelbarrow to save my life, I carried Sgt. Major all the way back - all 215 lbs of him. This was a moment of pride.
We then did some cardio obstacles and suicides, and well as straight run relays. Sgt. Roy wanted to finish the day with some yoga and pilates - and I'm totally cool with that. :) After rolling around for a bit, we headed back to the gym. I jogged the whole way to the PT field, but that was downhill - there was no way I could jog back to the gym, right? I actually made it all the way back - stopping only for stoplights to change. I was slow, and far behind the other runners/joggers, but I did it - I finished, and I gave it all I had. It felt good.
Yesterday, Sgt. Roy gave us a "pep talk" about how this week isn't about exercise. It is about finding what's inside of you and making it happen. I think I'm starting to get it. And while it took 15 minutes to get all the grass off my body (I swear, it was EVERYWHERE), I was smiling in the shower. I'm not the strongest and I'm not the fastest, but I give it my best.
~*~*~*~
Personal note: I'm the QUEEN of starting something, getting frustrated with myself, and giving up. Losing weight is one of the many "projects" that I've started and given up on many times. For a long time, my self-esteem and self-respect has been in the crapper. So, I've been reaching out to just about anything I could find to try and regain some of that inner strength. I have been failing at things, and failing hard. When I signed up for this week, I was mostly certain that I'd start and never finish, adding another nail in the proverbial coffin. I feel like I'm finally digging myself out of this rut, that this might be the first step that I'm carving out for myself. One week isn't going to turn around years of negative energy - but it has to start somewhere. Hey - I might as well make THIS the year that I turn everything around. I started Boot Camp the day after my birthday... and the time is now.
~*~*~*~
Okay everyone - one more day of this, and then ... well, then I get to find my own discipline and motivation to get to the gym regularly and step up my game.
Thanks for taking this journey with me.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The front of the pack, and the "damn log"
Before I get into today's review, I have to tell you all something. I hurt. I hurt like I've never hurt before in my life. It hurts to stand, to sit, to walk, to drink water, to think. It even hurts to crinkle up my face and pout. Last night, I hit a wall. Not a literal wall - but one that I didn't know I could get through. But I did.
I realized around 9pm yesterday that I hadn't had enough protein for the day - so I shook up a protein and OJ shake, and ate a hot dog on a piece of double protein bread. I say "ate," but we all know I inhaled that thing. I really really hate eating after 9, but I literally HAD to get some protein in my system. I couldn't go another day in that amount of pain.
Now, I didn't exactly leap from bed this morning, but I definitely felt better. The wall was starting to crumble - step by step, brick by brick.
I surprised myself by actually getting to the gym this morning. I was certain I would fall back asleep and never wake up - but I did. I actually smiled when we were doing our high jump warm ups. It hurt, but I was glad I made it.
So, today we partnered up and carried logs on our shoulders around town for 2 hours. They weren't heavy - only about 5-6 pounds. But we did everything with them and our partner. Get down and give me some sit ups - with the log - with your partner - on my count. (oooooooouch)
Shoulder presses, in front of the face (owie); behind your head (geez!)! Now, I was actually okay with the bicep curls - but still.
During most of the march, my partner and I were placed in the front. I don't know if it was to help with pacing or what - but there we were, right in the front of the line. And I have to say, things actually didn't look THAT different up there. I couldn't look at the other girls and get insecure - but it was generally the same scenery and the same feeling. It was my first time in the front though. If I'm up there more often, I might change my mind :)
Today's workout wasn't too terribly bad though. I actually can say - I like this morning. Let me make something clear: I am in an undetermined amount of pain. But I enjoyed today's work out. I think the next 2 days are going to be much more enjoyable too.
I realized around 9pm yesterday that I hadn't had enough protein for the day - so I shook up a protein and OJ shake, and ate a hot dog on a piece of double protein bread. I say "ate," but we all know I inhaled that thing. I really really hate eating after 9, but I literally HAD to get some protein in my system. I couldn't go another day in that amount of pain.
Now, I didn't exactly leap from bed this morning, but I definitely felt better. The wall was starting to crumble - step by step, brick by brick.
I surprised myself by actually getting to the gym this morning. I was certain I would fall back asleep and never wake up - but I did. I actually smiled when we were doing our high jump warm ups. It hurt, but I was glad I made it.
So, today we partnered up and carried logs on our shoulders around town for 2 hours. They weren't heavy - only about 5-6 pounds. But we did everything with them and our partner. Get down and give me some sit ups - with the log - with your partner - on my count. (oooooooouch)
Shoulder presses, in front of the face (owie); behind your head (geez!)! Now, I was actually okay with the bicep curls - but still.
During most of the march, my partner and I were placed in the front. I don't know if it was to help with pacing or what - but there we were, right in the front of the line. And I have to say, things actually didn't look THAT different up there. I couldn't look at the other girls and get insecure - but it was generally the same scenery and the same feeling. It was my first time in the front though. If I'm up there more often, I might change my mind :)
Today's workout wasn't too terribly bad though. I actually can say - I like this morning. Let me make something clear: I am in an undetermined amount of pain. But I enjoyed today's work out. I think the next 2 days are going to be much more enjoyable too.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
I never thought it would hurt to sit down...
Well everyone, I made it through Day 2 of "Boot Camp." I was still at the back of the pack, but at least I wasn't blacking out or nauseated the entire time.
Quick sidebar - yesterday I ate half a packet of oatmeal and a banana before going... that was a BAD idea. This morning was just a banana, and I had much more success...
Back to it - today's camp wasn't as bad emotionally. We spent most of the time doing sit ups and push ups in the grass, so everyone's head was down and focused on their own success. And, we just had to continue to do it for the length of time provided. We didn't have to keep pace with anyone but ourselves. Don't get me wrong - it was darn hard. But I got to be on my level.
So, after all that, we had squats and lunges and all sorts of stuff to help us cool down. My thighs are officially killing me. Officially. So it actually hurts to sit. And don't even get me started on the pain shooting through my legs when I sat to pee. This isn't natural :)
I also think I should tell you - my fingers hurt. There's no reason, but they do.
I can't wait for tomorrow...
Quick sidebar - yesterday I ate half a packet of oatmeal and a banana before going... that was a BAD idea. This morning was just a banana, and I had much more success...
Back to it - today's camp wasn't as bad emotionally. We spent most of the time doing sit ups and push ups in the grass, so everyone's head was down and focused on their own success. And, we just had to continue to do it for the length of time provided. We didn't have to keep pace with anyone but ourselves. Don't get me wrong - it was darn hard. But I got to be on my level.
So, after all that, we had squats and lunges and all sorts of stuff to help us cool down. My thighs are officially killing me. Officially. So it actually hurts to sit. And don't even get me started on the pain shooting through my legs when I sat to pee. This isn't natural :)
I also think I should tell you - my fingers hurt. There's no reason, but they do.
I can't wait for tomorrow...
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thoughts from the back of the pack
Today was day 1 of Boot Camp. I willingly signed up for it, and paid $50 of my own money, because I wasn't going to spend my 26th year like I spent my 21st-25th years: making promises to myself that I wouldn't keep. So, on the first day of my 26th year, I started Boot Camp.
Ouch.
We formed up and did some basic drills... push ups, jumping jacks, standing at attention, the like. Then we ran. And we did more drills. And we ran. And we did more drills. It was at this point that people started asking me if I was okay.
{No, I'm not okay. I'm pretty sure I'm going to puke. But I'm not sad/frustrated/nervous about that. I'm just embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that you're 45 and kicking my butt. I'm embarrassed that I let myself get this way. I'm embarrassed that I can't even keep my legs moving without seeing black.}
It was also around this time that I found my place in the pack - I was in the back, with the girl who just had her hip replaced. That girl is amazing. She knew she was slow and kept telling me to pass her. No thanks, I muttered. {I didn't want to pass out and trip or hurt her.} She kept moving, and she kept me moving. I'm grateful to her.
The drill sgt was supportive and just kept saying "There's no shame in your game" over and over... "Just give me your best. I just want your best. Don't give me anything less that you've got." He knew I was giving my all.
When we were dismissed, I hurried into the locker room. If I got in the shower before anyone else came in, then they wouldn't see me... so, I hopped on in and stood under the water, still terrified that I'd fall over onto the drain. It took me 5 minutes just to get the energy to wash my hair.
So - after all of that, I am ready for day 2. It'll hurt, but I'll give it my best, and that's all that any of us can do.
Ouch.
We formed up and did some basic drills... push ups, jumping jacks, standing at attention, the like. Then we ran. And we did more drills. And we ran. And we did more drills. It was at this point that people started asking me if I was okay.
{No, I'm not okay. I'm pretty sure I'm going to puke. But I'm not sad/frustrated/nervous about that. I'm just embarrassed. I'm embarrassed that you're 45 and kicking my butt. I'm embarrassed that I let myself get this way. I'm embarrassed that I can't even keep my legs moving without seeing black.}
It was also around this time that I found my place in the pack - I was in the back, with the girl who just had her hip replaced. That girl is amazing. She knew she was slow and kept telling me to pass her. No thanks, I muttered. {I didn't want to pass out and trip or hurt her.} She kept moving, and she kept me moving. I'm grateful to her.
The drill sgt was supportive and just kept saying "There's no shame in your game" over and over... "Just give me your best. I just want your best. Don't give me anything less that you've got." He knew I was giving my all.
When we were dismissed, I hurried into the locker room. If I got in the shower before anyone else came in, then they wouldn't see me... so, I hopped on in and stood under the water, still terrified that I'd fall over onto the drain. It took me 5 minutes just to get the energy to wash my hair.
So - after all of that, I am ready for day 2. It'll hurt, but I'll give it my best, and that's all that any of us can do.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
"Boot Camp"(ish)
Hello world. Starting tomorrow, I'll be participating in a "Boot Camp" at my gym. It consists of 5 days, 5:15am - 7am, intense work outs. Ouch. But, I'm turning 26 - I want this year to be full of follow-through and focus. That's my goal. So, let's see if I can make it through Week 1 :)
Sgt. Roy, Sgt. Sheri, and Sgt. Major are all straight from the Army. I've got some relatives in the military, so this will be a chance to test myself in a way that they can understand. Now, I'm not doing this for them - I'm doing it for me. But it'll be good for communication purposes.
So, here we go!
Sgt. Roy, Sgt. Sheri, and Sgt. Major are all straight from the Army. I've got some relatives in the military, so this will be a chance to test myself in a way that they can understand. Now, I'm not doing this for them - I'm doing it for me. But it'll be good for communication purposes.
So, here we go!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The end of the garden
Okay guys - I had to do it. The tomatoes were falling over, the peppers were turning red, and the cucumbers... well, they called it quits pretty early on. I had to rip up my garden.
For my first attempt, I'm still pretty proud. I actually had plants that survived for most of the summer! I will take that as an accomplishment for now, thank you. I have a space that allows for too much sun, and not enough water. Now - don't get grumpy on me... the only way those tomatoes would have had enough water is if there was an irrigation system in each one. Those planters sucked up so much dern water ... *^)*&%(&^$($. Oh! And everything was in a planter! That's never good for a vegetable garden. (insert grumblings and grouchy-ness here)
Sorry - I digress. So anyway! The jalapenos were delicious, and my dozen or so tomatoes were perfect, and my green bell peppers were deformed and so sweet. I am proud to say that I have made it through my first growing season. Now, I can viably plan for next season. Any ideas for what I should grow? Keep in mind, I have even less space than square foot gardening...
For my first attempt, I'm still pretty proud. I actually had plants that survived for most of the summer! I will take that as an accomplishment for now, thank you. I have a space that allows for too much sun, and not enough water. Now - don't get grumpy on me... the only way those tomatoes would have had enough water is if there was an irrigation system in each one. Those planters sucked up so much dern water ... *^)*&%(&^$($. Oh! And everything was in a planter! That's never good for a vegetable garden. (insert grumblings and grouchy-ness here)
Sorry - I digress. So anyway! The jalapenos were delicious, and my dozen or so tomatoes were perfect, and my green bell peppers were deformed and so sweet. I am proud to say that I have made it through my first growing season. Now, I can viably plan for next season. Any ideas for what I should grow? Keep in mind, I have even less space than square foot gardening...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Woah there...
I didn't realize it had been so long since I've updated until just this morning. I apologize to all my avid readers (sorry Mom! hahah).
So - since the last update I have been very busy. I've been stressing about work, hanging out with friends, stressing about work, and trying to relax.
And I can't forget the trip BACK to NYC. J's middle brother flew into NYC on his way home - he's been abroad for a year. J's baby brother is doing a summer internship in NYC too... it only makes sense that we have a mini-Wells Family Reunion for a weekend! J and I flew up on a Thursday night and hung out with the Wells-Fam for the weekend. MoMA, the Frick Collection, and Restaurant week were all on the agenda. Not on the agenda? A canceled flight home, rain, and hail.... Stress started to creep up again. In an effort to hold my pleasant disposition, I rescheduled our flights to 9:47pm, Sunday. That's 5 hours after our original flight... but it's okay - we'll make it work. And boy did we! The reschedule allowed us to see the Titanic Exhibit (and touch a real piece of the wreckage!), and watch the US/Mexico World Cup qualifying match. YAY! Then the sky opened up. Rain and hail, hail and rain. The storm only lasted about 40 minutes, but that was long enough to stress me out. Our 9:47 flight was delayed until 11:30pm. Gah. Well,... after many more delays, J and I finally made it home. The weekend of relaxing offered me a chance to sleep and get away from the office for a bit - so I came back recuperated and ready to get back to it. Good times.
My tomato plant decided to bite the dust while we were gone, and my cucumber plants (all 7 of them) decided to only produce 1.25 fruits this season. I'm sure we'll have a better harvest once we are actually growing in the yard. But my jalapeno peppers are thriving! I've got 2 more that are ready for picking, and one starting to come in. And the Green Bell Peppers.... mmmmm - they're sweet and crisp. Lovely! I even made a salsa with my tomatoes and peppers. It was WAY too spicy, but the flavor was fresh and delicious. I'm a fan
I can't wait until we have a full yard for gardening. This summer piqued my interest, and now I can't be stopped! haha
The hiatus also saw the birth of a baby girl! She's 3 weeks old and as beautiful as her parents. I was finally able to see her last night (I missed the sip n' see because I was in NYC), and she was perfect. I'm glad my friends are having babies.
That's about it right now. I'll be in lock-down starting August 2nd, only coming out for Football and Special Occasions... so my posts will probably be short and sweet. But the 6th Annual Summer Baby Birthday Bash is this Saturday - so I should have some good pictures for everyone next week.
Take it easy!
So - since the last update I have been very busy. I've been stressing about work, hanging out with friends, stressing about work, and trying to relax.
And I can't forget the trip BACK to NYC. J's middle brother flew into NYC on his way home - he's been abroad for a year. J's baby brother is doing a summer internship in NYC too... it only makes sense that we have a mini-Wells Family Reunion for a weekend! J and I flew up on a Thursday night and hung out with the Wells-Fam for the weekend. MoMA, the Frick Collection, and Restaurant week were all on the agenda. Not on the agenda? A canceled flight home, rain, and hail.... Stress started to creep up again. In an effort to hold my pleasant disposition, I rescheduled our flights to 9:47pm, Sunday. That's 5 hours after our original flight... but it's okay - we'll make it work. And boy did we! The reschedule allowed us to see the Titanic Exhibit (and touch a real piece of the wreckage!), and watch the US/Mexico World Cup qualifying match. YAY! Then the sky opened up. Rain and hail, hail and rain. The storm only lasted about 40 minutes, but that was long enough to stress me out. Our 9:47 flight was delayed until 11:30pm. Gah. Well,... after many more delays, J and I finally made it home. The weekend of relaxing offered me a chance to sleep and get away from the office for a bit - so I came back recuperated and ready to get back to it. Good times.
My tomato plant decided to bite the dust while we were gone, and my cucumber plants (all 7 of them) decided to only produce 1.25 fruits this season. I'm sure we'll have a better harvest once we are actually growing in the yard. But my jalapeno peppers are thriving! I've got 2 more that are ready for picking, and one starting to come in. And the Green Bell Peppers.... mmmmm - they're sweet and crisp. Lovely! I even made a salsa with my tomatoes and peppers. It was WAY too spicy, but the flavor was fresh and delicious. I'm a fan
I can't wait until we have a full yard for gardening. This summer piqued my interest, and now I can't be stopped! haha
The hiatus also saw the birth of a baby girl! She's 3 weeks old and as beautiful as her parents. I was finally able to see her last night (I missed the sip n' see because I was in NYC), and she was perfect. I'm glad my friends are having babies.
That's about it right now. I'll be in lock-down starting August 2nd, only coming out for Football and Special Occasions... so my posts will probably be short and sweet. But the 6th Annual Summer Baby Birthday Bash is this Saturday - so I should have some good pictures for everyone next week.
Take it easy!
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