Sunday bloody Sunday...

Wait... what? Bedtime? How the heck did that happen!? I don't have gym clothes together, I don't have lunches packed, heck I don't even have stuff FOR lunches (I've been severely lacking this past week. Naughty. Not eating enough, is almost as bad, and sometimes worse, than eating too much!). Time is flying a little too quickly for my liking right now.

As for the upcoming week of FitCamp, I'm going to be treating every day like a "Last Chance Workout" on Biggest Loser. I have 5 days of butt busting, before

a) I fly home to see family for the first time in a couple of years

b) I have to stand beside my stunning sister as she becomes a beautiful bride

c) I face my 10 year high school reunion, that will also likely contain my high school sweetheart/ex-fiance whom I haven't seen since we broke up over 8 years ago.

If EVER there was a reason to be working as hard as I can... it's got to be one of those reasons above. So this is the summary of the plan so far: Week 1 - Survival, Week 2 - Adjustment, Week 3 - Kick some serious buttooski.

I'm about to throw some number out to the cyberverse, but let me qualify the quantifiable - although these numbers still show forward progress, it's nothing compared to how I've been feeling, and apparently that's shown outwardly as well. Lately, I've run into a lot of people whom I haven't seen in a while, and their reactions have been rather glee-inducing. Those unsolicited compliments pretty much instantly erase the memories of aches, pains and exhaustion. It's then that you realize it's all worthwhile. But here are the numbers anyway :)

Weight: 146lbs (Same - but much leaner!)
Waist: 32.5 inches (-0.5in)
Hip: 37.5 inches (-0.5in)
Chest: 38 inches (-1.5in)
Bicep: 12 inches (Same - but there's a bump now!)
Thigh: 22.5 inches (-0.5in)
Calf:15 inches (same - two weeks in a row. Apparently I need to start jumping more!)

Change this week: -3 inches/0 pounds
Total Change: -7 inches/1 pound

Nothin' to shake a stick at, but still lots of shrinking/strengthening/stamina-ing left to do. Also continuing to focus on the fact that muscle does weight more than fat, so the way my clothes fit, is more important than the number between my toes in the morning.

This week brings a lot to look forward to - 5 more fantastic work-outs, a visit from an Olympian (more on that soon), and a single digit countdown to a cross country journey. I love it when a plan comes together!

Now, time for some Z's, while visions of LMFAO dance through my head, reminding me that someday - I'll be sexy... and I'll know it. Darn their catchy and appropriate tune.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle... YEAH!

Day 10 - Edge of Glory

With thanks to Gaga for today's title. And also apologies on the late post again today. It was the United Way Kickoff Breakfast earlier this morning, and I boogied right there from FitCamp, but couldn't boogie back to the station quick enough to get this up as early as usual. Now for the important stuff

HUZZAH! I'm officially 25% done this challenge, and today has by far been the best day for progress. It was the first day I felt less like I was just trying to survive, and more like I was pushing through, and starting to challenge myself.

Breakthrough #2! (Hence the praise to Gaga - Definitely feeling on the edge of something glorious right now)

If you've been following along, Breakthrough #1 was on Day 3, so don't be disappointed if you're not hitting life changing revelations, or new levels on a daily basis. It takes time. A LOT of adjustments happening right now, both mentally and physically!

Speaking of which - at the end of class today while we were stretching everything out - we all got talking about early morning workouts vs. evening workouts and the pros and cons of such for us, personally.

*listen up if you're opposed to morning workouts... this may make some sense*

Now, I've mentioned on a number of occasions that I am a TERRIBLE morning person - and I am - but here's the thing... as a group we discussed how, during a workout it is SO much easier to face the physical fatigue of getting up early, than at the end of the day when the mental fatigue sets in. It's so much harder to get out of your own way at the end of the day, and it's way easier to justify skipping the workout because you had a busy/stressful/emotional/exhausting/s****y day.

If you start your day with a workout, then no matter what kinda junk piles on you for the rest of the day, at least you had one positive hour, moving you forward in the right direction. You've got that to return to mentally (and THAT is how I have come to crave that "me" time in the morning. Because somedays, the best thing that happens all day, is my hour at the gym.) That's where I'm at with it all. Still loathe 5am. But absolutely love what I have already accomplished, and how much I have to look forward to.

If you are considering trying a morning workout: Don't just do it for a morning and decide that it sucks and you can't do it. Your body needs a couple of weeks to get into it. I'm a full two weeks in and still adapting. If you're just joining this blog now, go back and read some of my earlier posts. TRUST ME - I feel your pain.

Frankly, I'm worthless at 6am in the morning anyway. I can't think, articulate, or for that matter - access any higher functions at all. So I may as well at least be moving my body in an environment where all I have to do is do as I'm told. If it sounds familiar - get thine booty to Bodynetix and join us! We're not as crazy as we sound. :)

Day 9 - Never Surrender

In keeping with the "song lyrics for blog titles" them - today's is with thanks to Corey Hart. (Needed to fit in some Can-Con somewhere!)

This is a bit of a frazzley week. (Don't even care that 'frazzley' isn't a word. You know what I mean).
1) We just found out we've got to move in a month and a half

2) We don't even have time to pack/plan/look for a place because we're about to go away for two weeks, (and anyone who's ever taken a vacation from work knows that it's not REALLY a vacation, because all the work you WOULD do in that time, has to be done before you go anyway!),

3) Tour de Rock is in town (which is totally awesome and I'm cheering them on with all I've got left in the tank!)

4) And today apparently I'm going to be part of a documentary/film about radio! (Oh yes, I still haven't had a chance to shower from this morning's FitCamp because we had a Tour de Rock event... and there's a film crew on their way... ACK!)

Believe it or not, workouts this week are more important than ever, but not for the reason you might think. The other day I mentioned how you can't take personal stuff to the gym. Well as this little vortex of stress temporarily tries to take over, I'm finding myself actually craving time at the gym to escape it. While I still don't look forward to the 5am wake-up call, I DO look forward to my hour away from reality, when the only thing that matters is whatever Megan and Chris are telling us to do.

It's SO easy to make the excuses of "I'm too busy, I'm too stressed, I just can't fit in a workout if I tried!". Know how I know that? Because I've been saying it for years. "Oh I couldn't find a spare minute if my life depended on it...". Well someday your life MIGHT depend on it - but hopefully you can find the time before it gets to that point.

No big revelations, or life lessons today - just gratitude for the Bodynetix crew and classmates who give me a place to 'get away' every morning. When you can clear your brain first thing, it sure makes the rest of the day less stressful, regardless of what your facing - because you take your workout with you.

When you're going through a circuit, you can't think about every single station that you're about to face because you'll just get completely overwhelmed. You can only deal with the one you're doing at that very moment. And when that one's dealt with - you move on to the next. That's how I'm facing this list the universe is putting in front of me right now. One station at a time. Deal. Move on.

A huge thank you to those of you reading and commenting as well. You will never know how much it means to know that there are people on the other side of this keyboard. Back at it with a more focused 'work-out' oriented post tomorrow. Promise!

Today's quote: "I never regret it when I do it, but I always regret it when I don't."

Day 8 - Hurts so good...

You know that moment when you hear a song on the radio, and out of the blue, the lyrics totally make sense? That happened for me today...

I'm on a song lyrics kick for post titles this week. Well, by kick, I mean two days in a row - but whatever. Today's is brought to you by John "Cougar" Mellencamp. I saw him at a toy store in New York once... but that's another story.

Right now - it's all about the fitness (or lack thereof as the case may be) journey with Bodynetix. So remember how the other day I said how great it felt to be past the point of 'pain'? Hahahahahahahaha yeah, I thought that was hilarious too. This morning, the hammies were screaming again. The difference this morning however, was how my brain interpreted that pain. Rather than "omg I must hobble"... it's more like "Yeah baby, that's some new muscle growin' right there!". It has also acknowledged that about 5 minutes into the workout, the pain will be more or less gone so it's not quite so daunting to show up to class when I've struggled to get out of bed.

For those who are facing some simple pains after their workouts, and like myself, dislike traditional 'painkillers', there are some great natural options for you - apart from the Icy Hot I bathed in on day two. :-P

I really like Arnica Gel or Traumeel. The Traumeel comes in both gel AND tablet form. It's all natural and apparently used by some of our Olympians. I originally got it for my mom who has some chronic pain issues, and it has been a very welcome addition to our household medicine cabinet. The gel is really good for tight/strained muscles, along with speeding the healing of bumps and bruises. As a total klutz, I really appreciate that feature. (Keeping in mind I am NOT a doctor, or professional in any way! These are just what I use personally. Ask your doc about these things first, and don't even think about suing me! There... that's my disclaimer)

Something else that kinda takes the pain away is the fact that Tour de Rock is in town this week - and I can't really complain about any pain I might feel from an hour long workout, or my early mornings, when this team of inspirational people are cycling 1000kms from tip to tip of Vancouver Island, and are sitting on their bikes up to 8 hours a day. Kinda puts things in perspective pretty quickly. So my hat is off to them, my heart is with their cause, and I know my sore butt is nothing compared to theirs, so back to the "Suck it up princess" phase.

Don't forget that if you'd like to check out FitCamp for yourself, you've got two more chances to win this week with "The Big Show" with Bob & Bill on 97.3 The Eagle. I'm still looking forward to seeing a few more Eagle-ites in class. ;-)

I will leave you with this view, which we were rewarded with after this morning's rather tough class. Thanks Universe. I think we all appreciated this little pat on the back:

Day 7 - Sunrise, sunrise...

... in the words of Norah Jones. (Or Duran Duran, if that's what floats your boat). Another gorgeous fall morning. I know they won't last forever, so I'm trying to enjoy them while I can! It's amazing how many beautiful sunrises I've missed in my lifetime... and in reality, how many more I'll miss when I don't have to get up at 5am. But after this experience, I might just be inspired to get up a little earlier, a little more often. If you'd asked me how I felt about mornings 12 hours ago - it would have been a different story. I'll tell ya why...

Lesson of the day for me: You can't bring personal crap to the gym. Well you can try, but it just doesn't last very long. I've got a few things going on outside the gym, that are totally stressing me out. Didn't sleep well last night because of it, and was just a bit on edge when I got there this morning. By the time warm-up was over, not one of those things was on my mind. Seriously - not a single one. It's SO easy to lose yourself in a workout. Your mind is mercifully wrapped in a bubble of sweat and burn. That might not sound pleasant at all, but I'm telling you - when life is weighing heavy - come pick up a real weight, and that'll disappear pretty quickly. :-) So not only is my body feeling better, but my mind is a lot clearer and calmer too. Yay endorphins!

Physically, it feels so good to be past the point of "OMG OW!" when I try to move. My muscles are now just battling daily workout fatigue, but that's okay - because that's the purpose of FitCamp. To push your muscles to the brink of collapse, then push a little harder. There is no more disappointing feeling than getting to the end of class, when Megan or Chris call "time", and feeling like you could have done even one more crunch, squat, lunge, or press. There is something to be said for pacing yourself, but I'm getting to the point where my body can more or less recover in the 23 hours between class, so it's time to start pushing a little harder.

I'm in what feels like a 'grey zone' right now - because I don't hurt anymore, but I haven't been at this long enough to really feel my strength or cardio increasing, so I WANT to go harder and I feel like I should be able to, but my body just isn't there yet. It's frustrating, but it's also kind of a good feeling, because the fact that things don't hurt anymore means there HAS been progress. Gotta celebrate the small successes, and know that the bigger ones are in the works, day by day, even when you don't notice them. (Write that down. It's so true, and we all forget about it!) Heck, at this point - I'm celebrating the fact that I've been up at 5am for 7 days, and I'm not completely burnt out! Frankly, that's nothing short of a miracle in my books.

Bottom line for today -- not much progress to report, but generally feeling pretty awesome. Learning to love that feeling of almost stumbling when my legs are wet spaghetti after class. Looking forward to hopefully seeing some new faces in class. Hey - if you can read this blog, you can do these classes.

Okay, let's see - Joey (who was in class again today *high five Joey*) likes motivational quotes, so I gotta find a good one to end on.... Oooo here's a good one for what I was saying at the beginning:

Day 6 - If there is no struggle, there is no progress

(Post title courtesy of one remarkable Frederick Douglass)

Wowza! Today was a toughie, but it was fantastic! I'd give Chris a round of applause, but I don't think I can lift my arms.

Oh whoops... I forgot to start at the beginning...

*Alarm Clock*... :-P

This morning, even though I was still very bleary eyed, I was also totally pumped to get back for class. After the first round of measurements/weigh in, I just wanted to get moving again. Anyone who knows me, knows this is kind of the antithesis of my usual mentality. Although I live a very 'get up and go' lifestyle, it's not really by choice most of the time, and in my own time - I'm an A+ Couch Potato.

But things are happening, and when you start to feel things tightening, and shifting, and strengthening, you just want MORE... which is exciting! (And sure makes it easier to get out of bed.Well... sorta-ish).

It was also very nice to have a familiar smiling face join the class this morning. My friend, and very talented local musician Joey Clarkson was somehow (*cough hand up cough*) convinced that this whole FitCamp thing is kind of awesome, so lo and behold, when her blonde hair bounced in to the Bodynetix studio this morning I couldn't help but grin. 

Proud of her for taking this on, and I'm looking forward to seeing her start to feel the way I do about it. Of course, she made the mistake of reading my first week's worth of posts before class, so she was a little worried... but if you've been following along, and at any point have thought "I couldn't do it" - give your head a shake, because you would be surprised what you can do when you get out of your own way.

For folks local to the Comox Valley area - tune in to our station this week 97.3 The Eagle for your chance to win a week of unlimited FitCamp. Does it hurt? Oh heck yeah, for a couple of days it sure does. But you can only ever feel two kinds of pain... The pain of change, or the pain of regret. I know which one I prefer right now.

Sunday Sermon: Wise Words from Winnie the Pooh

One of my favourite philosophers alive, dead, or fictional - is Winnie the Pooh. That fuzzy ol' bear always has the right thing to say. Today's words are a virtual high-five for all of those currently taking the FitCamp challenge themselves - and also even though there were a few bumps, week one is now behind me and I'm actually looking forward to week two.

An interesting thing happened in my (certifiably cracked) brain this weekend. As I was getting ready to head to the West Coast Women's show this weekend, my brain was absent mindedly coming up with a list of exercises, and arranging them in a circuit that I could do... at home... like on the weekends... That's when I realized that after 5 days, I'm already hooked.

So can anything really change in a week? In a word - Heck yeah!
1) My posture is probably the most pronounced change. SO much better. I'm a lifelong sloucher... being a little, well... "top heavy", it has always been more comfortable to hunch. So this is a rather surprising change for me. That would be thanks to the core, and shoulder work I'm guessing.

2) SLEEP. I've slept so much better. Apparently pure unadulterated exhaustion helps in the R.E.M. department.

3) It all comes down to the numbers in the end....

Weight: 146lbs (-1lb)
Waist: 33 inches (-1in)
Hip: 38 inches (-0.5in)
Chest: 39.5 inches (-1in)
Bicep: 12 inches (+0.5in)
Thigh: 23 inches (-1.5in)
Calf:15 inches (same)

So lost a total of 1 pound, and 4 inches in "problem zones", and put on a half an inch of muscle on my biceps. Yeah, that's right - you can all look forward to the gun show in the near future. ;-) All in all, not bad for 4 1/2 workouts! Gives me tons of hope for the future, knowing that as I get stronger, I'll be able to push harder, and strive for even better numbers.

And before I sign off for the evening, (given that it's past my bed time) - I have a product to shoot your way, after a couple of people were asking about protein sources on a plant based diet this weekend. (Thanks for asking guys! Love any opportunity to chat about this. :-D):

This comes with thanks to Edible Island Foods, and one of their product reps from Prairie Naturals who introduced me to possibly the most delicious protein powder I've ever had... it's called Organic Rice Protein - in Cafe Caramel Flavour. If you have the chance to give it a shot - do it. Om nom nom.Totally gives me something to look forward to in the morning!

With that, I bid you adieu. It's time to catch some winks, and get ready to take on day 1, week 2!