Short post

Wednesday night -- exhausted, but will post some pics.  Will post more tomorrow night.

More to follow......

First Day Pain

Dear Heaven, it is first day pain again.  We did an assessment hike today and hiked Rocky Oaks which is clearly the easiest hike of them all.  I did great and was really impressed with myself because it was so easy.  Not so quick, missy!!  Upon return from the hike, I had a choice between a pool class and a "mountain" class.  Of course Miss Smarty Pants chose "mountain" because I was feeling so cocky.  Bad decision!  This is a class in which you choose a cardio machine, and you do 3 minutes and then up your speed or incline for 12 increments (which lasts 45 minutes).  I was totally cooked after that. 

However, that was just the beginning.....three more classes to go in the afternoon.  At least I had one pool class (which is not a piece of cake, but it is easier on your joints and back), then a "circuit" class in which you chose a cardio machine for 2 minutes, then on to weight machine for 45 seconds, 30 seconds rest, 45 seconds, then back to a cardio for 2 minutes, and repeat for 45 minutes.  I crawled to my last class which was a "core" class which is what it sounds like, you work on your core.  On to dinner, where most people were glassy-eyed, and fairly quiet.  After we ate (brown rice, chicken, vegetables), and the Fitness Ridge favorite -- 2 chocolate-covered strawberries.  They used to serve these on Tuesday nights, but changed it to Monday; probably to help people have something to smile about Monday night.

My back is not feeling too well at the moment.  Had a massage when I got here yesterday, and therapist said my back was really tight.  She was great, and it felt much better after she performed her magic.  However, tonight, I think my back has totally forgotten last night.  I spent about 20 minutes in the hot tub, and now I will stay on the heating pad all night hoping that I can start again tomorrow. 

I was moved up today after doing so well on the initial hike, so I will NOT have an easy hike tomorrow.  Most have such beautiful scenery that it takes your mind off the pain-- at least for a little while.

Heading for bed.  It was really tough getting up this morning-- need to go to sleep earlier tonight.
I will try to post some pics tomorrow!

More later........

Peggy's Fitness Journey, Part Deux

Hello all......leaving for Malibu, CA, on Saturday, check in on Sunday, and back on the trails on Monday.  I am really, really excited.  I never thought I would get a chance to go again.  By next Tuesday or Wednesday, I will be dog-cussing myself for this; however, I am ready to go.  I just love the people at BLFR, and one of my favorite people in the whole world is a hiking guide named Anne.  She is beautiful inside and out, and I can't wait for us to catch up.  Wednesday night is Target trip night and Anne is our driver.  The first Wednesday night I will be dragging, but I only have two Wednesdays to go on a Target outing with Anne, so I will be in the Target van tired or not!

Checked out by the doctor today, still having some back issues; but, hopefully four more days of back exercises and heating pad will have my back ready to go.  Went to Walmart and purchased foot care items--your feet take the brunt of this venture.  Working out in the morning and packing in the afternoon tomorrow.
Stay tuned........

Final numbers

Weight loss 17.2 lb., 12.5 inches (5.75 from waist), 2.4% body fat lost, BMI -3 (fat to muscle ratio).  I am really happy with those results.  If I could measure strength, it would be incredibly different as well.  As I have said before, one of the hardest, but most rewarding things I have ever done.  I am so grateful for this opportunity. 

Thanks to all of you who read my blog and supported me through this journey.  I still have 20-25 lb. to go, but I believe I am off to a great start.  What is an hour of two of exercise a day after doing 7 hours a day for 4 weeks.  Pretty good psychology isn't it?

Had graduation tonight, and I had to say goodbye to many wonderful friends who were on this journey with me.  A special shout out to Dirk Lincoln who was a wonderful brother-son to me, and he is a wonderful gentleman.  Thanks Dirk!  Goodbye to Nicole who is an absolute darling mess (23 yrs old, but I tell her I think she is 12, and she calls me "the elderly woman".

Gotta finish packing for early, early trip to LAX.  I will post more pics when I get home.  Bye for now.......

Three days left!

Three days left -- I can't believe it.  It was just so hard when I arrived -- couldn't believe I had four weeks here.  It has really flown by, and I am so much stronger -- never dreamed my body would respond in this way.  As I have said before, I will never think of my body in the same way again.  Your body really wants to work proficiently if you just give it a chance.

My blood sugars have been remarkably low (normal), and that is such an added benefit to the weight loss.   Hiked 5 miles this morning -- one of my favorite hikes, Malibu Creek Canyon.  I will post some pics of the magnificent scenery.  It is truly stunning, and I have tried to soak it all in.

I kicked butt today in the gym.  Having been running on the treadmill for several days now.  I really haven't run in 25 years -- pretty remarkable.  I can only run for about 2 minutes at a time, but that is still a long time for me.  Two more days of kicking butt in the gym Thur and Fri; Sat is a hike and 1 class (I think I will do stretch) after the hike.  We are then DONE.  Start packing and getting ready to go home.  Graduation ceremony Saturday night.  Sunday morning early flight, and I am on my way. 

Truly a changed person.  I will post a couple of more before I leave.

Thanks for your interest......