I had a long and wonderful weekend this weekend. I spent most of Friday relaxing and getting caught up on some well needed rest. Of course, that rest pretty much went out the window after another brutal workout Saturday morning with Chantalle...
Our training session on Saturday consisted of what Chantalle called her "Butt & Gut" workout. Yes, it was as awful as it sounds! By the time we were done the crunches, lifts, planks, etc I didn't think I'd ever be able to peel myself off of that mat again. Miraculously, I managed to but only because I had plans on Sunday that I didn't want to cancel!
Yesterday was my day for celebration and fun! I spent some well deserved time with family and friends to celebrate my upcoming birthday. It was more than I ever could have asked for. For the most part I stayed on plan very well because I had given my mother my requests for dinner and dessert, both of which were recipes on my plan. Everyone loved the ginger-honey chicken, spicy spaghetti squash and double fudge brownies (made with black beans). Who knew healthy eating could taste so good?! Kathy Smart did!
I'm not going to pretend that I was perfect though because I did have a snack in the afternoon of hummus on grain crackers (on plan) and bruchetta on garlic crackers (not on plan). The treat was wonderful and it may have been more than I should have had, but it was less than I would have had! My other cheat (which I decided I very much deserved) was a couple of my favorite beverages. Let me tell you, they taste even better when you know you shouldn't be having them! All in all, I think it was a very successful day considering that I could have really blown it. The weigh-in tomorrow may not be as great as I'd like, but I'm okay with it this week because I'll make up for it next week.
Now, onto my other news...
A year ago, after my sister went to Las Vegas for her 30th birthday and I heard about a few of my other friends doing the same, I decided I needed to make a plan for myself. I knew there was no way I'd manage to fly to Vegas for mine but I wanted to do something exciting. I told my mother what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday and as it turns out, she was the only person in my family who had any interest in doing it with me. As time crept closer the possibility seemed to vanish but I was hoping I could still do something I'd remember for a long time.
Yesterday as I was opening my birthday presents, I received some really amazing, and very touching gifts: a new wardrobe (now that my old one doesn't seem to fit!), a gorgeous leather bench to help me climb into my new bed (unfortunately this new plan hasn't helped me grow any taller), and a donation to the International Autoimmune Arthritis Movement in my name (which helps to educate people about the difference between autoimmune arthritis and the arthritis most people think of). Those were incredible and I really couldn't have asked for better, more thoughtful gifts.
Then I opened the gift from my parents and I began to cry. I was speechless. It was a piece of paper telling me that beyond my wildest dreams, my 30th birthday wish is coming true. I'm going up in a hot air balloon, for a sunset champagne flight, with my mom!!! It was originally planned for the trip to fall exactly on my birthday, but then The Biggest Loser happened. With the training, weigh-ins and measurements all happening tomorrow there was no way they could make the ride happen too. So instead the trip is planned for next Monday, the first official day of my summer vacation. I cannot imagine a better way to celebrate the start of summer, my journey, or my 30th birthday! This is going to be a summer that I will never forget.
May God bless each of you as He has blessed me.
Monday, 16 July 2012
Friday, 13 July 2012
Win or Lose
Last night we had a big challenge. Now by challenge, I mean a competition or "fitness challenge". We knew it was coming but really didn't know what to expect. We were devided into groups of 3 or 4 and given a list of exercises. I think our group was the wackiest of the bunch and we like to joke and have a good time. These girls really make workouts fun and I enjoy spending time with them. We had to give our group a name and as usual we were being silly so we called ourselves the "Play Doh's" (and yes, I spelled doh right because it was in reference to the Simpsons and how we felt when hearing about the challenge)!
Each exercise was worth a number of points. The goal for each group was to hit 1000 points by the time our hour was over. Here is an example of a few of the exercises:
20 shoulder presses = 5 points
100 jumping jacks = 15 points
1 minute plank = 20 points (FYI: that one really sucks!!!)
1 lap jog, run, or walk around the building = 25 points (the weather was also in the high 30's yesterday which made it worse)
Our team collectively managed to do a total of 1105 points!! Unfortunately we didn't win because two other teams were around 1400 points (they were stronger runners so they mostly did the laps around the building over and over again). The winning team won kitchen raids where our trainer and nutritionist will invade their kitchens and go through their cupboards. It would have been nice to win but not everything is all about the competition. Our team may not have won the prize but I am so proud of what we accomplished!
Last night I finally started to see the difference in how quickly I can move now and I am definitely getting stronger and more flexible. Over the past week or so I've started to notice some of my flexibility coming back. One of our stretches after every workout is stretching our thigh by bending our knee and grabbing our foot from behind. I do not have great balance yet so I still hold onto the wall but I'm okay with that. I have progressed from grabbing the bottom of my pant leg, to grabbing the back of shoe, to the bottom edge of my shoe. Last night, for the first time in many years, I was able to grab my ankle on both sides and even managed to do it with ease!
On top of the ability to move faster, I'm stronger. I can lift and move things without worrying about my RA flaring like it used to. I am also starting to feel like the old me again. I am singing more. I can't help but dance when I hear music. For those who didn't know me before my illness, I used to sing and dance in public. I was a performer and I loved it. It was my life.
My medical issues have caused me a lot of physical and emotional pain and until recently, even took away my ability to sing. Just as my voice started to come back earlier this year, I got sick again, developed laryngitis and my throat had trouble healing. This week, I've discovered that my voice is back and I think it might finally be here to stay! I smile a lot more now and I am happy. It has been a long time since I've been able to say for certain that "I AM HAPPY". There has always been a "but" or a "sort of" to go along with it. I knew this program would do me a lot of good, but the affect it has had on every aspect of my life has been such a great surprise. Every time I look in the mirror, I start to recognize myself a little bit more as the weight comes off. For too many years now there has been a stranger looking back at me, but now I see Laura looking back at me and she is so ready to come out of hiding!
Compeition or not, 1st place or 19th, I will come out of this a winner.
Goodnight and God bless.
Each exercise was worth a number of points. The goal for each group was to hit 1000 points by the time our hour was over. Here is an example of a few of the exercises:
20 shoulder presses = 5 points
100 jumping jacks = 15 points
1 minute plank = 20 points (FYI: that one really sucks!!!)
1 lap jog, run, or walk around the building = 25 points (the weather was also in the high 30's yesterday which made it worse)
Our team collectively managed to do a total of 1105 points!! Unfortunately we didn't win because two other teams were around 1400 points (they were stronger runners so they mostly did the laps around the building over and over again). The winning team won kitchen raids where our trainer and nutritionist will invade their kitchens and go through their cupboards. It would have been nice to win but not everything is all about the competition. Our team may not have won the prize but I am so proud of what we accomplished!
Last night I finally started to see the difference in how quickly I can move now and I am definitely getting stronger and more flexible. Over the past week or so I've started to notice some of my flexibility coming back. One of our stretches after every workout is stretching our thigh by bending our knee and grabbing our foot from behind. I do not have great balance yet so I still hold onto the wall but I'm okay with that. I have progressed from grabbing the bottom of my pant leg, to grabbing the back of shoe, to the bottom edge of my shoe. Last night, for the first time in many years, I was able to grab my ankle on both sides and even managed to do it with ease!
On top of the ability to move faster, I'm stronger. I can lift and move things without worrying about my RA flaring like it used to. I am also starting to feel like the old me again. I am singing more. I can't help but dance when I hear music. For those who didn't know me before my illness, I used to sing and dance in public. I was a performer and I loved it. It was my life.
My medical issues have caused me a lot of physical and emotional pain and until recently, even took away my ability to sing. Just as my voice started to come back earlier this year, I got sick again, developed laryngitis and my throat had trouble healing. This week, I've discovered that my voice is back and I think it might finally be here to stay! I smile a lot more now and I am happy. It has been a long time since I've been able to say for certain that "I AM HAPPY". There has always been a "but" or a "sort of" to go along with it. I knew this program would do me a lot of good, but the affect it has had on every aspect of my life has been such a great surprise. Every time I look in the mirror, I start to recognize myself a little bit more as the weight comes off. For too many years now there has been a stranger looking back at me, but now I see Laura looking back at me and she is so ready to come out of hiding!
Compeition or not, 1st place or 19th, I will come out of this a winner.
Goodnight and God bless.
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
Full Speed Ahead
Well, after my last post about the struggles I've been facing, it's time to dive into an update on my training and tonight's weigh-in!
I had a very intense make up session on Friday with Adrian and two other team members. I was so sore all weekend from it that everytime I raised my arms to reach for something or to stretch, I had no choice but to think of Adrian. I think he does that on purpose! I still feel some of the burn in my triceps depending on how I stretch and I have no doubt that is Adrian's fault! Chantal also had us doing a very intensive upperbody work out on Saturday morning and I'm so glad that is over. Doing the arms two days in a row was exhausting.
Tonight we trained with another trainer, Christie. She kept us very busy and working as a team. It was different, fun and a great workout. I'm exhausted again! But the part I was kind of dreading after last week was the weigh-in. It went so terribly on Thursday night that I wasn't expecting much today (specially being that it was only 5 days instead of a full week). Well, I surprised myself...
I have lost another 4 lbs since Thursday! I am so pleased. I really needed that extra boost and I feel great! I have now lost a total of 19.2 lbs, which is 6.26% of my total body weight, in only 4 weeks. This program is amazing and I know that I could never do this on my own. Being a part of the program helps me to remain accountable and I am so grateful to my donor for giving me this chance. I officially weigh less than I have in over a year.
We have several fun events planned for the Biggest Loser group over the next 2 weeks. Tomorrow night is a food prep course and Thursday at training we will be separated into groups and will be having a challenge to win kitchen raids (I really could use that to get my family on track with me). Next week on Tuesday we will have our weigh-ins and measurements and then next Wednesday we have an amazing night out in a limo to a surprise location where we will learn how to order healthy at a restaurant. I can't wait! I think I'd better buy a new outfit though...
Two weeks ago when we did our first trip to Green's Creek hill, I had mentioned that we took a group photo. I finally have it so I thought I would include it tonight. We've all come so far even since then and look different already. I'll try to get some updated training photos of myself for a post in the near future.
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Goodnight and God bless.
I had a very intense make up session on Friday with Adrian and two other team members. I was so sore all weekend from it that everytime I raised my arms to reach for something or to stretch, I had no choice but to think of Adrian. I think he does that on purpose! I still feel some of the burn in my triceps depending on how I stretch and I have no doubt that is Adrian's fault! Chantal also had us doing a very intensive upperbody work out on Saturday morning and I'm so glad that is over. Doing the arms two days in a row was exhausting.
Tonight we trained with another trainer, Christie. She kept us very busy and working as a team. It was different, fun and a great workout. I'm exhausted again! But the part I was kind of dreading after last week was the weigh-in. It went so terribly on Thursday night that I wasn't expecting much today (specially being that it was only 5 days instead of a full week). Well, I surprised myself...
I have lost another 4 lbs since Thursday! I am so pleased. I really needed that extra boost and I feel great! I have now lost a total of 19.2 lbs, which is 6.26% of my total body weight, in only 4 weeks. This program is amazing and I know that I could never do this on my own. Being a part of the program helps me to remain accountable and I am so grateful to my donor for giving me this chance. I officially weigh less than I have in over a year.
We have several fun events planned for the Biggest Loser group over the next 2 weeks. Tomorrow night is a food prep course and Thursday at training we will be separated into groups and will be having a challenge to win kitchen raids (I really could use that to get my family on track with me). Next week on Tuesday we will have our weigh-ins and measurements and then next Wednesday we have an amazing night out in a limo to a surprise location where we will learn how to order healthy at a restaurant. I can't wait! I think I'd better buy a new outfit though...
Two weeks ago when we did our first trip to Green's Creek hill, I had mentioned that we took a group photo. I finally have it so I thought I would include it tonight. We've all come so far even since then and look different already. I'll try to get some updated training photos of myself for a post in the near future.
Goodnight and God bless.
Where Do I Begin?
I have so much to say today that I have decided to do it in two entries. This first entry is to fill all of you in on some of the disappointing news I received this week. It's been a rough couple of days with my rheumatoid arthritis and I feel it is important to pour some light on that separately.
Yesterday I went to see my doctor about the fact that I have been having a lot of dizzy spells for the past 2 months. The most concerning part is that two of them were so massive that I almost passed out and I was very scared. My doctor is going to look into the possibility that these have been caused by my Rituxan (the chemotherapy used to treat my RA). After doing some of my own research online, it seems as though this may be the case. Dizziness is a potential serious side effect that can show up within weeks to months after the last infusion and requires immediate medical attention. If this IS the case, I will likely need to start looking into new treatment options. I have finally started to see what life can be like when a medication starts to work (after failing several other serious medications) so it will be heartbreaking and disabling to start over again. I pray that I don't have to start back at square one but it is a very real possibility that I may lose my mobility again for months to years until we find the right medication.
The other part of all of this is that if it is not the medication (and even if it is), I may need to see a neurologist. It puts extra strain in trying to get to where I need to be (including my training sessions and appointments if my husband is working) because I've decided not to drive for a while, but I have an amazingly supportive family who have agreed to help out whenever they can.
On top of this news, I finally got in touch with my rheumatologist today because I hadn't heard yet when my follow-up appointment would be. Usually when you start a new medication, he will see you every 3-6 months to ensure that things are going smoothly with no major side effects or problems (and to ensure that the medication is working). My next infusion should also be scheduled around the 6-month mark. I last saw him in January and my infusions were in February. Today when I called, I was informed that I didn't have an appointment booked until late January!
Needless to say, I had very disappointing news over the past couple of days. However, I am persistent and I they managed to squeeze due to a cancellation, so I see my rheumatologist in two and a half weeks. Now hopefully I will be able to get some answers.
After all of this negativity, I was ready for something good to happen...and it did. A few things happened. One of them is that as soon as I got home tonight, I had a package in the mail from the Arthritis Foundation in the states with 10 "Cure Athritis" bracelets! They shipped to me for free and they said they would send more if I need them. I am wearing it with great pride!
Then biggest news is that a few weeks back, the Arthritis Society of Canada contacted me after I had met several members while working as a volunteer during our Walk to Fight Arthritis in June. They told me that they were wanting to send out a letter to potential donors as they do every year. They always highlight someone's story and they felt that mine needed to be told. They asked me if I would be willing to share it and of course, I agreed. I sent them a copy of a speech I did in April and told them that they could use any part of my story for their campaign. This afternoon I received a phone call letting me know that their letter was complete and that they were emailing it to me to approve and make changes. I made no changes. It was perfect. I couldn't believe it when I read it. The whole letter is all about my story and how it relates to others, the national stats and how people can help those like me. I am so moved and humbled. If telling others my story can help to make a difference for others with arthritis, then it is worth every struggle. I finally feel like getting this disease has happened for a reason.
Even through all of the struggle this week, I was feeling very down but thanks to this whole journey with Biggest Loser, I have learned how to get back up again. Not so long ago news like this would have made it hard to get back up and keep pushing. Today when I called my mother in a good mood, she told me that she has seen a 180' change in me since I started this program. Adrian was very smart in naming his gym 180' Fitness...
For those who are interested in reading my full story, below is the speech that I submitted to the Arthritis Society:
Yesterday I went to see my doctor about the fact that I have been having a lot of dizzy spells for the past 2 months. The most concerning part is that two of them were so massive that I almost passed out and I was very scared. My doctor is going to look into the possibility that these have been caused by my Rituxan (the chemotherapy used to treat my RA). After doing some of my own research online, it seems as though this may be the case. Dizziness is a potential serious side effect that can show up within weeks to months after the last infusion and requires immediate medical attention. If this IS the case, I will likely need to start looking into new treatment options. I have finally started to see what life can be like when a medication starts to work (after failing several other serious medications) so it will be heartbreaking and disabling to start over again. I pray that I don't have to start back at square one but it is a very real possibility that I may lose my mobility again for months to years until we find the right medication.
The other part of all of this is that if it is not the medication (and even if it is), I may need to see a neurologist. It puts extra strain in trying to get to where I need to be (including my training sessions and appointments if my husband is working) because I've decided not to drive for a while, but I have an amazingly supportive family who have agreed to help out whenever they can.
On top of this news, I finally got in touch with my rheumatologist today because I hadn't heard yet when my follow-up appointment would be. Usually when you start a new medication, he will see you every 3-6 months to ensure that things are going smoothly with no major side effects or problems (and to ensure that the medication is working). My next infusion should also be scheduled around the 6-month mark. I last saw him in January and my infusions were in February. Today when I called, I was informed that I didn't have an appointment booked until late January!
Needless to say, I had very disappointing news over the past couple of days. However, I am persistent and I they managed to squeeze due to a cancellation, so I see my rheumatologist in two and a half weeks. Now hopefully I will be able to get some answers.
After all of this negativity, I was ready for something good to happen...and it did. A few things happened. One of them is that as soon as I got home tonight, I had a package in the mail from the Arthritis Foundation in the states with 10 "Cure Athritis" bracelets! They shipped to me for free and they said they would send more if I need them. I am wearing it with great pride!
Then biggest news is that a few weeks back, the Arthritis Society of Canada contacted me after I had met several members while working as a volunteer during our Walk to Fight Arthritis in June. They told me that they were wanting to send out a letter to potential donors as they do every year. They always highlight someone's story and they felt that mine needed to be told. They asked me if I would be willing to share it and of course, I agreed. I sent them a copy of a speech I did in April and told them that they could use any part of my story for their campaign. This afternoon I received a phone call letting me know that their letter was complete and that they were emailing it to me to approve and make changes. I made no changes. It was perfect. I couldn't believe it when I read it. The whole letter is all about my story and how it relates to others, the national stats and how people can help those like me. I am so moved and humbled. If telling others my story can help to make a difference for others with arthritis, then it is worth every struggle. I finally feel like getting this disease has happened for a reason.
Even through all of the struggle this week, I was feeling very down but thanks to this whole journey with Biggest Loser, I have learned how to get back up again. Not so long ago news like this would have made it hard to get back up and keep pushing. Today when I called my mother in a good mood, she told me that she has seen a 180' change in me since I started this program. Adrian was very smart in naming his gym 180' Fitness...
For those who are interested in reading my full story, below is the speech that I submitted to the Arthritis Society:
Imagine owning your first house; planting your gardens that first spring. The good aches that follow, a sign that you’ve worked hard and can be proud. Now imagine if that pain stayed…forever.
In May 2009, that’s exactly how my life was turned upside down. In July 2009, about a week shy of my 27th birthday, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA is an auto-immune disease caused by my immune system attacking my healthy joints.
I spent the next six months in shock and fighting to hold off depression, so that Christmas we decided to fly south to visit family, but everything went downhill. By the time we landed in Toronto Caribbean in bed sleeping and in extreme pain. While on vacation, my sister called to inform me that on Christmas Eve she had also been diagnosed with RA. I will never forget that moment as I was lying painfully in bed. At that moment, my heart hurt more than my body did.
Eight months later, after watching and knowing the signs, we were not surprised but still stunned when our father was also diagnosed with RA. Three of us in fifteen months. That is a lot for one family to handle and I worry every day about passing it on to my daughter.
After my trip, I began a more aggressive treatment involving weekly injections. I responded quickly to the medication and I knew exactly what I wanted to do to celebrate the first day I felt a lot better…I picked up my three-year-old, for the first time in six months.
Unfortunately for me, the medications seem to stop working almost as quickly as they start. Thanks to work by organizations like the Arthritis Society, I’ve been able to try several medications as there are many to choose from. However, my medications cost over $20,000 per year. I am blessed to still be working full-time with wonderful insurance to cover the costs, but not everyone is so lucky.
I am now 3 years into my disease and I have failed four drugs from three drug categories. I am now on chemotherapy infusions and continue to hold out hope that they will work. In the meantime, I have learned to swallow my pride and to ask for help. I have learned that I’m stronger than I ever imagine I could be and that my pain threshold grows with my disease. I’ve learned how to appreciate the little things like being able to brush my own hair or get myself dressed in the morning because I sure miss them on the days that I can’t. But even more, I’ve learned that support – from family friends and the special people at the Arthritis Society – that is what keeps me hopeful and helps me get out of bed every day. If we continue to work together, we will one day find a cure and I will one day be pain-free.
Thursday, 5 July 2012
Overcoming Obstacles
Tonight was our weekly weigh-in and bi-weekly measurements. They haven't given us the total inches yet but I took a quick look and I'll post the number in my next blog once I know what it is. I'm disappointed that in some areas I didn't lose anything and some areas very little. But in a couple of areas I did really well which is great because it makes up for the others. It's a let-down after the huge numbers I pulled out the last time but there is no way I could continue to lose them as quickly as I did at first.
My biggest disappointment tonight was the weigh-in. I only lost 0.4 lbs this week. Yes, I should be pleased that at least it went down (and I am). Some of the other members pointed out to me that most people hit a wall last week during their third week. This is only my third week so now it was my turn to hit that wall. The good news is that most of them pulled good numbers this week so I have high hopes for next week!
Our workout was intense as always but the best part was the seminar afterwards. We got GREAT information about what to do the day before and the day after an event where we may indulge a bit. They gave great tips on how to speed up our motabolism that day before and after to compensate for a small (or big) slip. This is a key element for me seeing as Canada Day just passed and in less than 2 weeks it will be my 30th (OUCH!) birthday. I may not even indulge on my birthday because we are due for our next measurements and a weigh-in that day. But at least I can have a plan of action for that following weekend when I DO plan to celebrate (specially since that weekend will also be the beginning of my summer holidays)!
One last make-up session tomorrow night and then I should be back on a somewhat normal schedule with my regular Tuesdays and Thursdays (unless we start to get together more during our free evenings). I don't do well exercising alone and while I will be off for a month (July 21-August 23) I will be available to do day time workouts, so it's time to start planning those...
Goodnight and God Bless.
My biggest disappointment tonight was the weigh-in. I only lost 0.4 lbs this week. Yes, I should be pleased that at least it went down (and I am). Some of the other members pointed out to me that most people hit a wall last week during their third week. This is only my third week so now it was my turn to hit that wall. The good news is that most of them pulled good numbers this week so I have high hopes for next week!
Our workout was intense as always but the best part was the seminar afterwards. We got GREAT information about what to do the day before and the day after an event where we may indulge a bit. They gave great tips on how to speed up our motabolism that day before and after to compensate for a small (or big) slip. This is a key element for me seeing as Canada Day just passed and in less than 2 weeks it will be my 30th (OUCH!) birthday. I may not even indulge on my birthday because we are due for our next measurements and a weigh-in that day. But at least I can have a plan of action for that following weekend when I DO plan to celebrate (specially since that weekend will also be the beginning of my summer holidays)!
One last make-up session tomorrow night and then I should be back on a somewhat normal schedule with my regular Tuesdays and Thursdays (unless we start to get together more during our free evenings). I don't do well exercising alone and while I will be off for a month (July 21-August 23) I will be available to do day time workouts, so it's time to start planning those...
Goodnight and God Bless.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Did I Really Do That?
The plan for today was for a small group of Biggest Losers to head to the hill from Hell (Green's Creek). I seriously started rethinking the idea because today ended up being really sunny, hot and extremely humid. With the humidex, it reached about 40'C (104'f) today. I decided that I would push myself to head to the hill anyway with my mother as my support, even if no one else showed up. When I got there, a few ladies were already getting warmed up (in more than one way) and ready to tackle that hill. I have trouble with my asthma in high humidity and react quickly to the sun due to my medications so I was really dreading it. I decided that even if I squeezed in one trip down and up that hill, I would have done well considering the circumstances.
Well, thanks to the amazing support of the 4 Biggest Loser ladies who joined me (as well as my mother and the husband of one of the ladies), we worked out for over an hour and a half. Not only did I do that hill more than once, I managed to complete it FOUR times this time. That is one time more than the last time and in extreme heat! We did that hill 4 times, kettle bells in between the trips, 2 trips through the back hiking trails (which are not flat), followed by an ab workout before our cool down.
I am SO glad I went tonight. If it wasn't for the fact that I had witnesses and my joints are screaming at me, even I wouldn't believe that I did it! I've had to ice fingers, knees and ankles just since I got home but I'm proud of myself. After finishing the hill and on our way back from our second (and longest) trip through the hiking trails, we arrived back to our stuff and found Adrian's truck parked right beside it. Adrian was there just to bring us water! His timing was perfect because we were just finishing our cardio and our water was hot from the heat (to the point that it was no longer quenching my thirst and tasted aweful). I don't think it's even possible to ask for a more caring trainer who takes the time out to make sure we are keeping hydrated, on a night when we aren't even training with him.
Most nights I want to curse Adrian and really hate him (which he takes as a compliment)! However, tonight I simply want to thank him for both his kind actions and for everything he has done for me up to now. I would never have conquered that hill even once without his persistence and support. I will likely be kicking myself and saying "I take it back!" on Friday when I train with him again, but for now I just want to say "thank you Adrian".
Goodnight and God bless.
Well, thanks to the amazing support of the 4 Biggest Loser ladies who joined me (as well as my mother and the husband of one of the ladies), we worked out for over an hour and a half. Not only did I do that hill more than once, I managed to complete it FOUR times this time. That is one time more than the last time and in extreme heat! We did that hill 4 times, kettle bells in between the trips, 2 trips through the back hiking trails (which are not flat), followed by an ab workout before our cool down.
I am SO glad I went tonight. If it wasn't for the fact that I had witnesses and my joints are screaming at me, even I wouldn't believe that I did it! I've had to ice fingers, knees and ankles just since I got home but I'm proud of myself. After finishing the hill and on our way back from our second (and longest) trip through the hiking trails, we arrived back to our stuff and found Adrian's truck parked right beside it. Adrian was there just to bring us water! His timing was perfect because we were just finishing our cardio and our water was hot from the heat (to the point that it was no longer quenching my thirst and tasted aweful). I don't think it's even possible to ask for a more caring trainer who takes the time out to make sure we are keeping hydrated, on a night when we aren't even training with him.
Most nights I want to curse Adrian and really hate him (which he takes as a compliment)! However, tonight I simply want to thank him for both his kind actions and for everything he has done for me up to now. I would never have conquered that hill even once without his persistence and support. I will likely be kicking myself and saying "I take it back!" on Friday when I train with him again, but for now I just want to say "thank you Adrian".
Goodnight and God bless.
Tuesday, 3 July 2012
Learning to Get Back Up
This Sunday was Canada Day (our national day of independence on July 1st). I slipped a bit on my meal plan and felt kind of guilty, but at the same time I enjoyed allowing myself a bit of a treat to celebrate. We were downtown all day and there is not a lot to fit the meal plan when you are out and about all day. The temptations were just too overwhelming to resist and if I had not let myself enjoy anything while everyone else was indulging in front of me, I would have been completely miserable all day. Normally a slip like that would have made me feel like I failed and I would have given up all together, but I'm learning that I am strong enough now to get right back up on that wagon.
Although I treated myself to a delicious snack, I deserved it because I managed to walk around downtown for long distances and long periods of time for the first time in years. I overdid it though, to the point that I was extremely sore and my RA wiped me out the next day. Yesterday the fatigue hit me like a Mack truck and I ended up sleeping straight through to dinner time (I was maybe up for an hour mid-day). But I'm so proud of how far I walked which allowed me to enjoy the festivities in several locations throughout the day. That is something I haven't done in at least 3 years. I'm still learning how far I can push myself but I am impressed that it only wiped me out for one day. Normally that would have put me in bed for days or weeks. One day I can definitely handle and it was so worth it to say I did it!
Our weigh-in and measurements have been delayed until Thursday this week instead of tonight. I'm very glad about that because I got right back on the meal plan perfectly today and I feel much better both mentally and physically. By following this program, it's been almost like an elimination diet for me so I am finally learning different foods that upset my stomach. It was too hard to pinpoint the foods before, but it's so easy now. That is one aspect I really wasn't expecting on this program. Even though down the road I will allow myself a treat here and there, my body sure won't let me do it often ever again. I think because of my slip this weekend, I don't feel like I've lost much this week but I guess we'll know for sure on Thursday.
We had a training session with my other trainer tonight (I have Chantal on Saturdays for semi-private sessions with a few other women). She is a lot of fun and high energy all of the time. She gives us a really good workout but has fun doing it and I hesitate to say I look forward to training with her again on Thursday!
I'm not sure what has possessed me, but I have decided to take up a few other team members on their offer for us all to get together tomorrow at Green's Creek. In case you forget what that is, that is the horrendous hill from last Tuesday! I have decided to make up for the fact that I slipped a bit this weekend so I need an extra workout before weigh-in on Thursday. We will not have a trainer with us so we will simply be pushing each other and working together to get in some good exercise. My goal before I leave that hill is to get in 3 trips down and up the hill again and this time I won't have Adrian to push me, so I will have to push myself (no matter how long it takes). I'd be more than happy to have other friends join me there too; I will be there at 5:30pm!
On top of the training tonight and tomorrow, we also have our regular training on Thursday from 6-7, weigh-in and measurements from 7-8, then a food preparation course from 8-9 (3 hours at 180' on Thursday night)! I have a make-up session on Friday night withAdrian
Goodnight and God bless.
Although I treated myself to a delicious snack, I deserved it because I managed to walk around downtown for long distances and long periods of time for the first time in years. I overdid it though, to the point that I was extremely sore and my RA wiped me out the next day. Yesterday the fatigue hit me like a Mack truck and I ended up sleeping straight through to dinner time (I was maybe up for an hour mid-day). But I'm so proud of how far I walked which allowed me to enjoy the festivities in several locations throughout the day. That is something I haven't done in at least 3 years. I'm still learning how far I can push myself but I am impressed that it only wiped me out for one day. Normally that would have put me in bed for days or weeks. One day I can definitely handle and it was so worth it to say I did it!
Our weigh-in and measurements have been delayed until Thursday this week instead of tonight. I'm very glad about that because I got right back on the meal plan perfectly today and I feel much better both mentally and physically. By following this program, it's been almost like an elimination diet for me so I am finally learning different foods that upset my stomach. It was too hard to pinpoint the foods before, but it's so easy now. That is one aspect I really wasn't expecting on this program. Even though down the road I will allow myself a treat here and there, my body sure won't let me do it often ever again. I think because of my slip this weekend, I don't feel like I've lost much this week but I guess we'll know for sure on Thursday.
We had a training session with my other trainer tonight (I have Chantal on Saturdays for semi-private sessions with a few other women). She is a lot of fun and high energy all of the time. She gives us a really good workout but has fun doing it and I hesitate to say I look forward to training with her again on Thursday!
I'm not sure what has possessed me, but I have decided to take up a few other team members on their offer for us all to get together tomorrow at Green's Creek. In case you forget what that is, that is the horrendous hill from last Tuesday! I have decided to make up for the fact that I slipped a bit this weekend so I need an extra workout before weigh-in on Thursday. We will not have a trainer with us so we will simply be pushing each other and working together to get in some good exercise. My goal before I leave that hill is to get in 3 trips down and up the hill again and this time I won't have Adrian to push me, so I will have to push myself (no matter how long it takes). I'd be more than happy to have other friends join me there too; I will be there at 5:30pm!
On top of the training tonight and tomorrow, we also have our regular training on Thursday from 6-7, weigh-in and measurements from 7-8, then a food preparation course from 8-9 (3 hours at 180' on Thursday night)! I have a make-up session on Friday night with
Goodnight and God bless.
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