Now, a month later, the "Mother" Day was here again! (lol) I came to the camp with some anticipation and unsteady nerves. I turned up the music in my car on the way over, and I breathed deeply and slowly to relax my breathing and warm my lungs. Still, I noticed a little anxiety creeping into the picture ever so slightly.
There were not as many warriors today but that is usually the case when we are timed for the mile and pushups. I jogged around the parking lot to warm up for the warm up! Yes, it gets that way sometimes! (lol) :)
Brian told us to prepare for our first fitness measure which were the push-ups. I was not intimidated by them, but wondered how well I would progress. I pushed them out as fast and furious as I could at the end. And guess what friends and readers.....I improved! :)
Whoo Hoo! I don't have the numbers before me, but I think I improved by about 20% . :)
Next came the "mother" of my challenges! :) This was what I was waiting for. I had just practiced my running on Tuesday, and had gone further than at any time before slowing to a walk. This was promising! I knew I had improved, but whether I could handle my self-imposed pressure......that would be the moment of my truth.
We got in our groups and I noticed "Star" was getting her IPod ready. I asked her if it helped. She said she had been practicing her jogging too and had her music loaded so she knew exactly how much time she had left to break her previous record. Very clever, that "Star"! :)
Brian blew his whistle for the walkers and we took off. I took off feeling confident, but noticed I started to have trouble just past the usual spot; about 2.5 minutes in the run. I could feel my lungs locking up and my breathing getting heavy. How could this be? Just the other day I had gone as far as the 2nd curve without stopping. This was going to be a challenge if I wanted to improve my record.
"Star" was out in front and I paced myself behind her for most of the time until we turned the 2nd curve. I slowed down and had to walk. Then, it wasn't long before I got back to my jogging and passed "Star" during her walking phase. She had taken her 1st running break almost halfway through our course.
I kept going as long as I could, but I was struggling. I was on my last leg when the breathing got so difficult and my energy was waning. I was still jogging but I was slowing down, and was just about ready to go into my walk, when "Star" came from behind and said, "Come on, keep going! You can do it!"
Wow! It was just that little encouragement that kept my legs moving even though my energy was quickly dissipating. I was so touched that she would care enough to inspire me. I have no doubt that she heard my labored, wheezy breathing. She had asked me before whether I had problems with asthma with vigorous exercise.
So I managed to go a good bit longer until I slowed down to a walk. Not for very long however! As I prepared to start up my jog again, out of the blue came the "Little Rocket" who sailed past me, but not until she ran beside me for a few seconds. I was so focused in trying to slow my breathing and pace myself I hadn't even noticed. All of a sudden the sound of my heaving was broken by the Rocket's voice: "Don't stop now! You can make it! Keep it going!"
Well, I couldn't ask for more! :) That felt great! One of my favorite "big doGs" took a moment to give me a mental boost and that got me excited! My heart was smiling for the encouragement and the camaraderie my new friend gave me. We were really teammates. From both a new member and a big doG, I was filled with inspiration! With the support from "Star" and the "Little Rocket", I kept going until I finished and did not break my pace. I felt I had pushed myself as hard as I could on this day, on this event. And I had so much gratitude for my fabulous comrades who looked out for me.
Well, the pink tiger improved the timing a little bit, but obviously this was going to be a long process. I made an 11:o6 mile, which was a 17 second improvement. For all the practicing it seemed so insignificant. But I won't take myself there. It was an improvement. I think if I can overcome some of the performance anxiety I suffer, I might progress a little easier. Little Rocket came up and asked me how I did. Always, this lady will come to me with a positive spin, and reminded me that "it IS improvement"!
I was thrilled for "Star"! She told me she had improved my more than a full minute! Yahoo "Star"! You are truly a champion for making the most of this opportunity at Boot Camp! And you are an inspiration and a motivator just as much as the more seasoned camper! I am so proud of you! :) You are definitely someone to follow. :)
I would have thought that the testing would have been the highlight of the morning, but not so fast! Brian came out with a few surprises that no one expected! :) One of the memorable workouts he created for the first time ever was his "suicide abs" with the triple killer! (lol) Whew! Now that was innovative! We paired off with one of us doing ab exercises while the other one did the running. At each running interval, the other partner had to choose a different ab exercise. This time however, Brian increased the running distance to include 3 sets at a time rather than 2. That extra set was killer! Pure killer! And yet every one of us completed our running sets. The last one to come in got a great dose of encouragement, cheering, praise, and clapping! Now that's what I call a champion! :) Got the guts to keep going until the end, and then come back for another day of boot camp! I love this place and the people who choose to be part of it! :)
Wow! What incredible camaraderie and consideration for all our fellow warriors! It could have been just as easy for the campers to pick up their mats and leave the site after they completed the suicides. But we all stayed to support our last champion! This is the stuff that just fills my soul! :) The support and camaraderie in our group had grown and developed immensely since the first day. It was beautiful.
Is there any question why I leave Adventure Boot Camp so euphoric and vitalized every morning that I come? It truly is my "Breakfast of Champions", and nourishes me from the inside out! :)
Then, Brian announced he had a surprise for us. Well, I must admit I thought he would have another workout "treat" for us! :) But never estimate "the Brian"! He's got it goin' on!! He surprised all of us who had come to testing with a private shopping trip in his fitness studio! He pulled out a box of t-shirts from a few previous camps! :) :) :) All different kinds and colors. Wow! Could there be anything better to delight the hearts of women than a free shopping event?? lol :)
Well, the t-shirts didn't last more than 5 minutes. It was a great moment, I've got to tell you! Rummaging through that box resembled a group of kids tearing in to their presents on Christmas morning! The squeals of joy were proof that Brian is a master at creating Great Moments at the Adventure Boot Camp! Thank you, Brian. You hit the spot big time! :)
We all meandered off to our cars, thrilled with our treasure. What a dynamite way to end our first month of Adventure Boot Camp and Transformer Boot Camp! This had to be the best group that I have ever worked out with. The energy was simply awesome! I hope this group knows that the pinK tiger appreciates you all so very much.
Friday included a full workout and awards that named the "Most Improved".
I was very unhappy that I had to miss this very important day of camp due to business travel. This was a special day because this little ceremony celebrates the hard work we have done, and acknowledges the super stars! :) But most of all, it offers closure to a group of morning fitness warriors that has come together every week to get fit and sleek. :)
There are special bonds that are formed. And when a camper doesn't show up for camp or chooses not to come back, you really miss them. :( Every single member makes a difference to the overall aura and success of the camp experience. I know I am going to miss this group very much.
Coming Next: 2nd month of Transformer Boot Camp and many more exciting challenges! Can't wait! The 1st order of business will be our assessments to measure our weight loss, inches, and new fat percentage after this 1st month Then we start anew. Hope to see you all there fitness warriors! :)
This is the pinK tiger signing off..............
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