How Sweet It Is!

This was the day the pink tiger had been anticipating. I had already faced one of my fears....getting weighed and measured after a long road trip. Now it was Phase 2. We would get timed on our push-ups and mile run. I didn't have great expectations, but I did keep a positive mindset. The Adventure BootCamp was nudging me to face myself and my fears. And more than a few times.

One of my concerns was my breathing and how it seems to close up. I talked with a friend who dealt with asthma and suggested I try a little Vicks around my nose. I doused some of the ointment around my nose and breathed in slowly. Maybe it would help a little.

I also thought about Brian in his Marathon Race, and how he handled the pain in his leg that could have taken him down if he let it. That's when I asked myself, "What would Brian do?"

I find for myself that if I have had little experience in a situation that frightens me, the most positive effective thing I can do is to envision a role model that I respect and admire handling the same situation. He already showed us what mind over matter can accomplish! I just needed a plan for what I would do when the gasping and wheezing began to disable me. I also thought about what Brian had told me regarding pacing, and deviating the stride if need be. He said sometimes changing or tweaking a small detail can have a substantial effect if you find a problem developing.

We gathered at the base camp and were timed and measured on our pushups. I did more than I ever have, probably because my adrenaline was maxed out thinking about the mile run. I pumped them out as fast and furious as I could. I increased at least by 35%. Fantastic! Now, I will need to start doing them deeper, slower, and progress to the standard men's pushup even if I begin with only 1. That's the plan! I also want to incorporate more of those heavenly diamond patterns that usually kick me to the curb! :)

We all filed into the building to mark our numbers on our chart, and then we gathered for the run. Brian threw us for a huge surprise, especially me, when he announced that anyone who did the mile in 12 minutes or less last camp would have to join the running group.

Of course, it didn't register that this would include me, until "the Gold Star" said, "Karen, that's you. You ran less than 12 min. last time!"

My pupils dilated and my eyes got very black. Gulp! I started stuttering to myself. Me? I'm gonna run with the Big DoGs? But I'm not ready. I'll probably be making everyone wait on me as I trail in from the opposite side of the world! LoL :(

I got a little scared. As much as Brian has said that we must believe in ourselves to succeed, I was just flabbergasted. The good thing was that I didn't have much time to ponder it. Campers were getting on their mark. I situated myself towards the back of the pack near "star" and took a deep breath. There was at least some comfort that we would start off together.

The whistle blew and the Big DoGs were off and running. I didn't think about how fast they fanned out in front of me; I just tried to stay focused on my intent. "Gold Star" was moving along the side of me and then I lost her when she moved up towards the sidewalk. I could feel my breathing tighten up a little, but I focused on working through the discomfort. I pretended that I wasn't really running. I was walking......walking on air.....walking on a cloud! Serene, peaceful, easy.

One of the campers I noticed was running close to my speed and we would go back and forth taking a nominal lead. I didn't know her, but for this race, she seemed familiar. She was running and resting at about the same intervals as me. I decided I would use her as my pacer, and not let myself lose sight of her.

My breathing got a little testy at times, but I was working through the discomfort and thought about all the things that would give me mental strength. I thought of Brian in his Marathon, I thought of "the Little Rocket's" smiling face and her proclamation that "I can do this"! I thought of the "Gold Star" and her steadfast determination and competitive resolve, and all the support she and others had given me. I wasn't gonna stop now!

I went as long as I could and then I even accelerated for a brief distance, trying to implement the tidbits Brian told me. The breathing was difficult, but not insurmountable; I could still breathe. And there was something inside me that simply didn't want to quit. I was compelled to push myself all the way. It was the desire to succeed. But it may have been the Fear of Failure as well. Fear can be a powerful motivator, too. I couldn't stand the thought of approaching Brian at the finish line with a much slower time than the last camp run. I had no intentions of embarrassing myself.

As I went around the bend, there again appeared my new running mate. She kicked it up and moved in front of me. I decided I was going to keep up. We each took turns taking the lead, and then we took off for the finish. I was gasping, I was tired, but I kept my eye on the ball.

She pulled ahead of me but I maintained her pace, and was right behind her! Giddy-up PinK Tiger! Make your move! Don't you even think about slowing down now!

At the last turn I tried to sprint with everything I got and finished right up behind her. When Brian announced I had finished in 10:34 minutes I was in disbelief! I had improved by 34 seconds! Whoo hoo! :)

Celebrate, celebrate! Dance to the music!!

My running mate and I gave each other a high five and it was the best feeling I could have ever had! Oh, how sweet it is!:)

Brian looked back at me and said, "And you said you couldn't do it! Good job, Karen!" He gave me a big smile. That was the cherry on top, baby! :)

My comrades came up to me and asked how I did. They must have seen the joy in my face. All those days I practiced running after everyone left camp finally paid off; maybe not last camp but this camp! It might have taken my body longer to process my improvements, but without a doubt it was worth every single minute of hard work and sacrifice!

With that said, I have to give kudos to my "inspiration team", because they were living in my mind every day I got up to practice my runs. They gave me the hope to believe I could do this. And their example motivated me to strive for myself. Thank you, friends! You're the best! :)

I checked in with the "Gold Star" and she also succeeded in improving her speed. Yet, being a true competitor of her self, she was a little disappointed that she didn't show a more significant change. She also had worked long and hard to get her win.

I knew how she felt, because last time after all that practice time, I only best my time by 11 seconds. She had encouraged me to pay attention to my success, my improvement, as modest as I might have thought it was. Now it was my chance to give back to "star" and remind her she's in this for the long haul! Bit by bit she's making her way to the top and she's a champion! She gained in the right direction. Now is a good time to pick up the profits and keep going!

I believe that most gains in life are not made in a straight line. It takes on more of a spiral effect. Weight loss seems to work the same way. It may go up and down a few pounds for awhile, moving 2 steps forward and 1 back. You may not lose anything for weeks, and then it all falls off. :)

Part II:

The rest of the hour was a workout that targeted the lower body and the abs. I was on such a cloud I can't even recall all the circuits Brian directed us through, except I can tell you the leg work was totally awesome. We did some of the gold standards of squats, power squats, speed skater, splits, and maybe something similar to a lunge. I always love to watch one particular camper do this repertoire, because she has such extraordinary form and she jumps and moves with such power and gusto it sometimes awes me.

She is one of the Big DoGs of the camp, and I have always admired her. She runs fast like a blaze, and her effort is never less than 110%. I would like to call her "Blazing B".

I doubt very much if she even realizes that I watch her, but I do. I watch her form, her workout ethic, and which options she chooses. Her power squats are serious! I look at her powerful, toned legs, and tell myself, "I want 'them' legs"! LOL :)

So when Brian directed us to do leg lifts, fire hydrants, and other fun things that made my legs "scream, scream, scream", I looked over at this cool, strong lady and followed her legs. My thighs and buns were burning with a vengeance, but she kept working in perfect form without hesitation. Guess, if I want her strong, powerful legs, I'm gonna have to work for them! :) But I was cryin'! Believe me, I was hurting! LoL :)

By the end of the BootCamp my muscles could hardly move. The abs got a great workout too, but the only thing I could feel was my poor achin' _ _ _ ! :)

Not to be discouraged however! The Star and I decided we were going to come in on Saturday and beef up our efforts for a wham-bam double duty workout! Little did I know that whatever soreness and muscular fatigue I was feeling now, wasn't even the half of it! :)

Tune in to the next blog to read just how intensely effective Brian's super workout was on this Friday, combined with his all body workout on Saturday!! Friends, you've got to give yourself a chance to experience this double whammy at least once! :)

the pinK tiger will see you there!

Could You Be the Crown Jewel in Hiding?

It was Thursday, and the day to work our upper body. Yup, we had an excellent workout! We did various circuits, some that included walk out push-ups, monster tricep dips, and even power squats and step-ups for a cardio push. We got to end with a cardio run after each set.

I was delighted that "the gold star" deliberately and decisively chose to run with me at each interval! You're the best, Girl! Let's get it on! :) What a difference it can make when a comrade is willing to take you under their wing and push you to their speed and endurance. She runs at a faster clip than me, but manageable. I wanted to run a new pace and for these short intervals I was successful. As I said in one of the last blogs, nothing is better for your success than to pair yourself with someone who can do a little more than you, run a little faster than you, or carries the mindset of a pit bull with lipstick! :) Ha! I knew you'd get a chuckle with that one!

The power of a working partner that elevates you to perform at your personal best is just tremendous. I hope all of you fitness warriors will find someone you can hook up with to periodically re-pace yourselves, and re-calibrate your new abilities. Just like "the Little Rocket", "Gold Star" has had a dramatic impact in my desire to run and use it as a predominant training tool. The additional benefit too, is that she is starting fresh with running like me, and so our beginning goals are more closely matched, and our spiral climb to the top somewhat comparable.

For today, one of the circuits Brian had us do involved a series of shoulder and bicep exercises at various stations with the exercise bands and dumbbells. This time, I thought I must be getting stronger, because it was the 1st time I used 8lb. weights for the military press. Giddy-up! :) However, hours later my shoulders ached and I was sore. That's a good thing! Thank you coach! :)

The exercise bands are creepers, I must say! Sometimes you don't realize how hard your muscles are working until later. Doing these succession of exercises in this interval format really can blow those muscles out of the water! :) I've always marveled at Brian's ability and expertise to position and time these exercises in the perfect order that gets the maximum burn. There is certainly deliberation in his sweet madness! :D Give it up for the Top DoG! Whoo-hoo! :)

We in the Dublin AM camp know Brian has a great sense of humor too, so he always likes to throw in a few killers, and for this day it was definitely the walk-outs. There was plenty of grunting, heaving and laughing! Our trainer had me muttering to myself again. Its murder, I tell you! Murder! :)

While I was muttering, the "gold star" laughed and laughed, making the best of this opportunity to feel the burn.

The other famous goodie that I knew Brian would eventually feed us were the tricep dips. Oh...my.....as always it was brutal! I have to laugh when Brian targets the chicken wings, because he doesn't ever monkey around. I always see this gleeful sparkle in his eye come to life, and an ornery smile spread across his face when he's ready to whammy us! Hee-hee, it makes me laugh! :) Gotta laugh cause I "ain't" gonna cry. Besides, this healthy pain can be managed with a little humor! My triceps are simply having a love/hate affair with Brian. LoL! He never lets them down! (hee-hee!)

I heard campers around me audibly dying with these tricep killers so I wasn't the only one. I have no doubt that his other fabulous trainers are gifting you in the other camps with the same sweet torture!:)

I really try to watch my form on these dips, because they are much more difficult to perform when you keep your entire body still and isolate your triceps to lift and lower your body weight. That's when they become another Brian Monster Special! LoL ;D

So.........are you going through the motions of a tricep dip or are you doing the Brian Monster Special?!! The pinK tiger is gonna be watchin' you all! :) And me? I am getting myself ready for when he ramps up the dip to a pulsing dip and it evolves into a true dedicated monstrosity! :)

In between the tricep dips we did a circuit of cardio that included power squats, steps ups, and running back and forth from the middle line. This again is a little surprise that Brian slipped in the set. It may be cardio, but dang......we sure are working those legs too, huh? Double the pleasure, double the pain, eh?! LOL!

I did fairly well with these shorter runs and was happy that I got a chance to run with the "Gold Star". It was great, because its wonderful to have a workout partner. She lights me up when we work our goals and aspirations together.

One of our last activities was something that brought back memories of a childhood game called "Tag". It was fun, playful, and yet it served the special purpose of practicing agility and sharpening our reflexes. Actually, it was great! More adults should learn to let go and just be playful. It was fun to watch many of us laugh and giggle like little girls again, and evoke that tender childlike spirit.

Playing together, working together creates bonds that can have a very healthy effect on our psyche. If there is anything I wish I could impress upon my fellow fitness warriors, it might be that I hope all of you will empower yourselves by giving of yourselves to another. It is a very fulfilling gesture. It can give you a fantastic "high", and you will get back more than you give.

Maybe every now and then, take the time to lift the person next to you. What an incredible opportunity to impact someone who might really be looking up to you. They may watch you and say to themselves, "I want to be just like her! I want to be as good as any other Big DoG that's really got their groove on! And the newer members who are working towards that goal but who have the mindset of a champion? You got even more to give! I know I got one givin' to me and she is unequivocally AWESOME! Her gift is every bit as significant as that of a Big DoG and she has been a precious jewel to me. Do you suppose YOU could be the jewel for someone in your camp? Come out of hiding and show yourself for the champion you really are. :)

Tomorrow is "the Day"! We have the mile run tomorrow, and its all I'm thinking about. I really want to do well, and I'm crossing my fingers. I want to improve and succeed for me, my trainer/coach, and for my supportive teammates. I have only run a few times in the last 2 weeks, and cardio conditioning doesn't maintain on its own. But I am not afraid to know where I stand, because the truth will be my teacher.

When camp let out, I was filled with motivation. I stayed over to practice my run and familiarize myself again with the sights, smells, and feel of the terrain that I would race. After that, I will do about 35-40 minutes cardio on the elliptical.

That's it for the PinK tiger! Let's go hit that mile run tomorrow and make our coach and our sexy selves proud! :)

the pinK tiger......

.....on the run!

The Brian Monster Special x 2

This Wednesday was a monster day as Brian amped up the workout. I think he is determined to get us in shape, and give us the chance to see what we are capable of doing. :) Perhaps he is of the mindset, "No Fitness Warrior Left Behind?" LoL. ;)

There "ain't" no way you can't lose weight and get fit under his tutelage. I bet all the rest of his drill sergeants are the same way. I know the Velvet Hammer doesn't monkey around. :)

All I can say is that if you or I don't get what we want out of this BootCamp, we must not have wanted it bad enough. Brian and his team are doing their job; are we doing ours? Be honest.

I need to ask myself that often, because complacency is a sneaky, shady enemy. I may think because I show up at camp everyday, and eat decently with only a few indiscretions, I am doing all I can to win this war against the fat. But in my heart of hearts, if I'm not pushing through my pain, mental obstacles, or fatigue, I'm not doing all I can to improve myself and really get better! I'm just coasting.

Brian started us out with the ladder as our first slated activity. One thing I've learned about my body, is that I need a substantial warm up time to super perform my workout. I never needed much as a young person, but that has drastically changed now. I actually need a pre-warm up. I should walk a good 10 minutes before I can comfortably start a jog as my warmup. Yup, the ladder work was kickin'!

Another fabulous activity was running the cones in figure 8s. I had another terrific chance to experience what a powerful influence teamwork and camaraderie can do. I was running behind 2 Big DoGs; one was a young, sleek colt in front....I'll call her "Sleek & Chic"... and then there was "The Little Rocket". "The Little Rocket" was tearing around those cones like a Formula 1 at the Indy. It was all I could do to keep up. She and the colt were pushing me at full throttle! Dang, these women are fast! :)

The power of working with someone faster & stronger than you is no joke. I always deliberately push myself to my perceived full capacity, but this was really kickin' it up the next level! ; ) Its something to think about if you are striving to break through your plateau. Next time we form lines, think about the line you choose. Maybe we already do, huh? :)

Thank you, Lil Rocket for your inspiration. And kudos to "Sleek & Chic" in front for setting the pace. You sure do got a pace, girl! :)

We did some heavy duty ab work, too. My abs are stronger than some folks, but on this day they were crying "mercy, mercy"! They were aching deep inside and it was a delicious sensation! I noticed many other campers were feelin' it, too. Brian directed us to perform the standard goodies including crunches, the bicycle, and using a weight overhead. These came in rapid succession that caused that delicious muscle failure.

Finally Brian announced that he had "a special" for us, and I smiled and held my breath. "Got to be some planks", I whispered to "Gold Star". Sure enough we were treated to a moving plank, where we had to move up and down while holding the plank on each side. It was a monster to do after that full succession!

I heard "Gold Star" laugh and giggle next to me and she literally couldn't stop. I think she found it amusing that any exercise could be so tough! :) I was struggling my own self, too. I was wondering if Brian had forgotten to blow his trusty whistle! :)

With all the various cardio circuits and demanding ab work, the day just would not have been complete without The Brian Monster Special. What would that have been? It was those "suicides", back and forth between the parking lines, in triplet form. It was a kick ass cardio routine that really pushed the envelope! :) I was coming to the end of my stamina when Brian encouraged me to "keep it going".

Encouragement is a powerful motivator for me just as music is. There's just nothing that feels so good when your trainer sees you need that extra kick and provides it for you. Brian you're my main man when it comes to fitness! :) And your cardio is all killer!

As we performed this interval run a few times I got winded. Yet, even though I trailed in last with this circuit, I heard cheers and encouragement from the sidelines by all the other campers, including my inspirational team. What a great team of women! We do it for each other.

This was a tough day for me at Adventure, and that's exactly why I loved it! At end of camp, "Gold Star" talked about the various runs that were coming up around Thanksgiving, and said she was thinking about doing the Turkey Run."Little Rocket" had some ideas of her own for the After Thanksgiving races around town. It is awesome to see how one positive step evokes another. Then it starts building on each other.

"Little Rocket" is also doing some preliminary training for a triathalon. Talk about motivation, inspiration, and thinking big! This fireball does swimming lessons after BootCamp and then runs 5 miles in the evenings! Determination and that "can-do" attitude is what it's all about. And its contagious, too!

Brian and even Kim have mentioned that if we really want to transform ourselves, we need to work it beyond the camp. Myself, I have been doing some additional cardio work on the elliptical and also practice jogging a few days a week after camp. Still, maybe training for a race, no matter how small, would make a huge difference in transforming my physical prowess, capability, and my confidence too.

How 'bout you, fitness friends? Are you doing much out of camp, and if so, what works for you? Would love to hear your suggestions and comments, because we are all in this together, aren't we?

I don't know about you, but I want to be in the winning circle. My comrades above are both winners - one is a semi-new member, and the other a veteran marathon runner. To keep company with such champions can be very potent to my own success. With my friends' encouragement and support, I may want to do more than get fit and trim.

Transformation Warriors, you heard it first from the pinK tiger! These are 2 competitors to watch for in the winning circle.

Go Dublin AM, Go! :)

(....got the PinK tiger purrrrrin'..........)

The Power of Friendship & Camaraderie

My first day back at camp was on Tuesday. I was still very tired, and my muscles were tight from all the driving. My bones even seemed to creak. Yeah, even though I did some strength training in the room with exercise bands and my own weight, I had not performed a solid, vibrant workout since 11 days ago.

I was anxious to get started again. Getting back to Adventure was like "coming home" again. It also contained all the tools I needed to flourish. Here, I would have a leader to coach and advise me, a structured group workout with the positive energy of many "like" souls wanting to accomplish the same goals as me, and my favorite teammates who were my friends and real inspiration.

The first comrade I came up upon was "Star". My what a welcome sight. She told me she held title for one of the 3 most improved campers last month. Way to go "Star"! You go girl!! :)

I asked her how her off-week had gone, and it seems she has been kicking it up a notch! She said she was including more out of camp running....as much as an extra half hour, 5 days a week, to maximize her time and accelerate her weight loss. This is one tough lady, and she is focused. She has made up her mind that she is working this BootCamp to win the Transformation Contest. With "Star", there is this quiet, competitive resolve within her that almost seems unflappable. And she said that she made up her mind to change her eating habits, and she is doing it. Yes. As simple as making the decision to make every bite count.

Wow! So much for excuses. I knew the first day I met her she was a "star" and had star quality. I think its time to upgrade that to "the Gold Star". :)

So listen up fellow competitors of the Transformation Contest! We got a semi-new member who is biting at our heels. She reminds me of a pit bull who "ain't " gonna let go of this one! :) hee-hee! I will bet my money that "the Gold Star" will be one of the top 3 finalists, and may very well take the gold medal home. A whole year of free Adventure BootCamp? That's like Olympic Gold, baby! :) I think I would be on a nonstop euphoric "high" if I could ever claim such a prize!

What does this do for me? Well, high time to amp up my own strategy. Time to get it on for Moi! If she can do it, so can I, dang it! :)I am thus reading all of Brian's emails again on goal setting, and writing my own down. It may even be time to share them with someone I trust and respect, and even admire; someone who's opinion of my credibility matters.

"The Gold Star" made a comment that I have professed the entire time, but hearing it from her only solidified it. She said, "I have made up my mind to give it my all, because I don't want to be coming to BootCamp 5 months from now, still working on the same pounds I did when I first arrived". That makes sense!

Now is the time to take action when everything is in place for success to happen. All the stars are lined up. I know "the Gold Star" doesn't want to squander her opportunity, and neither do I. Do you??

As we started our BootCamp, the opening itinerary included a jog around the parking lot . Brian gave us a chance to implement a technique that would increase your speed if you worked it. It requires you to amp up your speed and recover, with 1:3 proportions. Its the same as interval training, but you're amping up your speed on the jog or run more than your standard pace. To get fast, you have to train fast. Duh! Otherwise, you just keep getting more of what you've been getting.

For me, I don't typically train fast. My internal clock is simply a moderate pace, so attempting to move at lightening speed doesn't come natural or easy. But that is exactly what I want Brian to do for me.....to push me as hard as I can take and to help me create a new rhythm and inner clock for myself. This is why a dedicated trainer such as Brian is so valuable to me in my quest to win. He has me doing things I'm not quite ready to do on my own.

I went around the parking lot, and tried to implement this technique as long as I could without gasping. This was tough, because I feel I'm going good by just jogging. Now I need to speed up my jogging as well! My breathing was heavy, but I was able to go around the full circle without stopping. I would estimate that I lost about half of my little gains in my off week without cardio work. It doesn't discourage me.

The next thing at task was a routine for the day that would include chest, back and arms. I didn't do too badly with the upper body, maybe because I had been using the exercise bands even if only a few minutes most of the days. Still, I felt like rubber. I couldn't feel my triceps. They had momentarily disappeared. But I know Brian will be feeding my triceps plenty of treats for my Michelle Obama arms before the week is over! ;)

How about the diamond pushups? I love them because they can really kick my #!$%! :) Heh-heh! Needless to say.... I was having a time handling them this go round. I will need to work hard this week to get myself up to speed. Thank goodness our bodies have a memory, eh?! The following day my chest was really, really sore.

This is the beginning of a new camp and a new slate. I am determined to put all the components together for my best effort yet. I want to taste the sweetness of success.

I was further encouraged because as camp ended, "the Gold Star" and I talked about meeting out of camp once a week for a run. I know running with this determined and focused lady would incite me to accelerate my own game. This new member is on her way to becoming one of the Big DoGs. And I want to join the ranks with her! :)

Brian had mentioned to me that working out with someone better or more advanced than you pays great dividends. It is the best thing we can do to improve ourselves. How very true. We, as humans, tend to gravitate to the bars we set, and yet they can be unconsciously determined by the level of goals and aspirations of those who surround us.

You've heard the old expression, "Birds of a feather flock together?" It seems that this is the case with fitness, nutrition, business, and anything else that matters in this world. We tend to position ourselves accordingly. Hang around ambitious people, and we too, will elevate ourselves to that plane. Hang around slackers and we start becoming complacent and may begin to lose our edge.

About this time "the Little Rocket" came my way. "Little Rocket" is one of the Big DoGs I really admire. She is positive, strong, decisive, and an exceptional motivator. I look at her and have to smile. Very big things do come in small packages, and she is expansive in her outlook. The Little Rocket lives life large and on her own terms. I'll take a page from her notebook any day. She provides a camaraderie and a contribution to me and other fitness warriors at Adventure that is invaluable.

So it was great to see "the Little Rocket". But then she totally dropped the bomb on my preconceived beliefs of myself. She said, "Why don't you train for the Cap City Marathon coming this May? If you start training now, you could run that race."

My eyes just got big. Huh? What......me??? You're playin' with me, right?! I have never run or competed in a race in my entire life! I'm not exactly in the Spring season of my youth and I have respiratory difficulties running one mile. My body has never even experienced such a thing. I have no frame of reference for it. Blah, blah, blah.....lol!

We continued to talk and shared with Brian on his marathon run. I wanted to know how he overcame the pain coming up in his leg with his soleus injury in his calf, that had totally taken him off the road more than once. How does someone get the mental toughness to override the fear of an injury possibly disabling you from continuing the race? What do you put in your head when you are feeling those warning pains or ready to drop, and how do you manage that fear and pain? Brian hurt himself so badly that he couldn't even run for a few weeks prior to the race. Yet he still went out there and did it. That takes guts!

So I wanted to know some of his techniques for training....especially for improving my running time. One of his answers to me was "speed training". I enjoy learning from the best, and I came away realizing that a 1st rate trainer can give you expertise and direction that is priceless. Each individual trains differently, and a 1st rate premier coach will know how to build a custom individualized program based on your composite. That means assessing the physical abilities or limitations correctly, and getting inside the person to work with their mental framework and motivations, too.

Wow! Its amazing that I would even consider such a venture as a race, but I think if I had a mentor and training partner to help me navigate the process, it might just be a very thrilling adventure to achieve. Think of the sense of self-fulfillment you would experience! This would force me to practice mental toughness and discipline, push through my comfort zone. I could totally reinvent myself and see myself in a new dimension!

And the by product? Well, with all that running.......I gotta be slimming down! :) It would be "bye, bye bootie"! Love it! :) Something to think about.

"Little Rocket" and I also talked about forming a casual nutrition support group. This would be a fabulous adjunct to the BootCamp and outside workouts. What do you all think? Comment on this blog or let us know.

As I got in my car, I had a lot to think about indeed. Breaking out of our self imposed prisons can be a mind blowing thing! And to succeed takes more than just wanting it. It takes commitment, a plan, and plenty of support. With Adventure BootCamp I have learned first hand the power of "more than one". I am so grateful for all the positive support I get from my friends at Adventure, and equally appreciative that our lead coach is willing to share his knowledge, expertise, and experience in and out of camp.

Some of you push me to think big.....live big. Sometimes it takes someone else believing in us in the early phase, before we can take the torch and believe in ourselves. "The Little Rocket" has made such an impact on me.

The strength of camaraderie and a collective spirit is a very powerful thing.

For all of you and me who have this extraordinary opportunity to be in Adventure BootCamp, let's take advantage of all the tools and rich resources it has to offer. The friendships I have formed in Adventure are precious, because we all are a very select group. We are a group of women who is willing to get up before sunset, or take our free time after a very long day of work, and get fit and transform our bodies. It makes me beam to think about it! :)

When you think of the masses of people who choose to do nothing more than walk the dog as their best exercise, you know what I'm talking about. I think Brian got a view of it at the Circleville Pumpkin Festival. :) Hee-hee!

So the pinK tiger wants to thank each of you that makes the commitment to come to BootCamp. You are GREAT! Even though I may not have had the pleasure to know you or converse with you personally, it really matters every day you come. You are part of that aura that makes the energy in Adventure so awesome! If you think you are not missed when you can't make class, you are so, so mistaken! Each of us is making a significant impact on at least one person whether we know it or not. They just might not tell you! ; )

Let's all buoy each other up and rally ourselves for what we want! We have the power to make this BootCamp any and every thing we want. Let's make it work for us. It is the "power of us"!

Let's make it the Greatest Adventure BootCamp that ever was!

Its the PinK tiger......

.....rearing to roar like a lion! :)

What I Learned on Off-Week

Hello Friends, Fellow Fitness Warriors, and Readers,

The PinK Tiger is back! It seems like a long time since I wrote a blog, so my creative process is a little stiff today....just like when you don't exercise for a week and then come back the first day. Oyyy. Not walking quite as straight. Not quite as smooth as when you are in the groove and got some momentum behind you. :)

But allow me to give you a quick update: My off-week was consumed with 12-15 hr days traveling and working in Flint and Grand Rapids, MI. With no days off, I didn't have much time to exercise and it was a struggle to eat clean. Fatigue got its grip on me and as I've mentioned before that is my demon. I need to avoid fatigue at all costs, because it will take me down faster than anything.

Has anyone ever heard of HALT? In the recovery communities, it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. These are the danger zones that can take us off course if we get too deep in any of these quicksands. So if you are feeling any of these emotions, brace yourself and get hyper vigilant about your environment, triggers, and people who might take you off your stride. Uh huh, you heard me right. I read it in the newspaper and Brian sent us an email.....Your friends and associates can have a huge influence on whether you are fat or not, too! Hmmmm. Yet the worst culprit is just plain ole isolation. I had an abundance of that on the road.

Regarding my exercise, I brought my exercise bands and I did some resistance training in 15 minute segments; morning and evening when possible. I didn't have much chance for cardio, except to take a few brisk walks around the parking lot compound. Because of the traffic, I only tried to jog 2x on the weekend. It will be interesting to see if I lost much conditioning when I get tested for the mile run on Friday. I tell myself, "not to worry". If I have lost the small gains I made, this will be a sure fire test to prove what happens when I take a week off from training my lungs! :) I can make this into a learning opportunity....eh Brian? :) lol

The food factor was another matter. I was fortunate to stay at the Residence Inn at the Marriott. I had a small kitchen. I didn't have time to cook, but it was very handy all the same. I ate lots of eggs, scrambled, poached and hard boiled. I loaded the fridge with lots of yogurt, and I brought my Isagenix for shakes and quick on the run meals. I ate a few good salads made with vinegar and olive oil. I also ate apples when I craved something sweet and crunchy.

The other days I mostly ate fresh turkey from a place next door that carved it whole every day. It was called Turkey Hill. I did very good the first 7 days. The last 3 days were marginal. I stumbled on a place that made hand made ice cream - more than homemade! And that was when I was faced with making a choice.

I walked away from it the first day. On the 2nd day, I hesitated a long time before I decided to go for it, but it was a decision not born of "out of control" eating. I simply wanted to try it! :) So I got myself a one dip cup. And yes folks! If you have an epicurean taste for ice cream, this was some delectable stuff! Yum, yum!

Fine. No problem in enjoying an occasional, scheduled treat. I didn't even go over my calorie limits. It was the next day when things were getting frustrating with people and work, and I had to kill an hour with nothing to do, that my mind started wandering towards Uncle Ray's. I was doing lots of business in the neighborhood of Uncle Ray's Ice Cream and that is when I made an impulsive decision that didn't feel good. Yes, it had to be the very best, most sumptuous ice cream I ever ate in my life! The first dip was worth every calorie, but not the second. :( I knew I was racking up trouble.

After that, as I was trying to locate a few clients, I happened to find my way into the Historic Village of Fenton, and saw a craftsman hand make these chocolates. The people were going in this little shop in masses. What could be sooo good? I tried 3 chocolate samples that were extraordinary. Another impulsive decision. But at least I didn't go back! Yippee for me!

I think I made excuses for myself after I gave in to the 2nd treat of ice cream. It goes back to that mindset , "when we work extremely hard, and are very stressed, alone, tired....can't we reward ourselves with something we enjoy once in awhile?"

It reminds me of that cliche that says: "Don't judge a character when things are going well. Judge a character when things are going bad." Same with temptation. Sure its easy to say no when there is no temptation!

For me, I saw first hand when I was taken out of my ordinary habitat, that visual cues are real triggers for me. Watching other people enjoy food can also whet my appetite. I almost sound like Pavlov's Dog don't I? LOL :D That is just how easily programmed any of us can get without even realizing it!

The good news was that I never once stopped at a fast food restaurant, no matter how hungry I got. I managed to primarily sustain on eggs, yogurt, turkey, whole wheat English muffins, and Isagenix shakes.

Fast forward to the first thing that I was facing when I came home; the scales and measuring tape at the hands of Kim......... to be recorded and posted on the bulletin board! I was petrified that I had gained lots of weight. This was a moment I dreaded more than you can imagine! I have issues with my body anyway, so I just wanted to hide under the covers and pretend I didn't have to do this. Something called Denial wanted to rear its familiar head. But I knew I had to suck it up and face the consequences.

Well, not so bad, folks! :) I was actually quite pleased considering that it is an accomplishment if I can lose anything. I've struggled with significant thyroid problems since beginning menopause which has definitely contributed to the challenge of losing weight.

But guess what friends! I lost 5 lbs and an inch off my booty! Hey, hey!! I've lost 2 inches off this overly abundant, bootylicious backside since I started with Adventure, so I was thrilled! :D Psyched is more like it! I knew at that point if I had eaten clean the whole time, I might have seen a 7lb loss in one month! That is simply beyond awesome!

Of course, there is always the chance that the weight gain is lurking in the shadows, but won't show for another week or so. But it is quite a motivating thought to think of the possibility of a 7lb loss, and all the more reason to tighten up my food game! No more pennies in the blue jar this segment of the Transformation Contest. We are in a new month, baby, and the slate is clean! :)

When I look back at my "out of" Adventure BootCamp experience, I learned some valuable lessons and got a chance to test myself. I know I am not ready to be thrown out of the nest quite yet. I need to stay where I am and continue to practice new behaviors so they become 2nd nature. I held on quite well for the majority of the week, but I am still taking baby steps. I think one obstacle I need to overcome is my old identity with food. Food has had more power over my life than I care to think about, but having power over food almost feels like an out of body experience. It doesn't quite feel like me yet, but wouldn't it be just awesome???!!! I plan to get familiar with that experience! :)

One thing I can say is that the tools I used did keep me on track for the most part. I just didn't have enough of them. I kept a basic food diary, and I had some basic good foods available in the hotel. I made use of healthier substitutes. I had apples, and I made myself cocoa with skim milk with a teaspoon of sugar when I was craving something sweet. It was very satisfying for me at the end of a hard and cold day.

What I didn't have was a support system, an accountability partner, or a structured exercise class. I looked all over for a gym but none were accessible to me.

So how 'bout you? How did you do on your off-week? Hope you will also reevaluate and assess your success and failures as equal teachers that will give you your answers. As Brian has always said, "Failures are opportunities to learn".

Tomorrow is a new day. The pinK tiger will see you in camp! :)

the pinK tiger.....

....ready to paw her way to the top! :)

The "Mother" Day!

Wow! The time has come and gone so fast, and it seemed like yesterday when I blogged about my 1 minute mile last month. I had decided that I wanted to really work at this part of my training, and chose to prepare by practicing my jogging.

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..............

Squeezing the Juice

We did a great workout on Wednesday. It was hard. We worked on our legs, chest, and back, and it seemed we didn't stop long enough to even catch our breath.

I was still quite sore and stiff from the Amazing Race. Doing the leg work today was another opportunity to dig deep in my soul and ask myself what I really wanted. How much did I want it! When Brian offered the easier options to the tougher one, I tried to go as long as I could with the advanced options. He put together some meaty medleys of squats and lunges that made my legs burn and nearly fade to extinction. :) lol

At one point, I was near exhaustion and muscle failure and didn't think my legs could push out one more power squat. They were trembling and were quickly cooking down to mush. (lol) But Brian cheered me on, pumped me up, and told me to "kick it out"! I always seem to squeeze a little more juice when my fitness coach is there to encourage me to dig deep! :)

We also did some awesome chest exercises, especially the diamond pushup. That works! :)

The surprising thing today was that while may of the campers including myself were heaving and groaning at the workload, the morning went fast as lightening! Perhaps we're getting gritty! We are developing some true grit along the way after all!! :) lol

When it was time to stretch, a few campers remarked almost simultaneously, "Is it already over and time to go?"

I guess time goes fast when you are having fun; Fun at Adventure Boot Camp that is!

Tomorrow is the day to look for. Our month of camp is coming to an end this week as unbelievable as that is to contemplate. So we will be tested on our pushups and 1 minute mile.

I have worked hard at preparing for this day. I've practiced running about 3-4 days a week to try and condition my lungs, and build up my power and stamina to improve my numbers. I will be happy with any improvement, as long as I am moving in the right direction.

I hope all you campers out there will take a deep breath, move past your fears and discomfort, and join us tomorrow. If the pinK tiger can do it, you can too! :) Getting a base point measure that will qualify your fitness level is just another tool you can put in your toolbox! :)

See you tomorrow fitness warriors!

the pinK tiger

What Are U Doin' With Your Toolbox? (Part 2)

In part 1, I spoke of creating a toolbox. The toolbox contains all the skills, knowledge, and support that any of us may need to set up ourselves for success. Each of us will have a different toolbox based on our strengths and weaknesses, and what our triggers may be.

As I mentioned before, I want to change my ways that defeat me. Now is the time to practice using those tools on the weekends and between boot camps while I am still at Adventure. Now, because I have the energy of the group, the support of my special friends at camp, and the smarts and experience of my Adventure camp leader. Brian creates a structured environment with all the components in place to form a new habit, a new lifestyle, and a new body if we want it. And if we falter, he will give us the motivation and juice we need to get back up on our feet, but also the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Just like a fledgling, better to fall while I'm still in the nest and got a safety net to catch me, before I do too much damage too myself! :( (lol)

This is fertile learning ground for me, because here and now I can learn to navigate my life with all the temptations and challenges that have taken me down in the past, and still have the structure of Adventure to keep me centered. Therefore, when I have to leave for vacation or can't continue with my boot camp and trainer, I will have my fitness routine in place, and my eating under control.

So what tools will I include in my box that I know I need to succeed? Here it is:

1.) After losing so frequently with the food factor, one of the tools I am going to include is a food diary. This is essential for me to stay on track. I've tried it before and it helps me significantly. The downside is that is can be very time consuming. And that in itself can cause me stress if I don't have the time! Its all a balancing act, isn't it. :)

2.) I am going to find substitute foods that can satisfy me without causing me a total nosedive. Taking away foods that I enjoy will leave a hole. An unfilled hole is far more dangerous when I'm shaky, than a filled hole.

3.) I am printing all emails and pertinent articles that Brian sends us and put them in a 3 ring binder. So much of what he sends nourishes the mind and spirit, and teaches us to create the mindset of a successful person. I need to read often to keep my motivation up and stay focused. I want it handy; Not filed away in the computer.

4.) Based on the group experience of strength and camaraderie of Adventure Boot Camp, I realize that I need to create a system of accountability and support regarding my workout and nutrition. I have a friend who is working to achieve the same fitness and nutrition goals. We are going to check in at least every other day. But even with that, I need to be in a structured exercise group with others. My friends in Adventure Boot Camp are so fabulous and have inspired me more than they know.

5.) I need rest. Fatigue is a demon for me. It is the loose link in my chain and can trigger disorders I fight, as well as leave me in an emotional pothole. I have trouble accessing my energy, and fatigue will blow me out of the water.

What I have learned from Brian and his other premier trainers is "everything I need to succeed". They are not talking to hear themselves. Its time to use the tools I've acquired throughout my life and the ones from the Adventure team.

So what are you doing with your toolbox? Do you know what tools you need to succeed? It might take time to learn and practice using the knowledge we have, but it can only get better and easier. For me, the food factor is one of the most challenging issues I face when I am emotionally spent.

If there are any readers willing to share what they do to overcome their food vices, fatigue, or anything that has the power to cause self sabotage, I would love to hear from you. Perhaps by working together, we can accomplish what we struggle to achieve by ourselves.

the pinK tiger.....

dusting off the toolbox! :)

What Are U Doin' With Your Toolbox? (Part 1)

Tuesday was a very rainy day and it required us to go inside Brian's fitness studio to complete our workout. It was another great workout as usual, but today I was more consumed with the other piece of the puzzle that can make or break one's success at transformation: The food factor.

The blue jar got filled with a few more pennies over the last several days, because I succumbed to my worst self-sabotaging habit that often comes between me and the home run....eating under duress.

This first weekend of October, I had experienced tremendous inner stress as I battled the demands of work, traveling for 12 hrs a day, exhaustion, and losing my best friend to cancer. I caved. I went back to the same ole' standby that I have used frequently in my life when I feel overwhelmed, stressed, tired, or grieving a loss.

I want this page in my life to change. It brings me so much pain and hurt when I work so hard at achieving a goal, exercise with discipline and commitment, and undo all my efforts because I make a few hasty food choices that I enjoy for mere minutes. :(

Remember when Brian emailed us and told us how we can not expect success if we eat up all the calories we lose following boot camp? It doesn't take much. Maybe a Starbucks Latte and its all gone. For me, its just a few sweets that add up to an extra 250-400 calories a day.

Brian also gave us information on how tricky the appetite is. Our bodies will find a way to feed it. Visual stimulation, or the scent of cinnamon rolls baking can have a powerful force on our brains that regulate hunger and appetite. It may not effect some people, but it surely effects me. How about you?

So how does it break down for me? I need to take these failures and use them to create a new strategy for success. There will always be an occasional setback, but I need to take what I know that sets me off and have a plan to shore myself up against these temptations.

I call my self knowledge and the resources I need to succeed as my "toolbox". My toolbox contains all the things I need to succeed with my nutrition and exercise components. I need to succeed at both to get what I want.

One great thing to have in my toolbox is a personal trainer or coach that is a leader within themselves. I say that, because a leader will teach me to lead myself, and motivate me to pick myself up after a fall. In my case that would be Brian. Based on my experience with some of his other trainers, they also are very capable people who can arm you with what you need to succeed.

Brian is a leader, and in his capacity he teaches us to lead ourselves. That is a very powerful gift if you are willing to accept the responsibility! What we learn at Adventure BootCamp, we can implement out of camp. It reminds me of when my siblings and I were young adolescents learning to etch out our own identities. Our parents taught us, supported us, and cushioned us as we spread our wings and learned to navigate life on our own. It was such a crucial time, because we had the confidence to make mistakes, knowing that we would be cared for and tucked back into the nest before learning our next lesson without horrific consequences. They provided us with a safety net and the wisdom to help us grow. Then we took those lessons and applied them when we were finally on our own and ready to fly.

In my experience with Adventure BootCamp, Brian leads us to look at our lives holistically, and presents us with the same kind of support for our nutrition and fitness goals. He gives us the tools we need to succeed. He nourishes our mind, body, spirit by teaching us how to keep a winner's spirit, a positive mindset, and how to navigate the minefields of eating and exercise. He gives us the formula in every boot camp and every email and article he writes. Our we paying attention? The longer I live, the more I realize that to be a successful person, I have to take a holistic approach. Everything is connected to everything else, and success breeds success.

As a young person I use to listen half heartedly when my parents or an expert would advise me to do something. Sometimes I would get stuck doing things the same way because it was comfortable or habitual, and I convinced myself that it was just how I was. It took hyper vigilant effort to change even if there was a better way.

Now, I listen to every gold nugget of wisdom offered to me, because it will give me that extra edge to finding success. Time is really too short to dilly dally around with half commitments.

So that toolbox Brian has offered us? I'm going to use it. What are you going to do with your toolbox? Check out Part 2 for what the pinK tiger has included in her toolbox to make the Transformation!

the pinK tiger

An Amazing Day at the Races

It was Monday and today was going to be the "Amazing Race" day. We gathered in pairs and set out to win a race constituting of numerous exercise sets that were highly challenging. The 1st pair who could execute and finish these fitness drills, would win a prize. And I love prizes, especially if it means promoting my fitness and weight loss with the Brian Schiff team! :) There was a winner for 2 divisions: one for the walkers and one for the runners.

This day brought out the best in all of us; it required us to work with speed, strength, efficiency, competitiveness, and good showmanship. Yet, for all the great mad fun I had, I was extremely sore and was hobbling around the next few days. I love a workout that lets me feel it. The Amazing Race....... talk about a total body workout!

Brian designed a program today that was hot as a firecracker. There was such variety, it must have taken him a good piece of time to set the exercise stations up. He even hid a few of the bands and tubing which prompted us to go on a treasure hunt while we were running/walking quickly between each station. We used the bands, tubes, dumbbells, agility cones and ladders, and our own body weight. One of my favorites was the walking lunges. They hurt like crazy but I desperately want to toughen up and strengthen my legs. I always appreciate doing balance and agility work as well. My other favorite is the ab work.

I don't remember who the winners were, but I did remember when Brian once told us that you can win a contest, race, goal by inches. You can also win by seconds. My partner and I were runner ups with the walkers, and we literally lost by fractions of a second. Fractions I tell you! We approached Brian simultaneously but just as Brian turned his torso to mark off another contestant's completed exercise, there I stood knowing that I did not win the contest. Although I had finished long before the winning team, I needed to wait for my partner to finish her jumping jacks. At stake was a free workout for the off week. That was worth busting my buns for! :)

Ah well. This is when learning to be a gracious loser comes into play. Partners are partners. As far as I was concerned, I was a winner when I completed this awesome, challenging workout for the day!

What is the only thing I wish? I wish we could perform this Amazing Workout twice a month rather than once. It really requires me to dig deep and move fast. I don't typically exercise with speed, especially weight training, so it is a valuable addition to my workouts.

I rather doubt if many realized how hard we worked when we were having such a ball! Maybe I will perform a simplified version of Amazing Race at home once a week just to keep me on my toes and break up the monotony. What a great way to apply what I have learned. You can take the pinK tiger out of Adventure Boot Camp, but you can't take Adventure Boot Camp out of the the pinK tiger! (lol) Heehee! :)

Yeah... just another classic example that there is always something to learn and experience at Adventure Boot Camp!

The Velvet Hammer Strikes With Treats

It was Friday. This was going to be the day for the "Amazing Race" and it's my favorite activity with Adventure BootCamp by far! But the rain was pouring so hard outside, that we had to take it inside. Amazing Race would have to wait for another day. However, that decision didn't effect the awesome workout we had.

Brian was gone on business, and in his place was Kim, one of his premier trainers. And yes, folks, she was premier! She had a little different flavor than Brian, but all the same, it was smackin' tasty. She was all hard core, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye. :) She seemed to have a little ribbon of mischief in her too! :)

We did a great assortment of exercises that worked our legs, back, arms, abs, and some cardio to kick it up. Running against the wall is always a fabulous one, but I enjoyed the medley of exercises as well, as we filed into teams. I was working at full endurance, and nearly maxed out. Kim is the type of trainer that you want to work your best. You know she's got it! The lady is like a velvet hammer; Soft and pretty, but hard like a rock! :) It was great fun to have Kim onboard for our Friday workout. :)

But the best part was the leg work. I always know when I come out of Adventure Bootcamp because my booty is talkin' to me! (lol) We did a variety of squats and lunges and the entire program was very meaty.

Yet, nothing could have surprised me more than when this slender, fit trainer ended the workout with what she called "treats"!

Treats! We've heard that before! :) Do you suppose they might feed us chocolate this time? I mean, it is Halloween month. ;)

So, what have you got for me Kim? Show me what you got? We already had the honor of partaking in Brian's sweet treats from a previous workout! (lol) Hey, they couldn't be any tougher, than his "plankers"! :)

Heehee, I was gulping when she rattled off the treat list; A tsunami of squats that included 20 seconds each of regular squats, speed squats, pulse squats, and jump squats.(or squat sit)

About this time I was blabbering to myself. Kim demonstrated for us and made it look "oh so easy". What a little powerhouse. It was fun to watch her, especially doing the jump squat. A select few of the campers attempted to do these jump squats, but were abandoned early on by some of the best of us.

We campers struggled, grunted, and laughed, and 60 minutes later I knew I had experienced a phenomenal workout. Of course I had to ask Kim: "Were those Brian's treats?" Just wondering if he left us with something to remember him by, as I was chuckling to myself.

Kim replied, "No....those are mine."

Oh my God! I had the best laugh. If there was anything I can say about Friday's treats, it's that Kim is one tough little cookie! And an awesome delight at that. :)

Thank you for leading us in a superior workout, Kim. :) I hope we can have you again!

the pinK tiger