It's been a while since I actually took the time to write anything.
Christmas is such a crazy time of year for me. This year was especially so becuz of my trip to Fitness Ridge.
By the time I got back home the Season was in full swing but I felt completely and utterly out of the loop.
I think it was the 14th of Dec when I got home to find all the house decorated and festive looking (Thanks Michael and Parker)...but really it was just the beginning for me.
I had to shop, plan and organize.
It seemed like every single day after returning home was filled with Christmas concerts, business luncheons or shopping.
This was also the year for us to go travel at Christmas to my mom's. This meant a 4.5 hour drive thru the mountain to my moms. The weather cooperated and Christmas Eve was truly awesome. I was glad when it was over tho and the stress of travel is never easy.
Food you ask??? Hmmm....I got to a place where I had to give myself permisssion to eat.
Man oh man at first I was beating myself up for eating canned soup and not making it from scratch like they showed us at the Ranch. I was label reading like crazy and getting way too stressed out.
Once I relaxed a little bit, it was all good becuz then I was so fixated.
I enjoyed little bits of everything at Christmas dinner and wouldn't have it any other way!
What I have done tho is maintain my initial 17 pound weight loss. I haven't lost any further but I havent' put on either.
So here it is almost New Year's Eve and where do I find myslef but at a condo at Apex Mountain. My son Parker is in ski school and it is a real treat to be able to stay up at the mountain for a couple of days and celebrate the coming year. As I sit right now, the kids are outside and the other family that we're staying with, are kicking back and relaxing. All goood.....
Gonna have me a little bit of wine tonite along with some hummous and veggies and just enjoy the ambiance of the ski hill. I am so blessed.
After New Years I do have a plan.
It is right in my head but I'll write it all down. Like they say...if you fail to plan...you plan to fail.
I have no intention of failing or going backwards!
Just relax and enjoy!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A word about Resting Metobolic Rate (RMR)...
We hear all the time about our metabolism and how it affects our weight but what we really need to know is what we can do about it and assist ourselves in our journey to wellness.
First....a few facts:
fill in the blanks of weight,height,age and sex...this will give you your RMR (so if you laid around on the couch all day the rmr is the number of calories that your body will burn by doing "nothing"). This gives you a good indicator of what calories you can take in to maintain your weight. If you stay at your rmr calorie count then your weight won't change.
Now...you need to track the calories "in"...the only way to do this is by keeping a journal and noting everything you eat. There are plenty of calories counters on-line so there's no excuse for not writing down the calories. Don't forget the "little" things like the mayo that you put on that sandwich...every single little calorie counts. Be truthful...it's for your eyes only...If you give in and eat that chocolate cookie--no big deal--just make sure you track the calories. Read your labels and nutritional guides for any restaurants (again...easily available on line)...no excuses!
Next...you want to calculate your calories "out" or burned. This is a little more difficult. I love the polar 7 heart rate monitor which tells me the calories burned in a day as well as my target heart rate while exercising. These numbers of how many calories burned can be estimated but won't be very accurate unless weight, height, sex and age are taken into consideration for the calculation. Don't trust that treadmill at the gym that says you burned 400 calories....unless you input your personal stats--it's not accurate.
What you want to see....is the calories "in" to be at or below your rmr rate and "out" to excede the rmr.
For every 3500 calories "out" a pound will be gone.
Soooooo....if your rmr is 1500 and you eat 1500 calories a day...you need to burn an additional 500 calories per day to lose one pound per week (500 cal x 7 days = 3500 cal = one pound);
Now ....500 cals to burn over and above your rmr is very doable. Get moving. A good walk can burn 300+...taking the stairs instead of the escalator burns extra...every little calories makes a difference (both "in" and "out"...!!!)
Options:
if you can't burn 500 cals/day...then lower your calories "in" by 200 and do it that way... The choice is yours.
Don't take your calories below 1200/day tho because then your body could think it is in starvation mode and stop burning those calories.
Set a calorie range that is reasonable....ie: 1300-1500 or higher if your rmr is really high; Don't box yourself into a corner....there are days when you need those extra calories.
So...I sure hope all this make sense!
Once the math makes sense, the whole weight-loss thing makes sense.
Good luck. You can do it!
First....a few facts:
- one pound = 3500 calories.
- your rmr is the rate at which your body burns calories while at rest.
- look at calories "in" versus calories "out".
- any calories burned above your RMR go towards that 3500 cals.
- any calories eaten above the rmr need to be burned or weight gain as it adds up to the 3500.
fill in the blanks of weight,height,age and sex...this will give you your RMR (so if you laid around on the couch all day the rmr is the number of calories that your body will burn by doing "nothing"). This gives you a good indicator of what calories you can take in to maintain your weight. If you stay at your rmr calorie count then your weight won't change.
Now...you need to track the calories "in"...the only way to do this is by keeping a journal and noting everything you eat. There are plenty of calories counters on-line so there's no excuse for not writing down the calories. Don't forget the "little" things like the mayo that you put on that sandwich...every single little calorie counts. Be truthful...it's for your eyes only...If you give in and eat that chocolate cookie--no big deal--just make sure you track the calories. Read your labels and nutritional guides for any restaurants (again...easily available on line)...no excuses!
Next...you want to calculate your calories "out" or burned. This is a little more difficult. I love the polar 7 heart rate monitor which tells me the calories burned in a day as well as my target heart rate while exercising. These numbers of how many calories burned can be estimated but won't be very accurate unless weight, height, sex and age are taken into consideration for the calculation. Don't trust that treadmill at the gym that says you burned 400 calories....unless you input your personal stats--it's not accurate.
What you want to see....is the calories "in" to be at or below your rmr rate and "out" to excede the rmr.
For every 3500 calories "out" a pound will be gone.
Soooooo....if your rmr is 1500 and you eat 1500 calories a day...you need to burn an additional 500 calories per day to lose one pound per week (500 cal x 7 days = 3500 cal = one pound);
Now ....500 cals to burn over and above your rmr is very doable. Get moving. A good walk can burn 300+...taking the stairs instead of the escalator burns extra...every little calories makes a difference (both "in" and "out"...!!!)
Options:
if you can't burn 500 cals/day...then lower your calories "in" by 200 and do it that way... The choice is yours.
Don't take your calories below 1200/day tho because then your body could think it is in starvation mode and stop burning those calories.
Set a calorie range that is reasonable....ie: 1300-1500 or higher if your rmr is really high; Don't box yourself into a corner....there are days when you need those extra calories.
So...I sure hope all this make sense!
Once the math makes sense, the whole weight-loss thing makes sense.
Good luck. You can do it!
Time Flies....
Wow...I've been home a week already.
According to my scale I am down 17 pounds since my first weigh-in for Fitness Ridge. That is amazing.
Coming home and readjusting to a normal schedule is not easy and even harder, I think, when it's around the time of the Holidays.
The funny thing for me though is that I am not finding myself tempted by sweet treats or fattening things....it's like the detox from sugar and processed goods has cured me of those cravings.
Where I'm really having trouble is in the exercise department.
Yikes...I can't seem to get myself moving! I just have this desire to nest and take it easy.
We've recently had snow which of course makes walking outside near impossible....but I do have a treadmill.
**heavy sigh** ...just don't want to!
I thought for me it would be the other way around. I love to walk and exercise but can't get my butt moving.
At this stage of the game I'm not going to beat myself up but will continue to monitor my weight and calories.
I reset my polar watch to reflect the weight loss...this will give me a better picture of what calories I'm burning.
I went to shapeup.org. rmr calculator and my rmr is 1527; so anything over that amount is bonus and goes towards the 3500 it takes to burn a pound!
So...I'm gonna snuggle in with a good book and just enjoy the holiday season. We have such busy lives normally so with school out for the holidays and things a little quieter...I'm gonna kick back and enjoy!
According to my scale I am down 17 pounds since my first weigh-in for Fitness Ridge. That is amazing.
Coming home and readjusting to a normal schedule is not easy and even harder, I think, when it's around the time of the Holidays.
The funny thing for me though is that I am not finding myself tempted by sweet treats or fattening things....it's like the detox from sugar and processed goods has cured me of those cravings.
Where I'm really having trouble is in the exercise department.
Yikes...I can't seem to get myself moving! I just have this desire to nest and take it easy.
We've recently had snow which of course makes walking outside near impossible....but I do have a treadmill.
**heavy sigh** ...just don't want to!
I thought for me it would be the other way around. I love to walk and exercise but can't get my butt moving.
At this stage of the game I'm not going to beat myself up but will continue to monitor my weight and calories.
I reset my polar watch to reflect the weight loss...this will give me a better picture of what calories I'm burning.
I went to shapeup.org. rmr calculator and my rmr is 1527; so anything over that amount is bonus and goes towards the 3500 it takes to burn a pound!
So...I'm gonna snuggle in with a good book and just enjoy the holiday season. We have such busy lives normally so with school out for the holidays and things a little quieter...I'm gonna kick back and enjoy!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Referrals.
If you are planning on going to Fitness Ridge there is a referral program.
Mention my name: Faye Arcand and you will save $100 off your stay and I will recieve $100 on file for a future stay....pretty cool!
Mention my name: Faye Arcand and you will save $100 off your stay and I will recieve $100 on file for a future stay....pretty cool!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Are you going to Fitness Ridge? A few tips....
So I just left Fitness Ridge yesterday and I'll arrive home this afternoon. Can't wait.
So here's a few tips for you....
If I think of more I'll throw them in.
Happy Days.
So here's a few tips for you....
- there's no need to take a bunch of cash. They'll just run a tab for you at FR so anything you need or want goes on your credit card on file.
- don't bring laundry soap. There is a cupboard above the table in the laundry room (this is Utah) that is full of products that past guests have left. There is laundry soap, shampoo, blister kits, sunblock....etc. The stuff will always change but why lug heavy stuff in your bag if you don't have to. The FR store does have little boxes of Tide and Bounce for $1.
- don't bother with your high heels and fancy dresses....unless you're gonna party up in Vegas before or after. Believe me...there's no time to go out on the town while in program at FR. The same goes for all the make-up and hair stuff....bring the minimum.
- There are no safes in the room but documents such as passports/credit cards/cash etc can be put in an envelope and kept at the front desk.
- don't forget the chargers to all your electronic devices!! I forgot my ipod charger....this was a popular enough item that someone else had one but still caused me some angst before I found that person.
- clothes: winter...you need a head band to cover your ears and gloves...gets pretty chilly. Make sure you can layer becuz when that sun comes out it warms up pretty fast...especially when you're climbing a mountain.
- bring enough work out clothes so you don't have to do laundry for a few days. I went out a week before I left and bought a bunch of dry wick tops...I tried them on and liked them....then when I got to FR I didn't wear any of them becuz they felt uncomfortable and too tight. So t-shirts are always good if you're not comfortable with the tighter stuff....but t-shirts get wet and stay wet so be sure to have back up becuz you could be changing your clothes a couple times a day.
- If you have two bathing suits...bring 'em along. You'll be in the pool daily and sometimes twice a day. It's not fun to put on a wet cold bathing suit. But don't rush out and buy another just becuz you're going to FR it's really not a big deal...you can always run it under hot water and put on a wet,tho warm, suit.
- Take baby powder!! This can be a saving grace when trying to get a sports bra on after finishing in the pool.
- Don't go in looking for double digit weight loss like the Biggest Loser show. While the program is similar, it is my understanding that on the show they work out even longer than what we do at FR. An average person may do 4-6 lbs a week at FR...at least that's what I saw in the two weeks that I was there.
- They'll give you a Biggest Loser water bottle so you don't need to bring on from home.
- Don't bother bringing a bunch of books...you won't have time to read believe me. You'll be in bed by 7pm!! But if you just have to have something to read there is a small library located just off the front that has a bunch of books, dvd's ($2 for rental...unless it's a workout video) and two or three computers for the guests to use.
- Do remember your sun glasses! Very bright. Most people even wore them in the pool too.
- Try your best and don't compare yourself to others at FR. Some are very fit and others are just starting on their journey....just remember it about you and no one else.
- If you've signed up to share a room...be prepared and open minded. You don't spend a lot of time in the room with your roommate but it can still be difficult...they may snore or simply not want to talk...It can be very difficult to change rooms becuz they're packed to the rafters...so be prepared for anything and everything.
- There was only one hike (West Canyon) where I saw bathrooms. Be prepared to squat on a cactus if you have to. Bring along the small packages of kleenex.
- Take care of your feet. Make sure you have non-friction sox. This is a must. Go to a sports store and get some before coming (tho they do sell them at the FR store). The most popular brand is Wright Socks. You can get them in any running, hiking or sports store...or online. The cost is about 12-15 dollars/pair....worth every penny.
If I think of more I'll throw them in.
Happy Days.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
It's All About Eve....
So...my roommate for the second week that I was at Fitness Ridge was "Eve"....
She put up with my snoring, coughing fits and whining.
She probably doesn't know it yet but I believe that we'll be life long friends cuz I really like her. She's pretty cool in a dorky sorta way....I'm pretty sure I told her that too.
She is gonna be my Apple advisor for life and I'm even thinking that I may have to join her on one of her little half marathons that she does...only for the medals (seriously!!).
I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason and she was thrown into "my" room for a reason. She is so caring and kind that I was sincerely impressed (I don't impress easily--I'm always sceptical) with the fact that what she presented was really what she was. There was no fake nicey-nicey crap...just a genuine person. I think I was pretty lucky to actually be able to witness that and hope that I too can learn from her and her generous attitude with a quick smile or kind word. Thanks for that Eve!
So a little about Eve! She has a twin brother named--what else?--Adam!
She is getting married in Hawaii next September.
She is a marathon and half marathon runner and completed the Las Vegas half marathon the day she came to Fitness Ridge...and only becuz she wanted the medal!
She is a nice person (and I think we actually share a lot more in common that we realize...but will have to explore that reality over time---)
That's all!
And....Here she is....
She put up with my snoring, coughing fits and whining.
She probably doesn't know it yet but I believe that we'll be life long friends cuz I really like her. She's pretty cool in a dorky sorta way....I'm pretty sure I told her that too.
She is gonna be my Apple advisor for life and I'm even thinking that I may have to join her on one of her little half marathons that she does...only for the medals (seriously!!).
I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason and she was thrown into "my" room for a reason. She is so caring and kind that I was sincerely impressed (I don't impress easily--I'm always sceptical) with the fact that what she presented was really what she was. There was no fake nicey-nicey crap...just a genuine person. I think I was pretty lucky to actually be able to witness that and hope that I too can learn from her and her generous attitude with a quick smile or kind word. Thanks for that Eve!
So a little about Eve! She has a twin brother named--what else?--Adam!
She is getting married in Hawaii next September.
She is a marathon and half marathon runner and completed the Las Vegas half marathon the day she came to Fitness Ridge...and only becuz she wanted the medal!
She is a nice person (and I think we actually share a lot more in common that we realize...but will have to explore that reality over time---)
That's all!
And....Here she is....
My Last Day at the Ridge.
Well, my two weeks have finally come to an end.
Whatta ride!
I survived and am very proud of myself.
I weighed out this morning and here are my stats:
Weight: 7 pound loss (tho I stepped on the scale an hour later and it was actually 8! hmmm....)
7 inches forever gone!
and my BMI dropped by 2% (this means that 2% of total body fat are also gone forever!)
I didn't really go in with a goal number to reach by the end of two weeks and am not disappointed with the number (would've been nice to have a bigger number but...)...the other two numbers are much more important to health. It is really difficult to not get fixated on the weight number but concentrate on the wellness of all numbers combined.
The reality is that I survived, and I did things that I've never done before and probably never would have attempted on my own. I have made lifelong friends that I never would have met (this was a surprise for me becuz I really didn't go to make "friends"...amazing what happens when you let it!)
I feel that after two weeks I have a very strong foundation to continue on my journey and be sucessful.
Though two weeks was a long time to be away from my family, I'm glad that I stayed two for my first time there.
I feel that one week would not have been enough for me.
At the end of my first week I was so tired and exhausted that though I'd learned a lot I hadn't absorbed the lessons which I needed to get to be sucessful.
Everyone is different and must decide for themselves.
I am planning on returning in May for a one week kick in the butt and another in October (when it will also be a reunion of sorts as many of the guests I met this week have all made reservations for the same week!!)
This was an adventure of a lifetime for me made possible in part by my loving husband Michael and my son Parker. They have been holding down the fort at home and making it all work. With their love and support I was able to leave them knowing that they were ok and all would be taken care of.
That is huge....if you went to Fitness Ridge worried about what was happening at home you'd be in trouble and wouldn't get much out of the visit.
Being there really means concentrating on yourself.
So my Thanks and Hugs to my Husband and Son!! I love you both soooo much and can't wait to see you!
I boarded the 10:30 shuttle from St. George, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada arriving safe and sound.
Tomorrow morning I return home and begin the Christmas season. Can't wait!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are just some random pix that I took this morning. This first one was taken in the parking lot of Fitness Ridge. It is just a reminder that this is desert country and can (and does) get very hot!
This is the road in front of Fitness Ridge....You're in the middle of no where. Definately not running down the street to get an ice cream! lol
The nearest neighbours to Fitness Ridge!
The front of Fitness Ridge.
Whatta ride!
I survived and am very proud of myself.
I weighed out this morning and here are my stats:
Weight: 7 pound loss (tho I stepped on the scale an hour later and it was actually 8! hmmm....)
7 inches forever gone!
and my BMI dropped by 2% (this means that 2% of total body fat are also gone forever!)
I didn't really go in with a goal number to reach by the end of two weeks and am not disappointed with the number (would've been nice to have a bigger number but...)...the other two numbers are much more important to health. It is really difficult to not get fixated on the weight number but concentrate on the wellness of all numbers combined.
The reality is that I survived, and I did things that I've never done before and probably never would have attempted on my own. I have made lifelong friends that I never would have met (this was a surprise for me becuz I really didn't go to make "friends"...amazing what happens when you let it!)
I feel that after two weeks I have a very strong foundation to continue on my journey and be sucessful.
Though two weeks was a long time to be away from my family, I'm glad that I stayed two for my first time there.
I feel that one week would not have been enough for me.
At the end of my first week I was so tired and exhausted that though I'd learned a lot I hadn't absorbed the lessons which I needed to get to be sucessful.
Everyone is different and must decide for themselves.
I am planning on returning in May for a one week kick in the butt and another in October (when it will also be a reunion of sorts as many of the guests I met this week have all made reservations for the same week!!)
This was an adventure of a lifetime for me made possible in part by my loving husband Michael and my son Parker. They have been holding down the fort at home and making it all work. With their love and support I was able to leave them knowing that they were ok and all would be taken care of.
That is huge....if you went to Fitness Ridge worried about what was happening at home you'd be in trouble and wouldn't get much out of the visit.
Being there really means concentrating on yourself.
So my Thanks and Hugs to my Husband and Son!! I love you both soooo much and can't wait to see you!
I boarded the 10:30 shuttle from St. George, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada arriving safe and sound.
Tomorrow morning I return home and begin the Christmas season. Can't wait!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here are just some random pix that I took this morning. This first one was taken in the parking lot of Fitness Ridge. It is just a reminder that this is desert country and can (and does) get very hot!
This is the road in front of Fitness Ridge....You're in the middle of no where. Definately not running down the street to get an ice cream! lol
The nearest neighbours to Fitness Ridge!
The front of Fitness Ridge. The last Saturday....
On Saturdays you only have to do a hike and a cardio class. The day ends around noon and then you're free to do whatever you want.
The hikes are limited on Saturdays becuz a lot of guests leave on Sat morning. I chose to do the West Canyon hike which is fairly flat and more of a walk than hike. This was the second time doing this hike and I still didn't reach the end which is about four miles in.
The hike starts and at 0930, no matter where you are, you have to turn around...so on that day I think the total distance that I did was about 6.5 miles! It is my goal to reach the end of this hike the next time I visit Fitness Ridge...even if I have to run the dang thing.
This is me and Eve (my roommate)...this was at the 0930 mark...had to turn around!
This is West Canyon. Very pretty.
Here is a pic. On the right is Kristie. She is a special person with a smile so big that it lights up a room. I will be seeing Krisitie again in Oct 2011! She went home with a 20 pound weight loss after three weeks. In the middle of course --is me! and then Karin from Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. She still has one more week to go.
This is Brendi. She got a boo-boo on a hike. She fell face first on the Camel Back hike...this is a few days later but she did sport a pretty good bruise for a while!
Ahhhh....pretty Christmas tree at Fitness Ridge.
This is the lobby....we're all waiting for the van drivers to get their act together and take us bowling.
Alrighty then!!! Here is Ginny. She was soooo excited to go bowling as she hasn't done it in over three years.
Kridtie and Karin.
My Long Island Joanne.
Everyone had a really good time.
I just gotta say that the bowling balls for ten pin bowling are really, really heavy. This is the first time that I've ever 10 pin bowled...it was so funny becuz people had to show me how to hold the balls....You really do have to get your fingers into the right holes!! We all bowled two games and ended around 9:30 pm!! Wow...that's the latest I stayed out while in Utah. Normally you're in bed and half asleep by that time!
The hikes are limited on Saturdays becuz a lot of guests leave on Sat morning. I chose to do the West Canyon hike which is fairly flat and more of a walk than hike. This was the second time doing this hike and I still didn't reach the end which is about four miles in.
The hike starts and at 0930, no matter where you are, you have to turn around...so on that day I think the total distance that I did was about 6.5 miles! It is my goal to reach the end of this hike the next time I visit Fitness Ridge...even if I have to run the dang thing.
This is me and Eve (my roommate)...this was at the 0930 mark...had to turn around! 
This is West Canyon. Very pretty.So the other thing that happens on Saturdays is Graduation. This is for all the guests who are leaving and for those staying. Throughout the week there is a camera man filming all the guests in the classes, in the pool or on the hikes. This is then combined with a bunch of still photos to produce a dvd that all the guests get to keep. We get to watch the dvd on Saturday nite and it is really enjoyable to see everyone working out, clowning around or just hangin'. So Saturday nite, dinner is served and then a microphone is passed around to each guest to stand and say what they learned or what made the most impact for the week. For many this can be an emotional moment and tears are often shed. For some it is a good bye and others it is just the beginning of the next week. After all the blubbering and the dvd then there is some activity planned for all guests to participate in if they chose to. Last week was Karaoke and this week was bowling.
Here is a pic. On the right is Kristie. She is a special person with a smile so big that it lights up a room. I will be seeing Krisitie again in Oct 2011! She went home with a 20 pound weight loss after three weeks. In the middle of course --is me! and then Karin from Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. She still has one more week to go.
This is Brendi. She got a boo-boo on a hike. She fell face first on the Camel Back hike...this is a few days later but she did sport a pretty good bruise for a while!
Ahhhh....pretty Christmas tree at Fitness Ridge.
This is the lobby....we're all waiting for the van drivers to get their act together and take us bowling.
Alrighty then!!! Here is Ginny. She was soooo excited to go bowling as she hasn't done it in over three years. 
Kridtie and Karin.
My Long Island Joanne.
Everyone had a really good time. 
I just gotta say that the bowling balls for ten pin bowling are really, really heavy. This is the first time that I've ever 10 pin bowled...it was so funny becuz people had to show me how to hold the balls....You really do have to get your fingers into the right holes!! We all bowled two games and ended around 9:30 pm!! Wow...that's the latest I stayed out while in Utah. Normally you're in bed and half asleep by that time! Another first for me and one I won't soon forget!!
Too much fun:-D
Doing the Saddle on Friday.
Friday morning brought with it a new sense of energy and no upset tummy! Thank God!!
Our van was assigned a hike called "Saddle"...I think thats the whole name.
Anyways, the hike is about 4 miles straight up to a section in the rocks that (from a distance) looks like a horses saddle.
The pix below show the hike...let me tell you, this was a difficult hike. Lots of hands-on climbing.
By the end of 2.5 hours we were winded, sweating and so proud of ourselves for doing this hike! I think this was the most challenging hike that I've done.
It's such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you're done...and while you're doing it too!
This is Tom. He is a fantastic hiking guide and such a gentleman. This was at the beginning of the hike and it went straight up from there!
This is a pic taken immediately upon reaching the top. It doesn't show in this picutre but we were just drenched in sweat...unbelievable climb.
Me at the top. YaY!!!
The rest of the gang made it up a few minutes later.
Hamming it up for the camera!
Looking back to where we came up....
Me!! After we reached the top, the guides took us about another ten minutes to this beautiful little cut out oasis! You come around the corner and boom --there it is! Mother Nature is just so amazing. And it seems as tho I got in the habit of climbing on top of rocks to have my picture taken. This doesn't look like a very big rock but it took a bit to get up!!
Van 3 hikers in front of the oasis in the rocks.
Just me!!
Sooooo....what goes up must come down!! This was a challenging hike and not one for the faint of heart. Here we are walking on the side of a mountain.
This is nearing the end...
Our van was assigned a hike called "Saddle"...I think thats the whole name.
Anyways, the hike is about 4 miles straight up to a section in the rocks that (from a distance) looks like a horses saddle.
The pix below show the hike...let me tell you, this was a difficult hike. Lots of hands-on climbing.
By the end of 2.5 hours we were winded, sweating and so proud of ourselves for doing this hike! I think this was the most challenging hike that I've done.
It's such a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when you're done...and while you're doing it too!
This is Tom. He is a fantastic hiking guide and such a gentleman. This was at the beginning of the hike and it went straight up from there!
This is a pic taken immediately upon reaching the top. It doesn't show in this picutre but we were just drenched in sweat...unbelievable climb.
Me at the top. YaY!!!
The rest of the gang made it up a few minutes later. 
Hamming it up for the camera! 
Looking back to where we came up....
Me!! After we reached the top, the guides took us about another ten minutes to this beautiful little cut out oasis! You come around the corner and boom --there it is! Mother Nature is just so amazing. And it seems as tho I got in the habit of climbing on top of rocks to have my picture taken. This doesn't look like a very big rock but it took a bit to get up!!
Van 3 hikers in front of the oasis in the rocks.
Just me!!
Sooooo....what goes up must come down!! This was a challenging hike and not one for the faint of heart. Here we are walking on the side of a mountain.
This is nearing the end...Simply Fantastic.
I was so thankful to have completed this hike after feeling so sick and yucky on Thursday that I was able to join and enjoy this hike. Let this be a lesson in that there is always tomorrow. Just becuz health or circumstance keep you down on one day doesn't mean that it has to keep you down the next.
I'm so proud of me:-)
Some sort of stomach thing....
My massage definately helped my leg and I was feeling pretty good thru Wednesday and then ...Thursday morning came!
I got up just feeling like crap! I went for breakfast and ordered toast and eggs....the smell almost made me throw up. I ate a piece of dry toast and drank some water...I couldn't stomach anything else.
One of the guests told me that I was green around the eyes and I believe it becuz I sure felt green. I decided in all of my wisdom, that I would go on the hike and just tough it out.
(I guess I didn't want to make any excuses and really didn't want to miss out on anything. You see, at each class or hike, attendance is taken and if you don't show for your assigned workout or hike the staff will track you down...it's to make you accountable but also to make sure that you're ok. They don't want people missing workouts just becuz they don't feel like going. They will talk to you about what's going on and not let you just duck out for the sake of being lazy or uninterested...so I guess with this particular hike and the way I was feeling--I didn't wanna cop out for a sore little tummy ache).
So...at 7:50am everyone meets in the dining room to get the hike assignments for the day and then off you go.
Well...I made it to the dining room...filled up my camelbak with fresh water and headed to the van. I got in and one of the hiking guides looked at me very strangely and asked me if I was ok...I told him I wasn't feeling great but I'd be ok. It was then that I then realized I'd left my camelbak hanging on the back of a dining room chair, so I told the guide that I'd be right back and I ran in to retrieve it...
oh oh...
...that tiny little run almost left me heaving all over the place so I grabbed my bag and went and told the guide that I wasn't going to join them on the hike.
The look of relief that swept over his face was unmistakable!
I then went to my room and called the front desk to inform them of the way I was feeling and that I wouldn't be going on the hike. They were very understanding and didn't push me to head to the gym or anything.
I laid down with my shoes on and fell asleep. The next time I woke up was when my roommate came back from her hike....about 2.5 hours later.
I ended up taking the rest of the day off and stayed in bed and rested. One of the coaches recommended "Propel" which a drink filled with electolytes to replenish your system; I did drink it and then my roommate got me another which I also drank...I'm not sure if they made a difference or whether it was just rest that I needed but by dinner time I did feel better.
My roommate Eve, came back at the end of the day and told me that there was a beautiful sunset. We walked to the dining room together and enjoyed the delicious lightness of a Woldorf salad served on individual lettuce leafs...it was soooo good...crunchy, satisfying and filling. Amazing...it will definately be a salad that I make at home! Though I didn't have much of an appetite I ate the entire dinner and enjoyed it and of course still partook in the chocolate dipped strawberries that were on the menu for dessert. (I would've dragged myself to the dining room just for dessert...sooooooo good!!)
Overall, it was a nice way to end a rather sickly but restful day. It was soon after dinner that I headed to bed and slept like a baby!
The sunset at Fitness Ridge.
This is Ginny!! She is such a sweetheart and works so hard and all that she does.
Well...on this particular night I think she made that chocolate covered strawberry last at least ten minutes. She licked and savoured that lovely dark chocolate for as long as she possibly could!
This is just a candid shot of the dining room. There are three long tables where all the guests sit. All meals are served to you and if you really don't like the menu choice then the servers always have alternative selections that you can have. It makes it nice becuz you don't need to force yourself to eat something that you really, really don't like....brussel sprouts for example!
I got up just feeling like crap! I went for breakfast and ordered toast and eggs....the smell almost made me throw up. I ate a piece of dry toast and drank some water...I couldn't stomach anything else.
One of the guests told me that I was green around the eyes and I believe it becuz I sure felt green. I decided in all of my wisdom, that I would go on the hike and just tough it out.
(I guess I didn't want to make any excuses and really didn't want to miss out on anything. You see, at each class or hike, attendance is taken and if you don't show for your assigned workout or hike the staff will track you down...it's to make you accountable but also to make sure that you're ok. They don't want people missing workouts just becuz they don't feel like going. They will talk to you about what's going on and not let you just duck out for the sake of being lazy or uninterested...so I guess with this particular hike and the way I was feeling--I didn't wanna cop out for a sore little tummy ache).
So...at 7:50am everyone meets in the dining room to get the hike assignments for the day and then off you go.
Well...I made it to the dining room...filled up my camelbak with fresh water and headed to the van. I got in and one of the hiking guides looked at me very strangely and asked me if I was ok...I told him I wasn't feeling great but I'd be ok. It was then that I then realized I'd left my camelbak hanging on the back of a dining room chair, so I told the guide that I'd be right back and I ran in to retrieve it...
oh oh...
...that tiny little run almost left me heaving all over the place so I grabbed my bag and went and told the guide that I wasn't going to join them on the hike.
The look of relief that swept over his face was unmistakable!
I then went to my room and called the front desk to inform them of the way I was feeling and that I wouldn't be going on the hike. They were very understanding and didn't push me to head to the gym or anything.
I laid down with my shoes on and fell asleep. The next time I woke up was when my roommate came back from her hike....about 2.5 hours later.
I ended up taking the rest of the day off and stayed in bed and rested. One of the coaches recommended "Propel" which a drink filled with electolytes to replenish your system; I did drink it and then my roommate got me another which I also drank...I'm not sure if they made a difference or whether it was just rest that I needed but by dinner time I did feel better.
My roommate Eve, came back at the end of the day and told me that there was a beautiful sunset. We walked to the dining room together and enjoyed the delicious lightness of a Woldorf salad served on individual lettuce leafs...it was soooo good...crunchy, satisfying and filling. Amazing...it will definately be a salad that I make at home! Though I didn't have much of an appetite I ate the entire dinner and enjoyed it and of course still partook in the chocolate dipped strawberries that were on the menu for dessert. (I would've dragged myself to the dining room just for dessert...sooooooo good!!)
Overall, it was a nice way to end a rather sickly but restful day. It was soon after dinner that I headed to bed and slept like a baby!
The sunset at Fitness Ridge.
Here is the Waldorf salad. If you're coming to my house for dinner...don't be surprised if this is what you get. Doesn't look like very much but believe it or not it was very satisfying.
Well...on this particular night I think she made that chocolate covered strawberry last at least ten minutes. She licked and savoured that lovely dark chocolate for as long as she possibly could!
This is just a candid shot of the dining room. There are three long tables where all the guests sit. All meals are served to you and if you really don't like the menu choice then the servers always have alternative selections that you can have. It makes it nice becuz you don't need to force yourself to eat something that you really, really don't like....brussel sprouts for example!So that was Thursday!! What a Day!!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday at the Ranch...
Phew...made it thru yet another day at BLFR.
Only a few more to go and then I head home.
Today was a little bit of a rough day for me as I pulled something in one of my leg muscles. I did the majority of the day and then towards the end had to head to the ice machine to deal with it. I just finished having a massage so am feeling better and ready to rest in prep for tomorrow.
The weather has finally turned around and we've had our first full sunny day in a week. The sun goes down so early tho that having pool as your last class of the day (4:30-5:15)...it can get a little chilly.
I've got a cold and am fighting that...cough and sniffles...just a real pain in the butt.
I guess tonite I'm feeling whiney and homesick.
Tomorrow will begin again at 0530 so am gonna snuggle down into bed soon.
Here's some pics of today's hike.
Only a few more to go and then I head home.
Today was a little bit of a rough day for me as I pulled something in one of my leg muscles. I did the majority of the day and then towards the end had to head to the ice machine to deal with it. I just finished having a massage so am feeling better and ready to rest in prep for tomorrow.
The weather has finally turned around and we've had our first full sunny day in a week. The sun goes down so early tho that having pool as your last class of the day (4:30-5:15)...it can get a little chilly.
I've got a cold and am fighting that...cough and sniffles...just a real pain in the butt.
I guess tonite I'm feeling whiney and homesick.
Tomorrow will begin again at 0530 so am gonna snuggle down into bed soon.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Glide is my friend....
Phew...made it thru my second Monday.
Woke up at 0530 this morning only to find it pouring rain! Couldn't believe it. We ended up doing a trail hike for safety reasons. Was still a good workout.
Tomorrow the regular schedule for hikes will resume.
So...if you're thinking of coming here I just need to talk to you about shoes.
We work out seven hours a day...two and half of that is hiking. The last thing you need is blisters or sore feet.
Make sure before you come that you break your shoes in...don't come here thinking that you'll break them in here...BIG mistake!
Also...invest in a proper pair of shoes from a sports shop. Don't depend on cheap department store shoes. You really want to make sure you have a good fit and the proper shoe for your gait.
I brought two pairs of shoes...well three if you count flip flops for going to the pool...but my main shoes...I have one pair specifically for hiking and one for the gym. It's always good to have an extra pair in case one gets wet or whatever.
Also get yourself some glide. This is an anti-chaffing and anti-blister product that you can buy at sport shops. I love it!! I plaster my bare feet with Glide and then put my socks on...perfect. Glide also comes in handy if your undies rub the top of your leg when you walk. Sometimes theres a seam or elastic that rubs but if you plaster the Glide on it will be much better and let you concentrate on your workout as opposed to the rubbing of clothes.
This place is really something and the people that I've met to this point have been truly inspiring.
A lot of people left on Sunday and a new group came in. Interesting assortment. Many are fit...my new roommate just finished the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon but is here to work on nutrition and weight control. Then there are some older folks who certainly had their eyes opened this morning after some of their workouts. This place has a rule in which no one is to judge another. Last week for example we had a woman who has battled an eating disorder for many years....she needed to learn about nutrition and proper exercise to gain muscle mass; We also have people who have excessive amounts of weight to lose....one that I've gotten to know a little bit is such a sweetheart and today for the first time in her adult life she walked four miles (this is her second of four weeks here) ...she weeps tears of disbelief and joy every single day becuz she can't believe that she is actually doing this.
Amazing program and amazing poeple.
Here is what a thing of Glide looks like....Talk later.
Woke up at 0530 this morning only to find it pouring rain! Couldn't believe it. We ended up doing a trail hike for safety reasons. Was still a good workout.
Tomorrow the regular schedule for hikes will resume.
So...if you're thinking of coming here I just need to talk to you about shoes.
We work out seven hours a day...two and half of that is hiking. The last thing you need is blisters or sore feet.
Make sure before you come that you break your shoes in...don't come here thinking that you'll break them in here...BIG mistake!
Also...invest in a proper pair of shoes from a sports shop. Don't depend on cheap department store shoes. You really want to make sure you have a good fit and the proper shoe for your gait.
I brought two pairs of shoes...well three if you count flip flops for going to the pool...but my main shoes...I have one pair specifically for hiking and one for the gym. It's always good to have an extra pair in case one gets wet or whatever.
Also get yourself some glide. This is an anti-chaffing and anti-blister product that you can buy at sport shops. I love it!! I plaster my bare feet with Glide and then put my socks on...perfect. Glide also comes in handy if your undies rub the top of your leg when you walk. Sometimes theres a seam or elastic that rubs but if you plaster the Glide on it will be much better and let you concentrate on your workout as opposed to the rubbing of clothes.
This place is really something and the people that I've met to this point have been truly inspiring.
A lot of people left on Sunday and a new group came in. Interesting assortment. Many are fit...my new roommate just finished the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon but is here to work on nutrition and weight control. Then there are some older folks who certainly had their eyes opened this morning after some of their workouts. This place has a rule in which no one is to judge another. Last week for example we had a woman who has battled an eating disorder for many years....she needed to learn about nutrition and proper exercise to gain muscle mass; We also have people who have excessive amounts of weight to lose....one that I've gotten to know a little bit is such a sweetheart and today for the first time in her adult life she walked four miles (this is her second of four weeks here) ...she weeps tears of disbelief and joy every single day becuz she can't believe that she is actually doing this.
Amazing program and amazing poeple.
Here is what a thing of Glide looks like....Sunday, December 5, 2010
A Day of Rest and Reflection....
Sundays at Fitness Ridge are very quiet. Many people are leaving and new guests will arrive this afternoon.
Breakfast is served until 9am and lunch is a "sack" (bag) lunch....Dinner tonite will be with the new guests and the new week will begin tomorrow.
It's been a week of confusion, fear and stress...but also one full of emotion and triumph.
The thing about this place is the people. I am so fortunate to have connected with some very, very special people that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet. It is amazing what this place does for you. Really what it's all about is learning from each other.
The Ranch takes care of your food, accomodation and work outs but so much of the rest comes from the other guests.
This week for me has been a huge learning experience.
I've always felt that I knew all there was to know about losing weight and all that goes with it...but here you see and learn the truth about yourself....Like one of the instructors (Anne Marie) says...you need to discover your why....
Why did you come here?
That seems like such a simple question...I came to kick it up and lose some weight...maybe get a jumpstart for my new program. But really it's so much more than that....That's why I thought I came here...to give myself a jumpstart on weight loss and exercise but really I came here to rediscover who I am.
After ten years of marriage to a fantasticly generous man, mothering our son fulltime for nine years....I got lost somewhere. Well guess where I was...yup...at Fitness Ridge.
The thing about this place is that it is completely safe. There is no judgement. There is no preconceived notions or expectations--It's just all about me!
My personality is that of a perfectionist and "all or nothing"...and what happened somewhere along the way is that the all or nothing took over everything in regards to my wellness. I can't remember whether I put this is my blog yet or not but it was something this week that really resonated with me personally:
Here is the metaphor for the all or nothing: The all or nothing person will always begin a diet on a Monday and often blow it by Wednesday...often with the mindset of oh well...I'll start again next Monday. At this point theres no holes barred becuz you gotta eat it all before the following Monday begins and then the cycle repeats. Sooo....the nutritionist here says: take the decision to go "off" the diet/binge/cheat (whatever you want to call it) and compare it to breaking a piece of fine china. There you go...you cheat = a broken china plate on the floor....Now, if you broke that piece of china would you then go to the cabinet and throw the rest of it on the floor to make sure it's broken too?
Bingo Boppo!!! Bells Ringing!!! Lightbulb Moment!!!
My floor is full of broken china...everywhere.
This realization for me is huge. Seems so simple but something in me clicked and it all of a sudden made sense. This was very emotional for me and actually made me have a bit of a melt down. Once I opened those floodgates I couldn't stop. The tears just kept coming...especially when you hear other peoples' stories and they're all bawling!! yikes!!
The support and the kinship that you find here is truly amazing. I feel like I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world.
I am missing home tho too.
I have one more week and originally was to return in March. I have since changed that reservation to return in October 2011 and make it a reunion of sorts with my new friends from Chicago, New York and Baltimore. We all booked last nite and are returning the week of Oct 16th.
Here are some pictures from the last couple of days.
I didn't want the salmon burger so had the garden burger instead. It was really tastey and satisfying.
Amanda from the Biggest Loser show and Long Island Richie.
Last nites dinner...chicken served over brown rice with steamed veggies and a light teriaki sauce. Yummy.
Now these two....this is Denise (l) and Debbie(r). They are my friends for life. Debbie of course was my hiking partner for the week...Denise is her twin sister tho they are actually are part of triplets...the third sister wasn't here. These two crack me up. We had so much fun and we really connected on a level past mere acquaintance...in fact I better warn my hubby to get the guest room ready cuz I think Chicago will be coming soon!
Now this is Richard (aka Long Island Richie) and his sister JoAnne. These are two of the most lovely people I think I've ever met in my life. The love between these two and the strong family value that they share is amazing. JoAnne told me that Richie paid to bring her to Fitness Ridge...so I say to Richie...You are one great brother to do that and his reaction is that he has the greatest sister in the world. Last nite they made me cry (tho really I am to be in charge of my own emotions and it is me who couldn't hold back the tears) when they shared about their caring for two elderly parents until their death. JoAnne renovated her house to move her parents in and Richie basically moved in as well to care for them. Even now it chokes me up because they are such big hearts. They've come to Fitness Ridge to regain their health. It was their parents wish that they begin to care for themselves.
Lounging by the pool on a Sunday.
Alrighty then...This is us outside the front of Fitness Ridge. We will be returning on Oct 16th and take this same picture for the sake of comparison. So left to right:
Breakfast is served until 9am and lunch is a "sack" (bag) lunch....Dinner tonite will be with the new guests and the new week will begin tomorrow.
It's been a week of confusion, fear and stress...but also one full of emotion and triumph.
The thing about this place is the people. I am so fortunate to have connected with some very, very special people that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to meet. It is amazing what this place does for you. Really what it's all about is learning from each other.
The Ranch takes care of your food, accomodation and work outs but so much of the rest comes from the other guests.
This week for me has been a huge learning experience.
I've always felt that I knew all there was to know about losing weight and all that goes with it...but here you see and learn the truth about yourself....Like one of the instructors (Anne Marie) says...you need to discover your why....
Why did you come here?
That seems like such a simple question...I came to kick it up and lose some weight...maybe get a jumpstart for my new program. But really it's so much more than that....That's why I thought I came here...to give myself a jumpstart on weight loss and exercise but really I came here to rediscover who I am.
After ten years of marriage to a fantasticly generous man, mothering our son fulltime for nine years....I got lost somewhere. Well guess where I was...yup...at Fitness Ridge.
The thing about this place is that it is completely safe. There is no judgement. There is no preconceived notions or expectations--It's just all about me!
My personality is that of a perfectionist and "all or nothing"...and what happened somewhere along the way is that the all or nothing took over everything in regards to my wellness. I can't remember whether I put this is my blog yet or not but it was something this week that really resonated with me personally:
Here is the metaphor for the all or nothing: The all or nothing person will always begin a diet on a Monday and often blow it by Wednesday...often with the mindset of oh well...I'll start again next Monday. At this point theres no holes barred becuz you gotta eat it all before the following Monday begins and then the cycle repeats. Sooo....the nutritionist here says: take the decision to go "off" the diet/binge/cheat (whatever you want to call it) and compare it to breaking a piece of fine china. There you go...you cheat = a broken china plate on the floor....Now, if you broke that piece of china would you then go to the cabinet and throw the rest of it on the floor to make sure it's broken too?
Bingo Boppo!!! Bells Ringing!!! Lightbulb Moment!!!
My floor is full of broken china...everywhere.
This realization for me is huge. Seems so simple but something in me clicked and it all of a sudden made sense. This was very emotional for me and actually made me have a bit of a melt down. Once I opened those floodgates I couldn't stop. The tears just kept coming...especially when you hear other peoples' stories and they're all bawling!! yikes!!
The support and the kinship that you find here is truly amazing. I feel like I'm one of the luckiest girls in the world.
I am missing home tho too.
I have one more week and originally was to return in March. I have since changed that reservation to return in October 2011 and make it a reunion of sorts with my new friends from Chicago, New York and Baltimore. We all booked last nite and are returning the week of Oct 16th.
Here are some pictures from the last couple of days.
The veggie soup....had brussel sprouts!!! I ate around them. The soups here are fantastic and are all around 50 calories/cup. Fantastic to make and freeze! That's my plan.
I didn't want the salmon burger so had the garden burger instead. It was really tastey and satisfying.
Amanda from the Biggest Loser show and Long Island Richie.
Last nites dinner...chicken served over brown rice with steamed veggies and a light teriaki sauce. Yummy.
Now these two....this is Denise (l) and Debbie(r). They are my friends for life. Debbie of course was my hiking partner for the week...Denise is her twin sister tho they are actually are part of triplets...the third sister wasn't here. These two crack me up. We had so much fun and we really connected on a level past mere acquaintance...in fact I better warn my hubby to get the guest room ready cuz I think Chicago will be coming soon!
Now this is Richard (aka Long Island Richie) and his sister JoAnne. These are two of the most lovely people I think I've ever met in my life. The love between these two and the strong family value that they share is amazing. JoAnne told me that Richie paid to bring her to Fitness Ridge...so I say to Richie...You are one great brother to do that and his reaction is that he has the greatest sister in the world. Last nite they made me cry (tho really I am to be in charge of my own emotions and it is me who couldn't hold back the tears) when they shared about their caring for two elderly parents until their death. JoAnne renovated her house to move her parents in and Richie basically moved in as well to care for them. Even now it chokes me up because they are such big hearts. They've come to Fitness Ridge to regain their health. It was their parents wish that they begin to care for themselves. Richie has been running--yes running--on the treadmill and is such a source of inspiration. I feel so fortunate to know them.
Lounging by the pool on a Sunday.
Alrighty then...This is us outside the front of Fitness Ridge. We will be returning on Oct 16th and take this same picture for the sake of comparison. So left to right:me (blue shirt); the Melissa from New York (another true source of inspiration as she continues to put one foot in front of the other and not give up.); Chicago Debbie; Denise -Chicago; Long Island Richie and sister JoAnne...then Charlene from Alberta, Canada;and sitting ...that is Lori from Baltimore.
What a great group of people!
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