A Return to Fitness Ridge ....

Well, I returned yesterday to Utah for two full weeks and have just finished my first hike.
I'm glad I'm back and have entered into this particular session with veteran eyes and less anxiety.  Though my weight has not changed much, my fitness level is vastly improved and that showed today on the hike.
We did the Black Brush hike and the incline was steep and rocky.  I will post pictures later tonight.
Right now I have to get going to the next class.
Glad to be back.

Well...it's not even a trot actually!

I can't believe that a month has passed since I lastwrote. I guess I am guilty of writing in my mind and therefore neglect putting fingers to keyboard.  **heavy sigh**

So...the June half marathon is coming quickly and I feel ill prepared to do it.
I'm wondering really if anyone who is a first timer actually feels ready and fully trained. I imagine that regular skilled runners do, but I'm such a non-runner!

Today I did 9.8 KM (6.08 miles) but it took me forever!!  I only have four hours to complete 20km/13 miles or they take you off the course. That would be my saddest moment let me tell you....
So...my total run/walk today took me 1 hour 45 mins. I really need to speed it up or risk not finishing.
I was thinking about what I said about "trotting" and decided that I actually "shuffle"...a trot is too fast. lol

I know that I have 5 weeks to continue training and I'm actually confident that I will complete it as I feed off the other runners energy and the excitement of the day.

So...to help me with my training I'm in the process of making an appt with a sports guy. It's kinda funny actually because I won the free consultation so I see this as a sign that a little professional advise would be helpful.  I'll let you know how it goes.

My main issues with running is the discomfort (pain?) I feel in my hips and glutes. You'd think that I have the tightest ass in town from the muscle tightness that I feel, but alas it's just a residual affect from my running form.
Glutes are relatively easy to stretch out after you run but its during that bothers me! and hips...yeah...same thing.  I'll let you know what the pro says. Maybe I'm not stretching enough or warming up properly. Again...I'll let you know what happens.

It is funny how life just goes on.  I was supposed to be at Fitness Ridge starting next week but had to cancel and rebook....the timing just wasn't there. I will be going for two full weeks in October and am very much looking forward to it (and the break away from my reality). 
Since being at FR last Nov/Dec, I feel like I haven't been at home much. Lots of vacations, travel and thousands of excuses to not to eat well or excercise diligently!!
There's always a Monday coming so I could start then...right?
Well...it is now always Monday and while I continue my training and learning I'm actually excited and hope that I do OK at this half-marathon so that I can sign up for another.
Believe me...I wouldn't be running (shuffle walking:-D) if I hadn't signed up and made this commitment to complete this run. 
Alas, I think I'm beginning to whine. I shall write more later.

Half Marathon Training

So I am currently training for the Half Marathon that is taking place in June in Seattle Washington.
I signed up with my Fitness Ridge roomie Eve. She is an experienced runner and this will be my first run over 10km...and I'm a bit nervous.

So a half marathon is a bit of an insane task I'm thinking.  But...the training has kept me on task for fitness.

I have not regained the weight that I lost at Fitness Ridge but neither have I dropped any more.

My eating habits are simply atrocious! Not so my exercise...that is the main thing that keeps me going.

For my half marathon I am running (well--trotting really--no long stretched out run for this girl--not yet anyways) three days per week and trying to cross train three days per week.  The only thing that keeps me going is the commitment to the race and knowing that if I don't train that I'll be in real trouble.
I don't want to totally embarass myself come race day and I can back out becuz I've commited to another person, paid my fee and booked a hotel!  Gotta do it now!!

I have run 10km distances before with my fastest time being just over one hour.
(I should also say that I don't necessarily "run" the whole distance but usually do 10 min jog then one minute walk).
Becuz it's been such a long time since I blogged about Fitness Ridge I thought I'd start blogging about my run.
I am returning to FR in October of this year for two weeks and with 50 pounds still to lose, I gotta get 'er in gear.
Will write more later.

$100 Discount...I got one!

I'm so stoked that I rec'd a $100 discount because someone mentioned my name when they made a reservation at Fitness Ridge.
I know that may not sound very exciting to many but alas in my small world it is simply awesome and I know that I helped someone save $100!!
How awesome is that?!

So if you're in the process of booking you too can save $100 just by mentioning my name as a referral...
Faye Arcand!
Thanks and Enjoy your day.

The Walker Wave....

On most mornings you can find me either walking or jogging along the Eastside of Skaha Lake.  I've gotten into the habit of waving at all the cars/drivers that come towards me.  I just raise my hand and give a little friendly wave.  I would say that 95% wave back...

The main reason for doing this is to be seen and so to have a recognizable sign from the driver is great.  Some are going so fast that when they catch my hand movement...it slows them down. YAY! and/or it gives them pause to take a little wider berth around me.

But...if you see me and I wave don't expect me to actually know who you are because I don't acutally "look" to see if you wave:-) 

Lesson of the Day: if you see someone walking/running/biking along the side of the road...give them a little wave and let them know that you see them.

Back to Reality....

Well, I'm now home and back to the reality of laundry, school, work and whatever other responsibility that falls at my feet.
I had the best vacation and really relaxed and enjoyed myself.
It is interesting though because I find it very difficult to exercise while on vacation.
I took my shoes and work out clothes and had a wee chat with myself about working out....I even took my Polar and was set to monitor where I was calorie wise.
Well....I didn't do anything. Even when I had plenty of time and opporutnity I couldn't force myself to go. Tomorrow morning I as so looking forward to strapping on the shoes and hitting the pavement.
I guess my brain basically says that while on vacation it is total downtime...I would really like to change this though because it doesn't seem very healthy and I really don't want to have that "all or nothing" attitude that can be so destructive.
I gained six pounds over the last two weeks by sitting around (actually lazing around) and eating what ever the heck I felt like eating. I feel crappy...bloated and fat.
Why do I do that to myself.  I have no answers and can only chose to make better choices for tomorrow.
See...now that I'm home I won't have any trouble exercising or eating better...I really seem to get a sense of entitlement while on vacation and really binge for the whole time.
Not good.
Not Healthy.
I guess the one difference this time is that I did (once in a while) make some wiser choices and also just the fact that after the vacation I can actually acknowlege the behaviour.  Who is it that says..."you can't change what you don't acknowlege..."??  Cuz that is very, very true and I really do need to look at that and do my best to change it.
So tomorrow is another fresh day and one I'm looking forward to.
Gotta love home.

So...did the wheels fall off????

A simple answer is YES.
Dang. Being on vacation is difficult. It was my intention to work out everyday and eat "smart"...well...It definately has been a challenge and sometimes just a total disaster.
On this trip I figured out the trick to a perfect pina colada...add vanilla ice cream! OMG...then try and have just one. Not gonna happen.
You'll be glad to know tho that I did drink my rum and coke with diet coke and of course added a healthy dose of really super duper fresh lime (that counts as a fruit serving--doesn't it??)
And then today...for breakfast no less...I ate a whole bag of Doritos.
It's like a run away train!!
I have to laugh tho because I don't feel out of control at all. I feel very relaxed (and the pina coladas and rum and coke can't take all the credit!) and I also feel like in some cases I've totally let things go (as above), but in others I've made very good choices. Like the other day when we were driving to the South of the island, we stopped at a convenience store to use the restroom.  When I came out I grabbed a bottle of water and when I was waiting in line I saw a woman ahead of me sucking on a slurpee....oooohhhhh it looked so good. I almost put the water back and replaced it with a slurpee and then actually gave my head a shake and stuck with the water.  Later I sort of patted myself on the back for making that better choice.
You know, we have to live life and life is not lived in a gym or by totally denying thing/food in your life.
We are here in Hawaii for such a short time and I'm not the least bit worried about getting back on track when I get home.
 Routine is a wonderful thing for weight loss and I'll fall back into mine when I get home.
Just so you know....we've also kept fairly busy during this vacation.
Spending all day splashing in the waves with a boogie board is not only fun but also great exercise and then yesterday we went snorkling all day....awesome!  So while I may have strayed from my exercise and diet regime, it's all good and I'm sure that a day or two after getting home, I'll get rid of this full/bloated feeling and get back on track.
Aloha.

PE Class in the Pool...

So....here I am in the middle of Paradise but it comes with responsibilities. 

Leaving home in January is all fine and good but with a nine year old it also means pulling him from school. 
We're pretty lucky because we are self-employed and so long as we have a computer, internet and telephone we can work from anywhere....we decided to try the same with school.

The teachers gave us a whole folder full of reading and worksheets that have to be completed prior to our son returning to school.
He has agreed to work hard and get the homework done--without giving me any grief.
So...today it is Monday, a school day, and the lessons must begin!
Instead of getting out the ruler and notebook we decided to start the day with PE.

We headed straight for the pool.  He swam laps and also chased after a sinking thing that he could dive for...Me? Well I used the opportunity to do some moves that I learned at Fitness Ridge. 
So...if you have the opportunity to do this, its a great way to raise the heartrate and burn some good ol' calories.
First one: just hang onto the side of the pool and kick as hard as you can for as long as you can! those legs will burn.
Second one: push yourself off the side (with your feet); kinda throwing your self back so your arms go against the water.  This will create a lot of movement in the water. Stand and "run" back to the side--knees high--and then do it again. This will have you going against the waters force and is a great work out.  Do this 25 times....lotsa fun!
I plan on doing this tomorrow too.
aloha....

5KM, 10KM...1/2 Marathon....

So...Fitness Ridge brought me back to moving and feeling better but it is up to me to KEEP the momentum going.
That is not always an easy thing.
Sooooo.....I have run in the past and completed several organized 5 km and 10 km runs.  I've always done these for fun and not competition...so they are "runs" not "races".
I go at my own speed and have always completed them sucessfully.
My last 10 km run was April 2009...and it almost killed me!
Yikey doodles...even the training for the run sucked.  I developed bone spurs on my knees and also had trouble getting a proper breathing focus (ended up that I was suffering from some self imposed anxiety...the harder I tried...the hard it became.)
My doctor told me to stop....so I did. Put on 20 pounds like over-night...or it sure felt that way and I felt like crap because I didn't replace those 3 or 4 days of running with anything.....I sat down on my patooty and stayed there.
My trip to Fitness Ridge proved to me that I could work my way back there. My knees are fine and just need to be respected....and what better way to respect them but take 50 pounds of pressure off them.  that's my goal!
So before going to FR I started walking again.  Not just a little stroll but a good clipped walk. It gets those old lungs moving again and wakes up the muscles etc.  After being at FR for two weeks I felt like I could take on the world as far as movement went.  My lung capacity, flexibility and strength had all improved and I was able to show myself that once I put my mind to it I can do anything that I want to do.
Well....I've now signed up for the Seattle Half Marathon with my FR roommate Eve!!  It is in June 2011 and I'll begin training for it upon my return home.

I can do anything...and I will.

 

Voices from Fitness Ridge ....

We are in Maui right now and I'm not sure there is any more beautiful place on earth.  The stunning ocean vistas against the vibrant colours of the foliage is just breathtaking.
We are so blessed to be able to call this place "home" for the next couple of weeks.
We are in Kaanapali, staying in a condo with a loft. We didn't get in until about 1 am after a very long day of travellng.  Our condo is perfect as it has an upstairs loft with bed/tv/bathroom and our son claimed that and then claimed this whole place to be Paradise on Earth! Boy is he happy.

We knew that we were going to arrive in the middle of the night and that food and such would be an issue for the first morning.  Coffee is supplied but pretty much every thing else is the guest's responsibility. So right by the airport we were able to stop and get some milk and that was pretty much about it.

First thing this morning we went to a local restaurant for breakfast.
Oh...the eggs Benny looked soooooo tempting and so did the cheese omelette but what I ended up choosing was two pouched eggs and toast. This was a  very good choice for me as it was filling and not too high in the calorie count.
It is very easy to let those sauces and condiments add to your day.
We spoke about what our plan was for eating and my hubby initially wanted to do breakfast out every morning but I've convinced him otherwise. 
I like a good solid breakfast but the choices in restaurants can be so tempting.
We all went to the local Safeway and the voices from Fitness Ridge followed me throughout the whole shopping experience....
I would stop and ask myself if I really....like REALLY....needed that. Most times the answer was no or I'll come back tomorrow if I decide that I can't live without it.
I'm very proud to say that we stocked up on eggs, english muffins, hummus, fruit and veggies. We did good.
I'm not saying that I'm a perfect little prima donna here....there was also chips/munchie and wine in the cart too but it's not like the old days where I'd hit the bakery and snack aisle and that would be it.
I bought a huge bag of sunflower seeds which take forever to eat but for me satisfies the hand to mouth munchies when I'm just sitting and reading or something like that.
Sometimes it's just those little steps that can help me maintain my confidence and keep me Going In the Right Direction.
Have a fabulous Sunday!

Bathing suit shopping....

I believe the title pretty much says it all....yucky pooey to bathing suit shopping.
I believe that it doesn't matter whether you're 100 pounds or 600 pounds...shopping for a bathing suit is not only a humbling experience, but a depressing one too (if you let it--it's all in the way you choose to look at it!).
Let's face it-- we're all our own worst critics and there's nothing like putting on a skin tight piece of lycra to make reality slap you across your face.
ah yes....the dreaded bathing suit shopping trip...I recently had my fix...how 'bout you?

Here's what happened to me...we decided to do an after Christmas quick trip to Hawaii.
Yay!!
How exciting is that to get away from the snow and rain and escape to the beautiful Islands of flowers and white sand?
All I could do is embrace the romantic picture of myself, lounging lazily by the pool or under a palm tree by the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean.  In my little fantasy I looked pretty darn good....I was wearing a beautiful one peice bathing suit, cut to make me look slim in all the right places and of course enhance all my good spots....Ahhhhh it was an amazingly relaxing and perfect picture in my minds eye.
Reality: Standing with six suits on plastic hangers in a 3x3 cubicle, lit by harsh florescent lighting, with no mood music, or drinks with a little pink umbrella--sucks.  Underwear left on (of course!) to pull on these tiny pieces of shouldn't have had that damn carmel frappacino with double whip; full of expectant jubilation in knowing that it will mete with my wee fantasy of sun, fun and impecable nicks and tucks from just the right suit.
Harsh Discovery:  The terrible glare of the long tubed lighting puts on at least 20 pounds! (and 30 if you didn't pick a suit with a tummy tamer!) Yikes!!

Thanks I'll stick with my old, stretched out, comfy suit until the stores do something about their lighting.

Aloha!
 

Merlot and Brie....

I've now come down off the mountain and therefore back to reality.
It is amazing what this last month or two has brought.
From travel, tears and triumph; from highs and lows; to deepening friendships and to the nurturing of new acquaintances...
Its also brought a new self awareness and a deep seeded knowledge that I will continue to grow and learn as each day passes. 
And, of course...these last few days have also consisted of a lot of Merlot, Brie and Baldersons (an aged cheddar....) OMG can you say YUMMY!!!
Over the last couple of days I totally gave myself permission to relax, enjoy and indulge. I basically ate what I wanted...when I wanted....and even how much I wanted!  Oh, and of course that goes for drink too...I have a new found fondness for a good Merlot and let's not forget the hot chocolate and Bailey's Irish Cream (gotta have something to keep you warm when you're out walking in the night and temps are -20C!)
I thouroughly enjoyed the whole three days and the bringing in of the New Year.
While my friends and son skiied their days away I lazed about and just enjoyed solitude and the environment of a snow laden ski village...beautiful!

This is me and my nine year old son.  I am so proud of him as he learned to ski this year!  He took to the hill so quickly and totally loved it!

Here he is just before they all took off down the hill. He now wants to teach me how to ski...hmmm...maybe next year!

Life is funny in how it gives us what we need, when we need it, if we're open to receiving. 
This morning I went for a 5 km walk and felt strong for doing so.  It would have been very easy to just lounge on the couch and let the weekend slip by but by going for a long walk I not only felt better physically but my resolve to continue on my journey to wellness was reinforced!  There were no excuses or even the thought of "starting on Monday"...
It was just a part of my day that makes it better for me and I refuse to slip back into bad habits and broken china (you'll have to read the blog posts to understand the china thing...) For me it will no longer be an all or nothing thing but a conscience choice to live life to the fullest and sometimes that means Merlot and Brie are on the menu!!
Happy New Year everyone.

Post Christmas but Pre New Years....

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!

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:

• 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.

So....google: shapeup.org rmr calculator
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!

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!

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....

• 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.

Have fun. Enjoy.
If I think of more I'll throw them in.
Happy Days.

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....

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. 

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.

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