Great day today --- stayed out talking with new friends tonight --- will post more tomorrow.

Great day today --- I am yet again amazed at how fast a week can go by, when some minutes seem to drag on.  I finished my last full day here at the ridge for this week today, since Saturdays are just half days.  I am amazed at how the human body is so kind and resiliant and ready to respond as necessary if we ask it to.  I look at my progress from the last visit to my current visit, and from Monday of this week til today and am in awe.  I have worked at changing up the machines and actually spent a little more time on the elliptical by choice --- I have no idea why that one machine kicks makes me huff and puff so much quicker than the others --- it can be the change it up I need with plateaus maybe.

The hike today was the infamous stopsign hike --- still just as uphill as the last two times I did the hike.  I was thrilled on Tuesday when I realized stopsign was at the end of the week --- in retrospect I may like it near the front of the week when I'm not quite as spent.  My time today was 92 minutes --- which is my slowest time of the three --- my two times in February were 90 min and 87 min --- so still in the same ballpark.  I chose to go back down and made it back to the Hidden Pinyon stop with time to spare, but not enough time to make it to the next one down.

Food :  breakfast was pancakes and turkey sausage along with the cut fruit.  Lunch, Tomatillo soup (which I want more of so will think about making that one at home) and a turkey salad stuffed pita with a small side salad.  Dinner, Salmon burger with a side of snap peas. Dessert, fruit skewer with a berry drizzle.  (side note : I tasted some of the roasted red pepper and basil hummus tonight too --- excellent).

I went to the fitness topics lecture today which was given by Nicole, a lot to think about --- the parts I get to look at better are the RMR, and how the HR and body adjusts to becoming more fit.  Alot of good information.

Classes :  Cardio Intervals , Zumba ( I actually had more coordination in this class this time which isn't saying much, I was able to keep up with some of it, and had quite the sweat by the time we finished), Circuit, and finished the day with a pool class --- we had a great meditation exercise at the end of class floating in the pool on the noodles, a nice way to end the day for me.

Talk to you all soon.

Another nice day --- the weather was ever changing --- still cool, and later in the day rainy but only for my last class which was in the pool --- I was wet anyway.  We hiked Lower Gila, I even managed for a single geocache grab --- had I ventured off course I could have maybe grabbed one more, but I stayed on course with the plan.  The only terrain I seem to dislike is the sandy ones --- I appreciate that it rained yesterday because the sand was easier to manage with a little moisture added.  Easier hike for me than Upper Gila last trip, not quite as visually stunning, but enjoyable -- it really is nice to get out first thing in the morning.

I attended a cooking demo by Chef today.  I really enjoy that class, it definately makes a difference at the way I look at things.  Simple changes can make a big difference in the scheme of calories.  One of the changes I have picked up since my first trip was mixing Nayonaisse (at 10 calories per Tablespoon) with a low cal mayo (chef uses Veganaisse) -- nayonaisse doesn't have a very good flavor alone, but when mixed picks up the other flavor, and keeps the texture the same.  Another tip that I may try at home is baking whole wheat tortillas to use as a pizza crust --- we had those the other day -- not quite pizza but still manages the same flavor profiles as pizza does with a thin crust. I also took a class on label reading --- I have so much to learn, its also posted on the Fitness Ridge facebook page --- so glad I can get the other segments of this lecture too.

The fitness classes today, Stretch, treading -- still my favorite interval class , I love how I can push myself in that class.  Total Body H20 which I took twice instead of ballworks.  Great classes --- aside for the 15 minutes it rained hard while in the pool, but that actually wasn't too bad either -- I have to admit its interesting being in the pool during a rainstorm --- it passed and class continued.  The hottub was a nice way to warm back up and sooth some sore muscles after the day.

Breakfast was warmed museli --- eggs and toast for me.  Lunch was a Turkey sandwich --- I took the opportunity to try the tuna sandwich everyone raves about --- it was okay and something to try, I know its there in the future. (Still want to have the hummus again at some point though). Dinner was stuffed peppers -- I think its one of my favorites here.

Another short post tonight, I am so ready for a little more sleep tonight.  Have a good one all, and catch you tomorrow.

 

Short post tonight I'm ready for bed --- literally in bed with this laptop.  The massage was great, and I know it made today much easier --- definately feeling muscles but in a good way for the most part.  The hike today was temple quarry --- much different than the usual temple quarry trail I do up north.  I never knew the St. George temple was built on marshy land and prior to building they pounded the volcanic rock into the ground as a stable base --- so we were in the lava fields today, I liked it.  I got back a little early so walked in a neighborhood for awhile until everyone was back --- really interesting house --- I think the intent was a zen garden style, but very interesting to see a large scale budda in a front yard.

 

Food today -- Breakfast - french toast, scrambled egg and turkey sausage.  Lunch was pesto pizza and beet soup.  Dinner was the cafe salad --- wheat tortilla, chikcen, black beans, rice greens, pico and a tomatillo dressing --- still one of my favorite meals.

I took the Health and Wellness lecture today (had a choice between that and stretch -- it was a lecture I hadn't had before).

Fitness classes --- Deep Water Suspension (a big cardio workout today), Open Gym I managed a mile on a bike before I got really nauseated so ended up taking a 30 minute nap to recoup.  I followed that with Water circuit (the trainers were brutal today).  Kickboxing, which surprisingly I was more coordinated this visit with, go figure --- not sure where that came from, but still not loving it.  Last class of the day was mountain --- managed to  finish that one biking level 13 at 80 rpms and a heart rate of a mere 180 --- can I say thank goodness we finally reached that peak, the last few inclines were simply mind over matter, closing my eyes and peddling fast.

I still maintain that Wednesday is the toughest day here --- I plan on having a nice tomorrow so it is true.

Catch you all tomorrow.

T

The bulk of today is over --- at least the hard part.  In 90 minutes I get my massage this week --- I called and had it put on the schedule as early as I could -- I highly suggest it as a way to get through a week here.  I definately feel many muscles --- but not nearly as bad as the first time around --- which to me is good news, it means that I kept a lot of my strength.  I am working at a higher level than last time here, my all has improved as I have,  I still have a long ways to go, but one step (or minute) at a time and its mine. 

The food today : Breakfast , a smoothie and english muffin --- I substituted for eggs and toast.
Lunch : Butternut squash soup and sloppy Joe with a side salad of greens, apples, walnuts and a berry dressing of some sort. Dinner : Chicken with a tomato meat sauce over spaghetti squash --- and go figure I didn't mind the brussel sprouts as a side ( maybe if I eat enough of them Ill like them?). Dessert was the famed chocolate covered strawberries --- you know I like those a lot.  I think I will made them for bookclub next month so I have a reason to melt enough chocolate and not eat all the results.

The hike today was trail walk/job --- west canyon which is a service road --- my group spread out pretty well but found the perfect buddy who hikes the same speed as me --- it was really nice. The day was overcast and cool -- its May and rumor has it snowing in northern Utah, possible rain here the next two days.

Classes: Strength circuit which wasn't an option for me before --- I really liked it, and was able to use most of the machines all in an hour at 1 minute apeice. H20 circuit -- pool class. Cardio Intervals --- ramping up then down 30 seconds at a time with a 2 min and 1 min sprint at the top --- brutal. Total Toning -- I appreciated this class a lot more this visit -- mostly because I can do more now, I see that I am getting stronger (my arms still need alot of work). Deep water suspension --- we used the belts today, it made it much easier to keep my head above water -- I do wish I could swim better than I do. Ended up in the hot tub after the 2 water classes to warm up after moving from a warmish pool to cold outside weather --- so nice.

The nicest part of the day is the massage I get shortly. (Okay in the long run the nicest is learning what I'm learning --- but short term --- Im excited for the massage).

Til tomorrow.

Just completed my first day back at Fitness Ridge --- Summer schedule is a little different, I like it, hike starts earlier --- and I got an extra hour of fitness training.  As you know I hate mornings, that will probably never change, however once I get going they can be quite nice.  This morning my alarm clock went off way too early --- I hadn't set it up for a snooze possibility, however my roomy is a morning person (and from the East Coast) so I did get my snooze time which was perfect.  We met at 615 for our hike schedules and left at 630.  Today I got a really nice hike called Barrell Roll nice hard trail (read no sand) -- ups and downs and some beautiful scenery -- I ended up middle range in a group of 5 hikers, although I spent most of my time somewhat solo, I could see people ahead and behind --- but I was spaced just enough to see the rabbits that the first group had moving.  I also had all sorts of lizards scurrying around.  The blossoms on the cactus (and even some sort of purple morning glory), along with other wildflowers were beautiful --- I will get around to posting a few pics at a later time.  All in all I went about 6.3 miles.

We came back to breakfast of an egg mcmuffin and cut fruit.  Following breakfast was a choice between a class or mountain --- I was crazy and chose mountain, if I didn't explain it earlier in the blog that is the interval class that starts at one spot and increases incline and/or speed every 3 minutes 12-13 times until class is done, I lost count, my glutes didn't as I am very aware of them as I climb the stairs to my room. The next class was stretch, which is always welcome -- work out some of the kinks.

Lunch came next which was a vegetable soup, followed by a chile verde style chicken, brown rice and grilled skewer veggies.  It was about this time that one of my fellow friends mentioned the extra hour of class that we get come summer time and early start times --- sure enough, we still had three classes to go.  Make that four since I had been here before I can redo a lecture, or go to open gym --- I ended up spending 6 miles on a stationary bike followed by a mile on the elliptical machine --- one day I may like that machine, but not today.   The next class was core training, followed by a water class --- I still like the water -- I get to remedy that when I get home and actually just buy a gym membership I suppose.  My final class was circuit --- 2 min on a cardio machine followed by 2 - 45second stints on weights.  I started down the row on treadmills --- which alternated with ellipticals on the cardio part --- never did make it to the bikes.  Did I mention earlier that I don't really care for ellipticals --- I spent good time on them today pushing it hard --- out of my comfort zone, but in a good way. I really love the trainers here, they are great motivators.

Dinner followed, it was a turkey chili --- I will have to remember to make that at home, it was really good to me tonight.  Dessert was pineapple with a raspberry drizzle. 

They had a special guest speaker tonight --- Sarah from the current season of Biggest Loser.  She told her story and answered questions --- very interesting.

Anyway --- tomorrow is coming soon --- so I am off to bed.  Take care all and talk to you soon.

What a few months this has been --- Life has been crazy and I have managed to get swept away.  The good news is that I have managed to mostly maintain, Im up a little but still down from when I got here in Feb.  The better news is that I am back at the Ridge -- I arrived today. It was sort of like coming home, I really do like it here.  As I arrived I ran into Renee, who was here during my last trip, she is here with her neice this week, Regina will be here next week (though I unfortunately wont be).  Rumors have it that come November there will be at least a few more with me that I know too --- but thats another trip.

I am yellow team again this week, which is really neither here nor there, the schedule looks a little different with a few extra choices that I don't remember from last time, so I am eager to see what that holds.  It is summer rotation now, and that means I have to be ready for the hike descriptions come 615 am, however we will be home for breakfast at 930 which is really about when I like a little something anyway, and the hike will be done before the hotter part of the day.  I can live with that.

Turkey Stroganoff for dinner, I am thinking that I picked up the same week of an 8 week food rotation as last time, not that I really mind.  I have been enjoying the cookbooks, and excited for the cooking demos this time through too.  I get to work on better follow thru this time here.  The 90-10 rule started o ut well, but ended up more like a 70-30 rule.  But still better than the 20-80 rule I started with.  (the premise is that if you make the best choices 90% of the time, the 10% can be whatever).

I will report back tomorrow, I have the clothes layed out already and the basics packed (it allows me a few extra minutes in bed in the morning).

Till tomorrow then.

Short post tonight.  Today is rest day at the Ridge, it was also my last day there for this round.  They measure you when you arrive, then again when you leave (or every 4 weeks if you are there for longer than that).  I got great news and rewarded for my hard work this week.  My results are :

Pounds lost : 8
Inches Bust: -3
           Waist: -2.75
            Hips:  -3.75


I was hoping for a little more in the tummy, but it will come in time.  Breakfast was a waffle today, and my sack lunch which I did pick up and take with me to eat on the way home was artichoke hummus and pita.  Hummus is one of the lunch or dinner substitutions, and I thought eventually I would find something I didn't want to try and substitute hummus for, but that didn't happen.  I was slightly disappointed last night that I hadn't tried Chef's hummus while there when someone was raving about it at dinner again last night.  So, it can be said I was thrilled with our lunch today (and even more thrilled when I stopped halfway home and ate my lunch).

I stopped at Costco as I hit town tonight and picked up a few things beside fueling the car.  Orowheat rounds were on the list --- my plan which executed well tonight was a chicken salad sandwich with more than half of the filling veggies -- I had some sliced red bell pepper as a side, and ate an orange for dessert. 

No exercise today aside for a little extra lifestyle steps --- but they did suggest at least one rest day per week --- and 5 hours of driving is enough to zap my energy.

Plans for tomorrow --- massage, shopping at the regular grocery store --- Ill most likely do eggs for breakfast and plan on making the carrot ginger soup for lunch -- most likely with more chicken salad -- Ill reserve plans for dinner until I get to the grocery store, I am leaning towards grilled chicken with a side of sweet potato.  I also get to work on a plan for where to follow through on exercise, first off by checking out the place at work.

I plan on updating my progress once a week or so --- for accountability mostly.

I cant believe its 830 and Im on the wind-down, I plan on an early bedtime tonight ( by home standards -- but still resembling the past few weeks).

Take care

I'm sorry I didn't get anything posted last night, after a busy day I met up with some college friends I hadn't seen in 25 years and had a great visit at thier house.  I can't believe the years have gone by this quickly.  She pulled out old photos of us, wow -- I recognized myself, but time sure changes things.

So here is the scoop on Friday -- The hike that we got to go on was the third ravine -- sort of like geocaching --- we took the hard way up and found an easier way down, thanks to the hike guides.  The hike was beautiful as we made our way to the top, I mananged a middle slot where I was between guides, it was an easy trail to follow and gave me some time for self reflection as I made my way up the mountain.  I am still amazed at how my body adjusted to all of this, a week ago I hurt like the dickens and wondering how I would make it through a week, and there I was going up the hill feeling like a million bucks and having the time of my life (mostly). One thing I did learn was that I do well with the slow and steady approach --- kept me sweating but able to keep moving.  I managed a slide down a rock which nabbed my sweats, and put a nice hole right in the backside, good thing there was a layer underneath to protect the rest --- both from getting wounded, and from exposure.  We ended up in a really neat cave, found two geocaches, hung from cliffhanger for a photo op, a few goup pictures --- then down the hill by way of an old service road --- see the easy way down --- had to cut time somewhere I supposed since the way up kept us occupied. Found 2 geocaches on this trail, the guides knew of both of these, the GPS didn't pick up additional (until I solve a puzzle or two for next trip).

Classes today -- pool (intervals), zumba, circuit training and pool volleyball. Okay Friday gets to be a little of a play day, but we worked hard for this.  I still maintain that Zumba is not my best shot at coordination, though I followed a little better this week, but how to get those hips to do what the instructors do, is well beyond my comprehension.

Food -- It was a long time ago -- breakfast was something breakfasty, Lunch was a chicken stew ( I missed my soup and meal being seperate), it did come with a side salad though.  Dessert was a parfait with kiwi and strawberries on top, really liked it --- still drawing a blank on dinner --- I can remember I liked it well enough though.

Today is Saturday --- half a day.  The Ridge offers 3 hikes on Saturday --- Stop sign (why anyone wants to climb 4.3 miles uphill on pavement a second time in a week is beyond me --- okay its a great calorie burn, you can try and beat a time, its great if uneven terrain is stressful) --- for me too much of a chore, I wanted dirt.  The second offered was west canyon which I have been on already.  So I chose the one that leaves from the Ridge here.  Anasazi  --- great hike, service type road (well technically dirt road for a good part of it but no driving from us) then we got to the trail --- nice petroglyphs around this area --- and 3 caches up on the trail --- may have hooked another guide today, he was willing to hike another 1/2 mile up if the group turned around too  quick, they didn't we were a slightly faster group.  We caused one hike guide a little stress though by taking a side road to a nearby cache before we caught up to them on a second segment of petroglyphs -- I'll attach a few pics.  On the way back to the ridge managed to pick up 2 more caches, one down the street a little, and one in front that I missed last week --- who knows why.  After lunch I went out and drove around Ivins a little bit, and geocached for a few hours.  I came back to the ridge and got a good shower in, put on non-workout clothes, did my hair rather than pony it up and went to dinner. 

At dinner they showed us our weekly video --- I really enjoy these videos of the week, for me it will be a great source of motivation when I watch them getting the visceral reminder of what I accomplished here.

I am amazed that its time to go home tomorrow -- where did my last 2 weeks go, and how did they fly by so fast.  I am ready to work on this at home though, make adjustments and see where it takes me.  I get my checkup on how I am doing in May when I return for another week, similar to the last two.  I'll keep you posted.

Thursday is over --- Todays hike so far is one of my favorites.  We went to Hidden pinyon.  We ended up going to piano rock and stairmistress by way of our hike.  I hate the sand which we started on, but most of it was packed and/or the hardened sandstone.  Fun pictures.  My right foot is starting to really be iritated at me, I thought I had the issue solved, but obviously putting too much pressure on my heel again , two more hikes to go here, wish me good rest for it tonight.

Two lectures for me today, one was about number crunching and how to determine realistic goals for ourselves.  The second lecture tonight was more about menu planning and ideas for when we go home.  Both loaded with good information that I will definately use at home.  If I didn't mention it earlier, I bought the cookbooks -- I decided they are a good starting spot for learning to cut calories and still have variety and flavor in my meals -- and for the most part, I have liked most things here.

That brings us to meals --- almond-butter and jelly on an orowheat round with cut fruit for breakfast.

Tortilla soup and pesto pizza for lunch. Waldorf salad for dinner, with pineapple for dessert. 

Classes today --- stretch after my hike, then treading (I still like this one best of all the intense cardio classes), pool, followed by ball works -- doubt I'll ever love the ball -- however did learn a few exercises worth repeating so guess its time to pump mine back up when I get home.

Short post tonight -- I know the posts are getting shorter, its just that with this schedule -- I'm just ready for bed early.

I cant believe another day has been completed here at the ridge.  As I have mentioned before, 30 seconds here can be perceived to last nearly a lifetime, though the dfor me ays can go by quickly.  Today I felt a little run down, this is an incredible pace to maintain. The beautiful part of this though, is that I can see so many places where I am so much stronger.  They tell us here to look at the things we gain rather than what we are here to lose, I like that philosophy.  My endurance has improved significantly, I see it every day on the hikes.  My pace is still "slow and steady" but unlike the hikes I take at home, I am not stopping as much here.  Today our hike was to "volcano"  -- it started at the end of the stop sign hike, we jogged across the highway, then circled up and around to a  peak, I managed to get a geocache on this trail too  -- Joan's Bones, if the pic turned out I will post it here.  I think tomorrow I will be repeating a hike from last week, it will be nice to see if my ability has improved, it was a hike I enjoyed so unless it changes, I am looking forward to it. (and if it changes, I get a new hike-- which is nice too).  I am in a great van for me this week, right in the midst, its been fun visiting with other guests as we are on the trail.

I came back for a water class -- I had 2 today, a circuit class and deep water suspension -- I sure wish I could swim better --- floating isn't an option in these classes, doing things like putting water dumbells under each knee and motoring around the pool is.  My problem is that it feels like I am on a bucking horse most of the time.  I still maintain that I am really ejoying the pool, still getting a good core workout there, and definately have tired, sore abs after a week and a half here, I am just crossing my fingers that it will equate in inches lost.  The problem with being with myself everyday is that the mirror is not a reliable source of information.  So until Sunday I will keep my energy up and put it out there that the inches are coming down too.

My other two classes were kickboxing ( a little more coordinated today, doubt I will ever fall in love with it), and mountain --- I suceeded in climbing yet another mountain --- using a bike today, its a class that climbs a level every three minutes for a total of 12 while keeping the same speek --- I was smarter this week and started my level a few higher, but then only climbed one resistance at a time --- much better than last week where my first 4 levels got double increases.  I was still done by about increase 9 --- but what is another 12 minutes with friends, we made it.  This and treading are two classes I will most likely incorporate at home into my life.  As much as I hate them for the moment, I feel accomplished when they are done, it is a nice high.

Meals today --- breakfast was a sausage mcmuffin and fruit salad.  Lunch was a salad with a turkey pita sandwich.  Dinner was one of my favorites, salmon and couscous.  Dessert was the dark chocolate covered strawberries -- this week I chose them over plain strawberries, and decided they were heavenly -- maybe if dark chocolate covers fruit I will like it from now on. (It seems to be a theme here).

I'm ready to take on Thursday now, I have time to goof off online for an hour or so, then bedtime -- going to be early has been an interesting experience, now to see how well I do at being better at bedtime once I get back to the real world.

Til tomorrow

Tuesday of week 2 is now officially over.  It amazes me that when 30 seconds takes an eternity to end, the day is something entirely different.  How can I have just completed day 2 of my second week here.  I did stop sign hike today --- the entire 4.3 miles up the trail/road  I felt really sluggish, like I didn't have the same energy for it that I had a week ago when I was a little fresher.  I did however better my time -- this week was 87 min, so I improved my time by 3 minutes -- I had wanted a little more, but I will take it, at least I improved.  Tomorrow I'll be back trekking through the area (possibly a spot called volcano, but we don't know for sure until 745 in the morning).  The other 4 classes of the day --- free weights class (information more than doing), cardio intervals (I must have had the choice of pool over this one last week -- I liked it -- but it was a bit brutal), total body toning (why is a 12 pound bar so heavy to lift repetitively?), and pool (this one was one of the toughest yet).

Food, I substituted eggs and toast for the parfait for breakfast.  Lunch was a chicken avocado soup (different, but I liked it) and a turkey sandwich with a side salad with strawberries.  Dinner was a barbecued chicken sandwich, edamame and the dessert was pineapple sorbet.

I attended one class today on relaxation given by the chiropractor.
I did my laundry.
I bought the cookbooks (I actually like most of the food, and the recipes are relatively simple).
I relaxed with a deep tissue massage --- this one was to die for -- I could ramble, but Im jello right now and off to bed.

More tomorrow

Today started my second week here at Fitness Ridge.  Wow, what a difference a week can make.  My hike today was at Upper Gila  --- very beautiful hike, without the guides, I think I may have been lost forever if Id been on my own. (Not really -- I knew the direction of the road , though getting there would have taken interesting navigation I'm sure).  New van assignments, tomorrow I will be doing the infamous stop sign again, I was hoping for a few more conditioning days before this hike, so I can better my last weeks time, but oh well --- exactly one week later, I will see if I break last weeks time of not. Please wish me luck.

Classes -- I returned for stretch, then had core, pool, and circuit.  The first two classes were more of the same, I can see the difference in how I perform this week compared to last.  Circuit on the other hand, I was able to get solid numbers.  Today my treadmill speed started at 4.7 and I finished my last section at a full 2 min of 4.9  (my best last week was 4.2).  My bike RPM moved from the mid 60s last week --- up to sustained 100's with a level 7 tacked on.  I had a great day.

Food -- Breakfast, had the egg mcmuffin thing today --- I substituted out the turkey bacon, for more egg.  Lunch, Sunchoke soup (liked it)  and mixed greens and a tuna salad with sliced yellow sweet potato. Dinner, chicken breast, sweet potato and asparagus. Dessert was oranges drizzled in dark chocolate.

Class today consisted of open gym today --- where I walked down to a park and played kickball --- I didn't do so well at catching the balls --- but I still managed a decent kick or two when it was my turn up.  Week 2 guests have significantly less classes.  There are a few I will go to this week as a repeat, as well as a few new lectures.

Signing off.

Todays post will be short, I had the day all to myself to do whatever.   I sent my roomy off this morning about 7am, we had a nice visit as she finished getting things together.  After my 7 am breakfast, I visited with a lot of the others who were leaving today also.  By 845 I have to admit I was getting a little restless -- I went to the gym.  I know what I would be thinking if I read that last sentence, I was thinking the same thing as I headed that way -- " What???!!!! "  I spent 45 min on the treadmill and 5 min on the bike, just to settle the legs down after my walk.  I took a gentle pace (which is still faster than I walked prior to soming here)... tomorrow marks the next chapter in picking it up again --- for the record they encouraged to rest up today.

I got some geocaching in for the rest of my resting up --- working on finally topping my 100 virtuals -- and can finally sign off that challenge.  Still more virtuals to work on down here, and caches everywhere.  I finally settled back and realized that I wont get much caching done this trip --- next time I may come a day early to get my fix on geocaching before I start.  What I know is that I am also ready to get back home, there are things I miss there --- however, I have one more intense week of caring for myself and I am excited about that.

I figured out how to post a few pics of my hikes, there weren't as many pics as I expected to see on my CD, and I though we don't have much time for photo opportunities, I plan on keeping the camera a little closer this week.

Today marks the end of my first week at Fitness Ridge.  Someone mentioned earlier tonight that it is amazing at how fast this week went, when 20 seconds on a treadmill can at times seem to take forever.  That sums up my week. 
Today was cold and rainy, I had my choice of hiking in the rain or a class called cardio blast --- which equates to 2 hours in the gym at high intensity.  I chose the hike.  Today I hiked west canyon --- good think I bought my rain poncho before I left, because it was a little thicker than what the ridge provided.  My jacket sleeves still got wet however and the rest of the jacket shell seemed to absorb it like a sponge. The inside stayed dry though.  Beautiful hike, in a beautiful place.
I came back and chose into stretch class --- I have really enjoyed this class.  My flexibility has definately lacked -- I have some new exercises to work on that with now, not to mention, it just feels good after a hike.

Saturdays are half days, I got a shower, an hour catnap, a little television/computer time and dressed in something other than sweats.  Who would think putting on jeans could be a reward after a long week here, makes me smile.

This evening we watched a DVD made of the week, I still have yet to see the other one with the still shots --- its a nice memory peice.  It was karoke night afterwards, and though I didn't sing, I can say that I had a great time, its been at least 20 years since I have been in a karoke scenario.  Fun stuff.

Similar food today --- loved the carrot ginger soup for lunch and the tacos that came with it today.

Signing out for the night.

 

Today was a great one, finished the last full day of my first week.  The hike today was to Camelback -- I really enjoyed this one a lot.  I will download a few pics in my free time (whenever that might be) at some point to post.  The good news is I didn't fall quite as far behind today -- but I still had my own hike guide.  Schedule similar to any other day.  I had a new class today -- Zumba, got a great workout, looked silly, sort of managed to follow -- had a great time, interested to see what next weeks class looks like, judgment reserved on future attempts to recreate.  The pool was volleyball --- got good at serving the ball over after plenty of missed attempts, not so good at recovering or keeping the ball up in the air --- or over the net-- it wasn't about that so all was good.  Now the biggest accomplishment for me today came in Circuit class --- 2 minute intervals of cardio followed by 2-45 second weight rounds.  I decided to work on going faster than I had before for that length of time, now up until I came here, I could muster 4 MPH on the treadmill for about 30 seconds before I was sure I would die.  Today my first round was at 4 mph, the rest were at 4.2 (including the last which lasted 3 minutes).  This is near the end of my day when I was already spent, so amazing. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but excited to see where the number is next week. 

Food --- breakfast : substituted for eggs and toast today -- lunch: Tomatillo soup (not bad, wont make at home) -- with a sandwich I think tuna --- sorry guys can't quite remember.  Dinner: Salmon burger (had to decontruct it to eat it, really good), and fruit for dessert.

Played a game of scattergories tonight -- was fun (okay gamer friends of mine, erase that last line) -- I taught Flux before hand to a confused group --- should have pulled out No Thanks or Category 5.

Just finished looking at a few things online, finishing up the blog, and it looks like a 930 bedtime for me tonight.

Tomorrow's forcast has plans for rain --- I signed up for a basic level hike -- the other option is 2 hours of cardio in the gym --- if its raining hard, I may change it up to the gym --- but for the time being, I prefer the outdoors.

Okay new verdict after today.  I think I will live --- like many others Thursday is the day where my body started responding a little better.  Don't get me wrong or anything, still sore, however today its more of a nagging sore.  It only required a small groan to get out of bed this morning, instead of the long -- holy cow do I really have to roll over because that really hurts everywhere near scream yesterday.

The hike today was Chuckawalla --- somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 miles or so for me -- stopped caring really --- regardless of where they take me the burn will be good. Got my own hike guide today --- there were only 4 in our van today --- and we split 3 guides  (2 are new so according to them they each counted as half).  Still pulling up last --- the guides will walk side by side for a little bit to make sure Im doing well --- and then outpace me a little --- to speed up the pace I am sure, not sure how well it worked today, but overall it is working.  Today required a little more slowing down, I still hate the ups -- However today they also humored me and I was able to nab 3 caches.  The group had outpaced far enough that my guide and I turned around about the same time they did --- there was a cache I didnt mention because it was .15 up a steep inclined trail,  hill, mountain did I say steep?  We decided to head for that one while the group caught up --- as in my geocaching world, often we take the hard way up, only to find the easier way down --- a little scrambling and crawling over boulders and such we made it to the top --- my guide was so excited (or he was just motivating me) that I had to chuckle a little --- he nabbed that one before I could (better than the time before when the other guide was actually standing on the rock the cache was under).  I think we may have a new geocacher in our numbers soon.  We found the trail down --- although steep --- no boulder crawls or tumbling rocks.

I had my choice of pool class or circuit class --- I really like the pool for less lower leg impact after hiking --I may change it up next week --- but this week when I have a choice, I've gone for the pool.  -- It sill amazes me that I like it enough to get  in and do all sorts of stuff while its cold out --- and its an outside pool.  I was at least able to dip in the hottub for 5 minutes afterwards to warm up, the toss my big white fluffy robe on and head to lunch. Normally I'd change but I was lucky enough to have pool class after lunch too --- in case you are wondering, two different styles of pool class.  Ball works was the next class --- dang you can do a lot with those big silly stability balls --- my arms and legs were burning by the end of class.  My last class of the day was treading -- on paper it sounded rough, in reality it was rougher, by the end of the day its something I will take home with me because I felt so incredible.  It's an interval type class 5 min all out on any cardio ( took the bike over treadmill --new range of motion and my calves still ached )  then a 5 min recovery time, follwed by 4 oall out, 4 recovery -- 3/3, 2/2, 1/1.  Then when I was thrilled to get towards the end, the surprise (always surprises) was that we got to do a 50 second sprint, with a recovery (guessing it was 1 min but not sure0 and followed yet again with a 40 second sprint.  If we had more time Im not so sure we wouldnt have done one for 30.  The thing that was so wonderful for me is this week the highest RPM's I have been able to maintain was 114 --- most of today I was at 100-110 until the final two sprints -- the first at 120, and the second at 136.  The trainer kept reminding us that we could do anything for one more min -- or 30 more seconds, and its true.  Nice breakthrough.

Meals -- Breakfast was oatmeal -- I don't care for the stuff normally, and without milk and sugar it was not any better --- it was sweetened with strawberrys -- Ill choose out of that next week if it shows up again.  Lunch was mushroom soup, but tomato based, another hit on the I would make this at home -- followed by a turkey sandwich (Orowheat rounds are used here a fair amount).  Dinner was stuffed red bell pepper --- I liked that too --- a turkey type stuffing.

For class another cooking demo -- lilked it, and a prep for next week class for those of us staying over.

Laundy on the agenda, and although it was supposed to be done by now, the washers were full right before dinner, and before class --- and it was just worth doing it a little later, to not crawl into sweaty gross sweatpants first thing in the morning. (I have found later in the day I can do it, sounds gross I know, but for the record -- its done when swimclass isnt the last class of the day -- and what does it really matter, within 5 minutes the new ones would be sweaty too.

Okay off to email or something for the next 30 til my clothes dry, and another before 10pm bedtime.

This morning came way too early today.  I did muster the morning stretch class (it is optional -- however since I made so much noise just trying to get out of bed I figured it would help, it did).  The hike today was beautiful -- around 5 miles, but messed up my GPS tracking -- and the guides' GPS tracking malfunctioned as well.  We did a hike to a place called Johnson's Arch, then wandered around a mountain to Scout cave -- very beautiful walk --- still at the back of the pack, but only by minutes they tell me --- the guides tell me it is better to be in a van that challenges me by being a little speedier than to be the lead in a group where I dont -- they are right and I will stand by thier judgement.  The lectures and classes here are pulling me to a level already that I never thought would be possible.

Exercise today was comprised of 2 pool classes ( I had the choice for one between pool and a cardio circuit I chose pool).  I am finding that I really enjoy the pool, I am getting a great ab workout, as well as a great upper body -- I get to figure out where to maintain this at home, loving it. (even though I hurt like the dickens).  My other two classes were mountain ( increasing resistance every 3 minutes for 12 rotations -- thought about cheating on the last 2 but mustered up the strength to push the button when instructed -- I am here to be pushed so I get to dig deep and trust) -- Kickboxing was the other class I attended -- not as committed to that one, however I did enjoy it -- can you say arms that wanted to fall off by the time I was through?

Meals today ---  Breakfast  was mixed fruit like yesterday, french toast and egg  -- okay.

Lunch was a type of chicken pizza and beet soup --- enjoyed the beet soup but would never prepare it, but willing to have it if someone else did, enjoyed the pizza things.

Dinner was a taco salad with chicken style meal  -- very good, loved the sorbet we got for desset too.

Okay time for bed -- Im ready for Sunday when I will be able to sleep in until Sunday -- and have a nap if I want --- if the weather is decent (supposed to be snowing)  I plan on actually grabbing a cache or two.

Night

I know now why they call it "Terrible Tuesday".  I am still happy to be here, but dang I feel it.  Today my hike was the infamous stop sign hike.  4.3 miles srait uphill( about a 1000 foot elevation gain)--- well the bottom 3 miles had a litte roll action going on, a lot up, a little down, back up, a little down.  I managed to get to the top in 90 minutes, which was better than I anticipated -- all in all a 7.1 mile hike (its on or close to a road with a lot of parking areas, so they gave us a time to make sure we were in one to be picked up),  The downhill was quicker, not so sure it was easier though.

My next 4 classes were --Stretch, which helped me get through the day (glad I did the optional stretch class at 6am the past two days too).  Total Toning -- Deep Water suspension (yesterday I loved the water classes -- today was brutal -- at least I didn't drown, or throw up in the pool -- at times I thought both might be options), and the last class of the day was Cardio Intervals ---

Food was pretty good today too. Breakfast was a smoothie and english muffin. Lunch squash soup, a salad of greens and blueberries, and a salmon burger type thing.  Dinner was spaghetti squash (liked this prep and its a squash I usually don't care for) topped with a chicken breast, and a tomato based marinara with some veggies and turkey.

The classes were on emotional eating and intuitive eating.

I got a massage at the end of my day today --- I think I can make it through another day tomorrow.  Off to bed, this place my cure my desire to stay up late.

Made it through my first day at Fitness Ridge --- Im tired, a little achy but overall thrilled.  My hike this morning was in Snow Canyon somewhere --- I was hyperfocused on getting where I needed to be rather than the name of the trail.  It was great, I may have underestimated my ability when they had me self assess --- okay one of my big flaws,  so moving up higher than I would have anticipated - I am excited about that as I get to be pushed more.  Today the trail was more of a service road, not much up and down, pretty level, I managed 5.66 miles with an average speed of about 3.2 -- good calorie burn with that one I had 2000 calories burned by lunch. My other classes today included 2 in the water, which made me realize I want to find a pool and some pool wieghts to use once I get home, my heart rate was up and we were sweating in the pool --- I know it does sound disgusting, but I guess its part of what I signed up for.  During circuit training I thought I was going to fall over, we started at a good clip then pushed it up every 15 seconds for 2 min --- how does someone run at 5mph when at home 4mph for more than about a minute is enough to push her over the edge ? (my final 2 min burst started at 4.3) So, yeah me, 2 minutes over 4mph, its a start.   Im not going to ask the trainer or I might be running at 6 tomorrow --- Im guessing I will most likely surpass that by the time I get home in 2 weeks - minus the day.  Final class was core, I definately need more work in this one, but it was a slower class for the end of a long day, I did appreciate that.

On to food -- breakfast was pretty good, egg mcmuffin type thing with turkey bacon and eggwhites. The whole grained bun thing was very filling, to the point I couldnt finish it.  It came with a mixed fruit side of watermelon, berries and pineapple.  I took an orange and a boiled egg on hike with me, finished them both.  Lunch was incredible --- we started with a veggie soup that was fair,  the main course was chicken over brown rice, with a chile verde style sauce, loved it. -- I would make that at home too --- unable to finish the rice.  Dinner was a mixed bean chili --- delicious, with a muffin not bad, the dessert was a wedge of pineapple with a strawberry (I think) sauce drizzled over it --- now that was heaven.  Didn't finish the chili.  The thing that is amazing me is that the food they served (minus the boiled egg) comes in a little over 1200 calories total --- and today it was a little too much food, I dont think Ive ever said that at home.

The lectures were good, one was about budgeting calories -- the other was about volume eating  --- good info.

I rounded the day out with a trip to the hottub and some ibuprofen --- sore and achy.  Off to bed now its a little after 9pm here, however another long day is in store tomorrow, and my first class (stretch- though optional but highly recommended by my sweet roomy) is at 6 am.

Well so far so interesting.  The drive down was pretty uneventful, however somehow my GPS didnt load correctly and I didn't get to pick up any caches along the way.  I arrived at Fitness Ridge at about 245, got my nametag, room assignment, room key and workbook.  I also got my time to be measured --- 425. Who would have known it would take me that long to get the suitcases in and unpacked.  The good news is, I know my starting point, the great news is -- the joy at never having to see those numbers again.  I don't remeasure until I leave in 2 weeks, including weight.

I was a little out of sorts on dinner -- little groups were forming, I managed to find a group of newbies who also weren't quite sure what we were doing.  Dinner was a stroganoff, I couldn't quite identify the flavor of the meat, ended up being turkey (instead of ostrich as I was told, seems they revamped the recipe to make it easier for people to create at home).  The vanilla dessert well it's not one that I would make at home, I didnt mind the crust, which seemed like a grapenut/granola combo, or the strawberry swirl stuff on top ---- the vanilla part was what seemed off to me.

We had a short what this place is about lecture and a guided tour, and now its off to personal time and bed soon.  Tomorrow is the first official day.  Im still pretty excited.

I have spent most of my lifetime being overweight.  I have tried numerous ways to change this fact. Some things worked (for a time), and others have not.  Regardless, Im nearing my 44th birthday -- if I don't figure it out soon my later years might not look so pretty.  I work in the medical field, I see the effects of obesity everywhere I turn, I choose not to have that in my future, so its time to act, and succeed.

I have evaluated my issues, I know how I got here, and I know many of the whys, although this information is insiteful -- it doesn't solve the problem.  My biggest problem is not how I got here, it is what to do now.  Like many people out there, I want it to be easy, fun, and something that just falls into place.  It hasn't happened that way for me.

The last few years I have learned to play at it, and that has worked, I maintain a 35-40 pound weight loss from my highest point.  I did this by becoming more active -- dare I call geocaching a sport?  Geocaching has been my way to get outside more, to learn to be a kid again, to climb trees, fences, wander down paths all for the satisfaction of signing my name to a peice of paper.  I know its not for everyone, but the places I have been, even in my backyard that I never knew existed have made this a great hobby for me.  However, the weight loss has now plateaued over the past year so its time to add something new.

A few months back, I found the perfect setup.  A trip to southern Utah, where I can try all sorts of different styles of exercise, add in education about where I go from here along with suggestions on how to get there (I am always the final say), throw in cooking demonstrations, new recipes to try (that are good for me). Toss in the onsite pampering and it fit. ( The biggest issue was the waiting list).I found a great solution for taking it up a notch. I write my first blog as I am moments away from leaving on my adventure,  http://biggestloserresort.com/  Fitness Ridge.   In deciding to take this on, I read a lot of blogs and found them to give me the added confidence to know that this was something I would enjoy.  As I have told friends and family about my "vacation" and about all the things I have read about people accomplishing there, many have expressed interest in hearing about mine.  Blogging intimidates me a little, putting it out there, but it also adds a level of accountability for me , in addition with sharing it with others who are looking to find out a little more about what they can expect -- so here I am.