Bootcamp Week 2: No pain, no gain

Technically, week 2 hasn't ended because today is Thursday, but I wanted to post today because I reached my first milestone. Today I was able to run two laps around the loop without stopping. This is huge for me. It's progress. Only a smidge, but not bad for the sixth day. After the run, there was a full gamut of taxing exercises that have reduced my body to a vertical pile of jello, including: pull ups, restrained sprints, squats, ab crunches, leg lifts, agility work, and medicine ball lifts. The important thing, though, is that I am starting to make progress, an indication that there is hope for me. (Never mind that typing this is currently a challenge and my shoulders are clicking.)


Not me running

While running our second lap around the AIDS Memorial Park, I was aware and appreciative of the sights and smells that surrounded my torture. The flowers are in full bloom, the gardener was mowing the lawn, the sun was peaking through the fog and the sprinklers were gently misting my throbbing face. If I were to die of a stroke at that moment, it wouldn't have been the worst environment to croak in.

Bootcamp is like gym class for adults. Each day we have a new routine and we cycle through instructors throughout the week. You show up nervous, never knowing what to expect. At the end of each class when they tell us it's over, you feel like a kid who's just been released from the clutches of the playground bully. "Really? I'm done? It's over? I'm alive?"

On my second day of class, i decided that I was in serious need of some clothes to wear to this shindig. Most of my t-shirts (Captain Underpants, The Princess Diana & Prince Charles Royal wedding, Garbage Pail Kids Weird Wendy) don't reflect the serious ambition of my new role as aspiring athlete. I headed to Out of the Closet, my favorite thrift store, and scored a few work-outy shirts for 3 bucks each. The next morning, i wore the coolest one: a red sleeveless top with black mesh sides and built-in CoolMax bra. There were some mysterious pockets on the back, but no matter. What I was concerned about was blending in. During class, I was receiving some instruction from Keith about arching my pelvis and he asked, "So you're into road biking?" I thought, "I don't exercise!" but I said, "Uh, no." And he said that he was assuming that because of my shirt. Oh, yeah. That. (dork!) On the third day of class, a different instructor told me I needed new shoes. Really? These are only five years old!

I expected my energy level to increase as a result of daily exercise, which has somewhat been true, but by the time I get home from work, I'm pretty much ready to die by 9 PM. Before that, i have only enough energy to fill the hole in my face with food and watch Dr. Phil with one eye open. I miss having a social life, but I am proud of myself for sticking with this.