Days 11 - 15 Week Two's Through

Solsitice Canyon:  On Thursday I hiked Solstice!  This a huge accomplishment for me given that it is one of the more challenging hikes.  I was totally last, but my pace was steady.  The reward at the top of the climb is a little waterfall and some pretty cool ruins.  Jake acted as my personal hiking guide that day, encouraging me the entire way. 

Jake and me.

So proud!

My homegirl Stephanie.

Bird of Paradise

The Miracle Worker:  Two hours into Solstice and my foot pain was pretty intense.  Add 5 additional hours of exercise to that, and it was excruciating.  Enter Dr.Ray.

OK...maybe he had on his scrubs...but yes, that's really him.  Anyways, he is the chiropractor who works on site here and has made a difference for so many people.  I initially went in to get my foot taped, then learned that the issue was not plantar's but an issue in my hip...20 minutes later my pain was completely gone.  COMPLETELY!  Not only that, but it has not returned.  Now THAT'S HOT!

The Weekend:   I went on the beach hike Saturday morning and had a wonderful time.  The weather was chilly, but I took some time to myself to sit out on the rocks, watch the waves, and meditate/pray.  Other than that it was pretty much about napping and laundry....the weekend, not the hike.

The view from my perch on the rock.

Happy Monday:  Time for the assessment hike!  There were several of my buddies in the van, which made the hike a lot of fun.  We were back at Paramount, but we hike an area that I had not seen before which was cool.  Lots of lovely sage and smell-good plants.  It is crazy how far I have come, and I actually wanted more of a challenge.  Seriously, I must be losing my mind!  Either way...Van 5 here I come.

Smile!

Noelle looking lovely.

The Crew.

Chalk Live Forever (That's the name of the plant.)

White Sage

Hi Danielle!

Day 14 - Say What!

9.2  The magnitude of the largest earthquake in Alaska and the number of pounds I have lost so far! Can I get a WHAT WHAT!

I'll be kind and rewind tomorrow (Day's 11-13.)  Until then, shake that booty and enjoy yo'self some Jay'Z.

Day 10 - Happy Hump Day

I think today was an EPIC EVENT! I really pushed myself and was pleasantly surprised at what I was able to do.  My day started with a warm-up in the gym, followed by breakfast. After breakfast (hot muesli) we left for our hike, which was at the beach. I felt like God was everywhere...it was so beautiful and full of life (see pics below).  I also had commented this morning that I felt like playing on the beach, and I actually got an opportunity to do a little bit of that!  After we got back, it was time for Circuit, then lunch, an optional Spin class, Kickboxing, Mountain Class, and Water Circuit.  My booty is sore from the bike, my knuckles are raw from punching the bag, and my feet are still cold from swimming in the pouring rain...but I feel more alive and in touch with my body than I ever have.  It is so amazing!  It is such a gift to be here.

My KT Tape for Arch Support

Check out all of the rocks.  The last time I was here, all of these rocks were covered by sand.

Hi Steph!

My new trail shoes.  Still not sure they are the right ones.

Me hugging on Steven.

Aren't we looking good in Week 2?!

More of the rocks...the sand was a little softer.



Steven saving star fish...don't ask about his sweater.



Day 9 - Plantar's Pee-Nuts

Thanks so much everyone for your support and comments on my last couple of posts!  It means a lot to me, so keep them coming.  I often will respond, so you may want to check back occasionally.  On to today's post...

Say it with me, "Plantar Fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is overly stretched. A number of factors can contribute to this. It is more common in women (of course), and you're more likely to have this condition as you age or if you are...

• Are overweight.
• Take up a new form of exercise or suddenly increase the intensity of your exercise.
• Are on your feet for several hours each day.
• Have other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
• Tend to wear high-heeled shoes, and then switch abruptly to flat shoes.
• Wear shoes that are worn out, with weak arch supports and thin soles.
• Have flat feet or an unusually high arch.
• Have legs of uneven lengths or an abnormal walk or foot position.
• Have tight achilles tendons, or "heel cords."

So there it is folks, everything in bold applies to me. The good news is that the worst thing that is going to happen is that I will be in pain.  I was really worried that it was a sprain or tear, so if I had to choose I guess this would be it.  The doctor advised that I rest my foot, avoid the treadmill, and stop hiking.  I was like, ummmm I'm gonna hike.  Then the doctor was like, "Keep to flat surfaces."  FLAT SURFACES!  I laugh in the face of flat surfaces <insert evil chuckle.> I'm going to hike with group as usual, go at my own pace, tape my foot, try my new trail shoes, ice it nightly, and stretch it regularly throughout the day.  If it becomes unbearable I will make other adjustments but not until then.  This is just something I really want to conquer.

TODAY'S EPIC EVENTS

• I got a package in the mail from my wife containing my new iPod loaded with a special Fitness Ridge Playlist she made!
• I reached a new speed and level on the bike during Cardio (18 mph / Level 15)
• Chocolate covered strawberries...nothing more to be said.

Since there are no pics for today, here's a little something different for your entertainment, or at least mine :)

YOU KNOW YOU ARE AT THE BIGGEST LOSER RESORT WHEN....

1. Cherry flavored GasX sounds like a tempting midnight snack.
2. You find yourself hoarding almonds, apples, bananas, or all three just in case you get hungry.
3. The contents of your make-up drawer now consist of duct-tape, Glide, Boudreaux's Butt Paste, Band-Aids, Neosporin, and Biofreeze/IcyHot.
4. On your way to lunch you pass at least 5 people wearing a silver version of the Hugh Hefner robe.
5. You demand to see the Chef because you're certain that the girl next to got a larger piece of dessert.
6. It's 58 degrees, your given the choice of Mountain Class or swimming...you run to get your bathing suit.
7. A fight breaks out in the dining hall over a bottle of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce.
8. You ask, "What's that smell, " and realize it's you.
9. At least once a day you hear, "Ohhh, I like your stretch pants!" or "What kind of bra are you wearing?!"
10. You are mid-squat on the seated leg press machine, sneeze, and pee your pants...OK, maybe that one was just me.

Day 8 - Welcome to Week 2 & Van 3

Holla at your Girl!  After the assessment hike this morning I found out that I would be moving to Van 3 from Van 1.  Vans are assigned based on your pace...this means I have shown progress.  Even better...I FEEL like I am making progress.  It was pouring rain and really cold, but we made it 2 hours and 45 mins.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to hike tomorrow.  Instead, I am going on a field trip to the Urgent Care. The arch of my left foot has been hurting for a while but reached a new level of "SWEET BABY JEEZ" today after Mountain class.  Hopefully it's nothing major...they'll tape it up...pat me on the bottom and send me on my way.  Can you believe I actually cried when I found out I was going to miss my hike?!  I don't know who this person is that I am becoming, but I think I'm going to like her. 

Pics from today...