Days 27 - 28 "There's No Place Like Home." - Dorothy

235.6:   My weight when I arrived at The Ridge.
59:       My cabin number.
28:       The length in days of my stay.
48:       The number of meals where I used Sriracha.
1200:   The number of calories I ate each day.
60:       The number of sweat towels I used each week.
2:         The number of times I changed my clothes each day.
16.2     The number of pounds I lost.
5:         The length in hours of my flight back to Houston.
3:         The value (in millions) of Harry Winston's Ruby Slippers, which I'm  sure would carry me home faster than my 5 hour flight.

Days 24 - 26 Love, Hair, and Disco?!

Wow!  I can't believe that I haven't written for the last two days, or that it is already Friday of Week 4.  I have been so busy attending lectures, working out, and spending time with my buddies before we have to say goodbye.  The goodbyes are going to be more difficult than I ever imagined...one day at a time, right? 

I started the week trying to push extra hard, knowing that I would be stepping on the scale at 7:00am Sunday morning; however, by Wednesday I was experiencing serious nausea (a symptom of dehydration) and was totally exhausted.  I decided that it would be best if I took a step back and focused on enjoying my final days here by taking the classes I love instead of forcing myself to double up on classes I don't.  This was also a good reminder that this is meant to be a life-long change versus a quick fix. This led me to a wonderful spinning class where I experienced my very first "runners" high.  I totally hit a wall, pushed through, and ended up with a huge adrenaline rush...I'm talking goose bumps and everything.  It was an epic experience!  Tina, a hiking guide, has been leading lovely stretch classes that have allowed me to decompress, relax my sore muscles, and focus on controlling my breath.  Lastly...I LOVE me some Cardio Disco Jam (see pic below.)  It is led by John, the Fitness Director, who can really shake his groove thing.  It is a fantastically fun way to burn some calories.

On Thursday I had my hair cut, which was an interesting experience to say the least.  It looks ok when product is applied, but it honestly wasn't the quality cut or service I was expecting and the stylist was a little crazy-town.  This was the first service that I wasn't head over heels about.  It was nothing compared to the work of Dr.Ray or the massage magic of Jonathan, both of whom play you like Harp!  I suppose that a haircut will never compare to a rub down.

Thursday's Hike at Solstice.

Hey Stephanie!



Our pace has really increased!  We are so proud :)

Time for a bath.

Colter and his flute.

Mustard plants

Today's hike at Zuma Reverse

Wait up girls!  (Anne and Stephanie)

The ashes of a mother who was deeply loved.

At the end of Week 4 you take a trip to the grocery with the nutritionist, Jessica.  Hi Elaine and Stephanie!

James plotting his Starbucks coup.

Cardio Disco Jam! (Stephanie, Jason, John, Elaine, Adela, and Me.

Me and Sam...our version of the Prom Picture.

John...minus the wig.

Day 23 - Tired Tuesday

I have been so tired today!  My legs are sore...my arms are sore...and thanks to Megan (an awesome trainer) my abs and ass are incredibly sore!  This made my hike and most of my classes a little less than enjoyable, but the good news is that I pushed through them and still gave it my all.  This week is flying by, and while I am ready to be home with my wife, I'm not sure that I am ready to leave the safety and predictability of the BLR or my amazing support system.  Like I said yesterday, I am trying to stay in the moment, but it is very difficult.  I am going to miss Stephanie and Jason cheering me on as I push through a 60+ resistance on the Arc Trainer, laughing at lunch with Elaine and Adela, and the emotional support of the staff.  Until the last day I am going to try to stay focused on the moment, and to continue to enjoy these friendships and support while I have it.  I have to remember that this is not the end, but the beginning.


Today's hike at Backbone Trail (Newton Canyon)



The sound of the water was so peaceful during the hike.

Stephanie and I dressed like Twinkies today...it was TOTALLY planned (or not.)

The view.

Another View.

Days 20 - 22 The Final Four

Can you believe that I have not been able to get my suntan on a single time since I have been here?!  It has been cloudy and cold every weekend, and this last weekend was no exception.  On Saturday I got a bit of cabin fever so I bundled up and covered up to sit by the pool while I read.  Sunday...I was all about the sleeping.  I guess the dreary weekends ensure that I rest up properly for the coming week, and this week is the start of WEEK 4...also known as my LAST week.  I am trying to keep focused on "one day at a time" like a good Alanon should so I don't let the stress of re-entering the real world corrupt my final days.  Week 4 is going to be about hitting it hard!  Steph and I took a second Circuit class instead of going to pool for the extra calorie burn.  Not only am I amazed that I made it through back to back Circuit classes, but I am mega amazed that I made the decision to try!  The mind shift that is happening is fantabulous.  I'm even noticing it with my eating habits.  This evening I skipped my dessert because I was...FULL.  Imagine that...I stopped eating when my body was like, "Dude, I'm done."  I am no longer eating like it's my last day on Earth, and the desire to do so is fading.  Sweet...right?!  Below are the pics from today's hike at Winding Way. 

Day 19 - Zuma Ridge

When I heard that we were hiking Zuma Ridge today, I was like no way...not this girlie!  "I'm tired."  "My foot hurts." "I will never be able to hike a trail that hard."  As soon as I got back to my room I realized that my body felt incredibly strong...it was FEAR that was holding me back.  Being afraid is no longer an excuse and never will be again.  So I grabbed all of my stuff and ran to the van (purchasing some socks in the pro shop on the way, realizing just in time that I had forgotten them.) 

The Zuma Ridge Trail is a wide dirt service road that weaves northwest up the back of the ridge west of Zuma Canyon. The hike starts at the base of the flood plane and ascends to beautiful hillsides and views. In short, you hike at an incline for 1 1/2 hours getting as high as you can before it's time to turn around and head back.  I picked a point and set my goal.  I have never felt so strong in my life!  My destination was so close when I heard, "Turn it around."  Any other day I would have been relieved to hear those words...it was hot, my legs were screaming, my heart was pounding in my ears, and it is rattle snake season for God's sake. Today...today I was determined to reach my goal.  There was still one guide and one hiker ahead of me.  I asked to keep going until I ran into them or arrived at my destination.  Time was short, so I picked up my speed and got focused.  ~15 minutes later...I was there...I made it!  Not only that, but I was the second highest climber!  There are not words to describe how proud I felt and still feel.  The day I arrived, I was out of breath just walking to my cabin...and today I made that trail my bitch!  I am forever changed by this experience.

What exactly am I doing?!

Time to catch up after pausing for a few photos.  Wait up Michael C.!

View #1 from the "Top"

View #2  from the "Top"