Days 5-7 Wrapping Up Week 1

Friday and Saturday were completely different from Thursday.  I felt so much stronger, physically and emotionally, and my performance was evidence of this.  My speed increased on the treadmill, I pushed myself harder, and I tried things (i.e. spinning) even though they scared the crap out of me.  I saw the therapist on Friday as well, and I am so glad I did.  I sobbed the whole session, but it felt incredible and I walked away with a lot strategies. I am supposed to be working on being more "authentic", meaning my outsides need to match my insides.  When I'm sad...I need to be sad and stop worrying about how that might impact other people.  It is not an easy task given that it is something I have been doing since I was a kid.  Growing up with parents who are addicts, I was constantly walking on egg shells. I didn't want to provoke depression in my mother or rage in my father.  It was a stressful existence, but one I learned to manage. Here, I find myself not wanting to put my "stuff" on anyone else because I know they are all here to better themselves and have their own mess to deal with without listening to me whine, complain, cry etc.  According to Essara (the therapist), I am not responsible for everyone elses' ability to set boundaries.  There is something freeing about that...of course I have to remind myself of it about 10 times a day.

It has been nice to have a full day of rest today, but I am really going to miss the dear friends I made who left this morning.  Erica, Amy, Ellen, and so many others.  I can't imagine hiking without you girls, but I will be carrying you with me.  It will be Erica's contagious smile and encouraging words, Amy's perseverance, and Ellen's positivity.  I don't know if you fancy-ass lawyers will ever make it over to this site, but if you do... thank you, thank you, thank you!  You have forever had an impact on my life, and I love you.

In other news, I lost my iPod during the beach hike Thursday...big bummer.  Not a huge surprise since I kept dropping shit out of my pockets like Hansel and Gretel. If you look at the beach pictures you can see a packet of tissue on the ground between my legs.  Of course I came home with the tissue. So my sweet wife surprised me with a new one!  She is loading my music and overnighting it tomorrow.  I am very excited since I have some open gym time this coming week where I will need to find my own motivation. 

I have also been experiencing a lot of pain in the arch/inner ankle of my left foot.  After the most delicious reflexology appointment (where I learned that it could be related to the kidneys), lots of ice, and Doctor HOY'S Natural Pain Relief Gel it is feeling much better...or at least like I am going to make it through the day tomorrow.  Em is going to be sending me some KT Tape, and I ordered a new pair of shoes for hiking.  It has been suggested that I try some Trail Running shoes, but they won't arrive until Tuesday.  I'll let you know how it goes.  Speaking of hikes, we will be reassessed tomorrow to determine at what level we will be hiking during this upcoming week.  I'm not sure what this is going to look like since it is POURING RAIN and FREEZING!  Wish me luck.

RECENT EPIC EVENTS

• I referred to a workout as "Awesome" and "So much fun!" and meant it.
• I met my facebook buddy Jennifer today for the first time.
• I hit my top speed in Cardio Circuit
• Finished all of my laundry
• I turned on my TV Saturday for the first time since I got here

Lastly, here are the pictures from Friday's hike at Malibu Creek (Fun Fact - M*A*S*H was filmed there)...

Hi Erica!

Look at the deer...so pretty.

Me at the 1/2 way point.



Me, Stephanie, Erica, Anne, Amy, Ellen,  Jason, and Others. Van One's Last Hike.




 Baby's Got CamelBak



Way to go Team!