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Survived week 1 – stronger, smarter and sorer

So much has happened in the past 3-4 days. Where to begin. I think the week can be summarized by saying that I am a lot stronger, smarter and sorer. We said goodbye today to a few from our Fitness North Family and will miss Shari, Jim and Leslie, and Mark. We welcomed Gina to our house in Shari’s spot for week 2 of boot camp.

Week 1 highlights:

Stronger: We climbed Oberg Mountain a second time and I did it faster and felt better, which allowed me to enjoy the accomplishment even more; pushed past my personal limits and so much pain in cardio circuits and on the Arc Trainer at Grand Marais Pumphouse where we worked out 2 days in a row; and, perhaps most importantly, I managed to push through circuits with constant pain after climbing mountains and doing 4-5 hours of cardio — sore back, knees, calves, shoulders, arms, tired legs…

Smarter: We had several informative sessions and talks on fitness, nutrition, body chemistry and metabolism, with Leif Anderson, our amazing program director and trainer. Plus, we learned to count protein, carbs, fats, etc and prepare our own healthy meals. Thanks to my amazing housemates – Sue, Carrie, and Shari – we did not starve! Had a special visit from Dr. Delrae Messer who spoke to us about toxicity, nutrition, weight loss and detoxification. And, we went grocery shopping in Grand Marais and learned how to read labels and choose healthy foods from the bad stuff – such as rice, peanut butter, oils, etc. All good. So helpful.

Sorer: By the time Saturday rolled around and we finished our last chance workout, I was so sore I thought my body would never return to a comfortable state. Everything hurt, but particularly my knees and back. And this is a level of pain that I can’t even describe. But today after a day off and three spa treatments all or most of me feels better. Still sore but on a different scale.

Social: There’s been some humor, some tears, some nausea, new friends from the Fitness North family to share the journey and more. We miss Shari tonight as she left us today. As did Jim, Leslie and Mark who all stayed for one week. And we welcomed Gina to our townhome.

I had a nice break and a great day off, but now learned tomorrow starts even earlier. 4:15 a.m. will come way too soon so I sign off. I suspect another goal setting and breaking week. It will be difficult.

Wish me luck. Thanks so much for your well wishes and inspiration. I can’t tell you how much it helps.

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7 Comments Post a comment
  1. Mary Beth #

    1 week down; 1 to go! That's a testimony right there! You sound stronger, Lori, in so many ways! You kinda know what to expect now, so you get to press on past new edges and keep on going! Right on!!! xxx

    December 6, 2010
  2. You looked and sounded great tonight, Lori! Thinking of you as you head into week 2.

    December 6, 2010
  3. Traci Kirtley #

    Lori, wow, what a trip! I'm inspired by you. Congratulations and you can do it! I'm excited to follow your blog now that I finally found it!
    Traci

    December 6, 2010
  4. Lori — you are amazing! Keep on pushing — we are all here cheering you on!
    –Mel

    December 6, 2010
  5. Great stuff Lori, I'm so glad you are getting all that knowledge and support. One BIG bonus for pressing on: you won't have to experience the same type of pain and nausea again, you'll get beyond it and leave it behind as you get stronger! Rock on in this wind sister!

    December 6, 2010
  6. Interesting experience. I never climbed a mountain like what you did. Kind of afraid of heights and I know that in mountain climbing, you will be passing some of them. Scary. I wish I could experience same thing though.

    July 17, 2012
    • Lori Schaefer #

      Hi Molly. Thanks for your post. You know what, I WAS afraid of heights, and the camp itself, leaving my business in the hands of others for the first time, and focusing only on myself for two entire weeks… I learned through this experience that indeed I can do anything. That my mind stops me way before any physical limits. And related to the height comments specifically, these mountains are not that tall – lol! Minnesota mountains. But, I know one thing, if I can do it given where I started. You can do it. Whether that means literally climbing mountains or figuratively. One of my favorite quotes that encapsulates my experience is: “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”

      Have a great day!
      Lori

      July 17, 2012

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