Bootcamp fail

So I missed bootcamp on Tuesday...fail. Not to make excuses, but I was busy? Ah, I'm lame. I need to work harder. A whole month has passed in Prince George and I am no fitter.

Ugh wedding! I have an appointment for my dress fitting in December. I need to do better... times running out.

When I try to make excuses I need to tell myself to just...

Boot Camp and Sunshine

It was surprisingly beautiful yesterday. I think I may even have a slight sun burn. Has summer truly arrived?...

Hmmm, I'm not going to hold my breath.

 

Boot camp was a lot of fun yesterday.

I kinda tricked Graham to coming this week again. I invited our visiting friend from Vancouver to the class, which left Graham no choice but to come as well. My slightly evil plan worked and both of them joined in on the boot camp fun.

I started the class unmotivated (post from minutes before the class), but once I got into the groove of things I started to see the light. I started to remember why I sprint, lunge, and push. It’s all for me, my health, my body, and my mind. I get what I put in, so if I quit it’s me that’s losing.

I have also decided that it is way easier to be motivated when there’s someone yelling at you. Sort of like a personal cheerleader. Thanks Faydra.

I’m still working on finding my motivation mojo. But I think I’m moving in the right direction.

On a happy note my mini goal is going well. Day 1 of 7 salad challenge completed.

Boot Camp and Friends

Yesterday was a Boot Camp party. Graham (fiancé), Laura (co-worker & friend), and Hannah (Laura’s sister and new friend) all came to join in on the boot camp fun. 

We did the usual hills, sprints, and stairs. It was hard, but it was great. I enjoy working out with others. When I see others working hard, I work harder.

But not everyone strives off others.

I learned something new about Graham yesterday. He told me that he doesn’t enjoy class environments and feels that he actually pushes himself harder when he workouts by himself.  This was strange to me because I work in the complete opposite. If I’m alone… I slack. I have no one to keep me accountable. I need accountability.

But I guess everyone is motivated differently.

How do you get motivated to work out and work hard?

Super Awkward for me.

Hard is what makes it great

Boot Camp, Running, Interval Sculpt, Yoga... Of course it's hard. Hard is what makes it great.

Boot Camp and a little bit of Advice

Wow, boot camp was really hard this week. Faydra introduced lots of new exercises and my body is defiantly feeling it today. Also, I think I made a few poor decisions on the weekend food wise too and now I’m paying for it.

There were a few new additions to our class this week as well, and they did so great. I remember how hard the first boot camp class was and I’m so happy they stuck it through. I hope they obey Faydra’s one boot camp rule: You must come to at least 2 classes! I hope to see them again, see them improve, and get stronger.

I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about how so many different things affect how you feel during your workouts.  Knowing that I have a hard workout scheduled motivates me to make good (healthy) choices for my body. But sometimes I forget… I felt like poop because of a few bad decisions.

1.  Food

I may have eaten not so healthy the day before boot camp (burger and fries…maybe dessert too), which most likely contributed to my sluggish demeanour. I swear working out is easier when you eat healthy, and actually give your body what it needs. (aka vitamins and nutrients)

2. Water

I feel so much better during workouts if I’m fully hydrated. I usually don’t have problems with drinking enough water, (because I’m a H2O bottomless pit) but if you do have trouble I’ve seen these home-made water bottles online that help keep you on track.-->

 3. Sleep

Seriously, sleep is my favourite thing. But it’s so easy to skip out on shut eye if you’re busy. Please don’t. You are not doing yourself any favours by missing vital hours your body needs for rest. You will perform better, be more productive, and be a happier person if you rest.

I know these seem so simple, but they are so easy to forget and neglect. Try keeping on track with these 3 things and I promise you will notice a difference in your workout. I can defiantly feel a difference if I decide to cheat on any of these. 

Tuesday Motivation

I love this quote. It kinda rocks my world.

Start something that scares you! Like sign-up for a 1/2 marathon...

Back to boot camp, running, and yoga this week! 

Ohhh and I run some race on Sunday, but no big deal. 

I’ve only been training for it for the past 9 weeks… and set a crazy goal…and… and, I am super nervous.

YMCA ROAD RACE!

Reminders:

1. Stay Positive

2. Take it easy this week

3. Drink lots of water

4. Have fun

5. Cross the finish line...

Boot Camp/Learn to Run: Week 9

Ugh, So I missed Tuesday nights run.

Here’s my story: So I was super pumped about my week and motivated to get going. I posted my ‘Tuesday motivation’ and I was set on working hard. I get to boot camp and my stomach isn’t quite feeling quite right but I didn’t think anything of it.

First round of cardio… Line sprints with jumping jacks in between each sprint. I felt okay after. Then we started a round of strength training and I started to get light headed…(**warning sign**). I continued the strength training round but I tried to take it easy. Second round of cardio…the Tunnel of Love. I started to sprint up the hill but stopped when I could taste the reminisce of vomit in my mouth…(so gross, sorry). Ah, so that was it, but I was still determined to finish the class. I finished the rest of the class walking the cardio drills and taking it slow and easy.

I went home sick…Like stuck in the bathroom sick. By then it was already 130 and I felt bad about calling in sick with only a half hours’ notice. So I went to work. I could only hold down a few crackers for lunch and my stomach felt really tight the rest of the day. I left work early and in my state, a run would probably be a bad idea.

I stayed home Wednesday sick. Stuck in bed… I didn’t move, and I barely ate. It SUCKED. Today I feel like I have ants in pant, like I need to get out and do/accomplish everything. I really want to run tonight but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea, perhaps I’ll just take it easy?

So that’s the story of why I missed Tuesday’s run. I feel guilty and sad because training at this point is so vital. Only 2 weeks until the Road Race! And I have a million questions as to how I got sick… did I leave that yogurt in my purse too long?, did I do one too many Yoga classes on the weekend? Was that chicken still good?... Bah but it doesn’t matter. All I need is some rest and recover! (and RUN… as soon as I can.)

Oh by the way my seawheeze gear came in the mail today. I'll post pictures later!

Boot Camp Reflection

So it’s been almost two months since my very first boot camp class.

Only 2 months… I feel like I’ve been doing it forever.

It’s crazy how in just two months a person can change. In two months I was able to go from the person gasping for air at the back of the class to the person running sprints at the front. In two months my mentality about “pushing myself” has done a 180. I know it hasn’t gotten easier, but in just two months I was able to get better.

My cardio has drastically improved, my endurance has increased, and I just feel stronger. So I guess it’s true, working out doesn’t only make you look better, but feel better, and feel healthier. Exercise is a life style choice, and not something you can just pick up for a month and expect to feel/see the results. Trust me; I was the queen of on-again off-again exercising. But now that I have really gotten into a routine, it just seems like second nature to go for my weekly runs and work my butt off at boot camp. I don’t even question it. It just happens, it’s my routine. No excuses.

So challenge yourself by sticking to an exercise routine for two months.  Once you get into the routine, and feel the difference in your body there is no way you’ll stop. Just try it, you have nothing to loose.

Boot Camp Tuesday

I love looking for inspirational quotes and pictures before I start my Work out week. (Sunday is dance night, and Monday is rest. The good stuff doesn't start until today!) It's been almost 2 months since I started writing this blog. So far I've tried over 10 different classes and programs at the Y! It feels so good to be working at something and being consistent with a work out plan.

But there are days when I just don't want to move. And days where I try to make excuses for myself. But every time I go to the gym or do a class, I never regret it. Seriously, Never ever! 

Truth be told, getting motivated to start and keeping with it is the hardest part for me. So today I'm going to start a weekly tradition of posting an (encouraging, inspirational, motivational) thought, quote, or picture to help kick off the week. Because I need it, and you may need it, heck when did too much motivation ever hurt anyone?

Today’s Inspiration

“Weight loss is when your thoughts become words, your words become actions, and actions become habits. And those habits? They lead to a healthier you.” From 125 blog

Lets get healthier! If you have any thoughts, pictures, or quotes that really help you out, I would love to hear them. They may even appear on the blog. Email me! hong.trieu@pgymca.com

Truth

This is what I was trying to say in my last blog.

Boot Camp: Getting Stronger?

Yup, it’s true. It does get easier.

I know it’s hard to believe people when they tell you “the first class is the hardest, it gets easier.” And after all the wind sprints, squats, lunges, burpees, foot fire, and push ups, all I’m thinking is “lies, lies, so hard…lies.”

But it’s true. Your body gets stronger and starts to adapt. I think it’s getting easier?

... Dare I say this on the internet, where there is a chance Faydra will see this and make next week a boot camp nightmare?

Well, when I say getting easier. I don’t mean easy by any means. Boot camp is still one heck of a work out, and even people in great shape would find it challenging. The class can be tailored to your own fitness level, but it’s hard to slack off when you have 30 people around you working it. It’s motivational, and seeing everyone work so hard pushes me to work hard.

So come and try boot camp. And yes it will kick your butt. But it does get easier. Or wait… You will get stronger and healthier. And you will adapt, and you will have fun, and you may even get abs.

Plus, yesterday at boot camp we started our hill challenge. There is a hill that wraps around the back of Masich stadium and heads up to the Secondary school. This week we sprinted twice up that hill, but the goal is 8 times by the end of the summer. I can’t even fathom it. It’s going to be a challenge. But without goals we would never be able to measure our progress.  So I’m going to plan and commit to achieving this as a measure of my fitness. Need a fitness goal? Come join me

Eight hill sprints by the end of the summer! Better start sprinting…

Week Challenge

This week I have set up a Y challenge for myself and I’m a little scared, but excited.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob Traxler on the weekend and he has been described to me as a “Y legend and fitness inspiration.” He has invited me to take his class, Interval Sculpt and Spring Training Boot camp this week. The thought of Tuesday Boot camp alone scares me, but 2 boot camps. I shiver…

But I’m going to accept this challenge!

I will let you know how it goes, and maybe, just maybe this Y challenge may turn into a week routine.

That means my fitness week looks like this:

Sunday: Ballroom Dance

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Boot camp & Learn to Run

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Interval Sculpt & Learn to Run

Friday: Spring Training Boot camp

Saturday: Learn to Run

You`re Welcome to Join me! Because where would we be if we didn`t ever challenge ourselves?

Boot camp: Outside

Geez louise. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any harder.

So boot camp class was outside today, and as usual it was very tough.  Class was held at Masich stadium right across the street from the Y. I had a little bit of head cold today and almost convinced myself that I better skip boot camp and rest. But then this quote came up on twitter

“Wow, I really regret that workout.’’ - No one ever #inspirationalquotes.

I really didn’t want to go to boot camp today but because of this quote I decided to go.

We started class with a warm up around the track that continued into high kicks, bum kicks, and side-ways jumping jack things. Then before you know it we are running sprints, running up the bleachers, and doing burpees. But the worst of all was the “tunnel of love” or otherwise nick named the “tunnel of terror” by the regulars. This exercise had us running up and down the steep side of the hill connected to the track. We ran in a line, kind of emulating a tunnel, hence the name. My lungs were on fire.

Anyways, you really need to try this class for yourself. My descriptions can’t do them justice. Plus bikini season is coming. This class will surely whip you into shape. Trust me. 

Boot camp 2

My second boot camp class was pretty eventful. Shaw cable was filming a commercial show casing the boot camp class. So I’m pretty much a celebrity now. Just kidding, I had a 30 second interview and there will probably be a few awkward shots of me lunging. It was awesome.

Besides the excitement of a cameraman in class, boot camp was the same as usual. SO HARD. Add trying to look cool for the camera and you’ve got one heck of an experience.

Between trying to breathe and smiling for the camera, the class went pretty quick. Faydra decided to focus on gluts, so my bum was pretty sore. But I love how the class is a full body work out as well, and I really feel that I worked every muscle in my body. The hardest part of the class for me is still the intense cardio bursts. My poor heart and lungs can’t keep up and I’m left exhausted for the weight training sessions. But I'm optimistic, I think with the cardio from the class and the running clinics, I’ll be able to get a handle on it in a few weeks.

It’s hard work getting into shape.

But hey! I think it was a little easier than last week. 

(PS there's no boot camp next week because of some reno's happening in the gym)

Perhaps I'll venture and do Lunch Crunch @ 12:10. I've heard some pretty intense things about Nancy the instructor.

Looking Cute

...

Wait until you see me after boot camp.