A New Routine


Whew Lawd! I almost didn’t make it to boot camp this morning. I was so excited to be home in my own bed last night, but for some reason I still couldn’t go to sleep, and I was up late watching the latest reports on Michael Jackson. Then this morning I found out that Billy Mays, the oxy clean guy died; what an odd story. Well despite all of that, I picked up my little sister for the next round of sit ups, push ups and jumping jacks. One of the ladies in the class was a little slower than the rest of us. She left in the middle of class, defeated. My little sister said “That’s sad that she lacked self confidence and didn’t believe in her self.” I was proud to see that she realized it’s your mental thoughts that actually shape what you can physically do. I wanted to tell that lady, “Hey I was in your shoes this time last year, I couldn’t run a lap either.” But, instead of giving up, I said, “I’m tired of being last, I’m going to get better,” and you know what? I did!

Dali Lights Dream
I woke up this morning coughing up gross stuff, and still feeling a little under the weather. But, I got up and went to boot camp class anyway. Boy, oh boy did he work us. I had sweat dripping down my legs. We really focused on intense ab exercises today. The instructor knew we would feel the fruits of our labor when he told us, “don’t sneeze, and when you laugh think of me.” Fitness coaches and their humor…

Michael Jackson - King of Pop
MY SPEECH IS BELOW THIS POST…I’m still in shock that Michael Jackson is gone! I was a huge fan in the 80’s, I’m talking, posters on the wall that I use to talk to, and hide my change behind. I had a belt with his face on it, that I treated like gold! Well… I digress. Today, I was asked to speak at “Healthy Happy Hour” about losing weight and living an active lifestyle. We dined on turkey lasagna made with whole wheat noodles, veggies and dip, and fruit kabobs for dessert. We did line dances and yoga stretches. Then, they introduced me to the crowd of about 20 or so as an expert! I’m by no means an expert, but it was nice to hear the applause as I told them my story. Well here’s my speech, but I must tell you that my big little sister said I was “Ghetto” for adding a special shout out to Michael Jackson at the end of my speech LOL!….
MY SPEECH…
“Oh only ’bout 70%” as Sam Jackson said in the movie Resurrecting the Champ. I slept under the fan for a few days and came down with a cough, a sore throat and severe nasal congestion. I missed boot camp class, and was going to work a half day until I got called in to return an important document. I took allergy medicine, cold medicine, and a couple vitamins, and prayed I wouldn’t have the same fate as Anna Nicole, although, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t taking Claritin
and vitamins….anyway, after work, I was still feeling only about 75%, but I knew I had to get in a work out. It was hot as the devil’s kitchen outside, so the gym was my only option. It was hard, but I jogged on and off, and finished about 2.2 Miles. It was nice to see that today, I crossed the 75 MILE MARK!

I was actually able to go to bed at a decent time and get up and go to boot camp class at 6 this morning. When I picked up my little sister, the thermostat in my car said it was already 80 degrees.We ate peanut butter crackers to give our bodies a little fuel. When we got to the park, we jogged 4 laps around the tennis courts, ran in place, and did toe touches and windmills. Then Coach Lee said, “Okay, that was great warm-up!” I knew then we were in for a serious workout. By the time we finished, I had so much sweat dripping down my arms, it looked like I just got out of the shower. I think this will be the kick I need to get my weight moving a little faster in the right direction.
Cell phone Pic of the Warrior who Saved Me
Let me start by setting the scene…it’s a scorching St. Louis summer day and a humid 89 degrees at high noon. I thought jogging outside would help prepare me for my summer 5K run. BAD IDEA! About 1 mile into my run I though I would die. Sweat was dripping everywhere, I had to use Nyah’s leash like horse reins just to get her to keep moving. Carli asked though my iPod, “Okay, ready for your 3 minute run?” “No Way” I yelled back to my alter ego….however, it was entertaining though to see an elderly Asian couple pushing a 5 gallon paint bucket in a baby stroller down the bike path….Well anyway, about a 1/4 of a mile from death and my car, a friendly gentleman dressed in Medieval fighting attire, sword and all, offered me and Nyah cold water. Who knew that a group of Midevil reenactment warriors would quench my dying thirst? After 2 long tortuous miles, and a strong body odor that resembled onions and mustard…Nyah and I made it home safely. We now know that next time, we will have to get up and beat the sun, so that the sun won’t beat us!

Other Warriors