“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something.
You can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.”
-Arnold Schwarzenegger
That, my friends, was my post boot camp workout session. It was the workout from last Thursday, which I missed due to my work schedule. Mike, the instructor, offered for anyone who missed the session to stay to “make it up”. I was pretty miserable through the first work out. My IT bands were bugging me, and I pretty much felt like throwing up the whole time- not actually that unusual for me at boot camp. Call me crazy, but ten minutes after the workout was over I figured “what the hell, may as well see how much of it I can get through”. After all, I thought it would be good mental preparation for the marathon, and I’ve never been one to back down from a challenge.
So the gauntlet was thrown, and I accepted. I offered to run home after so Adam could leave, but he agreed to stay and do it with me. We did the 400 lunges, and Mike laughed when I high fived Adam (who was the only other person who volunteered to stay). He asked what I was celebrating for when I had only finished the first part, and I told him “we need to celebrate the small victories in life”. I continued through the rest of the torture workout with a smile. The further I got in, the more my legs felt like a foreign entity. I was having trouble getting them to maneuver where I wanted them to go, but, in a strange way, it was getting easier. I think it was just the thought of being closer to done. I made it through all the exercises. Then I finished the 30 burpees Adam had left with him. I felt bad that he stayed with me, because he hadn’t eaten and was clearly hurting- but he made it through the whole way too. I felt stronger when I finished than I had when I started. (Maybe I was just delirious at that point) In fact, I think if Mike had told me to go run laps after, I would have gladly done it. lol
That workout made me feel more prepared for the marathon than any training I’ve done to date. The whole way through I repeated my mantra “marathon runners don’t quit” in my head and it worked! I was tired when I started, and fried by the time I finished, but I finished- in a respectable 40 minutes. Now that I am coming down from the endorphins, I’m just starting to get sore and I’m sure I’ll be hurting tomorrow. However, it will be well worth it. 🙂
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The Running Thriver 
Is this crossfit? I’ve always wanted to try that!
I guess it’s like cross fit, but not nearly expensive. It’s all using your own body weight and high intensity. I think it has hugely benefited my endurance.
Your courage, resilience, strength, dedication to transforming your own life, and passion for showing the way for other domestic abuse survivors are truly inspirational. You are a thriver extraordinaire, and I salute you!
Thanks so much Lori! You are truly an inspiration and THRIVER in your own right!
Will have to research the terms of your torture. 😀 I’m beginning to realize that at the top of my wish-list would be having someone to run with….. my oldest just started in with a mile a day, and it’s going to take her a while to get to where she is a comfortable out-door partner…. you are really lucky to have Adam…. 🙂
I know. I totally struck gold 😉 I wish I could get him to run with me more frequently (especially because it visible lightens his mood and reduces his stress level) but I should be thankful that he’s at least willing to do boot camp and be there for the runs that count. 🙂 I hope you find a running buddy of your own! Do they have any running clubs in your area?
Oh, man! That looks like a BUTT KICKER! Good for you, finishing up, and finishing well!
I start my core strengthening workout tomorrow. I’m already mentally preparing. Hahaha
Good luck with that! I’m sure you’ll love it once you see how much stronger you’ll be. It makes such a difference in endurance!
inspiring. keep on.
thank you!
Love it!! Celebrate the small victories and never quit! Working out has been my salvation lately, and I have to admit I really do smile all the way through it! (Man, I used to hate those smiley workout people too, lol!)
So I finally found your blog. Great job during your workout and bootcamp in general. You guys have really jumped right in and have been kickiing butt every time. You are a phenomenal writer by the way. I still have chills from reading your story and most of your blog posts. Amazing.
Keep up the great work!! Hope you can walk, if not hope they feel better. Good Luck on Saturday. You will do great!!! Remember “Marathon Runners don’t quit!!” And “Bootcampers don’t quit” either. And you are BOTH!!!
See ya Monday!!
Thanks Mike! Saturday was tough, but “boot campers don’t quit”! I think that 1000 rep work out was great mental prep even if it killed my (our) legs beforehand. 🙂 Next time, though, I think I may take it a little eaiser beforehand. lol