Beet Soup and Kickboxing

Call me crazy, but I was up again for the 6:00 a.m. optional class. This morning it was Yogalates, and as the name implies, it is a combination of Yoga and Pilates, both of which are new to me. It was a great way to get the muscles warmed up for the daily hike, as well as stretch out some of yesterday's soreness.

My choice for today's hike was the beginner version, 101, which took us along a 4.5 mile flat stretch at the base of the mountain. I made it about two-thirds of the way through the hike and reversed course to make it back in time for the shuttle. I find myself having the endurance, it's the speed that's not quite what I need it to be to finish the hike in our allotted time. In time I'll get there, it's definitely a goal for me to reach before I leave next week.

Today's post-hike class was Core Training, an extremely informative session on how the core works and why it's important to keep it strong. Again, another goal for me to continue to work on. With all of the classes requiring a stable core, I must say it is the sorest of all my muscle groups. The soreness I have when laughing or coughing reminds me of the work I've been doing.

Due to having forty-five minutes available until lunch, I took advantage of the free time and had myself a power nap. A thirty minute power nap can can get you through just about anything.

Lunch today was beet soup and a vegetable sandwich, both of which were quite tasty. I never dreamed I would eat beets in any form, much less beet soup, but they can do wonders here with the food. I've ordered the cookbook and hope to use it on a frequent basis.

Afternoon classes included Aerobic Mountain (three minute periods with progressive increases in speed and resistance), Kickboxing and Pool. Of all the classes thus far, I was able to start strong and stay strong in Kickboxing, which I owe to our personal trainer, Chris Sambursky. His work with me over the past two years, including several kickboxing sessions, gave me the knowledge and strength to hold my own in this class. Thanks Chris.

Dinner was followed by a class on intuitive eating, which provided information everyone can use to determine why exactly it is we are eating. Emotion, upbringing, outside influences, and many other factors can play a part in why we eat, and it really does help to understand the issues you might have with food. Sounds like a counseling session, I know, but it really is beneficial information.

Based on the readings from my heart rate monitor, I've burned 3,842 calories today, so it has been a very good day.

It's only 8:40 p.m. and I do believe I am ready to call it a night. Total Body Conditioning awaits me tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. and I can't break my pattern of 6:00 a.m. classes just yet.