This morning I completed 8 weeks of boot camp. Originally I was only going to do 4 weeks, but then I received another 4 weeks as a birthday gift from a very sweet friend (and yes, I was excited about that gift). I am not a morning person at all, but as the weeks went on I found it not so bad to get up at 4:50am in order to make it to the 5:30am boot camp. Who knew?
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Besides the whole getting up early thing, I learned some other things about myself…
I’m very weak. Actually, I was very weak. Now I can actually feel muscles in my arms and it’s not a result of hoisting my 18 pound baby! (Seriously, what’s the deal with that? Shouldn’t I have massive guns since becoming a mom?)
I can workout for an hour and not die. Really!
Measuring inches is key when you’re trying to lose weight and tone up. If I hadn’t been tracking my inches I probably would think Boot Camp hadn’t done much for me because I really haven’t lost much weight in the last 2 months, but I’ve lost just over 12 inches in those 2 months! 12 inches!
I can run faster than I thought! “Testing” this month involved push-ups to the point of fatigue followed by a timed 1 mile run. At the beginning of May I ran the mile in 11:07 which blew me away. I honestly can’t remember the last time I could run one mile in under 12 minutes, let alone so close to 11 minutes. This morning I shaved 29 seconds off that time and ran the mile in 10:38!
20 reps does squat for me, but tell me to do 30 reps of something and my muscles burn like crazy. Now I know to push myself to 30 instead of just calling it good at only 20.
I’ve taken some pictures for a series of chunking up (Lily) and chunking down (me) progress photos. Here’s the first picture and one from this morning! In the first picture I was still sporting maternity clothes and Lily was in size 0-3 month clothes. In the second I’m in regular clothes I had purchased last spring and Lily is in 6 month clothes! Go us!
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For you Kansas City area readers, I highly recommend checking out Valeo Boot Camp. It’s early. It’s hard work. It’s early. (Did I mention it’s early?) The sunrises you get to witness are awesome. The results though are so worth the effort! I’m hoping to join them for another month later this summer after Nick’s crazy camp schedule settles down. Yep, I want to voluntarily get up before 5am again!
You look great, Helen. Good for you. 🙂
Way to go! I know that feels like an awesome accomplishment when you can push through those workouts and see success. Go Helen!
So glad you talked me into it, Helen. It was fun and you are the best accountability partner. I had a blast.
Way to go, 12 inches!! And improving your mile time! 🙂
Nice job! You look mahhhvelous!!!! I’m about to finish a month of boot camp tonight (lovely humidity going today – should be fun….) I wish I had tracked measurements – I haven’t lost weight either, but people have commented on some toning. It’s tough, but definately worth it! You and your precious girl take a beautiful picture!
I am serious thinking about doing the next session. Only thing is I look at the picture you posted and I am soo much older than these girls (50)and really no one seems too much overweight to me. Is it tailored to each person? I really dont think I could keep up with everyone.
Lisa, don’t let that hold you back! You work at your pace. The group has other people of other ages and sizes who just weren’t there today. There are some extremely fit people in the group too though. (I was lapped by those fit people many times over the last couple of months.)
Way to go!!!!
Did you do the 3,4 or 5 day a week session? I think I will do the 4 day session. Do you bring your own water bottle? thanks
Lisa H.
Lisa, I did 3 days a week. And yes – bring a water bottle, mat and hand weights! Enjoy it! There’s a fantastic group of ladies doing it again next month 🙂
I signed up. Didnt know about the hand weights and matt. Need to go shopping now. I also put you name as a referral. Hope you can get some sort of credit.
You look AMAZING, Helen, you’re quite an inspiration… congratulations on such a great accomplishment, wow 12 inches! Awesome!
you look great. way to go on the 12 inches. that is amazing.
You Rock!!
Wow, lady! You’re amazing! Great job. I could never get up that early voluntarily. 6 a.m.? Maybe. 4:50 a.m.? No way. Great job with your will power and self discipline. Keep it up!
I’m so proud of you!
Thanks, Mom!
you look awesome Helly! So proud of you!