Bootcamp update - (3 months in)

It was back in dark rainy November that our local Bootcamp started.  

I helped make it happen as I wanted to get fit for a big birthday coming up in September. The venue is just down the lane from my house on a beautiful cricket pitch. Not that we have seen it much as it is often pitch black.

Over 60 people expressed an interest in coming. The majority are yet to show as they are waiting for perfect conditions and we certainly haven't had those. Some are put off by the name Bootcamp as they are worried they will be shouted at. They won't. Others that they won't be fit enough. They will be. Everyone has a level and works to that. We have had teenagers and OAP's. Some that run or exercise regularly and some that just walk their dog.  It's not easy but boy does it work.

It's actually a mental thing as much as a physical thing.

I now train 4 times a week and when it is raining outside or frosty, it would be so much more appealing to curl up by the fire with a glass of wine.  But I've stuck with it and just kept going. I felt so weak at the start I could barely manage a burpee or a press up.

But I am really seeing results in some quite unexpected ways.

Firstly I've lost weight. Well over a stone. I thought I might eat more if I was doing more. But exercising so regularly has meant I haven't wanted to drink bottles of wine and snack on rubbish.  I still eat what I want but I find I am easting less and craving protein and vegetables. And dark chocolate :)

Secondly after spending my entire life thinking I am not sporty and avoiding any form of public exercise, I find that not only do I enjoy it but I'm actually not that bad.

Specifically I would always say I can't run and not even try. Not even the Mums race at Sports Day despite pleading from the children.  But guess what. Not only can I run it turns out I am a pretty fast sprinter.  People that run regularly describe me as a rocket.  And in a mixed group I am often the fastest. The fastest! I just can't believe I am saying that. Me a fast runner?! A rocket. A runner even!! 

Thing is I have not got these results easily. I have found it really really difficult.  I have been through some tough things in my life and this is well up there. 

I battled and won a fight against sepsis when my youngest daughter was 8 weeks old. I breast fed her in Intensive Care with a central line straight to my heart. I left hospital on crutches and had to learn how to walk again. Bootcamp has been harder.

I battled and won a fight against Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. I endured the chemo, hair loss, the radio therapy energy sapper and the working in between (the self employed don't get sick leave). Bootcamp has been harder.

Mainly it has been harder because I have a choice.  When I was seriously ill the only choice I had was not to have treatment and know I'd probably die.  So that wasn't a very hard choice to make. But turning up for Bootcamp on the 23rd December? Boxing in the freezing cold gales of Storm Imogen? I had plenty of choices and they were appealing.  Warm cosy fires and pubs and parties.  But I chose Bootcamp.

Certainly I feel more toned and fitter than I ever have in my life.  I feel stronger and that is impacting on my business. My confidence. The decisions I make.  How I speak to my clients. The direction I am taking the business in.

Bootcamp is now part of my life and I am looking to add a 5th session in. I love the way I feel and it is giving me an edge.  A sparkle I didn't have before.

When we run Bootcamp sessions in businesses we are getting them fit for purpose. For the challenges that business faces. Often its about being more competitive.  Often they have to face their fears, as I have with running, to emerge leaner, better, stronger. The top of their game.

My son leaves our little village primary school this summer. His sister leaves next summer. I just have do the Mums race.  I don't even expect to win but I know now I won't embarrass myself or my family.  

Failure as we all know is not trying and not achieving what you thought you might. Failure is not having a go in the first place. I am so glad I did.