Reflection

Well, after the 40 days, I was ready for a break!  Hubby & I traveled to Arizona for an all expenses paid trip for winning the KC Slimdown Challenge in October (Thanks Cerner!!.)  My team of 5 grabbed the winning title with an 18% weight loss out of 1800 teams that competed throughout the metro.  The trip was totally amazing!  Every last detail was handled with massages, transportation, meals, and pool time!  I savored every moment as I knew this was a vacay way beyond my budget.

40 days, 40 trainers...Check!  I'm so thankful for all the support from my husband, kiddos, family, friends, co-workers, trainers, and NEW title friends.  It was more amazing than I had ever hoped for.  Boxing has become a passion for me, but was so powerful to see others getting motivated to be healthy.  I truly believe that finding something you love, will keep you motivated.  It doesn't matter what it is.  I know that I want to start my 40s the best shape I've ever been in.

So now what?  It feels good to have the pressure off for a bit. I could train for another race, but that seems kinda boring now.  I've been thinking about several things, but haven't landed on anything yet.  My 12 year old twins have never run a half marathon...maybe shift my focus to helping them achieve some goals?

For now, 3-4 days of boxing and 2 days of running.  Maybe the next challenge will come to me as I hit the streets of OP singing with Bret Michael's...

You gotta cry tough
Out on the streets 
To make your dreams happen
You gotta cry out
Out to the world
To make them all come true


Life ain't no easy ride
At least that's what I am told
Sometimes the rainbow baby
Is better than the pot of gold
You've got to stick it out
Whether you're wrong or right
And you can't give in without a fight
To make it baby


You gotta aim high, baby
Whether you lose or win
And when you get to the top
You gotta get off or go right back down again. 

Day 40: The Final Countdown

My Entourage with Roberto ~ Suzanne, Lee, Linda, & Jamie

As I was gearing up and getting ready to head to Title, I took a few moments to just reflect on the past 39 days.  It was emotional.  I felt excited and could see the end in sight. Only one problem though...Getting through Roberto's class.  Because I wanted to begin and end at The 7-6, I choose to save Roberto for the Grand Finale.  I had only taken his class one other time on Thanksgiving when he agreed to help us burn some calories before taking in all of Grandma's secret recipes.  At the time, I thought it was such a cool thing for him to give up an hour of his time with his family for the good of continuing our health.  I'll admit I was terrified to attend that Thanksgiving day after hearing all the stories.  He decided that day to go old school and do a long warm-up with jump ropes.  I had not jump roped in years and struggled to find my groove.  The other thing that stands out is there is no talking or socializing.  It's total focus and he means serious biz!

At least I had a previous glimpse of what I was walking into today.  I would just do my best and focus on the task at hand....To hit that 40 days will be an amazing feeling!  I was so excited to see my entourage there to support me!  Suzanne, Linda, Lee, and Jamie were all in the house!  When I approached my bag, I could see balloons and a card.  Kim, our wonderful owner and cheerleader, had taken the time to set this up for me.  I was truly shocked because everyone is so busy and know it takes extra effort to do this.  This is why Kim has been able to build such an amazing business.  She does truly care about each individual!

My Surprises ~ Mom & Dad 

As class was starting, it was time to forget about all the birthday wishes, balloons, cards, and high fives.  It was down to business.  I started to brace myself was we starting running around the perimeter with the med ball.  It challenged everything I had to keep the ball up while running.  Then, to stop with a drill and continue with sprints.  Remember, I'm not a sprinter...I'm a distance runner and pace is my friend.  I could not look like a wimp!  This was it!  It didn't matter if I couldn't walk afterwards because I was at the finish line!

As I rounded one of the numerous laps, I hear Jamie say, "Your parents are here!"  I was wondering how they were able to make it there without me knowing.  Were they playing hookie from work?  My Mom always knows just the right thing to do or say.  Every Hallmark card she buys me is absolutely perfect and makes me cry.  She finds little gifts that hold memories for me.  She is the master of life's little surprises.  Yeah, she pretty much knows me after 40 years!  As for Dad, he is ALWAYS there.  He may not say much, but know I can always count on him!

The heat was on!  I was definitely feeling it while sharing a bag with Suzanne.  She is like a machine that can throw kicks to knock you off your feet!  I struggled to hold the bag for all her power.  We continued to switch off holding the bag while punching/kicking.  I was on the floor for one of the final times doing side kicks while rolling onto both hips with Roberto yelling, "Fight for your life!"  I just felt this surge of energy and started kicking the bag with all my strength.  Then, jumped up and punched the bag as if I were filming a Rocky movie!  Was it some weird adrenaline?  I was just so pumped up knowing we only had a few moments left until the finish.  As we ran the final lap, I threw my hands up in the air and just took a deep breath.  I did it!  All the planning, driving, calling, confirming, adjusting, sweat and sore muscles to make it to this moment.  As we stretched, I couldn't help but smile as this goal was now crushed!  Roberto gave a shout out to the birthday girl to make sure I got my money's worth today.  Indeed I did...and more!  I got closure to the goal I had been kicking around for quite some time.  Then, wasn't sure I could do it after Hubby's medical scare.  But, when I'm in...I'm all in!

It was a truly amazing start to the day...To end the 40 day journey and get ready to start a new one with a new decade of life.  40 felt amazing!  After all, it's only a number.  As I say..."I just never act my age, so I'm never really that old."

No Doubt

As I reflected this morning and got a bit teary eyed, I have so many people to thank.  One in particular is Jason @ The 7-6.  He was my Day #1 to kick this whole thing off.  At that point, I wasn't sure I could pull off a blog and was planning my strategy.  I thought to myself...Could I really do this??

So, I attended Jason's kickboxing class and told him what I was thinking.  I was definitely committed, but just wasn't sure about all the logistics.  That night, I came home and started the blog with just a real quick post.  This was it....

Well...

I started my 40 day quest last night....40 days of fitness (i.e. boxing) with hopefully 40 different trainers.  I have my excel doc all prepared with all the "opportunities."  If you go into your 40s in good shape, won't you leave your 40s in the same shape??

Jason's kickboxing class was a sure way to say I'm in it to win it.  You know I just have to have a challenge to keep myself motivated.  Today, I feel refreshed and ready to take on a new trainer tonight.  I have my fresh carbs to take in today and plan on staying super hydrated.  I think I will try out the 121st & State Line location at 7p and see what Tyson is all about.

I sent Jason a quick note on FB to tell him I was totally in!  Here was his response..

The next day when I walked through the door...Here is how he inspired me:

As I walk through the door at Title, Jason asks..."Day 3?"  He had no idea how much I was talking to myself on the ride over in an attempt to get the sore muscles pumped up.  Sometimes trainers, such as Jason did today, have no idea what an impact they can make with 2 simple words.  That was rockin and just what I needed to put one foot in front of the other!

Right before the punch!

My husband loves, loves to attend Jason's class.  Therefore, we always had to duke it out on who was going to attend.  I'm so nice and want him happy, so often times I would just give in:)  I truly enjoy Jason's class and am pumped when my schedule allows me to go!  Don't think I don't get my butt kicked though.  I remember one night in his class, I don't think we hit the bag until 30 minutes into class.  I was just dying after running with the med ball and drill after drill without any relief.  So, hitting the bag that night was my break!


I know during this whole process, he would always be asking hubby about my progress.  He truly cares about making sure everyone is at their best.  


Jason~ Thanks for never doubting that I could tackle this crazy goal.  You are ALWAYS a ray of sunshine and you should be proud of the work you do.  You are changing lives everyday!  I will see you again real soon!  Tears:)  

Day 39: Some Jeron Lovin'

I was pumped all day to get to the club.  I knew Jeron would be there with a smile and a hug:)  I already confirmed with him earlier in the week to make sure he would be there.  His response was, " I won't let you down.  I've been waitin though."

Suzanne~Lee~Jeron~Becky~Kyra

Jeron was my first workout at Title.  Even though I had been running, I was not prepared for what he had in store.  My friend, Suzanne, finally got me to agree to attend.  I was nervous and wasn't sure what to expect.  But, once the music started and everyone was hopping and getting pumped, I was in!  I wasn't able to complete all the commands but the accomplishment afterwards felt powerful.  I still remember him shouting, "If you want to change your body...Punch faster now!!"  That has just stuck with me and I've never heard him say it again.  Even though he doesn't say it, I think about it when I'm in the zone.  I love to the in the zone while in Jeron's class!  I just focus on doing my best and leave all my worries and "to do" list at the door.

Tonight, my friend, Suzanne got to workout with me again.  It was a bit emotional knowing that this is where my obsession all started...doing a trial workout with Suzanne at Jeron's class.  In addition, my friend, Lee, was in the house.  She was deciding whether she wanted to take the Title plunge.  I know she will get the Title obsession.  I get super excited for my peeps knowing they will be seeing life changing results in the next 30 days.  It's such a rush!

I've missed Jeron's workouts and am ready to get back to his class.  He has such a magnetic energy and you can't help but gain some positive, mentally & physically.  You just have to get there early to get a bag, especially in the evening.  It was a full house tonight with every bag full.  Apparently, everyone else was in need of some Jeron lovin'!

Jeron~You were my gift at the end!  Thanks for always encouraging me to push harder.  Your positive vibe is contagious and know that you inspire people everyday:)

Day 38: Kick it!

While waiting to start Jessica's class, I got a chance to chat with her.  I went ahead and told her about my mission when she was making the rounds.  I figured it wouldn't hurt anything and could use the extra encouragement after busting it to make it to Olathe on time.  She told me that she already knew about me and had seen my blog.  She thought it was a cool idea and she had experienced 27 different trainers.  She told me she had a karate background and just started training at Title.  I was super pumped to check out some more girl power.

We did some stretching and then med ball work.  Running with the ball above my head is just a killer for me.  It was testing all the arm strength I had left.  Once we got good and warmed up, we were ready to start with some kicks.  The combos Jessica put together felt comfortable, so was able to get into a rhythm. She did a great job of mixing in drills between, even though burpies are not my friend.

Jessica ~ Becky

The abs were a real challenge.  I did my best to hold my legs high up on the bag while lifting my body up to punch.  I just continued to push with all my strength knowing we were on the home stretch of the last 15 minutes.  I had pushed so much for the last 37 days.  In just a few short minutes of pain, I would be just 2 workouts away from making my goal!  I was ready...so ready!

After class, I got to talk to Jessica more and exchange some stories about trainers we knew.  I loved her encouragement, knowledge, and skill level.  She delivered some power with her kicks.  I was in awe and aspire to be there someday.  I need to focus more on attending some kickboxing classes.  While on a running training schedule, I tried to stay away from kicking knowing my legs would already be working hard.  But, maybe the combo of kicks and running could make my legs even stronger to conquer those miles?

I'm glad I got to cross paths with Jessica.  I enjoyed her class and getting to know her.  I will be scheduling another road trip to see her again:)

Day 37: Art of Surviving

After a butt kicking from Bilal, it was super difficult to hit the floor today.  I got up and out the door just in time to make it to the 148th club for Art's 6a.

As I got wrapped and started running around the perimeter, I was just dragging!  We got good and warmed up with several drills before gloving up.  I was a zombie!  No matter what I did, I could not shake it.  Muscles sore, eyes hazy, and mind wandering....

Once we hit the bag, I was relieved since this is my absolute favorite.  I quickly realized it was kickboxing, not boxing.  But, it might be a good change up since I'm always so drawn to boxing.  Art did several combos that included some good punches.  He stopped by my bag at one point to correct my kick.  Usually, I don't have a problem with foot placement and turning my hips, but today I was dazed.

All I kept thinking was just make it through, then a 36 hour break until Wed eve.  It's day 37!  Seriously, just keep moving and breathing.  I think I actually felt better after I completed my first full marathon than at this moment.  I thought about how I had chuckled when someone at the Parkville club questioned my mission.  Her statement was, " You can't go that long without giving your body a break."  My response was, "Well, that is what I'm doing the other 23 hours a day that I'm not working out."

Surviving Art!

Art continued to challenge my zombie state.  As we were doing abs and I was just staring at the ceiling, he asked, "How do you feel?"  I said, "About 50%."  I think he was taken back a bit and said, "Well, we will take it then."  At that point, he had no idea what my body had been through the last 37 days.  I usually wait until after the workout just to make sure I get an authentic experience.

After class, I talked to Art for a few minutes and told him that he about almost messing up my schedule.  On one Tuesday morning, I was on my way to attend his class to find out it would be Paige instead.  He shared with me that his wife just had a baby, so needed to help Mama out...I was thinking that he should be the one in a daze with the lack of sleep.  So, I quickly let him off the hook as I do remember those newborn days...doubly vivid.  Luckily, it all worked out.  Just like today...I WILL survive.

On the way home, I think I finally woke up.  As I came to the realization that I only 3 more days, I was super pumped!

Oh, no, not I, I will survive
Oh, as long as I know how to love, I know I'll stay alive
I've got all my life to live, I've got all my love to give
And I'll survive, I will survive, oh

Day 36: Bilal...Nuff Said!

As I made the journey over to the Lee's Summit club, I knew Bilal would be a challenge.  But, I was determined to meet my goal and wanted to hit every club in the metro.  I looked online to see just exactly where the club was located due to going into unfamiliar territory.  When I exited off 291, the directions were a little confusing, so I somehow got turned around and began to get nervous.  I could not be late!  I pulled into the BP gas station to run in and ask if I was close.  Shout out to Ryan @ BP, who got me back on track.  He walked outside and showed me the Price Chopper behind the building.  He pointed and said it's right on the other side.  I was so relieved since I knew I would be there in time to get organized.  Ryan @ BP (291 S & Jefferson) is sure to have good karma!  It's not always common to find someone to go out of their way to help you out!  If you see him, give him a fist bump!

Bilal with my BURNING arms!

As I made it inside the club, it was hoppin.  Bilal was walking around talking to everyone and getting pumped up.  There were several newbies checking out the club for the first time.

After stretching a bit, we grabbed a med ball to start running with it.  Not sure why I was inclined to grab my normal 10 lb black ball.  Note to self:  In Bilal's class, grab the lighter one!  We ran with the ball above our head, out if front, and continued with squats.  It was all I had to keep moving while my arms were just dying.  That was the hardest 15 minute warm-up of all time.  I was really worried about what would be ahead after the warm-up.

We continued with punch combos, push-ups, burpies, planks, and more running.  Bilal's pace was intense and he remained so calm throughout the whole workout.  It was a definite challenge, but I would do it again...maybe when it's not my 36th day in a row!

I enjoyed chatting with him after class.  He seemed very genuine and I look forward to our paths crossing again:)

Day 35 : Gimme a B - I - G - G

I was filled with excitement to make it to this day to workout with Bigg Ron...and a little too much partaking at a Sat night surprise Birthday party (Thanks Kyley aka Best Hubby!!!)

Bigg Ron was one of my beginning trainers when I started with Title.  He has helped me so much with technique, improving my intensity, and the dreaded ab work.  When I first started, I could not even pull myself all the way up to the bag during ab time.  He continued to encourage me to breath out on the way up.  I specifically remember him saying..."Give it 2 weeks and you will do it!"  Guess what...He was absolutely correct!  It's like he's a fortune teller or something.

Bigg Ron has a gift for helping others reach their goals, not only at Title but with our youth.  He invests lots of time & effort at The Pound 4 Pound Elite Boxing gym to help mentor young people through boxing.  He is someone they look up to and drive to succeed with education and life.  I've seen this first hand as I attended one of his 2 hour workouts at the gym.  I did make it through the first hour:)

Bigg Ron & the ladies!
Lee~Suzanne~Linda~Jamie~Becky~Rachael~Emma~Annie
Lee, Rachael, & Emma were 1st Timers:)

I've taken several of my friends to attend Bigg Ron's class as their first.  He offers such a sense of comfort, especially to the newcomers who are very uncertain.  His class offers individual attention, patience, encouragement, and smiles when he shows off his dance moves!

Bigg Ron ~ I can't thank you enough for all you have done for me.  Attending your class makes me a better mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, employee and friend!  We are blessed to have you.  Keep up all the work.  You are making a difference!

Ladies~Thanks for coming out to show support!  You are all awesome and 1,000 calories leaner..or 2,000, which was Bigg R's goal today!

Day 34: NKOTB

Since Kim was stalking Ray, the new kid on the block at The 7-6, I was pumped to keep my 40 day streak alive. 40 unique workouts is my goal!  I would even drive to the ends of the earth (or Missouri) to make it happen.

Ray & The Groupies (Becky ~ Jamie)

I was curious to check out NKOTB and knew nothing about him.  Since he was training at my club, I needed to find out what he was all about.  When I saw him warming up on the treadmill, I thought it might be a runners workout today.

When I saw my friend Jamie, I knew we would have a good time.  She can always make me laugh and could help take my mind off feeling a tough workout.  This was definitely a plus and was ready to take on NKOTB.

Ray gave us a thorough stretch, which is a huge win for me.  We did run quite a bit, as I predicted.  His workout was very energetic and fun.  He was sprinting around the room, so slacking was not an option.

After Jamie & I made it through the gig, we waited to get our pic just like a little fan club.  We almost didn't recognize him when he reappeared in his wardrobe change.

The only thing that would have made this better is if would have started singing...."Please Don't Go Girl" in that high pitched voice we all love!

Ray~I will see you on the next tour very soon!
Jamie~Thanks for making the gig!  You rock!