Since moving to Kauai almost 6yrs ago, I've been - like most people - losing weight only to gain it all back. And each time I gained the weight back I got a little more 'round' around the middle. Over the past two years I met my trainer, Missy, once a week for a strength training 'boot camp' workout. During the week between our meetings I usually did some kind of cardio workout - mostly running and occassionally hiking and/or biking. Missy always stressed to me how important it was to do at least two strength training sessions a week. Our one meeting just wasn't enough - but I had no motivation to do it by myself without her help.
Then my friend and beachbody coach from California, Tonja, invited me to join a group of ladies who were getting together to do a 90day
P90X challenge. The object - to log our P90X workouts, choose an eating plan, post on Facebook everyday (regardless of success or failure). The result - to motivate and inspire each other, become more fit and healthier, and enter into a drawing to win $100,000. So I jumped at the chance to give the challenge a try. I mean - who wouldn't want be fitter and healthier and have the chance to win some money along the way?
My eating plan - The
Paleo Diet
My workouts - P90X Lean Phase, some running, training sessions with my trainer
Facebook - Daily posts about what I ate and what I did during my workouts
To begin, I took measurements, logged my weight, and took photos to document the start of the challenge. Over the course of the first 30 days I ate about 90% Paleo. I did my P90X workout every morning before work, did an occasional 3-4 mile run in the evenings, and often wrote on my P90X group page about my workouts (although I never mentioned that I skipped AbRipper X on most days I was scheduled to do it) and the food I ate.
After 30 days I repeated the practice of measurements and photos. My weight fluctuated by about 1/2lb or so but I saw the progress I had made - lost a few inches and could see that I was more tone. In addition, my co-worker and friend, Ron, encouraged me to try Bikram Yoga - which I fell in love with - but that's a story for another time.
As I approached the 60 day mark the holidays were starting to set in. I began staying up late and skipping my morning workouts. I wasn't logging my workouts or posting on my Facebook group page and little by little I fell off the 'band wagon'. Once again I found myself not eating the right foods. I got some P90X workouts in, but only 2 or 3 days.
Then I took my 60day photos and measurements and the difference I saw gave me the inspiration to get back into the game with a new vengeance. At first getting back on schedule with my morning workouts was difficult but within two weeks I found myself getting better and better at crawling out of bed. Also, since I had missed several workouts during the holidays, I started running 3-5 miles every day after work in addition to my morning P90X sessions (minus AbRipperX).
But as the 90day benchmark approached my body finally said "enough is enough" and I found myself tired and achy. So I took the last week of the 90day challenge off and rested. After taking my end of 90day P90X challenge photos (I'm a little embarrassed to be sharing these), but I am newly rejuvenated and ready to start another session of P90X. This time I'm going to concentrate on doing AbRipperX and start another round of eating Paleo (at least for 30 days).
Before starting this challenge I did not have the energy or motivation to do strength training by myself. I was lifting 5lb weights and doing pushups on my knees. But with the support I got from Missy, Tonja, and the other ladies in the P90X challenge group I not only do 2-3 strength training sessions a week, but I am more fit, healthier, and toned because of it. So ladies - a big THANK YOU to all of you for support and motivation during this challenge. I have the results to show it....I am lifting 8-10lb weights, doing regular pushups, (and today I finally did one complete pull-up). AND I've lost 3 inches from my waist!
I didn't win the $100,000 this time around, but I encourage everyone to get out there and exercise. You think P90X is too hardcore for you? Just start slow... go walking or biking. Then give P90X a try. You don't have to go all 'gun-ho' like I did, but you can motify the moves as you see fit. The important thing is that you get out there and move your body. You will become a stronger, fitter, and healthier person. And I'll be here to support you along the way. If you're interested in joining me on the next challenge send me a message. I can't wait to hear from you!
Early this morning I met two of my co-workers (John & Ron) and embarked on the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G adventure yet. Armed with our camelpak backpacks filled with water, protein bars, and energy gels we began a 2 mile hike just after 7am up rock, wet dirt, down slippery paths, and crawling over large boulders to get to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Stopping several times to get pictures with our cameras of the picturesque views from the Na Pali coastline and the mountains. We walked along the beach and explored the cave hidden around the corner and posed for some incredible shots.
After resting (our version of hanging out at the beach while taking photos from every angle) for about an hour, we began another 2 mile trek into the bamboo forest with slick, slippery paths and plenty more large boulders and streams to cross to make our way to Hanakapi'ai Falls. We saw several small and medium waterfalls along the way before glancing up while crossing one stream to see the waterfall we were hiking to. And did I say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Oh my god! What an incredible sight!
The excitement to reach the falls was filled with so much enthusiasm as we continued along the wet and rocky climb to the falls. As we approached we felt the mist from the falls as the water poured from the surrounding mountain and into the swimming hole at the bottom. We took the opportunity to get some great pictures and then stopped to grab a quick bite to eat from our protein bars before climbing the ridge along the side to get more great photos.
By 12:30pm John, Ron, and I began the 4 mile hike back to the beginning. At one point we actually lost sight of the trail and crossed the stream one too many times. (Not sure how we got lost). Luckily, since the hike is along the stream it was only a matter of time before we found our way again on the correct path. We stopped to take a few extra photos along the way and a little more exploring of the caves back at Hanakapi'ai Beach as the sun began to get hotter, but we had a wonderful breeze that felt soooooo good. 
We took our time soaking in the exceptional views and breathtaking scenery before arriving back at the beginning of the trail at 4pm. This hike is a must-see when visiting Kauai. Can't believe it took me over six years to see this part of the island. Next time (and I hope it doesn't take me another six years) I look forward to hiking along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakoa Falls after passing Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's a little longer hike, but I hear those views are just as awe-inspiring. 
