Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Like fantastic, organised chaos!
In terms of this Challenge I am managing very well emotionally. I have nearly rid myself of the forsaken “guilt” emotion and I am working through the ups and downs taking it all in my stride. This past week was a bit emotional for me on a personal level, and I caught myself “reverting” somewhat to using food as an outlet. But I caught it soon enough to stop it, so that made me feel much more in control which again, is great.
The initial body “shaping” that was happening has slowed down a bit. This could be for a combination of reasons; I have not been getting as much sleep as I need; there is a lot of new additional stress at work; I am not drinking enough water, etc. So I have made a conscious effort to constructively analyse what has “changed” in my behaviours/habits over the past couple of weeks and I will be focusing on getting that back on track and see if it helps. It could simply be that I have reached a plateau after the initial weight loss, and am at that point where the weight I lose from here is life lasting and what really counts, making it the hardest to lose.
Camp has been great. Janine has been trying some new stuff, giving us repeat boot campers some “fresh” ideas. It’s always great to see everyone progressing so well. You ladies are AWESOME!
I met with fellow Challenger, Natasha, this Saturday to have our makeup session with Lori from the Makeup Bulletin. It was a lot of fun. Check out the pics on the NOW group or the Challenge Facebook Pages later this week. I am “anti-make up” and Lori was very patient and knowledgeable! It was also FANTASTIC to catch up with Natasha! You are a stunning woman!
My upliftment project is going well. I have now 42 ABC ladies interacting with my NOW support group. I have also been trying to extend this support directly to my fellow campers. I have included recipes from my Shape Low Fat and Easy cook book, which I won at the end of the last camp, as well as a list of “free” soups that Kim Hofmann has given me to help with my diet, and some of Kim’s newsletters “Lean Aubergine” which has useful tips and recipes.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Really motivated and better.
Emotionally, last week was awful. My six year-old boxer dog died suddenly and it really floored me. My animals are a huge part of my family and losing her has been way harder than I thought it would be. You might be wondering if I turned to food, but guess what? I didn’t. What I really wanted was a cigarette but I resisted that too, which proved to me that I am definitely getting stronger within. When I think of how much I actually miss eating junk food, I just have to remember how good it feels to be fit and healthy. It has really become a part of my daily life and motivates me to carry on.
I feel good physically and can see the changes and not just the physical ones. I know I am putting more effort into me, which makes me feel lighter, inside and out. I can deal with things a lot better as well. Exercise has been such a vital part of this journey and I can honestly tell you that without my trainer, Leoni, I would not have achieved what I have. Her routines at ABC are awesome. She constantly mixes things up and makes it interesting. I think Leoni epitomises the ‘boot camp girl’. She is strong, caring and tough.
I saw Mary this week which was a tremendous help for me. She validated some things that I have always thought about myself and it was finally good to hear someone agree with what I have always known. I know what I must work on and she has been teaching me how to achieve what I want. The lovely Lori from the Makeup Bulletin gave me and Lynsey a makeup lesson, which was a lot of fun. Lori has such a nice way of showing you how to be a better you.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Ready to buy new jeans!
I am feeling good. I think that there will always be times when the little red man on your shoulder wants you to succumb to temptation, it’s just about what you do in those times…
I definitely feel stronger when I exercise and it is now very much a part of my life, making healthy food choices has also become a norm and I am looking forward to the challenge of maintaining a healthy lifestyle when this challenge is over. Physically I am feeling strong, I have been seeing a sports physiotherapist for my back and she has really helped a lot. I am careful whilst still pushing hard. My body is changing weekly and the best proof is in the pudding of a new pair of pants. Losing weight has got to be the greatest feeling and is ample reward for all the hard work!
Camp has been awesome, my fellow campers have made positive comments and I adore them for that. Shelley has been working us hard, and although we moan terribly, we know she is doing it for our own good!
I saw Lori from the Makeup Bulletin this week and she was incredible. I want her to be my new best friend. She is so good at what she does and is so passionate about it, that it’s impossible not to adore her. All I wanted to do was go and flaunt my perfectly made up face to the rest of the world.
It’s amazing how hard it is to help people and to change a mind-set. As mentioned last week I attended a conference on personal development and franchising, so I am feeling well-equipped to move my project forward quicker now, but it’s not easy, and that’s just the honest truth. I have however also gotten involved with a network of caring organisations which is closely linked to personal development. So we’ll see how it goes, every bit of contribution is for a good cause anyway!
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Radiant!
Emotionally I am feeling amazing. I have had some personal changes in my life that are making things extra good, but I think perhaps it is all part of the same process. When you feel good about yourself it radiates and attracts like energy. But everything is going really great. I feel confident and in control. I have made the lifestyle change. Now I am just practicing it. My body also feels great and looks great. I have realised that this will be a process of change that will take me far more than just the three months I have in the Challenge but at least I am getting the jump start I need to start my own success story.
I love my trainer, Janine, more every day. Just when I think I’m getting on top of it, she switches it up and I am once again working my butt off. This week she tried a couple things we hadn’t done in the last session and wow did my arms and legs pay the price. It felt so good to feel the burn. This weekend coming I have a “double date” with Natasha and Lori from Makeup Bulletin. I am super excited about it! And I will certainly give you an update in next week’s blog.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Strong, very motivated.
Emotionally it’s been a tough week. I haven’t really concentrated on myself at all. My eating has been fine and exercise good. But I have had a lot going this week and I haven’t really been in a positive mind frame, I have just wanted to sleep all the time although I manage to use exercise to help me in getting back my positive thoughts. I feel strong and I am stronger. I have been doing extra weight training and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I can feel I can lift heavier weights but I know I should not as I build muscle very quickly. At the start of the Challenge I could barely touch my toes in a stretch but I can see now that I can do it.
Camp is great. I was a bit sluggish last week but I think that was just my mind being elsewhere. My shins seem to really hurt but do improve along the way. I love our trainer, Leoni. She knows my weak areas and says that running must become my friend. The support of my fellow boot campers is phenomenal. Their encouragement and kind words really help me and make me feel awesome.
This whole experience has been amazing. Support in achieving your goals is paramount. Leoni, Kim, Mary, Donna, Tamlyn, Loaded Smoothies, Makeup Bulletin and ABC - have really have helped me to stick to my journey and I am very grateful for all the help and support.
I am on track with my project. I have been helping out in other areas as well which I am pleased about.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Able to see the finish line!
I am LOVING exercise at the moment. It is so vital to how I cope with the rest of my day. This really is where I wanted to be. I wanted exercise to become something I wanted to do and not something I thought I had to do. My friends have been great and I very much look forward to an active and long life with all of them. Making healthy food choices gets easier each week, I am so happy to be on the path to a healthier and happier me. Okay, so I promise to get my back sorted out this week! My week started off with me feeling the strongest I have been thus far in this competition, it was such a great feeling to keep up with the front of the pack, even though I felt like dying at times, personal victory is the best kind, and so I am smiling.
Shelley is watching me carefully so that I do not injure myself further, and the exercises are just adapted to suit. The best thing about Adventure Boot Camp is that even if you aren’t doing all of the running exercises; you can still control what you do to get a great workout. Brrr…it is freezing just before 6AM! But alas, it’s always amazing to see how committed everyone is. The intensity pushed up a notch and everyone pushed with it. Sometimes we giggle at how crazy we must look, beanies and layers and all, running around when it is five degree Celsius outside, post-World Cup and still pitch dark outside, but I know everyone loves it! Thanks to Adventure Boot Camp I walk around with a new found confidence and that confidence has very little to do with my external experience, but has a lot do with how I feel on the inside.
I see Mary again this week, and look forward to getting into my own head some more (it doesn’t scare me as much now, because I know my head is healthier), I also saw Kim, and she is so great, once again anything that I did have perspective on, she puts into perspective for me, and I love her for that. I am no longer obsessed with the scale and that it a HUGE thing for me.
Although still the toughest part of this Challenge is the upliftment project, this week has been better. I am attending a personal franchising and personal development conference this weekend. Self-education, I believe, is the best foundation to grow a cause close to your heart. I really need to see some results from the time I am putting in now, and be in a position to share these results with you, which I will be soon. I do know that no work goes unrewarded.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
I feel like a new me!
It’s so good to be back at camp. I have missed the workout and the support but most of all the enthusiasm and dynamic of the ABC group at Fish Hoek! You ladies are my inspiration! We have a HUGE group this session which is fantastic. I feel so strong and it feels great because starting back, in the second session, I feel such a big difference from when I first started this Challenge. I feel amazing, absolutely pumped and positive. I can’t believe how strong I am getting. I look at my body and it feels great. I am starting to see my body the way I feel inside. My clothes are so loose and I feel comfortable in my skin. I never thought I would change so quickly. I have been working very hard to, so it is paying off big time.
Seeing all the old faces but also meeting some new ones has been a blast. I am really looking forward to another session. Two of my biggest supporters were unable to make camp last week and I missed them terribly. But they are back this week which is great. Here’s sending big thanks to Janine for a super first week back at camp. You rock my world.
I met with Tamlyn from Green Apple on Tuesday last week and wow, she is great. She gave me some fabulous ideas and tips. I love fashion and the advice she gave made me feel really excited about going forward with all this. She also made me feel really comfortable and confident about my body. I am so thankful she is a part of this experience. I met with Mary for my fourth session on Friday. Not only has she been a major part of this experience for me but I feel so comfortable talking to her. I feel like I’m talking to a friend. It’s been such a pleasure and it has made such a difference in how I feel towards myself, my body but mostly my future. I am spending much more time looking forward now. It’s an incredible feeling.
I have not spent as much time on the NOW support group as I would have liked to over the past two weeks but I will be focusing on that more this week. Overall I think my upliftment project is going well. There are steady posts by some of the members and now that we have 10 new campers at the Fish Hoek ABC and all the other new members who have joined Adventure Boot Camp I hope to get new members for the Facebook group too. We’re now at 40 and counting.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Good, happy, very keen.
I have been having a good week exercise and food wise. The cold has definitely made me want soups as opposed to yogurts and cold fruit. It is also making me feel a lot hungrier and I must arm myself with fruit or other healthy snacks when I am out and about to avoid devouring everything in my fridge when I get home. I don’t dread putting on my clothes anymore and I feel I have more energy to do things. I used to put off going out the house to do anything because I was ashamed of how my appearance. This is however changing. It will always amaze me that how we feel about ourselves physically has such a huge impact on every part of our daily life. I am very mindful of how I’m feeling lately so much so that I don’t turn to chocolate cheesecake, which makes me feel disgusting afterwards and I end up hating myself. Not all days are good, let me tell you but there are way more good days than bad days. One of my goals is to be and feel healthier and by eating properly so I can be more confident.
It’s so great to be back at camp but boy is it cold. Leoni has been doing loads of new exercises and combinations and I have a little feeling that this camp, she is really going to work us very hard. I have been going to gym in the afternoons three times a week but I can feel I might be overdoing it a bit as I am getting bored and feeling less energetic.
I had to cancel my appointment with Mary last week as my daughter was sick so I am seeing her tomorrow. I am seeing Kim on Wednesday and I am dreading it because if I haven’t lost any weight yet I’ll be very disappointed.
I honestly find it very hard to talk about efforts to help other people as I feel its boasting and I believe no-one needs to know the things you do for others. I am truly committed to starting a feeding project but it is not as easy as I thought. I was working on this before this competition started but it relies a lot on others to help you. In the mean time I’ll be helping another feeding project which makes such a huge difference to children’s lives.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Confident to see this through!
I have noticed that everything you are told about exercise and the impact it has on your emotional status is true. Clearly the endorphins help you to get through tough days. By no means am I saying that the process is easy, but I do believe that one becomes better able to handle situations which are emotionally draining. So if anyone out there is feeling down and as if they are not coping, fit some exercise in, even if it’s just 10 minutes and never wait for Monday, the time is always now.
It’s really good to feel as if you are getting stronger even when you have tough days, finishing the required amount of reps of an exercise is a good confidence booster; it also gives me the motivation to carry on. My back injury is still bothering me, but it just means that I have to push harder with the other exercises to not hamper my results. The body is an amazing thing, it tells you when you can push harder with an exercise, and when to ease off if there is an injury, so I am listening more carefully than before and I am feeling good.
It’s been great to be back at camp and also good to see new faces. Good luck to everyone and welcome to the journey. The best part is seeing the loyal and faithful and the commitment they show. I think it’s just because they love Shelley. She really is great because she balances pushing you hard and motivating to push harder. They say make a change for yourself, but when someone else on your journey is committed for you it’s not a bad thing to sometimes do it a bit for them too.
I was thinking about this opportunity I have been afforded whilst in the shower after boot camp yesterday (perhaps too much info, anyway) and I really in this blog just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Adventure Boot Camp for everything. For your dedication to changing the lives of others and for giving me the opportunity to have people like Kim, Mary, Shelley, Tamlyn, Lori and Loaded Smoothies, be a part of my life, even when I mess up, they are still there and that means the world!
I have now been attending quite a few meetings with a group who work in the field of personal franchising to learn the skills necessary to really become educated on how to make this work properly, it has been tough, and as I am results driven, it plagues me that I am not where I wanted to be in terms of the time frame given for me to achieve this part of the goal. I will however not shift the goal post and will hopefully this week be able to load some pics of the people I have helped to buy home based businesses on the Challenge Facebook Page.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
FAB - U - LOUS!
This week I have really felt that these new routines are becoming habits. I spend much less time thinking about food, planning my "diet", etc., and more time just living! It's amazing how much of a difference it's making emotionally. The book the "4-day win" that I started reading (suggested by Mary) is brilliant, and has come at the right moment for me to really absorb it proactively.
I have finally recovered from this cold that everyone seems to be fighting, and got right back into the saddle. I have been running every day since Wednesday. I've also been working on a 20-minute morning routine of various strength training exercises that our amazing trainer Janine put together for me for the two weeks we were off.My clothes are getting looser everyday and I think things look smoother.
Mary challenged me last time I saw her to focus on a healthier self image. (Embracing my body, and its changes and not hiding from myself.) I don't have the cash flow to go shopping so instead, I went "pretend" shopping. I tried things on, played around with it a bit. I felt sexy and it didn't cost me a penny. Plus I got to try on things I could never afford, so thanks Mary.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Fitter, stronger, very motivated.
I have enjoyed this week very much. My eating has been very good and I am watching my portion sizes very closely. I have been loading up on vegetables and fruit which really help a lot. I get bored very quickly so I've been experimenting with new recipes which have definitely added a new twist on things.
I feel good and strong and I feel so much more confident. It amazes me how we can get so depressed but not realise how bad it was until we start to get out from under the black cloud. I really feel happier within. I am not near to where I want to be physically but I am getting there slowly and am happy with me right now.
When I feel hungry, I am now trying to A) first think am I really hungry or just bored and B) out of 1-10 what hunger level am I? This really helps me first think before I put something in my mouth.
I am feeling a lot stronger and fitter. In these two weeks off from camp, I went to gym six days a week. I did spinning, weight training and super circuit. I love exercising and I get grumpy if I don't get to do it for one day. I have been reading up a lot on exercises via magazines and the internet. From reading up on different exercises, I have been trying a wide range of new ones and I am really enjoying the effects they have on my body. I am not looking forward to the early mornings but I am so looking forward to boot camp again. I think I am addicted to exercise and more so Adventure Boot Camp.
I have done what Tamlyn from Green Apple suggested I do with my clothes and that's to sort them into three piles. I am definitely looking at my boring wardrobe with new eyes now. I am seeing Mary next week which I'm looking forward to as I want to work on my anxiety. I worry a lot and know I need help with that in order to be calmer within. I think my anxiety has a lot to do with my food issues.
I am still working on my project as there is quite a lot going on behind the scenes. I am presently waiting on a couple of people to get back to me so when I have more news I will let you know.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
So excited for bigger changes!
It's not all a walk in the park, that's for sure. Everyone is on a high, its soccer World Cup, I had a birthday, and there are another billion reasons to just throw your hands up in the air and have a party. Have I? On occasion, yes, but what I have learnt is that you have to ask yourself, what is more important, a temporary high or a change for the better to last a lifetime? I've decided to choose the latter. My body is definitely changing and that is the most rewarding of all. I am trying not to become too obsessed with the scale, and have decided to only use my clothes as my measurement for progress for now, so far, so good.
I have been suffering with a back injury for the past 10 days now, and physically that is my biggest concern, but I have learnt how to exercise to not aggravate it further and have been seeing a chiropractor every few days to ensure that it gets better. I am holding thumbs that this heals quickly, everyone please hold thumbs too.
I am so excited for the upcoming week, I see Mary again as well as I have the big meeting with Tamlyn from Green Apple, I know she is going to be amazing. Kim is wonderful. She gives me the perspective I need. Everyone says my skin is looking better, so thank you Shanaaz and Beauté Pacifique. Also thanks to Adventure Boot Camp for everything especially the encouragement and getting to have the wonderful opportunity. To all the sponsors, Loaded, Shape, Makeup Bulletin – thank you!
I am too honest to say otherwise, but my upliftment programme is going slowly. Some of the fault lies with me. My biggest problem is that I get so wrapped up in my day-to- day job, I forget everything else. This was always going to be a challenge for me, so I have made a commitment to myself that this middle phase of my two camps will be my most important. I have the foundation; now I need to build.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Truly taking charge of my life!
This week was fantastic! I missed going to camp but we did a "fake" boot camp with a small group of us on Wednesday and it was great. I have had an AWFUL cold this week and was a bit disappointed that I couldn't run every day as I had planned. I also found this week my conscious eating is becoming unconscious consciousness. It was a great eating week, even though I wasn't exercising like I had hoped.
Physically I am seeing changes every day. I felt lousy all week because of my cold and not being able to exercise but that is okay. I started belly dancing on Saturday and it was AMAZING! I was super excited about it and that I could do it even though I was sick, as it's very low impact. I pulled out some clothes I forgot I had here, because I couldn't even get them on in January.
I saw Mary on Friday and had a super session. We identified some really interesting and valuable insights. I left feeling very positive and good about myself. Mary is fantastic. I really cannot say enough about her. She also suggested a few books to read, one called "the 4-way win". Look under the NOW support group for more information.
My upliftment project is going very well. I think that the ladies are starting to use it more as a tool for supporting each other. I am going to have to readjust the ADMIN status. Originally I had thought it would encourage the women to participate and interact more and it has worked for that purpose. However, now unless you sign off with your name no one knows who is saying what. I had also posted an event for a FULL MOON MEDITATION at the Novalis Wellness Institute which had a fair bit of response.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Good, calmer and motivated.
Last week was a very busy week for me. I ate well but I know I must watch my portion size. I have been completely avoiding foods that I know will make me feel gross and give me heartburn. My clothes are feeling looser but not loose enough yet. I can see my face has lost weight as well as my waist but my bum and arms are still hanging on for dear life.
I have not missed getting up early but I have missed going to camp. I need exercise every day in order to feel calm and in control. I have been going to gym doing weight training and spinning and yesterday we went for a walk along the Sea Point promenade which was great. I am really looking forward to boot camp starting next week!
I saw Kim this week and I have lost body fat and centimetres. I was not happy with the amount lost but Kim says it's perfectly fine and she is happy with it. I did feel despondent when I walked out of there and I felt extremely frustrated but it's because I am impatient and I should just be happy with the loss and not expect too much so quickly. My session with Mary was great, it was light hearted and not so intense which was great as I did not feel like anything heavy that day. She is a great lady and really easy to talk to. I have been using her techniques for dealing with stress and it seems to be working. Tamlyn from Green Apple came to visit me and my wardrobe on Tuesday. I was a bit nervous; I even shaved my legs, just in case. I got such awesome advice from her. She really compliments a person and concentrates on your good points and lifts you up.
I have found two schools that really need help and I have realised that I can't do this financially on my own. It's so much bigger than me. I am contacting the big supermarkets looking for some sponsorship this week. I need to help these children with this feeding project, it is such a huge problem in this country and I am having sleepless nights trying to do this.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
It's really now or never!
Last week was especially tough, not having the disciplined routine of camp seriously affected my own perception of my will-power, but I think that what is most important is realising that I am doing this lifestyle change for a reason and have been privileged enough to be given a rest, so now it's not to mess it all up!
The knee injury that I mentioned previously has been giving me some serious grief, but resting it has provided some relief. I have only been walking for lack of being able to do anything else, and hope that this week I can push the training back up a few notches pre-camp next week. I have noticed one major thing though, when I don't exercise my body actually feels as if it is missing something and it does not feel happy, I know that sounds strange, but I think that as you get older movement and exercise become more important and if you don't have it your body gets stiff and grumpy.
No camp stories for the next two weeks, but I can tell you that the motivation that comes from camp and from seeing everyone work so hard has me wanting to get up at 5am (believe it, or not!) I miss the self satisfaction that comes with knowing you are doing something good for yourself!
I had my first meeting with Mary last week, and it really pushed and pulled at some internal issues which have been needing change for a very long time. It is amazing how we as humans become a product of our experiences – and sometimes that product is not always good. I look forward to changing the inside the most. I really do believe that the body will follow suit. I see Kim again on Saturday, and always look forward to this, she is amazing at putting in to perspective what you think your results should be and what they actually should be.
With regards to my upliftment challenge, the ball is seriously rolling but as with all sustainable projects it will take time.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Stronger every day both inside and out!
This week I learned a new challenge; the balance between expectation and reality. It's a good lesson and an important one to ensure long term success of this experience. I hadn't realised how much pressure I'd placed on myself. But then I spent some time thinking hard about all this and realised I have done very well so far. I have made it through the first month of camp, through the physical and emotional ups and downs and I've done it in the best way I know how. I feel very proud of myself.
Physically, I am seeing many changes. Some days I feel better than others but I am learning this is more about my perception of my performance than my performance itself. Being able to distinguish between the two is a big learning experience for me. I am also very proud of myself after my results this week. I was amazed at how well I did compared to week one. It's shocking!
Camp was amazing as it usually is. I was inspired to hear how all the ladies had improved over the past four weeks after our test on Friday. On Saturday we had a celebration for the Fish Hoek ladies to say thank you to our amazing trainer Janine. It was such a great chance to really get to know the ladies on a more personal level. A special thanks to Kiara for hosting.
I had my first follow-up "fat" test with Kim Hofmann. I was really anxious about it as I knew I had placed a high expectation on myself although I hadn't realised HOW high. But Kim talked me through it and helped me see how deeply psychological these feelings and habits truly are (Another important lesson). This week has been as full of them, as has this whole experience. Thank you Kim! I am also very much looking forward to this next session with Mary on Friday to continue resolving some of these deeper processes.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Good, focused, still impatient.
I have enjoyed this week and am feeling more relaxed and less anxious. I've been eating well, definitely choosing healthier options with regards to food and I'm not just eating for the sake of eating. I'm actually not focusing too much on food at all. I've also noticed I'm shopping differently and drinking two to three litres of water a day.
Physically I feel much more energised and definitely stronger and fitter. I've been trying to fit in some gym sessions during the afternoons but it's not so easy with the kids. What's frustrating me though is that I'm not seeing more dramatic changes physically. I know there are lots of little changes and that they'll all start adding up, so I just need to be patient.
There is a two week break until the next camp begins which I know is going to be difficult and I am going to miss going to camp a lot. We did time trials on Friday and I'm very pleased to say that I was two minutes faster than I was four weeks ago. I still came last out of my group but I am happy with how I performed. The running is something I will need to concentrate on over the next two weeks during switch week.
My skin is really looking better these days. Quite a few people have commented on it, which is nice. I saw Mary last week which was really informative. I know that Mary will help me to achieve my goals and understand myself a little better. It's quite emotionally draining for me to open up to another person who I'm not yet familiar with, but I walked out of her office feeling a lot lighter and happier. I have my next appointment with Kim on Friday and will have my body fat tested then. Needless to say I am very anxious to find out how I've done over the past month.
With regards to my upliftment project, I have made contact with another feeding programme in the mean time to assist them. They collect from schools in the area on a daily basis and I will be contributing to that while I get my project off the ground.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Challenged, excited, ready for more!
I think that after a while changes start becoming a habit, they're still not totally unconscious, but they are there. So although I still need to think about decisions requiring will power, at least I am thinking, and it's a big step forward.
There are highs (like when you lose lots of centimetres) and lows (like when the scale won't budge) but the great thing is in knowing that this isn't an overnight quick fix, but a long term change for good.
My body is definitely changing; sometimes even if I can't see it for myself my pants are telling me that it's changing. We have now finished camp one and I am going to miss the disciplined routine of training every morning, so the challenge for the next two weeks is realising that this is for me alone and being disciplined because I deserve it.
Physically the last week was tough, but I think it's supposed to be. It's amazing when you know you have completed physical tasks that you wouldn't otherwise have been able to do. I have somewhere along the line injured my knee, but that's not going to stop me. I bought a nice support and I am going to work through the pain. I really want this and the time is now.
Camp is great and I think what was rewarding, not only for me but everyone else as well, was seeing how much improvement we made from the first week until now. It's so great watching everyone push themselves. I also think its great being able to measure our results, especially when they get better. Everyone has done so well and I'm looking forward to getting in some training with the ladies during our break. I also love that sponsors like Shape, Bokomo and Loaded contribute toward prize-giving. You can see how much simple recognition can inspire someone to push even harder and stick to whatever goal they've set for themselves.
I unfortunately couldn't do the body fat test because I was dehydrated, but seeing actual measured centimetres lost was so good enough for me. This Challenge is working and I am so grateful. I am seeing Mary today and I cannot wait. I could use a little soul fixing and am very excited to embark on this part of my journey. I then see Green Apple tomorrow for the big wardrobe clear out day. What will she say? Early July sees the first meeting with Makeup Bulletin, to which I am looking very forward to. And again, to Loaded, thank you for the delicious smoothies especially when my mood and sugar levels are low.
My upliftment programme is going well. I had a great meeting on Thursday evening with some business partners of mine who have been really helpful in getting some personal franchising things off the ground. I said I needed 10 ladies before the project was over in order to touch the lives of 100. I now have follow up meetings this week with two of them to get them registered as business owners and to get them products to sell. It's very exciting knowing that you do have the ability to change lives.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Confident, comfortable, courageous.
This week has been very good. I am finding as each week goes by, the changes and the challenges add as motivation to the long term possibilities. Along with the ups and downs, the physical changes and learning how to strike a balance, has all pushed me harder to succeed.
This week I am noticing the most physical changes. Things are looking smoother and firmer. There are lines of definition coming out. I never thought it would happen this quickly even though they are still just subtle changes. I am also noticing the change in my fitness and am looking forward to the performance tests at the end of Week 4 so I can compare it to Week 1.
Janine's brilliant system of training allows us to push ourselves as we need to, so that we can all keep up and remain challenged. I was a bit tired this week from work, but I was able to push myself to what I could manage. I am finding that when life is exhausting, going to boot camp becomes my escape. We played netball on Thursday, which was awesome and on Saturday a group of Fish Hoek campers went to a belly dancing class together with Kasha from Soma. What a workout!
This week I want to focus my blog on my session with Mary. Although I've had an understanding of what this challenge is about, it wasn't until my session with Mary that I really felt the possibility of the life change. Mary is providing me (us) with the opportunity to explore, express and recreate ourselves on the inside where it all begins. Mary is so kind and insightful and I felt at ease almost immediately. But that session also made me realise how deep some of the driving forces are inside me. After meeting with Mary, I walked out and got in my car. About five minutes down the road, I pulled over and cried. Not out of sadness, but rather out of pure relief that this challenge is truly giving me the power to get control of my life.
This week I wanted the NOW support group to become more interactive. So I changed the setting so that each member who joins is also an ADMIN. I have certainly seen more interaction this week. I also posted a link for a "How-To" on making an Inspiration Board. I have heard about them before and I am working on my own too. I think that the women of Adventure Boot Camp are so dynamic and different, that something like an inspiration board may give them the personalised and visual tool to focus on their own goals and challenges.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Good, impatient, back on track.
I will not lie and say this week has been easy because it has not. I have struggled big time. I did not eat badly but I felt very demotivated and unfocused. Maybe it was because I was sick early in the week. I've felt uncomfortable in my skin and thought I looked like a whale in all my clothes. Needless to say, I've avoided mirrors this week.
All I want to do is dive into my comfort foods. But I've managed to resist the temptation. What is really getting me down is that I feel I've done so much work already and I am not yet seeing much result. I want instant gratification which in a sense is why I have food issues. I have found talking about how I feel very difficult too.
I definitely feel I have more stamina in my running. My shins have been giving me problems so I bought a new pair of running shoes which have really helped. I have noticed my jeans feel a bit looser, the fat rolls aren't hanging over the sides as much and I can feel I am gaining more muscle tone.
I am thoroughly enjoying camp, when I get there, but getting up is still hard. I love the process of boot camp. Leoni starts us off slowly and before we know it we're doing the same exercise easily and without any huffing and puffing. As this week is our last, we'll be doing time trials again on Friday. That should be interesting as I am keen to see my progress.
I am seeing Mary this week which is good timing and Kim next week for a body fat testing. I am also planning to see Green Apple Fashion and Styling and the Makeup Bulletin soon.
With regards to my upliftment programme, I have made contact with a lady who works with underprivileged children and will hopefully meet up with her next week sometime.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Ready to develop even further.
Last week was especially tough emotionally. I think once the hype of something new settles down and reality kicks in, it's always tough. But I do know that this is when the best results are achieved and when you can push through the difficult times.
I am still working on my weekend will power, which is getting better. I think the hardest part of this challenge is being selfish for one's own sake and learning to say no and making it all about you.
We have just completed Week 3 of exercise and boy oh boy, did I feel the intensity shift up a notch. But again, the greatest reward is in knowing that you shifted up a notch too. So to the other two finalists, well done! Don't forget that a pat on the back is essential; we are already way further along the right path than when we started.
Camp is always good and challenging. I love the way it's always mixed up so you never know what you will be hit with and it's always exciting. Even the aching rear end (thanks to stationary speed skating) makes you feel like you've worked harder than ever before. Everyone pushes so hard and it keeps me motivated. You can see and feel that there is never less than 100% energy floating around the air, so when your triceps feel like they are about to snap it really does serve to keep you going. My triceps always feel like they are going to snap, so thank goodness for the hard-working ladies I am surrounded by, they have no idea how grateful I am.
I really do think that my skin looks better – what's more important is that it feels better thanks to Beauté Pacifique I still look forward to meeting Mary, unfortunately that didn't happen this week, but when it does I have no doubt that I'll be able to do anything! I am also looking forward to seeing Kim again at the end of this week.
My upliftment project is going okay. In order to feel more involved, I have also gone about getting involved with "women of value". It's a project one of my business partners is actively involved in and similar to my personal development project in that its main focus is ensuring that women realise the power of self worth. We have therefore decided to share resources to get better results. I will soon be attending a number of meetings and spreading myself across a number of projects mainly based in the Mitchells Plain area. If anyone would like to help, send me your details via Facebook – extra hands and help is always needed.
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
Becoming a better me!
In this past week I was really challenged with balancing the focus I had had during week 1 and the realities of "real life". It was a learning experience and I feel great going into week 3 because I have learned from the last week's lows, about how to meet this balance. This is an important part of my journey if I want to create a change that will last a lifetime.
Physically I am feeling stronger every day. On Saturday I joined some fabulous women with trainer, Lee-Ann from the Big Bay camp for Pilates at Rhodes Memorial. What a great experience! I am super pumped for week 3 and ready to push it to the limit! Camp was great as usual. On Footie Thursday we did a World Cup game which was AWESOME! I got a little carried away with the energy of it all! I am really looking forward to this Thursday's Netball (which I have never played before). It's great to get to bond as a team with the ladies from the Fish Hoek camp - they're all a top notch group.
I had my first appointment with Kim, this Saturday. I was feeling a bit down because of my diet performance in week 2 but she really helped me re-focus and see how I could learn from my mistake and explained that I would only gain from this experience. She is so amazing! I am having my first meeting with Mary on Tuesday and I am so anxious and eager for it. I have spent a LOT of time thinking about what she said before and trying to apply some strategies over the past two weeks. I am ready for the next step!
The number of fans on my NOW group has grown and is steadily growing. I have had some feedback from some of the ladies who say they find the information interesting and informative. I think and hope that it's providing a wide enough range of information to provoke all women in the group to get them motivated about themselves and their lives. One of the ladies from the Fish Hoek camp, Amanda, is a fantastic jazz singer and she's having a concert that I will be posting info for in the upcoming week. Also coming up on 26 June is the Full Moon Meditation at the Novalis Wellness Institute in Wynberg, which is also posted to the group.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Motivated, calmer, strong, super keen!
This has been a good week! I feel a lot calmer and less anxious this week. I feel more in control and positive. I also feel super motivated as I have lost a little bit of weight. It's amazing how when a person feels good about themselves, things seem to go much smoother. Circumstances don't change, you just handle things better. I have realised I am an emotional eater and I've really become aware of not doing this anymore. I also eat when I am bored so I try to keep busy as well. I now eat because I am hungry and not just because the food is there. It's nice to feel hungry again as I haven't felt that in a while. The food plan includes a lot more food, even bread. Before I would just eat for the sake of eating and now at least I am trying to listen to my body and allow myself to eat only when I need to. It's so easy to eat unhealthy and have overly sized portions, so it requires much effort to buy healthier food, cut it up, plan your meals and eat smaller portions. I think that's where so many people fall short as they have no energy or motivation for the effort required to eat better, but I am working on that. I have been amazed at the support my family and friends have given me. Everyone is 100% behind me and it really makes a huge difference.
Physically I feel much more energised this week. My muscles are not aching as much and I feel stronger. I am still struggling with the running as my shins really hurt but hopefully that will pass too. I can see subtle changes in my body. I can actually see the muscles in my leg and not just fat and my triceps are trying to push past the fat on my arms. I do however, get frustrated at the slowness of the process of change, but I must learn patience. Overall camp is going well. The second week was much better for me strength wise. I felt I could do the exercises better and for longer. My fellow campers are very supportive and kind and they're just a really a great group of ladies to workout with. I am enjoying getting to know them a little more each week. I enjoy Leoni's style of training, she is hard but fair. She pushes you but at the same time does not want you to do anything you feel uncomfortable with. We are doing a lot more hill and stair running but it's great to be doing harder exercises which I know will increase my strength.
I saw Kim this week and I'm pleased to say I've lost some weight. I have this fear that I won't lose weight and be the only one who hasn't lost any. My skin definitely feels so much better since using the Beauté Pacifique products. My skin is thin and most products make my face go red but since using their products, I am pleased to say I haven't suffered from redness at all. That is great news for me as the redness makes me very embarrassed sometimes. I have also been refraining from using toner too often and cleaning my face too often as it has been stripping my skin. Next week I'm seeing Mary which I'm really looking forward to. I know I will walk away with 'food for thought' and a need to better myself as she has this way of making you feel incredibly motivated by helping you to see the areas you need to work on.
Work on my upliftment programme is getting there. I have contacted a lady who works with underprivileged crèches and hopefully I'll be able to find a crèche to support and help. I will most certainly have more information for you by next week. I feel that this programme, with the proper backing, can become huge and benefit so many hungry children.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Challenged and ready for it!
This is not called the Loaded ABC Challenge for nothing! The exercising is going great, but if I told you all of it was a breeze, I would be lying, keeping it together on weekends is particularly challenging. The support has been great from my colleagues, family and friends but sometimes I think that we are our own worst critics. So it's needless to say I am so looking forward to meeting with Mary to take this to a whole new level.
It's only been two weeks, but I can feel I am already getting fitter and that is super exciting. My jeans have also adjusted themselves, or maybe I have adjusted…Yippee! The thought of purchasing a new belt gives me the motivation to carry on. Sometimes I just smile (or wince in pain) to myself when trying to lift something. I can feel that my triceps or some other body part has had a good workout. I love that camp keeps challenging us, and pushing us further because it's at the start of a new week that you realise that you can do more than you think. Overall, camp was good last week, and the other campers have been very supportive. I promised to take photo's this week but it's just so dark in the mornings. We are having a lot of fun having Shelley push us to our max with her "kombinasie" exercises. It's always amazing to see everyone progress, a sure sign that ABC really works. We push hard, we're definitely never bored, and everyone must love it. If we didn't we wouldn't be up and outside at 6am every morning.
As mentioned earlier, I am looking forward to seeing Mary this week, I have also had contact with Green Apple Fashion and Styling as well as the Makeup Bulletin. I am so excited to meet with both of them and put into motion the other changes we're so privileged to have. The skin regime is really working; I love the way my face is feeling, thank you Shanaaz from Beauté Pacifique for this. Kim, you are amazing, thank you for making this easier than I thought it would be. I look forward to jumping on that scale in a couple of weeks (believe it or not!)
The upliftment task is the toughest part of the Challenge, I suppose if making big changes were easy we would all do it and the world would be a different place. I have had a meeting with a company who engages in personal franchising, and how I can take this forward. I also went to a conference last week Thursday to see how progress is being made in this field. I might be calling on friends for help as arranging meetings and follow up's outside of work hours is tough, but I will get there. My goal is to dramatically change the lives of 10 people and teach each of them to change the lives of 10 people, 10x10 equals 100, and so on. I think the important thing is to make changes sustainable, I do not want to be someone who influences momentary upliftment, I want it to carry on and be generational. Keep checking out this space to see how I do, and keep reading the posts on Facebook to see how you can help…
Lynsey Allan @ Fish Hoek
On My Way!
I'm feeling GREAT! I was a little bit anxious about not knowing what to expect from the experience in general. But with huge thanks to all the Fish Hoek ladies and my trainer Janine, who is SUPER supportive, the first week has flown by. I'm feeling incredibly motivated and positive. I feel even better after chatting with some of the returning campers. I am feeling very motivated.
My body has been a bit sore after camp so I've been stretching every night when I get home which has helped with the stiffness the next day. I feel like I've worked hard and it's a good feeling! I already feel stronger after just one week and can already feel the difference in my abilities.
Janine, my trainer, is AMAZING! The workouts are not too easy and not unmanageable either. It's incredible how she manages to span the needs of the whole group so we are all working hard. The ladies are really motivating and they push me hard. Plus they ALL signed my FINALIST Boot Camp T-shirt.
Kim, our dietician, gave me a lot of interesting information. Things I never knew or realised about food. I am eating all the time, my energy levels are up substantially and I am not hungry. She's been really kind and supportive. I haven't had my one-on-one session with Mary yet, but I did meet her at the talk she gave to the other 20 semi-finalists. Mary gave us some important things to work on and think about, which I've been reflecting on all week:
- Setting goals (goals need to be very precise as to be able to identify exactly what we want and how we are going to achieve them)
- Recognizing setbacks that may exist in our environments (for example, being on the road a lot, having families to take care of and then finding ways to avoid these)
- Considering 'pay offs' (what the immediate gratification is that we achieve by resorting to eating, and coming up with alternative solutions to fulfilling those cravings)
- Most importantly, Mary discussed the need to re-train our perspective of self and loving ourselves exactly how we are and balancing that with the internal motivation to change to better ourselves.
What I have taken away from this and applied in the first week at camp is a positive affirmation that I say to myself every time I am feeling down or vulnerable. I say: 'I am becoming the best I can possibly be. I want to change, I know I can change, I am changing because it makes me a better me and because I deserve it'
Green Apple Fashion and Styling has made initial contact with me (after meeting them at the Meet and Greet) and will be coming over to my house to inspect my wardrobe. I am really looking forward to getting advice on my body type and what works best for me. Anzio from AMB Photography was so kind and funny at the Meet and Greet. And although I'm not happy with way I look in the photos (mainly due to my negative self-image) I think he did a fantastic job. His photos are motivating me to look the best I can the next time he takes them at the Wellness Seminar in September. Shanaaz at Beauté Pacifique is a doll. The skin-care products are brilliant and my skin is looking and feeling great.
I started a Facebook group called the NOW support group (Network Of Women). The idea was to create a support group for the women of ALL the Adventure Boot Camps and the women of the Western Cape as a tool to a positive approach towards weight loss, general fitness and over all well being. I have been posting discussions, motivational / inspirational quotes, upcoming events in the area, socials, wellness seminars, books, and anything else I hear about that is around the Western Cape that may be of use/ interest to women working to better themselves. I am pleased to say that in only one week I've already had 26 women sign up and hopefully more as the weeks go by.
Natasha Tromp @ Constantia
Better. Happier. On the up.
I am very proud of myself! I have been sticking to the eating plan very well and have had no heartburn since I started camp, which is fantastic. It's really about breaking terrible habits that I've picked up along the way and replacing them with good habits. And very importantly, learning portion control with regards to food, which is what I struggle with big time. Emotionally, I've been up and down but I was definitely feeling a lot more positive towards the end of the week. I have come to realise it's just about acceptance and moving forward with change.
This week has taken a toll on me physically. It really hasn't been easy. I'm very unfit and have been feeling extremely stiff and sore. By Saturday I did feel a lot better, so much so, that I actually went to the gym. Another thing that has been very difficult is getting up when it's cold and dark, but I'm sure I'll get used to that very soon. Camp is awesome but tough. I take my hat off to every woman that does Adventure Boot Camp as it is really is a challenge. I've also never run in my life so that's been quite a shock to my system. Leoni, our trainer, is fantastic. She makes me want to work harder and really pushes me. We did time trails on Friday and I sucked badly. It took me 8 min and 49 sec to complete the running course. Plus it was dark and I couldn't see anything. My fellow campers are great, some are super fit and a couple are starting out just like me.
I love the Loaded Smoothies and I'm not just saying that. I also love seeing Kim as she really motivates me. Mary is a fantastic and positive lady who truly makes me want to be a better person. We're having a wardrobe consultation with Green Apple Fashion and Styling next week, which I'm totally dreading.
I am working on two upliftment projects. The moms support idea requires a lot of planning, which I'm still working on. But the feeding project is the one that's taking preference right now. I can't stand the thought of children being hungry so I plan to get started with this as soon as possible. It's just me at the moment and I plan is to give sandwiches to a crèche once or twice a week. If anyone wants to get involved and help me out, that would be great. I am still trying to find a little school/creche that's in need so if anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.
Sue-Ann Allen @ St Cyprian's
Ready to work even harder.
It's the end of week 1 and being able to exercise has left me feeling great. Every day after camp, I feel as if I can do anything. My new routine with food is getting better and so is my relationship with it. However, the weekend was very tough. So I am looking forward to the day when my weekly discipline spills over to Saturday and Sunday. I am feeling pretty good physically. I know that I am getting stronger but I don't see much change yet, which is fine seeing it's only been one week.
Camp is awesome and my trainer, Shelley, is amazing. The beautiful surroundings at St. Cyprians School are so gorgeous, that I'm motivated to run even faster around the old big oak trees. My fellow campers have been very supportive and I know I am going to make friends to keep.
My skin is feeling amazing because of the Beauté Pacifique skin care products, and the Loaded Smoothies are delicious. I love Kim, my dietician's, eating plan as I can fit it into my life. I look forward to my first session with Mary, our life coach, who I'll be seeing in the next week or so.
My upliftment project is still in the research phase. For now, I won't say too much but I look forward to telling you all about my first personal development meeting, which will be held this week with five ladies who fall into the lower LSM market. I can't wait to teach and inspire about not settling for less than you are worth. So watch this space.
Lynsey Allan: Fish Hoek
Lynsey knows how to dream big! At 28 years old she's travelled the world, read all there is to know about politics, developmental and human rights issues. It's no wonder she volunteers her time helping others as a Human Rights Defender.
Her passion for life is obvious. You can tell by her infectious laugh and nurturing and empathetic nature. Ironically it's these humbling traits that have seen the demise of her own health and wellbeing over the years. She's been so consumed with helping others she'd neglected herself; and now it's time to give back!
Lynsey hopes that the Loaded ABC Challenge will help her gain strength mentally and physically so she can continue her plight to defend the rights of those less fortunate.
When she isn't working, she loves to read, ride horses, swim, watch movies, sketch and go shopping. Her motto in life is to dream big, take it one step at a time, and to remember that anything is possible if you try.
Says Lynsey: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'.
The strength and determination she hopes to gain from taking part in the Challenge will be used to embark on a lifetime goal to compose a case study research document on 'Public Policy and Social Development for Informal Settlements in South Africa'. This will help with the work she currently does to uplift women and under privileged communities.
She also knows their is a gap for women to have continued support to get through the day-to-day trials and tribulations that often lead to weight gain, depression and a general ignorance of their own. Therefore, she plans on starting a 'Running Club' or Women's Club' as something to do outside the regular classes as a support group for the women at camp.
Natasha Tromp: Constantia
Natasha lives the life we all want! She is 35 years old, is married to a wonderful man, has two gorgeous children aged three and eleven and resides in the leafy suburb of Constantia. Her daily chores include reading, going to gym and cooking.
It may sound like she has it all, but what this beautiful and shy mother of two lacks is an essence of self as a vibrant, energetic and independent woman. Her kind and generous heart has her so busy taking care of everyone else in her family, she's left little time for herself.
Becoming healthy is the most important thing to her. Having recently quit smoking, she's realised that supplementing her habit with her new love for baking isn't the solution to overcoming her weight or her new fear of mirrors!
Having always had a bad relationship with food, she needs motivation and time for herself to rediscover her zest for life. This is what she hopes to gain during the next few months as she takes part in the Loaded ABC Challenge.
Says Natasha: 'I feel stuck under a black cloud and I can't see the light. This competition is my light at the end of my tunnel.'
She lives each day according to a motto that says to keep your mind free from worry, your heart free from hate, live simply, expect little, give much, fill your life with love, scatter sunshine, forget self. Think of others, do as you would be done by, and attitude is more important than facts.
With the energy and motivation she hopes to gain from taking part in the Challenge, she will be giving back to her community by helping women prepare for the birth of their babies, informing them on things they don't know and helping them after with support. Natasha feels that no one prepares expecting mothers for how hard it's going to be. To have this support at a clinic would be awesome and she hopes to assist in any way possible.
Sue-Ann Allen: St Cyprian's
Sue-Ann is a single 28 year old workaholic from Woodstock. She might come across as a hard business woman, having climbed the corporate ladder as a partner in a Lighting company, but she is actually a soft natured woman who cares deeply for those around her. She is also a dreamer and believes anything is possible.
For a woman to survive in the corporate world it's important, at times, to project a tough exterior and put work above everything else to be successful. Sue-Ann admits to rather taking care of others needs above her own and has over the years neglected her own need to be fit and healthy.
We guess that's what lured her into taking part in the Loaded ABC Challenge. She is sticking by her motto in life and taking the bull by both horns, so to speak, and giving back to herself to become the best 'me' she can be.
Says Sue-Ann: 'I do believe that, that which is not earned is not valued.'
When she isn't burning the midnight oil, she tries to squeeze in a game of touch rugby, walks on the beach, and likes to catch a movie or two.
She is hoping to share what she gains from this experience with others in her community and will also be encouraging personal franchising within underprivileged communities. She hopes to encourage small home-based businesses as a means to create wealth, helping them move forward and in return producing a sustainable means of income creation. Taking her life experiences she wants to spend time teaching people the power of a dream, coupled with small business opportunities, she believes this will really move communities forward.
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