Day 8 of Boot Camp

Back to form! Oh, YESSSS!!!….it does still hurt a bit but I think it’s not my Achilles tendon as it seems to ache on the outside of my heel still. But I figured what I am able to do on it and ran fast and extended my stride. Quite happy with that.

I think I’ve got the hang of the Mountain Climber exercise…which was one that would make me fall into the sand in a fit of laughter. Now I just kick up wet sand in my face...

Swap these positions at speed!

Ingebjorg was off today so I was in my own space. I got talking to a few other women and had a giggle...it's a good group of people. I'd miss that too. However, I won't be going for a coffee after EVERY session!!

This Camp has been extended by a week which overlaps with the Gillies visiting us so I'm going to see if Mrs. Gee will attend the last day with me! I'm sure she won't let the fact that she arrives from the UK the night before stand in her way!

Day 6 and 7 of Boot Camp

Day 6
It was test day today and I could only do the push-ups and sit-ups properly. All the other exercises involved straining my heel. I was walking throughout but I made sure I walked all the same distances that the others were running.

I didn’t realise how serious an Achilles heel injury could be; at least 6 months recovery if it goes. I just thought footballers were such tarts… Incidentally I am doing 39% more push-ups after 2 weeks, sit-ups remain the same so I need to work on that.

Very funny though...we were being 'entertained' whilst we were working out. 3 young Omanis in the tightest swimming shorts were basically frolicking in the sea, having running races, standing on each other's shoulders etc whilst the other videoed them. I say entertained...it was more a case of them thinking they're putting on a show for us when in actual fact we were really not paying attention. Except to make sure they weren't videoing us on the sly! HOWEVER, get this....we are all facing the sea in a line ready to do the exercises and run in. The three lads swagger...and I mean swagger...along the beach BETWEEN us and the instructors!!!! Oh, we laughed!

A message to those boys - we are a group of about 20 women know affectionately as 'The Desperate Housewives', ranging between mid-twenties and early-sixties I'd say, all in various states of fitness and stamina...majority if not all married, with kids...we really are very much NOT interested! COME ON, we had sand in our hair and on our faces, said-hair pointing in various directions, sunglasses askew, name bibs up round our ears...thinking about what to make the children for dinner takes over watching you strut your stuff. Although it was very amusing, thank you for the distraction.

Day 7
A little steadier but it still aches to run on my heel. However, it hurts more as I seem to supinate (roll my foot out when running) putting strain on my ankle. And, yes, it eased when I rolled my foot inwards at each step. Hmmm....

I'm already wondering what I'm going to be like when I finish this Boot Camp. I really am going to miss it and am thinking about signing up again. If I don't, I have to make sure I do some fitness three times a week. On that note the Captain thinks I should get a heart rate monitor like his so I can set up a program and make sure I do set amount of phys every week in certain areas, cardio, fat burn etc I think. So that might make me feel better!

A missing post from January...

Another super beach weekend at Sifah. The Recce party went on ahead to, well, recce and hopefully set up admin area and camp. The plan was for me to arrive later on after I had done the school run, along with Champagne Charlie and family and a new camping partner, one of our neighbours.

So I get home after Boot Camp [day 6] and get straight into packing and organising my part of the proceedings. Really, where does a day go in this country? I finally got to have breakfast at 12.15!

I was given a new toy of the Captain’s, a hand-held GPS system into which he had programmed where I was to head, him having programmed a route from Wadi Kabir to the beach. I went through it with him and showed that I could repeat instructions. All good. No worries. Right…sorry… how to I get to Wadi Kabir from here again?

A bit later than planned I left the house with the kids. I really wasn’t in the mood to rush at this point! So all is good, they snuggle down as best they can for their afternoon nap in the car.

After about 1 hour 20 minutes of driving through the mountains with no obvious landmarks I start to get a little concerned. I had passed through a village that I thought was the one before the beach so I thought I’m nearly then but then the road went on and on. And on. Up and down. It’s worth adding at this point that I am not in the 4x4. I am in a little saloon Peugeot that squeals going up hills and whines going down hills. I decide to stop as I have a really sick feeling in my stomach. Bear being the ever optimistic, perceptive and more-often-than-not Know-it-All was trying to reassure me that this WAS the right road and it WOULD lead to the beach.

I made the mistake of going through the GPS unit to look at the map. It showed a wiggly line (note my precise geographical locational language) heading south-east from the start to the end and then a maHOOOOssively long line from the end heading off to the north-west. I really did think I had passed the turn-off for Sifah and was heading off through the mountains towards Qurayyat.

I called the Captain saying I’m lost and I’m turning round to head back to that village I had passed through. Further calls allowed me to discover I was 5 minutes from Sifah village when I had decided to turn around. It turns out I had erased in my mind a large and rather relevant chunk of the journey! Sod’s law….so I turn around again and met hubby just around the corner from where I had had my panicky retreat!

Anyway, all safe and sound on the beach to relax for the next few days. So another contented weekend with friends; CC and I resorted to our singing and dancing on the second evening and I don’t think everyone was impressed with our take on ‘Oops Upside Your Head’. Or ‘Hot Stuff’ from ‘The Full Monty’ for that matter! (I do hope you come again with us, neighbour!).

Passport Update

Well, I thought I was going mad when I was trying to fill in the application last time I read and reread the guidance notes and even got the Captain to look through and come up with a revelation as he does 9 times out of 10. But when he did it was always the blip of my birth place that kept cropping up and throwing us back to square one. So one last attempt and read-through, no progress and so I then felt I should have a final look on the web site. It guided me through to Dusseldorf’s main British Embassy site and the conclusion is that I only need to send my current passport.

Alhumdullilah ….it should have been obvious really as they will have already seen any documentation they need to issue me a passport in the first place. Jeez, that was hard work. So, now to get new photos done at Rusayl.

Or can I do them at home against a white background? My printer prints off passport size photos, I’m sure.

Day 5 of Boot Camp; floating book fair

OWWWWEEEE OWWWWEEEE OWWWEEEE!!!

I am sitting writing this with my heel in ice….I don’t think it’s too bad but it’s definitely my Achilles heel niggling me.

This is following a super Boot Camp sesh last night. Not a big group last night, about 10 of us. Face-Plant Girl wasn’t there. They are definitely a quicker and faster group. I’m pleased that I could match their speed; I even did a couple of sprints, but to my detriment I think. Maybe I pushed a bit too far.

It aches a little going up and down stairs and if I walk too quickly. I’ve emailed the organiser (I want to write Camp Leader but it might give the wrong idea!) and he said to rest it and put it in ice, alternating with heat. And if I was to go to the next session (tomorrow. Which I am) then I’m not to run or do lunge exercises. I’m pleased with my running at this stage so it’s a bit disappointing…but still.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I took the children to see the book fair on Logos Hope in Port Sultan Qaboos. It sounded a novel idea, having a floating book fair. There is more to it which to me did not seem really clear at first, why would a boat just take books around the world? I just thought it was a novelty and a fundraiser. Although not sure what funds they would raise after having to pay for fuel, salaries, food etc.! I must have missed an information display when I went aboard because there was nothing obvious telling me what the aim of the ship was. The motto was ‘knowledge, help and hope’ so maybe this should have given me a clue! There were lots of photos of the staff providing help around the world in various areas. So I’ve just Googled it and it’s a sea-faring church, basically! It was very, VERY popular; I queued for 1 hour and spent 20 minutes on the ship! I would like to have had longer to look at the books as they were so reasonably priced, which is the attraction too I guess. It was so, so busy though and I was concerned about keeping sight of the kids. But the kids really liked it and enjoyed the bus ride through the port too!

I did fancy staying in Muttrah for a rose milkshake and a schwarma…we haven’t done that for months! But time was against us and the kids have got a Beach Day (because they don’t spend enough time at the beach…) with school tomorrow so a decent early night was needed!

Day 4 of Boot Camp

Easy peasy! Although I was a bit worried about it as I had had the migraines after Day 3 but I had half a litre of water pre-work out and then 1 litre during. I was originally trying to avoid the full bladder and running off to the bushes/into the sea mid-stomach crunch but hey, that's nothing to make sure I'm hydrated! I'm hoping it was just dehydration so I can deal with it.

Well, maybe the 'easy peasy' is being a bit cocky! My stamina has increased a little for sure but some exercises I just can't do and fall in a heap laughing and panting. Still, at least I can see if I have improved by session 17, ready to kick some Canadian/Kiwi/Aussie/Austrian/Scottish/South African backside (albeit rather toned and lovely backsides by then!) during session 18.

I've got plans tomorrow so will have to go to the evening session. So I'll miss my lovely ‘venn’, Ingebjorg [not real name, just loved it!]. I wonder if the girl who looked like she was going to face-plant me will be there…

I’m going to get some more supplements that will hopefully help with my migraines. I’m on 5HTP, Starflower Oil (for those female ‘moments’!) and I’m going to get some Magnesium. I still have Cayenne Pepper tea every now and then…I took it when I had my last migraine come on and, although it didn’t knock it on the head (‘scuse the pun…) I think it lessened the impact. I’ll stick with it at least, probably too nervous not to!

A Weekend in the Dunes…

Another lovely weekend in Wahiba sands. It usually takes about 40 minutes from the end of the black top road to get to the camp that we really like, it’s reassuringly well signed and a super drive through the sands past the smallholdings and camels. Although I will never get used to the off-roading in the sand. I could barely catch my breath especially as the car seem to slide across to the edge of the dune! I have absolute faith in the Captain…it’s just automotive technology and capability I know nothing about. And so this combined with the Captain’s Dad’s driving on the way back added one more grey hair and an ever-deepening furrow in my brow. I’m usually pretty adventurous but I think I was in Mother-mode. The kids were right over the back axle and were feeling every move and bump more than the rest of us!

An hour or so by the rather cold and green-looking pool, with a group of school lads (I WISH I could understand Arabic!) watching in amusement at the kids and Grampa getting in to the pool. Then a yomp up the dune to see the sun set, a rushed family photo of the four of us at the top as the sand was getting in our eyes and then a scoot back down on the sledge of course!

It was also a chance to practice with my neeeeeeeew Camera. Night-time shots were a bit grainy as I was using the highest ISO…I was a bit wary about using the flash so often when taking pics of the traditional singing and dancing. I didn’t want to be obtrusive. So I’ll need to practice and work with that a bit. They were the same group as last year; it was nice to see the same faces, watching them as they laughed between themselves at the young girls (my Bear included) demonstrating their understanding of traditional Omani dancing…the girls were taking over at one point and one of the men had to try and discretely close the circle to stop them strutting their stuff! But they were so good with the kids, taking their hands and dancing with them. Bear had a whale of time and it was a joy watching these young children, so unself-conscious and free, oblivious to anyone looking at them.

Next morning the Captain, the Captain’s Dad and the kids went for a drive further on through the valley and dunes. I stayed and drank chai (perfect for post-migraine recovery!) in the newly refurb’d dining area. I took loads of pictures as the light was just perfect. Here are a few:

For you, OPNO!

Day 3 of Boot Camp

We focused on stomach and core muscles today. Some I could do well but others I could barely lift my legs off the ground! The running is still good - the guys set up two distances; one three metres longer than the other. I've been running the shorter distances but will give myself one more day and then move to the longer distances. We have to do an exercise, run to the first line, do the same exercise, run to the second line, do the exercise and run to the third line.

I've buddied up with a Norwegian girl, she's doing Boot Camp with her mum. But she calls me her hero and I call her mine! We seem to pushing each other and making each other sprint from the last line. I remember trying to encourage another girl in the evening camp on the first session but I think she was ready to plant my face in the sand so I kept quiet! So my Norwegian pal is happy to be encouraged and so am I.

I am not aching anymore, and I do not feel stiff. I just felt really tired this morning. But once I got going and got into the exercises, the adrenaline kicks in and it was just great fun again. The sea was gorgeous again. I did have a migraine when I got home though and another one this evening...absolutely no idea why...I wondered if I strained my neck doing the crunches.

We're off to the desert this weekend. Can't wait, I just hope I'm migraine free. We were invited to the South African Guild of Oman's annual desert trip to the Empty Quarter but we can't make it this year. I was so keen, I was hoping I could pick up a geod...but looks like I'll have to wait a bit longer again!

Have a good weekend/end of week whatever applies to you! x

Has anyone had to renew their passport whilst here in Oman?

The British Embassy do not renew passports or issue them anymore; it is done centrally in Dusseldorf now. The turnaround is about 4-6 weeks which isn't bad I suppose. The issue I have is that I was born outside of the UK and it says I need to give evidence of my parents marriage along with my own birth certificate. I can't remember doing this last time? I'm in my thirties...when do you stop showing proof of your parents' marriage???!

My Birthday continues!

Well, not exactly … I’d love a month-long birthday celebration! Ooh, maybe not … Anyway, I received two more birthday presents today. We had to wait for the visitors to arrive to bring it with them: A USB card reader and 3 x 8gb memory cards for my new camera (this is mega for me as I was using a…ahem…256mb card!!) AND the big surprise, Bryan Elkus’ Cape Hatteras Photo Book. I was expecting a large and heavy coffee table book but it was tiny! It was pretty much highlighting the best bits of Hatteras through Elkus' photography. But I love the place so much so this is a very special pressie! Thank you Captain, you can still surprise me!

 I don’t think I mentioned my neeeeeeeeew Camera. It deserves a capital letter. It is fab. I’ve gone to a Canon 550D, which has 3 times as many pixels as my 300D, which had 6.4mp…aren’t some camera phones this size now? And the ISO ability is brilliant. It’s renewed my creative urges although my first trip out held no inspiration really….although it was mostly to play about with the functions. I went to Shatti so I can’t say it was the place, I think it was me.

**********************************************************************************
We’re just watching ‘Come Dine with Me’ on BBC Lifestyle…I think this is on the cards for me, ZQ and Champagne Charlie to do over the next few months…did I mention I hate cooking?

Day 2 of Boot Camp

Awesome. Loved it. Despite loads of the exercises and running, I still had enough energy to feel like a 7 year old again (AGAIN?? Theme here?) and run in and out of the sea! Feeling GOOOOD! Not aching too much anymore. Not bad for a thirty-blahblahblah year old!

Gardening Update early January

It's been a while since I put some pictures of the garden up. To me it doesn't look any different, I'm so impatient! However, I do have my first fig on the tree!!!!! Squeeeeeeeal!!!!

I'm afraid we lost Muncher (I named the caterpillar, I'm sorry...). I think he/she was picked up by a bird for breakfast. :-(

The garden centre we went to last week had some pots of Rosemary. The Captain and I got quite excited at this...Cap'n because he could grow it right by the barbeque, pick it and put it fresh on the lamb leg; me, because I had a beautiful rosemary bush growing outside the front door of our house in Sussex. (Remember, E and R!??) I rubbed the leaves on my hand and it instantly took me back to the old house. All I need now is some Lavender and it'll be home from home!! Not quite, hey...!

I've got hold of Anne Love's much-thumbed-already book 'Gardening in Oman and the UAE'. Again, thumbs up to OPNO. Me at the garden centre: show picture of Carissa macrocarpa (Natal Plum): "do you have this?"Canna Indica (Indian Shot) on the opposite page: "do you have this?" Had to stop there, planning hasn't really been a massive feature of the back wasteland project, it is more, well...evolving! I seem to garden with the book in one hand, a trowel in the other and the poor plant at my feet. I put 'em in and see what happens!

Almost complete kids tent in background,
bougainvillea along the line and ixora in the pot

A new leaf (one of a few) on the lemon tree.
Look for the dark leaf-shape in the centre.

A freshly mown lawn!

Which made me think, rather randomly and maybe in my dazed state after Boot Camp one morning, but aren't all plants, flowers and trees weeds...I mean, they must have originally been growing in a free, wild state before humans cultivated and controlled them? Or have I missed some vital horticultural sciencey bit?

1 down...17 to go....

Sorry thighs...upper arms...we will get through this!


First Boot Camp last night and I LOVED it! [Note: please watch the tone of these boot camp posts over the next 6 weeks...I wonder how they will change!]


It reminded me of my Navy fitness training and I remember just loving that too. I think I was smiling 50% of the session last night! The Captain asked what we did and I couldn't remember, the exercises all merged into one at one point! Does that mean I'm not trying hard enough...maybe they were being kind to us! OH NO!!!


But I know that I did better on the running than I expected and just need to focus on the exercises. And I'm not aching half as much as I thought this morning!


We keep a record of measurements, weight, BMI etc over the weeks so I'll post that when I'm done. Let's see if it's worth it!

Hello 2011!

Wow, another new year. That has gone so, so fast… Happy New Year y’all.


Here are the last few weeks in bullet form:


 - The kids’ school productions, so sweet, funny and tear jerking all crammed in to two half-hour shows;

- A brilliant Christmas in the back garden finishing up with me acting like I was 7 years old bouncing on the trampoline laughing until my sides hurt;

Thank goodness for M and S!

- A hilarious new year’s camp at Sifah, gorgeous, sunny and fun-filled which resulted in my 4 year old son and his beautiful little friend publicly declaring their love for each other and their wedding plans;

- My birthday, resulting in the bi-annual ‘what have I achieved/what am I going to achieve’ fret, leading to a stern talking-to from the Captain about my attitude to long-term goals and planning… :-/


But hey, he did make some peanut butter and chocolate slices as my birthday cake (based on Reese's Peanut Butter cups...my breakfast, lunch and dinner given half a chance). Is it ok for a 30-something girl to sulk because she thinks she's not getting a birthday cake? I put the hint in for a Patisserie cake but this was a lot better! Yomnomnomnom...


2011? Who knows…inshaAllah, every Boot Camp session, plenty of visitors, I will take that breathtaking photograph, our garden will flourish, I will find a geod, maybe do the Muscat half marathon…oh, and the Captain makes it to Everest Base Camp! More on that next time, I'm so excited for him, what an amazing experience and achievement even just to get there.


Enjoy the year, treasure each month, savour each day x