Boot Camp - Days 13 - 18

I did wonder how the tone would change throughout these Boot Camp updates...now I see. The enthusiasm is still there...honest...but this and the last post have been summing up more than one day! To be honest it is really good fun and I've enjoyed it and seen the benefits of it. But the daily updates become a little bit difficult when the exercises and routine are the same, pretty much every session. No bad thing, just not great journal material! Although the heel pain was an issue and I'm very pleased to say that has been resolved thanks to these heel inserts.

So, day 13 to 17 much the same. Good fun, getting better results and heel pain diminishing.

Day 18

The unimaginable happened.

I...did...the...0530 session....

We were going camping as early as possible so for me to make all the sessions on the right days, this was the only option. And it wasn't as painful as I thought! It was actually quite refreshing to do something out of my normal and comfortable routine.

So I was up at 0430, left at 0500, arrived in the dark and could barely see where I was going. Whilst we were waiting I fell off the small step near the edge of the beach! How ironic it would be to severely injure myself on the last day and in such a benign way! 

And trying to stretch the thigh muscles in the warm-up was funny...trying to do this in the dark really plays havoc with your sense of balance! Go on, try it with your eyes closed!

I was expecting elite athletes but no, it was a normal, average, varied boot camp personnel. In actual fact it has most attendees than the other groups. We had to divide into 2 groups as a result.

The sun rose, the Fajr prayers were called in the background...it was actually a really enjoyable hour. Very peaceful and focussed. I may be tempted to do this session a few times on the next BC I do...but I really don't know how they do it for 18 sessions! Those that do aswell as the instructors are incredibly dedicated.

We did the week 6 test and I am so happy with my performance...reminding myself why I chose to do BC. It wasn't about losing weight but getting fit. My body measurements have barely changed actually (either no or minimal gain/loss; although I did lose 4cm off my hips!)but it's the fitness level that has definitely gone up:

Having done stats at school I will now present the improvement in percentages!

Beach run:           25% increase
Push up:              40% increase
Sit up:                  31.6 % increase
Burpees:              19% increase
Mountain climb: 55% increase

I'm down for the April boot camp...can't wait already!

Boot camp update - days 9, 10, 11, 12

26.1.11 - Day 9
It hurts a bit to run still. I’m not worried but more frustrated to be honest as I don’t know why it’s happening. It’s more through my heel now. Ice/heat packs haven't helped. I thought it was my new Birkenstocks making my feet ache...but that just doesn't ring true!

Most of the ladies go for coffee after each boot camp session! After all that hard work, I really don’t like the thought of undoing it with a latte and a pastry as MUCH as all my friends know that that is what I love! Just not after a super hour of exercise! But today…Ingebjorg asked me to come for a coffee and I couldn’t say no ;-)  She is just adorable and it’s a shame she isn’t staying in Oman for much longer. She’s a lot younger than me but we click. I think she has struggled to find friends of her own age here. (She is here with her Mum, Dad and sister). I mentioned there were a couple of younger girls on the evening session so maybe she’ll go to that one occasionally.

29.1.11 - Day 10

I’m running on my heels now, which is something. I couldn't run the last couple of sessions.
But it has been really aching. It seems to have spread around the sides now. The instructor has recommended heel inserts so as to lessen the impact. He says I run like him where I run heel to toe but very pronounced and on the side of my feet…oh, I can imagine the pictures you’re all conjuring up of how I run!!!! LOL!!!! So I’m going to look for those inserts and give them a go.

31.1.11 - Day 11

Silicon heel cups in. And what a difference already! So much more comfortable but still a residual ache. It must be my trainers. I have completed 2 half-marathons in my first decent pair of trainers without a problem. I have worn them out so I had to get new ones for Boot Camp and that’s when the problems started :-/

2.2.11 - Day 12

I went for the evening session…the instructor must have been in a bad mood…we were beasted!! But I actually think that they set the exercises according to the ability of the group. I am one of the fastest runners in the Desperate Housewives group but one of the last in the evening group :-(   Not doing much for my confidence! However, I did better in the tests; not by much admittedly but heading the right way.

However, I still have foot pain BUT the difference is incredible with these heel cups. The pain I have I think must be residual so I really hope that goes soon. Full length inserts were suggested to at least support my high instep too.

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!

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.
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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!

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

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!

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!