Stay Tuned, I promise

Sorry for not updating for some time. I have drafted the last day in Gocek at the retreat, and my fabulous 1 night and 1 day in Istanbul, plus Ive got an update for the month after the retreat pending. So much to say, so many words, so little space, so little time. Awaiting IT assistance .....

Life remains busy and busier, but Im not complaining. Positivity continues to flow through my veins, and Ive committed to 4 sessions at the gym since my return. Its all good and I cant wait to share it all and some funny and useful websites Ive been collating.

Hope you are all doing fabulous, and continuing along your journey with me.

I promise to update you in a few days with all the details and great GREAT news.

Stay tuned : ) X

20 October - 5XL becomes M

What a gorgeous afternoon, Im now wishing I had chilled every day for a few hours like this. I had to keep moving my sunbed into the sun, my Dubai blood was cold in the shade. I had some quality moments chilling with my lovely roomie. In fact the whole group are lovely, everyone chilled in their own space, there were no apparent little groups, everyone just seems to be getting in perfectly. What an amazing bunch of people, what a pleasure to be here.

I was getting in tune with natue, enjoying the beautiful mountains, breathing the clean fresh air, admiring the clouds - we dont get many like that in Dubai. I was on my laptop typing away, I did ask the peeps beside me if it was ok - this was a relaxing retreat time after all.

The weather was great, amazing that a few days ago we all felt miserable on our 3rd day and the weather was equally as miserable. Im feeling a sense of peace and calm, Ive missed that feeling for a long time, or did I ever have this inner calm ever? This is a feeling I would like to hold on to for a lot longer than this week ...

Then it was time to settle our bills and place some orders. Its a little complicated getting delivery to Dubai - about GBP70 complicated. So Ive placed my order and had it delivered c/o my dad. Hoping it will be cheaper by courier than by Royal Mail post - at least I can now order my Leki Nordic Poles and have them delivered the same way. Such a shame as Dubai isnt exactly middle of nowhere!!

As I was ordering I selected a tshirt - why not wear my running on juice with my nordic poles once I get home, sounds like fun and people will definitely know who I am if Im seen walking around Safa Park ... ha ha! Encouraged by roomie MsA and Kate, I tried on the tshirts. I looked at the ladies Xl, teeeeeny weeny, whats that all about!? So I looked at the mens Xl. It looked huge. Large also looked huge. I wanted a tshirt that I wold get some wear out of, just not for a few weeks. Im obviously feeling positive about my weight loss continuing after this week to have thoughts like that. I had to have more encouragement, but I tried on the mens medium. OMG it fitted and it wasnt horrendous, even wore over my flowery black sun dress and no bra! MsA ran to get my camera, I followed her outside, model poses in the tshirt followed. I was very amused and very happy. I like M. I prefer it over other letters. Could I ever be in a S? Its a far cry from my first ever OFC Bootcamp tshirt - 5XL. I will keep that one item for when I reach my goal by May next year. LL, thats going to be a moment to remember. January now seems a long long time ago.

Wow, I feel fabulous. I think its time to choose my Leki nordic walking poles. Sallys OK nod sorted, MsA wants to order the same poles. Sally youve started a craze here in Dubai and in Lake Como - I can just see MsA nordic walking in her posh way in Milan :). Yep, ordering is easy, delivery to Dubai is a nightmare. However, Im very excited about the fitness "paws" I have found, accessory shopping has never been as exciting as this. Thanks always Sally xx.

Juice demolished. Retail therapy sorted (well almost, at least window shopping), time for our LAST BOOTCAMP with Max soon. I feel a tinge of sadness takes over me. Sort it out lady! Get a grip and just enjoy the session. Is this a little pang of endorphin induced emotions, good god! Yippee and whoop whoop. Sadly, I passed on the last nordic walk, but I wanted to save myself for the bootcamp. I can do the walking when Im home, I cant take Max home ha ha!

Ive just absolutely loved Max's bootcamp circuit sessions this week, all of them. Even the early morning 7am sessions. I wish I could stay here for a lot longer, this week has passed too quickly. With those thoughts in mind, we were soon warming up. And what a warm up. Do you remember at school, when you stood in a line, and passed a ball either above your head, or between your legs and then the person at the back run to the front and started the process all over again? Anyone know what thats called? Ha ha. We had such fun with this warm up, we were all cheering each other on, competing against the other team, squealing like kids, it was great fun, fabulous fun! I could have done that for hours and hours. Where was all this energy coming from!? I didnt care, I was happy happy.

We discovered where Sergei cooked his food - over the wall from where we were doing our evening bootcamps. All week we thought it was our soups being cooked. How wrong we were. Today everyone was distracted by the smells. I thought it smelled nice but I wasnt bothered by it. It must have been odd for Max, she kept explaining what we were to do, but hardly anyone was listening. Some people were going mental over the smells. MrsM peeked over the wall ... oops! I just wanted to do the bootcamp...

I gave the session my best. I gave it my all. The music was great. I had decided at the beginning of the week that I would run on this last session, regardless of how my ankle was feeling. I didn't care if I was sent home in a wheelchair, I was just elated that I had done so much this week, more than I ever had done before, the couch potato was outside in beautiful weather moving her ass. A lot of ass moving and it wasnt all wobble! We were in pairs and I was with MsG, a gorgeous lady, we were well matched. As we swapped between exercises, there was  lot of high fiving going on, it felt like great team work. I started off walking on the gravel, fast walking. I was swinging my arms proper nordic stylee. Then I went for it, it wasnt a fast run but it was a run. I was careful on the turns. I havent run for a loooong time.I felt a major difference and improvement in my fitness. With each evercise, I noticed and improvement, moreso press ups and sit ups. Im liking the fact that I was enjoying, absolutely over the moon, about exercise. Being outside in this environment makes all the difference. Im still happy happy.

On the last exercise, the music changed. Tai Cruz and Kylie Minogue. My song. My skydiving song that has become just my energy boosting, motivational song. It was perfect timing. I was singing as I completed my last few steps. My ankle held out, I had a little plain but I cold live with it. I had done it. One week at bootcamp. I felt sad, an emotional sad inside to my (fitter) core. But its OK, I can come back again next year. Maybe 2 weeks next time. Thats it, 2 weeks would be even better than this. Then  remembered, I still had one more morning session tomorrow. Oh well, thats alright then!

I skipped back to my roomie MsA. I didn't know what to do with myself. There was only one option, soup! Soup and a movie "Food Inc". What an amazing day, what a fabulous week.

I didnt want to sleep, cos that would mean tomorrow would arrive. But its OK, Ive achieved so many things this week. In fact, Im now thinking about my weigh in on Sunday. What will those scales read? I know its only going to be good news.

Friday is calling me, everyone has gone to sleep - with or without sleeping pills. I missed the drug scene through the whole of my life, I may as well continue to miss it. But how come I was the last know my roomie was he sleeping pill supplier? Ha ha

20 October - 6th Sense

I woke several times during the night; this cold seems to have kicked up a notch. Could be a hay fever tough as it’s been a long time since I’ve been this close to green nature. But it does feel like a cold. I thought I had slept all night snoring with my mouth wide open, but MsA says she didn’t hear me. I think she’s a deep sleeper!

I woke at 6.28am, 2 mins before my alarm and I switched it off, knowing I was awake this time! I lit the floor from my bed to the bathroom with my phone, don’t know why I did that as I hadn’t done this all week. I was on the look out for scorpions. I did the usual, and went to wash my hands, and my heart started to pound when I actually saw a scorpion. I didn’t know what to do. I had my BB with me, could I Google "best way to kill a scorpion" or do I just go for it? I went back to the rom to get my aluminum flask, thanking god that he was still there when I returned. He moved in between MsA's toiletries and it took me a while to have the courage to move them one by one. He was still there then decided to walk down the wall. The only "tool" I had was my small bottle of hairspray, flat bottom. I had to crush the little thing in half, I would never have rested had he escaped. It was my sanity or his life. Im afraid my sanity won. Sorry matey, please forgive me. I must have sensed he was there, something in these juices and soups hee hee!

Phew,  already had my morning warm up. Took a few mins for my breath and heart to go back to normal. A few dancing feet in the bathroom did the trick. Time to get dressed.

Another morning session complete with RAF Max - that woman has boundless energy. For me, Im a very happy chicky as this was another session that didn’t strain my ankle. I felt proud I had made another morning session. It reminded me of the old me pre last Friday, confident I wasn’t a morning person and look at me now. Loving exercise at 7am in the cold. It’s going to be so easy to walk 30mins every morning in the morning sun and heat when Im back in the sandpit. No excuses. Buts = big butts and I would love a butt like Max! We all wish for the same, Im sure even MrG!

Superfood shot - check!

Missed Sally’s Nordic Walking, but its only temporary. Will be ordering my own set online soon, so I don’t feel Im missing out TOO much. I dangled my right in ankle in the freezing cold pool .... I need to warm up - Time to try the sauna for the first time - had a gossip and a little heart to heart with one of my lovely Irish fellow juicers, MsC. After we put the world to rest, I dangled the ankle in the pool again. Then I packed most of my clothes. All packed and organised for easy washing when home. OCD developing me thinks, but hey, it’s a good one.

Then more Max at 1115am. A great session and Im really really enjoying the exercises. I also enjoy working in pairs, a different person each time. This time MsCl - we chatted a bit as we went round, we shared tips and hints. A good one to share is peel, deseeded portion avocados and bananas then freeze, ready for use in the mixers for the juices. Marvelous :). The session was over far too fast. There aren’t many sessions left - one final bootcamp this afternoon, looking forward to it and don’t want it to end. Im insanely jealous of 2 juicy colleagues who are staying next week aswell. MsZ and MsS, we all need full run down of what we will miss and how you are both doing, cant wait to hear all about it. Good luck girls for the week ahead, you’ve done amazing this week already, just think what you will achieved by completing 2 weeks.

For me, time for more chilling. Time for sunbed. First time this week. Bring it on : )

19 October - The Love Boat

We left the retreat about 1030am, drove down that gravelly drive. I decided there and then that I would not attempt any more walks down there, what with that ankle of mine, I was only tempting fate. Instead, I was dedicating myself to the remainder of the bootcamp circuit sessions, every single one of them until I left the hotel. And get some time out to relax and let nature heal the injury.

And chilling we did. Gocek looks a pretty little coastal town. First up we noticed the now famous "Kebab Hospital" as advised by Yoga Steve. Oh how we laughed, some just groaned. Thankfully there were no cooking smells. We boarded a fabulous boat chartered just for us. I was anxious about walking the narrow plank, but I managed it limp and flip flops and all. A quick change from my jeans and warm clothes into the sundress (swimming cossie already in position) , and I was ready to enjoy the afternoon. I used the ice immediately and raised my legs on some cushions. We all had a bed each - perfect for 8. I squeezed alongside the lovely young couple, MsJ and MrG - 2 great people, such fun and positivity, and brave of them for coming on a retreat holiday like this together at such a young age. I salute you :).

I was feeling very happy all afternoon, the views of Turkey, Gocek and its surrounding hills and greenery took my breath away. I loved every minute of that trip, and I loved the company of everyone sharing the same experience. It was a great opportunity to see more of where we were staying, and take some time out. I didnt experience the clear blue and green waters, Im still thinking there will be a shark that finds me or something similar, best keep myself safe in the boat. Then there was the issue and challenge of me trying to get back ON the boat, best stay on the boat and not go there - a more enjoyable day out.

We all chatted and laughed and shared pics, we took some pics of each other for the first time, it hasnt been a piccied kind of holiday up til now. A few here and there but mostly of our surroundings. Our conversations predicably covered food but we were focusing on healthy food and how to continue this healthy journey after we have left the retreat. As if we were heaidng off out into the big wide world for the first time. But this time we knew we had found some friends who shared our goals and beliefs. I love my juicey friends :).Everyone of us are inspiring and motovational, everyone has a goal and a purpose and we are giving ourselves a great gift by being here this week.

We were served fruit - and oh what a gorgeous plate of food this was. My lovely MrsT had told me that the fruit in Turkey is the best and she wasnt wrong there. We had grapes, peach (scrummy), apple, pear and melon. I left some but had more apple and pear. It was heaven on a plate on a boat full of lovely people.

The few hours slipped away quite fast, and before we knew it, we were heading back to land. I took a fair few piccies, will add some later once I know how to upload them quickly. We will all share emails before we leave so we can share pics and keep in touch.

On the journey back, it was lovely to see again the forest and nature that surrounds us. Good t be grounded again. I miss this living in the desert, I wanted to suck it all in and keep it with me. A few piccies out of the minibus window would have to suffice along with m vivid memories.

Back at base camp, I got changed, had a juice and got ready for Max's mat session.An easy session it was on the ankle, I was very pleased. It couldnt have been more perfect for and my injury. I felt stronger, fitter and healtier. Again I loved the feeling of a flatter tummy whilst lying in my back. I had to untie my reebok trousers so that I could tighten then as they were falling down on some of the exercises. The music is great, so are the people around me, and where I am. Life is good. Im not giving in or up. Im fighting my way forward.

Some delicious soup later, and a hot shower, I rewarded myself with a sports massage with Sergei. 50 mins of sports pampering. I returned to the lounge to the laughter of the evenings activity - Pictionary. I love that game, however I needed that massage tonight. Bed time, so I returned to my room and my roomie for more girlie giggles. MsA is doing amazing. Today was her 5th day with no ciggies. 5 is her lucky number. Shes done it, shes got through her lucky day and shes moving onto her 6th day of being a healthier, fitter lady. We love listening the the 3 girls next door, we cant hear WHAT they say but we hear the infectious laughter every few mins before the silence kicks in. We both giggle with them, then its time for our sleep. oops past 11pm again, alarm set for 630am, I better wake up for my morning session :)

19 October - Oops I did it again!

Now, I dont mind a bit of Britney, fair play to the lass, shes had her own ups and downs. But that frigging song was playing in my head yesterday. Yes, Oops, I did do it again. Two times in fact. And Im talking about the ankle.

I woke as normal at 630am, I should have know there was something up as I turned the alarm off thinking I was awake. Next thinh I knew, it was 653am. 7mins to get ready for RAF Max'a stretch and abs sessions. I didnt like missing my alarm. I didnt like being late for this 7am session. Who am I? Dont care, Im just loving that morning feeling :).

The session went great, I only missed a few seconds of the warm up. I can feel myself getting better at some of the exercises. Im no pro, Im still at basic mode but noone expects you to do more than you can or you want. Max is great at pushing you, but you can stop at any time you wish. The only issue is I dont want to pause, or stop, or delay. Exercise here is so much fun. Thinking of 1001 ways to kidnap Max and fit her in my already full suitcase!! Will get back to you on that one.

Next up, the green vile but super superfood shots. I knows its vile, maybe the more and more I drink it the easier it will get. Nah, ok, lets just say and agree its rank but its good for me and be done with it. No more complaints from me on this one again.

A little rest, still a tad disappointed Im not rebounding yet, but Im more than happy to get my ankle fit and ready in the next 6-9 months and really go for it on the next retreat - alreayd got 2 planned for next year. One with the friends (already MUCH interest from you lot, contain yourselves ploise!), and another with mum and hopefully little sis too - if I can drag her away from her gorgeous daughter and hubby for a week. Lets see how good my persuasive skills are. I think it would be great to get mum here, she has diabetes type 2 and I think IBS and I would love to give her the gift of a healthy life. I know she would also love the yoga and pilates, maybe not so much the bootcamp. But I did it, so if I can ANYONE can. Seriously, just as LL! So Im alread waiting excitedly for 2012 retreat dates, Nina I promise not to hound and stalk you too much.

Talking of stalking, NORDIC WALKING. I love Sally! If you believe like me that things happen for a reason, good karma and all that lovely stuff, I was meant to be here this week to meet Sally. I had several options to change the week and I nearly did due to the Vit D injection injuries and the subsequent ankle injury in August. However, I decided to go outside my comfort zone and go for the bootcamp week. Im sooo pleased that I did. I have moved my ass, I have smiled through some pain, I have pushed myself, and I have done more exercise in one day than I ever thought I would be able to cope with. Additionally, to have the glowing energy after the exercise too is such a bonus. The juices are the healthy medicine and cure, they are ensuring I can do this and hopefully lose weight too. This is exactly the boost I needed to get me through the last 3 months until New Years in Sydney with 2 fabulous friends. Girls, glad rags time is getting closer and Im going to have to wait to go on my shoppin trip, cos this (getting) little lady aint finished yet.

To keep things going, off I went again on a nordic walk.Pedometer in place on my hip, strategically placed water bottle in my zip up jacket, I was more or less the first one at the poles - nothing unusual there. I am officially a Nordic Nerd - been googling and researching the poles, Sally has approved the taveller carbon ones. Cant wait to get shopping, hoping they can be delivered to the UAE, cos I cant wait til Im back in December - Dad, just in case you get lots of deliveries for me, just chuck them in the car and dbring them with you in December, thanks Pops :).

And off we went. This was a tough one, uphill a lot of the way, but I found a rhythm. I wasnt trying to be the fastest, I wasnt trying to be in the lead, I was just trying my best to complete the walk in my pace. I feel Ive already improved since the first attempt, and it just gets better and better, easier and easier and more fun. LL, this is it, I keep saying it, but this is my thing. Whoop yay!

I was at the back with my roomie, MsA, I remember stopping at one point to admire the forest and how green and pretty it was. I didnt get much chance to look around as I am always watching the ground, checking how I need to go to ensure I avoid any potential accidents. A little further on after stopping, we saw everyone to our left going down and little rocky path. Then there it was, a quick twist and a famliar snap. I felt sick and my eyes watered, I leant forward and a bad word came out my mouth. MsA was lovely, but there is nothing to do in this instance. I didnt even want to sit down, I just wanted to let the pain drift up my ankle into my leg and disappear. I knew it would go away any minute. I was able to walk lightly on it and the nordic poles were a huge help. I went down the rocky path carefully, without poles and just took my time. Apparently we werent far from base camp. Then I took the poles back and within a few mins the ankle went over again. Worse this time, and another click. This time I lost it, the pain was immense but most was the panic and frustration that went with it. I cried, I tried to breathe but I struggled. Sally tried to get me to look at her and focus and all I wanted to do was sob. But I was breathing, the pain was horrible and I felt sick. Looking back, those sobs and cries were most likely all my emotions, that I like to keep in. Those 2 times I stiffled them, here they were. Altogether. Eventually I was ok to walk and I did so slowly. Sally and a fellow juices were amazing and so lovely, I held them back from zooming the walk. I continued without the poles and got back to base camp. Max and some ice was waiting. As I sat with my leg on its side up on the chair my left calf twitched like a snake under my skin very weird. Im thinking that the damaged nerves were suddenly coming alive, the pain must have kicked started this movement. Least I know they are still there.

Then I quickly got ready for the boat trip - time to rest all afternoon with that ankle, to be healed with some fabulous fruit on board. Ice packed with all my essentials, in the minibus into Gocek .....

18 October - Its taking me higher ....

Now the great news is Ive just found my feel good song I heard earlier today, very apt :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRBS5WZMdik&ob=av2e

Now Im feeling even more energised and happy.  As if I need any more energy today. I need a SkyDive in Dubai when I get back - anyone joining me? Ive got a feeling they are closed til November sometime though!

I had a lovely relaxing afternoon, I did some work and connected to the internet for work emails, now I could send some work through and that was a load off my mind. Detoxed and the rest can wait til I go back next Sunday. Me and my roomie stayed in our heated beds in our heated room all afternoon. We even dank our juices here. Bloody brilliant. Now, Im not saying belly No1 and belly No 2 have parted my company yet, but when I was lying down on my back using the laptop I had serious issues trying to type - the laptop kept slipping towards my chin. What the hell was going on? Then I realised the bloating  tummy had become non-bloated and there was no belly wedge keeping the laptop in place. OMG, how marvelous. I felt good. I was already buzzing but everything just seems to be all so positive, the day just feels better and better as it progresses. The joke that they put drugs in the juices is ringing true with me today, such a huge difference to yesterday. Im absolutely loving it :).

Twice today I nearly missed the juices, but they keep them in the fridge for us. Phew. I wasnt hungry, I didnt have cravings or tummy gurgling, or any kind of pangs. In fact I felt quite happy as I was. But though it best that I drink the juices. Lunchtime we had a treat - a ginger shot too. Whoop whoop. 4pm juice was the green thick one I dont like but I drank it followed by my orange - I ate half of it, left the other 2 quarters. I still have 1.5 quarters left in the bowl. So I left some food today even on this retreat!

I decided to give the nordic walk a miss and chill fo a bit - instead I googled Leki Nordic Walking poles. Im a Nordic Nerd now, and I dont want rescuing, Im lining up myself for some serious pisstaking. Do I care? What do you think?

515pm time for bootcamp circuits, outside on the gravel again. Im loving being outdoors so much, I cant remember when I last had this much oxygen and clean fresh air so much. Obviously a very long time ago. We did warm ups which reminded us all of school. Passing a ball in a line above our heads then between our legs then a bit of both. We had 2 lines competing agsinst each other. Our line won 2 times, then we lost at double or nothing. It was such a great way to warm up and get fit, we could all have done this for the whole session. I cant recall the last time I smiled, whooped, cheered, laughed and enjoyed exercise - welll I can - all week but this was just that little bit more fun! Whoop

Then the circuits - a mix of everything again, RAF Max is so creative and fun with her exercise, every person needs to meet this lady to understand how she gets us all to do the best we can. I started off fast walking on the gravel, but I felt the urge to run. So I did. Not everytime but I had the confidence to try it on the uneven surface. I was over the moon, elated. I think I smiled through the whole session today, I was high-fiving some of my fellow juicers, laughing together, it was such a great feeling. I gushed a bit at the end to Max like a right bootcamp circuit groupie. Too funny, if only LL cold see and hear me now!

I got back to my room, bursting with energy, smiles, laughter and jokes, I did not feel like I had just completed the circuits for over an hour. I didnt feel like I had completed over 4hrs of exercise today, on 3 juices and half an orange. Anything is possible, even for people like me. Even if the week doesnt get any better, Im elated that Ive reached this peak in feeling good a feeling of proudness, healthiness, cleanliness, postiveness, clear thinkingness, energised and just happy to my core. A core that is now getting stronger and stronger, it was well on its way before I got here but now doing daily activities, Im feeling the change. I now need to do the gym 4 times a week minimum. Already decided that too today.

More fabulous soup and another great documentary - a MUST for everyone to read the website and download the movie AND WATCH IT :

http://www.foodmatters.tv/

Amazing the information out there that is just not so asily accesible until you attend a retreat like this. I love documentaries anyway, so this is easy viewing for me.

To summaraise today :

Amazing!
A revelation that this is what I can do and feel
Perhaps my first REAL endorphins (after bootcamp circuits)
916 calories walked/moved  (up to bootcamp circuits)
12.45kms walked/moved
Im obsessed with Nordic Walking already
I love Bootcamp circuits RAF Max Styleee
Im happy and content
I need to log off and sleep now (tomorrow is an easy day but still a 630am wake up, I like it)

18 October - 4 is my lucky number

4th day of the detox. I woke up feeling so much better than all day yesterday. Lights didint go out until well after 11am in our room, we were both having a right old chit chat and giggle, seems we felt heaps better once the 3rd day was over and we had the room heater on, and we were both snuggled under our electric blanket beds.

So the alarm went off at 640am, it took me less than 1 minute to move my ass out of bed. That effort alone usually takes between 30 and 60mins each morning, so this is a massive change. Maybe its cos I dont have work to go to however if I analysed that thought more (as I do regularly), I would always opt for work over exercise. To the extent that I would work longer and harder rather than doing the exercise. But hey, thats the old me now so no need to think too much about that thought!

I changed in the toilets so not to wake my roomie too much. Today Im wearing a very fitted white sports top from M&S (AED30 in the sale), this top was an optional choice for me as I didint think it would fit or I wouldnt be comfortable wearing it. I did wear it, I thought sod it. I feel better about my body image, its not perfect and its work in progress, but Im definitely feeling less bloated; and then who cares what Im wearing or look like. This is somewhere everyone is accepted as they are, as Kate said, its safe and comfortable to be yourself. It seems we all are. I had my usual long sleeved warm zipper top on, it was blowing a gale out there. My roomie MsA raised her head and asked what time it was, I said nearly 7 and she laughed and went back to sleep again.

I had a few sips of water and headed down the area where the stretch and abs was taking place, I was 3rd person there, thats a new thing too, I was early! It was a full class by the time everyone arrived. RAF Max was full of beans as always. We did lots of stretching - much needed, then on to the abs, I did as much as I could and I still feel that work as I write this a few hours later. OMG, I need to do more abs on a daily basis. Im getting so fab ideas on how to use my reebok gym balls (2 sizes, I must have know I would need them after this week). And all working on the abs AS I watch my twice weekly Holby City. Looking forward to that when Im back next week - the abs with the reebok gym ball AND Holby City catch up. Oh and X Factor too : )).

After that session I had a cup of chamomile tea and a chat with everyone; a revelation and a challenge with RAF Max was that I CAN be a morning person, I have no excuse with the lovely morning weather in Dubai - Ive now just set a challenge for myself to morning walk every week day, with nordic poles for min 20mins. If I can do that for the rest of my days I will be smiling all the way. After I relaxed for 20 mins, it was time for nordic walking at 815am ....

Yes, more NORDIC WALKING :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKTufkzpo8E

Off we set, it was sooo cold I had to pull the sleeves of my jumper over my hands. I felt good in my newly fitted white sports top underneath, I began to really feel the loss on my body, not just here the last few days but since January. I felt less wobble. Though I didnt forget the wobble of fat on my back and ass when I was leaning forward last night doing the T Jumps. The wobble was more off putting than the muscle pains. If I ever I need reminding of the fact Im still not there yet, a few T jumps should sort that out quite quickly! On a nordic walk, it gets easier the more you try it. I find it easy to do this, which is possibly why I like it so much, its a replacement to running, though I would like to get back to doing some running after the 6-9mths recovery of the ankle is complete. That recovery time will be reduced vastly by daily juicing. No need to over think or anayse that thought process, thats an easy one!

We walked downhill, down down down .... more down down down, then more down down down, it was a killer on my legs, got a bit of shin pain and yesterday I dropped a 3kg weight on my right toes - another injury to the right food. The toes arent as numbas I thought the were, I still felt THAT! Now I have a damaged and injured middle toe and broken toe nail, split right down the midd;e, dead central. Dead painful walking down hill! I was worried at one point, cos I knew we HAD to come back up at som point. This walk was called the Loop, I shouldve known that. Soon we were at the lowest point in the hills and mountains of lovely green Gocek. I cant remember the last time I heard tress make that lovely calming noise in the wind. Lovely. Still freezing cold but the wind had dropped and I had warmed up a bit. At one point I felt I was hiking up Everest, as we turned a corner to another downhill bend we were in the shade and the wind was howling. Thankfully that didnt last too long.

We kept going until we reached the lowest point. Then we were told it was uphill, maybe 2kms, maybe 2.5km, maybe 3kmish. Ok lets just stick at 3kms and if its less then great. It was really uneven on the way up, a bit wobbly on the feet, went over on the ankle a few times but nothing major. Amazed it can still hurt with a few judders over the right side. Thank you Reebok Zigblaze trainers, you have saved me many times now. Thank you Outlet Mall!! I had to stop several times, my elgs hurt and my back hurt. I had LL in my head all the wat up - "Youve got more left than you think you have, keep going, youve got another 20% (or was it 50%) to give, keep going, you can do it, all her words of encouragement and belief in me was now ringing in my ears. With Amy (Kate's sisters) help, MsA and I made it to the top of the climb (the walk fomr yesterday) and we stopped for some water, and a quick rest in the sunshine. I took off my jacket, here I was in my tight fitted white top without a care in the world. It felt good.

On the last climb up the drive to "base camp" I got my mojo back. Especially at the last bit, I knew as soon as I had got past the blue car I was home, just a few more steps. Checking the pedometer it read 10.56kms but I had worn it since I woke up this morning, so Im thinking that was a 10km walk I completed in 2hrs. Now I know what 10kms feels like, I can improve on flat ground AND with nordic poles of my own. After Ive completed this blog Im ordering online so they will be in Dubai when I get back. Bloody marvelous. I will email the club so I can get a few one on one sessions booked it. So if you see someone walking with poles looking a bit out of place but without a care in the world around Safa Park, from next week, youve found me :). Come and join me too.

10am brekkie juice time - my fave apple, carrot, lomon and ginger WITH banana. Yummmmmmmy! I was ready for that. Now Ive blasted this morning I dont feel bad about taking it easy until this afternoon. Minimum its bootcamp circuits with RAF Max (wish she was working in Dubai too!), however Im planning a pre bootcamp nordic walk with the lovely Sally - I missed her body pump session after the 10km walk this morning but there was no way I would have survived that. Though I did  hear a fave tune playing - me and LLs skydiving tune :

Im now skipping through my ipod to find it and give myself and further energy boost. As I search I find a song by David Guetta called "Juice". Cant find that one on youtube yet ....

Everyone seems happier today, there is a sure thing on that 3rd day detox. Ive regained my sense of humour, Ive regained what feels like my sanity (a clear move away from the clouds and foggy head of yesterday). I feel less hungry, I feel like I have more energy to do more today. Im on a boat trip tomorrow so will miss a the afternoon relaxation but hopefully not too much of the activities. For now, Im happy to warm up, stay warm, if its warm enough I will sit in the sun. Another juice is due shortly.

At 1030am today I had walked/moved 10.25km and burned 756 calories. On a very odd note, and I have to mention it as a few people have asked me - I had a few "toilet" moments on Sat, Sun and Mon, however as of now I would say the proper clear out comes after the 3rd day - that 3rd day is a killer. Now Im beyond cleared out. Sorry to mention for those who dont talk toilets, you better not read beyond here then ....
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Today it smelt like cow poo - the summer day sort! Have I been eating grass the last few days ha ha. Must be all that vile super green food. Just the process of fruit and greens through the system. Oh well, it can only be positive and reduce the belly further.

To be continued later today. Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement and motivation, your words ring round my head as I do the exercises, trust me they help me loads. Big warm snuggly hugs, especially LL and someone I cant mention on here - you know who you are, I will see you Sunday evening!!! I would never have done any of this stuff unless you gave me the motivation and tools to be capable. Im going to need you both more when Im back, theres no stopping this stubborn scottish girl now : ))).

17 October - 3rd Day Detox catchup

My alarm went off at 630am as planned. I had been dozing since 5am, but I didnt want to wake up. I heard the rain - yuck, I dont do rain or any wet stuff. I felt like shite. I went to the loo, and went back to bed again. I decided not to go for the early moring stretch and abs and classical rebounding. Instead I would make it for 915am bootcamp session.

Things rarely totally go to plan. I got up at 830am, decided I would drink a hot cup of tea with ginger - camomile this time. Steve and MrT were chatting in the lounge area. The kitchen girls were pottering around. I thought nothing of the quietness. Then I saw the white board - the one that outlines each days activities. Rain ruined play for sure. The abs and stretch had occured but was extended to end at 750am. Classical rebounding was cancelled and the walk was moved to around lunchtime-ish. Worst of all the bootcamp session had been changed to 845am to 945am. I decided against joining half way through, I wasnt quite feeling up for it all. I still felt like shite but not as bad as at 630am.

So I sat and drank my tea, chatted to the boys, then my roomie appeared and we chatted some. The room was set up for the juicing demo by Kate but first some juice of our own. I needed that today. This morning I woke up with a rumbling in my tummy, though when I lie on my back my stomach is flatter, and Ive found some hip bones, they werent there before!

The juicing demo and talk was great, but I really didnt feel good. Maybe this is the worst part that Kate had mentioned before - the 3rd day is the worst then after this we will be fine. Heres hoping and the cold goes away soon. The juices are the best thing for this bloody cold, so Im grateful for this. I still cant stay awake, I feel so tired. As I look around the room, everyone looks tired, so we must all be going through the same dreaded 3rd day of the detox. The weather matched out mood - it continued to rain and was grey clouds everywhere. In fact we are actually in the clouds - 1000ft above sea level. Theres no quick escape to get some food and beverages from here ...

It was then decided that today would be the day for the turkish bath trip - 8 of us volunteered our skin, bodies and soul to the techniques of Borat - I need to source a photo to show you all. After a long car journey down in a car that was on a par with a Trabant, we arrived. After changing and getting into the steam room, where 8 of us were heared like cattle, we eventually entered the main arena. And there was Jay Leno working alongside Borat. What a combination. There were 4 people ahead of us so we sat and watched them, a weird thing to do really. Once huy should have been jucing, another woman had a body to die for even though she looked late 60s.

Then it was our turn. MrT the only guy in our group disappeared at one stage, I thought he had done a runner but he came back (a little birdie may have mentioned the word sneak and crisps but that was 2rd hand ...). Only a few slaps later we were all scrubbed, showered, lathered in soap and massaged and showered again. I had no choice to have my belly massaged, despite my pathetic disagreement! Was well worth the time away from "base camp", though the weather remained terrible. I got in the first car heading back, I was really feeling peculiar now, but I think the steam room and sweating helped a lot.

Arriving back to the hotel, there was a juice waiting for us, a green gloopy one. I didnt care what it was, it was food and I needed energy to survive the rest of the day. I missed nordic walking again, but I mamaged the bootcamp circuit session with RAF Max. Glad I did, as even though I was feeling way of balance and very not myself, I sweated my way through the session. At the end she played this song :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK9vz_kGjQU

As we stretched to this song, I started to feel emotional. I wanted to sob and sob but I didnt want to make a fool of myself. Maybe thats all the emotions I needed today. Maybe taking control of that emotion was what I needed to do to prove to myself I can control my eating habits, stay disciplined to a life of juicing and to be so very very proud of what I have done this week and for the last 10+ months. I do feel different and I do look to the future. Earlier in the day, this morning when I was sat outside drinking my tea as I missed the morning session,  I listened to Adele singing that song about someone like you ... you know the onw I mean, and I was in tears then, but I managed to pull myself out of it. It reminded me of letting someone go and the words were suddenly very personal. But I didnt want to look to the past, only the future. However, at that moment at the end of the afternoon boot camp session, all I could think of was my hot shower.

Then soup - we all got excited earlier in the day when we saw potatoes being peeled. OMG it was like one of my Grans veggie broths. Seriously these soups save my sanity. Though tonight as I stepped into the lounge, it was hot and I felt sick, music was playing, everyone was talking in many different conversations. I had to eat my soup outside. It was cool and peaceful and I more or less had that space to myself except for the few nutters running in and out of the sauna and the freezing cold pool! I had my 2nd bowl of soup inside and we started to watch a movie - that one, something about the void, where he has to chop himself away fomr the ice mountain to escape. OMG by brain cells are disappearing again! I managed only 30mins then it was time for massage no 3. This time sports massage but not so tough. It was fine and not very tough, my 4th will be full on tough massage, Now Im a sports woman, as indicated on my deoderant bottle! I remind myself every day of that, my own private funny!

Tea and the last 30mins of the movie, I missed the gory bit thank god, and back to my room on my laptop. And here I am. 1040pm, Im still with cold but its improving tons, Im feeling sleepy and ready for a good nights sleep, my roomie and I have had a few giggles tonight, both of us sat in bed with electric blankets on and I love her as she keeps the radiator on warm. Fabulous/

Now that detox day 3 is out of the way I can re-find my sense of humour and energy levels again. Roomie is alos getting over her tough 1st few days and shes doing good, less sleeping today and more smiles. This was never going to be easy and I knew I would have to push myself. Day 4 tomorrow, alarm set for 640am. Will tell you tomorrow what I achieve and Im proud of then. Night night xx

16 October - Part 2

Its now 17 October, again sat in my  bed warmed by the electric blanket. Yesterday now seems so long ago, this morning seems long ago. Thats the effect of the fresh air...

The funniest thing is that everyone tries to avoid it but ALL conversations get back to food - in detail. We have discussed different curries, our personal vices, good old Sunday roasts, bacon butties far more than I care to recall, crips, fave chocolate, all types of bread .. you get the picture. Someone says one word, then the rest of the group moan as if we are being tortured. But we all came here knowing that. Well, MOST of us did - a few people here just booked up and turned up without reading and reaearching and knowing what they are in for - MrT being one of them. Now I heard a rumour there were a tube of Pringles demolished Friday evening and you are missing from the bootcamps ..... :).

So yes, Sunday afternoon.

I opted out of volleyball. I just have this feeling that if I keep playing Im going to do something small, silly but painful to my ankle. Its just not worth the risk. I mostly came here for the botcamp session and the walking. Will come back another week for the yoga and pilates. Lucky, we had 2 sessions with Steve though. Bonus.

Next up, bootcamp circuits with RAF Max! She knows her stuff and how to make it interesting, Ive never known exercise to be soe creative. And she makes us sweat. Thankfully there is some good background music. I was pleased as there were some boxing circuits - 3 in fact. We were in pairs working round each circuit, 1 or 2 mins on each one - covering all muscles and areas of the body. As it was starting to rain, or threatening to piss it down, we did this under cover with the protective sides down. This at least made us al feel a little warmer. The exercises are explained as easy, intermediate and advances - sometimes super advance as a 4th option in my opinion. I opt mostly for the easy level so that I can do more repititions or due to my ankle I cant do the intermediate level. No matter what anyones fitness levels, everyone would take something away from these sessions. This is what I came for. I like it - so say Max ...!

I decided against the nordic walking - a bit of the fact that I was feeling really shite as a cold was coming on. I had felt it the night before when I was having my massage - the razor sandpaper at the back of my throat and the coldness at the back of my nose. I also didnt want to slip on the stones and hurt my ankle. Again, to be safe so that I can enjoy the rest of the week and make the most of the experience.

The juices are good though I personally dont like the greener ones, but I know they are doing me good.This I know for sure. We watched a movie called "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" - an amazing story and more. If that doesnt reinforce trust in the juicing I dont know what will.

http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/

The soups are totally the highlight of the day, feels like a huge warm hug and I feel safe. I also know its the sign that the day of exercise is over. Until tomorrow. Bed time for 930pm, alarm set for 630am, time to sweat this head cold out of my system. End of another fabulous and life changing day at the Juicemaster Retreat.

16 October - Another day in Paradise

I woke up again at 530am, thats sooo not me. LL you will be impressed. As Im sharing I went back to sleep again however I have decided that if I wake up again at 530am Im getting up and heading to the lounge, and read or update this blog. Im glad IM sharing but its a lot easier on my own!

Eventually my alarm woke me up at 645am - roomies woke me at 6am, 630am and 645am too. I decide against the warm shower today - it takes 5-10mins for the cold shower to turn hot anyway and I didint have time. I had a stretch and abs session to attend to at 715 - 745am. Stretchin was great, abs was tough but I did the best I could, I could have done more but it hurt! Im going to feel that tomorrow. We did this on the platform that is open to the valley and mountains. It really is a beautiful sight, especially early morning.

Then we had the green super food shot - vile stuff but I know its good for me.

Of went on the group walk - some people ran, some walked or power walked, some like me took to the nordic walking again. Fabulous invention ever. Down the gravelly hill, onto the main road and we just walked and walked. Fresh air, clean air, nice sounds, peacefulness, a few honking horns from the passing cars and bikes, not many waves (not very friendly on first impression), and so much green stuff everywhere. On the way back I chatted to Sally, a real honest conversation that would usually be reserved for the select few in my life. Its great to be open and honest, great to let the real me emerge with no secrets and hidden facets! The walk back was easier than I anticipated. I was glad I wore my perdometer again, It showed we had walked up and down hills for 8km. Fabulous. That showed 577 calories burned too. Im determined to beat yesterdays pedometer reading, a small challange I know I will achieve by the end of the day.

A quick stretch with Max overlooking the valley on the platform and breakfast juice. Lovely and green. Theres a bit of a theme here!

I opted out of the Body Pump session, I wanted ot enjoy the yoga more and I was a bit sore around the ankle and a bit stiff fom the morning walk. I opted to update yesterdays blog - I only managed to complete half of it. I sat outside in the sunny shade, in the fresh air. It was lovely and good to get everything that was in my head from yesterday onto the blog. Now I can just read it myself and not have to try and memorise everything.

Next, another yoga session with Steve followed by a 30 min relaxtion session. I feel asleep, my right arm twitched far too much. I felt amazing :).

To be continued ....

15 October - part 2

Then there was more juice – my fave – apple, carrot, lemon and ginger. What a reward, I felt a million dollars!

Next up – yoga. We are very lucky as Steve is the yoga guru – Scottish fabulous guy, and he has done his 2 weeks working at the retreat and leaves on Monday. He wasn’t supposed to be working this weekend but as we were all oohing and aahing over yoga and saying how much we would love to do some yoga, he put on a session today. It was a taster session and made me realize I really need to get back to yoga when home, even if just once a week. My core is stronger, even if the right foot and leg is wobbly, but I feel I could make better attempts at yoga the next time round compared to before. My body is moving in the right direction and is ready for it now. Steve was a great teacher, so bendy but he also had an alternative way of teaching, he has a great sense of humour and he MUST start doing the belly dancing classes next time!!! Im up for that if I can move my non wobbly ass like that for even 5 seconds! Thanks Steve, I know we all look forward to your 2^nd and last extra lucky session tomorrow, with an extra-long relaxation session too. Yep, yoga is essential for me on my return to Dubai. Gems of Yoga here I come – they are great as they are open really early morning (6am I think) until about 10pm.

Volleyball! I played it, I wasn’t really keen but was great fun once we were going. The size and way the court was built was a bit restrictive, and there were 6 players. However it was fun and  recalled many good school year memories – our woodwork teacher was also the volleyball teacher!  I loved volleyball and woodwork equally. Shame the English system didn’t support the transition into Carpenter!

We lost at volleyball, but we were the better players ; ) ha ha! Once the ankle is strong and 100% sorted, I will play it the next  time I come to the retreat. Yes there are a lifetime of returns to the retreat planned, at least every 6 months. Yes it’s that good!!

After volleyball we had another juice – the 4pm juice. The juices are spaced out as 10am, 1pm and 4pm, soup is served from 6.30pm … the soups are amazing!

Next bootcamp – the reason I choose this week in the first place. Max works with the RAF and mostly with injured guys returning from service, so she knows a lot about injuries and rehabilitation. She also knows when someone can do more than they think! She is lovely, and sweet but at the same time motivational and pushy – in a good way, though she does need a new watch that counts actual 40 seconds and not her own version of. Doesn’t matter, that’s what we are here for – pushing ourselves and getting fit. We did circuits – a mix of toning exercises and aerobic exercises. I choose walking over running as I wanted to keep my ankle intact for the week ahead. There was even rebounding – my first experience though I did possess one for a few months a few years ago – was never used, though the intention was always there. Intention is really not enough though, not entirely on its own. It’s a social verb that needs to befriend other words like motivation, move, exercise, maintenance, strength, dedication … I could go on! It was great to be outside in the fresh air and to feel positivity enter my lungs. I know that sounds corny but that’s how  felt. If I had not worked hard in the gym the last 2 months or so, I would never have been able to do what I had today at circuits, maybe not even any of the other stuff.

Today I did approx 5hrs of exercise and movement, if not more. By bed time my pedometer read 748 calories. I couldn’t read the kms reading as it was dark. My roomie MsA is detoxing properly and sleeps a lot. Im creeping around a lot and as a result making far more noise than would if I walked and moved normally. What’s that all about!? Thankfully she sleeps with her ipod in her ears, hopefully that’s Jason Vale talking to her and her subconscious helping her give up the fags. As far as I can tell she hasn’t had one since yesterday – she had her last 2. She’s doing well, but I want her to wake up and come with me to the exercises. Poor love really. She’s an absolute hoot when she is awake.

I sleep feeling very satisfied and happy that I managed my first day. Getting to know everyone is a great process, some people have fascinating jobs (Energy Healer, Clairvoyant etc.), and some have major life or physical injury/health issue related stories. My Vit D injection drama and subsequent injuries are mild in comparison. What I am holding onto as I close my very tired eyes (2^nd massage with Sergei, aromatherapy so quite mild, will be needing the sports massages the rest of the week), is that I am buzzing, I probably always have. Im happy, smiling, full of energy and positivity, Im enjoying myself doing something I would never have done never mind survived pre January 2011. The new has well and truly emerged, Im now floating not sinking, and when I reach the shore and that beautiful beach in May (technically I will be on Koh Phangan beach anyway), Im going to be one very satisfied, and happy lady. Then the stage of celebrating and living the next 40 years of my alive life will begin.

Can it get any better than this? Thanks you Juicemaster team already and my juicy colleagues. You’ve helped me realize many things but most important my potential. Don’t stress about the past – you can’t change it – focus on the future that you can change. And I am J

15 October – I’ve got 2 words for you (Part 1)

NORDIC WALKING!

But before I bore you all with my new potential obsession, let me go through Saturdays exciting adventure – let’s see what I can recall as I’m writing this on Sunday morning after an early start to the day. I’m giving myself my first time off from everything to update my blog as this is also part of my process. As I write this I can hear some lovely soothing music, some motorbikes and cars in the distance (there are very few up here), the confused cockerel continues to cockadoodledo, and so do the dogs – well the bark not cockadoodle-anything! There are birds tweeting, bees and buzzy things busy buzzing everywhere and Im just surrounded by perfectly fresh, clean air. It’s good to feel alive, not just “be”.

Saturday was an easy day, we didn’t start until 10am, however myself and one of my fellow juicers decided to have a trial at the Nordic Walking around 9am. We chatted and gossiped our way down the gravelly hill and I loved the feeling of security the poles/sticks gave me with my wobbly right ankle. I still don’t feel too confident on it, but Im not going to let it hold me back. The ground is very uneven on the way down, but when we came to the end of the drive we turned left (more so because we know later today we would be turning right …!)

What a great walk too, we got our rhythm, I just feel I get this Nordic Walking and it gets me. It’s a mutual win win scenario. I think I’ve definitely found my thing. I’ve already started imagining myself walking around where I live ignoring all the stares and comments, I’ve even pictured me doing it with LL when she gets back to her running, I will follow on behind with my Nordic poles. It may even get me back on that ski slope, I might enjoy it better this time around being fitter, healthier and weighing less than 122kgs!

Everyone here has a story and some really amazing stories. MsN has 2 titanium hips and neck, and has hyper-mobility?), and she must have the highest pain threshold ever, however she is a very active walker and hiker in the Welsh hills or are the mountains? MsNi has 2 metal coils in the right side of her head after suffering from a brain hemorrhage! There are various other injuries and stories but as I write this I forget. As I remember I will give you an “oh by the way, now I remember …”

So back to the activities . So then we had juice, then we had our introduction meeting. I wish I remembered everything Kate said but she was brilliant. The parts I recall most are (1) be yourself this is a safe, comfortable place – and it’s a very safe place in every way, and (2) you spend the 1^st and last 5 years of your life dribbling, on average you’ve got 80 years in between so make the most of your time. I feel I’ve not wasted my 1^st 40 years, more they were a lesson to learn from, so that I can make the most of the next 40 years and double make it fabulous. This is the kind of place where anyone can be true to themselves, to even become a better person, learn about others, and admire others strengths and values and appreciate your own. I’ve been told I look good for nearly 40, that its obvious I’ve done yoga before, that Im always smiling, Im a very positive and motivated person, that I WILL reach my goal easily, that Im caring and an angel – I gave anyway some of my ankle support and bandages for other injuries. This is a place where IM truly learning who I am, and Im not so bad J.

After the introduction, we went on to the group walk. We started off on the road, which was easier. I didn’t have the Nordic poles this time, as much as I would love to have had a go, I felt greedy having another go after my early morning walk with MsN. So I went without poles and it really is harder to walk without them. I already crave my own personal selfish Nordic poles – will be on the internet later ordering some to be at home when I arrive next week. The walk then turned off the main road and up another hill. Next thing we are walking right amongst nature. The smells were amazing though I didn’t see too much as I was concentrating on my feet and the ground I was walking on. I didn’t want an injury on the first day.  Then there it happened. I twisted my bloody ankle. The words “shit” just rolled off my tongue, but that was mild in comparison to my actual thoughts. Bummer, I didn’t want this to happen. Regardless, I had to get back to “base” – sounds a bit more exciting than “hotel”. A fellow juicer gave me one of their Nordic poles and that was much better. Then I was off again, rambling through narrow, slippy, rocky terrain making close friends with the bushes, flowers and shrubs. The more I walked the better I felt, my ankle wasn’t that bad. What a bloody drama queen. At least we arrived home shortly after, I nursed some ice on the ankle for a while. I think that did the trick, and it appears the injury was more psychological than physical. It’s true when I was told that it will take longer for the psychological damage to repair than the soft tissue itself. The ankle is still holding up but will remain strapped up for the whole week.

To be continued

14 October - Again - Introducing Juicemaster Retreat

I cant believe Im here! Ive been so excited about this for so long now. Christmas Day has arrived :).

Im sat in bed, under heated electric blankets, Im already smiling; dogs are barking somewhere close by, I may be needing the earplugs sooner. My missing in action roomie has appeared, bless her shes had a bit of an adventure getting here - Liverpudlian lass, full of beans and energy, shes going to be a good influence on me I can tell. Shes also currently having her last 3 fags before she gives up - I like her style, she has already requested the ipod with Jason Vales motivational words for tomorrow. I dont think that will be haded badk til we depart this beautiful location. I can help her give up the ciggies, Ive done that a few years ago. Win Win.

So here we are. Gocek. Let me go back to the beginning of the journey - well the one that left Istanbul earlier today. Turkish Airlines - I liked them. Comfy seats, tons of legroom, wide seats, not much excess above or below. No movies, but hey, its about 1.5hrs of flying time, nice food - mixed beans with tomatoes and lettuce, had the turkey and the tomatoes from the sandwich, left the sandwich. Left the nice looking almond cake in its wrapper. Had the apple juice and the water. They even have foot rests - Emirates, take note! As a result I was able to exercise my ankles, lovely stretch it was too.

We landed to blue skies and sunshine....

After picking up my bright pink suitcase, that matched my carry on, I met the rep and we walked from the domestic arrivals to the inernational arrivals. It was not the right time for my carry on pink case, pretty as it is, to stop functioning. Half mast I pulled it beside me, he had the big one - best option really. I had to swap sides. This was my first challenge and first lot of exercise.

After getting the cases sorted on the bus transfer, soon my fellow juicers were arriving. What a fab bunch of people already. 1 guy so far, surrounded by women, poor bugger. Thankfully there are a few other guys - not many, but they exist. A rare species this week on the retreat - 1 of them is the yoga instructor from last week (scottish, the homeland .. even if he is from Dundee, he is forgiven ...), another 1 is the massage man! more on that laters ...

We waited for a delayed flight and then we were on our way. Met Sally who is superfit for a living and she advised that she was doing Nordic Walking. Now I had seen the club in Dubai and thought what a load of nonsense. Now I take that all back, and begging forgiveness. Its PERFECT for me, better than fast walking and possibly better than running - well easier on the knees ankles and back thats for sure. I cant wait to get started on that!

On arrival we were early. In no time at all, I was in my room unpacking, in total amazement again that I actually possess so much fitness related clothes and shoes. And a whole suitcase full. 23.4kgs to be exact (plus a few kgs from the hand luggage).  The rooms are fabulous and Im loking forward to this being my home for the next 7 days (I will add pics later, took ages to even think about adding them this evening). I had a bit of a personal dilema - there is a single bed and a double bed. Was I nice enough to take the single and let the other unknown person just have the double bed? Or do I just take the double bed just like everyone else would? I opted for the Im first and therefore I get first choice decision making process. The sheets get changed on Tuesday. We can swap. If my roomies wants to that is .... Did I tell you there are electric blankets on the bed : ))!?

This place is truly beautiful and serene and so green. Ive lived far too long in the desert, I feel Im surrounded by colours - greeness everywhere. Im loving it. And there are some goats. I can hear the dogs. And a confused cockrel. And then theres the sound of the mosque .... However, there is a cat. Yeehaa! And hes lovely and overly friendly and loves everyone. Unless they are allergic ...... Apparently JV is allergic - isnt there a juice to cure that ; ).

As soon as I was unpacked, I was off for some water. Lots of water, even the tap water is great. My room is located right next to the kitchens and opposite the swimming pool! The cat also pops along this area too. The first thing on the list - Nordic Walking. All I can advise you is google it and read up about it. No worries if you dont because Im going to write about heaps in the week ahead. LL said to me before I left that I might find something Ive never tried before that becomes My Thing. There is a huge likelihood that Nordic Walking is my thing. Ive decided to stalk Sally the Nordic Walking trainer - lovely lady, full of beans too. That means 2 long walks every day - one in the morning and one in the afternoon/evening.

I will also be giving rebounding a try too - even though my physio said a definite no. Its been explained that I can do the early morning one at sunrise to classical music and just do calf raises on the legs and all the arm movements. Lets see how I get on, looks like that will be on Sunday morning.

Dinner was soup straight after the Nordic Walking Induction. 2 bowls of hot steaming veggie soup. Just what I needed. Its cold here after the sun sets. During the day its perfect sunny weather though perhaps a bit chilly for the Dubai expat! The pool is freezing though I will do the sauna-pool task at some point, perhaps, maybe, let me get back to you on that one!

I was the first name on the massage bookings - someone had to start first, lucky me got to choose the times. I choose evening sessions - 4 of them booked so far, may add a 5th in for good measure if there is still space. I had the first one this evening at 9pm - never had a proper sports massage before, all very new and good stuff. Just neck, back and shoulders today, from tomorrow, Im thinking more deep tissue to keep the muscles working.

Tomorrow is a lazy day until 1015am for juice, then 1030am for the Welcome, walking at 1215pm will be the 1mile walk down the hill then up it again - thats the test we apparently then repeat mid week and at the end of the week. A relaxing afternoon then a fitness workout with Max the RAF Instructor, then an educational evening. Maybe a sauna- pool. Definitely another masage. For sure some practice on the old nordic walking. Im going to get this sussed and do it well. I like the idea of my new thing.

Time for sleep, wonder if I should sleep well tomorrow and get up early when the activities are scheduled. Loving it! Cant wait til tomorrow xx

14 October - In the words of Usher O M G!

I reached over 5000 views!!! OMG! JUST in time for my arrival to the Juicemaster RAF Bootcamp retreat in a few hours. Ok, most of those views arre most likely LL ....... however, its a great milestone and motivation for me. Someone somewhere is reading this stuff. Wow! Thats so amazing, and perhaps many wasted hours when you could all have been doing some exercise and moving .. only, kidding! ; )

I dont have much to report so far. Im sat waiting at the domestic terminal at Ataturk Airport. Drinking juice - carrot and orange with a few almonds to keep me going. A bottle of spare water as I had to ditch mine before security - I keep forgetting the security measures in Europe, especially Turkey at the moment. Dubai has allowed me to slip in a few bottles over the years ... says a lot! Ive already demolished 1.5l of water today so at least I know I will be walking about this flight more than usual! Thanks goodness I was given an aisle seat - I did check, though Im looking forward to the day when I feel comfortable and small enough to be sat in a middle seat without worrying about shared spillage above and below the arm rests ...

So many things about travelling remind you of weight, size, and everywhere we are surrounded by all the bad stuff, far too many temptations - now I get why Jason Vale allows himself "airport days" ..more on that later. At checkin, at excess bagge, at security check at the entrance to the airport - has anyone ever used those metal measuring bagagge thingys!!??

Here is my current view :

Everywhere carbs carbs cars, add in some sugar, honey and choclolate, the Carb Kings job is done. And back to my juice ....

I woke this morning to rain, at first I felt a bit "ufffff" then I was reminded by LL that Im traveling south - this always means leaving the bad weather for good sunny weather. Like when I was a kid and we left Glasgow for Southend for the summer to spend with our UncleH. And the roads were orangey-pink and not grey. Wondering of Gocek will have sunshine and orangey-pink roads?

Im sat here just thinking about the week ahead. I certainly wouldnt have done this a year ago or anytime during the last 39 years (pre 10yrs would have been a little premature and ma and pa wouldnt have let me holiday in my own, probably a good plan with me at that age ....) - I think I did actually book this in Feb/March, to boost my last quarter weight loss. Shame Ive been off path for 7mths due to injuries but Im so proud Ive kept going, Small steps, baby steps, it all makes a difference in the end. Today Im making HUGE steps in many ways, mostly cos Ive got on a new pair of shiny black rainers. Its like wearing your white pumps to school at the beginning of the year. This time Im happy for them to use their shine, means Ive used them well over the week ahead (and beyond ...).

So back to the weighin - my bags were weighed. They were excess! I got 4.5kgs free and had to pay for the remaining 3kgs. Only cost me TL9. Notquite sure how much that is but it was marinally less than my taxi from the airport and double the tip I paid the luggage boy yesterday ... he carried the bags and didnt wheel them, though they have 360 wheels. Maybe he was trying to impress me, I did get his name and a wink, and I got free internet from his mate. The Turkish boys remind me of the Arab boys a lot .. bit charming at first, always a cigarette in hand, bad drivers, eyeing up all the ladies, honking their horns, trying to show off how manly they are .... Im going to pass on all points. However, the Turkish language reminds me of the Russian language. I asked what Thank you was in Turkish and the reply was "Thank You" .... OK!?!

From here on in, there are no weighins for 10 days, there are no negative thoughts, only positive, happy, motivating ones. Im heading to that library for spositive reading and matched with a package of 5 massages, Im going to get in lots of me time. Thats the plan. Thats the idea. Though  I bet Im going to be chit chatting all week instead. I look forward to meeting my fellow juicers.

In the words of my lovely friend MrsEC, "can I get a whoop whoop"!

13 October - D Day

D for detoxification. D for Diets gone for good. D for drying my hair naturally for the next week. D for driving myself barmy with excitement. D for detox - the Jason Vale Juicemaster retreat. Ding dong hello healthy new me ....

Its here, the day Ive been planning for and waiting for - the reason I now possess enough gym clothes, knickers, socks, bras, tops, joggers (long, medium and short) and 4 pairs of trainers - in all colours of the rainbow and more. Ive travelled to Istanbul, to wait for my next flight to Dalaman tomorrow, to then head to Gocek to the Juicemaster RAF Bootcamp Retreat. Juices, soups, salads and healthy shots for 1 week. Yoga, pilates and meditation. Hiking, mountain walking but no running : ). RAF Bootcamp - uff thats going to hurt. But Im going to give it my all. Im going to learn how to detox my mind, body and soul. Learn how to get to bed early, in an attempt to become a morning person. To learn a more healthier lifestyle. To make lifelong changes to give me the boost to reach my goal next May. I need to go back and look at my earlier goal for New year in Sydney.

And my overall goal - to lose 5kgs from tomorrow until the evening of Sunday 23 October, my next BCA weigh in. I then plan to continue the same healthy eating plan and increase my activity levels for the remainder of October. Add on another 2kgs to that goal.

BRING IT ON! : )

I arrived at the airport on time, less time than I usually give myself but I did have to get my egate card updated with the new visa. I had 20 mins if that in the Emirates Lounge. Now, I was going to stick to just fruit, then MsM's words rang in my ears - "id have a last chance blow out and eat what I want if I was doing the detox" - sort of in those words anyway. I compromised as I hadnt eaten all day, I missed brekkie and it was now lunch - I had 1 glass of orange and 1 glass of Moet - it had to be done. A handful of wasabi rice cakes and I was done. Just the flight to deal with, but I already had a cunning plan ...

I had pre-booked my "fruit platter" with Emirates, and I had chosen the back row window seat so I wouldnt be surrounded by food and smells and people eating around me. I even refused the menu on board, I didnt want to know what I was missing and if it had been thai green chicken curry I would never have managed to resist! I didnt like the man sat next to me, his right foot was in "my space", and I had limited leg room as it was for that bix under the seat in front. Then he couldnt keep his right leg still - constant twitching really peeves me. Sit still FFS!! I decided to detox the annoyance, start as I mean to go on - so I gave him my wheat and e-numbered nibbles that came with my water and apple juice. I was suddenly craving a tia maria and diet coke, my standard flying drink. I had to switch my mind, some David Guetta and Usher in my ears eased my cravings.

When the fruit platter arrived I did laugh - the fruit platter was reasonable but whats with everyone these days serving half a strawberry - are they not available at the moment? Didnt the UK have massive of crops this year? "Pudding" was more fruit but a smaller portion, COVERED IN CHOCOLATE! Then there was the bread roll and butter on the side, snuggling in beside the cheese and crackers, suffocating the after meal chocolate. Now, since Ive been invited to give feedback on some Emirates website, they are going to get mine. WHEN SOMEONE ORDERS FRUIT PLATTER THEY ARE TRYING TO BE HEALTHY - DO NOT INCLUDE BREAD, BISCUITS, CHOCOLATE OR CHEESE. THEY MIGHT BE TORTURED TO EAT IT ...

I saved the banana for my travels tomorrow, though he is already a bit battered after travelling in my handbag in the manic Turkish Taxi on the way to the hotel. Thankfully, the hotel is close to the airport ..

After chilling in my hotel room, and faffing around for a bit (and eating some almonds), I got to the gym. It was a 40 minute workout, but I did it. I moved. Room service didnt pick up when I got back to my room, so after my shower and change I wandered down to The Market. How fab is it to have an honesty cafe!? Dear lord, put that in Dubai and its going to get severely abused. I however didnt do any abusing. I chose 2 salads - they were TEENY :

However, at least I was healthy. My mind was tempted with the chicken ceaser salad - bad enough - but then my thoughts ran away to fries with mayo. So NOT going to get in ma belly! Not today, not next week, not for a long time.

Ive got my apple ready for my journey to be packed with my almonds and banana. Thats the trip from the airport to Gocek to the resort. I will nt revert to sampling the local delicaies of kebabs, ince cream and turkish delight. Though I will bring some delight back for sampling in November. I cant not bring some back, I just need to ensure that I share it : ).

Now its sleep time, I need to rest up for my week ahead.

To be continued .........................

12 October - I see me

There I was, looking at myself in the works bathroom mirror (it wasnt our usual 5 star bathrooms...), washing my hands. I chose to wear my fitted black linen dress that I bought from M&S in the sale about 6-9 months ag. This black dress was in the skinny bag under my bed, along with its beige sister. I took them out a few weeks ago, wore one to a friends birthday, and it felt OK as long as I stood up all night. Bit of a bugger as it was a sit down buffet but I maaged some standing up and walking and remained sober so I wouldnt flash anything unncessary.

And there it was - I saw ME. I know that sounds really strange to say out loud (or in writing if youre going to be specific about this). Yes, I saw Me. I saw my bone structure on my face - cheekbones, jawline, neckbones, a shapely neck; I saw bright blue eyes not grey sad eyes. I saw ME in the black dress, with my red cardigan (my work colleagues prefer to think they are in Scotland in winter and deny the lovely weather we actually live in - my noce goes cold on a daily basis takes about 30mins!). And what I saw, I thought was OK, in fact I liked what I saw. Dont let me kid you, Im no Heidi Klum and never will be, but this was THE frst time I looked in the mirror and didnt notice something I hated or digusted me. I smiled back at myself thanking out loud that there was noone else in their with me ....

I walked back to my desk with a bit of a skip, also noticing that my right ankle and foot was better and improving - I still need to consciouly remembed to walk straight and not outwards - not yet in heels and may not get back in them for  along time yet. Thankfully (more thankings) Im tall and I can get away with wearing fglat shoes. I always thought I looked borderline drag queen wearing heels anyway, especially those kitten heels that I forever avoided and will continue to do so - even if I reach my goal weight!

Tonight I met LL - noone else wanted to join us. We had a quick dinner in Wagamama where I did as I was told and didnt eat all the whote rice with my beef red curry. It wasnt my thai green chicken curry but I know I can have that for 10 days next May - and if I really wanted to cook Ive got all the ingrediants in my cupboard. OMG! Ive just realied I CAN make this now I have a hug electric wok (Thanks again MsM). Uff just realised also, Im off on a detox on Friday and I need to continue the detox when Im back in the sandpit. Oh well Ive waited this long for a green curry, November is not that far away. Do you think I could bathe in it??

We then cried with laughter at the Laughter Factory. My childhood hero Sean Hughes was there. He was funny, weird to see someone youve admired for so long in the flesh. And he was still funny. I think I burned several 100 calories just laughing. We have decided to make it a monthly event. We both drank water, so just goes to show you dont need alochol to have a great time - again!

So now Im finishing my packing. I cant sleep for excitment. Im like a 5yr old child on Christmas Eve, or that feeling again I used to have as a child waiting for Hogmany to kick off and New Year to begin. Butterflies. Thats what I need as a tatoo as well!! 2 angle wings, 1 more cat paw and a butterlfy. Im oing to be busy on my 40th holiday : ).

So its night night from me, and I say night night to me, in the mirror looking at the reflection. Me, thats me, and I can see huge progress. I end this week before my mini biggest loser knowing that I have lost 2kgs of fat in the last 3 weeks and replaced that with 2kgs of muslce. I getting comments and compliments and I can now agree and say yes, thank you. I like me. Now to try the naked mirror version..... ha ha!

9 October -I love food but it does not control me I control the damn thing

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2046500/Lose-weight-going-diet-forget-calorie-counting.html



My fave comment :

Eat healthy food treat yourself at time,do some form of exercise 3/4 times a week and enjoy your life. Simple. I love food but it does not control me I control the damn thing.

8 October - Thank you LL : )

LL added these words to Facebook today with a link to this blog :


"Now I have been on a tripette or two with this young lady over the past 5 years and something happened on this weekend's tripette for the 1st time ever which was absolutely awesome. She went to the gym on both days (today on her own) while the rest of us sat on the beach. Well done. You have made MASSIVE progress since 1 Jan. So proud of you!"


Yep, thats me she's writing about! And I feel very proud right now, I did impress myself but it was actually more than that.


On Friday morning, I decided that I would wear my gym clothes and trainers to travel for the weekend away otherwise I may not make it to the gym, this seemed like my only focus on the subject - 2 cars, 6 friends, lots of drinks packed (some gathered on the way), lots of silliness and laughs planned too. I also decided to try out my new Reebok blue zigazigaaa trainers (ZigBlaze walking/running shoes supposed to be good for stability - I chose well without even knowing, they felt right when I tried them on) :

We arrived, we checked in and the rooms were not ready for us - 4 went to the pool, 2 went to the gym. Over an hour later, we felt good (4 chilled, 2 buzzing and a bit sweaty). I felt better as the new trainers had supported my right ankle, and I felt more confident. Not yet ready for star jumps or running but definite progress. 


I then felt at ease to eat and drink whatever I was going to consume. Im 200% sure that my calories exceeded my calorific burnings, however I felt happy knowing that (1) I reduced the effects of the party weekend and (2) I increased my metabolic capacity to burn off the large excess of the weekend and (3) I felt mentally positive, happy and confident.


After the partying of Friday night, I  dreaded the Saturday morning after. I woke at 630am and didnt want to move my head, just in case. My daily alarm went off at 715m (ooops sorry LL! I cant believe I forgot to switch it off). I then woke at 9am, LL was still sleeping (thats a first, but that lady was knackered, you did well girl!). I didnt move much, just my arms and fingers as I got in touch with the other 4  party peoples. 2 were awake, the other 2 were about to wake up. I decided to move, and I didnt feel too bad. In fact I felt only a little tired (to be expected). The first thing in my mind -" its only because I went to the gym yesterday and my body was prepared to process all the crappy food and drinks". Mind you, I was still pretty chuffed I had steak, spinach and veggies for dinner, along with the mojito! 


Breakfast was a non-bread event, the only carbs was the fresh orange juice - that also helped the pending hangover. I remembered how I felt after eating bread the 2 times over the last 2 weeks, I was impressed I remembered BEFORE eating the stuff. Seems the pre, during and apres "black outs" are reducing, which is great news : ). 


Then the next debate began - how can I fit the gym into the days schedule? LL suggested I just wait and see how I feel later and then decide. It was a lazy day on the beach after all. The weather was perfect, we all lay on our sun-beds, the sun was out, the sky was blue (so was one of the male guests who decided to strip naked in front of everyone at the side of the path between the villa gardens and the beach, and struggled for a few mins oblivious to the sniggers around him as we saw lots of his wrinkly saggy bum cheeks, then he bent over .... enough said already!), the breeze was perfect, we were all recovering and chilling together. A perfect bunch of friends around me. And all I could think of was "I wonder what my mate is doing at the gym today ......". This is the mate I go to the gym with every Friday and Saturday morning. I was missing my new routine. I was fidgeting, and twitching and I wasnt relaxing as much as I thought I would be. The old me had gone. It was in with the new. I had to do it.


Off I trotted to the gym, alone, trying out some new gym clothes. A little tight but Im now seeing some changes in the mirror and appreciating them, its taken a while but Im getting there. Ive also developed more of the IDGAS attitude - I dont give a s&^% what other people see and think. Im oblivious to it all sometimes, and today was a good, positive day full of the IDGAS's! Another 1hr+ done. Thats at least 2.5hrs in the gym AND it was a party weekend with my lovely friends! Im liking "new".


LL was chuffed when I came back, bless her. Its like she had just seen her baby go to her first day at school and she didn't cry. Perhaps not the best analogy for anyone reading this who knows LL.......ha ha! I was chuffed, and again I felt positive about what I could eat for lunch. That choice seemed a simple and healthy one - the mixed mezze. Bearing in mind it was only AED55 for "a bit of everything", I incorrectly presumed small portions; also bearing in mind it was AED20 for each individual choice of each mezze, I presumed they would be larger portions. I still ate lots - hummous, moutabel, fattoush, tabbouleh, pickles, cheese sambosek, meat fatayer, add in a few potatoe wedges and some arabic bread, and I was done! Least it was better than a burger or the fried options. Anyways, Ive been to the gym the last 2 days ......... :).


So, now I commence 4/5 days of healthy eating to (1) detox from the weekends excesses and (2) prepare for my mind body and soul weekend with the Juicemaster team (www.juicemaster.com) in Turkey. I feel nervous, excited, anxious and impatient - I can only compare this to how I felt at Christmas and New Year as a child, that kind of anticipation that produces butterflies. And Im about to spend a week getting fitter and healthier in mind, body and soul with some like minded strangers. Im sure when I update my blog on my return these unknown people to me now, will be my like minded soul mates. I dont think anyone can go through a week such as this without making firm friendships and Im looking forward to meeting you all. 


So, as I start my 5 day countdown, Im still impressed that Ive changed my Emirates flight food option to "fruit platter" ...... I will of course let you know how that goes, though I already know that on this flight they will serve one of my fave foods and I bet its thai green curry!! But its OK, I can have heaps of the proper stuff next May for 10 days in Thailand when I see the real, true, gorgeous, slim, fit, healthy amazing NEW me that is just bursting to come out!


It feels good to end such a great amazing weekend full of great friends, fun, laughter, happiness and positivity. Goodbye weekend, hello fabulous week ahead.


PS Thanks to all those who have contributed to the new me, you know who you are - because of you, I made it over a big hurdle and they only get easier from here on. Big hugs : )