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 .....