Back In The Saddle – SOF Boot Camp, Week 3, Day 3

I must be a glutton for punishment. I am signed BACK up for boot camp and we just completed week 3 of a 4-week 1-hour session. This week was BRUTAL. I can’t lie. We did more sprints, mile runs, jumping jacks, 1000 abs, squats, lunges, did I say jumping jacks than any top fit athlete, let alone a regular every day Joan like ME has gotten used to.

I do have to admit….the others in the class are some of the nicest and most encouraging people one could ever meet. Right when you think you can’t do that extra push up, you hear a voice encouraging you. Right when you feel like you can’t run another lap, folks who have learned your name are pushing you forward with their genuine hope and support. Some of us have even begun trading mobile #’s and encourage each other to get up in the morning to come to the class when we “know” folks are having second thoughts.

After class it feels great to be greeted with a text message that tells you someone noticed you did a good job, you are looking slimmer in your workout clothes, you really knocked out a particular exercise routine or just that they have noticed you have improved. It teaches me something too, don’t take your admiration for others for granted. What do I mean by that? If you think it, take time, make time to say it to the person especially if it is positive because you never know how a kind word may help brighten someone’s day and make it a little better.

Health is more than just physical…it includes spiritual and mental health as well. I am learning so much about myself and others. This boot camp is definitely becoming more than just a physical test of my abilities…it is testing my ability to think beyond myself and help others.