Chapter 3: Bootcamp #1

To achieve my bucketlist challenge in October 2019, fitness is of utmost importance. After 15 years, my dormant muscles will have to be found and activated again (to put it lightly). I need a reboot. A very brave Bootcamp instructor met up with me and I explained my circumstances. I told him that I will be the client he has never had, purely because I have every thinkable and unthinkable injury and in order to get fit, we will have to work around it. I decided not to share my goal with anybody yet as I know it is a journey I need to be on, to face my fears – mentally and physically. After our chat, Dan asked me straight up: “So what is your goal then?”. I told him, as I knew I would need his training and support in order to achieve this goal. His reaction was of total support and excitement. He was willing to take on this huge challenge with me. All the best Mate!

My worst nightmare… Gym-clothes shopping. I know all you ladies out there have gone through this experience at some point in your life. I know I am not unique in this, although it definitely felt that way when I was looking at all the petit, tiny clothes. I look like a marshmallow in those running tights and all the shirts reveal my two lifesaver-rings around my waist. In the changing room I felt overwhelmed by the whole thing. I realised the enormous task ahead of me and what I will have to endure. Fear sets in.

D-day was this morning at 9:30. I got the gear and I looked the part, but it was the complete opposite inside my head. I wanted to run away as the fear in me was perhaps noticeable. I didn’t sleep well as I know I’m going to be in agony for the next week. Dan was prepared for me and so accommodating but with a no-nonsense approach and that is what I need! Every exercise is thought out carefully to not risk injury. Well, let’s just put it this way. I was ready to say ‘Hasta la vista, baby’after the warm up session. I wanted to leg it. My butt was burning like hellfire and my tummy muscles were bleeding – I’m sure of it. I think I was even talking in an octave higher as well. I’ll be in pain for at least a week and I’m not kidding. Fear, I kicked your butt!

Oh hallo gluteus, I didn't know you are still there!