Week 3 - Freedom is a Beautiful Thing

So, this past week just flew by! It was really fun to start to see the changes in how much I was able to do. First/' thing I noticed was the Snow Canyon 4 mile hike on Monday. The last mile and a half or so is straight up hill. Last time we did it, I had to stop to catch my breath several times. This time I was able to do the whole thing without a break. It was really fantastic! I was able to increase my speed on my interval training, even getting up to 7.0 on the treadmill, which, for you runners is nothing, but a big accomplishment for me. Tuesday mornings is "tower hill." It's a timed hike, 1 mile, straight up at a very steep incline. This week I took 3 minutes off my time, also never having to stop for a break.

It's really cool to see how fast your body adapts when you put in this kind of work. I picture it like this: The first week I was here, my body was just in shock, unable to think or respond at all. The second week, I think my heart and lungs and fat cells got together and said, "I think she's lost her mind. We better just hold on to everything we have stored up in case she's been taken prisoner or something." This past week, I think the heart and lungs took over the meeting and it went something like this: "Apparently, she is going to keep up this craziness, so fat, we're going to have to let some of you go. You're starting to hold back the organization. We'll let you know if something changes in the future." You see though, fat cells are stubborn. They are taking their time about cleaning out their desks and moving on. I think they are unionized. I managed to dismiss 4 pounds of them this week, but still have a lot of downsizing to do. I expect this week that the heart and lungs will be a little more aggressive with issuing pink slips. They may even have to call in security, or "sah-cura-tee." :)

Thursday we hiked these petrified sand dunes. It was the coolest thing! If you're checking my pictures on facebook, they'll be the ones of the "white" mountaings. Our Friday hike was in Zion National Park - A-MA-ZING! We hiked the to the three emerald pools, the grotto and then an easy 2 mile hike along the river. That place is so beautiful, it looks fake. Check my facebook for pictures! I have made really wonderful friends here. It's a wonderful thing to feel like we're all in this together. We cheer eachother on and feel such collective accomplishment at the end of each day.

Right now, I think I'm the most excited about the dramatic changes in my diet and how easy it's been. I've said it before, but it's NOT a diet. It's my new normal. And it really feels normal, which is amazing! That's also the beauty of doing this with several other people. We are able to colaborate on meals and ideas for ways to cook certain dishes which has broadened my horizons about how yummy healthy can be. I plan to totally cleanse my pantry and fridge and start over when I get home. You really can be healthy and lose weight while eating real food from ALL the food groups - yes, even carbs. It's also really amazing how much better food tastes when you're not eating all the processed foods, preservatives and refind sugar to which we are so accustomed. Food has so much more flavor now. I do believe I am actually enjoying it more. Gasp!!!

The cutest thing this week was when McCartney called to check in and was asking me all kinds of questions about food and what we were eating. I was describing a day to her, and how good everything is, but how it's just a matter of controlling and being aware of everything you put in your mouth and making your calories count, etc. When I stopped talking she said, "Wow! You sound so...balanced right now." :) I love it.

I can't believe I only have one week left here. This has been so amazing and when it's done, I know I will still have a long road ahead of me, but I'm not afraid of it anymore. I feel like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I'm finally starting to experience freedom again. It's a beautiful thing.