Outer Banks Boot Camps 2011- Summer Session Round Up

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August 16, 2011

I’ve spent the past 18 weeks participating in the Outer Banks Boot Camp. It consisted of three 6-week sessions, meeting twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 a.m., and an “optional” run on Sunday mornings at 6:30. With the exception of one Sunday, I didn’t miss a single day.

Boot camp morning, Kitty Hawk beach

Personally, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done; I lost 10 pounds and dropped my cholesterol level by just over 50 points. I have gained muscle, reduced flab and have increased energy levels. My clothes fit better, and quite a few things are now too big. My confidence has grown and I feel I am part of a very special group of like-minded people. The encouragement from my friends and the rousing threats from the coaches helped me overcome my fears of failure, embarrassment and weakness.

One day during the first session we ran through side streets to the Avalon Pier, stopping along the way at every STOP sign for 10 push-ups before continuing down to the next STOP sign. I was the last in the group, and I was puffing, panting and really struggling.

The faster ones in the group – the ones who had already completed this run – came back to get me! They were cheering me on and running with me. They lifted me up and I was able to gather the strength to finish. Fast forward 14 weeks, same route, same run with push-ups and I was in the lead group. This time I was one of the ones who went back to “get” someone. We flanked her side-by-side and together we ran to the end. That’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment!

Friends who inspired me along the way:

Coaches Matt Costa and Jay Bowman
Car pool boot camp buddies, Dee, Joan & Jessie
Squad leader Wes
Joy, Lorena, Laura, Christine, Paul, Beverly, Margaret, Bonnie, Sheila, Kim, Mike , Regina, Dana, Justine, Diane and so many more.

Coach Matt Costa

There’s a one-week session starting Monday, August 22, and another six-week session starting September 6. For more information, click here.

Categories: Fitness, outer banks, People of Interest, Sporting Events, Things to do, Uncategorized.

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Outer Banks Boot Camp – Week 6

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May 24, 2011

They say, “No Pain, No Gain.” After a certain age, though, pain caused by an injury can be a serious setback. I have observed over the past year a couple of friends suffer injuries during the course of their workouts. Just yesterday, a guy in my husband’s bike group had a serious accident and ended up in the hospital with broken ribs, broken clavicle, punctured lung and serious road rash.

Being new to running, I am mindful of my ability and surroundings. I really don’t want to lose a year or so of the progress I’ve made (from regular kickboxing classes) recuperating from a fall or accident. So, I go slow and steady.

Today’s boot camp was all about running. We ran to the pier on the beach and back on the pavement. I’m told it was a little over 5 miles. Unfortunately I wore shoes that are meant for the water (they have little holes in the soles to allow the water to drain out). But I ended up running with shoes full of sand, rubbing a big blister on my instep in the process. There’s no comparison to the injuries that others have suffered, but, still, a simple blister was a huge drain on my focus and ability.

Our instructor, Matt Costa, demonstrated the best way to run. He said “breathe in through your mouth, out through your nose, swing your arms and stretch your legs.” He said to land heel first and roll forward to your toes, eyes on the horizon.  I try to visualize and focus on his words as I run, steady and slow.

Categories: outer banks, People of Interest, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Boot Camp – Day One – Outer Banks Knuckle Up

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April 19, 2011

It’s 5:30 a.m., at the parking lot of Knuckle Up in Kitty Hawk. 70+ people stretching on asphalt. We line up and take off running. Orders were to bring  a change of clothes and bottle of water in a backpack.  Backpack and I are not a happy couple. This pack is hell-bent  on  slapping my backside every step of the way. It’s the only backpack I own, a cute little black leather “Prada” I bought from one of those street vendors in New York City. As the mother of three sons, I’m pretty sure I could have found a more appropriate back-happy backpack than the one I brought this morning!

Anyway, even though I was tempted to leave the “Prada” on the beach a couple of times, I hoisted it above my head and ran through the surf with the rest of my compadres. And what I realized, deep down,  was that my most biggest fear was tripping, falling and dragging the rest of the group down with me.

The Senior Group led by Jay Bowman Joining the Recruits

Categories: outer banks, People of Interest, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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Boot Camp

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April 5, 2011

Even though I’ve never been particularly athletic, I’ve always been active. Blessed with an obliging metabolism, I’ve been able to muster the energy for regular, albeit half-hearted, periods of physical fitness most of my early adulthood.

Upon turning 40, however, my metabolism declared a four day work week. Upon turning 50, she packed her bags and headed for the hills.

In an effort to woo Miss Metabolism back to work, I joined Knuckle-Up Fitness in Kitty Hawk. The sculpted, healthy bodies I encountered there kicking and punching to loud heavy hip-hop rock music were just the right tonic to jumpstart the sluggish Miss M to attention.

Now after a year and a half, I’m ready for the next step – BOOT CAMP  (beginners) and it starts April 19. I’m going to chronicle my efforts here.

"Dinosaurs didn't exercise and look what happened to them"

Categories: outer banks, Sporting Events, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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My Fitness Choice on the Outer Banks

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February 2, 2011

My New Year’s Resolutions always consisted of lose a little weight and exercise more. This year was an exception. No resolutions about diet or exercise. N.O.N.E.

In November 2009, with a little encouragement from a friend, I stepped into the gym at Knuckle Up in Kitty Hawk.  After a few weeks of pain and embarrassment of being the most unfit, oldest, out-of-breath person there, I realized that I looked forward to class. There’s something about strapping on some boxing gloves and working out on a bag that is really satisfying, and it also works up a sweat like I’ve never sweated before. Yes, sweating is good for you, it’s a natural detox and a great barometer of how much you’re putting in/getting out of your workout.

Instructor Matt Costa may be small of stature – but every inch is made of steel and fierce determination. His bio reads like a convoluted recipe with a dozen ingredients. From the Marine Corps to the Culinary Institute to Knuckle Up, Matt incorporates all of the best of his background and knowledge to excel as kickboxing and motivational trainer.  

I also recommend the Friday morning class taught by Diane Fisher. She works part-time at Knuckle Up and is also an RN. She has an abundance of energy and brings a different, female perspective to the work-out. For men and women, Diane’s once-a-week Friday class is very popular.

With a little over a year of kickboxing classes (3 times a week) at Knuckle Up and running on off days, my commitment to fitness is no longer dependent on an annual resolution.

Categories: outer banks, People of Interest, Things to do, travel, Uncategorized.

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