I am working so hard to get fit for the Trek

Apart from the main reason of my trip to China which is to raise much needed funds for Breast Cancer Research, one of my other reasons to take on this adventure is to inspire myself to become healthier and fitter, for not only myself but also for my young family.

I have increased my exercise levels dramatically.  As mentioned previously on this blog, I am continuing to walk the stairs most days at work, 16 flights up and 16 flights straight back down - honestly the muscles on my calves are really something beginning to look athletic - I have my stair buddies Noel and Anh to thank for keeping me motivated every day!

I have also been meeting up with my personal trainer once a week. Shani from The Fuel Focus is whipping my butt into shape, and helping me to gain fitness and upper body strength.  We are on week 7 now, and while every session is still hard, I am now seeing the benefits.  I am feeling fitter, and I can see muscle definition on my arms that has not been there for a long time. 

I have not missed a session yet, I need to stay motivated and keep working at all of this.  A big thanks to Shani for putting up with my whimpering when things start to get hard and keeping me motivated with strong words of encouragement!

So what next in the way of training for Laura?

1. Stairs will continue - that's a given as long as my stair buddies are there to keep me motivated.
2. Dragon Boat Racing - What is that you say? well I have signed up to do a trial period of yes, dragon boat racing!  That big boat with the dragon head, someone banging drums while everyone else rows - yes that is the one!!!! If I need to improve upper body strength I can't see a better way or more fun than that!  Stay tuned for some pictures and a blog once that adventure starts.
3. 10000 steps challenge.  My work is supporting us to set up teams of 10 people to do 100000 team steps per day or 10000 per person.  We are supplied with pedometers and encouraged to walk more around the office.  I have my little posse of 10 team members and being team captain I hope to inspire my crew to get active.
4. Gym classes and PT sessions I really hope to continue these for as long as I can afford to.  I am still not entirely comfortable to join a large gym class but smaller groups and 1 on 1 with Shani do make me feel less self conscious.

If anyone can come up with more ideas to keep me active, feel free to comment.  For all my friends who have supported my fundraising efforts, been to events, eaten my chocolates, donated to my everyday hero's page and just offered kind words of support, getting fit is my way of showing you all that I am not taking this trek light heartedly!

This trip to China is my Carpediem moment - I will sieze the day and come out the other side, stronger and fitter both physically and mentally than I have ever been!