There's Cold and then there's F****** cold! Day 2

 Day 2

Woke up at 6am this morning, and realised to my utter disbelief that I had slept through the whole night.  I didn't wake up once.  To put this in perspective my usual night consists of falling asleep on Craig, which is where I sleep best, then rolling over at which point it all begins, pain in my hips and back wakes me half a dozen times at least and I usually wake up with the sun feeling utterly miserable around 4am, get up and wait for the rest of my family to wake up. 

But this morning it was completely different, I was rested, I actually felt rested!  My first instinct was to go back to sleep hoping I might get a couple of extra hours of sleep.

Then something insane happened, my brain said 'Why not get up Kate, go to the gym?'  I tried to ignore the very small voice, but it inevitably got stronger until I found myself in the car driving to the gym.

Sadly, I lost my gym partner today as Charlotte fell down our stairs yesterday and sprained her ankle.  We spent five hours in A & E last night but thankfully it was just a twist, so a day of rest for her.  Craig is still not well enough to join me, so it was alone or nothing.

I arrived at the gym and sat there for what seemed like ages.  Could I go in on my own?  Could I do it? I feel like such a fraud among all the fit and healthy people in there.  I am literally (as Charli would say) the only fat person in there, or at least I was today.

 

I headed to the gym, head down, trying to avoid eye contact with anyone.  I heard a pleasant and friendly voice say to me 'Are you coming to my class?'  I looked up to see a very nice lady smiling at me.  'Oh no' I say 'I haven't booked any class' meanwhile I am trying my best to circumnavigate her in the hallway. At all cost don't look her in the eye Kate.  

But I was caught and before I knew what I was doing I was strapped to something that looked like it was out of a medieval torture chamber.   I had apparently stumbled into a reformer pilates class. 

Medieval Torture Device that looks a lot like the Pilates Reformer Machine!

What followed was equals parts hard, terrifying and challenging.  The first thing I realised? I was extremely unfit compared to every other woman in the class.  And, I know I can hear you all saying, don't compare yourself to others, but it's hard not to do that.

Pilates Reformer Machine...see I told you!

I also discovered that there are a lot of things I can't do, as far as movement goes with my back.  It would have been easy to be disheartened and if I am honest I was a little.  I only lasted half the class before taking my leave.  I skulked off to the gym to spend some time on a bike, something I knew I could do, I thought about the road ahead of me.  

 

Don't get me wrong I never thought it was going to be easy, but maybe, just maybe if I stick to this in six months time I could hold my own with the other women in the class.  I suppose the first achievement would be to get through the whole class.

 

With Gym time over I headed to the pool, definitely my favourite thing.  I did some lengths before eyeing up the hot and cold therapy pools once more.  As I sat in the hot pool plucking up the courage to brave the cold pool I watched a guy plunge into the cold pool and sit there for a full 5 minutes.  I could see the pain on his face as he hit the water, I would like to tell you it wore off the longer he stayed but it was horrific watching him as he started to shiver.  

He jumped in the hot pool and I couldn't help but express my admiration. What followed was a fascinating conversation about the benefits of this type of therapy.  

 

He is a motor cross bike rider and gets into accidents all the time, plus he has a bad back.  He said he uses it to treat injuries and hasn't looked back since he discovered it.  He also told me it's gets easier, and a good trick is to tuck your hands under your arms.  

I would like to tell you that due to the inspirational nature of our conversation I managed to get in the pool for the full time suggested but I lasted only 8 seconds, before once again hyperventilating and feeling pain in every bone and muscle.  

I almost threw myself back into the hot pool!  I am going to conquer it though, knowing that someone is getting so much relief is really encouraging.  I can't wait for Craig to try it for his back, if I can just get him in the water!! 

Day 2 has been good, no real aches and pains, the food has been good and we are adjusting well.  Just need Craig to be well enough to join me, then I think we will be unstoppable!

Kate x

I am training at EMF in Nerang, remember you can give it a go too with their three day pass!