Before & After: Tess Thomas

Get ready to be inspired!  

Tess Thomas is a camper from Operation Boot Camp's Chastain Park location who has gone from a size 16 to an 8.   

How many Operation Boot Camp’s have you participated in?

6 in 3 years

What's your story?

I took my health pretty seriously this past Summer.  After having 2 kids over the last 4 years, I always picked up more weight and had a hard time losing it all.  This summer I was committed to getting back into the weight when I met my husband. After completing 4 boot camps, I have now lost 30lbs, lost 14 inches body wide and dropped from a size 16 to a size 8!

My run time has improved by 2  minutes and my flexibility and agility are at the best state it has ever been.  My cholesterol also dropped by 60 points!   Additionally, I have noted that I sleep better at night.  

For me waking up early to exercise is the BEST thing.  By 7am I am sweating and done with my exercise requirement for the day.  There is no chance  to make excuses after work to skip workouts.  

Lastly, through changing my eating habits ie, smaller meals every few hours, I have  eliminated  night time cravings. I feel fuller longer.

What is your favorite part of Operation Boot Camp?

The fact that it is always something new every day.  I like the surprise of not knowing.  I also think the instructors and the fellow campers are encouraging and nice.

When you were brand new to camp . . .

Recently, I asked some of our instructors at our Candler Park & Decatur location about the memory/feeling that stands out the most from when they were campers.  Can you relate to their answers?  


Other than how hard it was, i remember how proud i was when i met my goals or finally accomplished something i thought i couldn't do. Becca S.


I remember being so sore and taking lots of aspirin.  Also I remember feeling duped when I found out it was 5:45am instead of 6am.  I don't think I would've signed up for 5:45am (good job Tim for not telling me that part!)  The best part was the upper body strength that I had.  Kristine S.


living off of advil and epsom salt baths & runnning my first mile without stopping at my first final PT test. Bridget S.


I remember sitting with Wesley and the thunder and lighting behind me in Candler park listening to the other new campers talk about the marathons they had just run and wanting to raise my hand and let Wesley know that I was in the wrong group!  I thought I would never survive.  Thank goodness Becca arrived the next day, burped and run my first mile with me!  Shannon E.


The feeling that I needed to barf a lot and being sore all the time Erich N.


I didn't speak to anyone for the entire first month.  My goal was to make it up the candler park hill (on our run back to ML) without stopping.  Altitude Adjustment made me cry (JoJo was a guest instructor--figures) and the look on Lee's face when I started to cry..LOL!  Then showing up to graduation party and everyone telling me how great I looked---how good it felt that they could tell a difference in me.  Lydia S. 


My legs felt like rubber after running up the Candler Park hill ONCE during a "Bring a Friend" day. now i look forward to hills. blammo.  Darrell S.


I always thought  that I pushed myself in my workouts, but realizing that my body could do more than I thought.  Brenda L.


In my first month, it was nervously anticipating the next daily workout.  Each morning, I would think to myself ,"I wonder what in the heck they are going to make us do today, and will I be able to get through it?"  Stephen U. 

Protein: My Experience

I was an ovo-lacto pescatarian for about 7 years.  But let’s not church it up, I ate dairy including eggs and pretty much anything from the sea.  I went through a period that I was just grossed out by the thought of eating meat.  My staying away from meat evolved into my objections about their treatment.  I ate this way pretty happily and also felt and thought I looked pretty good, if I do say so myself.  I attended a Crossfit Coach’s certification and met a former vegetarian who’s doctor, after a significant accident, told her she could either start eating meat again or would need a blood transfusion.  This was a wake up call for what her body needed.  When I heard that and her presentation on how one’s body processes animal proteins vs. other proteins I decided I at least needed to up my animal protein, ie fish for me.  Before this I probably ate around 35 grams of animal protein a day.  So I set a goal of 100 grams of animal protein a day.  Holy shit.  That’s the reaction most people would have.  For perspective check out the following:  

1 5 oz can of tuna 26 grams of protein
1 6 oz steak 36 grams of protein
1 large egg 4 grams of protein

So 100 is kind of a lot for a 165 lb lady.  It took a conscious effort; believe me.  I started eating salmon fillets on a salad for lunch, or an entire can of tuna, and something close to the same for dinner.  It became about getting enough protein, enough nutrients; it became about fueling.  It was a nice relationship with food.  I feel like I was seeing it for what it is: fuel.  That doesn’t mean I don’t ever eat just for pleasure-hello frozen yogurt!- but it removed a lot of emotions from eating that had been dragging me down.    

I started this protein journey with some muscular definition.  I have been doing boot camp for 6 years, I had some nice tone.  After about 6 weeks my body composition became very different.  I became very dense.  My muscles felt more dense and strong.  It as if before there was a layer on top and now it was pure beast.  Yeeeaaahhhh.  After seeing how important animal protein is in my body I started incorporating some meats from very specific places.  Farms that were known for their animal centered raising practices.  I still get 80% of my protein from seafood but now have a little more diversity in my protein sources.  I urge you to do your own experiment.  Try upping your animal protein intake and to really go into beast mode decrease you carb intake and get ready to take on the world, or at least your wedding.  

Before and After: Jessica Reyes

San Jose, CA boot camper Jessica Reyes went from a size 18 to a size 12 and now proudly enjoys running as her favorite healthy habit.  Read about her Operation Boot Camp journey below.  

what brought you to boot camp?

Growing up I was always playing sports from softball to soccer and once I finished playing sports in college I found myself eating the same and not exercising.  I gained a bunch of weight!  I wanted to find something that would give me that team feeling, motivate me, and that would push me further than I could push myself

how long have you been doing it?
I started at the San Jose, CA bootcamp in November 2010 and am still doing it to this day.  I don't know a better way to start my day than with my OBC family.

what were your goals?  have you achieved them?  what are they now?

Looking back in my logbooks I found that my goals were such things as 'lose 10 pounds' in one month's time.  I was able to achieve 9 pounds that month but i found that the scale was not showing all the hardwork and dedication that I putting in.  I started bootcamp at 216 pounds and I am now 174 pounds.  My goals now are to complete a half marathon in June and a full marathon in October.  I am well on my way, training during the week by myself and on the weekends with some of the OBC ladies.

what are your results?

I've gone from a size 18 to a size 12 and I've lost up-to-date, 42 pounds since November and it is now April.  I've found that I LOVE running, it has become my healthy habit.

what were you expecting? 

I was expecting SO much in my first month of bootcamp.  I was nervous that I would hurt my back, as I have previous back injury. The instructors were so helpful in helping me do modified versions of exercises that I was unable to do.  I had so much support from instructors and also other campers.  I was holding myself back and now I have developed my own motivation to push myself.  My back is no longer an issue due to my weight loss and I am even asked to do extra exercises by the instructors.  It feels awesome!

what would you tell someone who was nervous about joining?

Just try it! Do it for one month! I guarantee that if you push yourself and really stick to your goals that you will achieve them.  You aren't alone and not everyone is super fit.  I felt like I would be the only BIG girl out there but guess what?  I wasn't.  Everyone has to start somewhere and everyone pushes you to be better than you are.  I guarantee you will see results!

what has been the most surprising?

The most surprising thing happened to me during my end of the month physical fitness test.  I was shooting for a 8:10 minute mile when I surpassed that by getting a 7:43 minute mile.  I could not believe what I heard when I crossed the end of the mile and our instructor Ronny yelled out my time.  I was so happy inside that I felt like crying because it was an accomplishment that I did not even feel ready for.  Now my fellow OBC campers tell me that I'm in the 7-Club.  7 minute mile club!  I am definitely okay with that.

how have the instructors helped you?

Where do I begin?  I am always being pushed by the instructors everyday.  When they see me master an exercise they always have a way to make it more challenging for me.  They encourage me to go faster, push harder, and set better goals for myself.  They also remind me to take care of myself and know when to rest.  Our trainers remind us that we need to eat 'clean' and it will make all the difference with our fitness.. and it has.  At times they have reminded me of where I used to be and how far I've come and they are truly proud of me.  It makes me feel good to show up and work hard and have the instructors notice the results.

how has it impacted your life?

Operation Bootcamp has change my life completely.  I can not stress this enough.  The support, motivation, and great workouts give me a jumpstart every morning.  I have a better attitude and am happier more than I was before.  With the weight loss, I am more confident and I look better.  Bootcamp has improved every part of my life from my personal relationships to walking up the stairs.  I've gained lasting friendships and of course MUSCLE!  When I am running I constantly think to myself how lucky I am.  I never thought I would have come this far with my fitness and I am proud of myself.  I feel like I can do anything.

what's been the most challenging?

Eating.  Eating has been the most challenging thing for me.  Let me just say this.  My favorite food is spaghetti.  I used to eat bowls of spaghetti for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  I was working out to maintain my high weight.  I enjoy carbs and sugars.  With constant guidance I have changed my entire eating habits.  I no longer have to worry about making bad choices, I make knowledgeable ones that are smart and clean for my body.

what's your favorite workout?

This is an easy one! Tabata.  I found out the hard way that I was doing squats the wrong way this whole time until I did tabata workout.  I was cheating myself out of my squats.  Now, I get low. Now, my rear thanks me.

Camper Spotlight: Ernie South

Peachtree City boot camper Ernie went from 230 lbs to 195 lbs but that's not all he was able to lose-read his story of decreasing his medications and fitness journey below.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO OPERATION BOOT CAMP?
After getting to the heaviest weight of my life, 230lbs., I had managed on my own to get down to 195lbs. but couldn’t seem to get any lower. I knew I needed some help and that’s when I found OBC via an internet search.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN CAMPING?
I started in February 2010. On my 4th day of camp, I sprained my ankle and had to take a month off. During this time I received numerous emails from the instructors and some of the campers inquiring about my recovery and providing words of encouragement. I’m now into my 6th month of OBC and am proud to say I have not missed a single day of camp.

WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS YOUR FIRST MONTH?
Each month I set at least 2 specific goals; even if I don’t achieve them by the end of camp I am much closer to them than what I was at the beginning. In my 1st log book my goals were to lose 10lbs. and improve my mile run time by 1 minute. By the end of the 1st camp I had lost 15lbs and ran the mile 2 minutes faster. I continue to see improvements in my fitness each month; in Oct., I ran a half marathon!

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING THING ABOUT OPERATION BOOT CAMP?
The most surprising thing to me about OBC is how much fun it is. Sure, getting up each day to make it to camp by 05:15 a.m. can be a challenge, but by the end of the workout I feel great. Also, there is not a day goes by where I don’t find something to laugh about during the workout.

HOW HAVE INSTRUCTORS HELPED YOU?
The help and encouragement you receive from the instructors is the primary reason why I continue to come back to camp each month.

HOW HAS YOUR LIFE BEEN IMPACTED BY OPERATION BOOT CAMP?
When I 1st started OBC I was taking 4 different medications for health reasons. Since that time, my Dr. has reduced my medications to the point that I’m now only having to take 1 of these and that particular one the dosage has been cut in half twice! My goal is to be completely off meds within a few months.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF OPERATION BOOT CAMP?
The most challenging aspect of OBC for me has been the nutrition piece of it. At one point in my life I did exercise, but I’ve never purposely considered eating right until I started OBC.

ANY UNEXPECTED BENEFITS?
My wife and daughter, who is living at home while she attends college, have both benefited nutrition wise as a result of the change in my eating habits.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT?
I would say my favorite workouts are those that involve both anaerobic and aerobic exercise. For example, the one we call 20-20-20.

Camper P.O.V.

Welcome to our Camper P.O.V. series. We'll be following a camper's journey through one of our many locations. Check back weekly for updates on their goals, successes and challenges. This month we visit with Katie Drew Clay who has entered into her own "Motivational May."

I can’t believe “Motivational May” is officially over! Where in the world did these four weeks go?

This last week got off to an interesting start. Anxious to get back into my routine after a girls’ weekend beach trip, I was legitimately excited to wake up early on Monday to workout (which is an accomplishment in and of itself because I’ve never been “excited” to wake up early.) However, the stars did not align Monday morning. Not only did I forget my keys when trying to get out the door (a highly unusual occurrence for me), but I also forgot my shoes. How can you forget shoes? Well, I keep my nasty old tennis shoes out in the garage, and after being thrown off my routine with the last minute scavenger hunt for my keys, I jumped in the car without them. I was about halfway to Boot Camp when I remembered, and turning around to get them put a huge limit on my time, so I missed the workout. Yeah, not the start to the week I was hoping for.

The rest of the week flew by without a hitch, and I can’t believe I survived the four weeks. Before this experience, the idea of boot camp wasn’t even a distant dream for me because I had immediately ruled it out as something I would never do. Outdoor workouts before the sun came up? You would’ve had to be kidding me. And now, look at me…still subconsciously waking up early to go meet the group!

Sure, the four weeks had its ups and downs, and while I can say that I won’t miss waking up at 5:30AM every morning, I will miss the productivity and sense of accomplishment that came with those morning workouts. I’m absolutely thrilled with my experience at Operation Boot Camp, Chastain Park, and I’m proud to report that my hard work paid off! I feel better than I have in a while, and I’m leaving camp with the continued motivation to keep going.

Unfortunately, I’m unable to participate in “Jiggle-less June” with the other campers since wedding season will be in full tilt and numerous occasions take me away from Atlanta this month; but I feel like I’ve learned so many valuable exercises that I can incorporate back into my treadmill routine. Just yesterday, I ran three miles in 27 minutes (a long time goal of mine) and worked my core and legs afterwards. I’m excited to re-discover my own exercise routines, and while I may be away for the summer, don’t count me out to start waking up early again in the fall!

Good luck to everyone with their own Boot Camp endeavors! Have a great summer!

--

Ending Results:

PT Results: Mile Run: 9:25; 8:46, Push-Ups: 31: 34, Sit-Ups: 30; 32

GOALS:

1) perfect attendance and 2) stick to the meal plan. Unfortunately, I fell short on these first two goals. I’m okay with it though – knowing I gave it the best I could.

3) run a mile in under 9 minutes. I did it! And while the other goals were important, this is the one that I kept in my mind all four weeks. Tangible proof that hard work pays off!

4) fit into my bridesmaid’s dress (with a little extra room). I’ve tried it on and it fits! I’ll be looking good at this wedding!

Katie Drew is a camper at our Chastain Park location. She hails from Macon, Georgia and loves celebrity gossip.

Camper P.O.V.

Welcome to our Camper P.O.V. series. We'll be following a camper's journey through one of our many locations. Check back weekly for updates on their goals, successes and challenges. This month we visit with Katie Drew Clay who has entered into her own "Motivational May."

I'm not going to lie, it was difficult to decide what to discuss in this week's blog. After finishing out week three at Boot Camp, Chastain Park, all I can really say is that things did not go according to plan...

I finished week two with a renewed spirit, and vowed to stop throwing away entire weeks on junk food and laziness when one day didn’t go well. I wanted to refocus daily (or even hourly) on my quest to be fit and healthy. Let me just say, my learning curve is a little bit slower than I would like. I wish I could report that I nailed those goals in the third week...that I stuck to the plan and did better than ever, but my reality is a different story.

I’m sad to say I only made it to two workouts in week three. TWO! That’s a horrible percentage no matter which way you slice it. And while I can say in good faith that one of my absences was unavoidable, the other two were from sheer lack of motivation. In all honesty, I just felt that “life” got in the way. You know -- the everyday responsibilities that weigh on us…work, friends, household errands. All these things pushed my fitness goals to the back seat. Instead of dedicating myself to seeing results, I was focused on the upcoming beach trip we had planned, the huge project due at work, and the impending maintenance service appointment for my car. With these things on my mind, waking up at 5:30AM just didn't seem as feasible as it had in the previous weeks.

And it didn’t help that I’d felt I’d already seen some results. Weird, huh? The minute I started feeling these workouts paying off, I back off. Sure, it was great to feel leaner and stronger, but it totally back-fired in terms of motivation. I felt I could slack off since I’d already worked hard – “I deserved it.” This is a common thing for me, seeing results and then backing off.  Every time I make progress, I think I can revert back to old habits without the same consequences. It's such a ridiculous way of thinking when you look at it rationally because it's those exact same habits that put you there in the first place. I guess I should add it to the list of attitudes I need to adjust...

Food was also my enemy last week for those same reasons. “I’ve worked hard and feel great, I owe it to myself to have that quesadilla.” That on top of the additional stress at work made lunch, and consequentially dinner, a meal of convenience. I won’t bore you with details of my culinary digressions, so let’s just say that last week took its toll on me; and there’s no excuse -- just the simple break down of my defenses. 

Let it be known that I have re-motivated myself for the final week, and I've come to the cold hard realization that the types of changes I dreamed about in week two do not happen overnight. I’ve always been one to live by the simple idea of “you do what you can do, when you can do it.” And I continue to live by that. So what if life gets in the way? You can only control how you act in that moment. And as a testament to that mentality, I’ll leave you with a positive from the week. On my beach vacation this past weekend, I woke up early and went for a run. I did what I could do, when I could do it.


Katie Drew is a camper at our Chastain Park location. She hails from Macon, Georgia and loves celebrity gossip.

Camper P.O.V.

Welcome to our Camper P.O.V. series. We'll be following a camper's journey through one of our many locations. Check back weekly for updates on their goals, successes and challenges. This month we visit with Katie Drew Clay who has entered into her own "Motivational May."

Halfway there!
We’ve just wrapped up week #2 of “Motivational May” at Chastain Park, and I have to say my own motivation has hit some ups and down this week. Aside from missing two workouts (one from inclement weather and one from a little lack of motivation), I have mixed feelings about my second week in the program.
It was an interesting week in terms of workouts – which only contributed to the ups and downs I had throughout the week. We were rained out on Monday, and I have to admit, I was kind of relieved. There’s nothing like waking up early only to find out you have another couple hours sleep. But for what I gained in sleep, I lost in motivation and overall wellness. Not working out Monday morning really threw off my entire day. Without the usual workout to jump start my morning, I ate poorly throughout the day and had little motivation to do anything else productive. It was as if I’d lost my oomph.
Luckily, I gained it all back on Wednesday. For some reason, during our morning workout, I felt powerful and fit for the first time since I’d started the program. I finally saw the beginning of these results we’ve been promised, and I loved it! Don’t get me wrong, the workout was tough and I didn’t just blaze through it, but I was able to complete the exercises with greater ease and push myself further than I had been. That’s a great feeling to have mid-week.
But in true ebb and flow nature, I’d lost my zeal again by Friday – letting myself skip a workout. I’m not thrilled I let myself sleep in and skip out on my morning exercise, but I just flat out could not get out of bed. Looking back on the week, I think the reason I’d given up by that Friday had a lot to do with my eating habits from the previous days.
I struggled this week with sticking to the meal plan. I’m the type who is big on fresh starts, and if something gets in the way of that, then my mentality is just to let it all go and start over later. So having a lazy, unproductive day on Monday just set me up for a week or poor food choices. I’d justify my choices with the intense workouts I’d been completing or telling myself that I’d start fresh next Monday. I know it’s the exact opposite mentality to have when trying to create a healthy lifestyle -- because let’s be honest, we’re all going to cheat at one point or another. Whether it be the office cookie cake or chips and cheese dip on Cinco de Mayo – no one’s perfect.
My new goal is to refocus meal by meal or even day by day versus week by week. This week was a “throw away” week for me because I did poorly on Monday, but I need to readjust my thinking to letting go of what I did in the past and keep moving forward. I’m not going to beat myself up for having a cookie, and then throw away the rest of the day on fast food and ice cream because I messed up earlier. I’m letting that initial cookie hurt me much more by letting it snowball into a whole day of junk. No more! I’m confident I can refocus my thinking – it just takes time.
Goals for next week include sticking to the meal plan, and allowing myself to start over each day (or each meal even). Wish me luck!

Katie Drew is a camper at our Chastain Park location. She hails from Macon, Georgia and loves celebrity gossip.

Camper P.O.V.

Welcome to our Camper P.O.V. series. We'll be following a camper's journey through one of our many locations. Check back weekly for updates on their goals, successes and challenges. This month we visit with Katie Drew Clay who has entered into her own "Motivational May."

Week 1:
Words like “athletic,” “outdoorsy” and “early riser” have never been used to describe me. So what in the world am I doing running hills and busting out push-ups in Chastain Park at 6AM?
Because it’s time for a change, and Boot Camp was my answer to shaking up my usual treadmill routine -- which was almost never followed by any type of weight lifting or muscle toning. Recruited by my friend, Sabrina, to attend “Bring a Friend Day” last month, I figured it was a great way to see what it was all about without making any long term commitment. After all, as someone who could barely wakeup at 7:30AM, how in world was I supposed to wake up at 5:30AM every day?
But after a successful workout, I knew I needed to kick start my fitness routine – especially with bathing suit AND wedding season fast approaching – so I committed to ‘Motivational May!”
With one week down, I’m proud to say I woke up every morning in time for group workout! And while it was hard the first couple days, I think I’m getting the hang of it. I love the structure of the workout because it takes the “thinking” out of it. One day it’s arms and abs, other days it’s legs and cardio. I’m confident that I’m working out all areas of my body, and I’m excited to see the results. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know our group in the park, and the instructors have been great. They are super encouraging and push you to do the best you can. Before I know it, the sun’s coming up and our 45 minutes together is winding down. Off to start another day!
The meal plan has taken some getting used to. I’m not a stranger to diets, but the concept of eating six small meals a day is a little tough for me to grasp. Believe it or not, I feel like I’m almost eating too much. Eating something every couple of hours is great because I never feel deprived, but after having the mindset of eating less for so long, it’s hard to readjust my thinking. The other obstacle I’m facing is cutting out sweets. I guess that’s a pretty universal struggle, huh? This week we’ve had so many treats in the office, and while I haven’t indulged like I would have normally, I have snuck a bite or two here and there of some cookies and cake. My goal is to stay on plan throughout the weekend, and to refocus on Monday with cutting out sweets period.
That being said, I feel like I’m off to a pretty good start. I’m really looking forward to seeing results after this month, and I thought I’d share with you my PT results and goals, so you’ll be in the loop on what I’m trying to accomplish!

PT Result: Mile Run: 9:25, Push-Ups: 31, Sit-Ups: 30, Dips: 34

GOALS:
-perfect attendance
-complete all weekend homework
-stick to the meal plan
-run a mile in under 9 minutes
-fit into my bridesmaid’s dress (with a little extra room)

Katie Drew is a camper at our Chastain Park location. She hails from Macon, Georgia and loves celebrity gossip.

Camper Spotlight: Maureen "Mo" DeNieva

Meet Mo, a San Jose boot camper who's spirit and enthusiasm has inspired her campers and so many more through her blog  I'm a Fierce Fat Filipina Diva: A Weight Loss Adventure.  Read below as she talks about her journey with weight, working out and Operation Boot Camp.  

HOW IT STARTED: Growing up my siblings and I were always the heavier kids in the family. Being Filipina-American was difficult because there was always pressure to lose weight. However, my siblings and I turned to food and our outgoing personalities to take us far. When I first started college I was 196 lbs and a size 18. At the end of my freshman year I had gained 47 lbs, which was due to a lot of heavy drinking, late night food runs, and lack of exercise. For the first time in my life I was over 200 lbs. However, I didn’t let my heavy weight get to me because I was popular at school and always had a boyfriend who loved me no matter what size I was.



ROCK BOTTOM: During the first couple of months of my senior year in college I wasn’t sleeping very well. In fact I was sleeping all day, only waking up to go to class and to eat. Being lethargic all the time didn’t cause me worry because I was the typical college student who slept and ate late to study and party. I didn’t worry until I fell asleep at the wheel while driving home from school and almost got into a car accident on the freeway. December 2006 I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. My doctors told me that the reason why I couldn’t breathe at night and was sleepy all that time was because of my severe obesity. I was shocked. I was given a C-PAP machine that I had to use every night to breathe. As a college student and a young woman trying to compete in the dating world a C-PAP machine was not sexy at all.


BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT: I just graduated from college May 2007. In the mail I was sent a photo proof of me receiving my diploma. I couldn’t believe my eyes at how much weight I had gained. I was so startled that I was searching the house of photos of me from the last four years for comparison. During four years away at college I had gained 124 lbs, which placed me at a final weight at 320lbs and size 28. I always was the confident, fun, fat girl, but I knew it was time to be selfish for once and focus on myself and my health.


WHY DID I JOIN OPERATION BOOT CAMP (OBC)?

When I was 320 lbs I joined a gym and hired gym trainer Ronny Varghese (OBC-San Jose Franchise Owner). In a 1 1/2 years I managed to lose almost 96 lbs. However, I was also a full-time MBA graduate student, had a full-time job, was a full-time commuter in my car at least 2 hours a day, and had many family obligations. Long story short in Spring/Summer 2009 I gained almost half of the weight I had originally lost back again and found myself back in my 280s lbs. I joined Operation Boot Camp, because I needed to drastically push my body out of its comfort zone, but in a way where I wouldn't hurt myself or be alone. OBC gives me an extra push other than the traditional setting of a gym. It's been really helpful to participate in boot camp because there is a sense of support and camaraderie in a group setting, especially when it comes to exercise.
My favorite OBC Memory:
"THE PYRAMID." The Pyramid consisted of 110 reps each of squats, push-ups, sit-ups, dips, leg-raisers, etc. with running in between. I remember I was so hot in my sweats that when I took off my hoodie hot steam was escaping from my body. UGH. It was totally intense like the circus. I think the best part about boot camp other than the professional guidance from staff and support from other participants is the fact that we always meet no matter what RAIN or SHINE. 


How OBC Changed My Life: I started OBC in April 2009. This April marks my 1 year anniversary with OBC. Below are the changes by facts and figures...
SPRING/SUMMER 2009

• I started OBC almost at 283 lbs. 
• PT mile time: 16 minutes and 45 seconds
• PT sit-ups: 15
• PT facilitated push-ups: 14
• PT facilitated dips: 10

WINTER/SPRING 2010

• April 2010: 243 lbs.
• best overall PT mile time: 12 minutes and 17 seconds
• PT sit-ups: 24
• PT facilitated push-ups: 24
• PT facilitated dips: 23

I started running ONLY because of the running addiction I gained from Operation Boot Camp.I started running competitively in May 2009. Since my first 5K race & with the support from my friends at OBC I never looked back...

• May 2009: 5K Marin Human Race 
• August 2009: 5K San Francisco Plate to Plate Race
• September 2009: 5K Bubba Gump Co. Race at Great America
• October 2009: San Jose Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon (13.1 miles) (w/ OBC members)
• November 2009: 10K Silicon Valley Turkey Trot (w/ OBC members)
• January 2010: 5K Fremont Run for the Homeless
• February 2010: 10K Campbell Valentine's Day Run
• March 2010: Los Angeles Marathon on my 25th birthday & met Sean Astin (26.2 miles)
• April 2010: Santa Cruz 10K and 1/2 Marathon (did the 10K)
• Currently training for the Nike Women's Full Marathon in San Francisco, CA

Blogging for Accountability: "I'm a Fierce Fat Filipina Diva: A Weight Loss Adventure"
I started keeping a blog for public accountability. In college I gained so much weight in 4 years and in 1 1/2 years I lost almost 75% of it and got rid of my sleep apnea, but I relapsed and plateaued and almost started at square one in almost 6 months. I needed a change. I needed support. I needed accountability. I needed motivation. That's why I started a blog. Since I started my blog in May 2009 I gained a new description from friends, family, the on-line weight loss community, and even strangers: "You are an inspiration." Inspiration is a very powerful word and people were using it left and right to describe me and my weight loss journey. Friends and family have gotten off their couches and have started taking steps to a healthier lifestyle because of my journey. I realized with every pound I lose and every mile I run, someone is always watching and will become motivated to do it for themselves. As for future goals, I am working to reach 145 lbs and 22% body fat, run an 8 minute mile, and run the Nike Women's Full Marathon in 6 1/2 hours. 
Finally, I have to say though that a lot of the reasons why I broke through my plateau and weight gain was the love and support I received from my instructors and fellow campers at OBC. They are my inspiration to do MORE. In fact 4 of our instructors were former campers themselves, but through several months of camp their bodies and mindsets changed and now they motivate other campers like myself. I specifically want to also say that OBC is for every type of person (including those who have never ran a mile in years). Nobody feels like they are last. I might be the last runner coming into the finish line, but I am greeted with a crowd of my biggest supporters--my OBC family.  

Camper P.O.V.

Welcome to our Camper P.O.V. series.  We'll be following a camper's journey through one of our many locations.  Check back weekly for updates on their goals, successes and challenges.  

Week 4: All in a Month!

The month of April has come to an end, another month of boot camp comes to a close. 

This morning brought a great feeling of accomplishment as I reflect back on the goals I set out to reach this month. After weeks of running, sweating and having my "comfort zone" be pushed beyond belief, this month of boot camp is over but my healthy habits have just begun!

My PT test this morning was a great end to the month and I am excited to say that I knocked :26 seconds off my mile time with a finish time of 7:47! While in relative terms :26 seconds doesn't seem like a lot, in these terms it is such a great feeling of accomplishment. I look and feel stronger, leaner and have a renewed confidence that I can pretty much do anything I set my mind to (including run up some steep, steep hills!)

My nutrition goals also got me to a great new point in eating - where I am refocused on healthy eating. Last weekend I planted a vegetable garden in the back yard, I've decreased my caffeine intake by 2/3 what I was drinking before and dropped the bad choices that I didn't really realize I was making. I can definitely tell a difference in my metabolism by eating smaller portions more often.

You can take a peek at my benchmarks & goals below, as I look forward to setting new goals next month.

I am happy to report that Spring is here, Chastain Park is lovelier than ever and I've made 20 or so new friends in the process of getting in shape. Oh, and my dress fitting yesterday made it all worthwhile - a perfect fit as I'm t-minus one month til my wedding. So glad Operation Boot Camp was there to help me reach this goal!

Goals:

- Perfect attendance (Nearly perfect, excluding some work interference, but did homework on my own those days)

- Weekend homework (Still need to work on & schedule into my days off of BC)

- Stick to a strict red book plan all month (YES! Had a few mishaps + a bachelorette party in the mix, but all-in-all success)

- Drink more water (Still need to focus on, but have increased)

- Drink less caffeine (Decreased by 2/3)

- Decrease my mile time to 7:30 (Mile  from 8:13 to 7:47)

- Fit into my wedding dress!! (Success!)

Ashley is a camper at OBC's Chastain Park location.  She loves boot camp, her dog Kona, and her awesome fiancé Shane.

From The Official Operation Boot Camp Blog