The first real day

Wow, what a day.  Right now it is 7pm local time and after I finish this post, I am going to bed.  Yes, I am that tired.  Last night the main focus was on taking care of our feet on the hikes so we won't get blisters.  It was recommended that we put duct tape on our heels and wear two socks, or special anti-blister socks called Wright Socks.  

I put duct tape on my heels, and had Wright Socks on, so I thought there would't be a problem.  I was wrong, after close to 3 hours of hiking this morning, guess who developed a small blister on his right foot? That's right, this guy (with two thumbs pointing at myself).   Aside from this, the hiking went well.  I was amazed at how fast 3 hours goes by.  The hills around Malibu are incredible.  I forgot my camera today, so tomorrow I'll take pictures.

For those who watch the Biggest Loser show, do you remember Sam from Season 9?  Well, it turns out that he works here now as a trainer.  He looks the same as he did when he left the show.  I was having a conversation with him and like most people, he asked how long I was going to be here.  My response was 8 weeks and he said this is great because we'll get to know each other well.  This was the surprise of the day.  For those that don't know Sam, I'd recommend that you google the Biggest Loser Season 9 and look for Sam.

Lunch was a bean burrito and carrot soup.  I did have my iPhone with me for lunch because I needed the calculator app for a class after lunch, so I took a picture of the carrot soup.

It really didn't taste that bad and was alright after it cooled down.  I finished the entire soup.  Don't believe me, then here is the after photo.

The afternoon was group classes - today was core training, water aerobics, and circuit training.  When I hear the word water aerobics, I think of a boring class consisting of old people with hair caps like swimmers wear and a nose clamp so they won't get water in their nose.  Today's class was nothing like that.

Overall, it was great to get through the first day.  I now know what to expect on the hikes and I know that I have enough energy to make it through the day.  If I can prevent blisters, I think I'll enjoy the hikes.  Today addressed most of my concerns and I know that I can make it through the 8 weeks.  Seeing Sam was a surprise and it is encouraging to be with someone that I saw on television go through the same thing I am going through.  

Closing thoughts for the day: One of the trainers had a good quote today - "Although no one can go back and create a brand new start, anyone can start now and create a brand new end."  For me, my closing thought isn't as articulate - To be here 8 weeks is a big commitment and I had several concerns about my ability to complete the program.  Today the concerns were laid to rest and I am looking forward to the next 55 days.