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Starting P90X, I was coming out of a 10 year hiatus from the fitness world. Truly, I had not engaged in any form of exercise for over a decade. After the birth of my third child I was struggling with the fat as much as the lack of energy. I was embarrassed that I had become what was in my mind, a frumpy woman. I felt frustrated that I could no longer wear clothes that reflected my style, I had

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Starting P90X, I was coming out of a 10 year hiatus from the fitness world. Truly, I had not engaged in any form of exercise for over a decade. After the birth of my third child I was struggling with the fat as much as the lack of energy. I was embarrassed that I had become what was in my mind, a frumpy woman. I felt frustrated that I could no longer wear clothes that reflected my style, I had to play it safe in order to camouflage my unflattering figure. It was depressing because I didn't know how to change all of that either.
Doing the P90X fit test delivered a major blow ... that my heart rate was worse than my mother who is in her 60s. This made sense, considering I was so wimpy I'd wait longer to find a parking space closer to the door so I wouldn't have to walk across the parking lot...
One other thing became apparent: I was weak. This too made sense as I used to think my double stroller was heavy...
The first few weeks of P90X, I could barely get out of bed and climb the flights of stairs without cursing. It felt quite dismal that I could barely survive the workouts. Truthfully, I had to literally psyche myself up for each Plyometrics and YogaX day.
Miraculously, I noticed my body adapting, and increased reps were possible. Slowly, I begin to see visible results! I was losing fat around my waist line, and was able to go down a dress size!! I also realize that despite losing some fat, I still had a lot more to lose! Plus, I was still barely able to keep up with the workouts. At this point, I truly understood that I had my work cut out for me, and this was a new journey. It was no longer a matter of trying to survive the workouts, I had to push harder and get better results.

Around this time, I received shocking news that my uncle in Sacramento had stage 4 cancer and needed to start treatment immediately. Because I lived 8 hours away, I was only able to help as his translator over the phone. I spoke to his doctors, nurses, and pharmacists daily. The more I learned of his battle and suffering, the more I felt compelled to live my life to the fullest. I realized how sedentary my life was up until I started P90X, and how lackadaisical I'd been about my good health. I wanted to push my mind and body harder, and the more I did so, the better I continued to adapt. I felt in my heart, that I owed it to my uncle to try my best. I offered prayers and comfort but I should have told him how I admired his spirit in fighting so bravely. He was my inspiration.

One morning I decided to start walking up the hills in my neighborhood. Why was this such a big hurdle? Because I had never been an athletic person; and always thought of all those amazing individuals I saw running, walking or riding up those hills were of a different sort of human beings. In my mind they had an ability that I never thought existed in me. As the days went by, I challenged myself to walk further and further. I humbly knew in my heart that it was really a small hurdle compared to what my uncle was facing. The harder I pushed the more alive I felt each morning.

Feeling alive! That brings back memories of when I was injured in an auto collision as a pedestrian! I swore then that I'd make each day count and never forget how hard I had to fight to recover and rehabilitate. Taking that first step on my own again. Being able to hold a glass of water without feeling exhausted. Vivid memories of the pain it took to regain mobility and independence. Yet somehow, as the years passed, I'd let myself slide into a devastating state of weakness again. So P90X was a very real wake up call and reminder to live my life at my best!

Naturally, the morning walks combined with my P90X workouts at night help accelerate my results. I lost more fat and was able to get back into my pre-baby clothes. Wow! It had only seemed like a distant dream at one point. Over time, my morning routine became 2 hour hikes. Not satisfied with hiking, I decided to "try" jogging. It was a rough start, but over time and with a lot of determination my jogging improved! This may be of no significance to many, but it was groundbreaking for me. I could never run all my life. Didn't have the stamina, strength, whatever! I even started doing backcountry hiking and camping with my family. The wimpy old me would have never considered such activities. Yet there I was hiking at least 8-10 miles and tent camping at Yosemite in 20 degree, amidst a snow storm. I'd proudly think to myself: "And it's all because of P90X!"
It's true... strong body, strong mind, and strong spirit. They all go hand in hand. I was amazed. I used to admire the beauty of the wilderness but never considered it possible for me to be an outdoors person. Looking back, I missed out on so much fun, since I didn't consider those type of physical activities possible for me as a young woman... but that's all changing now : ) I clearly remember a big group of friends going on a whitewater rafting trip in high school ... and I skipped it because I couldn't see myself doing it, surviving it etc. etc.

I realized how powerfully P90X had changed my life when I hiked up to Angel's Landing at Zion National Park with temperatures in the 90s. Recently, I accomplished what was supposed to be a long term goal of Mt. Whitney summit. I got the idea from friends who are seasoned backpackers and mountaineers. Hearing that Mt. Whitney permits were hard to come by, I applied with expectations of a denial. Lo and behold, I received my permit within two weeks! It wasn't exactly my game plan.. So reality sunk in- I had less than 6 weeks to train, as opposed to the year goal I'd originally committed to. While doing training hikes, I'd reminded myself: Do Your Best and Forget The Rest! So cool to know that I made it to the summit of Mt. Whitney : ) So exciting!! Anything is possible when you set goals and train hard.

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