In July, 2005, I discovered Linda’s Extreme Boot Camp™ in La Canada, and figured I’d give it a try. Having been athletic when I was younger, I thought it would be a good way to get back into exercise. Little did I know that it would change my life completely around.

I was nervous, not knowing anyone when I first showed up. But, I soon began to see that I was certainly not alone in my goals. Getting started was the hardest part, but I soon realized that being up at 5am and being with a large group of people was FUN. I started to get results. The trainers pushed us as hard as we would let them, always feeling controlled, and safe from reckless injury. In my first Boot Camp, I lost 17 lbs, and reached my goal weight and fitness level. I enjoyed it. Since then, I have kept it up for every 6 week session.

During this past year, I saw several people come through Boot Camp with the goal of running a marathon. Having grown up in a family with two older siblings who have run NY and Boston several times, I never really seriously thought I could ever participate in one, much less finish. However, I made a goal for myself, and said that I would try to run a marathon in my 50th year. I used Boot Camp, and a serious training regimen for 4 months to get ready for the race. I surrounded myself with people who supported me, good smart training, and the experience of Boot Camp to keep me going, I ran the LA Marathon this past March, and finished. When the going got tough at mile 22, and my legs seized up in cramps, all I could think about was Michigan Hill, and the uphill LUNGES we do over and over again. And THAT kept me going forward one foot in front of the other, until I got my last wind at mile 25. It was an incredible experience, and one I will never forget.

Being back at Boot Camp now, I am inclined to work towards the SHORTER races! But, it is something that meant a lot to me, and I thank Linda, and all the trainers and friends for helping me.