Ottawa’s Adventure Boot Camp Improving health, fitness and state of mind BY CATHY BROWN
THE PHONE RINGS and it’s the publisher of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. He breaks the news: “You’re going to Ottawa’s Adventure Boot Camp.” You’d like me to go to boot camp, I ask? OK, so maybe I’d been whining a bit about my lack of motivation and a few extra pounds that had crept up on me. More importantly, I had been talking about getting back into shape so I could enjoy Ottawa’s awesome winter activities. Getting a head start with dry-land training before the skating, skiing and snowshoeing began sounded good to me. I pictured Demi Moore in G.I. Jane. Her head shaved in defiance, posterior rising and lowering as she completed chin-up after chin-up. “Sure, that sounds fantastic,” I say into the phone, hoping I sound confident. Boot Camp would start at a gymnasium, at 5:30 a.m. Monday to Friday for four weeks. On the eve of my first day, I woke throughout the night afraid I’d not hear the alarm. When I did sleep, there was a recurring nightmare of a drill sergeant yelling for me to drop and give him 20, as I tried to remember when was the last time I did 20 push-ups for anybody.
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04:30: I crawl out from underneath my duvet to the bewildered look on my dogs’ faces. I’m wondering, “What the heck have I gotten myself into?” 05:00: Into the car and off into the darkness. 05:30: “Good morning!” says our smiling new drill sergeant, Rob Harris. “Start walking around the gym.” And we did, a group of average Janes: teacher, government worker, property manager, stay-at-home mom, high school student, dairy farmer, cop, dog trainer and military personnel. Some of us trying to wake up, all a little
nervous, not knowing what to expect. We were called into a circle in the middle of the gym and introduced to Rob’s partner of 25 years, Joanne. They led us through some stretches as Rob explained what was expected. Let’s see if I can remember the main rules: } Smile and enjoy yourself. } Keep moving, even if it’s just a walk. } Anyone who complains or swears owes the group 10 push-ups. } If it hurts, stop and be sure to tell Rob or Joanne about it. } Take care of yourself. We shared thoughts on what brought
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