Elevation Training Part 2

This afternoon and evening were awesome. I made lots of new Camp Rhino friends. We enjoyed a relaxing BBQ lunch and planned out revisions to the morning obstacle course. Next, we tackled the task of building obstacles and marking a trail through the forest.

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After a long day, we came back for hot showers, hammock time, and dinner. I loved that dinner was a huge family meal! And I felt very blessed to be the one to pray over our meal. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be here this weekend with such nice people and beautiful surroundings.

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Elevation Training Part 1

Just got back from the first part of today’s adventure! First we took a ride down a dirt road in the bed of a pickup truck.

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We got to a beautiful trailhead!

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We hiked to a pond and caught a snake.

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Then we built a fort out of logs and stones (photo to come…) and learned to eat dandelions and ants for survival ;)

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After a jog through the forest, we had a workout consisting of push-ups, jumping jacks, Russian twists, and sprints up a hill.

We hiked back out and rode the pickup to the lodge… Almost. Just when I thought it was over, we started on a follow the leader obstacle course set up in the forest!

We ran up and over and under logs, up a net, up a rope (!!! First time ever !!!), up a hill with logs, and flipped some tractor tires. Finally it’s time for lunch!

Maybe we’ll get some horseback riding in!

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Yurt in for a treat!

I’ve decided that Colby and I are definitely coming back here for a relaxing weekend trip!

Check out these sweet yurts (tents).

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And the rooms are gorgeous too- just like a model home! The owner has put almost a million dollars into renovating Summit Mountain Lodge over the past 6 months. The outcome is a stunning fitness destination resort!

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Enough relaxing already! It’s time for some bootcamp tough training with Camp Rhino! Up next are a few hours of mystery adventure followed by picnic lunch (I’ll show you pictures) and then more adventures!

Scramble with zucchini and sausage

Good morning, mountain paradise! This place is unbelievable.

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Can you imagine a more stunning view with breakfast?

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Everyone was cooking up a storm this morning.

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They made a huge batch of eggs and bacon.

I’d like to share a recipe for this delicious sugar detox mountain breakfast with you:

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1. Sauté sliced zucchini and chicken sausage in a bit of olive oil. Set aside once golden.

2. In the same pan, scramble eggs to absorb the flavor from the sausage and veggies.

3. Serve with paleo toast and sharp cheddar cheese.

How to travel on a sugar detox

During this mystery trip, several people are assigned to cook each meal. I feel a little embarrassed bringing some of my own food and snacks for the sugar detox, but I think it will help my performance in the training tomorrow. I don’t want to waste 5 good days of sugar detox, either! Here’s what I brought:

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Green apples, chicken sausage, veggies, string cheese, pumpkin seeds, almonds, eggs, more veggies, And paleo bread for breakfast sandwiches.

This evening was my first major craving challenge… Pizza!!! SO MUCH PIZZA. And that happens to be my favorite food.

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Guess what, though? I stayed strong and had some chicken and asparagus instead. It was hard to pass up the pizza, but I’ll be happy about it tomorrow.

I’m also really glad that my bunk mate, Carrie, brought her vitamix along! I’ll definitely be having a green smoothie with breakfast before our grueling workout.

So far I hear rumors that we will be doing an 8 hour long workout and eating some MRE’s along the way. Good thing I packed snacks.

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The Real World: Brian Head

I’m here at the Summit Mountain Lodge with 14 other “victims” of torture that begins tomorrow at noon. We have no idea what to expect, but we’re excited! Check out the sweet lodge we’re staying at:

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Sauna, bathrooms, and showers!

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How AWESOME!
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Last minute crazy decision

Guess what? I’m on my way to Brian Head, Utah for a crazy bootcamp fitness adventure! I signed up for this elevation training weekend excursion yesterday, spur of the moment. I didn’t have time to think it through since I signed up on a last minute deal, but I am so excited!! And freaking out! I have no idea what I’m getting myself into.

Check out our carpool:

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It’s almost like we’re going on a trip to take a picnic:

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Can’t wait to show and tell you more about it when I get there!

Broccoli Noodles

If you love noodles but are avoiding starchy foods, I have the perfect swap for you! Trader Joe’s sells organic broccoli slaw in their produce section for about a dollar a bag! The shredded broccoli stalks resemble noodles:

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I’ve been trying to think of good substitutes for pastas. While spaghetti squash is the most obvious choice, long shreds of broccoli stalks and strings of zucchini sounded good too.

This recipe imparts a chow mein like flavor and texture to the broccoli:

1. Sauté 1 tsp garlic in 1 tbs olive oil.
Add the broccoli slaw and continue to sauté until it begins to soften.

2. Add a splash of chicken stock,
reduce heat, and cover to steam for about 5 mins.

3. Once the “noodles” have reached desired doneness, season with coconut aminos (or soy sauce), salt, and pepper.

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Cucumber Radish Apple Salad

I made this salad for a potluck last week. It’s very refreshing for the summer! The cucumbers are juicy, the radishes are spicy, and the green apples are tart and sweet.

1. Start by thinly slicing 1/2 an English cucumber, 1 green apple, and a handful of radishes. I used a mandolin slicer, but a food processor would get the job done faster.

2. Combine in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine 1 tbs honey, 1 tbs olive oil, and 2 tbs lime juice. Mix with 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint. Toss the salad with dressing and enjoy!

Today I tried to recreate the salad using a different dressing for my sugar detox. Unfortunately, the white wine vinegar, mustard, and garlic called for in my dressing recipe ruined the beautiful flavor of this salad. I’d recommend sticking to the honey, lime, and mint combo!

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