Settings for self timer so it refocuses on D7000

I searched and I couldn't find answers that did not involve the remote. I want to start the timer without focusing first since there is nothing to focus as I am not in the frame yet. If that's not possible, I want it to keep refocusing during the timer count down. I tried a lot of different settings and no luck. The manual seems to indicate that the only way is to use the remote. It seems kind of silly that the camera will not refocus during count down. My Canon S95 did not have this problem with self timer. So is it possible or do I need to get the remote? Thanks!