Between the BLs (Biggest Loser) Summer Challenge 2010 Part 1

[happysmyly]

Greetings Losers and Maintainers!
I'm Liz - 46, married with no kidlets (sometimes things just don't work the way they're supposed to). I work at home--training medical office software. I live in the middle of nowhere on 10 acres of sagebrush. DH teaches Jr High.
This is my 2nd BL challenge--last time I lost 38.5 lbs--gained a bit of that back this week as it's been an icky stress week--DH didn't get the jobs so we are going to be staying here, he's decided to stay in this 'challenging' place until he retires--so he's 'needed' lots of 'comfort' food this week--he's heavier than me so we're both planning to work this week to lose
I have just a little less than 100 total to lose still... so I'm planning to be part of the next several challenges This challenge my goal is 25 lbs - totally doable for me with so much still to lose

Welcome to all of you who are new to the challenges--this is THE best group of people you'll 'meet' online no flaming words here - it's a great place to come hang out for a bit... It took me a while til I was 'brave' enough to stop lurking and answer questions--and I hope you will all just jump right in and become a part of it all--sharing your good times, great ideas and harder times as well--we're here!!

Looking forward to this being a losing summer for most of us--and maintaining for a few--and hopefully not too many will see gains overall. Thanks for being a part of this--you're the best!!!

Liz

Shelby--I have to say - I LOVE the quote in your siggie--it's one of my all time favorite lines ever!

 

[maiziezoe]

Hi Ann! Are you teasing us by not answering the QOTD? Or you just don't feel like sharing today?!?

I'm here my pretty!! Just moving slow today!!

Oh my goodness... I just noticed my kids are playing swords with FORKS! Momma better leave the computer now.

 

[Dahly]

everything[/U]! I love the tortoise in your avatar -- is it your pet?

My son wishes it was his! It is actually a Galapagos Tortoise (probably around 500 lbs!) ...we did an Adventures by Disney trip last July and got thisclose to the tortoises..DS12 was in HEAVEN..he wants to be a be a herpetologist...we have one small tortoise and one water turtle at home now.

Speaking of Adventures by Disney...my 'BIG' reward for myself is the Italy trip next year for our 15th anniversary, but I am not willing to do it at the weight I am at now..as much as I loved our trip last year, I missed out on a few things because I just simply couldn't walk as far as the group was going to....so this challenge is coming at a great time! I want to be able to walk all over Rome and Florence without having to stop and take too many rest breaks.

Dahly

 

[mommyof2Pirates]

Great job for all of you that lost so much weight and are making such great life changes. All your stories are so inspiring to read.

N&B's mom- I so can relate to your story. I never was really overweight until after children. Since then its been so crazy with working and keeping up with them that we have gotten to be fast food junkies. I really could not believe some of the pictures of me. Even now when I picture myself in my mind I am thin and "young looking" I often have said I am a me stuck in someone elses body. I have had a hard time being motivated to finally get all the weight off. This time I feel like I am ready. I am hoping it boosts my self esteem again and makes me feel like the person I really am.

 

[jennz]

Here's a picture from the bridge at WL before we went to Narcoosee's for dinner for our anniversary. (I am shiny in all the pictures from all the sunscreen I gooped on!)

We had a great time! The second picture is at Whispering Canyon for breakfast. I had trouble getting enough protein, so I had scrambled eggs twice.

Oh--and we didn't just eat on this trip, I just liked these pictures!

I love these pics - you both look so happy!!! And skinny!

Jennz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

maiziezoe back at ya my friend!!

My son wishes it was his! It is actually a Galapagos Tortoise (probably around 500 lbs!) ...we did an Adventures by Disney trip last July and got thisclose to the tortoises..DS12 was in HEAVEN..he wants to be a be a herpetologist...we have one small tortoise and one water turtle at home now.

Speaking of Adventures by Disney...my 'BIG' reward for myself is the Italy trip next year for our 15th anniversary, but I am not willing to do it at the weight I am at now..as much as I loved our trip last year, I missed out on a few things because I just simply couldn't walk as far as the group was going to....so this challenge is coming at a great time! I want to be able to walk all over Rome and Florence without having to stop and take too many rest breaks.

Dahly

Oooh what an awesome reward!!! That will be fabulous!!

Such a great day - dd has some friends over and they're slip and sliding and dancing out back...they put a smile on my face,what great friends she has! I don't think they've stopped in the past 4 hours that's why they eat doritos and I don't!

 

[uptown_girl44]

Hi Vanessa! What did you do for the CP?

This past semester I worked at the auto plaza at MK. I was the one that everyone had to stop everyone and either make you pay for parking or show me your annual pass or resort paper if you didn't have to pay. Fall semester I had probably the most magical job at WDW. I was a Fairy Godmother In Training at the BBB at DTD. I loved it!! My very first CP was in Fall 2007. I worked at the World of Disney, which was definatly the most interesting of my cp's.

I tried to get the quote thing to work, but I can't get it to...

 

[flipflopmom]

Hey everyone! I'm Taryn (Karen with a T), 34, married for 13.5 years. We have 2 DD's. Oldest is 10, a competitive gymnast (STATE BEAM CHAMP!), and we had to have fertility drugs to get her. Youngest is the SURPRISE we were told we'd never have, 3.5, a certified goofball. She keeps us, and herself, in stitches (literally, she's a clutz). Been on Dis for a year and half, went to WDW last year for our "once in a lifetime with kids trip", came home, bought DVC, and will be back in 23 DAYS!!! I'm a Kindergarten teacher, working on my master's degree, drive oldest to gym 3 days a week, 45 minutes each way. I am very close to my parents, and lost my Daddy in September. I mention that, because it comes up often in my posts. I am the quintessential Daddy's girl, and some days are soooo hard.

As for this journey, I have always been "chunky". I lost weight after DD1, then gained it back. Did Atkins and lost 60 lbs, gained back 40 in the time since, with help from DD2. I decided after a dr's trip on Jan. 18th that I was NOT going to do this anymore. Started Couch to 5K, became a runner. (Aren't you proud I said that?) I now run 5K distance 3 times a week, sometimes with a 5 miler thrown in. I do Jillian's no more trouble zones for strength 3 days a week.

Since that fateful dr. visit, I've LOST 50 POUNDS!!!!!!!!! I now weigh less than I did when I graduated high school. Sadly enough, I have about 20 more to go. OR somewhere abouts. I'll know it when I see it! I am only setting my goal as 10 for this challenge, because we are doing Deluxe dining on our trip, so I will probably gain 10 that week, and it will really be 20!

Looking forward to meeting new friends, and hanging out with some of the greatest people ever I met doing the last challenge. Seriously. I love you guys!

Oh yeah, I tend to write books instead of posts.

 

[tigger813]

SO glad to see so many familiar faces from the last challenge and just as excited to see all the new people joining us!

This is truly a great group of people with a lot to share. Remember that you are not on this journey alone, we are all here with you to support you and lend our 2 cents! I couldn't have gotten this far without all of these wonderful people! I started the journey on my own and lost 20 before finding this group. I have now lost over 45 so you can see how valuable this group can be! I post several times a day and share both my good days and my bad!

For those new to the challenge, I am known as the Energizer Bunny as once I get going I don't stop! I have taken this past week slowly to regain my strength and energy for this new challenge.

I will start this challenge tomorrow with a 2-3 mile walk with my neighbor who also loves Disney!

Well, it's almost time to get ready for DD1s 4th grade concert. She's really excited about it and has practicing her song a lot lately.

Have a good night. I'll probably hop back on later, if not, I'll be back in the morning!

 

[LuvBaloo]

Thanks Lisa for being our organizer and our first coach of the summer challenge!
Time for me to jump in and answer the QOTD:
I'm Shannon, happily married (next month will be the 20th anniversary of our first kiss) with 2 DD's (8 and 5). I work full time in an industrial plant as the lab supervisor. I enjoy my paycheque, but really would like to switch to something in a cleaner atmosphere.
I a happy western Canadian, and love to vacation! DH & I have done road trips to WDW and DL without kids, and to DL with kids. So far we've done a 4night and 15night Disney Cruises, and in the planning stages for cruising again next year when the ship comes to our home province!
I started my weight loss journey in Jan 2009 with BL6 here on the Dis. The first 20lbs were easy, and fell off in 5 months. The next 9 months the scale didn't really move, but the inches did, and in the last few months nothing has moved.
This week I gave myself a stern talking too, and finally realized that I have to deal with all of life's stress and the big picture, and be happier, and then the weight will start moving again.
So I'm sticking to a new plan to release stress, and am feeling very positive. Its funny but I'm going back to all the things I started doing to handle stress back when I was 12.

I'm also the WeightKeeper! This is my 4th time as Weightkeeper, and its been fun to be a participant in everybody's journeys
On an official note:
If you have any question about the numbers please ask. If there's something you'd like to see in the weekly reports, just ask. (I never promise to deliver, but I promise to consider!)
Starting weights are due tomorrow, and there will be some kind of starting report coming out next Tuesday.
I often don't get to things until the evening after the kids are in bed, so its often late Tuesday before results are posted.

I spent an hour and a half sewing Brownie badges on last night, and got some laundry done and its worth it to see my DD8yo's happy face looking at her Brownie uniform ready for the Advancement ceremony tonight. DD is very excited that my mom has decided to drive down (120km/65miles) to see it.

 

[keenercam]

Hi, everyone! There are lots of familiar WISHers here and some of you might know me from my long-running WISH journal. I am 46 and have been married for more than 25 years. DD almost 22 attends college about 30 minutes away and visits home often. DSalmost 17 is a junior in high school. DH is a fantastic guy who loves me just the way I am but is always supportive and proud of my 'working hard to get and stay healthy' efforts.

I lost 70 pounds starting a little over 5 years ago after a 4th heart surgery gave me a new lease on life. I joined the WISH Disney running team and have completed 2 full marathons and 4 half marathons. Last July I hurt my knee during a 2 hour training run/walk and have been struggling mightily with weight gain since then. I had plenty still to lose before the injury, but at least my 5-7x/week workouts helped compensate for my bad eating habits. Unfortunately, in the past 10 months I've gained back more than 20 of those 70 pounds I'd lost. I had pretty serious knee surgery this past Monday and am looking forward to healing and getting back into a workout routine. Right now, I'm stuck in bed or a wheelchair with no weightbearing for a couple weeks and then only with crutches for a while. In the interim, I am working on re-learning all of the good eating habits that helped me lose all that weight and keep most of it off.

Looking forward to sharing the journey with all of you! If there's anything I've learned on my journey, it's that WISHers are among the kindest, most supportive and non-judgmental people in the world.

 

[jenanderson]

Hello Everyone! I love seeing so many of my old friends here and I am totally looking forward to getting to know all the new people as well.

Thursday QOTD: Tell us a little about yourself and your goals for this challenge.

Hi! My name is Jen and I am so excited for this new challenge to begin. I am currently a 4th grade teacher but will be unemployed in 2 weeks so this is a bit stressful for me. I have been married to my very supportive DH (who is also a teacher) and we have 2 kids...DD who is 14 and DS who is 10. In the summer, we work but also try to get to our lake place as much as possible (no internet there so expect me to "disappear" for most weekends).

I have been on the DIS for many years but just started on the WISH in January. I joined the BL9 feeling totally horrible about myself. I was not sure how I had gotten to the point where I was but was determined to try and do something about the situation. I was inspired by Jude (jbm02) as she asked me to run the Princess with her and told me about the challenge. Here I was...totally out of shape, not a runner and way over weight but she still asked me to run with her. Whether she recognizes it or not, Jude made me feel like maybe I could do it. I started with diet and took every bit of advice I could get from people on the BL9 thread. I started the C25K program - fought and cried my way through the start of the program. Fast forward to the end of the challenge (believe me, the whole middle was filled with ups and downs, personal battles with myself, etc)...wow, life has changed! Here are some of the highlights:

1. I lost 35.5 pounds and came in 3rd for BL9!
2. I AM A RUNNER! I am running my 1st 1/2 marathon on June 6th.
3. I went from a size 14 (maybe really a 16) to a size 8.
4. My blood sugars are back to normal range (I have been borderline diabetic for ages).
5. I like what I see when look in the mirror and feel so much more confident.

My goals for this challenge...I am not totally sure. I am thinking 15 more pounds but am not sure. It is difficult because I am at a point where the pounds are leaving so slowly and I might not make it. I am still struggling to learn how to balance my total starvation after long runs with the reality of dieting!

Alright, I have written a book and you now know more then you probably wanted to about me! One last thing...I am running the COW for this challenge. I felt that after all I had gotten out of the challenges that I needed to give back. I will be posting the information for the COW in a few minutes!

Live happy and healthy everyone!
Jen

 

[N&B'smom]

Liz - I'm glad you like the quote....it is my favorite and oh so true!

mommyof2Pirates - That's exactly how I feel, like I'm trapped inside someone else's body. Not for long! This will be so much better since we have one another to help us along!!!

 

[jenanderson]

Welcome to our Challenge of the Week (COW)!

Please know that you do not have to participate but the COW is here to help you build good habits and have fun as you focus on your health and fitness for the challenge.

It is summertime and that means it might be time to mix it up a bit with our Challenge of the Week (COW)! Here is how our new COW will work.

PART ONE: The first part of the COW will be based off the wonderful work of Donac who taught me that if I do something for 30 days, it will become a habit. Each week I will post two to four habit suggestions for you and at the end of the week, you report your points to me.

NEW and EXCITING: If you report your points, you will be eligible for wonderful prizes! I will randomly select one person each week to win a fabulous prize (maybe not fabulous but it will at least be a bit fun)!

PART TWO: The second part of the COW will be a fun task for you to complete during the week and then post about your experience here on our thread. Again, there will be FUN and FABULOUS prizes (for one randomly selected poster each week).

COW 1

PART ONE
Drink 6-8 oz of water each day (1 point for each day) ( 1 cup of coffee or tea counts)
Eat 2 vegetables each day (1 point for each day)

When you send me your points please post your total in your RE and then in the main part of the pm list your points as follows:

XX days drinking water
XX eating 2 veggies

This challenge runs from Friday May 28, 2010 to Thursday June 3, 2010. On Friday June 4, 2010 pm me your points for the week. The COW results will be posted the same day the weekly totals are posted.

PART TWO
To help establish the habit of drinking your 6-8 oz of water each day, your challenge for this week is to find a cup, glass, mug, bottle…whatever….that will inspired you and make you feel happy each day! No need to send me a PM of what you found. Instead, post at any time this week about what is inspiring you to drink your water! Can't wait to hear about all the fun cups, mugs, bottles, etc!

Here's to a happy and healthy week!
Jen

 

[tigger813]

Well, Jen, you've inspired me to do the COW again! Prizes! WOOHOO! I already have the cup! The water thing will easily work for me. The veggies are a little more difficult for me as I can't seem to keep them fresh enough in my house.

OK, now to drink some of that water to get me going.

We had a frozen pizza for supper and now I'm EXTREMELY thirsty. I already broke my no alcohol during the week rule and had a Watermelon Smirnoff Ice! Now, I will return to the BLESSED WATER!

Thanks for doing the COW!

 

[jenanderson]

Well, Jen, you've inspired me to do the COW again! Prizes! WOOHOO! I already have the cup! The water thing will easily work for me. The veggies are a little more difficult for me as I can't seem to keep them fresh enough in my house.

OK, now to drink some of that water to get me going.

We had a frozen pizza for supper and now I'm EXTREMELY thirsty. I already broke my no alcohol during the week rule and had a Watermelon Smirnoff Ice! Now, I will return to the BLESSED WATER!

Thanks for doing the COW!

I am glad you are inspired! A little bribery always works wonders! Wait until you see the prizes...you will want to win!!!!

I am excited to do the COW and hope we all build great habits as well as have fun.

 

[pinkle]

Hola peeps!!

Lisa - thank you, thank you, thank you for starting this again.

Thursday QOTD: Tell us a little about yourself and your goals for this challenge.


I'm Ann and I am 42 years young (Oprah told me to say that... well, she didn't tell me per se, she told America... and other countries I'm only doing what Oprah says). I am married for the second time and I have 4 kids (almost 22, 13, 5 and 3) and a stepdaughter who we see on the weekends (sometimes). I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2000.

I was thin my entire life (ran, took dance for years and years and years, etc.) until I got pregnant in 2004. Between April 2004, when I found out I was pregnant with my son, and February 2007 when I had my daughter, I had two babies and 4 miscarriages. I was on bed-rest for almost 3 straight years and I ate for two, sometimes three. I gained a LOT of weight. After my daughter was born, I nursed for 14 months and gained even more weight. My weight never bothered me because my husband still thought I was sexy and my kids didn't care what I weighed.

Fast forward to Christmas day 2009... just 5 short months ago. I saw a picture of myself and was quite surprised at how heavy I was. That was the day I decided to change. Since that day I have lost 47.1 pounds.

I came in second place in the Biggest Loser 9 Challenge (where is that tag fairy??? ) with a loss of 41.7 pounds. I run 5k (or more) 6/7 times a week and I watch everything I eat. My new lifestyle has had it's benefits for my hubby too... he's lost 43 pounds since January. And he doesn't exercise!

My goal for this challenge is going to be 25 pounds. When I hit that goal, I will only be 8 pounds away from my final goal of 80 pounds lost.

Can you give me a break down on what you eat,,,I eat lots of veggies a bit of fruit and 1/2C oatmeal every day...some chicken, nuts and beans....it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. Maybe I'm missing something??

 

[mikamah]

Hello everyone!! I'm so excited to start this challenge tomorrow, and I am going to lose weight this time!!! It's great to meet all our newcomers to this challenge, and to see so many old friends here. Thank you so much, Lisa, for keeping these challenge organized and running so well.

I'm Kathy, 46yo single mom to an awesome 8yo boy, and have done many biggest loser challenges. My weight has been up and down over the past 5 years, as high as 229, as low as 183, and I'm at 212ish right now. I'll weigh officially tomorrow. I started the c25k in february and ran 2.5 miles once, and my hip really paid for it, so I'm walk/running instead, and am planning on doing the disney princess in 2011 with Lisa!! I lost my mom last june, and it's been an emotional year, but after gaining 15 pounds over last summer, I've been up and down a little, but pretty much have maintained since sept. My goal for this summer challenge is to lose the 15 pounds I gained last year, and to get back to One-derland for good this time. I know the next month will be hard, but I'm focusing on exercising at least 5 days a week, and I am determined not to eat my way through my emotional days. I've booked a surprise disney trip for my son for aug 30th, and I want to wear the capris that I wore last spring. It's great to be here, and I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone.

If there's anything I've learned on my journey, it's that WISHers are among the kindest, most supportive and non-judgmental people in the world.

This is absolutely true! I have never seen a thread on wish where everyone was not helpful and supportive. I am so lucky to have found wish. Cam, i remember you from some challenges a few years ago, maybe the monthly weight loss challenges or ww weighin. Good to see you again.

Oh--and we didn't just eat on this trip, I just liked these pictures!

Love the pics, rose. You look wonderful and so happy. Thanks for sharing.

This is a great place to post when you are having sad days, rather than comfort eat.

I completely agree with this too, and know that so many times I have come here to post and gotten some much needed hugs and support, and I know that is how I have maintained my weight since september.

Thanks Shannon for weightkeeping again, and Jen for the cow. How exciting to have prizes!! Gotta go find a new mug!!

We all are going to rock this challenge!!!

 

[Octoberbride03]

Hi all

Jumping in here b4 I get to bed.

I'm Maureen and I'm 37yo. Married but no kids to our great dissapointment. But life goes on. I work at Target though I hope to find something new b4 Christmas shopping season starts. I participated in the last challenge and didn't really set a goal for myself. This time I'm setting goal for 20lbs lost in this BL. By then i will be most of the way to the 40 I started losing in Jan. After i reach the 40 I'll see if i want to lose anymore.

Weighing in tomorrow b4 work. Its been a wild and stressful week here and I hope a trip up to my parents for the weekend will be the break i need. I don't really check in up there but I will be back on Monday and I hop to keep up.

Hope everybody has a great weekend.

 

[A.Mickey]

I hope it is not too late! I would like to join, I just started the South Beach Diet on Monday and need/want to lose 80 lbs! Hi Ann!

 

[N&B'smom]

See you all in the morning when we're PM'ing our start weight.