Biggest Loser 8 Fall Challenge -- Read important info here and chat below

[mikamah]

Good morning. It's so nice to get to know everyone. This looks like a great group of losers!!!

I am sorry that I am bit behind on the particpant's list but I will get it updated tomorrow morning. Why does life get 10 times more hectic when school starts and you're not even the student?!?

Hope your son had a fantastic first day. It is busy just getting things ready in the morning. first day of school here today, and my last day of vacation.

When I use it (which I haven't been too much lately), I mainly do the aerobics exercises and occasionally some balance and yoga. I haven't yet gotten to the strength ones. In the aerobics, I like the step, hula hoop and boxing. This summer I got a base for the WiiFit, which raises it about 4", which really makes the exercises tougher.
This week I decided to start getting up early and do some WiiFit in the morning. It isn't off to a good start since the balance board isn't working properly. I tried new batteries, but it still isn't reading correctly. It told me I lost 47pounds since I last weighed in on Friday. Tomorrow I'll call the 1-800 number and hopefully figure out what's going on.

I just got the wii fit last night, and it was fun playing with it and checking it all out. It took me a while to do 25 minutes total, but I'm sure with time, I'll figure out how to make it go quicker. It's so fun when you do well. I got no points for the yoga tree pose. Kept losing my balance. Wonder if I've lost 47 pounds this morning.

I'm off to weight watchers and the grocery store, and then I'll do the wii fit. It's nice to look forward to exercising.

Have a great day.

 

[jennz]

Lessa - I understand about not being able to afford new clothes! That's a motivator for me too - it's getting cool and I need to fit in my pants.

I forgot about the step aerobics on wii fit, I really like that (although dd says it's boring but it's good for me) and we both love the boxing! I do some of the yoga to stretch myself out. The hula hoop is fun too. When I started doing the wii fit I would be a little achey the next day, so I know I was using some muscles!

Right now I'm walking 6 days/week (maybe 7) and using our bowflex 3. Within the next 2 weeks I'd like to add some wii fit in there on 3 days as well...my overall goal is between 57 - 77 pounds to lose.

 

[DizzyFORDisney]

Okay here it goes.

I am 37 years old, married and we have 4 sons (read ACTIVE!!) - so I don't have much time for myself. The youngest one is only 2 and it is hard to do anything except monitor him...I'm sure many of you can relate! My husband is a big runner (marathons and all) so I recently started running (if you can call it that!) on Mother's Day. I can "run" up to 5 miles but have actually GAINED weight! (And please don't tell me it's muscle mass because it's NOT!)
Like a couple of others, I too have lost my mom this past winter...and ate my way through it. It's been tough but I am sick of myself and would like to ultimately lose 30-35 pounds...but would be thrilled with 10 initially! (I am currently 25 pounds over my pre-first-pregnancy weight...but would like to be less than that!

Anyway, I am looking forward to this challenge and the motivation/encouragement/fun that will accompany it!

Are there more rules or links to past challenges? I'd like to get an idea of how this works...

Looking forward to less of me and less of you too!!

Kathy

 

[jennz]

Kathy... for you mom...it's such a change in everything that I've known with my mom gone and it still is hard 4 months later...

Welcome to the BL challenge!

 

[Northern_Julie]

Yellowknife - I've watched Ice Road Truckers , so I have heard of there! Welcome and good luck!

I forgot how popular that show became...then can I state that we are not all rednecks!!

 

[happybratpack]

I would like to join this time around, will PM now.

Thanks!!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning!

You guys werent kidding when you said this thread moves fast LOL.

It is so exciting to see everyone signing up and chiming in. Don't worry it will not always be this fast and furious except for the first few weeks. It really is a lot of fun and great motivation and support.

Are there more rules or links to past challenges? I'd like to get an idea of how this works...

Looking forward to less of me and less of you too!!

Kathy

Kathy, the information about this challenge is in post #1. You might also look at the summer challenge thread that just finished to get a feel for how things go.

There are basically three parts to a BL challenge. The participants, that's all of us, are working toward various goals that we set for ourselves. We have weekly coaches who ask QOTD (Question of the Day) that may be about the challenge, health, exercise and Disney (because we are the Disboards ). Coaches are volunteers from the participants.

Then there is the weightkeeping part of the challenge. Every Friday, you send in your weight to our weightkeeper, LuvBaloo. This Friday's weight will be your starting weigh. Then beginning the following weight she will track how much you have lost (or gain ) by percentage. The top people who lost the highest percentage of weight that week are posted, usually on Tuesday. The person who lost the most gets to use a special clippie for the week until the next winner is announced. No one every posts your weight only the percentages.

Last, but not least, is the COW (challenge of the week). donac is our COW keeper. Each week she will add a health habit to work on, i.e. drink 8 glasses of water each day. You get points for each task -- dona will tell you how she scores. The COW is a lot of fun and really helps you build those habits that you need to be healthier. I believe the first COW starts on Thursday and dona will explain more.

There really aren't a lot of hard and fast rules. You can weigh in and not chat on the thread. You can chat on the thread and not weigh in. You can do all or part of the COW. It's your challenge. Ultimately you are the one who has to do the work to get to your goal. We are here for support, motivation and to share in successes and bumps in the road. Give each part a try and see what works for you!

If you have any other questions, just let me know on the thread or by PM -- we're here to help!

I have the list of new participants to add today and will get that done before the end of the day I hope.

Have a great, OP day all!

 

[lisah0711]

I would like to join this time around, will PM now.

Thanks!!

Welcome, happybratpack!

Many of the people who have participated in previous challenges know about a website for weight loss called sparkpeople.com It is a free site and they will send you emails with interesting tips, quotes, etc. This quiz came to me last week in an email and I thought it was perfect for the start of this challenge.

The quiz is Are You Prepared to Meet Your Goals? Here is the link http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/assessment_questions.asp?quizid=52

So the QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

I took the challenge last week and it said I am "prepared to succeed." I feel that I really am prepared to succeed in this challenge because I've spent a lot of time this year figuring out what is and isn't going to work for me. I've had some success, but not as much as I want. I feel like I am physically and mentally ready to set the world on fire this challenge!

Have a great OP day all!

 

[jennz]

Great quiz...I am "on my way" and gave me some hints on where to be stronger.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

My QOTD results:

Prepared for Success!

Congratulations! It sounds like you know a thing or two about goal-setting and that you've taken steps to ensure you'll be successful, supported and highly motivated along the way. Just be sure your motivation stays strong even when the going gets tough.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Welcome, BernardandMissBianca! That is one of the nice things about the challenge. Participation in the thread is optional but it is a lot of fun. Even just the accountability of a weekly weigh in goes a long ways to keeping you on the straight and narrow! We are leaving for WDW on 12/18, too.

Very cool! 100 days! almost to double digits!
How long will you be there for? We are at the Dolphin from the 18th to the 28th. There is nothing like WDW during the holidays.

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

I'm Buffy, some people call me BAMB for my user name.
I'm 35, been married to DH for 16 years and we have 4 kids, 3 boys 13, 8, and 7 and our DD who is 3. I'm our 8th grade parent advisor and PTO vice president so I spend a lot of time at school, which I'm trying to change (really I need a cot and room there).
My weight problems started well I guess for ever, I was never a lanky kid but not overweight either, kind of in the middle. It really started to go down hill when DH and I got married. We moved from CT to Hawaii but he was on a boat 90% of the time so it was just me. I used to roller skate as a teen 4 times a week, then replaced that with country dancing til we moved. They didn't have either of those places available on base in HI and with DH gone I just stayed home. Pasta was my friend there because it was cheap! That and ramen noodles, lol. We lived off the stuff while there.
Then the kids came, it was ok after the first and was down to a reasonable weight but when the second 2 came just barely a year apart I started to really pack on the pounds. We were done with kids at that point but then SURPRISE! DD came along and she darn near killed me. It has been a long recovery from her delivery. I am just now getting my stamina back so I'm ready to get back out there and do something for me for a change!

Goals:
1. make myself a priority for a change
2. lose up to 70 lbs, I'd be content with 50 though
3. be comfortable in my clothes
4. sit down and keep my jeans buttoned! LOL

I'm sure there is more but I need to go buy the kids lunch! I can't get back into the groove of back to school.

So the QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

On your Way Your Goals!

You're well on your way to reaching your goals! But you could help yourself get there more easily by implementing a few changes, like enlisting a diverse support group, tracking your progress, and rewarding yourself along the way.

I think this is a pretty accurate assessment.

 

[ucfsweetie82]

Hi everyone,
My name is Jill and I am 27 working on my second bachelor's degree at the University of Central Florida. My major is Public Administration and I am also obtaining a minor in Urban and Regional Planning, and also doing a certificate in Emergency Management. I am married to a wonderful guy who is supporting me.
My goals:
1. Lose 35lbs by the end of the challenge
2. Finish the couch to 5k plan and continue training to eventually be able to do the WDW marathon

Welcome and good luck to everyone!!!!!

 

[LuvBaloo]

So the QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

I took the quiz and got:
"Prepared for Success!
Congratulations! It sounds like you know a thing or two about goal-setting and that you've taken steps to ensure you'll be successful, supported and highly motivated along the way. Just be sure your motivation stays strong even when the going gets tough."

I put the whole answer in because it is so on the mark. My brain knows the rules for setting goals, but my heart and stomach have to keep the motivation going.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[disneychrista]

QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

Prepared for Success!


Congratulations! It sounds like you know a thing or two about goal-setting and that you've taken steps to ensure you'll be successful, supported and highly motivated along the way. Just be sure your motivation stays strong even when the going gets tough.

 

[MickeyMagic]

I'm Sue and am a single mother of DD17 who just started her senior year. I had lost 30 pounds since last November, but managed to put 8 back on in a short time after my dad's death in early August. I need to get back on track and am looking forward to BL (both our challenge and the show).

My goals are to get back on track with eating and exercise. I'll aim for a 14 pound loss for the challenge (a pound a week). I'll commit to exercising a minimum of 1000 minutes per month. I also want to concentrate getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.

I took the "preparedness quiz" and it says I am ready to go!!!

Good luck to all the DIS BL8 losers and maintainers!!!

 

[lisah0711]

I would like to join this time around, will PM now.

Thanks!!

Welcome! I am happy to see that you decided to join us!

 

[Desiree]

Good morning everyone! I hope you all are doing well today!

My answer to the QOTD today is ..... Prepared for success!

 

[FLAngie]

QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

Prepared for Success.

I have my journal ready for meals and exercise. I have two people to exercise with, MWF walking and TTH bike. My kids keep me pretty busy on the weekends but DH said that he will start running with me then. He is really fit, even doing a triathlon next month. We tried running on Sunday and I could run for a whole 2 minutes I guess it is a start. Who knows maybe this weekend I will make it for 2 1/2 or 3 minutes. I have my goal of the EE challenge next year that I really want to do so I have an entire year to get up to a 5k.

 

[corinnak]

Wow! Check out the party goin' on over here!

I'm back from the DL half marathon - it was SO much fun! Anyone who is interested in doing the Disney races, I strongly encourage you to check out the Racing Team section of WISH - I had so much fun meeting and running with other WISHers.

My kids are safely deposited back in school! And I will be getting that clippie together over the next few days - I had some computer trouble this summer and had to replace my hard drive, and my design software still needs re-installing. Sorry to keep you guys waiting on it, but I'll have it ready as soon as I can!

And now for the QOTD:
Tell us a little about yourself and your goals for this challenge.

I'm a SAHM to two boys, 6 and 10, married to my high school sweetheart and amazingly supportive husband of 13 years.

Here's the whole saga: Normal weight as a kid, until 4th or 5th grade when as the barometer of family stress, I started getting chunky. Slimmed down in 7th grade when my parents separated. Stayed slim through high school mostly through not eating very much. Gained and lost and gained again in college before losing 50 lbs with Deal-a-Meal laughing before my wedding. Then maintained for a few years before I got pregnant with my oldest. Then all bets were off. I gained so much with him, and I have the extreme stretch marks to prove it. After he was born, I stayed a little heavier until I wanted to get PG again and then lost about 40 pounds with WW. I didn't gain as much with that second pregnancy but soon after my younger son was born, I had some depression and then my grandmother died and again all bets were off and I gained to higher than I was when I was pregnant. Then I rejoined WW again, lost some, quit, gained some back and pretty much it's been up, down, up down. I started running because I thought that runners could eat a lot and lose weight. Well, I have learned that it is 80% food, 20% exercise and also that I can easily eat well beyond any amount I can run. When I ran my "dream race," the 2009 WDW Half Marathon, I had just restarted WW at the beginning of the year and I was still quite near my heaviest weight in a few years. It was not easy, and when I got back from that trip, it was like something had shifted - I knew I had the determination to complete that half against all odds and I wanted to run the 2010 Half Marathon at a healthy weight and see how fast I can *really* go. With the help of the BL challenge and WW online (the etools are brilliant for tracking and their new community Beta is very fun and beneficial) I have been slowly blasting away at the weight ever since.

Goals for this round:

1. Lose an average of a pound a week until I reach my goal weight. It would be a delight to be able to join the Maintainers team before the end of the challenge, but time alone will tell.

2. Answer the Questions of the Day - so much of this battle is mental and the QOTD really keeps my head in the game.

3. Continue my training for the 2010 WDQ Half Marathon, run a few other races along the way and include of cross training.

4. Strengthen my arms, shoulders and back.

QOTD (Question of the Day) is this are you prepared to meet your goals for this challenge?

The quiz says I am, but I didn't really need a quiz - I KNOW I'm prepared! Bring it on!

 

[Desiree]

We tried running on Sunday and I could run for a whole 2 minutes

Good job! That's probably about a minute 50 seconds more than I could do!