Biggest Loser 9 Spring challenge -- Part 2! HERE WE ARE! :)

[Worfiedoodles]

Good Morning!

I expected to come back and post last night, but I was sound asleep before 9, getting up at 4 really zaps me! I stuck to my eating plan yesterday and got up this morning and walked 6M. I'm glad I got it in before my day got started, because I have to chauffeur ds tonight, so no time after work.

My menu today is pretty much the same as yesterday. I cut out the Babybel since we're having lasagna for dinner -- plenty of dairy for me! Today's reward is going to be new bondibands! I haven't bought them in a year and I need 2 to keep my hair out of my face while I run.

Monday's QOTD: How do you imagine your life will change once your reach your goal weight (or get nearer to it anyhow)? Will you be more confident? More outgoing? More athletic? More energetic? Or still just the same old you, but thinner?

I think I will be a bit more confident and outgoing, and I will definitely be more athletic and energetic! Every time I have a significant drop in weight (10 lbs or so), I'm able to gain some speed in my runs, so I expect to be flying once I get closer to a goal. I don't think my life as a whole will change much (same dh, same ds, same mortgage), but I do think I will enjoy shopping for clothes much more, and I will probably have more "fun" with my outfits.

Maria

 

[tigger813]

Monday's QOTD: How do you imagine your life will change once your reach your goal weight (or get nearer to it anyhow)? Will you be more confident? More outgoing? More athletic? More energetic? Or still just the same old you, but thinner?

I think I will feel a sense of accomplishment especially since I have been so close for so long! I already have more energy than before.

I just had my one bad thing for the day. I had a small bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. I only had my BL water this morning and a Special K Chocolatey Pretzel bar for breakfast as I had to go grocery shopping.. Going to have a chicken parmesan lean pocket for lunch in a few. At 1 I'm going to head downstairs for my 4 mile workout and then this afternoon I will do a few more miles and then hopefully finish up the day with 2 miles while watching BL. Also on my 2nd jug of water today. Been cleaning the kitchen and cleaning off the dining room table from the party. House is finally getting back to normal. For dinner we will have a LaChoy sweet n sour chicken dish. 340 per serving and I will probably have about 2 servings. But I've counted the calories for the day so that will work out perfectly. May have a small dish of chocolate ice cream later to end off the day.

I did get in 3 miles this morning. My weekend weight is flying off since I'm staying so focused. Thank goodness. Time to make my lunch and drink more water.

Have a great day!

 

[corinnak]

Thanks so much for welcoming me back. I missed being here as well! And I already feel like my clothes are fitting more comfortably, too!

The kids are pretty well settled into their new school, I believe. My younger son has new friends and is going to be in the class play next week, but he still occasionally complains to me that he has to wear socks and shoes (he prefers crocs year 'round). My older son is generally more anxious and still a bit frustrated with the stress of starting a new school at the end of the year, but has found things to like about this school as well. They are both basically OK, and the school is excellent, which helps a lot.

Just had to post this...I was reading an article about depression and how consistent exercise can release endorphins to help depression long-term. They went on to list drugs that release these same endorphins, like cocaine. Then it says "Overeating can also trigger the release of endorphins" Wow!! I really did not know this...this kind of puts eating in a different light. So when I'm sad stressed etc and want to eat...this could be why, my body is looking for these endorphins.

Wanted to share.

True, true, and true. This is the chapter BEFORE I started C25K: When I started digging my way out of depression in 2007, I was determined to avoid meds - not that there's anything wrong with them, it was just my preference - and was told that regular aerobic activity could be as effective as an antidepressant. So I forced myself to do it and after about 3-4 weeks, I definitely started to feel like I was getting some traction. Then I started C25K and really got cooking. Not long after that, I was out of the worst of it, took a break from my depression group and have never been back. Exercise endorphins aren't the ONLY thing responsible for the shift, but I think they are very powerful.

Regarding the addictive/medicating properties of food - I really had my eyes opened to this last year reading (I know, I sound like a broken record) "The End of Overeating" by David Kessler. It's amazing information to have.

And about your 5K - I think you should try it. You're almost always faster on race day than you ever are in training. Plus, it is rare for anyone to get swept from a 5K. Worst thing that would likely happen is they'd start cleaning up before you finish. There's no shame in that if it ever happens to anyone. DLF>DNF>>DNS!

I think I will be a bit more confident and outgoing, and I will definitely be more athletic and energetic! Every time I have a significant drop in weight (10 lbs or so), I'm able to gain some speed in my runs, so I expect to be flying once I get closer to a goal. I don't think my life as a whole will change much (same dh, same ds, same mortgage), but I do think I will enjoy shopping for clothes much more, and I will probably have more "fun" with my outfits.

Maria - you are going to be so totally flying - you've got a good amount of speed right now - when you get to goal, it's going to be incredible!



Monday's QOTD: How do you imagine your life will change once your reach your goal weight (or get nearer to it anyhow)? Will you be more confident? More outgoing? More athletic? More energetic? Or still just the same old you, but thinner?

Here I am and I have to say...I thought I'd be the same old me, but really, I'm the same OLD, old me. I feel like I did in high school! We were back at DH's high school reunion about a week ago and saw one of my friends that I'd done the Groton Road Race with last spring - she was astonished and said I looked "tiny." Well, I have always admired Jess' figure, so this was so nice to hear from her, but I said "Actually, I'm about where I was in high school, so this should be back to 'normal'!" And it does feel like normal to me again.

I am definitely faster and have enjoyed adding more strength training this year, which makes me more athletic as well. I love that I can go clothes shopping and I can decide on buying something based on whether I like it rather than whether it fits me, and even when things don't fit me, it's not that I'm the wrong size, it's that the CLOTHES are the wrong size. Which sounds so silly to say, but to feel like the problem is with that particular garment rather than with me in general? That's huge.

On the "not changed" side, man, my food situation is the same - I can still get carried away with the "junky" stuff and still have to think about what I'm eating. Making smart decisions is easier, but it still requires some effort. As it will, and as I expected it would. It is nice, in maintenance, to pass things over to "defend what I have" instead of in pursuit of a dream I can only imagine.

 

[maiziezoe]

Corinnak - good to see you. Thats pretty awesome of you to notice you need to get back on track so quickly. I hope I can get like that!

Flipflopmom- How awesome for your daughter! I would be screaming from the rooftops! How exciting!

Rose&Mike- sorry about all your troubles! Sometimes I think I would like to be a man, then I step back and look at my hubby and think "nope, being a girl is good!" lol Hope things get better. Have you ever thought about having your hormones tested? You can even do a saliva test (which is suprisingly more acurate than a blood test I heard) through the mail. Just a thought.....

Redwalker - so glad that your back and good for you! I think youre doing wonderfully!

QOTD: I am no where near my desired weight, but I feel like I will be more confident and not so down on myself. Sometimes I feel like I hate myself and that is NOT the way I want to be, especially around my girls. I think I will be more comfortable with my husband too. I dream of the day when I can walk into a regular store and buy clothes, so I may become a shopaholic too!!!

I worked out at the gym today for almost an hour, and I actually liked it! I did 3 miles on the bike and 11 different weight machines. I really like doing the weights. The baby didn't go into the nursery, my sis watched her, but maybe later this week.

So we are pretty sure we are going to do a Disney trip Dec. 8-13th. I also think we are going to renew our wedding vows for our 10 year anniverssary! Anyone ever go at that time? I wonder how crowded it will be. It would be soooo great if they extend the free dining plan into that week. Its going to be a big chunk of the girls Christmas gift, has anyone ever done it like that? I told them if we go we will only have a few gifts under the tree on Christmas morning, but I am worried they will be dissapointed. Worries worries worries.... but a wonderful thing to have to worry about!

I hope you are all doing well and have a great night!

I will be in Disney Dec 10 - 21... (4 days of that will be on a cruise). We used to always go around this time of year when I was younger... not too crowded.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Just had to post this...I was reading an article about depression and how consistent exercise can release endorphins to help depression long-term. They went on to list drugs that release these same endorphins, like cocaine. Then it says "Overeating can also trigger the release of endorphins" Wow!! I really did not know this...this kind of puts eating in a different light. So when I'm sad stressed etc and want to eat...this could be why, my body is looking for these endorphins.

Wanted to share.

Back in the day when I used to binge (haven't had a true fullout binge in months, but I still have my moments), I remember just feeling this sense of calm for a while after having a big old bag of potato chips. Of course this was then quickly replaced by huge amounts of guilt, so the feeling of calm did not last long. I still think sometimes when I'm really stressed, I need to increase my carb intake a little. Not binge increase, but have some healthy carbs.

Corrina--So glad you're back. I really enjoy your posts.

I did not eat enough today. I thought I would be home for lunch, but ended up running errands, and didn't want to eat fast food. Tonight we're having boca burgers (no bun for me), roasted new potatoes with onions, garlic and olive oil, and roasted broccoli and a tiny bit of ranch dressing. Can you tell I'm starving! I bought a new dress for our anniversary and I finally got my haircut. I think we're going to try to do carryons and not deal with luggage. I am starting to feel a little behind. Did not get as much done today as I wanted and it's back to work tomorrow. After dinner it's time to kick it into high gear.

Have a nice evening everyone!

 

[pjlla]

Evening all! I am posting today's QOTD very late!! So sorry... Real Life keeps getting in the way!

After I post the QOTD I will be going back to play catch up.... but I wanted to get this posted in case I run out of time.

Tuesday's QOTD: Someone has invented a "mail time machine" and you can send letters back in time. You decide to sit down today and write a letter to yourself that you will receive the day you START this weight loss journey (whether it was 2 weeks ago, 6 months ago, or two years ago). What will you say? What tips or tricks will you give yourself? Will you be firm with yourself, like you would be with a misbehaving child? Write this letter to yourself here.



May 18, 2010

Letter to arrive on January 2, 2008
Dear Pamela,

Today you are starting out on a wonderful journey to the land of health, energy, and well-being! Congratulations on being strong enough to get started.

The good news is.... YOU WILL DO IT!! You will achieve your original weight loss goal and keep going to a lower goal! You will be fit and slim, and confident!

The bad news is.... it will be HARD!! You will be hungry sometimes (lots of times ). But it is SO WORTH IT!! That feeling of getting dressed every day and not DREADING the clothes being tight is great. That feeling of dressing for an event or holiday and feeling like you have NOTHING that looks decent is GONE!

Here are a few tips....

DON'T eat when you are tired! You lose control when you are tired and hungry. Have a cup of tea and go to bed hungry... it won't kill you!!

ALWAYS have healthy choices in the house.... it makes life SO MUCH EASIER.

KNOW now that you will have to exercise pretty much every day for the rest of your life. Learn to love it... or at least tolerate it.

NOTHING.... ABSOLUTELY NOTHING tastes as good as thin feels!!! That is NOT just hearsay.... I can say it from true life experience!

Embrace this new interest in nutrition, health, and exercise... it will benefit you and everyone around you.

Love yourself... not matter what the scale says.

With much affection,

Pamela


I must give full credit to my lovely DD for coming up with this FABULOUS QOTD...................P

 

[flipflopmom]

Goal!!!!!!! (For this challenge ) 25 pounds lost. Finally the scale moved. I just have to keep it off until Friday!!!
So even though the weight is coming off slower, it is so worth it. I love my muscles.

Congrats on gooooooal! Thanks for the input. Even though I am under the weight I was the last time I lost, I don't look as good. There is more flab on my tummy, so I know I have to kick that up. I did a lot more core workout then.

I would love to hear more about your Jillian workout - is it a DVD? What is the exact name of it?

Jen, it's called No More Trouble Zones, and you can either do the entire workout, or various segments. I honestly can tell a difference in my arms after doing it twice. Not a lot, but some. This video kicks butt, and arms, abs, etc. All you need for it are some handweights.

http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Micha...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1274230590&sr=8-1

I got rid of mine. I didn't care whether they fit or not! Hope that your DD does well on her test. Bless her little heart getting stressed out like that. :hugNow I need to go and reclaim my 30 lb clippie. I'm 1 pound away from losing 20 lbs for the challenge -- which was my original goal. I think I am going to make that.

I can't even bring myself to wear those capris to work in my plants. I think she did okay today, Thursday will be the worst, her SS test is from when America was first explored all the way through Reconstruction. SOOOOOOO much information. It is unreal!
Congrats on getting to 30, and getting to your goal for challenge!

I expected to come back and post last night, but I was sound asleep before 9, getting up at 4 really zaps me!

Maria, I am so glad I'm not the only one that has to crash after early mornings!

My weekend weight is flying off since I'm staying so focused.

So glad you are getting the weekend weight off! I need to learn from you!


pjilla-Tell your daughter that's a great one! I'm writing myself a book, I presume.

January 18, 2010,
Taryn,
You got your butt kicked today, didn't you? Not only are you super sick, but somehow you have crept up 28 pounds since last summer. Big surprise. But you know it is time. You know that Daddy would have not been proud of you letting your health, happiness, and family go while you wallow in grief. Get it together.

You will be able to finish Couch to 5K, and you will love running. Stop lurking the Biggest Loser thread, and just join. You'll meet some great friends, and will be inspired and encouraged beyond any expectations.

This will not be an easy road, but that's what this last year has been about for you. You know you can survive grief, pain, loss, heartache. You know life goes on. If you want to put off your girls from feeling the way you have as long as possible, you owe it to them to do this.

This journey will be like riding waves, great weeks, not so great weeks. Great days, and terrible ones. There are some surprises, but you will keep your focus. You can be a mom, wife, teacher, grad student, and taxi driver, AND exercise and get healthy. You will make good decisions, and bad decisions. But, your photopass pics this summer will look fabulous! It will take a while, but it will pay off. You'll be blown away by the compliments. Accept them graciously, you earned them.

You can do anything you set your mind to, and you will amaze yourself often at your focus and drive. Brad will be rather excited by the changes in your mind and body. You'll find running will relieve stress like nothing else, and your girls will love the energy you have to play with them. Those precious Kindergarten monsters will wrap their arms around you, and they'll actually go around you.

I know you don't love you now, and I am not sure you will by the summer. Feed off all the positive energy around you, and you will get through. Don't give up, don't give in, and remember that angels have wings to pick you up when you can't do it on your own. Your cheerleader angel will be smiling down at his "candy tail", and will help you when you don't think you can, and you'll be back to his "ittle ootsie" before long.
Chin up!
Taryn


Wow, that was fairly emotional. I'm kinda in that mood. My throat is still really bothering me. I didn't exercise at all today. I had thought about it after school, but we spent 2 hours studying for SS test Thursday, going to grocery store, cooking dinner, cleaning up, doing laundry instead.

I have no motivation today. I feel bad mentally and physically. When I get really run down, it hits my throat, for some reason. I hope I can wake up in the morning, go for a run, and get over myself.

 

[pjlla]

:

pjilla-Tell your daughter that's a great one! I'm writing myself a book, I presume.

January 18, 2010,
Taryn,
You got your butt kicked today, didn't you? Not only are you super sick, but somehow you have crept up 28 pounds since last summer. Big surprise. But you know it is time. You know that Daddy would have not been proud of you letting your health, happiness, and family go while you wallow in grief. Get it together.

You will be able to finish Couch to 5K, and you will love running. Stop lurking the Biggest Loser thread, and just join. You'll meet some great friends, and will be inspired and encouraged beyond any expectations.

This will not be an easy road, but that's what this last year has been about for you. You know you can survive grief, pain, loss, heartache. You know life goes on. If you want to put off your girls from feeling the way you have as long as possible, you owe it to them to do this.

This journey will be like riding waves, great weeks, not so great weeks. Great days, and terrible ones. There are some surprises, but you will keep your focus. You can be a mom, wife, teacher, grad student, and taxi driver, AND exercise and get healthy. You will make good decisions, and bad decisions. But, your photopass pics this summer will look fabulous! It will take a while, but it will pay off. You'll be blown away by the compliments. Accept them graciously, you earned them.

You can do anything you set your mind to, and you will amaze yourself often at your focus and drive. Brad will be rather excited by the changes in your mind and body. You'll find running will relieve stress like nothing else, and your girls will love the energy you have to play with them. Those precious Kindergarten monsters will wrap their arms around you, and they'll actually go around you.

I know you don't love you now, and I am not sure you will by the summer. Feed off all the positive energy around you, and you will get through. Don't give up, don't give in, and remember that angels have wings to pick you up when you can't do it on your own. Your cheerleader angel will be smiling down at his "candy tail", and will help you when you don't think you can, and you'll be back to his "ittle ootsie" before long.
Chin up!
Taryn


Wow, that was fairly emotional. I'm kinda in that mood. My throat is still really bothering me. I didn't exercise at all today. I had thought about it after school, but we spent 2 hours studying for SS test Thursday, going to grocery store, cooking dinner, cleaning up, doing laundry instead.

I have no motivation today. I feel bad mentally and physically. When I get really run down, it hits my throat, for some reason. I hope I can wake up in the morning, go for a run, and get over myself.

Nice job on the letter! Don't beat yourself up these days while you feel lousy. Your sore throat is your body's way of saying "SLOW DOWN... I need to heal!" And don't forget that cooking, cleaning, and laundry all count as activity! Hopefully you will wake up feeling more like yourself and more motivated and can get in a run... I KNOW that will improve your outlook.....P

 

[sahbushka]

Thanks for the great comments everyone! It really made my day! Tuesdays are my weigh in day and I had a much smaller loss than I usually have but you know what, that's ok. I think it is the first time in all 53 weeks that I have lost weight 6 weeks in a row so I am counting this as a big accomplishment! Thanks for being there for me!

Sarah May

 

[LuvBaloo]

Here we celebrate our progress and recognize our superstars.

Reminders:
-after 3 weeks of no reporting, you are dropped from the challenged – can re-start at any time, though
-if anybody knows they will miss weighing in, just PM and let me know and you’ll be marked excused


First some stats

MAINTAINERS:
Reporting in for week 19!
Congrats to our 3 maintainers:
Corinnak
50sjayne
seashell724

(staying within 2 lbs of their maintain weight is successfully maintaining!)

LOSERS:
Current Participants-------------40
not reporting in for 1 week------ 6
not reporting in for 2 weeks------ 2
not reporting in for 3 weeks------ 5
Excused------------------------- 0
weigh ins----------------------- 27
gains---------------------------- 10
maintains------------------------ 4
losses-------------------------- 14
first time or returning weigh-ins---- 2
[/COLOR]

Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 19!
total group loss =40 pounds!
Average percentage of weight lost 0.66 %
Total group weight loss so far 1270.1 pounds!
AWESOME!

Retention Rate (compared to the 135 weighins for our start weigh-in on Jan 1st)
(27+3+0)/ 135 = 22% (this includes the Losers and Maintainer and Excused people!)

Before the weekly superstar list comes the disclaimer. I am human and I make mistakes. If you have any questions please contact me. For your reference this is the magic percentage of weight lost formula - weight loss for the week divided by weight for last week times 100, that gives us the percentage. Now let me test that with my numbers for week 1, click, click, click goes the calculator. Yes, that agrees with the percentage on the magic spreadsheet. (btw if its been more than 1 week between weigh-ins, then the % loss is divided by the number of weeks, to keep everybody on the same basis)

Now let's get to the good stuff. Who were our superstars of week 19? This time I’ve done a TOP 10 LIST! That criteria may change from week to week. Hey I'm in charge here and I get paid nothin' to do this so you better take what you can get! (and if there’s something you want to know, just ask me!)
The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge Week 19 Superstars!!
#10- 0.86% - sahbushka
#9- 0.1.41% - donac
#8- 1.53% - jenanderson
#7- 1.66% - Graciesmom77
#6- 1.67% - mikamah
#5- 1.68% - tigger813
#4- 1.72% - flipflopmom
#3- 1.76% - carmiedog
#2- 2.76% - happysmyly
and now
The WISH Biggest Loser 9 Spring Challenge
Week 19 Biggest Loser!!

#1- 2.96% - kimara

Quote from Dare2Dream: How is your week going? Are you OP (on program)? Are you exercising? Drinking that water? You know what to do to make the magic happen. Get on the wagon. We are all here to help you on the journey. We can do this one day at a time. One bite at a time.

Have a healthy day!

Congratulations kimara !!!
What a great week you had. Keep up the good work. We have a very special clippie reserved for our weekly Biggest Loser. Wear it with pride this week! :

This is our weekly reigning Biggest Loser clippie. We have the large version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsmall1.jpg
followed by

or we have a medium version

or use this
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLmed.jpg
followed by

and we have a small version

or use
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/data/500/31040weeklyBLsm.jpg
followed by

Thanks to ohMom-Molli for these clippies. They were used for a previous BL but we can recycle. Don't they look great!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Good morning! Congrats to all the Losers--especially Kimara!

SarahMay--6 weeks in a row! That's awesome.

Taryn--Feel better. Sounds like you needed a day off yesterday. I hope you have a great run tomorrow.

QOTD--This is going to be hard.

Dear Rose--Dec 30, 2009
No more excuses, really. This time you have to figure out why you are doing this to yourself--over and over. And guess what at the end of these four and a half months you will be thinner and you will feel healthier, and there will be bumps in the road. But, and this is a big but, your parents still won't love you anymore, you will still have the same cruddy childhood. Losing weight won't change any of that. And that's ok because you will start to feel like you really can find that love and acceptance somewhere else. You really have no excuses this time. You have all the time and resources that you need. You need to finally realize that you can love yourself enough to take care of yourself. It's not all sad, you will feel really proud of yourself most of the time, and you will realize how important your health is. No more messing around. You will try new things. Some things you will be good at, and some things not so good. Hange in there. And one more hint, if you eat at home--you lose weight faster. Gef off your duff and get to work! You are worth it and you can do it!!



Have a great day everyone. Today is a run day with DH afterwork. I'm pretty sure the sun is supposed to be out and in the 60's so it should be perfect. We have leftovers in the fridge so I don't have to cook. I'm really itching to exercise this morning, but I did 6 miles on the elliptical yesterday and we're running 4 tonight, so I'm going to do laundry this morning before heading off to work. Only a few more days--hang in there all you Losers!

 

[tigger813]

"We can only create an amazing life for ourselves. We do not have the ability to create for another. We can, however, live our amazing life and become the example of all that is possible. So, go and create an AMAZING today!!!"

Borrowed this quote from mu massage school's FB page this morning! So TRUE!

Got in 9 miles total yesterday plus 50 crunches and 20 reverse crunches.

Going to do 3 miles at 7:30 and get in more later if I don't have to work. DD2 has dancing at 4 so hopefully I can get some more in before that and after that. Turkey gorditas on the menu for today. Keeping my calories to between 1200 and 1400 has really been helpful. And drinking just over 100 oz of water has been great too! I also have been sticking to my 1 can of diet soda a day. I do need to get back to having my green tea. It's a rainy cool day today so it's a good day for tea.

Time to make DD1s lunch and put some sweats on to walk to the bus stop.

Have a great day! I'll check back in later!

BTW:Congrats to all the losers and maintainers! Top 10 again for me! Let's all end this challenge with a bang!

 

[flipflopmom]

Morning everyone!

Rose - great letter! It's very enlightening to be so introspective, isn't it?

Do me a favor everyone, please? Next time I have a pathetic miss pouty pants whine party like I did last night, tell me to put on my big girl panties and run! I woke up this morning feeling like P. Diddy, no wait, that's Ke$ha's line. Anyway, felt better, hit the park, and did my second 5 mile run EVER this morning! I feel like a new woman! FINALLY, after my run, I am back to Saturday's weight. I am actually at a loss for the week now. ENDORPHINS ARE MARVELOUS!

Now, I just hope I don't get too crampy and sore while I am proctoring tests today!

Maria - I think you were the one that was talking about a headband you wear running. Bondi bands? Do you get the Lycra or the wicking? I think the lycra ones are cute, but I sweat like.... well... it's awful. I run a half a lap, wipe my face, and readjust my earbuds, and repeat.

Have a great day everyone! Congrats to Kimara, and all the losers and maintainers!!!!!!!
Taryn

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Taryn -- The Lycra ones are very cute, I have some I wear casually on a "bad hair day"...but they will do nothing to help with the "glow". You definitely want the wicking. By the way, I believe if you use the code "SUMMER", you can buy 3 get 1 free!

I'm a huge fan, and I even have one imprinted with 2010 WDW Half logo. They were selling them at the Expo for $10, which I thought was pretty good. I don't know if they had them at Princess, but I hope to find out in March!

Maria

 

[jenanderson]

Morning Everyone!

OMG - I LOVE the letters. I think those of you who wrote them should be so inspired by what you said...I know I was.

I had a decent day yesterday. I was not able to bike to work because my bike bag ripped and no longer stays clipped on properly. It had made me depressed by today I am going to bike regardless. I am either going to figure out a smaller bag that fits in my large basket -or- I am going to try to use bungee cords and just make the stupid ripped bag work.

I did get my 3 mile run in. I have to say though...it was a hard run. I continue to be amazed that I can have a great long run (like running 11 miles on Saturday) and then struggle with my short run (like running 3 miles just 2 days later).

My plans for today include the 6 miles of biking to/from work, crunches to help the tummy and focusing on my water (was bad at this yesterday).

I also am going to work on writing up directions for the summer COW. I am excited to be in charge of it but a little worried about the changes and hope that people are open to a new format.

Tayrn - I just wanted to say that I also sweat HORRIBLY when I run. I would love to find some stylish solution to this problem - I have yet to see a stylish headband...are the Bondi ones cute?

Alright, I should get moving. I hope everyone has a great, healthy sort of day...
Jen

 

[jenanderson]

Taryn -- The Lycra ones are very cute, I have some I wear casually on a "bad hair day"...but they will do nothing to help with the "glow". You definitely want the wicking. By the way, I believe if you use the code "SUMMER", you can buy 3 get 1 free!

I'm a huge fan, and I even have one imprinted with 2010 WDW Half logo. They were selling them at the Expo for $10, which I thought was pretty good. I don't know if they had them at Princess, but I hope to find out in March!

Maria

Maria - Where do you order them from? I seriously need something to help with keeping my hair back and controlling how much I sometimes sweat.

I think it is great that you were able to get one imprinted with the WDW half logo - fun!

BTW - Did you hear that the Princess has changed weekends? It is now in February.

Can't wait to hear more from you about the headbands!

Thanks!
Jen

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning all!

Congratulations to all our superstars and especially to our Biggest Loser, kimara! What a great week you all had!

And I was so happy to see that we went over 1250 pounds lost as a group --down 40 pounds as a group last week alone! That is quite a feat as our numbers dwindle. I think we are really going to rock it this week.

Just popping in to see how your challenge wraps up. I'll be joining in on the summer challenge.

The house is nearly stocked with GOOD groceries, I cleaned a pile of strawberries and blackberries last night, hard boiled some eggs this morning and will actually GET OFF THE COMPUTER any minute to pack my lunch!.

Hi Jackie! Nice to see you!

It was so fun to see several people return to the ranks for this last week--and hopefully joining the summer challenge too... I really do enjoy reading all of your posts--thank you so much for the time that you take to share with all of us here!

Best of luck as we come to the home stretch of this challenge... I am really hoping to get to goal by Friday--I'm so close I can taste it (and it's a taste that doesn't add any calories!! )

and to all who need a little extra right now!

Liz

It's always nice to see old friends returning and it is so much fun to hear all the excitement as our challenge wraps up. We need to bottle this exciting feeling so we can use it all summer!

Thanks so much for welcoming me back. I missed being here as well! And I already feel like my clothes are fitting more comfortably, too!

Nice to have you back, corinnak! I would think it would give you a big sense of accomplishment to know that when things were going the wrong way that you immediately stopped, got right back on track, and saw the results you needed right away. Now you know that you can keep this up long term and don't have to wonder any more! Great job!

Tuesday's QOTD: Someone has invented a "mail time machine" and you can send letters back in time. You decide to sit down today and write a letter to yourself that you will receive the day you START this weight loss journey (whether it was 2 weeks ago, 6 months ago, or two years ago). What will you say? What tips or tricks will you give yourself? Will you be firm with yourself, like you would be with a misbehaving child? Write this letter to yourself here.

January 1, 2009

Dear Lisa:

It's time to turn things around and stop gaining weight every year. You deserve better and so does your family. I don't know how we ended up letting ourself go so far but it will only get worse if you don't stop it now. The big 5-0 is looming and it will only get harder to get yourself back.

It will be a long journey but you will make progress, slowly but surely. If you would actually watch every single bite and exercise every day you would get to your goals much faster. But for the first time in years you will end 2009 weighing less than you did when you started. That is a big accomplishment.

And by the middle of May 2010 you will weigh less again and see your final goal in your sights by the end of the year. It took years to reach this high weight. Realize it will take years to get to where you need to be. And you will have to work the rest of your life to stay there. That is the way it is so start getting used to it now. If you don't work hard to keep what you've done, you may lose your progress for good. You don't want to go there. Really.

You will make a lot of new friends -- and yes, it's true -- you will be a runner training to run your first half marathon in 2011. And you will start working toward a new career that you will love and enjoy every day -- that alone makes this journey worthwhile.

Be strong, do what you should each and every day, and GET YOUR BUTT UP OFF THE COUCH!

Love,
Lisa


flipflopmom, You should love yourself now, even if you don't like the way your body looks. You've done so well this challenge!

Thanks for the great comments everyone! It really made my day! Tuesdays are my weigh in day and I had a much smaller loss than I usually have but you know what, that's ok. I think it is the first time in all 53 weeks that I have lost weight 6 weeks in a row so I am counting this as a big accomplishment! Thanks for being there for me!

Sarah May

Go, Sarah May, go!

I will be in Disney Dec 10 - 21... (4 days of that will be on a cruise). We used to always go around this time of year when I was younger... not too crowded.

WDW and cruise -- what more could a girl want?


Rose, . I bet you can't wait to be at WDW!

"We can only create an amazing life for ourselves. We do not have the ability to create for another. We can, however, live our amazing life and become the example of all that is possible. So, go and create an AMAZING today!!!"

This is a great quote, Tracey!

Taryn -- The Lycra ones are very cute, I have some I wear casually on a "bad hair day"...but they will do nothing to help with the "glow". You definitely want the wicking. By the way, I believe if you use the code "SUMMER", you can buy 3 get 1 free!

I'm a huge fan, and I even have one imprinted with 2010 WDW Half logo. They were selling them at the Expo for $10, which I thought was pretty good. I don't know if they had them at Princess, but I hope to find out in March!

Maria

We get to see you at the Princess! Did you see that they changed the dates to the last week-end of February?

I also am going to work on writing up directions for the summer COW. I am excited to be in charge of it but a little worried about the changes and hope that people are open to a new format.

Thanks for being our COW keeper for the summer. I think that people will love a summer COW in a different format -- I think that more people will participate and that more people will say they are participating since we seem to have lots of folks who are doing it but just didn't tell us!

 

[mikamah]

Just had to post this...I was reading an article about depression and how consistent exercise can release endorphins to help depression long-term. They went on to list drugs that release these same endorphins, like cocaine. Then it says "Overeating can also trigger the release of endorphins" Wow!! I really did not know this...this kind of puts eating in a different light. So when I'm sad stressed etc and want to eat...this could be why, my body is looking for these endorphins.

Wanted to share.

Thanks for sharing that. I was feeling pretty low when I started the C25k in february, and after getting out and running, I felt so great everytime I did it. A big sense of accomplishment, but also just happy. I didn't realize that overeating released the same endorphins, though like others said, you feel great so briefly, but when you feel better after exercise, it definitely lasts longer, in to the day, I want to eat healthy, and look forward to the next time I'll be running. I had tried an antidepressant, but had a wicked panic attack one night, and stopped it, and after that, I started the c25k. I know now I wasn't clinically depressed, but sad and grieving, but at the time, I just wanted to feel better. The running /regular exercise has made a world of difference in my mood.

Just popping in to see how your challenge wraps up. I'll be joining in on the summer challenge.

The house is nearly stocked with GOOD groceries, I cleaned a pile of strawberries and blackberries last night, hard boiled some eggs this morning and will actually GET OFF THE COMPUTER any minute to pack my lunch!

.

Nice to see you again Jackie. We're going to have a losing summer.

Tuesday's QOTD: Someone has invented a "mail time machine" and you can send letters back in time. You decide to sit down today and write a letter to yourself that you will receive the day you START this weight loss journey (whether it was 2 weeks ago, 6 months ago, or two years ago). What will you say? What tips or tricks will you give yourself? Will you be firm with yourself, like you would be with a misbehaving child? Write this letter to yourself here.

Sept 1, 2005,

Dear Kathy,

Today is the day you begin your healthy lifestyle, and you will not ever give up. You need to lose this weight for good, and start living healthier, so Michael will grow up and not have to worry about you. Mom has been through so much, and now that she's home from rehab, you can be an example to her and michael, and you all can begin to eat healthier, move more, and you can prevent the complications that she's had from happening to you. Weight loss, exercise, and watching your diet can prevent the diabetes and heart disease that mom is struggling with.

You will have your ups and downs, and you may lose the weight, and gain some back, but you must not give up. Michael needs you, and you don't want him to have the stress and worry of taking care of you. You can change and as you age, you will be independant and healthy and active. One day, you may be an active grandmother. What ever it takes, you must never stop trying. You can be a shining example to Michael so he does not ever have to struggle with weight loss. He can grow up with exercise and a healthy diet just being the way that it is.

You can do it!! love, kathy (229 pounds, never to be that weight again. No matter how long it takes.)

Thanks to others for sharing your inspiring letters.

Taryn- Your dad would be so proud of how far you've come.

Rose- You are one strong woman.

Kimara- Congrats on being this weeks biggest loser!!! And congrats to all the top losers, including me for the first time!! Whoo hoo!!

Shannon, thank you for all your hard work as weight keeper. You rock!!

Have a great day.

 

[mikamah]

Jennz- You can do the 5k this weekend, and you will not be swept!! You are one strong and amazing woman, and you will do it!!!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Maria - Where do you order them from? I seriously need something to help with keeping my hair back and controlling how much I sometimes sweat.

I think it is great that you were able to get one imprinted with the WDW half logo - fun!

BTW - Did you hear that the Princess has changed weekends? It is now in February.

Can't wait to hear more from you about the headbands!

Thanks!
Jen

The website is www.bondiband.com. It is a small company in Maine, and they give great customer service. The wicking bands are plain colors, but I think they are plenty attractive. One trick is to roll the back part under just a little, it adds a little "lift" and a smooth edge to the look.

I didn't know about the change in the Princess date -- now I am freaking out, I wonder if I can do two Halfs that close together?! I think I can. I'm going to see where it is in relation to February Vacation. I'm going to be really bummed if I can't get a good room rate because there are hordes of guests...

Ok, gotta run to a construction meeting *pesky job* ...back this afternoon!

Maria