WISH Away the Pounds Outstanding October Challenge -- Everyone welcome!

[sugarnspicex4]

Count me in for October! With the season of sweets fast approaching, I need to keep on track. My goal is getting closer, with some hard work maybe I can hit it by Halloween (fingers crossed!).

 

[araes2102]

Hey guys! Sorry I have been MIA ... a lot going on over for sure. BUT we have set a date for our wedding and have begun reserving venues, I even found my gown. SO I am back! I have been working hard this month, and was successful the first 2 weeks in losing some of the weight I had gained back. Just trying really hard to get down one size before I finish paying off my gown and put in the final order! is running out! Anyway, hope I can reserve a space here for Oct I'd also like to host next month Help keep me on track!

 

[bryana]

I'm in again for October! While I was a bit quiet in September, I look forward to chatting more now that I "know" some of you.

 

[myweegirls]

I'm in for October! I'm staying on in the loser camp, as I really want to get back to my official WW goal. As of Friday I was back in the WW maintenance range, but I haven't seen that goal number in a few months, so I'm setting my sights on it this month. And I suspect I might have nudged a bit above the maintenance range after a weekend away with my sister... Here goes!

XO
Liz

 

[knewton64]

Lisa -



I just PMed ya w/my weight loss goals 4 the month.




YYEEAA!!! I am off work 4 the next 2 days -
gonna spend it jogging and lifting weights.



....with my #1 jogging /exercise partner by my side:


** LADYBUG **




T.T.F.N.

 

[lisah0711]

As in every other month this year, you can count me in for October Lisa....and I'll be happy to take another go at being hostess, for March 2014 if you would like to add me. I was tempted by February, but am now going away for a week!.

Will PM my starting weight and goal tomorrow morning.

Thank you so much for volunteering to hostess in March! And thanks for hostessing in September.

I am so looking forward to not only the meet but the have a big cheering section for the 10K, I don't know if the family will be up that early. LOL

I hope people will still be at the W tent when I get there. I'm probably going to need the whole time alloted to finish.

Where do I look for the shirt thread?

The Princess still has a lot of WISHers but not quite the size of the January meets -- if by "big cheering section" you mean a few of us somewhere you'll have it made. And don't worry about people hanging around late because there are a lot of us who will be using up the whole time and you are fine.

The person who is organizing the shirt sale apparently has a big exam today so I imagine the post will be up later today or tomorrow.

I"m here!! Don't start the party without me!! JK.... just jumping in to save myself a spot for October!!

Lisa, I'll admit here that the thought of running the numbers as a hostess has me a bit ill, so I am NOT jumping in to hostess an upcoming month... and that makes me feel badly, but I'd rather not set myself up for stress. I know, I know... it really isn't hard... but it made me crazy when I did it before. I am JUST NOT a numbers person!! But I'll coach any time it is needed!!

Looking forward to a FABULOUS October with you all!!..............P

Pamela! No worries on the hostessing -- it isn't fun for the hostess if they are stressed out for sure. I would be happy to be your weightkeeper any month that you want to hostess -- then you wouldn't have to worry about the number part. We know we can always count on you to help us keep the conversation going. It takes a village to run a successful challenge.

Hi everyone! I am joining for October again. Seems like I had a decent enough September and hope to get the same result for October!

Lisa, I can take on December. I am moving house in November, so not sure whether I won't have a disruption of internet services. But by December that should be ok again. And hopefully hosting will help me stay on track through the dangerous holiday season! Even though I am afraid I am going to set myself up for a month of not a lot activity again like with the summer months... It will be fun anyway!

Thanks for volunteering to hostess in December, Magdalene! Your new place sounds wonderful - it will be a big job moving but then you will be ready to celebrate the holidays in your new home!

Count me in for October! With the season of sweets fast approaching, I need to keep on track. My goal is getting closer, with some hard work maybe I can hit it by Halloween (fingers crossed!).

and good luck! We all need to really keep on track these crazy seasons!

Hey guys! Sorry I have been MIA ... a lot going on over for sure. BUT we have set a date for our wedding and have begun reserving venues, I even found my gown. SO I am back! I have been working hard this month, and was successful the first 2 weeks in losing some of the weight I had gained back. Just trying really hard to get down one size before I finish paying off my gown and put in the final order! is running out! Anyway, hope I can reserve a space here for Oct I'd also like to host next month Help keep me on track!

Thanks, Amanda, for hostessing in November! Sounds like busy times for you but a wedding gown is a good motivator for sure.

I'm in again for October! While I was a bit quiet in September, I look forward to chatting more now that I "know" some of you.

and feel free to chime in any time.

I'm in for October! I'm staying on in the loser camp, as I really want to get back to my official WW goal. As of Friday I was back in the WW maintenance range, but I haven't seen that goal number in a few months, so I'm setting my sights on it this month. And I suspect I might have nudged a bit above the maintenance range after a weekend away with my sister... Here goes!

XO
Liz

Liz! I have faith that you will be seeing that official WW goal on your scale soon. Hope you and your sis had a great time!

Lisa -

I just PMed ya w/my weight loss goals 4 the month.

YYEEAA!!! I am off work 4 the next 2 days -
gonna spend it jogging and lifting weights.

....with my #1 jogging /exercise partner by my side:

** LADYBUG **

T.T.F.N.

Hope that you and LADYBUG enjoy your time off!

 

[DisneyJillian18]

Excited to try this out for the first time!
I have a small goal, but have been unsuccessful in achieving it! Hoping this helps out!

 

[lisah0711]

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to coach this challenge and helped to fill in the hosting schedule for the coming months -- you guys rock!

I'm looking forward to all your PMs with your starting weight and goals. It is helpful for me if your subject line looks something like this "Weigh in 10/1/13 145 goal 5" and after that in your weekly PMs you can send the date and the number.

As we make our transition from Spectacular September to Outstanding October I will post a QOTD for the next couple of days.

QOTD Monday, September 30, 2013 and Tuesday, October 1, 2013: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your goals for the challenge and the rest of the year. You don't have to share numbers, it can be general.

I am Lisa and I will be your hostess this month and coach for the next few days. I've been doing the BL, and now WATP, challenges since 2009. I'm 53, married and have a sometimes cranky teen son. I will reach my goal weight sometime next year. It's taken me longer than I thought it would to get there but each and every challenge, year after year, I end up weighing less than I started. Thanks to several WISHers who inspired me I started running when I was 49. I ran my fifth half marathon in May and will be doing the Princess Half Marathon in February with all but one of my special group of friends who got me into this running thing in the first place. I've made lifelong friends and been to WISH meets at both Disneyland and DisneyWorld. I've done things that I never dreamed possible because of these challenges and WISH who gave me the courage to start.

My goal for this challenge and every month for the rest of the year is five pounds a month which doesn't sound like much but would be an excellent finish to a very good year.

 

[keenercam]

Hi, Lisa! I am in for October and just PM'ed you my starting weight and goal.

Hi, everyone! I am Cam. I have been a WISHer since early 2005 right after my 4th heart surgery (which cured me of a potentially fatal condition that I'd suffered nearly 10 years). Once I got the clearance from my cardiology team, I started doing Walk Away the Pounds to lose weight and started training for my first-ever Half-Marathon, which was in January 2006 exactly a year and one day after that surgery. Since that time, I've done 2 full marathons, more than 10 half-marathons and other races of varying distances including more than 40 5Ks. I did a 5k yesterday and have the following races in my near future:
10/13 -1/2 marathon
11/9 - 1/2 marathon
11/28 - 5k
1/10 - 10K
1/11 - 1/2 marathon
2/23 - 1/2 marathon

I have done weight watchers off and on over the years, and have managed to keep off more than half of the 70 pounds I lost in 2005 and 2006, but a lot have crept back on. It is time to really crack down and move toward my ultimate weight loss goal and lifetime WW membership. My DH, Howard, and I are doing a 12 night Mediterranean Disney cruise next summer, and I know I will be much happier and will enjoy all the touring more if I can take off some considerable amount of weight.

I am happy to share this journey with all of you. I love seeing some familiar names and faces here!

 

[bigsis1970]

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to coach this challenge and helped to fill in the hosting schedule for the coming months -- you guys rock!

I'm looking forward to all your PMs with your starting weight and goals. It is helpful for me if your subject line looks something like this "Weigh in 10/1/13 145 goal 5" and after that in your weekly PMs you can send the date and the number.

As we make our transition from Spectacular September to Outstanding October I will post a QOTD for the next couple of days.

QOTD Monday, September 30, 2013 and Tuesday, October 1, 2013: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your goals for the challenge and the rest of the year. You don't have to share numbers, it can be general.

I am Lisa and I will be your hostess this month and coach for the next few days. I've been doing the BL, and now WATP, challenges since 2009. I'm 53, married and have a sometimes cranky teen son. I will reach my goal weight sometime next year. It's taken me longer than I thought it would to get there but each and every challenge, year after year, I end up weighing less than I started. Thanks to several WISHers who inspired me I started running when I was 49. I ran my fifth half marathon in May and will be doing the Princess Half Marathon in February with all but one of my special group of friends who got me into this running thing in the first place. I've made lifelong friends and been to WISH meets at both Disneyland and DisneyWorld. I've done things that I never dreamed possible because of these challenges and WISH who gave me the courage to start.

My goal for this challenge and every month for the rest of the year is five pounds a month which doesn't sound like much but would be an excellent finish to a very good year.

Hi Lisa , thanks for hosting this month.. I am in with a 3 lb goal I fell a bit short of that goal in Sept but I'll just keep plugging along..

I am trying to following the Atkins plan due to having type 2 diabetes and having to give myself a shot for about 12 weeks - it was horrid so in Feb of 2013 I decided enough! during the first 12 or so weeks I'd lost 26 lbs but have slowly gained about half back so I am now on week 3 again but still struggle with the weekends - I want pizza and chinese and chips , so I am slowing figuring out some low carb almost taste like the same things. Haa.. I am soon to be (10/10) 43, I have been married to the Hubs for almost (11/30) 5 years who is almost 31 (11/23) and I have a DD who is turning 20 (11/18) and DS who is turning 17 (10/3) so as you can see I have alot of challenges coming up 4 birthdays, Thanksgiving and an anniversary..

I love the motivation and support all you ladies provide here.. Thanks ..

 

[Ohana 4]

My name is Noemi. I restarted my weight loss journey last month with spectacular September. When I first started my "get healthy" plan in 2011, I was 205 lbs and at 5ft 2in, that is way too much for a girl who was pretty tiny as a 20 year old about 20 years ago! I lost to about 175 lbs before I kind of lost my focus and stabilized at around 180 at the end of 2012. I had been running but haven't had much luck with my knees so I have started only walking until maybe I can get some of this weight off. I did meet a long time goal of running the Rock &Roll half marathon in Nov of 2012 but I really want to go and do all the RunDisney ones someday.

DH and I started ballroom dancing after our Disney Hawaii cruise last October and have found it to be very enjoyable as well as a great form of exercise.

We are looking forward to our next cruise on the Wonder in mid November and I'd love to be at an all time low of 155 lbs. we'll see how it goes!

 

[Flossbolna]

Lisa, thank you very much for being our hostess this months!!!

On to the QOTD:

My name is Magdalene. I have struggled all my life with my weight. I was already a heavy child when I was in third grade. Or at least I was what was considered heavy in the 1970 and 1980s. Looking at teenagers today, I think noone would think of my teenager weight as being fat anymore, but then I was the heaviest girl in my class. It wasn't until I was in college and became close friends with three lovely girls (who I still count as three of my dearest friends) who were just naturally thin - think size 0 thin. But they were also active and encouraged me to try to lose weight. And I succeeded. I ended college looking very good. I still felt fat since I was still about 15 pounds heavier than my size 0 friends. Today I think I was ridiculous then and just had a very wrong body image of myself. Afterwards over the years the pounds kept coming back thanks to stress at work and in my private life.

About 9 years ago I got so upset with myself and then tried out Weight Watchers Online. Never made it all the way to my goal weight, but managed to get back to a BMI of just under 25. Then I lost focus, manged to maintain at around that level for some time, then had stress at work again and shot up to nearly my heaviest weight again and returned to Weight Watchers. Managed to get down to the same weight as in the first round. And the same story began. So last fall I was once again getting quite disgusted with myself about how the pounds came coming back.

And then I did the best thing ever, I signed up for the Biggest Loser challenge here on the DIS. And for the first time became a little active in it. While I lost well at first, but then destroyed it all with a very bad December. However, I was motivated to keep going and signed up for the WATP challenges starting this January. I find that the monthly format is really great for me as it forces me to set smaller goals instead of the big goal of being as skinny as my college friends (yes, they are still that skinny despite the fact that two of them have three kids now and the third two kids). And the start of each month is a new clean start which brings a lot of motivation. Taking an active part in the chat her often helps me on days when I find it difficult to focus on eating healthy.

And since this time round I started the weight loss process well before I got to my heaviest weight, I feel like I am starting out from a much better point. At the moment I am just below my "end weight" from my last two weight loss attempts. And my motivation for this month is to get further away from that mental barrier! I have given up on ever being as skinny as my college friends. But I still am not where I want to be. My first long term goal (the first weight where I will have a look and think about whether this is already enough) is 7 pounds away. I hope to get there by the end of November. The next goal (which is the weight that I think I will finally pick) is 6 pounds away from that. And then there is that final goal (which is the lowest I ever got during college and looked fabulous at) and that's another 5 pounds. So that would mean that I need to lose another 18 pounds.... With my speed it seems so far away. But that is why I love these challenges and the monthly smaller goals!!!

 

[Zim]

Hi, Jen here. I’ve never been ‘thin’, ever. I don’t think I’ve ever made it into the single digits size-wise. In college for my graduation gift my mom got me a Jenny Craig program that put me at my lowest weight of 157 and a size 10. I would love to get there again. About five years ago I was at a high point of about 215. I signed up for a local Biggest Loser competition with about 100 or so other people. It was great fun, I finally learned the health association of exercising and actually came in fourth place for weight loss at 183 lbs.

Since then I have fluctuated between 185 and 195. Nearing that 200 number always puts a fire under me, but I’d get to the mid eighties and lose steam. I lost my mom to cancer in 2006 and my dad last year to heart issues he chose to ignore (let’s just say he died of a broken heart, it’s more romantic and probably more accurate). They died at age 55 and 63, respectively (and far too early). So turning forty really put my health in perspective. I had a series of health scares that made me realize I was no spring chicken either. Some high liver blood numbers, an erratic heart rhythm (doc said too much caffeine), and a benign lumpectomy later I realized this is more about health than how I feel I look in my clothes.

So I’ve been religious about entering my food and exercise on MyFitnessPal (intrinsicat is my name there for those who want to friend me). And these monthly WISH goals here keep me accountable to those numbers. It’s been a great combination and now I’m down to the lowest weight in a long time at 171. I managed to hit my 3 pound goal last month, and am planning for the same this month which would put me in the 160s!

Good luck everyone!!! October is candy month, it’s going to be SCARY! Not to mention the earlier sunsets, which will throw my daily 4 mile walk / run into flux. Ugh, my knees don't want to Zumba every night and I don't want to dust off the treadmill - I much prefer the great outdoors and actually going somewhere!

 

[Eliza32]

Hi, I'm Helen. I started a weight loss programme called Slimming World here in the UK back in January, around the same time I discovered these lovely WISH challenges.

I started at 238, and am proud to say that at class tonight, I officially weighed in at 167.5...70.5 lbs that I never want to see again.

I love the closeness that we all have, despite the fact that we don't 'know' each other, and the small month by month challenge really keeps me on my toes.

At home, it's just me and OH, no kids although we do have one very spoilt ginger cat!!! OH has been following the plan too, and has lost almost as much as me!!! (I keep meaning to post pics of us both). We have both discovered running, which is something I would never have considered in the past...I do a timed 5K in the local park every Saturday Morning, and try to do 5K at the gym at least once a week.

My long term goal is to get to a comfortable UK size 16, not too far to go now. I have never been skinny, and don't really think it would suit me. I have set a personal target weight that is only 16lb away, so may be doable by Christmas.....that would be my best Christmas present ever!!!

 

[ohMom]

....and having to give myself a shot for about 12 weeks - it was horrid so in Feb of 2013 I decided enough! ..

we can do this together I have to give myself a shot every night too...it stinks but the benefits are worth it!

...And since this time round I started the weight loss process well before I got to my heaviest weight, I feel like I am starting out from a much better point. ... With my speed it seems so far away. But that is why I love these challenges and the monthly smaller goals!!!

you are so smart to jump back in by recognizing the pattern and stopping it! My weight loss has been super slow too, and finally i'm just to a point where I can start to feel the difference. It's difficult to stay on target when the losses aren't fast for sure! But I love how you break it down by month and still see the big end picture!

... So turning forty really put my health in perspective. I had a series of health scares that made me realize I was no spring chicken either. Some high liver blood numbers, an erratic heart rhythm (doc said too much caffeine), and a benign lumpectomy later I realized this is more about health than how I feel I look in my clothes.

So I’ve been religious about entering my food and exercise on MyFitnessPal...

I hear you! and that's a good reminder to hear...it IS more about health and that is so important. Please everyone don't take your health for granted! We gotta do everything we can to be the healthiest possible!



so with that, i'm Molli, i'm 41, mom to 2 beautiful DDs, and live in central Ohio (ohMom) I've been on WISH practically since it began and was a member of the first WISH half-marathon team in 2005. In the midst of the years of working towards my goal of completing 13 half-marathons I got sick July 2010. For almost 2 1/2 years I was gaining weight while making too much steroids (cortisol); until last Oct I had surgery and no longer make cortisol at all. It's a slow recovery and though I have shed just over 20 lbs, I still have 30 more to lose. It took me about 7 months to wean down to a good replacement steroid dose and that's when the losing started to happen. I know that I could be MUCH better in accountability for what i'm eating though. The hormonal balance plays a huge role for me in whether the scale moves, and so the weeks for whatever reason I won't bore you with that I know the hormones aren't on my side than i'm not real motivated to stay OP with my food journal. I need to work on this!

 

[tmarshall14]

I'm in for October too!

My name is Taylor, I'm 21, and am one of ohMom's DDs
I am currently going to school, working two jobs, and caring for my three 4-legged 'children'

Just recently signed up here on the boards and with the WISH challenges.
My goal is to be back at what I weighed two years ago, and am setting a goal for 8 pounds a month.

I am leaving in two days for a mini vacation to a dog show in Nebraska, hopefully the hospitality dinners won't get the best of me

I am excited to have some more support and motivation to get things moving!

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Yes, just to a nicer place! My current flat is perfectly fine, but some drawbacks. The new place will have a guest bedroom, a fireplace and is in a wonderfully renovated house from 1920 in one of the nicest neighbourhoods. Very happy about the change!

YEEHAW!! A guest room!

ROAD TRIP!!!

LOL

Hi, everyone! I am Cam.

Hey stranger!!!! Nice to see you again.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

Quick QOTD:

I'm Buffy. I am a SAHM of 4.
I'm a co-moderator of the Creative Community, where the crafty people hang out.
I've been a WISHer for a few years now.
I started at 199 and I'm currently 171.4.
My ultimate goal is 125-135, depending on how I feel physically.
I'm a self professed foodie, so my weight loss has been slow going.
I am currently following Ideal Protein, but not as religiously as I should, I really need to follow it 100%.

I start training in October for my first 1/2 in February, the Princess 1/2.
I'm also toying with the idea of doing 40 races in my 40th year, which is this year. I'm not sure yet though.

 

[jillbur]

QOTD Monday, September 30, 2013 and Tuesday, October 1, 2013: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little about your goals for the challenge and the rest of the year. You don't have to share numbers, it can be general.

Thanks Lisa for hosting this month. Also, welcome to all those names I recognize and all the new ones, too.

Hello everyone! I am back for October and am making it a priority (unlike September where I found myself overwhelmed with a new position at work plus DSs activities). I missed you all

I am Jill and I am a 36 year old special ed teacher at an alternative education program. I am married and have 2 DS (10 and 7). I live in western PA and am enjoying the leaves changing already

I've done quite a few of these challenges and find that I love the accountability and support from this group. I really don't have too much weight to lose (probably 10-15 pounds), but I have struggled with this same amount for months. So, I'd like to kick it to the curb.

I love to exercise. I enjoy circuit training, spinning, yoga, and especially running. Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time these last 2 weeks, but I am going to get back on an exercise plan starting tomorrow.

I am a STRESS EATER! I wish I wasn't, but I am. And, this past month has been terrible. So, I am going to TRACK everything I eat. I probably sound like a broken record to some of you, but I do so much better when I track my food. I just need to get serious and stick with it. I am also going to stop eating anything sugary. I would love to be able to eat one bite of chocolate and feel satisfied, but I'm just not that person. Then I find I ate 4 Reese's Cups and 3 cookies. So, I just can't have it at all. If only carrots and celery would satisfy my stress cravings

So, now I've rambled on and I actually feel great (like confession lol). I am ready for tomorrow and being back on track. Let's do this!

Jill

 

[bryana]

Hi all!

I'm Bryana and I'm 24. I live in a suburb of Philadelphia with my boyfriend of almost 4 years, and a grey/white tuxedo cat named Kitters.

I've been creeping around on the DIS since my Dis trip in 2008. I just started participating on the WISH boards back in June when I signed up for the Glass Slipper Challenge. Last month, I found the WATP thread for September and decided to join.

DBF is currently on week 4 of an 8 week training period at the state academy in Harrisburg to become a Parole Agent. He is gone sunday nights through friday afternoons, and while it has been hard (we have been living together for just over 3 years and have never really spent more than a couple of days apart!), it has definitely given me the opportunity to focus on myself a little bit. I've been buying less snack foods and eating more wholesome dinners and making enough to have leftovers for the next day at work. I also have been trying to wake up earlier in the morning to give myself time to eat (a real!) breakfast in the morning. The last week or so it has been tough and am hoping to fall back into the routine this week. I am hypothyroid so I am on medication that I have to take and than wait an hour before I can eat so it is difficult. I definitely noticed the change when I switched from just toasting a bagel at work and when I wake up and can sit down with a plate of eggs, bacon, toast, and some fruit.

I am hoping to lose 4 pounds this month and get back into the 140s in... i can't remember how long. Probably end of high school which was 6 years ago. At my heaviest I was at about 180 and it took a trip to the Dis for my cousin's wedding in December of 2010 for me to realize it. I didn't even recognize myself in the pictures. Over the next two years or so (a lot of start and stop, start and stop!), I managed to get down to 150. Earlier this year, I gained 10 of it back and right now am about evened out to where I had gotten originally. I'm hoping to finally break through that. I'm hoping that it shouldn't be too hard. As a lot of others have done, I have become a runner over the last year and a half. I've run various distances with my two biggest races being this year's Broad Street Run 10 Miler in Philly and my first half marathon back in June. As I mentioned earlier, I am doing the GSC in February. Before than, I have a few races scheduled. Namely, the Runner's World 10K in two weeks and the Philly Half Marathon in the middle of November. It should definitely help me in the weight loss area to be ramping up my mileage again.

I think this is my longest DIS post ever, LOL.

Good luck this month everyone.