Wow

I can't believe it's over. At workout tonight I gave Kendall a hug before we started because I knew I'd be gross sweaty when it was all over. It took everything I had to fight back the tears during my first reps. Now that I'm home and it's starting to hit me the tears are coming! This has been such an awesome experience. There is no way I would have been as successful without the love and support everyone in this challenge has provided. I have proven to myself that I DO have time to take care of myself, and that it makes a difference in every area of my life. Proof that my emotional health has improved: I used to cry all of the time for no reason, and excluding today, I've only cried a handful of time in the last 12 weeks. I can MOVE and I see muscles and definition that's been missing for far too long. I can easily manage my food intake. I feel like my body and I are finally working together again, rather than fighting each other all of the time. My son is learning to make healthy choices, and I've been able to open a dialogue with many people about healthier living.

Stats for today were good - I was down in everything. I know I have a long way to go, but I'm halfway there! I've lost about 60 pounds since November, and I need to lose 60 more. It would be AWESOME to be at my goal weight by my (30th) birthday in November. Originally I had said I wanted to be to my goal weight by May 2011, but now I think I might be able to make it by November. I'm going to certainly give it a try. 12 pounds per month is very doable. :)

Denial

I think I'm in denial that this is the last week. I do that. I cope with loss by pretending it's not happening. It's a character flaw. Sometimes people take it as a lack of care or concern, but I assure you that quite the opposite is true.

There are so many people that have come to be such a part of my daily life! The trainers, contestants, Dome staff, and even other gym members feel like an extended family. I'm proud to know all of them. ;) This challenge has been so great in so many ways, and I will be forever thankful for this opportunity. You simply can't put it all into words.

One week left

I really can't believe this is almost over. 12 weeks seemed like such a long time before we started. Yesterday was our last group. Everyone but Jay was able to make it. I really wish he could have been there! We had fun playing laser tag and bowling. Personally I did pretty well; second overall to Jamie in laser tag and first in bowling (of the contestants). Scott, Jackie and I broke 100. ;) I don't think any
of us will be quitting our jobs to join the PBA. ;)

I'm going to make it to the grocery store today. I've been out of cereal and eggs. My goal is to finish up strong. I started looking at gyms last night to plan for after the challenge. The Fitness Dome is great, especially since it has been free! Once I start paying for my membership it will just make sense to choose a place closer to where I live and work. I used to have a membership at Gold's Gym in Bryan. I will probably go back there. I firmly believe things will be different this time, now that I have a workout plan.

Week 11 and back to 100%

I am completely over my stomach flu and its after effects. I was no only able to complete everything at tonight's workout, but I went up on weight for several exercises. That feels good. I really hated getting sick Friday, because not only did I miss workout Friday, but I also missed the extra credit and fellowship on Saturday. Monday was my first day out of bed, so I did good to make it to my last set. I didn't do all of the reps on Monday, but I was definitely feeling it.

David said I was doing well with my points. That's good motivation to really kick it in this last week. This entire experience has been great, but my personality is such that winning is definitely option #1. ;)

Only two weeks left!

Let's start with the good news: I have lost five pounds in the last day! The bad news is I have the stomach flu. It's really easy to lose weight when there is plenty coming out and nothing coming in! ;) I thought I was going to die for most of yesterday. It started with diarrhea and upset stomach. By 11am I was vomitting, by 3pm the flu-like symptoms had set in. I was finally able to keep a little bread down late last night. I'm still not hungry, but I know my body needs fuel to finish fighting this off. I lost mostly water yesterday, but if I go too long without eating muscle tissue will be next, and we don't want that to happen. ;)

Needless to say I missed workout yesterday and I won't be at Saturday group today. I would hate to get anyone else sick! Hopefully I'll be good as new and we can do measurements and get back to it on Monday.

Week 10 is almost over

When we started this challenge 12 weeks seemed like a long time. It doesn't seem like it should be nearly over! What I am most proud of at this point is that I haven't quit and I've made progress every week. Some days and weeks are better than others, but you just keep going. You workout, make good food choices and keep your goals in mind. Progress is progress! I'm looking forward to seeing what progress I've made tomorrow. ;)

Week 9 - Friday

This hasn't been a great week for me. I've been sore (verging on the edge of injured) most of the week so I couldn't workout as hard as I would have liked to. I was afraid I was going to be up in weight since I didn't eat as well as I should have this week. Luckily I didn't gain anything. Most of my measurements were the same as last week. Of course, we did measurements in the morning last week, so in reality I'm probably slightly down.

These last few weeks are going to be crazy. I really hope I can stuck with it! I'm going to try my best!

Week 9 - Wednesday

Last week was a great week for me. I lost four pounds and was feeling great! This week is a different story. I'm up half of a pound and I feel like I don't have the support of my husband. This entire challenge he hasn't gone out of his way to be supportive, but at least he's let me do my own thing. I told you guys about the Wings-N-More incident last week. Last night he brought home Chicken Express. Today he texted me and asked me to pick him up a MeatLovers pizza. I've been avoiding meat since November, and I've been doing this fitness challenge for two months, and it's as though he doesn't pay any attention at all! I can't make him eat a certain way, but I don't think it's too much to ask for him to NOT ask me to contribute to his unhealthy eating. I need help saying no sometimes, and his bringing home fried food every day and sweets just doesn't help. But, I can't expect him to be selfless, all I can do is stay focused on my goals and be the best role model for my son I can be. Alex has really taken an interest. We have discussions about macronutrients in the car all the time. Just this morning he told me, "Mom you don't need any candy because it doesn't have protein in it." He's five. :)

Here's hoping I can turn this week around before Friday's measurements!

Week 8 - Thursday

Workout was good today. We all worked hard and stayed for some extra! I actually ran on the treadmill, which I haven't done in a long time. I haven't run since before my back surgery.

My group is looking forward to measurements tomorrow. We've all been working very hard this week and I hope it pays off tomorrow! ;)

On a side note, my husband brought home fried chicken wings, fried pickles, French fries, and ranch dressing for dinner tonight. Really?! Has he been on another planet for the last two months?! Needless to say I didn't eat any. I just wish he'd try eating a little more healthfully and not fill the house with the smell of fried foods. I can resist, because I'm focused on weigh-in tomorrow, but I hate to think what would have happened if I was having a bad day. ;) Fried pickles taste amazing!