The Scale

Tomorrow morning is another weigh in. We're down to the last two weeks. Everyone is pushing themselves pretty hard so as not to be at the bottom, but we know at times the scale has a mind of it's own. I don't know about anyone else, but I feel as if I am a slave to the scale. The worst part about this competition has been the scale.

Big Mistake

This morning I started my workout exhausted which was a big mistake. Needlessly to say GI Jane handed me mine. I"ll try hard to remember how important it is to get my rest before those morning workouts.

Sister Rivalry

Today I spent the day helping my sister move her things. She is in such competition with me in losing weight she tried to lift all the heavy boxes so she could get a work out. I had to explain to her it's not about you. I'm the one in the competition. What can I say, sister rivalry.

Weekend Eating

Today is Saturday which seems to be the worst day for eating. I'm never on schedule and have to concentrate so I don't eat alot of high calorie foods. I try to keep a lot of healthy snacks on me because I'm constantly on the go.

Lost For Words

I've tried to think of something clever to say, but the truth of the matter there is nothing special for me to talk about this morning. So I guess I'll just say, chat with you later.

Major Accomplishment

Today my father actually went to the bathroom on his own. This may not seem like much to most people, but this is a great accomplishment for him after having a stroke at age 82. He was very proud and excited, and so am I.

Blue Wednesday

This morning was another weigh in. We had to eliminate another team mate. This situation is getting even tougher than I initially thought. You see how determine someone is, and their desire to succeed. This mirrors your own determination and desire, and you know how they feel.

My Pet

I brought my dog home last night to the new house. He is doing better than I thought he would adjusting. He is loving all the space to run and play.

Another Monday

I thought I wouldn't be able to make it this morning after the weekend I had, but I surprised myself. I have to keep focus and keep pushing.

Today was another day of cleaning and organizing. I am beginning to see daylight.

Nephew to the Rescue

Today my nephew came to my rescue. He brought four friends who helped unpack my POD in one hour and thirty minutes. It probably would have taken me all day to unpack the items stored in the POD. I greatly appreciate Charles! I love you!!!!

Finally

Yesterday we finally got to close on our home after so many cancellations. I was up late going over a few things which showed this morning at workout. I thought I would pass out, but didn't. Tonight was difficult as well. I 've better cut this short so I can go to bed.

Back to the Drawing Board Again

I quess you can say back to the drawing board again. I need to tweak my diet which could be a good thing. It will allow me to make it a little more interesting. Even get a few things in that I've been missing.

Another Wednesday

Another Wednesday has past. It's getting tougher as time past.

This evening we had a good workout that turned out to be soothing as well. I started out being somewhat afraid of the intensity of the workout, but ended up seeing it is okay to push outside of your comfort zone. It actually felt kind of good.

This morning was a really good workout. I hope I did well this week. In the morning is the last chance workout before facing the scale.

Late posting to night, spent the night at the hospital with my father. He is doing fine. He has problems with his lungs since the stroke December 2, 2007.

Monday morning has arrived. We were informed that one of our team mates have decided that she can't continue due to health reasons. This brought another realization. The game is narrowing with fewer contestants.

It's Sunday night and time to prepare for the rest of the week. Back to morning and nightly workouts. Hope to do my best this week.

Dog Walking

Today was cool, but beautiful. I took the time out to take my dog walking in the park. He is an eight year old german shepard name Jackson. It was a great way to get some exercise in. I believe he enjoyed himself more than I.

When I first started the Memphis Biggest Loser Contest I was barely squeezing into a size 20 women pants. Now I'm barely squeezing into a pare of 16 women pants with some stretch. The top part has not been so fortunate, but this is still an accomplishment.

Concrete

Today we did some work outside. I'm a little skeptical about working out on concrete because of past experiences with shin splints, lower back pain, and heel spurs. Concrete can be very unforgiving, but all and all it was a very good work out with nice scenery.

Tomorrow I have my Saturday morning workout. I even get to share it with a love one.

The Game

Today we were reminded about the integrity of the contest. It is important to do your best, only you truly know what your best is, but it is also about relationships. Relationships can be positive even in a competition. The most important thing to remember is mutual respect.

Great Day

Today was a pretty good day for me. I had an awesome work out this morning. I was able to get off work early; therefore, I was able to do my evening work out early. This made it possible for me to get home earlier (a lot of earlies). Bottom line, I was able to fix me a decent dinner for a change.

Noticing Accomplishments

I've been told by a co-worker that she could tell when I started loosing weight. I loose these two people that I carry around on my back. Some of you ladies know what she mean. The part that hangs over your bra from the back. I'm happy to say that they have started to diminish. I must contribute this to the weight lifting which is my favored part of the workouts.

WHEW !!!

Today I thought this was it. I was at the bottom of the weigh in, and could have easily been sent home. The deeper we get into the competition the more intense it becomes. Someelse had to go home today, and the realization of it all, it could be anyone of us next week. But that is the nature of this contest.

Many Happy Returns

This morning Captain Oh My Captain informed us that he would not be here for our weigh in in the morning. This may be a bad omen. G I Jane will be in control of our last chance workout. We know that this work out will be off the chain, which translate painful. We wish Captain Oh My Captain happy returns, and hope there's something left for him to come back to.

Bitten Off Too Much

Today is Monday, and I am feeling older than usual. I'm beginning to think I'm crazy to be attempting this. As the old saying goes, you've bitten off more than you can chew. I'm feeling like that today. I need to be further along than I am. I'm sure the trainers are feeling this way too. I quess we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Weak Spot

This morning we had a very intense workout. We tried some things that I've never done before. I have now found my total weak spot. I can not balance my body to save my life. I struggle badly with the task. I really have to work on that. But my sister, Jo was there to offer support. I appreciate her and love her very much.

Say Yes to Carbs

We were informed yesterday that we could spice up our diets with carbs. That's what I've been waiting for, but ironically the carbs are making me sick to my stomach. It might be from being tired. The carbs are a little heavier than the vegetables.

Another One Missed

This morning we had our last chance workout. This would be the last time for someone, but no one knew who. Well we found out soon enough who would be in the bottom two. It was a very difficut decision for the team and the trainers had to make the deciding vote. We had to eliminate Good Hands Greg. He will be sorely missed by all. He was the first person on the team that made me feel at ease. I will truly miss him. I hope he continues with this battle with great success.

Yesterday, I had a good workout. My sister and daughter joined me in my workout. They have been very competitive since I've joined the contest. If it was not for this contest my daughter would probably still be sedimentary. She is such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. Then again, I'm very bias.

Weight Gain

I don't know about the other contestant, but my fear is after doing all of this I might gain the weight back. There are certain things that I'm leaving out of my diet so I can burn more fat. I fear once I start to incorporate it back into my diet the pounds will pile back on. I don't want to be afraid to eat. I gave my trainer GI Jane a call. As usual, she was easy to talk to. She explained to me to keep a balance. There is nothing you can't have. Eat in moderation, and balance exercise and diet.

Slipping

This weekend was difficult for me. I didn't get a chance to grocery shop not until today. So I did a lot of pinching and tasting. I had to do some serious planning before I got into some real trouble. My sister is helping with the planning, and I appreciate her so much. It is so important to keep stock of healthly foods to prevent times like these.

The inclimate weather seemed to have kept everyone in. It was so tempting to do nothing, but I didn't. I gave myself an aerobic workout. It might not have rivialed the trainers, but it got a good sweat going.

Energy

The trainers often ask how is your energy level. You normally just say it's great because you don't want to feel like a whimp, but it's strange. No matter how tried you feel while you are exercising, afterward there is this charge of energy. This charge manages to take you through the day. So, I guess it's true what they say. Exercising increases your energy level, if you manage to live through it.

Energy

Bored

Its getting to be that time when you start to get bored of what you are eating. I will have to be
inventive in this area. I 've heard that the diet is 80% of any weight management program. So to the drawing board I go.

Creating Change

One of the reasons why I wanted to participate in the Memphis Biggest Loser Contest is my daughter. I wanted to impress upon her the necessity of healthy living. She appears to be listening. I want get too excited. She went to the store all by her lonesome and picked some healthy choices to keep up with her mother. My baby sister who encouraged me to join the contest has been following along with me. She has lost about as much weight as I have. Some of the ladies at the Community Services Office and at Carnes Elementary School where I work , are determine not to have me live them behind. They have started drinking the water and cutting back. Some have even started to exercise. It's a good feeling that I'm able to impact people in a positive way.

Big Accomplishment

This morning was our last chance workout. I felt like it was my last time workout. But, it was so worth it. I lost a whopping 9.75 pounds which made me this week biggest loser. I was surprised and happy. Now I have to continue to work hard to lose an additional 16.25 pounds which will give me 30 pounds. Also, we had to vote off a teammate today, Crazy Shea. It appears now the game really begins. If you don't lose the weight you will go home. I'm not quite ready to do that.

This morning is what I'm talking about. The trainers find yet another wonderful place for us to workout. They keep making it interesting and fun. You almost don't mind the pain. Almost.

Perfect Picture

We have been asked to bring in pictures or something that will motivate us. I brought in a picture of an outfit of a blouse and slim fitting skit. The blouse is belted at the waist which is something I don't wear because of my protuding abdomen. Thinking about this I would have to say that my true motivation comes from inside. I believe that is where it has to start in order to make that outward change. I have often had pictures of the perfect body, but it never seemed to encourage me. I now know that it must be a strong desire for change because of the quality of life I hope to have.

Saturday, I believe I can speak for everyone in saying we had a great time even with the butt kicking. We were able to work out with great scenery. Captain Oh My Captain aranged for us to work out at Harbor Health. We were able afterwards to walk along the river. Kudos to are trainers for trying to make this an enjoyable experience through the butt kickings.

I didn't post yesterday because I have been busy moving. At 48 I am purchasing my first home. It is a very exciting feeling. We were informed yesterday, by Killer Jane at the morning workout that it would be exhausting and fun. Which don't usually go together if you're talking about exercise. We had 10 stations set up for cardio. Each teammate spent two minutes at each station. Even though it was 2 minutes at each station it seemed a lot longer, but it did end up being fun.

After these work out sessions I tend to have mad cramps in my abdomen. My Captain, Oh My Captain informed me that drinking more water would help. If you have read any of my posting you know that this has been a problem for me. I don't drink nearly half of what I need. I've increased my water, and the cramps or less frequent. If I can only get to my 140 oz who knows they might go away completely.

Now to today, it was the very best for me. Stations were set up again. This time for weight training. Between the switching of stations 1 minute cardio was done to keep the heart rate up. That one minute may not seem like a lot, but believe you me it kick but. I have so much work to do. I am determine not to let my age be a factor.

The information I posted earlier was incorrect. The Fat Fighters did not win the weigh in. So we totally rule. They had the person to win the most weight which was eleven pounds. I just finished the last work out for the day, and the pain is never ending. I'm hoping and praying that it end real soon.

This morning was very intense. We went in to the gym this morning at 4:30 am for the last chance workout. The Gut Busters did, the Fat Fighters decided to sit this one out. We rule. Some of my teammates were very worried because this would be a weigh in after only two days with the trainers. The team would have to vote from the bottom two who would go home. Yes, that really sucked. Well we were bested today by the Fat Fighters by a small margin , and had to vote to send a team mate home based on percentage. Shea was voted to go home, but the radio station Q107.5 rose to the occasion. No one had to go home today. This weigh in gave me the opportunity to see how much this competition mean to some of my teammates. It is so much more than just the prize. To see the tears of joy, and the fear of elimination was moving. My lost was only 4 pounds which means that I have to get into gear. The water is a big problem for me. I need to get it down because I retain fluid, and the elimination of bread want be no picnic either.

In the morning will be our first weigh in after only two days of training. Some of the team is a little nervous. We've done our best. So lets just see what the scale has to say.

I apologize it has taken me so long to post to my blog. It appears that I'm challenge in this area, but I would like to let everyone know that I'm having a blast, though painful. I dread the mornings some what because of the aching muscles, but once I get to the gym and start working out it's soon forgotten. The evening are not so bad. I quess because I've walked through the pain during the day. I also, want everyone to know that I was blessed with some great team mates. The Gut Busters are like the phoenix. Though you kick our butts, and they do. Again we rise. I will be chatting a little later, I have some catching up to do.