Realization

Boy! Did I have an "AHA" moment this morning. For the first time I realized that I actually COULD win this competion! I guess I never was really convinced, but now that I am in the top 3 of my Blue team, the light bulb finally went off. I am on track to really, and truly winning this whole enchilada. DAMN! How the heck did THAT happen?

With lots of hard work and determination. And now I have to work even harder. I have one real competitor on my team and she and I have become such good friends. Neither of us works any harder than the other. Either of us could win our team, but now that I know where I stand, I am even more determined than ever to see this thing through to the end and actually win.

WOW! Just the sound of that feels good. LOL

More Pics from Atlanta Strides

I received these pictures from Janet to add to my collection of the Atlanta Strides Against Breast Cancer walk from last weekend. One group shot of all the Curves ladies that attended at our training studio, one of the group after the walk and one of some of the gals during the walk. What a fun day that was. And of course I stick out like s sore thumb because I didn't have the Team Curves shirt on. I have an excuse....it was way too small for me. LOL But I DID wear my shirt that I received for being the Curves high loser of the month of September so that was cool. :-)

I MADE IT AGAIN!!!!

i CAN HARDLY BELIEVE IT!!! I am still in the competition. I was so nervous, as always, but what kept me out of the bottom two was that one of the competitors (Chuck) was a no-show, so that put him automatically in the bottom two. I think I still would have been ok however, as I lost 6 pounds this week. I was totally shocked. Virginia lost 6.5 and Hollie only lost .25.

I worked so hard for that 6 pounds, but I know I can't let down my guard. I have to work even harder this next two weeks. I am sure it could have been a lot more had I stepped up my game early on, but I let my hair down for a couple days and I now realize I just can't do that. Tonight I have my weekly workout with Crysta and then tomorrow we are working out with the Red Team and Kyle since our trainer is out of town on vacation. Fortunately, their workouts are at 5pm so I won't have to take too much extra time off work. I am looking forward to it.

In the mean time I am going to basque in the fact that I am still in the competition and have avoided the couch yet again. YEEE HAAA

Upward and onward!!!

Atlanta Strides Against Breast Cancer

As much as I wanted to, I didn't go to the Big and Little Kennesaw Mountain walk with my teammates. Mainly because I couldn't walk alone. I was too nervous and couldn't find anyone to walk with me. So instead, I still wanted to get my exercise in so I went to Atlanta Strides against Breast Cancer with my Curves friends. What an event THAT was. It was estimated that over 15,000 walkers were in attendance and at the end, they announced that over 750k was raised and they estimated that over 1 million would be the final Atlanta count. The walk of course started out a bit hectic due to so many trying to get on the way, but after a bit, there were some who dropped so it made it a bit more bearable with not so many to contend with.

What made it great was I tagged up with one of my Curvemates Karen whom I had not had the pleasure of getting to know up to this point. Karen and I made great pals on the walk and she was a determined as I was to push it all the way. We were both starting to get sore, but we plugged along at a great pace and had our great Aha moment at the end. Thanks Karen for making this walk such an enjoyable feat for me.

When I got home, I still wasn't ready to relax and cash in my day, so after a short nap, I went down and did another 3k at Alexander Park. When I finished that walk, I was done for the day. I had to do more as I felt so dang guilty that I wasn't able to walk the Kennesaw's, so now I feel I accomplished as much as they must have.

Today is Sunday and I plan on walking some more. For some reason, I feel these walks do me as much if not more, than going and working out on the treadmills do. I see more results this way. Probably because I am forced to push myself up those dang hills so it works me more and uses more calories. I think today I am going to start with Lenore Park and end at Alexander. They are both tough walks as I always go backwards and take the harder route, plus yesterday I entertained myself with my music on my mini iPod. Wanted to shout the entire way. LOLOL

Hoping for some pretty good numbers on Tuesday. Not as much as I would want, but going to go in there feeling pretty good considering the slow start to this period.

Friday Update

Back on top again. Feeling much better now that scales are moving again. Workout yesterday was totally awesome. Virginia and I did our usual one mile warmout walk, but this time it was timed. I did it in 18 minutes - not real great, but I will improve. It's my dang legs because of my bi-pass and veins being taken from my lower legs. I am not able to jog like Virginia can. She is my hero! She practcially ran the entire mile. But I will get better at it as time goes on.

After the walk, Tim had us walk UP the entire parking garage. Can we say ramp hell? LOL The thing is that I did it and didn't stop once. I was so proud of that accomplishment. It was in preparation to the Big an Little Kennesaw mountains walk, which I wanted to walk in, but I am walking in the Strides Atlanta for Breast Cancer with Curves instead. It is a three mile walk which will help me a lot. Then I can go to Lenore or Alexander parks and walk some more. Ned that cardio. :-)

Anyway, I am back to feeling great and know I have done my best for next week. I still have three days so a lot can happen.

Upward and Onward.

Having a Down Morning

Uh oh. Having one of those "I don't give a crap" kind of mornings. Not good for me. Scales don't seem to be moving even though I have been working my arce off. Yesterday at training Tim had us walk our usual 1 mile warm up, then it was up the dreaded stairs ON OUR HANDS AND FEET, then suicides, arm curls, weight lifts, crunches and side runs. A rough but feel good morning workout. So why am I feeling own today? Sheesh! I don't know.

I am starting (as per usual) to feel down about next week's weigh in. I know I won't have much loss because the inches have been coming off. I need to really heat things up and cut down on what I am eating so that I can see a few pounds gone by Tuesday. Not feeling real good right now. Oh well, if I am in the bottom two this time (which is highly lighlky) I will deal with it and take it as it comes. At least I know what I have to do to get this weight off once and for all.

I am walking in the Stides Atlanta with Curves this weekend so that will be a three mile that will help. It was either that or climb big and little Kennesaw mtns, but I don't think my Cardiolist will allow that. Will know tomorrow after my appointment. Just a bit scared about that prospect as much as I would like to do it. At least I will be getting exercise at the Strides walk. I think that would be safer for me considering.

Anyway, hopefully I will feel better after my workout this afternoon. I have to perservere if I am going to keep going.

Quick Monday Morning Excitement

This will be a quickie, but I am so excited that I have to share. I am at work, now wearing a pair of slacks that I haven't been able to fit into for at LEAST two years. They ar a size 14!!!!!!! That means I have lost two pant sizes since starting with Atlanta's Biggest Loser.

Come what may now, my eye is still on the prize, but whatever happens I am super excited, and won't quit until I reach my goal. Oh how I would love to see a size 10 some day. That would be the ultimate prize for me. Even a 12 would be a winner, but heck, lets go for the gold. LOL

Sunday Report

Sunday made up for Saturday. I went to Alexander Park and walked their course twice. That is, from what I can figure out 3.5 miles in total. I was sweating like a fiend when I got home because it was a beautiful day and I went at noon. Wore my sweats and one round I did with my weights. I am feeling so good that I can walk that distance. I could have NEVER attempted that before. I was supposed to have a walking partner, but she didn't show so I went it alone again. I have to depend on myself to get done what has to be done.

Alexander park's walking trail is a real work horse. I was shocked, although hubby warned me that it was tough. The first time around I did ok, but the second I was not sure I would make it. When I got back to my car, I felt a big piece of accomplishment. Got home, took a shower and took a nap. LOLOL I am such a wuse.

I am anxious to get on the scales in the morning. I sure do hope it shows me some good numbers.

Tomorrow I am going to Curves at lunch and Just Fitness after work. Then on Tuesday it is back to Marietta and my regular hour workout with my Blue Team. Red team weighs in on Tuesday so am anxious to see who makes it through this week.

I am going to be at it hard this week so that I can be in the top two at OUR weigh in one week from Tuesday. This competition is all I think about and I have to keep my eye focused on the prize. Nothing is firm until the very last weigh in. I can't let my guard down for a minute.

Happy thoughts and I am off to beddie bye. :-)

Saturday Do Nothings

I sure didn't do a thing today. I intended to go to Boot Camp (didn't), was going to go to the gym (didn't), even intended to get a walk in (didn't). I just couldn't bring myself to do a thing today. The only piece of motivation I had was going to my art class which I DID do. LOL

I guess I need an occasional day to just do nothing as far as this competition is concerned, but I feel so guilty. I mean, really, how am I going to make the headway I want if I just sit on my arce all day? Tomorrow I am going to walk at least twice. Once around noon with my friend Mila and again before the sun goes down. Going to check out a new park that I haven't been to on Scenic Highway. I hear it is a nice walk so we will see.

I am getting lazy about this competition and I can't let my guard down. I now have nine days until the next weigh in. That's probably how much weight I need to lose before then. I am glad I looked at the calendar. Now I WILL get my shit in gear. I have to be in the top two this go around if I am going to avoid the couch. And I have to lose at least 9 lbs. MAN this is going to be a tough week and I have to stay focused and disciplined. I shouldn't have let my guard down today. I really shouldn't have. Ok tomorrow is a new day for sure.

Feeling on Top of the World

I can't remember when I have felt this good. I got up this morning and got on the scales and am now 21 lbs lighter. MAN, that is such an accomplishment for me at this age. I took Thursday off as an exercise day to get myself back in tip top shape. I didn't intentionally miss my WellStar workout - I couldn't get off work to go this one time, but when that happened, I just decided that today was my day of rest and I am glad I took that time to re-energize myself.

I have lost two shirt sizes which is amazing. I WAS wearing anywhere from a 3x to 4x depending on the blouse. Today I am happily waring a 2x. WOW. Now I can open up my 2x suitcase and salvage some clothes. WHoo Whoo. I was going to go to Curves at lunch, but due to work activities, I have to put that one off, but will be at Just Fitness after work. Then on Saturday morning at 7am it is Boot Camp time with Crysta and then on Sunday my weekly 3 mile walk. This is starting to be habit now and I am loving it. Win or lose in the competition, I am now on a roll to good health and feeling so good about it. This has been a long time coming and I know I will never go back to where I was. It was a very painful place and now I am starting to smile again and get my old confidence back.

I know I have a long way to go, but seeing what I can accomplish has taught me many things. You are never too old or too large to make monumental changes. I am a woman who has had a major heart attack, quintuple heart by-pass, high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes and look at me go. Never say never, EVER.

Oh and by the way, Marcella was voted off today. I will miss her. She was a blast and so funny.

Loving the Way I Feel

I sure do hate seeing myself on TV. It is so true that TV puts 10 lbs on you. EWEEE. I saw the Wednesday show and wanted to throw up. anyway, I am still losing and feeling wonderful. Going to keep it up because I am seeing the differences myself. This whole thing is so hard, but there is light at the end of the tunnel...I just know it. I just need to keep this up and keep my eyes on the prize. I still can't get over that I put myself in this competition and even more shocked that I was chosen. How great it will be to not be fat again for the first time in years. Geez, I wonder how my hubby will react when he finally sees a difference. LOL

And Then There Were Five

Here are a couple of our newest pictures. Can you see a difference in my weight. Sorry for the awful look of my hair. These were taken AFTER our workout. EWE

The Results

Oh my goodness....I have never been so stressed and nervous in my entire life and that is no joke. So much so that at training in Marietta this morning I literally got sick. We had to walk with our trainer around the campus of Kennestone Hospital, then up the dreaded stairs and then inside to do more exercises in a hand ball court. At that point I lost it and had to sit out. I seriously think I am getting the flu.

Anyway, from there it was on to 11Alive studios for the weigh in. We were all there and once we got a camera man to assist it was into the gym for the dreaded weigh in. I went second to get it over with. The scales said I weighed 249.75 which equates to 7 1/4 lbs lost and 2.82% of my body weight. I was horrified and so scared. After everyone weighed in we were called back and by the grace of God I came in third. Holley and Chuck were in the bottom two. I am safe for another two weeks.

You can bet that I have to step up my game if I want to stay in the competition and win. This is so overwhelming and scary. I don't like weigh in day, but am so thankful that I can work harder to win this competition. I feel super bad for Holley and Chuck. Holley especially since this is her second weigh in that is in the bottom two. But she will be fine I am sure.

I didn't go to my training with Christa tonight because i was in such knots and needed tonight to re-group. Tomorrow begins another day and another day to work out and eat right.

Second Weigh-In

Well, today is big day number 2. I am not feeling well this morning and not feeling real enthusiastic about this weigh in. I have worked hard, but I don't think I have done as much as I could have to cement my place in the competition. I didn't go to Just Fitness last night as I was not feeling well at all, but I did go to Curves at lunch so at least I got some circuit training. After lunch I just felt like I was going to get sick. My friend told me that this happened just before my last weigh-in, which makes total sense. I am nervous and this can trigger my not feeling well.

After I got home, things didn't get much better so I went to bed early. Too early actually as I ended up most of the night. Woke up every hour until I finally got up at 430. I hate this feeling but this weigh-in is important and I want it to go well, but unless I am in the top 3, I will be up for elimination.

I am going to my workout with Tim this morning prior to the weigh-in and hopefully that will help to melt off another pound or two. I am more nervous today than I was two weeks ago. All I can do is hope for the best and go with the flow. If I am in the bottom two, I will pray for lots of votes to keep me in. I will add to this after the weigh-in which takes place at noon.

Recent Pics

The picture below is the one taken after our recent weigh in on 9/28. I can see a difference in me in this one from the first one. In addition, I am starting to get compliments which is super nice. The one at the right is the dreaded stairs (dun, dun, dun dunnnnn) The seven stories of stairs we climb at our training sessions at Welstar. I can now climb them without assistance which is a real plus and improvement. My Mother said this weekend when she was standing behind me that she can see the difference in my back. So, all I can say is win or lose, I am on a downward trend that will forever keep me on the slim and narrow (wink)

Finally Back

Man, talk about an act of congress to get back in here. I forgot my password and couldn't figure out how to get a new one. But finally after many, many attempts I am back and now I must give updates from the 22nd. WOW how time flies.

Well, first of all, I made it through the first round. I worked my butt off making it happen, but my first weigh in on 9/28 went something like this:

09/28/10 Weigh In: 257 lbs.

Lbs. Lost 12

Percent Lost 4.5%

This weigh in put me in second place in weight loss, but third place in percentage of weight lost. Bottom line is that I was safe. Whoo Whoo!!!

Now I am preparing for weigh in on 10/12 and I am nervous as heck about this one. I have been good and bad since my last weigh in. Good in that I have been working out at Welstar, Just Fitness and Curves at least once a day and sometimes twice a day depending on which workout is scheduled. I have been going to Boot Camp on Saturdays and walking like a maniac on Sundays.

But I couldn't seem to get past the five pound loss mark and starting to get discouraged. The thing is, that it finally dawned on me that I have to be in the top three this weigh in, if I am going to avoid the vote off in the bottom two. So the way I figure it, I have to have at least an 8 lb loss or more to cement my place. Not knowing what my other teammates have done, I have to really step up my workouts and eat a lot less without allowing my body to go into starvation mode.

I spent this past weekend with my kids in Columbia and did very little exercise. That was when I started to sweat things a bit. But, I got home Saturday night and spent and hour at the gym and today I walked four miles in sweats, knee pads and workout shoes. I am seeing things drop again. Can I lose an additional three lbs before Tuesday's weigh in? That remains to be seen. I think I can, but will see how the scales measure up tomorrow morning. I can't avoid the scale if I am going to stay on track even though everyone says don't get on the scales but once a week. This is too important to not do that as it keeps me working towards the prize.

I will write again tomorrow from work as to how I fared today. Keep those tootsies crossed for me. I am nervous about Tuesday.