I've returned

Ok, so I was MIA for a bit. I had an insane schedule with the end of school and then had a few health issues that set me back. Needless to say, the past 2 to 3 weeks were not my strongest of the contest. But, I do have to say, I did lose some weight each week, if only a little. Not gaining was a big plus ;)

So here I am at the final 2 weeks. I am writing down what I eat each day and basically going to an all fruit and veggie meal plan with a little added extras. NO dairy, NO red meat, NO sugar. I am also meeting with Steve 3 times as usual and walking every day for a minimum of an hour total. More if I can squeeze it in. The good thing is my requirements for grad school are complete (or may need only a few corrections), so that stressor is over.

So, here is my food log for

Mon: 6am: strawberry/banana/protein smoothie. 10am: apple and cutie tangarine. 12pm: carrots and 1/4 c humus. 3pm: 2 hard boiled eggs, apple, protein-water drink. 1/4 c unsalted almonds. 6pm: 4 oz cod, 1 cup cooked broccoli with raspberry/almond dressing.

Tue: 6am: strawberry/banana/protein smoothie. 10am: carrots and 1/4 c humus. 12pm: 2 cutie tangarines, 1/4 c unsalted almonds. 3pm: apple, 2 egg omelet with spinach, onion and black beans. 6pm: (will be) 4 oz cod, 1 cup cooked broccoli with raspberry/almond dressing. After workout protein-water drink.

You can probably see the pattern here. This is basically what I will be eating my final 2 weeks. Upon weighing this morning, I am down 27 lbs. Not quite what I had for a goal, but in 2 more weeks I may be close. My goal was 40 lbs. I am going to see how close I can get!!!!

We got a note yesterday (the members of the contest). They are having a party for us on May 26th. It is going to be a fundraiser. I'm not sure of the location yet. But they are trying to get at least one Bears player to attend as well as a local "Biggest Loser" contestant. As soon as I have more details I will let you know. Would love it if there was anyone that could join us!!

Thanks so much for helping me get through this! It has been quite an experience! I am looking forward to continuing my efforts after the contest. Maybe not as strict as the past 3 months, but definitely carrying over a lot of what I have learned.

Five weeks to go

So, we have 5 weeks left of the contest and I have mixed feelings. I have loved this experience so much and feel I have done well. But it has been very difficult with scheduling etc. The busy-ness of my life will be a relief to see end.

Last week I began seeing a chiropractor/acupuncturist as part of the contest. It has been the most amazing experience of my life. I have never done something like this before. I have seen him twice and loved both experiences. I quit counting after 64 while he was inserting the needles. It is a strange feeling...but it never hurt. The electric current through the needles is the best feeling ever. I have such a relaxed and healthy feeling when the sessions are over. I'm afraid I may be addicted to this. :) (it worries Joe too...haha)

My weight loss has not been as speedy as I would have liked. But it has been steady and healthy. Steve and I have decided to add a detox to the regimen for 2 or 3 days each week for the rest of the contest. A person's body builds up toxins and the fat in your body stores that, making weight loss more difficult. We are hoping this, and the chiropractor, and the increased workout schedule will aide in increasing the totals. I really want to be in first place at the end of the contest. But truthfully, whereever I am, I do consider myself a "winner" as I have learned so much about myself, about healthier eating, and about being more active and positive. All of this will make me a better person overall for myself and my family.

What are my hopes?? I hope to continue this lifestyle once the contest is over. I will not be as strict as I have been since Feb. But I definitely see the importance of healthy eating and healthy food choices. However, I believe that one must add the little indulgences now and then. Having an indulgence meal (NOT DAY) will be added to my schedule upon completion. I don't want to feel I am constantly giving up my favorites, and I don't think I should.

Will I go back to Diet Coke and other forms of artificial sweeteners?? I really don't think so. I feel such a difference in my body since I have removed these things. It is really healthier to just have a soda now and then and add a tsp of sugar to my coffee. My body knows how to use these things, but does not know what to do with the artificial stuff. If I didn't feel such a difference I think it would easier to fall back to my old habits.

Thanks for joining me in the is ride. It has been fun and I look forward to my final weeks and hope to tell you my place is #1 very soon!

More to follow soon....

Crazy amounts of energy today

With spring break being this week we changed the workout schedule. I spent the beginning of my day at the library being a grad student. Then, I went to workout with Steve and knocked it out of the park. I started with a warm up that turned into a self-challenge. I jogged/speed walked 1 mile in 13 1/2 minutes. Not super impressive for "real runners" but VERY good for me! And to think, that was my WARM UP! My real workout was, shall I just say, WOW. Had I known AFTER then workout what I was going to be doing I would have never attempted my mile challenge. haha Today was the first time I did a complete 1 hour workout. It consisted of push ups, punching bags, sit ups.....and 9 flights of stairs. I looked pretty beaten up at the end. But again, I DID IT! :)

Because of Easter I am only doing 2 training sessions this week with Steve. So I will be weighing in on Thursday, 4 days early. Hoping to see results!! Keeping my fingers crossed and my determination strong.

To top off the workout, tonight the kids and I went in the backyard and did some yard work. I am planning to put down tar paper and white rock around the garage. In preparation for tomorrow Joey and I pulled up the old wood chips and put the border stones in place. Tomorrow I hope/plan to fill in some soil and set the border stones. Hopefully Saturday we can do the rest. Joe's big concern: how much white rock will this take??? I just want to see it D.O.N.E.!!! Then we have 2 boxes to build so we can plant a blueberry and raspberry bush. I'd like to put white rock over there too but not sure Joe will agree that it fits into the "yard budget".

In the meantime, the contest continues and more to follow soon...

AMAZING DAY and NEW LIFE GOAL

Went to my workout this morning and weighed in. Lost another 4 lbs!!!! I am just so thrilled with that!! And...I have OFFICIALLY lost my first 20 lbs in the contest. Not only that, but I have gained muscle (which weighs more than fat) and have lost inches everywhere. Won't know those exact numbers, though, until the end of the contest. I can't even tell you how incredible this feels for me.

After my workout I met with a lady from the Herald News. She talked with me about different personality types and effective ways for each personality type to work out. Ironically, she and I are identical types. She shared with me something that has made an impact on me. Last week she celebrated 5 YEARS of working out every single day. I was so inspired by this. The past week or so I have been wondering what "post contest" life would look for me. I now have a goal to reach my 5 years of working out daily as well. Eileen shared with me that she looks at her weekly schedule every Sunday night and schedules in her workouts. She treats it as any other important thing she has on her schedule for the week. I plan to do the same thing. Anyone wanna join me in this goal?? It would be amazing to have my 50th birthday bash knowing I had spent 5+ years working out daily!!!

We have made a few changes this week to my meal plan and to my cardio workouts. Hoping for continued success during the last 1/2 of the contest period!!! I am so proud of myself and the effort it has taken to stay focused and energized during the past 1 1/2 months.

I am on spring break the next 7 days and I have made myself a schedule so that I don't waste away the days. Tomorrow I am digging out around the garage to prep it for tar paper and white rocks that will be put in place next weekend. I also have Friday carved out to spend with my kids and friends. The rest of the week will be working on my action research study and training modules for my Developmental Therapist credentials. I know, don't knock yourselves over with excitement over such plans....haha.

I also have a short workout week and will be doing my next weigh in on Thursday instead of Sunday. Wish me well!!!! More to follow....

Happy Sunday!

So, I went to workout today and weighed in. Lost another 1 1/2 lbs! Now really as much as I wanted, but I am glad to see the loss! Then the workout started. We went through my cardio schedule for days I don't work out with Steve. And guess what....I JOGGED FOR 7 MINUTES! Again, may not sound like much, but for me it was HUGE. I also ran on speed 7 for the first time and jogged a total of another 10-15 minutes with breaks. I sweat like I have never sweat before and felt so proud of myself afterwards!!!

We have decided to up my calories to 1600 daily from the 1400 and he gave me this new cardio workout. We're hoping to see more progress next Sunday. I'm going to really work hard this week and see what results we can get. I will try to type up my cardio workout tomorrow.

I have made some changes to my meal plan and am adding "grilled" veggies to my agenda. LOVED it and plan to do that again for tomorrow. Put on a bed of lettuce and 4 oz of chicken and it is amazing!!! That with my tuna or veggie chili for lunch and I will be one happy camper!! My snacks have been cottage cheese and oranges or strawberries with almonds in the morning and an apple with peanut butter in the afternoon. I think this will be a good week!!

Again, thanks for reading! More Tuesday :)

Very tough week

I think I am having one of the hardest times so far with my meals. I have tried to keep my mind focused on the things I can have instead of the things I cannot. But for some reason, I am obsessed with all of the "can'ts" today. It's been frustrating and I can't seem to get past it. Decided to make myself some homemade soup for dinner tonight. I threw in all my faves....chicken, mushrooms, tomato, onion, carrots, spinach. Then I added barley to hopefully make it a bit more filling. I'm hoping that this is going to help me get through this. Of course, a vegetarian taco from Zacatacos would taste far better....or any number of other faves of mine. But I really want to make it through this tough stretch.

Tomorrow is another weigh in and I hope to have shed a few extra lbs for my efforts. If not, I am not going to get down. I have worked harder in the past 5 weeks than I ever have. And I feel the effects. The changes are there, no matter what the scale may say. Steve is hoping for a 7 lb loss. I would be thrilled with that....but will take anything in the "-" numbers. :)

More soon...just needed to get these feelings in writing so that I can put them to rest. As always, thanks for reading!

Feeling GOOOOOD!

Tonight's workout felt so good. I worked very hard and did so many push ups and weights. And man did I ever sweat tonight. I was a bit worried that being sick again over the weekend would affect my workout. But I really came back around 90%, or maybe even a bit more. :) I couldn't believe how good it all felt. There are muscles showing up now that I didn't even know I had. Think maybe next week I will put in a "1/3 done" picture in for everyone!! I'll have to hire my mini trainer to take it for me. I will do it Sunday after my next weigh in.

I am working this week so hard on my positive attitude. Positive vibes bring on results. I have also buried my scale. I tried not to, but I still found myself weighing myself last week. That's negative energy that just doesn't bring the good stuff that I want to see. So, NO MORE weighing myself except on Sundays at Push Fitness with Steve. NO MORE!

This week my home workouts continue in full force. I backed off last week due to my illness but am refusing to let it take me down again this week. It is NOT going to happen!!!

More to follow after Thursdays workout...

Still in 2nd place

After yesterday's weigh in and workout, I am still in 2nd place. I have lost 5.1 % of my body weight. First place is at 5.6 %. Just means I need to step up the pace a bit. Being sick last week made it difficult for me to do my home treadmill workouts. Unfortunately, over the weekend my sore and swollen throat returned and I was quickly put on a 10 day oral antibiotic to hopefully kick it completely this time. My doctor wants to meet with me once this contest is over and possibly send me to an ENT for my throat. I can't even think of having tonsils removed at almost 45 years of age!!!

The good thing that has come out of this contest is my meal plan regimen. I really like the foods and have begun getting a little creative with it. We had a seminar over the weekend at a Whole Foods store in Palatine. There was a good statement about eating variety and not getting stuck in a rut. Your body gets bored too and doesn't break down the food in the same way if not given a good variety. I had gotten into a groove of eating the same things....probably out of convenience as much as anything else. So, yesterday I stepped that up as well and came up with a few new things for my meals to kind of surprise the system. I even made up a new "chili" that is surprisingly good. Not sure if it would be something many people would like, but I love it. It even has spinach, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, barley, and garbanzo beans. Makes you wanna run out and get the ingredients huh!! (haha) Everything in it is low sodium. To offset that I added a little extra hot sauce to give it some kick. I'm also going to add 2 egg omelets to the mix with some interesting veggies in it. Again, little salt....but loaded with flavor!!!

My challenge now is to come up with a menu that will work in my next internship. Working with 14 early childhood students with high needs will make it interesting. Stopping to eat twice in that time period is not going to be easy. I never thought I would have the challenge of trying to find time to eat!!!! :)

More to follow after tomorrow's workout. Hopefully it will be good news that my throat is feeling better and the workouts are getting a bit easier. Or at least more tolerable :)

I'm BACK!!!

Went to my workout tonight with determination! I cannot believe the workout we did. It was intense. I started with a 4 minute walk/warm-up, 3 minute job, 4 minute walk. And then Steve had me hit my workout back to back with only treadmill breaks in between. This was probably the hardest workout I have done so far. And it felt AWESOME! I can't believe that I worked so hard less than a week after having strep throat. I have never come back from something like that so quickly.

I am really looking forward to my weigh in on Sunday and really hope to see the results I have been feeling all week. Not sure what my loss will be as I do not weigh myself at all during the week. I focus on the end result instead and picture myself at the end of the 3 months.

I bought myself a new pair of jeans a size smaller than I have been wearing. I bought them on Ebay because I don't plan to wear them for long. :) I also bought TWO pair the next size smaller as an added incentive. Cannot wait to be wearing those!!!!

Today I went back to my regular meal plan. I had made some adjustments due to the strep throat. As it turned out, I need to return to my protein smoothies for the rest of the week as my appetite hasn't quite returned yet and my energy level dropped a bit tonight that was unexpected. We decided I should keep up at least my afternoon protein shake to boost the energy level until my full appetite returns.

Thanks again for reading my progress. I so appreciate hearing the postive comments and support!! You are all THE BEST SUPPORT EVER!!!! :)

More soon....

Back to my workouts

I went to my workout tonight for the first time since my strep throat. This morning when I woke up I felt like a million dollars. As the day went on, however, my status dropped and I was less than the 100% that I thought. But, I kept plugging at it and went to the workout. I got there early and walked on the treadmill for about 20 minutes instead of my usual 5 minutes warm up. So, by the time Steve started working with me I was already sweating and feeling the effects of the day. But....I DID IT! Granted, it was a shorter workout, but I still did every push up, every weight, every squat that he asked me to do. And, for the first time I didn't even give one "what" or "just wait" or "you're kidding right". :)

I realized on the way home that I have never really explained my meal plan. Decided to give you a basic meal plan for my day so that you can see that I am not starving myself and I am eating foods from all groups! In fact, since being sick, I have had a hard time finishing this.
Meal 1: oatmeal and 1 c 2% milk
Meal 2: 1/4 cup cottage cheese with 1 cutie tangerine and 1/4 cup almonds
Meal 3: 4 oz turkey OR 4 oz canned tuna in water, 2 tsp lite miracle whip and 1 wheat tortilla
or 1 wheat bread and carrots and celery
Meal 4: 2 hard boiled eggs, 1 string cheese and an apple
Meal 5: 4 oz tilapia, cooked broccoli/cauliflouer, 1/4 cup avocado

My workouts with Steve include lots of weights (varying weights), lots of push ups, squats, lifting, pulling.....and recovering! I also drink LOTS and LOTS of water throughout the day and have 1 or 2 cups coffee (no sweetener/no cream). That has kept me headache free from dropping all artificial sweeteners, etc.

My home workouts are treadmill work. I walk/jog 30-40 minutes every day and vary the speeds and inclines. Keeping my body guessing what I am doing makes it so that I am less likely to plateau.

I feel very good tonight. But....am planning to go to bed soon. Thanks for reading and looking forward to Sunday's weigh in again. Can't believe I even said that!! But I want to see that I am in FIRST PLACE!!!! :)

More soon...
celery

Great news!

I went in today for my weigh in and guess what....I AM IN FIRST PLACE! I have lost 5% of my total weight in only 3 weeks in the contest! This is especially incredible seeing that I have only worked out with Steve once in the past week! First on Tuesday I had flu like symptoms and then Friday night, out of the blue my throat became swollen and I was very feverish. After a doctor visit the results were strep throat, ear infection and sinus infection. Yikes. All in one week. But today Steve put that all into perspective for me. This is all minor stuff. A broken bone would be a major setback. This is all only minor.

My main objective for this week was to continue my meal plan no matter what. And it has paid off. I have tried to keep up with my 5 meals a day. This has been especially difficult with this lates strep bout. I have had to make protein/fruit smoothies and low sodium chicken soup. Things I can swallow. Trying to keep that up has been hard. Strep throat has been a recurring problem for me for years so recovery is not something new to me. The quick recovery is though. I attribute so much of this to my new lifestyle (even as short as it's been). I am grateful to have today and tomorrow yet for some rest and relaxation and hope that I will be closer to "normal" by Tuesday.

Can I say that this contest totally ROCKS!!! Once I am back to 100% Steve and I are going to go through the roof on this and will go further than any of the contestants last year!!! Yeah for positive attitude. But for now.....it's back to bed.

Rough week

I missed my workout on Tuesday due to having the flu. Still not feeling 100% but I went to my workout. Cannot believe this but during my warm up I actually jogged for 3 minutes without a stop. I know....not much right. But that is really big for me! I have never ever jogged in my life (except to a buffet line...haha) and I was so proud. I also did more tonight in my workout than I have done yet. And that was not feeling well!!!! We're going to weigh me in on Sunday to see my results. Can't wait to see how I've done. I didn't get to weigh in for week 2 because of my illness, so it will be super interesting.

In spite of being sick I have really stuck to my meal plans. I haven't strayed off of the plan since the beginning of the contest. It's been easier than I ever imagined. No Diet Coke, no chocolate, no white bread. And I feel better than I have ever felt in my life!!! I see so many benefits to this plan and really plan to continue this once the contest is over. Not sure if it will be as strict as it is now....but then, I want to win this contest!

I have been more than mildly overwhelmed with the attention I have received from this contest. I have received emails, phonecalls and FB messages from people that have seen it. One of the ladies at the center I work even saw the article. It is quite humbling. I just wish people realized that THEY are MY inspiration and not the other way around.

Looking forward to this weekend. And looking forward to my workout Sunday!! WISH ME LUCK!!! :)

Very minor setback

This morning during one of my torture exercises I pulled a muscle in my calf, right behind my left knee. I was jumping to an 18 inch step and when I stepped down I didn't buffer it so it pulled the muscle. It wasn't as bad as it could have been....but it really hurts. I'm icing it today and tomorrow, taking it a little easy, and hoping that I will be back to new for my workout on Monday. Thankfully we changed tomorrow's workout to Monday already, so I have tomorrow off to do an easier workout on the treadmill. Or maybe the kids and I will do some Wii Fit.

I continue to feel so much better! I can't believe what a difference I feel in myself in such a short time. I think the biggest accomplishment is in the food choices I make. Believe it or not, I don't even have cravings for things I'm not supposed to be eating. Wonder if it'll last for the whole 3 months. PLEASE last the 3 months!!!

Besides the food I am also drinking a lot lot lot of water. Thankfully I stopped drinking Diet Coke weeks before the contest started or this could be super killer. Today we went to Sam's Club and while Joe and Joey bought soft drinks I opened the water bottles we bought and it tasted the best EVER!!! Keri and Sami even joined in with me and had water. So proud of my girls!

Weighing in for the 2nd time on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that I continued with the weight loss this week!!! More soon...

Training rescheduled

Steve had to reschedule my workout for tonight. Have it admit, it was difficult to get motivated tonight to get on the treadmill. Especially with the new schedule he gave me on Tuesday. It was HARD...but I did it with the help of my 2 mini trainers, Joey and Keri. I actually ran in 30 second intervals. (doesn't sound like much, I know. But it's A LOT for me)

My meal schedule has really been perfect for me. It takes a lot of planning each day to make up the meals and have them in my little lunch bag. But it makes it so much easier as the day goes on to grab the meals, even on the go. And I don't feel hungry. That's probably the best part of it all.

I will admit that today in the lunchroom at my internship there were brownies there that looked very good. So, I just marched my butt to the other end of the table and didn't eat one. Last year's winner, who my trainer also worked with, emailed me this week and we have been writing back and forth. She is giving me pointers and has asked if she can be my added support and "go to girl" for advice. How nice was that of her!! She also said she is joining in the 3 months and working out more as well as journaling her workouts and eating schedule again. (just in case she has to make an appearance at our final day). She has given me some great advice. Oh, and I see that I have 2 people following me on here now!!!! I am still a bit overwhelmed by all of this and more than a little humbled. And even more honored to have so many good and caring people cheering me on and following this road with me. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!

WOOT WOOT WOOT!!!

Had my first weigh in today and lost 9 lbs my first week in the contest! Top loser of the 5 contestants by quite a margin! I can't even describe how good I feel about this! It has been such hard work, but I am doing it right. I eat 5 meals a day, have the foods that I like, and work my tail end off both at home and with my trainer.

I should explain a little bit about the meal plan I am following. I eat fat, protein and either fruit or veggies at every meal. I also eat starch with breakfast and lunch. It's all about eating all foods, but eating them in the right amounts and at the right times of the day. To put it very simply, I eat only perishable food. If I can't pronounce the ingredients I don't eat it. I also try to eat as low in sodium as possible and have absolutely NO artificial sweeteners. It isn't as hard as it sounds and, as you can see, itis effective. Will I follow it this closely after the 3 months??? Not so sure. I am only into the 2nd of 12 weeks right now. I have to give myself the 3 months to see how I truly feel and see what has become habit. Do I miss some of the old foods?? Absolutely!! But I try not to dwell on that.

Steve has also been working on helping me become more positive and to try not to dwell on things I can't control. I tend to be a bit hard on myself and push myself unrealistically. I am beginning to see how this can sabotage my hard work and effort. If it doesn't kill me it just is not that important or critical. Certainly not worth stressing about. (or "spazzing" as I tend to be described as)

Here's to another week of training and another week closer to the NEW ME!!!! :)
Thanks for reading....

Sunday workouts....OUCH

Got up this morning, ate my breakfast, and woke up the family to get ready to go. Met with Steve for my 10:30 workout and Joe took the kids to shop for a new bed (I had already shopped and he was checking what I found).

Workout was tough!! He has me doing a lot of strengthening, push ups/weights, etc. Today he also treated me to NINE FLIGHTS OF STAIRS!!! Those were a killer. He didn't make me run. I couldn't have anyway (haha). But....I DID IT! Hurt like ever though. We had to make adjustments to the workout twice when I got light headed. Finding that this happens most often when I 1) don't breathe correctly and 2) get up or go down too fast for the workouts. This is something I am really going to have to concentrate on.

I was glad to see that my legs hurt far worse this morning than they have all week. Not sure how they will feel tomorrow though! On Thursday I started my protein drink after the workouts and that seems to have helped. Don't even mind it. I also am proud to say that I am sticking to the food choices like clockwork. I thought this would be the hardest, but truthfully, it hasn't been bad. I am seeing the brilliance of their food program. There is very little that I am eating that I don't like. I am also getting to eat foods that I really like. What I am seeing is, what's most important is watching the AMOUNTS and WHEN to eat certain foods. I can have a plain bagel, I can have peanut butter, I can have fruits, I can have eggs. It just depends WHEN and how much.

I am starting a new philosophy. I am no longer looking at what I can't have and what I am giving up. It's not about that. I am concentrating instead on all of the things I am able to have and also on what I have been able to DO!! I am truly amazed with what I have accomplished this week.

Thanks for reading! :)

Feeling a little better today

Worked out again with Steve and I have to say.....I FEEL VERY PROUD OF MYSELF!!!! He told me that my numbers were the highest of the 5 contestants for the beginning numbers. Raises my bar a bit higher, but I am pretty proud. He told me he knows he pushed me a bit harder, but he wanted me to see how I did from the beginning at my best to the end of the 3 months at my best.

We went over my eating log, sleeping schedule and home workout routine. I am pretty much following it like he wants to see. He is going to go through my food schedule because he thinks I should add a starch to my meal before my evening workouts with him. I kind of piddled out a couple times in the workout......but he did say I did much better than he expected and I did about 3 more things than he thought I was going to be able to do. Yay me!!! =)

So, I am still sore tonight. Drank my protein drink after the workout and hope to be a bit less sore tomorrow, or at least Saturday. I go back for my next "killer" session on Sunday but have to do my cardio workouts every day at home.

Thanks again for reading!!!!

So So Sore

My first workout was yesterday and Steve told me to do my 1/2 treadmill workout last night and another 30 minute workout today. I woke up this morning more sore than I probably have ever been. Needless to say, getting on the floor with the birth to 3 year olds today was NOT that easy. But I did it. =) Tonight I came home and collapsed on the couch for about 40 minutes and I swear I didn't think I was going to be able to get up. But I did it. And I hobbled my sorry butt downstairs and did my workout. I will admit...only did 25 minutes. I also followed Steve's directions and constantly changed up the speed and incline. I had my heart rate up to the 160s where he wanted it to be, so I think I did ok.

Unfortunately, today I forgot to take my meals with me to work. I had to improvise best I could. But I think I did pretty good for Walgreens. (it's the only place I could go in the few minutes I had) I have been drinking water like a fiend and have completely cut out aspartane and citrolose (artificial sweeteners) from my diet completely. I am still drinking my coffee so fortunately have had no withdrawal headaches. The only thing I have to do is talk with him about an option for fizz. Miss my fizz.

More tomorrow after my first 6pm workout. I will now be working out Tuesdays/Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays 10:30am. He has a regime planned for me on the other days.

1st week half over. 11 more to go!!! :)

First workout

Steve kicked my A$$ today on my first workout. Embarrassed to say that I got lightheaded at the end of the workout and was not able to do my last part. But I did 1 mile in 14 minutes. Ok, no record breaking done. But I finished it and even jogged for 6 minutes. That's pretty huge for me folks!! I am pretty sore tonight. He's having me drink a protein drink after workouts from now on. That is supposed to help with that. 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 scoop protein powder.

The diet is going great. Eating 5 meals a day with absolutely NO SKIPPING is not easy. I eat at 7am, 10 am, 12:30pm, 3:30 pm and 6:30pm. I premake the meals the night before and pack them in my little cooler. Works GREAT! Did find out I DO NOT like plain organic yogurt. Even with fresh strawberries in it. Going to switch to cottage cheese. I mean, really, that was NASTY!

I will be doing another 30 minutes on the treadmill tonight after a meeting at the kids' school. I'm tellin' ya.....he's trying to kill me! Was also ordered to buy new shoes, which I did on the way home. YEAH Shoe Carnival!!! :)

For all of you that actually are loyal enough to read to the bottom. I am going to do the hardest thing I have ever done. Giving you my beginning weight. It is 236. Steve is pushing me to lose 50 lbs in this contest!!!! I have come to the conclusion that this is just a number. A number. And it's nothing to be ashamed of. My final number is what is important.

REMEMBER: NO EXCUSES!!!!!!!! See you tomorrow! :)

First Day

The group of contestants met up for the first time today. What an wonderful group of people!! I really liked them all and can't wait to see our transformations over the next 3 months. Boy was it intimidating having to talk on video about what I want from the contest!! We were also briefly interviewed by the reporter from the Herald News and had before shots taken with the group and with our trainers. It was a whirlwind experience and my head is still spinning.

As I left with a log book for workouts and eating and a book that spells out the eating plan I couldn't help by feeling very overwhelmed and more than a little scared. I'm going to have to sit down tonight and plan out the week's meals and get them packed up. Basically there are 5 meals a day with it spelled out what to each for each meal. Then you go through the choices to decide what you will eat. I think for at least the first week I am going to find what fits into each meal and go with that for each day!!! I am surprised at the amount I can eat....although I still think this will be the hardest part. Was totally bummed to see that I can't drink my flavored sparkling waters. That was a huge blow!!! (no aspartane in the diet) Plain water is not going to be easy. Ugh. But I'm going to stick to this no matter what!

Steve ordered a 30 minute workout for me with high intensity. He wants me to work on the treadmill at the highest elevation and speed that I can do, a few minutes at a time. I meet with him tomorrow for my first official "torture session" and will give you an update then. Hopefully he and I will be able to really map out my "dos" and "don'ts" and get a more detailed workout plan for my out of gym work. This is not going to be easy!! Do you think it is ok to be VERY scared???

Steve

Met with Steve today for about an hour. He is quite the motivator. We "unofficially" weighed me in. Ugh...do I ever have my work cut out for me!! We also took some measurements and took some "before" shots. Another "ugh". Really looking forward to beginning. It seems like the wait has been forever. He showed me the eating log and the food guide that they have put together. Very impressive. We are going to start with Tue/Thu/Sat or Sun workouts with him and I will be putting workouts in on the other days. Steve was the trainer for last year's winner so this is quite a challenge for us. He hopes to repeat his win this year. I intend to make him a repeat winner.

The food guide looks quite easy to follow. My challenge will be in packing my daily food. Steve says NO EXCUSES and I should pack up my daily meals in a cooler marked for each meal. Absolutely NO outside food because you can't control what is in there. As soon as I have better handle on the daily schedule I will get that blogged. It is really a good setup. If anyone wants to model it just let me know and I can see about getting copies of the stuff I have. ANYONE that wants to or can join me the better!!! You are all MY inspiration and motivation!!

Countdown to the contest.......ONE!!!!

The beginning is near!

Finished my 2nd week of internships today. What a great week. But I am exhausted!! I'm being told that with exercise comes energy. Someone please tell me that this is correct! :) I have had two friends say that they are going to either do yoga or swim or do some type of workout with every workout that I do!! That just made my day. Then they said something that kind of (ok REALLY) surprised me. They said that I am an inspiration to THEM! That just can't be right. I have always looked at these ladies with awe. They have become to important and special to me and I look up to them for support, advice and that shoulder to cry on when needed. It seems surreal to actually be an inspiration to them! I am honored ladies and will not let you down. Promise! :)

Countdown to the big day: 3

My trainer

I talked to my new trainer Steve. He sounds like a really nice guy and we were totally on the same page. He told me, "Enjoy this week, eat what you want, and have a good time" Translation: SANDBAG!!!! We both want to kick butt in this contest and plan on winning. I told him I was doing exactly that this whole 2 weeks so that I can really kick for the contest. He was floored to hear that we were both thinking in the same competitive way.

I am meeting with Steve on Sunday to do all of my pre-numbers before the big meeting on Monday. I will have to do pushups...yeah right, sit ups....sure ok, and have my measurements done. Should be interesting to see exactly how much work I/we have ahead of us. Can't wait though.

This week has been very tiring with my 2nd week in my internship from grad school. But I have to say I do feel less tired than I did last week. This is a good sign, right!?! By month's end I am hoping the energy level will be higher than it has been in a very long time!!!

Countdown to contest: 5 days

Meeting on Monday

Got an email today and the 5 contestants are meeting Monday morning for the "before" shots, video and interviews with the reporter. I can't wait to meet everyone and get introduced to my trainer/teammate. They are getting us matching colored tshirts to wear during photo ops. I was kinda hoping to wear a GiGis Playhouse tshirt for a couple of them. Needing to boost Team SamMilBubs (formerly Team Samantha) for the 5K in June. I gave a challenge last year to "run" (okay, maybe jog) in the 5K instead of walking the 1 mile if our team raises over $4000. Was panicking a bit....BUT NOW I KNOW I WILL BE ABLE TO DO IT!!! :))

I am also proud to say that as of tomorrow it has been 6 weeks since I have had a Diet Coke! It was kind of my "test" to see if I could handle a fitness contest. I figured if I could do that I could do about anything. In fact, I have only had 3 or 4 sodas at all in the 6 weeks. Something I never thought would be possible.

The countdown to the big day is now 6.

Doctor gave me the ok!

I met with Dr Dudas today and he gave me the go-ahead to do the fitness training. The nurse was so cute and we chatted about the contest for a long time. She said she wants me to come back after the contest to show her my "new me" and let me know that I won! She was very sweet. Dr Dudas asked me to come in after 6 weeks of the contest so that he could see how my progress is going.

Joey and I were talking last night about the contest. I asked him if he thinks I will win. He said, "well, maybe you'll get like 2nd place" Nice, Joey! :) So, my "mini trainer" thinks I will get 2nd place. I am going to SO prove him wrong when I win 1st place!!!!

I wanted to start on the treadmill today. Is it wrong of me to also want to wait until the contest starts?? I'm sandbagging now so I don't lose any of my percentage BEFORE the contest starts. I guess it's the competiveness in me. So sad. lol

I begin in one week from today.........

9 days 'til we begin

It's Saturday, February 6th, and I am getting ready to begin my new adventure in good health. Just got the email yesterday that we will be meeting on Feb 15th for the "before" pictures and weigh in. I should be nervous right? But I am not as nervous as I am excited to begin. I can't wait to get started. I will have a trainer 3 days a week and will have my "mini trainers" (Joey and Keri) pushing me from the homefront on the other 4 days. My goal is to WIN THIS CONTEST!!!!

It is going to be so great to have the support and motivation of all of the readers of my blog as well as the followers of the contest. Getting responses will be a great thing and re-reading my feelings thought and frustrations will hopefully help me get through the next 3 months. To think, in only a little over 3 months I will be done with internships, graduating from grad school and finishing up this incredible contest.....wow......a new me. Are we ready for this?? :)

More to follow once the contest begins.....thanks for reading.