WE WON!!!

So we won!!! Yeah!!! Of course the money is great and I am going to continue this journey. In fact the whole team is. I know we can do this. My teammates have become family. This is a bond that we will have forever. Thanks Lori, KM, Jen and Sarah. Let's get to our next goals.

One Door Closes, Another Opens...

The results are in and I am sooo proud of what I was able to accomplish in 4 weeks - that's right, FOUR weeks as there were 2 weeks where I was not able to exercise at all as a result of an ongoing illness and Doctor's orders.

I cannot believe my results in such a short time.; 4 pounds and change lost, 6 inches lost and down 2 jean sizes (from a 30 to a 28!) And while I know it would've been better with the 2 additional weeks, I'm satisfied that I did all I could with the hand I was dealt.

But even more important then what the scale and the measuring tape show, I am emotionally a different person now than I was 6 weeks ago. I am loving the control I have over my weight - I love how I decide. So with that power, I am choosing to continue this journey - to reach my goal and to then keep myself where I need to be; healthy, happy and confident in the way I look; finally! I joined a gym, have personal training sessions scheduled 3 times a week for the next 12 weeks and with daylight savings time and our step contest still going, I plan to do A LOT of intervals!

I want to thank my team incredible members - Jen, Hilary, Katherine Marie and Sarah - for talking me off the ledge every time I was going to do something crazy like workout when I wasn't supposed to. And even more than that, they helped me not feel so guilty about not giving what I wanted to give during the 2 weeks I had to take off. It made all the difference for me emotionally, as normally, I would have just given up and rendered the situation hopeless. I am so lucky to have been teamed with such amazing ladies and I know that we will continue this journey as a source of support for each other and will go places we never thought possible, together.

I also want to thank my family - mostly for allowing me the time I needed to make all this happen, without making me feel bad for missing time with them. As mothers, we are always conflicted about these kinds of choices and having a great support system at home that actually says "mom, you look so good!" makes me realize that they want the same things I do - a mom who is happy, healthy and feeling good at every stage of her life.

I am so grateful to Nik for doing this contest as it really was the catalyst for positive change in my life. Sure, it was the money at first, but now I know it's much more than that - effin' brilliant Nik!

So the contest is over, but the race is not. The goal has shifted from 6 weeks to forever. And while I'm sad to see the door close on the 6 week contest, I am super excited for the door that's about to open to let this strong, healthy, better version of me walk through.

See you all at the gym :-)

In gratitude...

First Goal Reached

I DID IT! I reached my 12 pound weight loss for the competition. I'm so, so, so, so excited that I was able to reach that target in such a short amount of time.

I'm 1/5 of my way into my overall weight-loss goal but I'm not giving myself a timeline. I realized throughout this that one of the reasons I never succeeded before was that I would set an unrealistic date for "success", not reach my unrealistic target goal, and then give up.

I don't want to give up on myself this time- I'm pushing through and will continue this journey until I'm at my target weight.

Week 6: It's all about Finishing Strong!

So last week I committed to finishing strong, and I am proud to say that I did just that! The past 7 days have been all about working out - hard - and eating really right.

I did 3 days of strength training and 7 days straight of interval training for cardio. I walked everywhere and anywhere I could and the diet was spot on - I didn't even have cake at the monthly birthday celebration, not even a taste of frosting which is a total weakness for me.

But will it be enough to at least make up for some of the 2 weeks of exercising I missed as a result of the staph infection I suffered? Who knows! All I know is I did everything I could possibly do and while I'm nervous about weighing in, I am also optimistic that the scale and the measuring tape will have some good news for me.

Until tomorrow...wish me luck!

When Lori initially came to me with this challenge I was “Yeah! Absolutely!” But in thinking about actually having to do it, my thoughts were anything but positive. “It’s going to be hard. I don’t want to give up burgers, fries, bread, etc. I don’t have time to do this.” And the ultimate excuses, “I can’t because I am nursing” and “It’s going to take time away from the baby.” Fortunately, I had enough wits about me to recognize them for what they were, excuses. So when the challenge started I was ready and sort of willing to make changes in my life.

My motivation was wanting to be healthier and to feel better about myself. I wanted to get back the body, attitude and self confidence I had at my wedding, less than 2 years ago. When I saw the before pictures and my starting weight I wanted to cry. I weighed more than I did right after giving birth!

I struggled in the first weeks, but with more time spent working out with Nik and on my own, logging my food, blogging and seeking and finding support in my teammates, I noticed a change. And it wasn’t really about weight loss. It was my attitude.

I looked forward to the workouts, I made smart food choices without feeling deprived, I felt better about myself overall and I was actually making change happen in my life. Stairs and double veg and quick jogs and deadlifts using the baby as my weight. Don’t get me wrong, I had my moments, but overall, I could feel an optimism stealing over me. When I started seeing physical changes - 3 pounds, 5 pounds, 9 pounds, 2” off my waist then 3.5” and finally throwing away maternity clothes - it was awesome!

Now 6 weeks later, I am stronger, healthier and smarter. I am also 14 pounds lighter and my waist is 6” smaller. But this is only the beginning. The new habits I have started will not end tomorrow with the contest, but are just a starting point.

I would like to thank Nik for giving me this opportunity to make a change, my teammates for always being there for me and my husband and two boys for supporting me and cheering me on in their own way (Mommy, you’re not fat anymore!).

I am looking forward to losing the next 14 in the months to come. Bring it on.

Hilary-I’m Worth It-Final Post before we win!!!

As you know I was the heaviest I’ve ever been in my life. I weighed more than when I was 9 months pregnant and I didn’t want to put my head in the sand anymore. I was at a point in my life were I need to choose a path. My choices were to continue down the path I was heading which was unhealthy and unfit. The future was close on getting diabetes and high blood pressure. Or to chose a different path and to get fit and fabulous in my 40’s. I choose the later.

Obviously this weigh gain wasn’t put on overnight. I’ve basically tried every diet out there. Which in the end I gained more back than I lost and messed up my metabolism along the way. I was trying to do this with no exercise. Well I’ve learned that is not possible for long term weight loss and happiness.

My motivations are:

1. Live a long and healthy life. I’m doing this for my son and husband but ultimately I’m doing it for me because I’m worth it!
2. Look hot in a sexy black dress.
3. Run a 5k this year, a 10k next year and then who knows.
4. Look and feel wonderful in a bathing suit.
5. Family trip to Hawaii in 2012.

I’ve learned life changing habits:

1. Eating right and journaling everything no matter what. It keeps me accountable.
2. Eating protein at every meal and eating every 3 hours.
3. Exercising and not just the same thing day in and day out. Interval training and weight lifting is the key to success.
4. It is ok to mess up. Just get right back on. We are human and life is not perfection.
5. I am an emotional eater and the first step to success is to know what my triggers are and I’m on my way.
6. Love myself. Most importantly love myself for who I am. And not to beat myself up for mistakes that I’ve made along the way.

I started this contest wearing size 16 jeans and now I wear size 10 jeans. I’ve gone down 3 sizes. I’ve lost 16 pounds. And I’m also down 7 inches. All in 6 weeks!!!! And this is just the beginning.

I want to thank my teammates as without them I might have lost my motivation along the way. They have been my anchors. They have inspired and motivated me along the way. They were there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and believe me I cried. We have become such a close group. I’ve learned so much about my teammates over the last 6 weeks. This is a bond that we will share for a lifetime. They are an incredible group of ladies.

I want to thank Nik for this contest. While winning the money would be nice I wanted to start this contest to get my life back. It was the jump start that I needed and thank you so much. I’ve learned so much from you and will continue doing what you have taught me.

Most importantly I want to thank my husband and son. Without their support this wouldn’t have been possible. I love you so much!

This is the start of my journey. One chapter is closing but a new one is just beginning.

I’m Worth It and I WILL be fit and fabulous at 43!!!

Week 5 for Mrs.Newton

"We are creating a life either by design or by default."

Well, this week I'm back on track. I've been working out like a crazy person and eating really well...and it shows! I've lost 3 more pounds, putting me 1.5 pounds away from my goal in this competition. WOO HOO! In following with my mind/body/spirit transformation, I have started to meet with a therapist that is helping me visualize my dreams and create a strategy to achieve them...and I love it! This exercise fell right in line with what Nik was asking us to do this week - create a mission statement that incompases your goals, timeline and strategy. Here is mine for the competition:

By March 31, 2011, I have lost 8 lbs, putting my weight at 165 lbs. I will accomplish this goal by working out 5 times a week, logging my food and sticking closely to a 1,200 calorie a day diet. In return for this time, I will help my team win the fitness challenge and be on target for my total transformation in 2011.

As you all saw, we each created Motivation Boards to help keep us excited! Since I'm a visual person, I also created a Motivation Timeline. This has helped me so much in the past few weeks. Right now I'm just concentrating on the March 2011 goal. But, it helps me see how far I have come and what great things I am working towards!

One more week to go. Let's finish strong!!

Week 4 for Mrs.Newton

"Grab every opportunity that comes your way and watch what happens."

I want to be a "yes (wo)man!" And part of this challenge is saying yes to things I would normally say no to, such as jogging in the morning (I like my sleep), walking for two hours on the strand (people, I have things to do!), eating greek yogurt for breakfast instead of toast (I NEED CARBS!). But, because of this competition I have said YES to all these things (and more!) and I am so glad I did!! Saying yes to this challenge in the first place has changed my life. And though it has been so hard at times, and sometimes I take a couple of steps back before I go forward again, it has helped me prove to myself that I CAN DO IT!

This week Nik asked us to write dow what we would attempt to do if we knew we could not fail. I LOVE THIS QUOTE because I've been a big quitter my whole life...up until now! So, I'm reaching for the starts and am going to say yes to doing these 5 things!

Two more weeks to go...

We could win this thing!

I have seen other posts on what everyone would do with the prize money and have been giving more thought to what I might do with it. Originally, I had planned to spend it on new clothes for my honeymoon. However, having gone through 5 weeks, I realize that I am not ready for this challenge to end.

I am starting to see real results. More strength, an ability to hold proper form, an increase in reps and weight and after just over a month! I have decided that if we win, I am going to put most of the prize money back into the workout, seeing this as an investment in myself. And frankly, it is one that is well worth it (not to steal Hilary's tag). And I might splurge on a pair of gray Lululemon pants (thanks for the tip Nik! ;)

4 days and counting, let's finish strong ladies. STRONG!!!

A New Milestone

Today I did something I never thought I could do - a 12mph 30 second interval. That's right, 12 MPH!!! And I did it at the END of my interval circuit just to really heat things up. I started with 5 11MPH 30 secs and then pushed it to 12 on the last one just to see if I could - and I did!

I am excited to see what other surprises await me with more hard work and dedication - and what else I'm capable of.

Bring it!

Inspiration Redux

Week 6: With clearance from my Dr. on Thursday (with a cautionary "take it slow" reminder), I'm ready to rock and roll. I've been doing intervals for the last 3 days in a row, for an hour each time, pressing it and pushing myself harder than I ever think I can - and even surprising myself.

But today, I heard a quote that really hit home for me as I finish up this last week - "it's not how you start, it's how you finish." And while all my efforts in the last week of this thing may not show up on the scale, I'm not discouraged. So long as I finish stronger than I began, it's good enough for me. This isn't about 6 weeks, it's about a lifetime and I'm in it for the longhaul, but this last week, I will most definitely finish stronger than I started.

WINNING! (Said in Charlie Sheen Voice)

 

Not that Charlie Sheen is the best inspiration; but when I'm feeling a little low, I visualize him saying "WINNING" and it pumps me up (and makes me chuckle)! I think the true prize of this competition is a slimmer physique and greater self confidence. But, if someone is going to throw an extra grand my way as well, I'm not going to complain! So, here's what I would do with my winnings...

 

With my $1,000 I will:

1) Take $500 to pay for my vow renewal on my 10-year anniversary trip;

2) Take $200 to put towards the new wardrobe I will need including a couple new bikinis to wear on my anniversary trip;

3) Take $300 to put towards a personal trainer to continue this journey.

If I Were A Rich Girl (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)

Okay, no $1,000 will not make me rich but it will make my savings towards next year's vacation that much more substantial.

So let's see:

Airfare from LAX to Bangkok: Over $1k (yikes)

Snorkeling Excursion $50

Me prancing around in a swimsuit on the beaches of Thailand with my new, skinnier body: BEYOND PRICELESS

Just Dance

My dog thinks I've become a crazy person. Why? Well, she's the only witness I have to my morning routine of getting dressed. Lately I've been grabbing things out of the closet that I haven't worn in a long time (like 2 years long time) and when I zip them up with ease, she watches me dance around like I'm on Soul Train becasue I'm so happy.

Basically, I get to go shopping in my own closet- losing enough inches to do that again equates to me not caring if my dog thinks I've gone mental or even the neighbors seeing- it's a casue for a celebration!

I'm so, so happy for the way things have progressed throughout the last five weeks. My goal was to lose 12 pounds and now I'm only three pounds away. I may not make it to my goal by the 27th, but it's not going to be for a lack of trying.

I'm going into this week fully motivated, inspired and ready to win this competition.

(I'm also making a new iPod playlist for more morning dance sessions to come- this is just the start!)

What I’m going to do with the $ when we win!!!

When we win I’m going to take the $1,000 and get a personal trainer. I want to continue with training and exercise as I know that is the key to weight loss and a lifetime of health and well-being.

Week 5 of the Challenge for I’m Worth It

My mind was ready to give it my all last week but my body wasn't. So I'm ready for a new week. Last week wasn’t what I wanted but my health was more important. I came down with bronchitis and had an ear infection in both ears. Yuck!!

So while being sick I didn’t get to workout for a week. But I had a breakthrough, a paradigm shift of the mind this week. I actually missed exercising and I’ve never said that before in my life. Exercise gives me more energy and overall just makes me feel great.

Good news to share. I went down 2 jean sizes. I was the heaviest I've ever been in my life. I'm embarrassed to say but I wore a size 16 but now I'm wearing a size 12 and I'm never going back to size 16 again!!!! Ever.

Over the past 5 weeks I have learned a lot about myself and have formed new habits that I will continue with even after the contest ends. So a new journey is beginning. I am going to get fit and run my 5k in July. And then my goal is a 10k after that. And then who knows…

Thank you Nik and my teammates. You have pushed and inspired me. You were my shoulder to cry on when I needed it. And did I need it.

So even though it is cold and rainy out get out, my goal is to exercise 5 days this week. And when we weigh in on Saturday to have lost more weigh and inches. This is the week to give it my all.

Time flies...when you're changing your life!

Time flies...

when you're changing your life!
I cannot believe that it has been 5 weeks already! So many changes and so much progress, in a way, I wish this challenge was longer. However, I feel like my motivation is in place and won't end when the challenge does. At the market today, I didn't even have to think about my purchases, I picked things that worked for the food plan. When figuring out dinners for the family, I continue to take traditional dishes and tweak them here and there to make them healthier or give myself double veg and skip the potato or rice. I don't even think about taking the elevator in the parking garage and I take a quick turn around the neighborhood at night to get my steps up. I never would have even thought of these things before.

For the first time this challenge, I hit my first speed bump over the weekend by being sick on Saturday. With the exception of going to the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby for Will (he won 1st place for technical design - YEAH!), I pretty much stayed in bed all day and the only things I could eat were bread, pastine and a little meat. But today I was right back on the wagon :). I had wanted to make up for my lack of movement yesterday, but the weather had other plans, so when I went to Target I hit the far left aisle, then walked to the far right, then the 2nd left and 2nd right and so. It helped a bit. I still made my goal of working out 5 times last week, with a interval substitution for a class when my sitter had to cancel. Which is another positive change in me – before I would have used any excuse not to work out, now I simply went for an alternative. I started this challenge to lose baby weight, but I ended up getting so much more out of it. I really want to give a great big thank you to Nik for initiating this contest. And a huge thanks to all my teammates who have helped me stay motivated and on track and supported me every step of the away.

Rolling into week 6, I am pumped and, as we say at Murad, “Ready to make things happen.” My goal is to drop two more pounds before the final weigh in, for a grand total of 12. As Will would say, “Dude, I am sooo making this happen.”

Week 6: What Would I Do With An Extra $1,000

So we're in the final stretch - and there's a mere 5 days that separate me and my team from a sweet $5K victory, resulting in $1,000 a piece - that's some serious dough!

So what will I do with my cut? - it's simple...

Whatever the hell I want to! And with 2 kids, private school tuition, gas, groceries, mortgage, and all the rest of the "must-do's" that's pretty freakin' awesome and a real rarity for me!

Go Muraculous 5 - the brass ring is within reach, we've just got to grab it!

Week 5 for LoJay

Week 5: It Takes 5 Weeks to Change A Habit?

Okay, so I never would have believed that line. I mean, it sounds nice and all, but really, 5 weeks to erase years worth of bad habits? Sounds way too good to be true. Well, here's the kicker - it is! Here I am in week 5, and I actually am liking the way I feel, the choices I'm making and getting out and exercising - crazy I know!

This week I've realized that I actually want to move more - I like it - and when I don't get to, I find myself planning where my next opportunity will present itself. I love getting out and walking - for miles - especially with friends. I love intervals on the treadmill and I love strength training and the way I feel after I've worked out, and I love knowing that I can do anything...I just need those precious 5 weeks to get in check.

Motivation for Sarah

I don't know anything about luck. I've never banked on it, and I'm afraid of people who do. Luck to me is something else; hard work and realizing what is opportunity and what isn't.
-- Lucille Ball

Here's to hard work and taking the opportunity to meet my goals- one more week!