Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Good, The Bad, and.....the Better

I can't believe a month has gone by since I have blogged. I have to be honest and say I have kind of been avoiding it. I would love to be able to say that I am doing fantastic, but that just isn't the case! I have had some speed bumps the last couple of weeks, but have gotten them taken care of the last few days and I am back on track. The first couple of weeks after FR, I was doing AWESOME!! But then slowly my schedule started getting more and more busy, and slowly I started getting fast food because I was running from one place to the next. The next thing you know, I am eating out 3-4 times a week. Some times, I had good intentions, like when I went to the beach for the weekend. I packed a bunch of healthy food, but we were hardly at the cabin so we didnt eat much of it. I am still exercising 4-5 times a week for an hour to an hour and a half, but I should have increased that since I was eating more.

I am not one to admit faults or ask for help but I finally did last week. I had a talk with a friend that knows first hand what I am going through and has had to overcome those same battles. Since our chat I have gotten back on track, writing my calories down so I know exactly what and how much I have eaten, and exercising like mad!!

Ok, here comes the best news!!! I AM OFFICIALLY REGISTERED FOR THE SUPER SPRINT TRIATHLON!!! It actually takes place 3 weeks from today at Lake Meridian in Washington. I will be doing a 1/4 mile swim, an 8 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run! I have been driving up to Kent, WA (2 hour drive) every wednesday to practice the swim and run. Next week I am taking my bike up there to try out the bike course!! (keep in mind I have only been riding a bike for a week, except for when I was a kid). I am definately not going for speed here. I just want to say that I did it!! I really had some doubts the first couple of weeks that I was practicing, and I still get pretty anxious when I get to there, but I know I can do it! I may be second to last (LOL) but that is ok with me!

So, that is what is going on with me. I have lost 14 pounds in the month that I have been home from FR. Any advice I have? DO THIS FOR YOU, BECAUSE YOU CAN!!!!!

Monday, July 5, 2010

First week after FR

Well, I have been home a week now and I have to say it hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be to stay on track! I am PROUD to say, that I still have not had any fast food!!! (Subway doesnt count) I exercised 5 out of the 7 days, and managed to lose 10 pounds! I was told at FR that the first week after you get back you will continue to lose rapidly, so I am glad that was true!!

So, from my heaviest weight, at the beginning of this year, I have lost a total of 43 pounds! I have GAINED way more then I have lost. Not in weight, but in knowledge. Knowledge about food, exercise, and most importantly about myself. I have learned that I am WORTH IT!! I have learned that I am important enough to be doing something for myself for a change, and if others have a problem with that, then too bad. I have learned that I can't keep putting others first, especially when it puts me in a vulnerable situation. I have learned that I HAVE WILL POWER!!! I have learned that water really isn't that bad....as long as it is COLD enough.

I went back to work today (well, actually last Friday but then I had the weekend off), after having 5 weeks off, and have realized that I actually missed it! And come to find out, they missed me too (well, that is what they say anyway) LOL. I am lucky to have a job that I enjoy and that is so rewarding.

There are other areas of my life that I am definately still working on, but I think .....no, I KNOW, that the 4 weeks I spent away from home have helped me realize what is and isn't important in my life, and I will forever be greatful to all the people (staff and guests) at Fitness Ridge!! THANK YOU!!!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Fitness Ridge RESULTS!

Well, I tested out this morning and the results are in! In 4 weeks, I lost 25 pounds and 9 inches (5.25 just in my waist!) I was pretty excited about that, and ready to implement what I have learned at home.

My first test was at the Las Vegas airport. On Sundays, you get a sack lunch from Fitness Ridge, but I opted not to take it for a couple of reasons. One, I am one of few people that is actually tired of the food, and two, because it was soup on chicken salad sandwich. There would have been no way to heat the soup up (which I probably wouldn't have like anyway) and no way to keep the chicken salad cold. So my plan was to have Subway at the airport. Of course, to get to Subway, I had to walk right past Wendy's, my FAVORITE fast food place! But I did it, and I waited in line almost 30 minutes for my turn to get a little sandwich!

I had a good flight home and was happy to see my sister and my nieces! My mom met us at a restaurant for dinner. I also made great choices there! My niece and I shared a steak and each had a baked potato. She had hers loaded, but I just asked for butter on the side, so I could put on it what I wanted. I also had 1 roll. I say 1 because at this particular restaurant I would normally have at least 4 because they have the BEST honey butter!

Anyway, making this blog short, as it is already 10:30pm here and I am ready for my nice comfy bed!!

OH, but can't forget to include a pic of me in my goal dress!! 2 sizes smaller then the one I tried on the first week there!! WHOOT WHOOT!!!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Fitness Ridge Week 4

Well, it is the end of my journey here at Fitness Ridge. This week started out ok, but I got more exhausted as the week went on. Probably due to the fact that on Thursday I did the second hardest hike here called Saddle! Last week, this hike was offered to our van and I skipped out and stayed back to exercise. This week, I decided, it was my last chance to push myself! 4 out of the 10 people in our van chose this hike and the 6 others went on another hike. This hike was very steep and there were a lot of rocks to climb! I almost passed out at the top, but I am PROUD to say I made it! That was my greatest accomplishment this week physically.

Emotionally, I was really concerned with the temptations of fast food when I got home. During a Wednesday night discussion group, I brought this up and I got a lot of positive feedback from others. Of course I started crying when people talked about how I have already invested 4 weeks in myself, and that I CAN make the choice to continue this journey at home because I AM WORTH IT!!! I can't say enough about all of the wonderful people I have met here!!

Today was an awesome day! Why? Because 3 weeks ago, I went shopping with another gal here and I saw a dress that I REALLY liked! Now, if you know me, you know I don't wear dresses....but as soon as I saw this one, I knew I had to have it! So, I tried it on in the size I was. I liked it a lot, but knew it would look a lot better if I was a couple of sizes smaller....SO, that was my goal dress. I told my friend that in 3 weeks, I was going to come back here and buy it 2-3 sizes smaller! SOOO, today I went back, and......I got one that was 2 sizes smaller and IT FIT!!! I was ecstatic!! The best part about it is that my butt actually looked pretty good in it! LOL I think all of the weight I have lost has been from my back side! (I will find out tomorrow)

So what is next for me? Well, there is this great guy named Matt Hoover that has been here the last couple of weeks. You may know him as the Season 2 winner of The Biggest Loser. I now know him as a friend! Him and his wife Suzy are hosting a beginners Triathlon near Seattle in a little less then 2 months. This Super Sprint is .25 mile swim, 10 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run/walk. At first I thought that this event would be a year or so away, but I think I am actually going to try it! The only part I am worried about it is the bike ride. I rode a bike for the first time in probably 15 years while I was here at Fitness Ridge, but it was only a couple of blocks away. So, I know what I need to work on the next month or so for sure! The best part of this race, and probably the main reason I will be doing it is because nobody will come in last! Matt and Suzy are going to take that spot, which I think is the most magnificant thing in the world!! I will keep you updated about this next step for me!

Well, I fly home tomorrow, but as happy as I am to be going home to see my friends and family, I am honestly going to miss this program, and the people I have met here. I KNOW I can do this when I get home, BECAUSE I AM WORTH IT, and because I am the only one standing in my way! Thank you for all of the support and encouragement during these last 4 works. I hope I can continue to inspire people through my blog, and to my friends and family!!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Fitness Ridge: The rest of week 3

Wednesday was a typical day here. After dinner I went to Target with a van full of people. That is an option every Wednesday here, so it was nice to get away! After we got home, it felt like the back of my legs were on fire, so I checked them and they were all red, hot and blotchy! So, the next day, I ended up going to the doctor because the creams and medicine people were giving me weren't working. After having to pay out of pocket for the appointment and medicines, the doc told me it was excema, which I disagree with since I have had excema all my life and it has never looked like that. It has to be some kind of heat rash of some sort. But anyway, putting medicine on it and hoping it gets better!!

Due to going to the doctor Thursday afternoon, I missed a couple of classes, which was really ok with me because they were the first classes I have missed since being here. But I got back in time for the 3rd class and pushed myself really hard. I felt really good about it. I RAN every interval, which was about 17 minutes all together with short recovery times in between. The best part was that it didn't make my knee hurt too bad!

Friday, I opted to not go on the hike because there was a lot of up and down hill, climbing rocks and I knew it would hurt my knee too, so I walked around the neighborhood and worked out in the gym. A lot of people do this when they have injuries or don't want to go on hikes that may kill them! lol In one of my classes today, I ran on the treadmill again! Then I took 2 Cardio Disco Jam classes because I didn't want to go in the pool. It was so much fun! This evening I had a reflexology massage. They mostly focus on your feet, but he massaged my hands and ears too. Yes, I said ears! I thought that was kind of weird, but whatever! lol

Saturday morning is your choice of hike or Cardio Blast in the gym for 2 1/2 hours. I CHOSE to do Stop Sign! This one is 4.3 miles ALL up hill,and once you get to the top you start walking back down until your time is up and then they pick you up. Well, I started a mile up the trail and made it all the way to the top AND back to where I started! I did this same hike earlier in the week and did it about 20 minutes quicker this time! I had to jog a little bit on the way down so I would make it in time! I felt really good about it. The next and last class was a pool class and we got to play volleyball! It was SOOO much fun!! The class lasted 45 minutes, but we all stayed in another 45 minutes because we were having a blast!

Saturday afternoon is a time for relaxation! I read, did my laundry, packed my stuff to change rooms tomorrow (THANK GOODNESS), and took a nap. While packing, I decided to try on my first goal outfit.....and......IT FIT!!!! I was SOOO excited! I wore it to dinner and graduation, and when they passed the microphone around for everyone to talk, that is what I bragged about!! ALSO....they decided to celebrate my birthday this evening probably because most people were still there. I got balloons, flowers, a Happy Birthday tiara, an "Its My Birthday, spoil me" sash, and a couple of gifts from the friends I have made here. Then they sang happy birthday to me! It was really great and I am so thankful for everyone here! After graduation was Karaoke night, so of course that was great too!

Thank you everyone for all the continued support and encouragement! I am choosing not to weigh myself this week, because I want to be pleasantly surprised next week when I test out! 3 weeks down, 1 to go!!!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Fitness Ridge Days 14-17

Well, I had a nice relaxing weekend! The best part was Saturday afternoon when a film crew was here to do some taping of the 5 potential Biggest Loser contestants. They needed extras so I gladly offered! We did a few mock classes for a couple of hours, so it will be interesting to see if any of the footage makes it on the next season of The Biggest Loser!! You will probably see my toe or something!!

After that I took a little nap and then played some games with some of the other guests. It was raining, thundering, and lightening so there weren't any activities outside! It was like rainy day recess!! Saturday night was graduation, so again, we watched the dvd and pictures of the weeks events. Afterwards they played Family Feud in the dining hall, but I decided to go to the room and read and relax!

Sunday was a pretty boring day....of course you try and sleep in, but after getting up at 5:45 all week, 7 was the lastest I could sleep in. Of course the weekend is always sad because you have to say goodbye to the friends you have made the last week or two. I took a nap in the afternoon and waited anxiously for my new roommate, who I thought was going to be a gal named Tracy that I met on facebook, but to our surprise, she was in a different room. Of course, instead, I got the roommate from H-E-double hockey sticks! I am not going into detail, but it is bad enough that I have asked to change rooms at the end of this week because she will be here for 2 weeks. Too much stress and negative energy that I DONT need!!

Moving on, Monday....Had a good hike this morning. It is about 10 degrees cooler this Monday then last Monday, so that was REALLY nice!! Today's menu wasn't fantastic so I substituted as needed! I have found that I LOVE having the toast in the morning because I can add cinnamon and a 0 calorie sweetener to make cinnamon toast! It is the BEST!!! I had the same classes as usual and all in all it was a good day. My knee is giving me a little bit of trouble, mostly at the end of hikes and for a short time afterwards, but I am pushing through it. I am proud to say that I have not missed one class!!! It frustrates me to see people that miss classes for silly reasons. It is understandable if they are really sick or hurt.......But I guess I don't have to worry about them...it is their loss!!

Tuesday....Went on a hike this morning called 3rd Ravine. The guide gave us a choice of the easy way or intermediate way, and I originally said easy, but changed my mind because I know I need to push myself. So.....we literally were climbing rocks for an hour or so!! It was pretty difficult, but well worth it in the end. Again my knee was killing me by the end of the hike, but that just shows me that I pushed it!! The path down was a lot easier, to some extent...gradual decline on a mostly flat surface.

Again, I attended all of the classes, including an open gym that is required after your first week here. I was most frustrated when I came to lay down for an hour after lunch before my next class and my roommate was here napping, and had been since 10:15...and didnt get up until 2:15...Why you ask? Because she was exhausted!! HELLLLOOOOOOO......SO AM I BUT YOU DON'T SEE ME wasting my time in bed!! Sorry, got off on a little tangent....Good thing I only have to worry about me!!

The most interesting part of the day....BBQ Ostrich Burger for dinner....I did have this, and it wasn't half bad. It tasted like a chewy burger pretty much. And because it is Tuesday, we got Chocolate Covered Strawberries for dessert! YAY US!!!!!

OH!!! Almost forgot to mention the newbies here this week! Matt Hoover, the season 2 winner of the Biggest Loser is here, as well as Max (otherwise known as Ron's son and Mikes brother) from season 7! He looks amazing and is here for 5 weeks! He was here for 3 months last summer. Him and Matt are both kind of shy, so I have been trying my best to chat with them, but for some reason I have been pretty shy too. But once you get to know them a little bit, they are really great guys! AND...I had forgotten that Matt lives in Seattle, so that is pretty cool!!

Anyway, I think this blog is WAYYYY longer then it should be so, I am sorry for that (if you even made it this far)! Have a great week!!!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Fitness Ridge Week 2

Sorry it has been a few days since I last blogged. The beginning of the week started out good but progressively got worse for me. Not sure what the deal is but I am just not looking forward to my next 2 weeks. I am mostly tired of the food! It is about half and half as far as what is good and what isn't so I guess I should be a little happy. I know that is why I need to be here for 4 weeks....because I love food so much!!! If I left here on Sunday, the first place I would go is a fast food restaurant, and I know right where they are from here! I expressed my personal issues today when the group that is staying over talked about accomplishments for the week and goals for next week. My goal is to be more positive about being here and be more open-minded. Of course I was bawling when I said this so it was kind of embarrassing, but everyone here is so supportive and caring! My accomplishment this week was that I ran 5.0 on the treadmill for a minute, took a minute break, and then ran another minute! I was pretty proud of that, but it hurt my knee. I will try again next week.

We had all the same classes this week that we had last week, just in a different order. The weather started out at 105 on Monday and decreased to high 80's today with a lot of wind! We are supposed to have thunder storms tomorrow, which I am pretty excited about!

I got some great stuff in the mail this week! Cards from my mom, sister, and friend Jeni! I also got an Ipod Touch from my mom for my birthday! I am looking forward to having music to listen to on the hikes. I still have to figure out all the apps and stuff, so that is my plan this weekend! Since I got that I ordered the Nike+ Sensor. It is a little sensor about the size of my thumb that you put on your shoe and it tracks how far you walk and how many calories you burn and sends the info to the Ipod. I have that to figure out this weekend too! I got 3 gifts today from my friend Jeni! I met her on facebook at the beginning of the year on the Fitness Ridge Facebook page. We were going to be here the exact same 4 weeks and we were going to be roommates, but unfortunately she had to cancel. She has been SOOOO supportive despite not being able to make it. She sent me a beaded book mark, made of my favorite colors and with butterflies on the ends, a photo album that is embroidered and says Fitness Ridge 2010 on the front, and a gift card to target for my birthday! Everyone here is envious about how much mail I get, so I feel kind of bad, but I am learning to accept it! LOL

Tomorrow should be a fun day! There are 5 people here currently that could possibly be on the next season of the Biggest Loser. They did a challenge with some others near their home town and the five that are here unfortunately lost the challenge. The 2 that won got to be on the show. This is their second week here. It is uncertain what exactly will happen with them, but there is a film crew coming tomorrow to do some filming! They had a sign up for "extras" in the filming, but I got to it too late :( Oh well, we shall see what happens! I found out tonight that one of the girls is a back up singer for Beyonce! She is an amazing singer, so I believe it!

Well, it is Friday night and we only have two classes tomorrow so I am pretty excited about that! Hope you all have a good weekend!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 7 & 8

Saturday morning, I did the same hike that I did on Friday, called West Canyon. I thought I had almost made it to the end Friday, but I guess I still had a mile to go. Saturday, my goal was to make it to the end! So, a gal named Rosemary and Nicole from BL7 walked with me, and we made it to the end! The last mile or so was quite the struggle, so you can imagine how hard it was going back the 4 miles I had just gone. I was exhausted, dizzy, sore, and I felt those darn blisters on the bottom of my feet. I honestly thought I was going to pass out on the way back, but I made it!! I have to say I would rather climb mountains then walk that 8 miles again! (I say that today but next week when they put me on a harder hike I will probably be begging to go back to the "easy" hikes!)

We had breakfast when we got back. I opted for toast because I felt nauseous, and it also came with almonds. I had to get a propel because my electrolytes were low. I was going to lay down in my room afterwards and skip out on the next and last class, but when I got to the room the maid was there! I guess it was meant for me to go to that last class! So I got my swimsuit and went to the pool. Lucky for me, they take it easy on you on Saturdays in the pool. We played volleyball, dodgeball, and tag! It was actually a lot of fun and burned a lot of calories!

Next was lunch. It was squash soup, which I tried but disliked, a turkey sandwich, and a salad. The latter two were pretty good! The rest of the afternoon is on our own! No more working out! I did some laundry a laid down for 2 hours! Dinner was Salisbury Steak (made of ground turkey of course). It was ok. Dessert was pineapple sorbet and it was yummy! After that is graduation for those that are leaving. We watch a dvd and slide show of pictures from the week, and everybody gets a copy of them to take home. It was a nice little evening!

After that, a group of us went bowling. I am really glad I am staying a few more weeks....only because I was so hungry I wanted to stop by all the fast food places we passed. And, there was a Taco Bell right next door to the bowling alley. Not to mention, all the yummy food at the bowling alley. I wanted to get a Diet Coke, but nobody else did so I didn't either. UGH!! I think the food is the hardest part for me, so hopefully I will figure out how to not be so consumed by it.

The other guests and staff here have been so supportive and encouraging! I love being surrounded by happy, positive people all the time. I can't say I miss the stress of being at home, but I do miss my friends and family.

Sunday is our day of rest! But of course I was wide awake at 6am, mostly because my roommate had to get ready to leave. I laid in bed til 7:15 and figured I might as well get up. First thing I did was weigh myself, because I have wanted to all week, but refrained. Weight loss this week: 9 pounds!!! I was so excited to see that and want to keep it up the rest of my time here!! Breakfast this morning was the best so far!! Half a waffle with raspberry syrup!! LOL It also came with a turkey sausage patty and a scrambled egg beater. I just ate it an hour and a half ago and my stomach is already asking for more :( I am getting ready to go into town with another lady here, which will be nice, before it gets too hot. Supposed to be 105 today! Looking forward to meeting the newcomers this week. Only 26 people are staying this week, which means there could be about 40 newcomers! A few I already sort of know from facebook so that will be nice!

I probably won't be blogging every day this next week, as my schedule will be similiar to last week. Thanks for keeping up with me! Have a great week!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 6

Today was the last full day this week! YIPPEE!!! The hike this morning was a pretty simple one...gravel with just a few inclines that weren't so bad. It was 4 miles if you made it to the end, and then 4 miles back. I didnt make it to the end because my shoe was rubbing my heal raw and I went back to find a guide to get a bandaid. So I walked a total of 7.5 miles, or close to that!! It was very hot by 7:30 this morning and we hike until 9. Next week it is supposed to be in the 100's (actually starting tomorrow), so I can imagine how hot it will be in the morning. Not fun when there isnt any shade. I haven't managed to get a bad sunburn yet, so that is good!

Breakfast was another egg thing but I had the cereal again! I had open gym after that for 45 minutes and then Cardio intervals (which was explained in another blog) for 45 minutes. Wasn't too bad of a morning! Lunch was a tostada which has been my favorite so far! I didnt try the soup...if I can't spell it or pronounce it, there is no way I am trying it! All I know is that it had tomatos, shrimp and avocado on top and it was cold! NO THANK YOU!!!

After lunch there was a quick meeting for the people that are staying next week. We had to share an accomplishment thus far. I was most proud of climbing Piano Rock, which is a very steep mountain and at the top is a rock that looks like a piano. Of course I was crying as I said this. I am such a cry baby!! After that I had a counseling appointment so that was perfect. I learned some things in there that brought light to who I am today. It was a pretty good session.

My afternoon classes were good. My favorite for the whole week was Cardio Disco Jam! It was a dance class and SOOOO much fun! Not many people liked it, but if you know me, you know I like to dance, so I was shaking it like there was no tomorrow! lol After that was a pool class, and then Circuit Training (go back and forth between cardio and weight equipment every 2 minutes). I didn't push my hardest in that because I was so exhausted today, but I will next time!

This evening has been very relaxing! I got a massage and have just been visiting with others, watching tv, and filling out postcards and cards for my loved ones! It is 8pm and still too hot to sit outside! Tomorrow is only a half day....we are actually done at 1pm!

I am feeling pretty good about what I have done this week, but still feel like these next 3 weeks are going to be so long! I have wanted to weigh myself SOOOO bad, but I have refrained. I will probably do it tomorrow or Sunday AM for sure!

Hope you all have a good weekend!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 5

I woke up this morning feeling REALLY good! I was really tired, but that happens every morning. My group went on a hike called Butterfly. We had to walk through lava rock for awhile before getting to the Butterfly Rock. The "volconos" here are under ground, so there were a bunch of hole's that kids actually go play in. The volcanos are less then dormant, but I can't remember the word for it. So, the Butterfly Rock is two rocks that look like wings, so when you stand in it, you look like a butterfly! One of the other girls took a pic cause I didnt take my camera today, so hopefully I will get that! Then we continued our hike up these steep red rock mountains. It was AMAZING what we all accomplished! I never would have thought I could do something like that, but I did. It wasn't too bad going up, it was the coming down I was afraid of, but I made it.....without sliding down on my butt or falling! It was a GREAT feeling, and we got some good pictures! Again, I will have to get them from somebody else. I am definately bringing my camera to all the other hikes!

Breakfast was an egg sandwich with a slice of turkey bacon. And our usual plate of fresh fruit. It was good today! The afternoon was pretty relaxing again! I had stretch and a couple of lectures. Lunch was potato and broccoli soup, which wasnt my fave but tolerable, and a rainbow sammie, which was a tomato and onion sandwich with guacomole and a little cheese. Without the tomato, it was FANTASTIC! lol I am not a guacomole fan, but I tried it and you couldnt even taste it.

My classes this afternoon were Treading, which was painful! You start out running your hardest on the treadmill (you can choose any cardio machine) for 5 minutes, the recovering for 5 minutes, then again for 4 minutes, 3 minutes, and so on down to 1 minute, and you do 1 minute 3 times. I ran at a speed of 4.5 again, but worked up to it by the time I got to 3 minutes. Still a big accomplishment for me and I was sweating like crazy....EWWWW! Next was a pool class, and thank goodness my swimsuit came today! I had been wearing one that was too small, so I was WAY more comfortable! The last class was called ball works. You do a bunch of stuff on a balance ball (not sure if that is what it is called). It was pretty rough on my arms actually, but it was good.

Dinner tonight was chicken and potato salad. Of course the potato salad wasn't the typical mom's potato salad! It had yams, potatos, green onions, tomatoes, and corn, and it was warm! I ate half of it. Dessert was apple cobbler and it was DELICIOUS!!!

So, I am feeling pretty good tonight. I went to meet with the life coach tonight but it was decided that I need to talk to the counselor! Big surprise there! I meet with her tomorrow and I am also getting a massage!!! Can't wait for both of those appointments! Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! YAY!!!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 4

What I really want to say in blog today is.....Rough day, don't want to talk about, Good Night......BUT, I know some of you are counting on these blogs so I will say what I can.

Hike this morning was called Chuckwalla. I got some BEAUTIFUL picks, that I will post later, and I made it to the top of the hike! They say this one was 7-8 miles round trip!

My stomach has been hurting all day, and I couldn't figure out why. One of my friends here finally made me talk to one of the trainers. I didn't want to feel like a baby or a quitter. They had me drink a propel and go lay down for 30 minutes. I got back up and went to the next lecture because I don't want to miss anything here. Still wasn't feeling the best...but I pushed through the next class. Actually I substituted and instead of doing swim class I went to the gym and rode the nustep machine for 45 minutes.

Then, one of the ladies that works here, and knew I was feeling good today, asked me to take a walk with her. She took me to the lobby where a BEAUTIFUL vase of flowers were sitting for me! This made me smile, and they were mostly purple too! Apparently they are from a secret admirer (probably my mom, because she called last night and I was sobbing on the phone). They actually made me feel a lot better, so I think my stomach problems were mostly emotional.

My next class was kickboxing, which was great! I really like that class, and Sharon is an awesome instructor! After that was Mountain in the gym. You pick a cardio machine and you increase your speed or incline 12 times, every 3 minutes! That was a tough one and I did what I could on the treadmill. I probably would have done better if it was earlier in the day, but my legs were killing me by 4:30!

Forgot to say what the meals were today....Breakfast was museli. It is an oatmeal type thing :) I passed on it by the looks and had the granola cereal with almond milk again. Lunch was Green Pizza and Beet soup. Pizza was DELISH, but the beet soup DID NOT look appetizing, so I passed! I had 2 pieces of fruit instead. Dinner was a salad sitting in a tortilla. I ate some of it and wrapped the rest up like a burrito. It was nummy! Dessert was banana sorbet, and it was good too!!

Well, that is about it tonight. Sitting here waiting for my laundry to finish. Lots of people say that Wednesday is the hardest. The best part is that we are half way through the week! We only have 2 1/2 days left until we get a break, which I CAN NOT WAIT FOR!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 3

I obviously woke up a little sore this morning, but I didnt feel too terribly bad! Went on a hike today called Overlook. It was a paved hike that had some ups and downs but not too bad. I hiked 6 miles all together! I can't believe how well my feet are holding up! I did put moleskin on a couple of white spots on the balls of my feet, because they look like they could be turning into blisters, but I think they will be ok!

Breakfast this morning was called Sopa I believe. It was an egg beater/black bean casserole or something! Did not look appetizing but it wasn't half bad. Breakfast always comes with a dish of fresh fruit which is always good! My afternoon was pretty relaxed...I did have open gym for 45 minutes so I used the NuStep and the Eliptical (which I have never liked, but it hasnt been that bad). My knees could never handle it before, but today it was my thighs!!

Had a couple of lectures this morning, about nutrition and such. Lunch was Tuna and a salad and both were delicious! After lunch was a calorie challenge and a cooking demo. The chef here is amazing and worked for or learned under Wolfgang Puck. I bought both of the Fitness Ridge cookbooks and can't wait to make some of the stuff at home!

This afternoon was brutal! First I had cardio training. THIS WAS A KILLER!! I picked the treadmill. You start out at baseline and you increase your speed and/or incline 8 times every thirty seconds. Then you decrease it the same way. Then you do a 2 minute sprint as FAST as you can go, and then again for 1 minutes! You do this ALL twice! So, my proud moment today.....I RAN at a speed of 4.5 for 1 minute! I did 4 for 2 minutes, but I just couldnt increase it today. Maybe next week! Then we had total toning, which is free weights and working your upper body and lower body. I think this was hard only because it was right after the cardio butt kicking! Then was pool time....I typically love pool, but I felt like I was going to throw up the whole time, so it wasn't really enjoyable.

Dinner tonight was Vegetable Lasagna with broccoli, and TWO CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES! Yes, I said chocolate covered strawberries! You get there every Tuesday night and I can't WAIT!!! YUM YUM!!!! I put lemon in my water and it seemed to make my stomach feel better. Definately buying the electrolyte tabs tomorrow!!

Still feeling the same emotionally the same today....MAYBE a slight bit better, but not a whole lot....Hope it gets better soon! I can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday, which is technically the middle of the week, since we only go thru Saturday afternoon!

I CAN'T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH for the positive thoughts and encouraging words. It really means a lot!!

Monday, May 31, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 2

I am pretty tired today, so i am going to make it short (as it can be for being the first real day of exercise), and sweet.

Up at 5:45 this morning for our first hike. It really wasnt too bad....we hiked for 2 hours and got back a little early so I walked a mile on the treadmill. Then we had breakfast....EWEY EWEY Frittata!!! I had the cereal with almond milk and it was DELICIOUS!!! Next was a little lecture and then a stretch class. I guess everybody loves the stretch class but I just thought it was ok. Maybe I will like it more when I can actually do most of the stretches! Then was lunch....and I have to say, I really didnt want to eat it, mostly because we just had breakfast 2 1/2 hours prior and I had a headache and was stressed out. But, I did...it was carrot soup and a burrito. The soup wasnt bad, a little spicy, and the burrito was great!

After lunch the hard work starts! There was another lecture and then 3 intense classes....today I had Step and Pump, which some people call step and puke, but it didnt have that affect on me. It was a tough class with a lot of squats! Thank goodness it is only 1 day a week! Then was a pool class which I loved, and then Circuit Training which was fun, but MAN a workout!! You go back and forth from a cardio machine to a workout machine (cause I can't think of the name, but it is a different each time, to work your arms and legs and everything in between). You do each for 2-3 minutes, increasing the speed/weight every 30 seconds, and this lasts about 45 minutes. I have to say I really like this one too because it really pushed me. I ran on the treadmill more then I have ever ran before, and I used the eliptical about 5 times, and it didnt hurt my knees!! So, that was pretty awesome.

Then there was dinner. A DELICIOUS salmon burger and veggies, with a cranberry sorbet for dessert. We had another lecture after that.

All and all, today has been a very emotional day! Tonight my stomach was nauseous and I felt like I wanted to go home, and I honestly can't imagine staying 4 weeks! But everyone that has been here says that is normal and it will pass, so I am praying it does!! I did add an electrolytes tab to my water and my stomach stopped hurting so that is good. They said at dinner if you drink too much water it flushes the electrolytes out and then you can feel sick, so I think that is what happened. I never thought I would ever drink TOO much water!

Sorry there aren't any pics today. I wanted to focus more on the workouts and getting where I needed to be. I have to go to my room numerous times each day, and it is upstairs, so the less reasons I have to go to my room the better.

HERE'S TO HOPING TOMORROW IS A BETTER DAY, EMOTIONALLY!!!

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Fitness Ridge Day 1



Well, last night at the hotel was ridiculous!! I couldnt sleep at all....The air conditioner was so loud, but if it was turned off it was too hot! So, I finally got out of bed at 8am. I decided to order room service! I have never done that and it beats sitting in the restaurant by myself. It was pretty awesome!! The shuttle picked me up at 11:10 to head off to Fitness Ridge.

I got checked in but my room wasnt ready yet, so I sat in the lobby reading my manual. A gal named Julie walked up to me asking if I had just gotten there and I told her I had. She welcomed me and informed me that she had been there 2 weeks and was staying 4 more weeks. She told me an amazing place it was and of course I started crying....happy tears! Found out that she is from Washington too so that was cool! I was so early, that I walked around and met some of the other people. Everyone here is so nice!! It was lunch time here, but they dont give the incoming guests lunch because check in really isnt until 3pm. One lady was nice enough to give me some artichoke soup! I was hungry so I figured I would try it, since I would be having it at some point anyway. NASTY!!!! I chased each bite with a drink of water! I will be having something different on that day for sure! I have heard the food here is really good, but I was kind of worried about some of the soups. Guess I will eat it if I am hungry enough!

Finally, my time came for me to Test In. They weighed me, measured me, gave me a water bottle, and sent me to talk to the life coach so should could explain the program a little bit. There were 3 others that met with her at the same time as me, so that was nice. After that, my room was finally ready! My room is upstairs which is exercise in itself, so I guess I can say I have officially started my workout! lol The rooms are VERY nice and it smelled good too! I unpacked all my stuff and laid on the bed to make sure it was sleepable for the next 4 weeks...not that I have a choice! It will do! :)

Soooo, the best news yet...just before dinner I found out that 3 past Biggest Loser Contestants were here this week! Nicole and Damian from season 7 and Bernie from season 5. Bernie and Brittany were my favorites that season so I am PRETTY excited!! I got my picture taken with them already, but will have to take another picture later this week when I look a little better!! LOL



I have me 5 people here that I have talked to on Facebook, so that has been pretty exciting! Dinner was pretty good. It was chicken, broccoli and spaghetti squash. The squash wasnt my favorite but it was edible. Dessert was Key Lime Pie made of Tofu and it was disgusting! After dinner was orientation! I felt like I knew everything already from talking to past guests and the guests that were here last week! Call me crazy, but I am kind of looking forward to the hike tomorrow.



Well, I better get to bed because 5:45 is going to come early tomorrow!

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Mixed Emotions

Wow! What a day! I traveled to Utah today! 2 hour flight to Vegas and then a 2 hour shuttle ride to St. George Utah. Let me go back a few days first.

It has been an emotional/rough week. Unfortunately my marriage is not going so great right now. I have asked my husband to move out while I am gone this next month. Don't really want to go into details, but it has been a rough relationship and just seems to not be getting any better, which I honestly hoped it would. The sad part is that he has 3 kids that I have helped raise (or some people may say I HAVE raised them). Not sure how that is going to look, but I know I will still see them and be their "other mom." It will just be hard.

I was really excited about my trip, until yesterday. I got teary a couple of times. Then today, about 5 minutes from the airport, I started getting nervous. I was shaky and had a stomach ache. After my husband and youngest son dropped me off, I got teary eyed again, walking to my gate. I am not exactly sure why....maybe the unknown when I get home, or traveling alone, or just the events that are going to take place soon!

The flight was great, and so was the shuttle ride, but then I got to the hotel, and lost it again. Lonely, bored, frustrated that I couldnt get the internet to work...lol....Went shopping across the street and to dinner by myself. Not used to going and doing things by myself. Was thinking about going to the pool, but it was just weird going by myself, and I am not comfortable in a swimsuit anyway, so that didnt happen.

I know I will meet a lot of wonderful people tomorrow and the weeks to come, but geez I am an emotional wreck right now! I hear the first few days of the week are rough to so I hope I can get through it!

I will definately write again tomorrow! I will have lots of time on my hands.

Monday, May 24, 2010

How time flies!

Wow, I cant believe my last blog was written almost 4 weeks ago! I now only have 4 days until I get to Fitness Ridge, and it couldn't have come at a better time of my life! Just from reading other peoples blogs and encouraging words, I am already focusing on myself!

I haven't been doing so hot on eating right and exercising. I did lose a few more pounds, but then my whole mindset changed! I seem to think I need to eat what I can before I get there because I refuse to eat that crap when I get back! I am sure I will be kicking myself in the butt once I get there, but hey, what can you do!

Well, sorry I don't have a whole lot more to say....I am just trying to get through these next few days so I can get out of my house!!

See ya at Fitness Ridge!!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

4 Weeks to go....

I can't believe how fast time is flying by! The last couple of weeks have been rough emotionally. Good news first though! Last week I lost 6 more pounds!!!! Bad news....my husband lost his job. I have gone through so many emotions since then that it is wearing me out!! My first thought was that I would have to cancel my trip to Fitness Ridge. I would get most of my money back and that would pay the bills for the next few months in case he doesnt get unemployment or another job by then. But all of my friends and family, including my husband, INSIST that I still go. I do see their point. Why do I have to suffer because my husband made poor choices? Once again, I wanted to put something off that was for ME, to take care of my family.

Also, because of the job loss, we have to figure something else out for insurance. We paid NOTHING for medical insurance through his work. Just co-payments when you actually went to the doctor. At my work, it costs $500 a month to cover our whole family, which is absolutely not affordable at this point. I have 1 month to figure out how to get affordable insurance.

Then, there is trouble with my oldest step son. He is having some trouble in school, with not turning in assignments or not completing the assignments, so his grades were horrible. On top of that, he doesnt have the greatest attitude in the world. He is disrespectful and VERY arguementative and we are pretty much at our wits end with what to do to help him. Because of this, and his request, he is going to go live with his mom after this summer. He is 14 and going into high school. Hopefully this change will be good for him. Unfortunately I am quite relieved because I am so stressed when he is around.

And last but not least, the girl I was originally going to room with for the entire 4 weeks in Utah, has canceled all together now. I was pretty bummed when she canceled the last two weeks, but a few days ago she had to cancel the first two weeks as well. I was really looking forward to meeting her and having someone there that sort of knew what I needed. Unfortunately things happen, and people need to do what is best for them, so now I am on a hunt for a new roommate. I really want to be able to chat with the person before I get there! GOOD LUCK IN YOUR NEW ADVENTURE JENI!!!!

So far this week, I have only exercised 1 day, and I haven't eaten the best! I am really hoping to get back on track as I only have 4 weeks until I arrive at Fitness Ridge. I dont have a choice once I get there, to eat bad or not exercise! But, I still need to try and prepare as much as I can! As of this morning, I have not gained or lost this week.

Well, wish me luck on the coming week!! Thank you to everyone that has been leaving me words of wisdom, luck, encouragement!!

Monday, April 19, 2010

39 days and counting

Well, this last week was pretty amazing. I walked 2 miles on Monday, walked 1 mile and swam 10 laps on Tuesday. Zumba on Wednesday. Nothing on Thursday or Friday. Saturday was Zumba again and Sunday I walked for 30 minutes up and down a few hills. SO exercise was AWESOME this week, I would say. Food was great too! I stayed in my 1200-1500 calories a day. I had made 4 goals for myself and I accomplished 2 of them, so that was better then nothing!

I found my two weaknesses: Going to potlucks and being stressed/pissed off! Sunday was a bday party potluck, but it was my fault for not bringing anything healthy. The only thing healthy there was canteloupe and I am not a fan!! So, yes, I had stuff that was the best, but I still didnt eat as much as I normally would have.

Today I found out that my husbands account, that had $2000 in it 3 weeks ago, now has $260. Yes, we used a few hundred for Spring Break, and he uses it for gas....but the rest was wasted away. We were supposed to use some of that money to finish remodeling the front of our house, and so much for that! I was/am so irritated, that I went to McDonalds for dinner while my daughter was at soccer practice. I know I need to use that pent up energy to exercise, but I just don't have the motivation for that at this point. HOPING that that is one of the things I will learn when I go to Fitness Ridge.

Well, the final result for this week?? I lost 7 pounds!!! So, I am pretty excited about that! Hears to hoping this next weeks is just as good!!!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Hitting it HARD

Well, as of today, I only have 45 days left until I leave for Fitness Ridge. I decided I REALLY need to get my butt in gear if I am want to make it home alive!! I know I have said this before but I really mean it!! In the last couple of days I have walked 3 miles (one walk that included a small hill...and it was very hard for me which means I need walk more hills), swam at the YMCA, and went to a Zumba class! I have eaten perfectly! No fast food, no pop, 1500 calories or less a day!!! Today was my last physical therapy appointment for my knees, so I am on my own now. I have all the exercises I need to do to help my knees and will TRY to do them daily!!

I am SOOOO anxious to leave for Utah, that I have already started setting stuff in a box that I am going to be packing! I have taken inventory of what clothes I have and what I still need! These weeks are going by so fast that I know it will be here before I know. I just hope I can keep up with everyone while I am there!

Thanks for reading! Have a great rest of the week!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Ouchy

So.....haven't blogged in a few weeks...probably because I dont have anything exciting to share. Unfortunately I have not lost any weight for a few weeks...still at my 8 pounds. I have been exercising like crazy, but not eating like I should. I think the exercising is catching up to me though, because my knees are killing me! My right knee just feels huge and tight, and that Zumba class is kicking my butt (but I love it sooo much)!!! Going to the doctor next week cause I HAVE to get it under control before June! Wish me luck....Hopefully I will have good news to share the next time I blog....

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Time is flying by!!

So, It has been a couple of weeks since I have blogged. Nothing real exciting has happened, except I weighed myself yesterday morning and I had lost another 4 pounds! Apprently 4 is the magic number, just wish it was every few days instead of every 10 days. But I do have to be honest and say and I havent been very consistant with exercising and eating healthy. It seems that at least once a day, I eat something that isnt the best for me, but then I tell myself it could have been ALL day that I screwed up! It is taking me some time to transition and get on the "healthy train." Some days are better then others, let me tell you. But I did have a breakdown at the end of the Biggest Loser this last week. Not sure why?? I just want to be at Fitness Ridge already, and I would REALLY like to be able to stay longer then 4 weeks! The good news is that FMLA is going to cover it so I get to use my Short Term Disibility Paid Time Off hours instead of my regular hours.

The bad news is that I just found out that I am not only going to miss my nieces high school graduation, but her college graduation as well!! (she is in the running start program and has been taking college classes with her high school classes and will have her AA by the time she is 18). I am SOOOO proud of her and am not looking forward to those days at FR because I will be an emotional wreck! But, I know I have to do this for myself, even though I am missing out on so many wonderful things during that 4 weeks.

Well, until next time. My goal is to work out more and not eat out this next week, or if I do, to make healthy choices instead of bad ones! Wish me luck!!!

OH...BTW.....114 days, 16 weeks and counting!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

I'm a LOSER!!!

So, last week, I was so disappointed that the week before I didnt lose any weight, that I didnt hardly try this last week. I didnt exercise, and I ate out 4 or 5 times!! I just knew that I didnt lose any weight, so I didnt weigh myself on Sunday. This morning, I thought, what the heck, I will hop on the scale! WELLLLLLLL, I lost 4.5 pounds!!! Which, is kind of bad, because I lost weight without even trying, but I just keep telling myself that I will lose that much more if I do try!! So, I am headed to dinner with the family for my husbands birthday, where I WILL make a healthy choice, and then to the YMCA to exercise!! SO EXCITED!!!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Accountability

So, I put off starting this blog about my weight loss journey because I didnt want to fail publicly! Well, I was right...I started my "new life" on January 4th, in preparation for the Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge Resort. Started keeping my daily calorie count to 1200 calories! Man is that hard! I did ok for the first 4 days, but had a couple hundred extra calories on the weekend. I "didnt find time" to exercise that whole week, which is always an excuse, I know. I work full time, but that week I had worked 51 hours...mostly over 4 days instead of 5, and by the time I got home in the evening, the last thing I wanted to do was exercise. The silly thing is that I have a Wii with two great work out games....Wii Fit Plus, and the Jillian Michaels workout. Unfortunatly I weigh too much to do the Wii Fit, but I have no excuses for not doing the Jillian Michaels one. I have only tried it once and I got it for Christmas. Anyway, I get on the scale that Sunday morning, and I had lost .6 pounds....I WAS SO FRUSTRATED!! Yeah, I didnt exercise, but I ate A LOT better then I usually do....It is not unlikely for me to eat fast food 4 or 5 times a week, and I didnt have fast food at all that week! I also only had 1 pop that week...granted, it was diet pepsi, but I thought that was bad for me too? So, what do I do? Go to Jack In the Box for lunch and get a big juicy burger and some cheese fries!

So, needless to say, this last week was a disaster. I was so frustrated that I hadn't lost any weight that I said screw it...maybe I should eat what I want and throw in some exercise...then maybe I will lose weight. So, I ate what I want...but "forgot" the exercise part. Haven't weighed myself yet, planning on doing that in the am, but I am sure it won't be any different then last week....

I hate that I had that mind set last week, but that is one of the problems that I have to face....I fall of the wagon when I get frustrated and things don't go the way I want them too. That is probably why I am the size I am. I am hoping to get that under control, before I leave for the Ridge, because if I don't, I am going to die when I get there! I am going for 4 weeks and I know I need to prepare myself before getting there. That is why I am starting this blog.

I have also been reading everyone elses blogs, that are either there now, or preparing to go there as well, and I have to say it is quite the inspiration! I look forward to reading them everyday.

So, I hope this blog will hold me accountable for my actions, because I am hoping that people will read and I don't want to disappoint! My goal is to lose 40 pounds before I leave on May 30th. That is only 10 pounds a month so I know it is attainable. Thank you for following along with my journey!!