09-04-2015 11:27
09-04-2015 11:27
Hi everybody! This is a group with awesome people and we all have the same goals! We may have different ways to get there, so please keep the thread friendly so we can all enjoy the journey!
We are starting on Labour Day - September 4 and will be ending this challenge on Halloween October 31.
I know you will all give your best - just remember: keep your goals achievable and HAVE FUN!!!
Looking forward to seeing you all succeed!
Birgit
10-27-2015 10:10
10-27-2015 10:10
@Bobbinyc thank you! I feel so accomplished with what i've done, no matter if I fluctuate a little I know i've come so far that it's just part of the journey!
We had such a blast, we went out dancing and enjoyed ourselves 🙂
I'm thinking about starting the new thread for the next challenge, any idea if we should do it to Thanksgiving or Christmas?
Any suggestions guys & girls?
10-27-2015 10:16
10-27-2015 10:16
@awood08 So good to hear your cheery attitude. I was beginning to feel alone here!
I could go with either holiday. My only thought is that Thanksgiving is so tough, and a lot of people re-commit before the New Year, so maybe breaking it down - one for Thanksgiving and one for NY would be helpful? Not sure. Whatever you think is fine with me. And I really do love your perspective and energy.
10-27-2015 10:21
10-27-2015 10:21
@Bobbinyc thanks so much, and I agree, I know I will be indulging for Thanksgiving a bit so I think splitting them up is a great idea.
I'm glad you have the positive outlook as well! Between you and Barb you guys have always kept everything upbeat regardless. I was a very negative person before I started my weight loss and it really affected my relationships with everyone around me. Finally realized, regardless of my weight, my mind needs to be healthy as well and if I fill it with negativity and bad thoughts, my body will be affected.
10-28-2015 05:40
10-28-2015 05:40
USW=235 lbs June 16th
CSW=205 lbs Sept 7th
GW==190 lbs
UGW=175 lbs
CW==190 lbs Oct 28th
I hit my goal weight 🙂 I am beyond grateful that the scale and my body has cooperated with me. I have felt so many times like taking a break and eating what I want or sitting my butt on the couch when I should be in the gym. Hard work and determination really does pay off. Thank you all so much for your support 🙂
I will be posting the link for the new challenge for those of you interested, Bobbinyc and I agree to make it from Halloween to Thanksgiving since the holidays are a little more challenging for weight loss.
10-28-2015 05:52
10-28-2015 05:52
Here's the link to the new challenge 🙂
10-28-2015 05:57
10-28-2015 05:57
@awood08 You are so insightful and open - I really appreciate that. The negative really does go into our bodies. It also breeds more negativity. It affects our emotions through the chemicals our brains produce, it effects those around us and then they impact us. It creates a major roadblock to overcome every step of the way. That said, we all have that in us. I actually learned somehow to do well when under enormous stress; the kind that life gives you once in a while. My friends tease me that they know things are really awful when I have them laughing hysterically. Sometimes the only thing to do is take a very long view and know this too will pass. Sometimes the things we stress about are things we won't even remember in a year. I guess this is a benefit of being older - lots of "long view" to look back on. I find it incredibly sad when we beat ourselves up because of our bodies. We are bombarded with messages about how we are supposed to look and that has nothing to do with any reality. Imagine if we were bombarded with messages about celebrating our health or our abilities or how incredibly wondrous our bodies are.
Sorry for going on.
In terms of the next challenge - I still think of Barbara as the group matriarch. Should we ask her? Whatever you guys say is fine with me.
And thanks for sharing in your posts.
10-28-2015 06:08
10-28-2015 06:08
@awood08Hoorayyyy!!! That is amazing!! Congratulations!! You work so hard. I know how that couch can call us. And you did it!! Yep, the determination pays off. I believe it does get easier as we develop stronger habits. For me, a lot of it is separating food and the couch from how I feel. No matter how bad things may be (I am having a stressful year of things I can't control) it means being clear that food won't change it one bit, but will feel good for a few minutes (ok, maybe an hour) and then will have consequences that feel awful. I have been practicing "walling off" the emotions from the choices. It took some doing and learning some skills and new habits to get it to work, but I'm pretty much there now. Life hands us things, as you know, and we have to come back swinging no matter what.
You know this. You own it! Practicing it just makes it easier.
10-28-2015 08:50
10-28-2015 08:50
You are incredibly insightful and inspiring as well. I was just telling Mermaid today (we talk quite often outside of this forum) that mentally stability & wellness is a key factor in your body transformation. Once I let go of the negatives and focused on the positives ahead it came much easier than constantly beating myself up. I'm so happy you can keep coming back from the hardships you faced, the things you can't control. You have a strong will!
I posted the link for the Halloween to Thanksgiving Challenge unless @dancefoxtrot has a better suggestion? I can always change it up to go to Christmas
10-28-2015 09:00
10-28-2015 09:00
Great job, @awood08!!!!! I am so impressed. You should be feeling very pleased and proud of yourself. What a lot of work and persistence to achieve this goal, and all the related goals that preceded it!!
I haven't done too well on this round, but I am signing up for the next challenge. I just got back from Disney World, where my youngest daughter and family took me to celebrate my 70th birthday (which doesn't happen for real until mid-November). We had a wonderful time, and I walked twice as much each day--Hooray for my fitbit!!!--as when I am home, so I know I can up my daily average. BUT, I put on some weight, part of which I am sure is water and will drop off soon, but not in time to help for this challenge, and it takes me back to where I started.
I will not be discouraged with myself. I DID get in my five-month goal hike of between 7-8 miles at between 10,000 and 11,000 ft. altitude (in Colorado). Pretty good for an old duffer. I DID have a great time with my grandsons because I had lost twenty pounds since May and had built up enough strength to walk all over Harry Potter World, then the Magic Kingdom, and finally, Epcot Center (one park a day).
So now I will return to building steps, building muscle, eating healthfully, and most of all enjoying my very good life!!! Thanks to all of you who helped me keep close to (if not totally connected) to my weight loss goals. Tomorrow (today) is a new day.
USW: 221
CSW: 203 (challenge starting weight)
FCW: 203 (current weight)
Halloween GW: 199
UGW: 150-160
Many thanks! Jacqueline
10-28-2015 09:32
10-28-2015 09:32
10-28-2015 10:50
10-28-2015 10:50
@JacquelineP And I'm very impressed with you!! You made your goal hike, which was long, steep and high for even a 20 year old duffer, you walked a lot with your family, you lost 20 pounds, you reaped the benefits with your pleasure with your grandkids....what could be better than that? Isn't that what it's all for?
10-28-2015 10:53
10-28-2015 10:53
@debbriko I'm with you on this one. Do you know what your obstacles were? Do you know how to get them out of your way? Wanting to lose weight is the easy part. Figuring out the details of it....not so much. But that is where we all help each other so well. I find that when I get stuck, coming on here more helps me focus, get suggestions, get support, and get back on track.
10-28-2015 11:49
10-28-2015 11:49
10-28-2015 14:07
10-28-2015 14:07
Thanks to @Bobbinyc for the encouraging words! You are such a thoughtful person and seem to care so much for everyone in the challenges. It's so important to have some kind of a compassionate continuing presence, and you, along with a couple of others, keep me from feeling I'm adrift in the ozone.
And thanks to @debbriko for just doing what you're doing. I have been at this weight loss thing for so long and have approached it in so many ways, with and without the help of registered dieticians, books, clubs, and a health coach, that like you, I am pretty sure I know what I need to do to make it work. But sometimes I just lose the motivation to do it 120% (which is what I think it takes).
What always did me in these past several attempts is that when I hit the stall place, I'd just throw in the towel and I'd put all my weight back on, plus some. So I agree that being connected to a group like this and reading what others are going through is so helpful. We truly are not alone.
Bottom line is that by now I know WHAT to do. Sometimes, I just don't do it. But having a holding bin to recharge and get ready to make another run at getting to the next goalpost is invaluable, and it keeps the towel right where it belongs. That leads to being able to lose, and then hold for a while, and then lose a bit more. That's a great way to do it, and from what I've read and seen (here and other places), the way to make it last. You seem to be doing that.
You are a great role model for sharing your struggle, your amazing accomplishment, and your willingness to keep at it. No towels lost for you. I'm sure when you are ready, you will know what to do, and it will be at the right time. Thanks for being willing to show that treading-water part, too! Gives me renewed hope and keeps me holding steady, as well. (PS Since you are on my fitbit friend list I see how much you walk, and you're always at the #1 spot--WOW! Even more inspiration for me to move MORE.)
10-28-2015 15:07
10-28-2015 15:07
@debbriko Wow, you've accomplished so much! a 5k, 10 k , walking to the mechanic - ok, I now have another role model. Thanks. That is amazing. My goal is a 5k and I'm not there yet. For me, that is the most important thing - I want to be strong, energetic, and feel like I can do whatever I set out to do. You must be so proud of yourself. Sometimes I have trouble knowing when to respect what my body and energy level are ready for, and when to push more. I guess that takes time and experience.
10-28-2015 15:10
10-28-2015 15:10
@JacquelineP I know that "adrift in the ozone" feeling. Well put. Sometimes I'm surprised at how much the people/words on here make a difference. Thank you. I'm glad if anything I say helps you out.
10-29-2015 07:22
10-29-2015 07:22
I've slacked off way too much because of different things, but I'm getting back on track. Hopefully I'll do a bit better with the next challenge. I'm pretty much back where I started in terms of weight, with my lowest weight being 176. I've added some fitbit friends and now I'm in the middle of two different Workweek Hustle challenges. I've found these really help me to stay motivated and I'm taking more steps every day because of it. Now, I've just got to focus more on my diet and get it back on track too.
SW: 185lbs - April 2015
CSW (challenge starting weight): 179.6lbs - 9/9
CW: 178.8lbs - 10?29
UGW: 120lbs
10-29-2015 08:07
10-29-2015 08:07
That time you spent with your grandchildren and fact that you feel accomplished to be able to walk all over the parks is amazing. Weight loss will always be there, that quality time and memories to be made with your grandbabies will not be! I'm so happy you had a great time with them.
So glad for your positive outlook and attitude. You will rock the next challenge!
10-29-2015 08:09
10-29-2015 08:09
I saw your before & in progress pics on our Facebook group Birgit has, and WOW you look amazing!! You have had such a great transformation! I know you will do great, you've already come so far and you keep your head up. Your positive attitude will definitely get you to where you want to be 🙂 You always have us here to keep you boosted!
10-29-2015 09:48
10-29-2015 09:48
right on. Thank you.
I have kind of stalled out. As you said, I know what I need to do. There isn't some magic, nor a secret code that has not been revealed. I just need to do it.
I have kind of stalled out. I don't know how much damage I've done, because the scale got moved, and I haven't had the focus to bring it back and get on it. My *hope* is that I've stayed stable, and not gone up. I've just lost my steam. At least I haven't gone berzerk, as I have done sometimes in the past. Meh.
Well, let's hope that I've stayed even, and can remind myself that life is about falling down, stalling out, and then regaining focus and continuing on. My past history is taking the downfall as a signal to give up. And, as you said, gain back all I've lost, then some.
It's easy to blame it on the weather, or how it's darker at night, or whatever, but really, those are pretty feeble. Just not feeling like it is another big excuse for me.
I need to get up again. Focus on the objective: better health, stamina, strength, energy. Cook something decent to eat that I can also take for lunch. Stop foraging for snacks all over the work place.
Ugh. Meh. Thanks to all for your support and encouragement. Sometimes it just helps to know that we all stall out or fall down, and can find the courage to get up again and try again.