Fittest Loser

From Gerry: At boot camp today we were paired up for sparring and Tony put Bob and me together. Basically, one person wears pads on their hands and the other, boxing gloves. As I was punching, Bob was encouraging me to hit harder, go faster, breathe, stay standing. He was great. We switch places and it’s Bob’s turn to punch. Oh, goodness! He has a mean right. Of course he does, he’s a right-handed painter who uses that arm for sanding and rolling. In order to encourage him, I started with “hit harder”. And he did. That hurt. So I tried, “faster”. And he did … harder and faster. Then I told him to start working his weak left. That advice was all about me. 

From Kristen: I posted some progress pictures on my blog today: http://startingthisminute.wordpress.com

I don’t see a difference in the front views, but the side views have changed a lot for a relatively small amount of weight loss! It gives me the encouragement to keep going!

From Eileen: Weight loss and getting your finances in order have something in common. You have to keep track of your activity — be it exercise, eating or spending money — in order to control it.  My new favorite way to keep track of my calories (both consumed and burned) is a website called loseit.com. It’s extremely easy to use and, best of all, it’s free.

From Kristen: I so agree with John’s post below on the importance of support systems. If I didn’t have my husband, friends and family to cheer me on, I don’t think I could do this. This week, for instance, my friend hosted a girls’ day at her house, and we all brought pictures over to scrapbook. Typically, we’d have pizza and chips to snack on, but she was so sweet and made sure every snack was something I could eat, and offered to prepare me something special in addition. Love her!

From John: Halfway through week four, and workouts are getting tougher!  Ran out of gas on Tuesday, but made it through boot camp on Wednesday.  Getting a great deal of support from a number of people, and that has really had a great effect on me.  This has been a tough two week stretch with everything going on outside of the workouts.  Thanks to my family for continuing their great attitude.

From Kristen: I can’t believe three weeks have already passed! And I can’t believe I’ve gone three weeks without pasta or pizza! I met my dad for lunch today and I haven’t seen him in a couple of weeks. He said he could tell from across the restaurant that I’ve lost weight, so that made me very happy! The scale’s not moving quite as fast as I’d like, but I can tell in the mirror and by how I feel that this is working, and I’m so excited about it.

From Bob: I just can’t believe almost 3 weeks have passed since we started! I am starting to see a “thinner” Bob. This has been the hardest thing I have ever done, no question about it! It is amazing how much I have learned in such a short time. The people who support me in this journey mean everything to me! My trainer Josh sure knows what he’s doing!! I appreciate his time each and every session that I’m with him. My approach is “one day at a time”. Before we know it we’ll be at the final weigh-in!! Everyone, keep up the great work!!!!!!

From Kristen: Lots of squats, weights and jump rope during today’s workout with Michelle! Who knew jumping rope was such an awesome workout? It’s tough, but feels great. And I know this will sound pathetic, but I was SO PROUD because I was able to run the full half-mile at the beginning of the workout. I hate running with a passion and I’ve never been able to run for more than a couple of minutes. This time, I made it (in six minutes) and could have gone longer. It felt amazing! I just have to keep it up and ramp up the pace so I’m ready for my 5K in April!

From John: Thanks to all my friends and family who have sent kind words of encouragement after today’s article in the Daily Herald.  I am going to work my hardest to make this experience successful and the change lasting.

Thanks to Ryan at Push Fitness for stepping in for a few sessions while Wade was away.  Learned some really awesome stuff, and got to box for the first time.  Didn’t know that could be such a workout!

Congratulations to Wade, my trainer, on his engagement!  Looking forward to having him back – just hope he doesn’t want to take out any wedding-planning frustrations on me!

From Dee: Tomorrow at 0600, I am going to my first boot camp. I am ready for this; my mind is ready, will my body be ready … lol.