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By kilax, April 15, 2009 5:01 pm

I don’t know what is wrong with wordpress, but the first two times I tried to post this, the comments didn’t work. Here we go again…

My office’s Biggest Loser Challenge ended today. It began on January 21st and 22 people participated. There was a $12 entry fee, and $2 fee per missed weigh-in and per each pound gained. In the end, the money pot was $428! Do the math on that one!

First place received 55%, second received 25% and third received 20%.

I came in second place with a total loss of 14.17% and won $107. First place was 14.54% and third place was 13.99% (very close!). I stayed in second place almost every week of the competition, except for a week in third, and a week in first (after I was sick).

Now it’s time to stuff my face again!

Just kidding.*

Participating in this was interesting. It brought on a lot of comments and questions about my weight and appearance, which is not something I am used to. I felt uncomfortable at times, just because I was unprepared to react to that kind of attention. I wonder if that will all stop now, that it is over?

Overall, I think the Challenge was helpful with keeping me on track with my healthy eating. I didn’t feel restricted by it**; it was kind of like a friendly reminder. And I’ve mentioned a few times how this made my relationship with the scale so much better – it taught me that the periodical ups and downs don’t mean that much – you have to look at the big picture!

*Although, I did save myself a homemade cookie to eat on my lunch break, and I was kind of “meh” about eating it. I thought it would be orgasmic or something, after not having sweets since 2/25. Guess not!
**Although a few times, I did ask Steven if we could not eat out.

Comments (26)

By kilax, April 7, 2009 4:37 am

This postcard on the 04/05  postsecret really upset me.

The text reads: I feel superior when my machine is set at a faster pace.

It seems like I keep running into the topic of “exercising elitism.” Okay, I am not sure if that is what it’s called, but you KNOW these people – people who think they are better than everyone else because they exercise, or run faster, or lift more weights or WHATEVER. They are a bit above and beyond competitive – they think they are some sort of elite or special person. Kyra touched on it a few weeks ago – mentioning that some runners say “that people who listen to music aren’t real runners.” Seriously, what kind of crap is that?

I would be LYING if I said I didn’t have a sense of accomplishment over being able to run when a lot of people cannot. BUT, that does not mean that I think I am better than other people. I recognize that we are all different, with different capabilities. Honestly, I am just excited when someone tells me they are following any sort of exercise plan. Walking, swimming, biking, weights, rowing, whatever it is… I am happy to hear about it. I can always learn something new. And when someone tells me they are struggling, I do not judge them – I remember being extremely overweight and begging Steven to slow down when we ran because I could not keep up with him.  I remember only being able to run for 2 minutes before having to stop.

The postcard upset me, because I think everyone needs encouragement. And not just in regards to exercising – in regards to life. Everyone needs someone to back them up, or at least that feeling that they are doing “the right thing.” Support systems are what keep us going. In my opinion anyway. You can try to do it all on your own, but it’s hard.

So when when I read “I feel superior when my machine is set at a faster pace,” it makes me think this is the type of person who is not out there encouraging other runners. It makes me think that this is the type of person giving running a bad name, actually discouraging other people. I mean, come on, what were your thoughts when you read it? How did it make you feel?

Awhile ago, I wrote a post related to running, and Nilsa commented on the “running community” and the willingness of runners to support one another. At the time, I honestly didn’t know what she meant. But now that I work with so many people who are in to exercise and running, I get it. They are all so supportive and encouraging. It feels great. I don’t know if they are telling me to go for it, then thinking “I am so much faster than her,” but they are making that effort to encourage me, and I like it.

In life, who are we racing against? Others or ourselves? I believe if you continually compare yourself to others, you can never find happiness or feel accomplished.

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By kilax, February 23, 2009 5:30 am

Yesterday was my first 5K of the year – the Round Lake Frosty Footrace. Proceeds from the race benefit future senior fitness programs at the Round Lake Area Sports Center.

It was under 20° F so I wore my silly Under Armour Hood.

My running partner had a 6-mile run later in the day, so I ran with Christina (Aguilera) and Fergie (from her BEP days) instead. Running with music really keep me pumped up, but I had to be careful of singing out loud along with the songs – not because of my awful singing voice, but because it would get me out of breath!

It was fun to get back out and do a race with the running community. I forgot how exhilarating it is. I hope I can fit a few more races in before the half marathon.

Doing the robot as I sprint to the finish line.

My finish time was 27:53. Apparently, that was good enough to get me first place for my age group (19-24). I remembered to stay for the awards ceremony this time.

My makeup was a bit runny at that point.

When I ran my first 5K, it was a very big deal for me (link at the very bottom of this page). I felt like I trained forever. I even made my parents and sister come watch us race.  Afterward, we went out to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant – El Famous Burrito. I ate a huge burrito and a big plate of chips, thinking “I deserve this! I worked my butt off!”

I laugh when I think about that now. It WAS a big deal, but I did not deserve the feast I gave myself. Let me explain – I thought running a 5K meant I could go eat whatever I wanted for the rest of the day. But now, 3 miles is a low mileage run for me. I run it, then go to bed, without eating anything to “re-fuel.” I don’t need to! I guess what I am trying to say is, it’s neat that I’ve gained some endurance. That doesn’t mean the race today was super easy, but it definitely was on the light side.

Funny side note: we saw two people from our fencing class at the race! Now I will know their excuse if they are sluggish tonight! Hee hee.

Comments (7)

By kilax, February 21, 2009 11:25 pm

We had our fourth fencing class last Monday. The professor was gone, so we just did a full hour and a half of open fencing. We were split into two groups – men and women.

Steven and I both noticed distinct characteristics about our groups that annoyed us a bit. Of the 6 women in my group, 3 were not taking the class very seriously. Yes, I am there to have fun, but they were giggling and calling out at each other while they were fencing. Then, when they would judge, they wouldn’t really pay attention to what was going on. When one fencer hits the other, the judge is supposed to say “halt.” Well, if you are screwing around, you might forget to do that. And as amateur fencers, we are just going to keep going, because we are not sure if we are getting direct hits or not. So… that was frustrating.

But, while fencing the other giggling women, I was able to pick up on some things I need to improve on – mainly my focus. A lot of people are still just blindly jabbing at one another, not strategizing much, or even paying attention to the opponent’s moves. I realized this early on, and spent the rest of the night really focusing on what my opponent was doing, rather than just trying to move in fast and stab them.

Steven had a different annoyance than I did. Apparently, some of this fellow male fencers have an inflated ego, and spent all of their time between matches talking up their “skills” and “style.” These students are at the same level as us – beginners, only four classes. So the only word that could describe their style would be “sloppy.” Of course, that is just talk, but it was still annoying Steven a bit (I know it would bother ME).

And apparently, some of the men are being very competitive, and making it a lot less fun. Fencing is a “gentleman’s sport” – you’re expected to show courtesy to your fellow fencer – saluting them with your sword, shaking their hand, etc. Well, everyone is doing that (I think), but some people are letting the wining get to their heads. Steven said one advanced player beat another advanced player and was doing fist pumps in the air for almost a minute. Just being around him made Steven feel uncomfortable because he knew this guy was so full of himself.

I understand competition. I understand wanting to win. I do have a tendency to turn into a competitive ass from time to time. But some people just take it TOO FAR. They make EVERYTHING into a competition. Everything in life. You know these people. You’re talking to them about a goal or accomplishment you made, and all of a sudden, it becomes a competition about how they compare to you. I find this petty. And pointless.

Anyway, on Monday night, Steven wasn’t really feeling up to fencing class because he was so sore from skiing (he still has bruises covering most of his legs!). I tried to be encouraging, telling him just to take it easy and focus on the footwork and moves the professor taught us.

After class, he came up to me and showed me this:

A photo of Steven’s arm the night he got hit.

So, besides the bruises from skiing, he now has some new ones from fencing – this huge scrape on his arm, as well as another inside his elbow, and more bruises on his legs. He looks like he got into a serious fight. Or something.