Hard work never felt so good!

In January, my office announced a fitness contest to be held from Monday, February 2nd to Monday, March 30th. We were to form our own teams of 3 people per team. We would earn points for exercising and losing weight.

I was not happy when the first report of rankings came out. My team was in 5th place. I couldn't believe we were behind a team where one of the girls (dear friend that she is) had texted me over the weekend and said she was having a beer AND a hamburger. That lit a fire under me and there was a competitive spark lit in me like never before. Before I continue... first and second places were so far ahead because these guys were machines that worked out all the time anyway. So, it became a battle for third.

I made sure I got as many workouts in as possible. I went and bought a Balance Ball from Target so I could count that as my weight training. I worked out on my elliptical machine at home while watching tv- sometimes I just wore my jeans on there and went slow. I even broke out the step from 1980-something and did 80's aerobics in my living room. After the boys went to bed, I'd turn on the DVD for the Balance Ball workout. Tania and I are great friends now. I worked out on the treadmill in the office fitness center during my lunch. We moved up to third place with second place still 30 points ahead of us.

I changed my diet drastically. Sometimes healthier than others. And, I fell off the healthy wagon more than once. One night I couldn't help it and had to have a root beer float with the boys. It was sooo good. I'd have a piece of chocolate here or there or some kind of treat occasionally to make sure I was still human.

So, with a 30 point spread I was just thinking about third place. I lost 13 pounds. And it was our combined weight loss as a team that pushed us into second place, which to us was really like first place!! We received an Academy gift card for $25. I also took second place for the most weight lost and the difference between me and first place was half a pound. I feel good, energized- and that's better than anything. I'd like to lose a total of 5 more pounds so I'm trying to continue with my routine.

Hmph! The old fashion way of exercise and diet works and even though the contest is over (as many folks have pointed out to me) you just can't stop maintaining all that you've worked so hard to accomplish. Bikini season is just around the corner and I'm going to be ready! And, JB can't call me fat anymore.