Diva, glad you got it checked out and it isn't serious.

If I ever can't get to the gym, it is harder to stay OP, for sure.

Here's a thought about mindfulness for all teams:

Open to awareness

"Mindfulness means moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness. It is cultivated by refining our capacity to pay attention, intentionally, in the present moment, and then sustaining that attention over time as best we can. In the process, we become more in touch with our life as it is unfolding."

-- Myla & Jon Kabat-Zinn

Why do we want to become more aware?

If we remain unaware, we:
- repeat the past,
- remain stuck in relationships,
- live superficial, literal and one dimensional lives,
- lack experiences of love and beauty, and
- have limited connection to others and the universe.

With awareness, we are fully involved with life. Awareness is sensing deeply and sensitively for what really is. To do this, we need to approach the present as totally new. When we can be open and attentive in each moment, we begin to free ourselves from the conditioning of the past and the suffering that it so often brings.

"If moment by moment you can keep your mind clear then nothing will confuse you."

-- Sheng Yen

Dea, a half marathon is 13.1 miles and I am going to follow the program in the the non-runners marathon guide as soon as I finish C25k ( I have 2 weeks left)

Morning team! Its hard to believe todays the last weigh in for this challenge. I hope everyone achieved their goals for this challenge or at least made a step in the right direction.

Diva- thanks for telling us about daily plate. I started using it on thursday and am loving it. It is easier to use because their food base is soo much bigger than fitday. I also like the forums, I don't chat but I like checking out the recipes and the exercise reviews. I'm glad to hear that your hip problems are nothing tooo serious. Hopefully you'll be able to ease back into exercise, you were doing so great on getting your exercise in.

Soul-did you not like the flax and soy chips? Your stir fry sounds yummy...of course my family wouldn't eat it. Last night we had chicken and peppers DD kept complaining she didn't like it. I thought about buying "Does this clutter..." but then opted for Bob's book. Are you reading it?

Cait-great job on 6lbs.

Michie-whens the last day of work?

Mother-you're doing great on your running, its good that your setting goals for yourself. A marathon WOW! I'd love to do a 5k but I've been slacking on my running.

Hope-I'm wanting to get jillians shred dvd. I have to wait til I get back from Detroit to see if I have any money left.

Besides jillians shred dvd, I'm thinking about Turbo jam and a bender ball. Anyone use either of those?


160/1500 minutes
3.5/35 miles

I figured I was a good girl all week. I ate my calories (or just under) drank plenty of water, walked like my life depended on it (except for when it snowed, I used my elliptical). I didn't weight my self all week. When I stepped on my scale yesterday it said I was UP a pound??? WTH? Of course TOM could be a factor... but still ARRRGH!

Anyways, Good job girls! whether we win or not, I'm proud of you all!


Diva - best wishes for a speedy recovery on that hip I know what pain "med" prescriptions are like, I never get em myself. Advil Migraine strength always does it for me pain wise. I broke my tailbone a couple of years ago, I tried Tylenol 3's for a day, and chucked em. I hated feeling "high" at work. Plus they didn't really get rid of the pain, they just maksked it with feeling high. The Advil really helps with the pain.

Thanks for commenting. I don't like feeling like I am talking in a cave *echo* *echo* *echo*

As far as the chips go, I liked them TOO MUCH and wanted to eat the entire bag.

The stir fry was so good, colorful and satisfying. How old is your DD?

I got "Does this clutter make my butt look fat" as a freebie and it's reasonable, honest and a good read so far. I have a lot of clutter, due to being so busy and focused on achieving goals. I guess a healthy body is such a priority for me right now that addressing the clutter takes a back seat. I know that the reality is, I need to have a clear mind, house etc. to have the life I desire. I'm working on it. Add it to the list

Well, it's the end of another challenge, my second one.

I've learned that I am stronger than ever. I've seen that there are some very kind and some very broken women in this world and that the two aren't always mutually exclusive. We all have much in common, different as we all are. What else is new? Add THAT to the list!

I truly wish you all the best.

I'm proud of what I have accomplished and how I did it. I am proud that many have reached or exceeded their goals along with me on all teams. I am also proud that all who stuck with the challenge finished along with me.

Thank you all, you've all shown me something important about yourself and about me too, during this time together!

brande - wtf are you doing up at this hour? girl you should be in bed

GOOD MORNING TEAM!!!!!

i fit into my size 14 goal pants (first goal) and here are pics in them... they are AWESOME! i'll be happy when they don't fit anymore but also sad because i love them

but LOOK AT THOSE ARMS!

i'm sure you will get there my goal for apr 30th is to be 185... 5lbs down from where i am now

and thanks i was so excited when i saw what i looked like in that outfit

Morning all!

I can't believe it is the end of this challenge! Congrats to everyone for completing it!

Cait - good luck with your training!

Dea - good luck with the c25k

MM- How are you doing??

Soul - if clutter makes your *** big, then mine is HUGE, lol!

Diva - How is the hip? I hear you on pain meds - I can't take them, they make me sick.

Dream- Hiya!

Sally - you look so cute! Way to go!

Morning All ! ! !

Was this a great weekend or WHAT? I think I have finally busted my plateau...down -5.6 ! ! ! !

As excited as I am about this, I am sad the challenge is over. You ladies have truly challenged and encouraged me. As I have read through the board these many weeks, I have seen where I have been in a few of you, and I look forward to getting to where some of you are.

I had considered doing personals, but I know I would leave someone out and I don't want to do that...Everyone, please know that your thoughtful words and comments, as well as your posts of trials and tribulations were noticed and greatly appreciated. Here's to the BLACK TEAM

(I'm not signing off....I just wanted to get this out there, before others signed off and I didn't have a chance to express my thanks to everyone. I'm off to a meeting, I'll be back in a bit.)

Good morning all.

I can't believe it is the last weigh in already. I will miss this challenge and all of you that made it what it was. I am proud of everyone that stuck it out to the end. I am amazed at each and everyone of you for your dedication and hard work. You guys helped me stay on track more than you will ever know. For that I say Thank you.

I let the politics of the challenge upset me a week or two ago. That is when I decided not to particapate in the next challenge. Now that the end is here I am sad about that decision. I will miss you all!

Good luck on the final weigh in everyone. You have all done fantastic. Congrats!

Yeah, I don't like the politics of any of this ONE BIT!!! I like a lot of the rest though!

You can still change your mind!

Although, I read that there may not be a Black Team next time.

Apparently, it's in deliberation. Shame that it's even being considered, too, since the request thread is FULL of Black Team requests and there are so many people who sign up in general.