ONE MORE DAY

Some of you know this and some of you may not - I have been doing my own challenge involving weight loss and fitness for the last year. I 'officially' began on December 28, 2011. (CRAZY to start right over the Holidays, knowing I would have exactly one year to complete the challenge....but I knew I HAD TO START so I would stop gaining and get on the road to health.)

I had an unhealthy BMI (more than 30) and I was given exactly one year to get it to a healthy number (below 25). I put my money on the virtual table, and off I went. IF I complete the challenge I win back my money plus some extra! I knew I wanted to lose the weight anyway, so why not get paid to do it?

Well, this journey has had more ups and downs than I anticipated! The LAST time I lost this much weight (after baby #3) it came off a little quicker and without so much heartache. HOWEVER, I had to remember, this time around I am a little older and my stress levels are much higher. So...I was in it to win it and I was not giving up....but there were days I really wanted to give up! I have had a much harder year emotionally than I ever could have anticipated, and the list goes on and on with all the road blocks and rough spots I have had in this journey.

I stuck with it and was so excited to learn that THIS competition would help bring me down the home stretch of my own personal challenge. I have been so grateful for the help and support during a difficult time of year to lose weight (the Holidays) and had the encouragement and advice from such good friends along the way!

I am sorry to say this last week I have barely even thought about the competition. I have been so focused on finishing my BMI challenge and 'what if I don't make it' worries!!! I am still keeping track of points and doing the challenges of the week, but my mind has been in this other place. I have been nervous, scared, frustrated, sad, etc. as I anticipate the 'last' weigh in.

My year ended on Dec. 28, 2012. I will be verified at an official weigh in tomorrow morning around 11am. I can not even tell you how nervous I am. I venture to say I haven't lost anything this week just because my stomach (and entire body) has been in such knots for the last 7 days!!

Suffice it to say I won't be able to eat much today due to nerves and butterflies floating around in my tummy! I will be so relieved to have this over and done! NOT to say that my journey is over! Not at all! I still have about 4 more pounds to lose before I reach my own personal weight goal. However, just getting through this portion of the adventure of fitness and weight loss will be so, so nice! I will feel as though I can breath freely once again!

So, girls. Thank you. Thank you for this competition. Thank you Heather for putting it together and being willing to moderate it all. Thank you for the inspiring posts and encouraging words. I have needed them. I have just one more day to focus like I have never focused before!

I have decided to have one celebratory meal tomorrow evening with my hubby, but after that BACK to the grind! THIS competition needs to be finished STRONG!! And I still have four more pounds to lose ladies!! I am not giving up on THAT!!