4 weeks ago I posted a plea for a buddy in the weight loss thing. W/all that was going on I needed the external oomph b/c I was starting to have doubts. I ended up snagging 5 other peeps and off we went on a mission to each lose 4lbs in 4 weeks, donate $5 a week to charity and check in daily about our day.
There were emotionally trying times in the last month. Cookie & pizza temptations, a baby was born, someone got sick and a family member took ill. Along the way we kvetched, laughed, drooled over Kiefer & Clive *ahem*, cheered each other on and picked each other up when down.
The week I maintained I told the group someone would have to lose a 1b for me, and they did! 
They really helped me get my mojo back and while our losses varied, I can happily say we all ended in the negative.
After a lackluster 3rd week where I maintained, I challenged us all to finish big loser style in the final week. That was also the week where every day I came home, I was tempted to not workout. I kept not waking up @ insane AM, but I hit the gym in the PM sorta for me, but mostly for them. Not only that, but I did 2 things I never thought I'd do.
I wore my short shorts in the PM AND I ran on the treadmill in front of EVERYONE in my building. Suffice to say last week I walked/ran 20 miles vs. the week before where I was too timid to do the PM thing so I stuck to the AM and ended up doing only 2 workouts and logging 8 miles.
But that's the emotional touchy feely stuff, I said I'd post the end of challenge stats and here goes. In 4 weeks the group of 5 has lost 35lbs!! Not only that, we raised $75 for the ADA!! I am so proud of both accomplishments. As I went to get the URL, I just read that Rite Aid is doubling all donations this month. So you can say we raised $150!!!
I was a bit sad to part ways, it felt like summer camp where the first few days you are out of your element but somewhere along the way in a cool crafts class you look around and never want it to end. So I tossed out the idea of doing a 2nd round and what must really be a sign that I've met people as crazy as me, they opted to have another go @ it, so Round II started yesterday. This time we are losing for the JDRF and again our goal is 4-5lbs in the next 4 weeks.
If you are struggling, I'd seriously suggest buddying up w/someone or a few likeminded peeps, it really made the difference in my outlook and attitude in the last month. It doesn't have to be a massively big challenge, just 2 people committing to however long they think they can go, 3-4 weeks is a good goal, and sticking to it. There are so many weight loss bloggers out there and I've always felt, despite us having the same end goal, being linked on each others blogroll and even frequently commenting, there's a bit of a disconnect.
What I liked about my buddies is we weren't trying to do anything alike other than lose 1lb each week. No lets walk xx miles or eat xx calories. I don't even know what or if they follow a special meal plan. I don't even know what exercise videos they used. So if there is someone on your blogroll or a site you like and you both seem to be struggling or feeling alone in your efforts, consider reaching out to each other. Make a tiny goal of 2lbs in 2 weeks and just promise to be there for each other on a regular basis.
That small gesture made all the difference the world for me, why I lost 7lbs in 4 weeks. 
Comments: 3
04.10.06 | Debbi commented: I just got back from a short trip, and yours was the first blog I've caught up with, Renee. And this post is just wonderfully inspiring! I've been driving all day and the last thing I want to think about is working out in the morning, but I know I will. Next time you have an open invite, I hope I'll be able to join in.
04.11.06 | Renee commented: Thx much ladies 
And Debbi, I had planned to open it up again, but got so busy last week I didn't have the time to make the newest member or 2 feel really welcome, so I left it that *if* there is a Round 3, I'll plan better and definetely let some new blood in, plus no one objected and actually they encouraged it...so stay tuned 
Note: Comments are now closed. Please use the contact form to leave a message.
Wow! Great job, Renee'!!!