“Where do I go from here?”

I just returned from my final weigh-in and I can’t believe the overall results; I lost 8 lbs. and I lost 20 INCHES!, 20 inches that are no longer a part of my body. I knew in the inch department, I greatly improved. I can’t remember when or if I ever had my measurements taken before. I’m still wondering what my body fat loss and my muscle gain is. All my muscle measurements went down almost 2 inches, so there was some sculpting taking place, I hope.

So, what’s next? I am in a situation where I’m not sure I can maintain a gym membership financially, but I’m going to try very hard to make it happen. Why? I love how Kristi and Lowell support us and push us even when we are ready to give up. I NEED PUSHING! Or I won’t continue to keep up the fitness level required to maintain all my work of the past 8 weeks. My diet will probably take a bigger hit since I’ve missed out on a lot of “comfort food”, however, I know I won’t be eating as much fast food as I used to; it just won’t work anymore. I cheer Kristi and Lowell too for helping us get a clear picture of what we can and cannot eat.

On a personal note, my Dad had double bypass surgery in January and he’s had to make extreme changes in his diet and in his physical activity. I don’t think there was talk of a weight-loss competition at the time, but when the idea came up, I was on aboard. It’s been a big advantage in having to eat different at home with my family. So I did this for Dad and for me. It’s another reason I need to keep going. Even though my family medical history may not be great, I’m starting to make sure I don’t have to go down the same path of possible heart disease or diabetes.

Thanks to Valhalla, Lowell, Kristi, the Messenger-Inquirer and WBKR for this wonderful and rewarding opportunity!

If I can do it, anyone can do it!

–Erin Grant, Part-time on-air, WBKR/WOMI

Lesson learned

The meltdown competition has come to an end, but that’s about it. The weight loss will continue, and maybe in about 4 years we’ll have a reunion show, that is if we can get Clooney to come back.

Oh wait, that’s ER.

Anyway, it’s time to follow Lowell’s advice. He told me on the air last week that no diet is successful if you completely dissociate yourself from certain foods you like. Now, I don’t imagine any one of us would take that as an invitation to go polish off 5 triple grease burgers and an entire pumpkin cheesecake. But the fact is this, you can have a burger now and again and you can have a piece of cheesecake now and again IF you continue to work out. Oh I guess you can have those things if you don’t work out. But that’ll just re-inflate that spare tire.

Losing weight and keeping fit DOES mean watching what you eat and exercise and strengthening, but life dictates that once in a while there’s going to be a birthday or a holiday or a vacation. And stressing about what you’re eating in those scenarios doesn’t help at all. Ironically, working out relieves stress. So if you stress about a cupcake after you eat it, exercise and you’ll be fine.

The Meltdown’s been fun and I’ve enjoyed working out and talking with the folks from the M-I. I wish everyone involved in this project all the best in their ongoing weight loss efforts and I hope we’ve encouraged or inspired others to do the same thing. I was never an exercise guy; I just always thought about it. Well, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done, so why would I stop now?

- Dave Spencer, On-Air Radio Personality, WBKR-FM

“This is it!”

This is the last week of the Mass Media Meltdown. I have learned so much in the last eight weeks. I have pushed myself harder than I have ever pushed myself and I have found myself pushing others. I have made a lot of changes and I think they are going to stick.

I can actually RUN on the treadmill. RUN people. The only time I could ever run (well, let’s be honest and call it what it was which was totally not a run it was more of a non-walk) was when I was in iminent danger or I thought I was going to miss out on a shoe sale, which didn’t happen enough to keep my heart rate up.

I am proud of myself. I would say I have developed a bit of a strut! I enjoy going to the gym and I will continue to go. I like to feel the burn and sweat out all of the stresses of my day. It’s such a more effective way of dealing with my emotions than eating was, I have found. Why? When you eat to heal you feel bad or worse than you did when you started eating in the first place! When you work out, you feel a sense of accomplishment, like you beat the craving or the emotion and you got something out of it on top of that! It’s just awesome! It’s therapy!!

Lowell and Kristi are so great. I can’t say enough good things about them. They are just so wonderful and patient, understanding, muscular and tan! I love them so much and Kristi loves me too.

This week is going to be bittersweet. I am going to be working out harder and eating better than I ever have to try and help my team come out on top but I know that no matter what is published in the paper next week, we’ve all managed to melt away and become slimmer, stronger versions of our already awesome selves.

Yay us!

- Teresa Cook, WBKR Staffer

“The sacrifice begins”

Okay, I’ve blogged about how I am addicted to regular Coke, well, I’ve decided, as we have this week and next week, to give up Coke! Yes, you read that correctly. How am I going to do it? I have no earthly idea.

It’s an addiction like any other addiction and I’m guilty of it every single day. I’m kind of ambivalent about doing this; will I get the shakes? will I get sick? I’ll let you know, oh believe me, I’ll let you know. There’s no telling how much weight I could have lost if I had given up Coke for the entire competition. I was fortunate to shed six pounds in week 6, so now the pressure is on to lose at least 5-10 more pounds before I reach the end of the road.

As far as my diet, I’m still standing by eating less, rather than eating a lot of meals during the day. I’ve sacrificed the following foods during these many weeks: French fries, chicken McNuggets, candy bars, fully loaded burgers, Mexican food, Chinese food, cake, ice cream, breadsticks, cheesesticks and probably more. I did cheat this past weekend by indulging in two slices of pepperoni pizza from Papa John’s. Blame my sister and her husband; he’s from Louisville, so he LOVES Papa John’s. It was a gift for their first wedding anniversary, so it was cheating in good faith, if that’s possible.

So bring on the water and unsweetened tea!

- Erin Grant, part-time on air WBKR/WOMI

Putting the “you” in “yourself”

Well, I’m learning something new and interesting about this process.After a while, a little burn-out can creep in. And I know why. The reason for those feelings is the same reason I’ve been so into this from the beginning: the competition. And I realize how important it is that when someone is involved in a workout/weight loss program, that they do it for themselves and no one else. How are YOU going to feel? How are YOU going to look to YOURself? That’s the number one most important thing.

This past Saturday, I got up really early – around 6:30 – so we could all go out to Diamond Lake for the Boatman 500. Well I overslept because I’m not used to getting up that early and I had no time for breakfast at home. Luckily, we could eat out at the lake. And it was delicious – egg sandwich and some fried potatoes. Yes, they were fried. And I was really concerned. Of course it was 8 a.m. and I had no reason to be. It was a fun and active day, and I was fine.

But because I’m on a team, there’s always this feeling that I’m letting someone else down because I ate something I shouldn’t. I guess I’ve put myself into too strict a mindset. I’m very good with my diet, and I enjoy the camaraderie with my fellow participants. But, I gotta be honest, it will be nice when the competition is over and I’ll have that small burden off my shoulders. I plan to keep working out because I no longer can comprehend doing without it. But when that time comes, it will be all for me, and that’s the best way to do this.

“I’m going to blog about that”

I keep saying that just about every time I work out and by the time I get home and eat and spend some time with the family, I am pooped. Well, that and I have no feeling in my hands to type! Just kidding. I have been working it out and working it out and working it out and it feels GREAT!Every day Kristi and Lowell push us to do something else we don’t think we can do …. and we do it … in multiples of 5!
I am really enjoying myself at Valhalla with Kristi and L-dawg! I am becoming quite the gym addict. I have lost almost three full dress sizes and I feel really great. I am getting some serious muscle definition and what Kristi calls ’sexy shoulders.’

My Weight Watchers is still going well although, I must admit, with my intense work outs has come an intense appetite so it’s hard to make sure I don’t feed the hunger with bad foods. Junk food and fast food are easy and well, fast … So, taking the advice of my trainers I have packed five to six small snacks with me, like string cheese or almonds to suppress the demons throughout the day without being tempted by vending machines or coworkers’ candy dishes.

But I confess … I have had three … count ‘em three Cadbury Creme eggs this Easter season and I relished in their creamy goodness but I did 30 extra minutes of cardio for each egg that week for balance … let’s just say Cadbury Creme eggs don’t taste THAT good! The cardio God’s laughed at my folly! I am sure the Cadbury Egg God’s had a laugh too! Hmph!

I know that a lot of people are focused on the pounds and I too have to admit that I was for a while. It’s really hard not to be discouraged by the number on the scale. But, the pounds aren’t everything. You’ve got to look at your NON-SCALE VICTORIES people! The way your clothes fit, the endurance you feel on the machines in the gym, the spring in your step, your newfound agility, your ability to tie your shoes without feeling like you are going to pass out, those are the things that need to be recognized.

I have been working out religiously four days a week for six weeks now and I am proud of myself. But I have not done this on my own. I have had Lowell and Kristi behind me, in front of me, beside me and in my face pushing me all the way telling me not to give up, and making sure that I am accountable for my actions. I know that this is now a part of my life and I am so glad that it is. Sorry L. You are stuck with me now! I love Kristi and Lowell for all that they do for me. Kristi for always making me do one more and L for always making me laugh so hard!

- Teresa Cook, WBKR Staffer

“STILL not giving up”

Okay, my weight has not dropped dramatically like some of my other competitors; I gained one pound this week. However, I’m not discouraged in reaching my goal of improving my overall health; a number is just a number, no matter how you look at it.

I’m still sticking to NOT eating as much. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still eating at least 4 times a day, it’s just the meals/snacks have reduced in size. Some will say it’s the wrong strategy, but I’ve lost plenty of weight in the past with this system. Of course in the past, I also got more activity and/or exercise, so it equals out. One confession: I got sick this week at my Tuesday work out. I overdid things on my cardio, I did ALL of it before I went to the weights and I cramped up. Note to the others: DON’T do all your cardio, then lift, it’s not a pretty sight! I was really thrown when it happened and then I asked myself “Why is this happening after 4 weeks of doing this?” It scared me, but I motivated myself to go back on Thursday. Despite this little episode, my body is reacting well to the process.

The Coke War, unfortunately, continues. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to totally give up soda, if I have to drink diet, I’ll drink it. And if I want a non-diet soda now and then, I won’t deny myself the satisfaction. It’s probably the biggest crutch holding back my weight loss potential and I know that. I’m just stubborn! Shucks!

“On a roll (whole wheat, no butter)”

So now, I’m conducting my own workouts when necessary. Last night, I got to Valhalla late because of possible severe weather that needed covering. Luckily, nothing happened. But there I was bustin’ my butt doing my Leg-Bicep-Tricep workout and really pushing myself.Here’s the thing: I could just have easily gone soft on the weights and done fewer rounds. But the mindset that the Mass Media Meltdown has created won’t allow that. And I really can’t imagine letting a week go by without working out. And, by that, I mean there’s no way this ends for me when the eight week challenge comes to a close.

That’s what a regular workout routine will do for you. I’m not tempted to slack off. I’m not tempted to eat the wrong things. Yes, Lowell and Kristi have mentioned that, periodically, breaking over isn’t a terrible thing considering all that we are doing for ourselves in the gym. And I appreciate that. But I feel like I’m on a roll (whole wheat, no butter). I’ve lost 20 lbs to date. Maybe more. I’m only weighing in on Fridays. Also, if my weight loss isn’t huge that’s perfectly alright. After all, we’re building muscle and that has weight.

It’s great to feel muscles for the first time.

Exercise Makes Me Ramble

The first quarter of each year is hard on me. I have traveled to nine cities in 10 weeks and it takes a toll. It is easy to stray from your exercise program and diet when Valhalla Fitness Center is 1,000 miles away.For some reason I have been able to, for the most part, stay away from the pizza, bad food, and lack of exercise. Perhaps it’s the fact that I want to be around a bit longer. I could write about feeling better, doing more with family and friends and just loving life but I do that already.

No, it’s the competitive spirit in me that says we can beat those other guys. I love John, but I really want to lose more than him. Let’s face it, I am never going to be a fitness guru but I certainly can beat the newspapers “action hero” known as picture-boy. Hey, that is a cool idea John. How about dressing you up in a red nylon jump suit with a big camera on the front? “Hope your makeup isn’t smeared, Picture Boy is here!” We could do an entire series on Picture Boy.

Sorry, attention deficit kicked in. The sisters were right; I don’t seem to have the ability to concentrate on one subject. Maybe that is why I will never be the Governor of New York. That and my wife would notice $80,000 missing from our account.

I want the blue team to win this competition more than ever. Dave Spencer and I account for 41 of the 44 pounds our team has lost. This is a wake up call for our fellow team members. Four more weeks to go!!! Get to Valhalla, eat rice cakes and grilled chicken, drink water without bourbon. Keep up with it on the weekends. We can do it.

I have lost 21 pounds but I am so fat it doesn’t show much. I don’t see my jeans getting too big or my shirts swimming off me but I know I have lost and it WILL SHOW. I found the exercise room at the Executive Inn and spend a bit of time there during the week. I also tried to get some exercise while traveling. Hotels for the most part have a treadmill or exercise bike. I try but I know I fall far short from my potential. I heard some of the ladies talking about a few muscle aches and pains. Heck, at my age they are nothing new. I have aches and pains from getting up in the morning. Sometimes from just laying in bed those pains manage to find me and wake me from a deep sleep.

I want to thank Moon, the only other person close to my age in this competition, for working out with me. We meet for happy hour in early afternoons and go through our own program. Us old guys go to bed early so 1 or 2pm is like 6 or 7pm for the rest of the world.

Lowell just smiles at us, throwing a few encouraging words our way. He and Kristi have a hard job. Motivating our group is like herding cats but they have faith in us and that keeps me going. I did discover that my body was not leaking. Seems that when you exercise your body produces something called sweat and it is apparently a good thing. Dave Spencer does a lot of it. The only time it ever happened to me was when I asked Kathy to marry me. Now I do it all the time. (Not ask Kathy to marry me, I mean sweat)
Seriously, this is a great thing I am involved in. I just want to continue to do what I set out to do: be a bit healthier, 40 pounds lighter after eight weeks and have women put dollars in my g-string when I dance for them.

“Rage”

For many years, I’ve had a bit of a temper problem. I point the finger at family heritage. The good thing is that I’m half Hispanic. Being half-Puerto Rican, I can get away with being a bit grumpy. As comedian Jim Gaffigan says, if you’re Hispanic and angry, people say “He’s got a Latin temper” but if you’re white, people say “That guy’s a jerk.”

I got into several fights as a kid. Not because I was aggressive, but because I was both the overweight kid and I had absolutely no self-defense abilities whatsoever. As a result, I got the tar beaten out of me several times, usually with a few good jabs at my weight tossed in either by the person doling out the pain or by the people watching and laughing riotously as I got my tickets punched.

Memory can be a curse. I have a Rain Man-esque ability with memory. Good for remembering phone numbers, directions and lines from movies. Bad when every day I look in the mirror and hear the taunts, the jeers, the tired insults from the dozens, if not hundreds, of kids I knew growing up who liked to remind me that I was fat.

At Valhalla, the gym we go to, the walls are all mirrors. If I’m on a weight machine, I’m looking myself in the eyes (with the exception of the section of wall in the back with the three pictures of Arnold Schwarzenegger – you feel tons better about struggling in a workout when you see his face, tormented by his weights but also rejoicing in his ability in one of those pictures). I’m looking myself in the eyes, but my mind is years away, in the past. Every repetition of a weight dredges up some forgotten insult, a young person’s cruel, sneering face, the years of rage and fury I repressed while eating to try to hide away the pain and trying keep on lying to myself to say that it didn’t hurt.

My pants don’t fit me anymore. They’re just too big. My shirts are starting to hang on me. A month ago, I couldn’t button the top button on the shirt I’m wearing now because my neck was too big. Today, it fits snugly (a little too snugly still, I’ve still got a long way to go). The man you see in the gym there is sweaty, tired and feeling weak, but he’s making progress.
I look in the mirror and I feel anger, but I also feel pride. When I’m at the window of the gym on the stair-step machine, I look at every person walking by going into the Chinese buffet restaurant. Almost no one can make eye contact. The ones who do get a nod from me and hopefully share some understanding with me, an understanding that makes all my anger drift away like smoke on a windy day. I am proud of myself, that I am taking steps to do what is right for me, even though it isn’t easy, even though I can make up excuses like there’s no tomorrow.

And in that infinite moment of understanding, my anger, my frustration, all the years of hurting are replaced by something else entirely.

Peace.

- Dariush Shafa, M-I health reporter