Nicole's Shape Up Showdown

Update 5-25-11

Well I am down 40 pounds. Finally!!!! Its been a long road and a bit of a struggle. I hit a few plateaus and even got discouraged once or twice. I am feeling much better. I have to admit, for a while I wasn’t seeing any results for myself. I mean other people were seeing it, but when I looked in the mirror, I still didn’t like what I was seeing. To me, it didn’t look like I had lost any weight and that was aggravating to me. All these people telling me how great I look, but I didn’t feel that way. Last night, my fiancé and I were looking thru some pictures from last year, and that is when I finally saw it. I was like “WOW”!!! I see it now. I no longer have that double chin. I was finally able to see it for myself, see what everyone else was seeing. I am now more motivated than ever. I know the program is almost over, and I thank everyone for this great opportunity, but I am not over yet. I still have more weight to lose, and its going to take longer than 6 months but I will get it off of me. My trainer, Paige, has been a blessing. She is amazing and pushes me way beyond what I think my limit is. When I first started I was only able to run on the treadmill about 15 seconds, now I’m running 2 minutes at a time. That may not seem like a lot but to me, its an accomplishment. My weights that I use have gone up in pounds, the exercises I was using 5 pound weights with, I now use 15 pound weights. I know I have gotten stronger, and my stamina is much longer. I could not have done it without my trainer, Paige and my support I received. Thank you to the St. Jude Affiliate staff, Stefanie, Shantrelle, Emily, Morgan, Donna, Kim, Amy, Joan, Bonnie, Jessica, Dr. Moore, Dr. Deyo, Dr. Jones, Dr. Dimond and Jennifer. Also a big thanks to my fiancé, Doug and my two girls, Megan and Laura. I was truly blessed throughout this program.

May update

Well it's been a pretty busy month. Between my workouts, the girls softball and both of them having graduation ceremonies....WOW. I am down 37 pounds and tons of inches. I was able to put on a pair of jeans, that I haven't been able to wear in 2 years, on with ease. I know this is just a hill on my way to the top of the mountain but I'm going to keep climbing till I reach the peak!!!! It's been an amazing journey and I am so glad I had this opportunity. I have meet alot of great people along the way and made some great friends. Well I will post more next week!!!

Under 280

Well I am at 278. I cannot remember the last time I weighed this much. I think it may have been before I got pregnant with Laura. Anyway I feel fantastic and I am loving life again. This weekend I tried on a pair of capris that I had to lay down to zip up, well I stepped into them and guess what??? They went right up, I zipped them up and I was still able to breath with room to spare.
I hope all the mothers out there had s great mothers day! I had one of my best ones yet. My oldest, Megan, cooked me breakfast which included eggs, turkey, wheat toast and fresh strawberries. The picture is posted here. Laura gave me a card she made in school with tea bags so she and I had tea. Doug have me the day off. I have such a wonderful supportive family.

Well only a few weeks left, I will do this!!!!