WHAT THINGS HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST REWARD FOR YOU SINCE STARTING THE CHALLENGE?

My “Challenge” journey has been filled with many rewards, some are tangible, reflected in numbers on the scale and measuring tape. However, the more personal and by far the most significant rewards have been discovered in reaching and crossing smaller milestones that the everyday, average sized person, never thinks about, never sees as an obstacle and would never recognize as an achievement.

During my last doctor’s appointment the nurse was able to take my blood pressure with the regular arm sleeve and didn’t have to stop and fetch the extra large sleeve that accommodates larger arms.

My parents have a car with an obviously undersized seatbelt in the backseat, which I have on occasion held across my chest pretending it was buckled. While visiting with them last week, that undersized seatbelt actually buckled without me exhaling all my air and sucking in my gut while blindly jabbing at the clasp.

WHAT HAS BEEN A POSTIVE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE SINCE STARTING THE CHALLENGE?

While working with my father on a wallpaper and painting project I matched him minute for minute, hour for hour and was even the driving force behind finishing the project in one day. My increased energy and stamina amazed not only those watching but myself as well. It is remarkable the difference a few months of healthy choices has made not only in my vigor but also in my willingness to tackle projects requiring substantial endurance.

WHAT HAVE Y0U STRUGGLED MOST WITH?

Exercise – without question has been my greatest struggle! I had hoped that exercise was going to become a habit. I had visualized it becoming second nature, something I would automatically do without conscious thought or argument. ALAS, THAT IS NOT THE CASE. Conquering my inactive tendencies has proven to be a difficult challenge. I have determined that I am a “Slothful Addict” who will forever battle the urge to veg. I’m hoping that recognizing and admitting the problem is a giant leap towards recovery.

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE HIT A PLATEAU, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO KEEP YOURSELF MOTIVATED?

My brother recently emailed me an article on “NSV’s” or non-scale victories. The article encouraged dieters to look beyond numbers to measure weight loss success. . . more comfortable clothes, compliments, more energy and better health. Recognizing and remembering my personal “NSV’s” are valuable in keeping me motivated when the scales are stubborn or my willpower is weak.

WHAT HAS HELPED KEEP YOU ON TRACK SO FAR?

The “Eagle Challenge” concept has helped keep me on track. Working as a team and being required to report my progress weekly helps me mentally weigh the consequences of the choices I make. Reading the Eagle Challenge update each week in the Blue Mountain Eagle and seeing “The Enforcers” consistently in second place has encouraged me to stay on track and spawned a determination to do my best in helping my team succeed in our quest for first place.

ARE YOU HAPPY TO STILL BE ON THE CHALLENGE?

I’m not sure “Happy” is the right word. Am I “Happy” to face my exercise equipment each night? No. Am I “Happy” to routinely say “No thank you” to special occasion treats? No. Am I “Happy” when the scales move 1 pound instead of the 5 pounds my efforts deserved? No. However, I am “Happy” that the “Challenge” has provided the vehicle and motivation to persevere and continue making those hard decisions.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FINAL PART OF THE CHALLENGE?

There is a German Proverb that says: Let your head be more than a funnel to your stomach. I intend to put my head to good use during the final phase of the challenge. I want to cultivate the habits I have started during the last three months and continue to think about what I eat, think about how much I eat, and think about why I eat. I want my head to instinctively migrate to healthier choices by using health and fitness as a motivating factor when making eating and activity decisions.

GO ENFORCERS