RMR, VO2 and BMI! Oh My! (IDEXA by Dr. H)

So... I had the IDEXA scan done by Dr. H and here are my results:

• RMR = 2010 calories/day
• VO2 = 290 (he said this was good, but I have no idea what it means. He seemed to be focused on my RMR, with which he was impressed)
• BMI = 38 (not so impressive and clearly an indicator that I am not a small girl)
• LBM = 144 lbs. (That's a lot of muscle).
• Target Weight = 155lbs.

Bottom line from the good doc? I need to eat less sugar and reduce my portion size. I also need to increase the amount of time I workout each day. The interesting part about his evaluation of me was that he said that initially he'd like to see me maintain my weight for a few months! That's right! MAINTAIN... not LOSE! This is the FIRST time I'd ever heard a doctor say that and I know I have plenty more to lose, so I asked why... He said to me that right now I am going in the wrong direction. I've gained 15 lbs in the past 4 months. Then, he mentioned that "maintaining" is a different direction than up, so we will start there. Makes sense, right? He even said that I don't have to watch the kind of food I eat right now as much as watching portion control. My metabolism is high enough where I can "cheat" and still maintain. Wow. Not at ALL what I expected.

I seriously thought he'd have me on a strict diet plan, straight away! Apparently, shocking your body with tremendous weight loss can really affect your metabolism, so he'd rather I took baby steps. Perhaps I will finally do this the right way? Something tells me that Dr. H's advice is golden.... so, follow it I shall (in Yoda's voice). Best part of my experience? Dr. H looked at my IDEXA scan and mentioned that although my BMI was high, he could tell by my shape and muscle mass that I was an athlete most of my life, and that I am "built very solid." That made me feel good.

Los Angeles was a great experience. I was more active last week than I had been in awhile, and the whole experience with Dr. H lit a fire in me. Running each morning, while I was in L.A., was invigorating! I loved the hills and pathways I had to choose from! I think I could create some running trails here that would be just as fun. I just have to get out of bed early enough to not contend with hot weather.

Today, I spent most of the morning downloading fitness applications on my iPhone and planning my fitness attack on my lifestyle. I believe that work has, once again, snuck in and overtaken my life. It has become a priority and I need to readjust. After two of my staff members informed me they plan to quit this week, it became painfully obvious that we are all overworked, tired, and need more balance in our lives. Balance and happiness won't be handed over on a silver platter, so it's time to take action. I need to do this for me. No more guilt trips from the boss. No more stressing myself out over things out of my control. No more compromising my sleep, health and exercise for my job. It's just not worth it. Time to focus on what is important in my life!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Dr. H and The Biggest Loser! Yup!

Hi All!

It's been awhile, I know! My apologies for being so absent, but I have some very exciting things happening in my life right now! I just returned from a fabulous work trip on the east coast, where I was able to catch up with fellow BLRer, Keith... (sorry that I missed you, Amanda! I had no idea you were so close!)... I also have officially lost 240 lbs of dead weight, by the name of Greg. New York and Philadelphia catalyzed the demise of our "friendship," which was apparently not all it appeared to be. So, good riddance and deuces! Please tell your wife I said,  "Good luck!" Ha!

I can't believe how much life can change in just a few short weeks! I've finally got my mojo back! The most exciting thing that has occurred is that I've teamed up with a few people from The Biggest Loser TV show, and we have some fantastic events on the horizon!

As I type this to you, I am sitting in Dr. Huizenga's study (he has a beautiful home), taking a break from planning a very exciting business venture with him and some former Biggest Losers, including last season's at-home winner, Mike Messina.... I know, right? Me? With Dr. H and Mike?!?!? Insanity!

I can't say much more than that right now, but please stay tuned for more info! Dr. H has been extremely kind and so hospitable on this recent trip to L.A. What an amazingly intelligent and interesting man! Working with him has been an incredible experience! Mike's not so bad either, as I'm sure many of you ladies would agree! Haha ;)

Through the last few weeks, I have had to face my challenges with weight loss, head-on. No more running from it. No more hiding. I mean, let's face it - Dr. H is the picture of excellent health, and I... well... er...not so much. If I'm ever going to work with the man and represent a fitness/health brand, I'll need to continue my journey and get very serious about it, startiiiiiiiing.... now. I've already adjusted my sugar intake tremendously. I am still working on the alcohol because it's extremely difficult to turn down a cold beer on a hot day :)

Tomorrow, I am heading to Dr. H's medical office in Beverly Hills to receive the same tests that the Biggest Loser contestants are subjected to when they join the show. Granted, I've already lost over 70 lbs in the past year, but I've also been "stagnant" since February 2012. The word stagnant is in quotes because it is not an actual stagnance via natural causes. Rather, it is self-sabotage, numerous excuses, and laziness. I'm working on these things in every aspect imaginable, but it's still a process that takes time and perserverence. I believe I was lacking the latter before I came to Dr. H's house.

Observing Dr. H's routine and lifestyle, first-hand, has been somewhat of an eye-opener; a busy, prominent and very successful doctor who works out every morning and gets up at 4:30am! I now realize that I can do it too!!!!... and I'd better! If I'm going to continue to partner with him and the others, I need to practice what I am preaching.

So, tomorrow, I will post my stats (if they're avaialble immediately after my tests), and my new journey will have officially begun! I hope you all enjoy following me (if you so choose) and are inspired by whatever may come! I think I've found my path and I'm once again excited about fitness!

Between Amanda Leigh Tyson getting down to my size in just a few short months of insane workouts (Go, girl! You AMAZE me! Love you!), and Dr. H's motivation (Have you seen his abs? Holy crap!), I think I stand a fighting chance! I am blessed with positive influences and supportive friends! This has to work!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Misery is optional! (But it's a tough option to ignore!)

I'm slowly making my way back to positivity! Lately, I've been thinking about how I was so sure of myself when I left Biggest Loser Resort. I was going to conquer my weight issues once and for all! I had just spent an obscene (for me) amount of money on gaining the tools and knowledge to turn fitness into a lifestyle and I was hungry for it!!! It seemed that nothing could stop me! Why is it that just 6 short months later, it became a painfully difficult and arduous task to regain motivation? How could my perspective have changed so drastically?

So, on Monday, I started thinking about life changes... mostly because of the "I'm getting married" conversation I had with my friend... and it dawned on me:
Here was a guy that was on the verge of suicide just three months earlier. Aside from his attitude and address, not much else has changed in his life since then; He still has conflict with his mom, his dad is still dying, he is still struggling with substance abuse (although he is now 40+ days sober! woo hoo!), he has no job, no car, and no real prospects... but he's LIVING! He's happy, motivated, confident, and knows in his heart that his path leads to somewhere positive! What changed for him? How did he get out of his depression? What can I learn from his experience?

I had a bit of a wake-up call! It's my attitude! My choices in how I respond to situations! My attitude and choices have sucked since about mid-February... coincidentally, right about the time I stopped losing weight, stopped writing regularly in my blog, and stopped being consistent with my regimen. I fell into somewhat of a pity-a-thon and a pretty hefty depression.

This is a bit embarrassing, but I'm just going to say it:
I have fought with depression for years, but thought I had a pretty good handle on it for the last few decades... until February of this year. All the forgotten feelings of loneliness, emptiness, despair, and worthlessness, came flooding back, with a vengeance. A vengeance that had built up for years and years and years, just waiting to reveal itself in full force. The logical side of my brain was telling me to not let emotion overrule my thoughts, and to just systematically go about life as though my routine were tasks on a checklist - eventually I HAD to snap out of it. But, as the depression deepened, I found myself bargaining internally to just get out of bed... to get off the couch... to stop eating junk...even to brush my hair. All simple things, but they seemed like painstaking chores in the moments I faced them. When this feeling lasted longer than just a few days, then weeks, then months...I had to admit to myself that I was no longer in control. Logic wasn't working to snap me out of it, and I needed help to cope. So, I sought help.

Going to my appointments gave me a reason to get out of bed at least once per week. The distance to the appointment gave me a reason to run there and back. I refuse to take medication, so I was warned that my mental state was "in the basement" and without medication, it may take awhile to get back to "the first floor." As of two days ago, it felt like I reached that first floor! Ironically, after hearing something that made me very sad! There are still many floors above me, and I know I have to take the stairs, but at least I'm out of that dark, dank, smelly basement!

What better time to get a tattoo??? I fight with various struggles every day. Sometimes I win, but I never fail, because I'll never give up. If I get knocked down 99 times, I'm getting up 100 times.

For those that are around me often, you probably got tired of hearing me say things like, "I'm going to get a tattoo on my back that symbolizes my struggles, triumphs, and hard work." Well, I started it last night! I have a long way to go, as it will eventually trail down to my hip area and the cherry blossoms will be colored in, but I really like it so far. To make it even more special, my bestie that is getting married will be coming with me to my next tattoo appointment and we will be getting tatt'd up together! He's getting a tattoo of his sobriety date. <very cool> We both thought it would make our tattoos more meaningful if we made it a memory of being with each other and supporting each other through the "pain," much as we have in life over the last several months.

Even now, as only a partial tattoo, I love that it reminds me every day, that light can be found in darkness, peace can be found in chaos, and happiness can be found in misery.

One day at a time!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Harsh Truths Can Blindside You

Personal Truths. It's only 11:45am, and today has already become a day of learning personal truths. A step on the scale, and three little powerful words... they've come together to force me to ponder my life, look inside my heart, determine what is important to me, and reflect on possibilities.

I constantly have health and fitness on my mind, but lately my actions do anything but reflect my thoughts. I have abused my body with sugar, alcohol, lack of exercise, and fat. Why? To make myself "feel better?" Really? Isn't that insane? None of those things will ever make ANYONE feel better emotionally or physically! At least, not for more than 5 minutes. But, that 5 minutes of satiation can lead to a lifetime of guilt and illness... and it has. All I've been doing is distracting myself from the truths I need to face about the things that cause me pain... and food is my distraction. Perhaps this is the reason I have been so out of touch with my heart.

I decided that I was going to face the abuse I'd subjected myself to lately, and the first step was associating the "damage" with something measurable. That evil scale. I stepped lightly on the scale this morning (as if I was sneaking up on it, or a regular step might register a larger weight).... I found numbers screaming back at me in big, green, glowing numbers - as though they were toxic. I gasped. 188.6!  

Wow. I'm out of control. That's the heaviest I've been since Christmas, and almost 10 pounds in 5 weeks... 4 pounds over just the last 4 days. I've GOT to get it together. This is bad. As if it were a Pavlovian response, self-loathing ensued - No! (My friend's voice entered my head, "Row your own boat!)...I tell mysel to just go to the gym! DON'T beat yourself up! BEAT the problem!

OK... gym clothes on, water bottle and music in hand.

Despite the overwhelming stench of chemical air freshener in the air, I pedaled out a rough 10 miles on the bike and incline-jogged for 3 miles on the treadmill. It was a decent sweat for the first day back in the gym in almost a week. I was content, but I'll need to build up to doing more if I want to lose those 10 pounds before I head to New York in 2 1/2 weeks. For today, it will suffice as a successful day, just because I went.

After the gym, I went home to get ready for a weekly ritual with the same friend whose voice entered my head earlier. We had already had breakfast and dinner this week, but we thought it would be great to squeeze in at least one more morning together because of the holiday. I thought about how great our friendship was becoming and how I was developing a trust with him that I rarely have with friends. He was becoming a true friend! If you'd asked me two years ago if this would ever happen, I would have immediately blurted, "Hell no!" It's taken us over two years to establish what we have today, but I smiled as I thought about how much we've both grown and how much we now mean to each other.

He picked me up in front of my place and immediately said, "You always look nice!" (smile)... that made me feel good!

We drove to our spot and sat at the bar to watch the TVs. We split breakfast like we always do, but something was different today. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was... he was in his gym clothes and scruffy from not shaving, but he had a smile on his face that was unfamiliar to me. "I need to tell you something" he said... I put down my fork and looked in his eyes to show I was listening. His eyes seemed happier than I remembered in the recent past. They had a glint... a sparkle! He had recently made some positive changes in his life and I was helping him through his journey, so I fully expected him to convey some epiphany he recently had, or ask me to embark on another adventure with him (we planned a helicopter ride a few weeks from now to celebrate a recent milestone for him)...My mind raced as I quickly played a little guessing game in my head as to what he would say next.

The three words that followed will echo in my mind forever. I've heard them before from others, but never have they impacted me like they did today...

"I'm getting married."

I almost choked. "What? I'm sorry... I swear you just told me you're getting married." He was beaming! Could this really be happening?

"Yes! In two weeks!"

Two effing weeks!?!? He JUST met her!!! I don't think it's even been 3 months yet! He's had soooo many women, come and go over the years! They're in and out of his life like traffic lights. I thought this was just another stop along the road. I had no idea!!!

A lump welled up in my throat and in the next two seconds, I went through so many emotions, I couldn't speak. After staring at him in disbelief for what felt like eons, I could only say with a smile, "Sorry, I'm just so shocked. I may be speechless for a minute." He went on to say how in love he is and that "they" were going to Vegas in two weeks to tie the knot. Was I jealous? Did I have untapped feelings for him? What is happening? Why do I feel like I can't breathe? Why does my heart feel like a vice is around it and squeezing it to death? Am I losing one of my best friends?

He's kind of been "the man" in my life for a few years. No matter who we've dated, we always had each other! To vent, to cry, to laugh, and to exchange advice. We've been each others' "constant" and now another woman will be taking my place. This hurts. A lot..... a whole lot.

Truth is, I kind of thought in the back of my mind that we were each others' "back up" and I never ever thought he'd get married. Ever! Now, it's happening so fast! I feel like I am losing something important to me and I'm not quite sure how to process that.

So... "truths" were extracted from me unexpectedly today, and have left me a little numb. My eyes burn from crying, but I've wiped my tears and now I just feel hollow. Empty. Sad. I'll allow myself to feel these things for today.

I have to leave on a trip for work in a few minutes, but I packed gym clothes and I'm hoping today's events will drive me toward transforming these "truths" from harsh lessons, into joy.

After I grieve today, I will choose a different reaction. I will not choose misery. I want to change how I would have dealt with this in the past, and I want to choose life, love, and health! One day at a time.

See you on the fit (mentally and physically) side!
~Heather

BLR Reunion and Biggest Loser Finale (Season 13)

I finally have some downtime because I'm home from work with some kind of allergy/cold/b.s. I will apologize in advance if this post is mundane or ceases to make sense; It feels like my lungs are in a vice and I'm trying to breathe underwater. Needless to say, I haven't been to the gym very much since my return from Malibu on Wednesday last week. However...

Malibu was a blast! Seeing my BLR peeps and the BLR staff again was beyond fantastic!

I had a little fear showing up and seeing everyone else because I haven't lost any weight since February... scratch that - I was terrified! But my fears were quelled immediately upon seeing Meg and Amanda! Seeing their big smiles made me run up and hug the both of them as though we were long-lost sisters, reunited. Of course, they both looked incredible, so immediately pull out my over-sized comb for a quick hair touch-up (Is she a Diva?... inside joke for Amanda and Meg).

From there, the rental car shuttle took us to the location where we were supposed to meet up with Keith. I looked up to see half of Keith! OMGWTF! Someone was working out with extreme intensity and dedication since December! Seriously! Wow! Great job, amigo! You are an inspiration to so many! (Do you!) :)

On Sunday, the four of us were finally able to meet up with Cara, Betty, Haley, and Nicole (Betty and Cara's sister). They also brought their trainer, Michael, with them (who is freakin' hilarious, has more energy than coffee on crack, and knows how to booty tooch like nobody's business!). It was so great to have us all finally back together!

We had dinner on Sunday night with Mike Messina. It was pretty easy to see that he would be the at-home winner. He looked fantastic!

On Monday, we all had a long, beautiful, and sizzling hike to Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica mountains, where a few of us discovered the importance of sunscreen while slowly become sauteed by the sun in our own sweat.

Eight days later, my shoulders and neck are still in pain and poor Amanda's shoulders looked like singed paper! SPF 100 next time! No doubt. When I put on a wind-breaker, I feel like a Hot Pocket cooking in a microwave! And the resulting scaly-lizard, body-dandruff look is super attractive! Soooo lovely! It's actually kind of fortunate I got sick so that I don't leave trails of "pieces of me" everywhere I go :)

On Tuesday, a few of us had breakfast, then worked out with some Biggest Loser folks (Sione, Jennifer, Mark, and Buddy). It was a great start to a great day! That night, as seat-fillers, we attended the finale and Keith and I were seated in the third row! This was a drastically different experience from last season, where I was in the nose-bleed seats (cue music) "alllll byyyy myyyyseeeellllllfff." So much more fun, this season!

The contestants looked amazing and I have to say the Kim Nielsen was the Biggest Loser Winner, in my book! She was in tip-top condition and looked like a world-class athlete.. and she was a total sweetheart! Meeting her was one of the biggest highlights of my night! One of the low points was spilling my drink all over Mike Messina's feet and feeling like a complete dufus... yikes.

During the entire trip, we all met lots of Biggest Loser contestants from seasons present and past, drank a little, ate some yummy food, and had some great laughs. Wednesday morning came way too quickly. As I faced having to head home alone, I was a sobbing mess. Amanda, Keith, Meg, Betty, Cara, Haley and Nicole are and will be my family, for life! Some of the most amazing people you would ever hope to meet! <3 V34L!

I thought this trip would re-instill some motivation in me to continue my journey, but the opposite occurred when I got home. I laid on the couch for two days, chowing down Oreos and gelato, went out to eat with friends way too often (sooo much mexican food!)... I ballooned back up to 187 pounds! It happens SOOOO fast! Once I start with the sugar and fatty foods, it feels impossible to stop! If it's in front of me, it will soon be in my belly, almost involuntarily!

Over the past few days, I worked out a little, played golf once (poorly... so poorly, in fact, I'm wondering why I bothered spending money on brand new clubs!), and then I got sick. This morning, the scale read 182, so maybe the 187 was mostly bloat. I have to say... 187 felt like I was back in the 200's. It was uncomfortable and made my clothes feel like sausage casings. Boo.

Unfortunately, one of my favorite workout partners (and dating confidant), Benny-boo, got a fantastic job in Palm Springs... he moved on Saturday and I already miss him. Zumba won't be the same without the jokes and innuendo! <sigh>

As I was reflecting on my trip and trying to determine my approach to life over the next few months, it became apparent that I was starting to feel kind of lost and needed something to focus on aside from work and my epic failure at eating nutritiously. My friend suggested attending a Buddhist temple with him, so I'll see how it goes! Seems to be working well for him! He's more at peace lately and has already lost 12 pounds! I think I need to find spirituality in my life so that I'm able to give up some emotional burden to the universe.

Well, I'm heading back to bed for a NyQuil-induced sleep. I look like hell, but at least I'm not eating! Ha!

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Malibu and BLR Peeps in T minus 2 Days...

As I am preparing for my trip back to Malibu to visit my BLR peeps this weekend (and go to the Biggest Loser Finale), the nerves are taking over my body. I found myself visibly shaking tonight as I text-messaged Cara and Amanda tonight to give them a little insight into the craziness that has seeped into the transoms of my mind. I'm scared. Cara and Amanda have been so dedicated and have seen fabulous results. I, on the other hand, am noticeably headed in the wrong direction.

The last time I wrote in this blog was March 25. Since then, I have done very little that is good for my body. I've only averaged 2-3 days per week in the gym and I'm eating like complete crap. I would venture a guess that I've been consuming 3000+ calories every day and very little of it is nutritious, especially at night. I've had more french fries in the last three weeks than I've had in the previous three years... I've even eaten fast food! (In N Out Burger - protein style, but still!)... AND... I succumbed to donuts. Not just one... not two... not three... but FOUR! Yes, FOUR! And in about 10 minutes! I went into sugar shock and passed out for three hours afterward. Ridiculous.

Did I mention this was just two days after I ran a 5K? Ugh... and my poor roommate has been trying like crazy to snap me out of this funk, bless her heart!

So, here I sit, on my couch, 8 pounds heavier than I was a month ago. I haven't tracked calories (in or out), I haven't put in the time for stretching, strength training, or cardio. Most importantly, I haven't written in my blog out of sheer embarrassment. I didn't want to reveal that I'd fallen so hard and fast, and I didn't want to seem like a fraud. I didn't want to face what's happening to me. But, here it is in black and white:

I am sabotaging myself with food so that I can blame "being fat" for any short-comings or misgivings in my life.

If I know this, why can't I stop it? How do others seemingly never go through this? You would think that the fact that my back is doing so well, and that I can finally be active (after barely being able to walk for the last several years) would be enough! I still remember how awful it was to not be able to run or even sit for any length of time! Why wouldn't I be doing everything possible to prevent it from happening again? I don't get it... I'm not quite sure how to get out of this vicious cycle.

Now I have to face all the people that may be expecting that I did as well as they have! They will all be passing me up on the hikes and kicking my butt at all the activities. I'm so nervous, that I almost canceled my trip today... I just don't want people to see me like this. However, I read something Betty wrote today about this trip being "the kick in the butt we need" to get serious about this again... I hope she's right.

Suffice it to say that I see some great big hugs and a few tears in my near future.

Love to you all, BLR Babes and Studs! Oh, and V44L :) <Meg - You're an honorary member, so don't get your knickers in a bunch> Hee hee

See you on the fit side! (Once I dust off my ticket for that ride)
-Heather

Wait for meeeee!!!!!!

Crash! Rollllll..... Thump thump, screeeeech! Thump thump!

Yup. That was the sound of me falling off the wagon, my body rolling under the wheels and the driver backing up over me to finish the job. Damn you, wagon! <Dusting myself off and rubbing the wheel impressions off my forehead>

I have had a full-on relapse with food.

Although I haven't gained weight on the scale, I know I've lost muscle and my nutrition leaves a lot to be desired. I'm currently 178 lbs at 5'9, between a size 10 and size 12.... just like I was a month ago. But, unlike a month ago, I'm not happy.

I have spurts where I feel like I'm getting back on track, but life inevitably gets "in the way".... because I let it....

First, I pinched a nerve in my neck. I was still working out, but not nearly as hard or as much. Then, I noticed myself reverting back to my old way of thinking ("I'll share dessert with someone and just run more tomorrow", "I haven't been to this restaurant in ages, so I'm going to have my favorite dish just this once", "I'll just order healthy toppings on my pizza", "It's _____'s birthday" etc.) The problem is, even when I'm sharing dessert, I'm more of a hoarder than a sharer; My favorite dish could feed a small village; Pizza is...well.... pizza; and it could be Groundhog Day and I'll be celebrating Spring's Birthday. Ugh.

I also loved going out in new clothes and showing off my new figure- this has led to more drinking than would be appropriate for weight loss. Drinks are flowing and I have a problem with saying no to a free drink. Plus, most of my friends are bartenders. Bad combo.

AND, as of two weeks ago, my sugar addiction is back in full force and I've consumed dessert every day for the past week, sometimes twice per day. I haven't been recording my caloric intake or burn, but I would estimate that I've been consuming approximately 2500 - 3000 calories per day, and burning 800 - 1000 calories per day. This is not good.

To top it off, I started taking for granted that I had no pain in my back.... until Saturday morning this week. I wore heels all night Friday night (something I have repeatedly been told is atrocious for a person with my back injury, but what else do you wear with skinny jeans aside from boots???). Saturday morning, that all-too-familiar pain was back. Dr. Ray warned me that I couldn't go more than a few days without very specific exercises that strengthen my core and back, or else my muscles would no longer be supporting my discs and the pain would return. And boy, did it!

This was my wake up call! I headed straight to the gym to start the core exercises again. However, I still did not eat well yesterday or today and my arm is sitll annoyingly numb and painful from the pinched nerve. (No excuses, right? I make my own decisions and I have to live with the consequences. There's always a way to accomplish a goal, no matter how great the obstacle.)

Logically, I know how to stop the madness and get back on track, but part of me feels so out of control, I almost feel like I need BLR again. I'm also ashamed enough of my lack of progress, that I'm avoiding a lot of my BLR friends and I miss them dearly.

<Ironic side note: As I was writing the paragraph above, Betty text messaged me! If that isn't a sign, I don't know WHAT is!>
Regardless, I am going to try to start journaling/blogging again and be accountable for my progress or lack thereof.

Sorry I've been away so long, mostly out of a combination of shame and depression, but I hope (if nothing else) this post helps someone out there who has struggled and almost given up completely. It's never too late to start again and I remind myself every day that I'm only one workout away from a good mood.

This is much more difficult than I anticipated when I was leaving BLR.
BUT, for today, I am deciding to not let the past month define me, nor will it determine my future.

See you on the fit side!
~Heather

Lessons from Biggest Loser Resort: Time to cleanse the mind and body!

After reading my friend, Betty’s blog at http://phatchances.blogspot.com, I decided to write tonight. Betty is so inspiring to me and if I can reach just one person the way she reaches me every time she writes, then it’s worth typing through the exhaustion and foregoing a Friday night of debauchery J

For some reason, I woke up today feeling more alert and energized than I normally do. Perhaps it was because I finally got a non-alcohol-induced sleep after treating my body well yesterday, for an entire day! Yes, I did undergo a few struggles while on my trip to the east coast this past weekend. While I had a great time, I now realize how easily I “adapt” to others’ habits and lifestyles! This is not a good thing. I need to find stronger resolve when I’m faced with challenging situations.

When I arrived home on Tuesday, I had some residual emotions that I spoke of in my Valentine’s Day post, and processing brought many things to light. I accomplished what I wanted to on my trip and any open questions I had were answered. Long story, short; I decided to relinquish anything for which I had no control and just “do me.” Giving up those emotions was surprisingly easy once I allowed myself to focus on life in the present! It may have been somewhat symbolic, but I decided to cleanse my body at the same time I was cleansing my mind…. It sounded like a great idea at the time! I could rid myself of all the crap food and gunk in my system while starting fresh in my head and getting refocused on my weight loss journey! Fantastic!

  

  Personal Score:  A
(I'm making progress, both physically and emotionally)

I heard about the “Shakeology Cleanse” but I didn’t know what it was. Since I already had a month’s supply of Shakeology on-hand, I decided to Google it and see if it was something of interest. It seemed easy enough! You do the following for three days:

• WAKE UP: Green tea (no sweetener)
• BREAKFAST: Shakeology Shake with fruit and liquid that does not contain sugar (I used unsweetened Almond Milk and 6 frozen strawberries);
• SNACK: An apple or berries (I ate a Pink Lady apple)
• LUNCH: Shakeology Shake with fruit and liquid that does not contain sugar (to change up the flavors, I used a frozen banana this time)
• SNACK: Another apple
• DINNER: Dark-leaf lettuce with protein – no oil, butter, salt or pepper (boring, but it does the job)
• SNACK: If you’re still hungry, they suggest eating more fruit

First, let me say that this worked for me. Without a doubt, it works. In just two days, I’ve lost more than 4 lbs and I know that “gunk” is leaving my body.

I just wish my stomach wasn’t making so much darned noise! It’s embarrassing! No dates for me this weekend! Ha! With that said, I am noticing some positive differences so far; I am thinking more clearly, my attitude seems more positive, I’m more alert, and I feel “lighter” and healthier. The not-so-positive effects are; I am tired around 2pm, I don’t feel like I’m eating enough, I’m getting dizzy more easily, and my energy depletes more quickly. The instructions say that it’s not advisable to work out while cleansing, because the caloric intake is so low, but I’ve been working out anyway. I believe I am only consuming about 1000 calories while on this cleanse. I know this isn’t enough, but it’s only for three days and I’m hoping it helps to jump-start my metabolism when I go back to my normal 1500-1600 calories per day on Sunday.

I'm sooooo close!!!! My trainer tried to get me to that 179.9 mark today, but we JUST missed it! Maybe tomorrow! This means I'm down 37 lbs since I left BLR and I am down 79 lbs total!

This was my trainer and me after he kicked my butt this morning in a hilacious workout. During the workout, he had me focus on something...er... someone... unpleasant (who just happened to walk by the gym windows) to give me motivation to go at ludicrous speed! At one point while I was struggling on the treadmill, he said, "Focus on your horizon! Get through this! No erratic breathing!" Unfortunately, as I looked out the window, the unpleasant "thing" was right in my line of sight, so my response was, "There's a pile of sh*t in my horizon, sir!"

Our treadmill intervals were at 5.0 incline and sometimes up past 7.0 mph! Can you say jello legs? As if that weren't enough, in the second half hour, I was begging for mercy after 30 minutes of more intervals, sometimes reaching at over 113 RPMs at Level 15 on the bike for as long as my heart and lungs could take it. I hate/love that man! :)



All the cleansing of my mind and body also has me thinking of Essara, my psychologist and life coach at Biggest Loser Resort. There are many days that I make decisions related to what she and I used to discuss and I ask myself, “Would Essara be proud of me?” I wish I could still talk to her at least once per week. Sometimes, I truly don’t know the answer to that question, since it seems emotional growth is often tied to doing something that is emotionally painful. Am I doing the right thing by putting myself through something I know has the potential to hurt me? At what point is “putting up walls” or “closing myself off” a GOOD thing? I do see myself setting clearer boundaries with people in my life that used to walk all over me, but I’m not sure I’m making the progress I need to be making to be successful in the long-term. I miss you, Essara!

I actually have been missing ALL of my BLR buddies! I was chatting with Amanda Tyson this morning and we got on the topic of hiking Nicholas “not so” Flatts. We both had a good laugh about our last attempt, but under no uncertain terms, we plan to tackle and conquer that bitch in May. No doubt we will as we have BOTH come SO far. After texting and talking to a few of my BLR girls, seeing all the Follow Fridays on Twitter, and getting a glance of THIS picture from BLR (I was laughing my butt off! This was Amanda and I on that darned hike! We both thought we were dying!), I realized how important it is to have a huge support system!

I’m so fortunate that no matter what I’m feeling, or when I’m feeling it, I can turn around and one of my BLR sisters or brothers is there for me! I am so lucky to have all of these special people in my life! I truly believe THAT is the biggest key to moving toward success and not giving up! Having people around you that share your struggles, goals, desires, pain, and fears…. As long as you stay in contact with them, you will be forced to be true to yourself and it will be that much more difficult to give up! Thank goodness these people are in my life as I am a much better person for it! I don’t know what I’d do without them on my toughest days.

Another key component, which goes in-hand with the support system, is to always remember where you started! Remember what got you to your “bottom” in the first place and remember how it felt to be there! BUT do NOT confuse this with ridiculing or beating up your former self whenever you see an old picture or someone makes a comment about how you “used to be!”

I get so upset when I hear formerly overweight people look at a past image of themselves and put themselves down! Saying things like, “Look at how gross I was!” or “Who is that disgusting person!?” Why?!?! Isn’t it true that when we were at our highest weights, we couldn’t understand how people could be that cruel to us? How people couldn’t see us for what/who were are on the inside? The whispers when we’d order dessert? How we felt when people wouldn’t even glance our way to say hello? Being treated like an animal or sub-standard human being when something didn’t fit like a seat or a seatbelt? All awful!!!!

I get that you don’t want to go back to being miserable and feeling unattractive, but it’s not healthy to treat your old self like someone you don’t know and don’t ever want to be. Behind that exterior, there was a person that was full of love, desperation, hope, and sadness! I am positive you beat yourself up enough back then! I know I did! Enough is enough. How would you have felt if someone you knew, loved, and trusted spoke to you back then, the way you are speaking about your former self now? It’s important to remember why you don’t want to go back, but also remember that the depressed and broken person in that picture was a suffering human being. If anything, they deserve love and respect for helping you achieve who you are today and who you’re working to become. Love yourself, past and present, because both of you deserve it!

See you on the fit side!

-Heather

Valentine's Day: It doesn't have to be Hallmark's version!

I am sitting on a plane, reflecting upon the last few days, as the sun peers up over the ocean and the New York City skyline. I love the way the rays dart through the morning haze as if to promise me there is a greater power doing everything possible to bring light and brightness into my morning. For a city that never sleeps, New York sure is beautiful when everyone else is just waking up. It’s currently 4:30 AM in California and I’m heading home after a whirlwind extended weekend of fun and a little romance.

It’s been a long time since I’ve allowed my heart to feel the happiness I’ve felt over the past few days. But, I wanted to make sure I enjoyed every minute that was granted to me, just in case it was a one-time occurrence. I have to give myself a lot of credit! My psychologist at BLR helped me to discover that I was not living in the moment, prior to working on bettering myself. Lately, I have been making a concerted effort to do the exact opposite and really pay attention to “now.”

Naturally, because it is Valentine’s Day, I am also thinking about love and what it has meant to me in my life. There are days when I absolutely love my life and I’m thankful for everything in it. There are days that I wish I could numb myself to sleep so that I don’t have to feel anything or think about what might have been, but may never be (I call these my "stinkin' thinkin' days")…. And there are days like today, where my heart is aflutter with joy and anticipation, but my stomach is in knots because it fears the journey my heart wants to take. However, I am happy and excited about life! Allow me to provide some background into my emotional quotient:

I grew up believing families were supposed to be like The Cleavers or The Huxtables. Contrary to many of my friends’ families, I wasn’t exposed to fighting, arguing, and disrespect between my parents. My parents took disagreements behind closed doors and had “discussions.” Up to this day, I have never seen them fight. They love each other, they date, and they respect each other. Most importantly, they've grown together (with a lot of work and evolving) instead of growing apart over 40+ years.

My mom was an at-home Betty Crocker-style mom who always cooked hearty breakfasts every morning and a balanced meal for dinner every night. The family sat at the dining table together to eat. No TV and no other distractions allowed. She decided to quit her job to raise three children and my dad worked tirelessly as a laborer for a retail food chain to support the entire family. I didn’t know it at the time, but we had absolutely no money. Knowing now what my parents had to do and sacrifice to provide for their children, and ensure we had the same opportunities as others in life with money, I honestly don’t know how they accomplished all that they did.

I don’t remember “wanting” for anything until I was an older, bratty, selfish teenager who felt inexplicably entitled, misunderstood, and disadvantaged in life. I shiver to even type this because it pains my heart to know that I ever hurt my parents in any way. Yet, throughout our upbringing, they managed to stay together, grow together, love each other, and show complete respect for each other.

My dad has always been my protector. I always thought about how lucky I was to have a super dad who was pretty darned bad-ass. He was strong, tall, muscular, and had a way of intimidating ill-intented people. Everyone in the neighborhood knew that he would turn into the Incredible Hulk if someone laid a hand on me. He would scare off boys that were mean to me and was always the first to my aid if I got hurt. Granted, my mom would tell you I was a “big baby” growing up, so it was hard for her to tell when I was actually hurt, versus when I was looking for attention, but somehow my dad always seemed to know the difference. In 6^th grade, I had a lot of pain in my shoulder after being tackled on the soccer field. Mom thought I was complaining to get out of doing the dishes. Dad thought otherwise and took me to the hospital. I had a broken collar bone... Around the time of my 14^th birthday, my abdomen felt like a little monster was inside, ripping apart my organs. Mom thought I just had cramps and kept feeding me Advil, even though I told her it wasn’t “that time.” Dad took one look at me, and carried me out the door to the emergency room. I had appendicitis and it was ready to burst.

Dad also tried to protect me emotionally. When I was about 22 years old, I was visiting my parents’ home and my dad hired my then-boyfriend (Corey) of two years, to do some extensive re-wiring to his entertainment system. Corey was almost 3 hours late and I could see my dad was frustrated. When Corey arrived, I asked why he was late and I tried to explain that my dad had plans and I considered it disrespectful to not at least call to say he was delayed. Corey snapped at me, told me to mind my own business, and somehow (I forget how), made me believe it was my fault, and that it was the last time he’d ever do a “favor” for my family. I was so hurt, I ran into the garage and sat on the steps, sobbing with my head in my arms. I had no idea that my dad had heard the whole interaction.

My dad found me in the garage, came up behind me and simply said, “I know you like this guy, but Heather, I would NEVER treat your mother that way.” He patted me on the shoulder and left. I have never forgotten that moment. Why, after seeing such a great example of how a couple in love should treat each other, was I willing to endure even the slightest emotional mistreatment? Why was it so difficult to find a relationship like my parents’? With an ideal like them to live up to, dating has been a challenge, to say the least.

For some reason, the reality of love and relationships is more vivid and hitting me harder this year than it has in the past. Maybe it’s because my dad was diagnosed with cancer and I’m being forced to face his mortality? He’s always been a pillar of super-human strength and tremendous character for me…. My super hero… Maybe it’s because my last serious relationship was so tumultuous (every time I hear the song, “Love the Way You Lie” and Eminem sings, “It’s like when a tornado meets a volcano”… that reminds me of that relationship). Or, maybe I’m just getting older?

Whatever the case, I tend to think about my dad and my family when I think of my past relationships and what I hope my future will hold. I go to bed at night and I envision my heart will soon be full with the love of a good man. There are so many reminders of a slightly empty heart, waiting for its complement: A smile from a stranger. A conversation on a plane. Children laughing as they play. Couples holding hands… and alas, Valentine’s Day, or as I saw it termed on Facebook, “National Singles Awareness Day.” So funny, but...Word.

As the days go by, the visions of love slowly fade, but the desire to live the dream becomes more intense when I allow myself to pay attention to it. It’s like that good dream for which you desperately try to fall back to sleep, if only to have the experience for one more moment. I've been in love before, but it has been a very very long time.

I think about the path I've wandered through life and it's not that I have regrets... I just want to start the next chapter and do it with my new-found self, and soon. I want to grant my heart and soul the love I deserve, and I want my dad to be able to walk me down the aisle before it’s too late, knowing I have a man in my life who will take just as good care of me as he has. For now, I am taking care of my own heart and trying with all my might to keep it open and receptive to love.

For everyone who has someone to love today, celebrate your love and be sure to express to them why you fell in love with them in the first place! Be thankful for what you have and try not to dwell on what you are “missing.” I guarantee you there is someone out there who would gladly trade places with you. Thank you to all my friends and family for giving me so much love over the years! I love you all! I may be single on this holiday, but I had a pretty darned good weekend, where I felt special and cared for. For that, I have every reason to celebrate today in my own way.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

See you on the fit side!

-Heather

Last Day in Utah and a layover in Vegas…

I don’t think any of us knew how tired and sore that Vigor 5K obstacle course would make us the next day! I woke up with the pinched nerve in my neck at full salute, sore shoulder muscles, and bruises all over the inside of my arms from scaling those precarious walls! It sure was a lot of fun, though! I tried waking up at 6 AM to get in a decent workout (since I knew I was going to be on planes most of the day), but my body wasn’t having it. I opted for a little FaceBook time and a few pokes to the SNOOZE button.

At 8:30 AM, we met in the lobby of the hotel and headed out to the church in town. The Mormon Tabernacle choir was performing and it was being televised. As you may have guessed from my last post and my religious faux pas, I know very little about Mormons or the Tabernacle Choir, but they are apparently a really big deal. After hearing them sing, I understand why. The music was beautiful and uplifting. The atmosphere was tranquil and warm. As we walked into the hall, I was immediately taken aback at how vast and expansive the space was! The area where the organ stood majestically was reminiscent of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. The ceiling was domed and had a beautiful blue lighted hue to it. The organ was massive (haha… sorry… couldn’t resist), and the enormous gold pipes went from the floor to the ceiling, which I would guess was the equivalent of 4 or 5 stories high. The choir flanked the organ and sang in perfect harmony. All women dressed in flowy, angelic-like robes and the men were sharp and smart in their suits with red ties. It really did take my breath away!

The orchestra was also mesmerizing and enchanting! I found myself daydreaming of a time when I was playing in a symphony orchestra. My imagination ran away for a moment to reading sheet music and I even found my hands ghosting the key strokes to Flight of the Bumblebee… but only for a moment. It actually made me a bit sad to think that I had so easily given up that part of my life, when in retrospect, it was one of the few things (if not the only thing) I was ever truly passionate about. I lived it and breathed it! Since that time, I have found that there are things I am good at, but I lack the passion to really immerse myself to the point where I’m living and breathing whatever it is…. I forced myself to refocus on the choir and just listen to the music. I knew this could only have a positive, uplifting affect, thereby thwarting the depressive path my mind began to head down a moment prior. It worked.

I’m not sure if Meg saw the somber expression on my face as my mind was going through a silent turmoil, but as though she were spying on my thoughts, she looked over at me, put her hand on my knee and patted it as if to say, “I love you and it’s all going to be ok.” For that moment, that’s exactly what I believed.

One of Meg’s friends, Desiree, sings in the choir… it is apparently quite an honor! They have to have an immense amount of knowledge about music and be masterful singers. We met her at the end of the performance and even though I had never met or heard of her, it felt a little bit like meeting a celebrity.

After the choir performance, we had a nice breakfast at Mimi’s, where we met up with more of Meg’s friends as a final gathering of sorts, in Utah. All of her friends are really nice and each of them bring something unique and interesting to the table. I was wondering what my “unique and interesting” trait was that helped me make the cut into Meg’s world <smile>.

After breakfast, we packed up back at the hotel room and set a few heart-felt messages to friends on Twitter <grin>. I was stewing over the fact that one of my friends declined picking me up at the airport, even though I do quite a bit for him. He’s not working right now and I knew he’d be home, so I was getting irritated as I was texting him. Meg reminded me that it was Super Bowl Sunday (I didn’t really care, since the 49ers lost in that bogus game with the Giants, thereby losing their spot in the Super Bowl), so I had completely forgotten this tidbit of info. Meg then went on to explain that he’d probably be wasted anyway and in no shape to take me home. She was right. His next text confirmed he was already well on his way to happy land and he suggested a cab would be a much smarter choice. Indeed. Cab it is. A little self-reflection told me that I still have a lot to work on in the areas of ego, trust and patience. <sigh>

I had a layover in Las Vegas, where I did a little gambling and won a tiny bit of money. It was fun! I slipped up on my nutrition, though. At about 4:45pm, I was hungry and out of snacks, except for some cashews, which at that point may as well have been brussel sprouts. No way was I eating them, no matter how hungry I was… I realized I wouldn’t be home until after 8pm tonight. I didn’t want to grab a full meal at some nasty airport joint, so I grabbed a pretzel from Auntie Anne’s… with cheese. You know the plastic cheese they put on nachos at the ball park? The kind that stays in your system for like ten years? Yah, that cheese. <grimace>. You’d think I would have at least said, “No butter and no salt” on the pretzel… but no. I just wanted a buttery, salty, cheesy pretzel. I’m not going to lie… it tasted amazing BUT my stomach begged to differ. As a matter of fact, it’s still begging, differing, flipping me off, and screaming at me. Oh, how easily I tend to forget that butter is not my friend! I think I need one of those medical bracelets to remind me to stay away from all butter and cream because it inevitably launches an attack on my digestive system that results in utter nuclear fallout. So, here I am, on my flight back to Sacramento from Vegas, and I’m suffering a wee bit. As good as that pretzel was, it was SOOOO not worth it. Not even a little bit. Did anyone see the movie, Soul Plane? I am NOT going into that airplane bathroom. No way.

The weekend went by so quickly! I can’t believe it’s already over! While we were packing to leave today, I suddenly realized that I have an early meeting in San Mateo, CA tomorrow! Ack! I hadn’t rented a car, nor did I reserve a hotel room! Looks like I’m going to have to run to Hertz when they open first thing tomorrow morning and hope that I can get on the road in time to make the meeting. I’m exhausted from my trip, but I still plan to wake up, go to the gym, and fit in some P90X before I hit the road, so I’d better get some good sleep tonight.

See you on the fit side!

-Heather

Ropes and planks and snow, oh my! (Vigor 5K) and Meg's Birthday in Utah!

***** Meg just educated me on Mormons and Christianity. My apologies if I offended anyone by what I said below. I honestly didn't know and I was raised without religion. I just didn't want to assume that everyone prays, because I don't. Meg is an awesome friend for being so patient with a heathen like myself :-) *****

What a trip so far!

I am exhausted! Meg has SO much energy! I wish I could bottle it up and sell it! She's still going strong and out on the town while I lie here in my hotel room bed, hopped up on Midol, and blogging about what has happened in the last 24 hours or so...

Last night, we went to Rio Cafe for dinner just after landing in Salt Lake City. I was told by Meg and Amanda Tyson that this restaurant was bomb.com, but I think I "healthed up" my salad a little too much. It tasted ok, but it definitely tasted healthy and looked NOTHING like the scrumptious salads I saw others enjoying. However, meeting Meg's friends was lots of fun! She seems to know everyone in this state! Everywhere we go, someone she knows just happens to be there! And it's no surprise, but they are all happy to see her. I thought for a moment whether this could ever happen to me, then I had to chuckle... I definitely have a few people from my past that would not be excited to see me during a happenchance meeting! But, then again, Meg is much nicer than I am on a consistent basis :)

The bottom left pic was a funny moment, but you had to be there. Someone left his coat behind - size Medium. Meg decided to wear it. Haha! The bottom right pic is Meg and I trying to do our best "Courtney" pose! She knows what we're talkin' about!


I began my morning today with a little yoga to ensure I was stretched well enough for our race today. Then, I donned my crazy cheetah hat and bundled up just in time for room service to arrive with my scrambled egg and bowl of oatmeal with skim milk. Yum!

I was proud of myself for starting the day off right, but quickly realized yoga did very little good for me in the freezing cold. As we were driving to Park City, we learned that the temperature was around 5 balmy degrees at the race site. Ummm... what? My poor muscles are going to freeze and seize! I'm gonna be a Heathercicle. This Cali girl had no idea what 5 degrees felt like and wasn't so eager to find out! By the time we arrived, the temperature had doubled...which meant bupkiss. Still seriously cold. I'm glad we all had our crazy hats to keep us warm! Isn't Meg's birthday hat the cutest?!?!?


The Vigor 5K was a lot of fun and in such a beautiful setting! The race was well organized and the obstacle courses were challenging but doable! We scaled walls made of wood, rope, planks with chains... we shot wrist-rockets at clay pigeons... we tobogganed down a hill that we first had to run up... and we crawled through a maze of rope in the snow. "The chicken" (Jen - AKA girl wearing chicken hat) and I scaled the plank wall twice! I'm shocked at how much my upper body and core have increased in strength from P90X and Yoga! What a difference! No way I would have been able to conquer those obstacles three short months ago! Fist pump!

The night before, I attempted to run a few miles and my lungs were on FIRE because I wasn't acclimated to the holy-mother-it's-effing-freezing weather. But, my lungs held up during this race! The other pleasant surprise I had was that it wasn't as difficult to run in the snow as I had anticipated. In the powder, it felt like Malibu beach all over again, but in the packed snow, it was kind of fun! I really felt that core working! My feet started to freeze by mile 2, but it was still an enjoyable jog! Utah really is beautiful in the snow!

We did have one mishap. As our friend, Joni, was scaling the rope wall, her shoe got stuck in one of the squares and she fell backward to the ground. Her head hit with an audible THUMP on the packed snow.


It was scary at first, because she looked like she was hurt pretty badly. The paramedics came and looked her over. They suggested she ride back with them, but she insisted on finishing the race - dizzy, in pain, and enduring a massive headache. I was totally worried the whole time and kept thinking of Liam Neeson's late wife and her ski accident. I know I got a little preachy, but head injuries are nothing to mess with.




Joni made it to the finish line and true to our plan, we all finished together. It felt good to take the final photo at the finish line! So much fun! Meg's Bodybugg registered more than 20,000 steps and almost 3700 Calories! Incredible! I would really love to do the Vigor 5K, or some other snow race, again!

The race took longer than expected and we were all starving, so we headed to a little cafe called "Chick's." The funny part about this portion of our day is that we drove up and down the "main strip" of a little Podunk town, trying to find a place to eat. When Meg asked, "What do you want?" I said I didn't care as long as it wasn't fried food. Turns out that Chick's was a good ol' down-home country fried diner. We had no idea until we were walking inside! I resorted to ordering breakfast: two scrambled eggs and a slice of ham. The center picture on the left is what was served to someone else dining at the table... look at all that BUTTER and grease! Ugh! I could hear the arteries clogging with every bite!

After our so-unhealthy-it-should-have-been-featured-at-a-state-fair lunch, we headed back to the hotel to dress for Meg's birthday celebration. We met her family at a little restaurant called Cocolito's. As we walked in, the entire restaurant sang Happy Birthday to Meg! I was in shock! How did they get the whole restaurant to sing to her when she walked in AND they all sounded like they've had extensive choir practice!!! My jaw dropped! As it turns out, every last one of those people were members of Meg's family! HUGE family! Holy cow!!! It looked more like the number of guests you'd find at a wedding reception, not a night out for someone's birthday! Instead of introducing me to everyone individually, Meg let everyone finish singing, then announced in her best announcer voice, "Everyone, this is my friend, Heather from California!" I got about what seemed like hundreds of hellos in return! At the end of the night, even though it was Meg's birthday, she gave her little niece a gift and it just lit up that little girl's face! Isn't she cute? She looks a lot like Meg!


It was so nice to be a part of this day with Meg and to meet her friends and family! They all seem like such nice, wonderful, genuine people who care for her tremendously! It's refreshing to see that much love in one room!

I'm heading to bed a little early so that I can get up in the morning and head to the gym before Meg takes me out to my first Mormon church experience. I just pray (do Mormon's pray?) that I don't get kicked out of the church or spontaneously burst into flames when I walk through the doors. I'll be on my best behavior, I promise.

Before I go, though, the night wouldn't be complete without at least one Fitsperational Quote:

See you on the fit side!

-Heather