…if I’m going to keep watching The Biggest Loser! 
Man, what a show tonight! When they announced that the final four would all be completing a marathon, I almost lost it. That really hits close to home becasue of my own attempts to participate in the TNT San Diego Half Marathon. Unfortunately for me, the training requirements were too rigorous for my current abilities, and an unknown injury (numbness in my right foot that traveled all the way up to my hip) prevented me from continuing the training. At this point, I’m doing the WW Walk It Challenge and know I’ll be able to complete the 5K in June. (The easier training routine seems to be working really well for me). But, I digress…
I was amazed that Ron could finish the marathon. Good for him for continuing, despite his pain and other disadvantages. Seeing all of the former Biggest Loser winners/finalists rally around him to walk the last 8 miles with him was such an inspiration. I had tears rolling down my face as I watched him cross the finish line, and could only imagine the pride that both of his sons felt seeing their dad do something so amazing.
Even more than that was watching Tara up on that scale for the second to last weigh in. When she said it was time for her to truly start living, I was a mess. It’s so true. Being overweight - heck, let’s call it what it is – being morbidly obese I can relate so much to Tara. I don’t weigh as much as she did when she began on the show, but I’m also about 7 inches shorter than she is. (I’m 5’4″). Knowing that she transformed not only her physical self but her attitude and mental view of herself is such a motivator for me. Plus, I love the fact that she is a machine. Nothing stops that girl! I hope that I can be half as determined in my weight loss as she is.
The other thing on tonight’s show that really struck a chord for me was seeing Tara’s bedroom. Jillian said that because Tara was feeling out of control being back home, it’s manifesting itself in her room. I can relate to that too. I know that when my house is messy (or my closet is disorganized, or the laundry is piled up, needing to be put away) I feel like my life is out of control.
It’s a constant struggle for me to keep things organized so that my head is less cluttered and I can focus on the things that are most important to me, and right now the driving force of my life is losing weight. I wish I could say that I was more successful at this point in the year; that I’d lost more weight. But at the same time, I look back at how much more active I am at this point in 2009 compared to this same time last year, and I know that I’ve made huge strides in my well being. I may not be where I think I should be as far as the scale, but I know that a huge part of regaining my life through weight loss is a mental challenge. I am slowly but surely changing my whole attitude about food, food addiction via overeating/binging, and what it means to live a healhy lifestyle. All of those things take time to accomplish, and I shouldn’t get too caught up in the smaller details. I didn’t put this weight on in a year – it’s been a lifetime of being overweight – so I can’t expect it to come off all at once either. I know that sounds so trite, but it’s so true. And I have to keep reminding myself of that.
I am so proud of this season’s contestants, for the most part. Yes, there was some major game play and manipulation on Ron’s part, but overall these contestants showed compassion, integrity, and determination. Most of them seemed to truly care more about losing weight and saving their lives than they did about winning $250,000. This season, more than any other, I’ve been completely inspired. And for that, I applaud them.
I cannot wait until next week’s show, when the Biggest Loser is “crowned.” I hope that Tara pulls it out, because she deserves it more than any of the other final four, in my opinion.
Who would you like to see win?
i know exactly what you mean, i LOVE biggest loser, that and extreme makeover and extreme makeover: home edition, and the swan make me BAWL! we havent had your series over the pond yet, as they have started doing a UK version, but i like the soppiness of the US one. i know, im a sap.
I’m so not going to read this post because I have the show on my DVR and I wont watch it until after work tonight! But I am now forwarned that it is going to be a tear jerker!!
I so wish I could be on that show!!!
What a thoughtful post. I’ve certainly been able to relate to the different contestants over the years and, much like this blogging community, it is great to be inspired by others with similar challenges.
I’m pulling for Tara too. She’s my girl!
I want Tara to win.
Coming by to say hello as one of the other participants in the walk-it blog-it campaign. So nice to meet you!
You were not alone with tears last night. I was so inspired by all them. I started running at the beginning of this year using the Couch to 5K program. I had never ran before and didn’t think I ever would, but I actually ran my first 5K two weeks ago. It was such an awesome feeling. I’m glad to hear that you are sticking to your training and have the goal of a 5K in front of you. You can absolutely do it and I look forward to joining you on your journey. Consider me that person who is meeting up to you at the next marker and we’ll run together!!!
Mel
I can relate to the disorganized thinking and lack of focus.
It’s FANTASTIC that you can focus on all the progress you’ve made in the past year. You SHOULD be proud!
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