{31 Blogging Days of May} New Series + Half Marathon 2012

Sunday's version of the {31 Blogging Days} challenge is about coming up with a new series. For me, I'm doing something slightly divergent {besides blogging a day late}.
Instead of starting a new series, I'm going to reinvest in one I already have - Dashes & Dots! I love the concept of briefly posting about the bits and pieces on my mind at the moment. Check out my latest edition here.


In other news, my life has been insanely busy! Work is still super busy, and the deadlines just keep coming. One day I might get to breathe. :) In my spare time {besides when I'm blogging!}, I have been doing my final prep for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon...which was on Sunday morning.

Welcome to 5:00AM.

 I ran, jogged and {mostly} speed-walked the 13.1 miles of rough city streets and steel bridges of Pittsburgh. It was incredible. It was incredibly hard. The sights of PGH with the sun rising through it's nooks and crannies was one I'll never forget. I completed the half marathon by myself, and I'm so glad I did. It was a growing moment for me, and I was overcome with tears shortly after finishing, as my accomplishment set in. 

I am a Runner of Steel!

{Source of Inspiration: Irene of the Biggest Loser, for encouraging me through Twitter to enter and do my best in the half marathon. Thank you, Irene - I wouldn't/couldn't have done it without you!}

TV Posts

Biggest Loser Season 13 came on earlier this week, and I caught up with the first episode last night. I will spare you the details, however, because my poll indicates most of my readers do not prefer TV posts. (Imagine that!) I do want to tell you about the statistics on my Biggest Loser posts.

BL13 Contestants via fitsugar.com

Of my top 10 most view posts of all time, two of them are Biggest Loser specific. Another two mention BL players or trainers. In the past month, my Biggest Loser Season 12 recap post has been viewed 83 times. That's more than triple the number of views any one of my non-TV-related posts ever get.

Similarly, my posts about Nigella Lawson also get dozens of hits.

This is all interesting to me because most of my usual readers don't want to read about cooking shows or reality weight loss TV. Google is a beautiful thing.

On another fitness-related note, Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 is killing me slowly. I just finished day three, and my legs have likely never been more sore. Only 27 more days!

Do you other bloggers have posts that for some reason get tons of hits?

The Biggest Loser Season 12, Recaps & Finale

Biggest Loser Episodes 8, 9, 10, etc. & Finale Recaps/Thoughts

Well, it's been awhile. But, to my credit, I've been without a TV for quite awhile. Now that it's back, I'm filling that fitness void with BL12!*

In episode 8 (I think), Jessica was voted off, and Ramon was taking it really hard. Hard enough that he's jeopardize his other friendships in the house.  Love can ruin a lot.

The other episodes I either missed because of the move, or missed because I didn't have TV. Sad day.

However, I got to see the finale last night, and yes, I do have some comments about that. First, it seems as though our finalists are John (of course!), Antone (Good for him!), and Ramon. Ramon is there because he won the marathon (26.2 mile course in the desert, essentially), and won his spot to compete in the finals. That's incredible! He looks great, and I'm proud that he can now run that far and for that long of a distance.

The Final Three

Thankfully, they had a moment for Jessica to let the world know that she and Ramon are still together, but aren't getting engaged that night! So many BL couples have made that move (mistake in my book) to get engaged on national television. I'm glad they've taken some time to actually date, instead of rushing into things just because they feel the pressures of the women across America.

Jessica and Ramon share a kiss at the Finale.

On another note, it was very surprising to me that Jennifer won the $100,000 at-home prize. I guess Bob instilled enough of his love in her heart that she... Bluh!

So yes, I've been avoiding saying it. John won the Biggest Loser Season 12. He just irked me the whole way, starting with his "dumb woman from Texas" comments to Sunny on one of the first episodes.

CAN WE TAKE A MINUTE TO TALK ABOUT HOW FABULOUS SUNNY LOOKED!? Oh my goodness! She's obviously worked so hard, and hasn't let up since she left the Ranch. She is inspirational to me, and I wish other women that I used know back in Texas would read about her story.

Sunny after the Makeover Episode I missed, not at the Finale.

Overall, this was a mostly drama-free season. I personally like the couples or family versions rather than this approach by age from this past season. From the previews for next season, it looks like we'll be back to the old BL ways of pairs...but sans Anna! Did anyone else notice she wasn't in any of the previews? I thought she did an excellent job this season. Husband pointed out that she may have only wanted to do 1 season. She is a international fitness icon after all!

What are your thoughts on the season? Are you happy with the results?

*Don't worry. I'll get signed up with a gym soon. Any Pittsburgh favorite gyms out there?

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 7

Right away we see foreshadowing of what's to come in the opening segment. The stuff it hitting the fan for Jessica and Ramon during this episode. Their budding relationship will receive so much flack that I'm not sure it was worth it to come forth so early on. Thoughts?

SINGLES! What!
Again, immediately, a Bob teammate begins to have shifty eyes. Joe's freaking out about possibly losing Bob. What is the deal? Doesn't he have confidence in himself?
Hold up, Alison.  You're saying there will be a person from each age group as a member on the new teams? That seems slightly evil.
Side note: After Ramon's comment about depending on Jessica to push him, my heart just sunk a little bit. Jessica shouldn't be the reason Ramon is performing the way he is. His motivation should be coming from himself.
Side note #2: Um, chocolate gravy? Eww.

A small shocking revelation: Sunny's Tex-Mex meal, complete with chips, salsa, enchiladas, rice and beans has 4,162 calories! Ruin my life.

New Teams:
Anna: Ramon, Sunny, Joe
Bob: Vinny, Antone, Becky
Dolvett: Jessica, John, Bonnie

Then, Bonnie cries because she doesn't have to be with Anna anymore. Happy tears. How's that for a slap in the face!? Honestly, I think in the beginning Anna was set up to fail with her "oldest" team. How was she supposed to produce results when her team is not putting forth their best effort? Later, we see Anna trying to convince her team that this isn't the end of the world. Will her sweet talk work?

Enter Slip and Slide! What a fun challenge.
Anna's Blue Team won (for the first time). Without even thinking, they gave up money and a 3 pound advantage for one person to have immunity. Joe wins the Rock, Paper Scissors ordeal, and he gets the immunity.

Weigh In
Tons of weight was lost! Each team had some great successes:
Bonnie lost 7 pounds!
John lost 15 pounds!
Becky lost 11 pounds! Great job!
Antone with a 16! Wow!
Joe wins it for everyone!

Blue team wins by a mile!

Elimination Room

Tough love. Jessica is voted off. 

In her after shots, she looks so happy, motivated, and ready for that marathon. She begins working with two Pittsburgh Steeler players. What an exciting opportunity! In several weeks, I hope that her reunion with Ramon is full of love, and they can pick up where they left off. 

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 6

It's Halloween week! Obviously. I didn't think Alison's costume was very inventive, but it was done well. I would have like to seen her as Wonder Woman or Shakira. Or something better than Mrs. Frankenstein.
Crazy stats:

• Americans spend an average of $44 on Halloween candy each year
• Those same Americans (us) make 20 million pounds of candy corn per year
• We eat about 24 pounds of all types of candy a year

How's that for a shocker! I still love candy corn, though.

The initial challenge Alison gives them seems a bit lofty. Ten pounds per person? Hmm. That seems like a bit of stretch, especially for the women. *Cough*Bonnie*Cough* However, they have a change to get a pound advantage by eating a pound of candy. Somehow I don't see these contestants giving into that temptation.

All-For-One Training
Switching up the trainers is a good idea, and will help the contestants lose more weight. But 10 pounds! Wow. Can we talk about Jennifer and Bob? It's like she has an 8th grade crush on him. What a fool! If you can't take away something valuable from a training session with each trainer, you're not trying hard enough. Jennifer and Bob, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!
The adoption moment between Dolvett and John was a good building block for both of them emotionally, and for the viewers of the show. We got to see a softer side to both of the rude-a-begas in the House.

Apple/Maze Challenge
5 or 10 pound advantage (if they win and gather 150 or 200 pounds of apples)
{OR}
5 pound disadvantage (if they don't all make it out of the maze)

I'm glad they won as a large team! That will improve their morale...hopefully.

Quotes of Note
"Hoo-de-hoo!" Vinny (He is so country.)
"I'm not goin' in the graveyard!" Antone, about the 'frightening' graveyard.
"Antone, the tombstones are made of Styrofoam..." Sunny, about the 'frightening' graveyard.
"We never gonna get out of this thing!" Joe, about the 'frightening' graveyard.
"Do these guys not know me? I take this crap seriously." Bob, about the candy prank.
"Until you take care of him [the abused 9-year-old inside of him], this is just a weight loss reality show." Bob to Vinny, about his struggles.

So, what is this about a BL Romance already? 

I read a few rumor blogs before the show aired, and it said Ramon and Jessica were in lurve. How is that? They've been there a month and a half! Later on the show, Ramon said "I love you" on national television! During the show, I counted their kissing. Let's keep it going, whaddaya say!? Kiss Count: 6

Last Chance Workout
Jessica carrying Antone? INSANE!
Next, let's talk about that serious heart-to-heart that was Jessica's talk with Anna. Is Anna supposedly a relationship expert? Should she be asking these questions to Jessica?  Didn't she date Enrique Iglesias at one time? I rest my case.

Weigh In
John beat Moses at the first to lose 100 pounds!
Sunny gained 5 pounds...boo. She's one of my favorites, so I hope she doesn't go home. It's not looking good for her, until the rest of the players weigh in. Wow, these weight losses are terrible. Did something go on behind the cameras? Was a deal struck? There's no other explanation for these awful weigh ins. That being said, they didn't reach their goal of 90 pounds, so everyone is going to the elimination room.

Elimination Room
It looks like Jennifer may be going home, especially after Vinny said his piece. He's right though! In this game, you HAVE to be a team player. If that's not your personality, you have to work to get along with others.
The decision: Sunny put the nail in the coffin. Thank goodness she didn't go home. 6 votes will send Jennifer home, because of her 'negative energy.' Sounds like she was just a biznatch. Thoughts?

Side Note: I'm already thinking about makeover week! I can't wait! I hope that both Ramon and Jessica make it, so they'll have to tell their families about their romance! Ahh!

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 5

Let's start off with the challenge! Is this Plunko? Plinko? Where is Bob Barker!? This is not a challenge, it's a game show!
I'm glad Sunny won the 'challenge/game'. I like the idea of one teammate pulling the weight of the team, but just on paper. In reality, that's not such a good idea. Leaving the fate of others in their teammate's hands is a scary thing. That must be why John is crying like a baby.
As Sunny wins, she does a little happy dance. Good for her to be happy to see her family after a month of being in LA. That's tough on a wide-open-spaces Texas gal. (Did I just say gal?) Then things change. Wow. Bob. Can he bring Sunny down any more? That's not the positive Bob I know.
That being said, Sunny, you better not let Texas down.

Quotes of Note
"It's not my job to be, you know, cuddling her!" Anna about Bonnie. So true.
"Texas is in the HOUSE!" Bob about coming to Frisco, Texas.
"You got it Bon-Bon!" Vinny about Bonnie in the string challenge. (String Thing, anyone?)

While in Texas, Sunny's family takes Bob to Rudy's. Yes, a barbecue joint. Brimming with juicy meats, sweet sauces and sides the size of your face. Delicious! (However, if you want a good barbecue sauce, this is my favorite.) All Bob can say is, "What are we going to eat?" He orders the lean turkey, lean brisket and throws in some ribs for fun. No ribs for Sunny though, and he snaps at her husband to move the tray of ribs away from her end of the table. Serious stuff! Then, Sunny says she has a surprise for Bob. Revenge, in the form of riding the mechanical bull! Bob held his own though, lasting WAY more than 8 seconds.

Back at the Ranch, it got real with Dolvett and Vinny in the gym. Apparently you're not allowed to make jokes in the gym. I get that. But to cut out room for personality? I'm not sure if that's what working out is about. Don't kill Vinny's personality!

Bonnie and Anna. Can we just leave it there? Wow. I feel like this episode was mainly about their beef. They're really not working well together at all. Anna is trying to go deeper, and Bonnie isn't letting her. Bonnie just doesn't like Anna for some reason. I'm sure this will surface again.

Last Chance Workout
Pan back to Texas. Sunny is working out on a legit farm. Really, Bob? Is that all Texas is? I guess near the wilds of Frisco, that could be partially true. Later, Bob reveals that he and Sunny both grew up on farms. Okay, I'll give it to you, Bob.
Can I get a shout out for the cowboy with a black and mild? Cessation! It works!

Weigh In
Bonnie and Anna's squabble comes out. Again. Bob backs up Anna, of course. Pan to Bonnie. She's looking like a wet hen.
Shining moment #1: Becky pulls an 8! I'm proud of her! She's really a gem on this show. Too bad she's ruining Bonnie's life.
The Black Team weighs in last. As much as I dislike John, I am impressed by his weight loss. However, I hope he doesn't win, mainly because he's a jerk. Reformed jerk? I'm not so sure.
Antone lost only 4 pounds. Interesting.
Shining moment #2: Sunny loses 14 pounds! That's incredible! It's double what she needed to keep the Black Team safe. Great job!

Decision Room
Red Team squabble! Like we didn't see this coming. Alison comments on how thick the air is in the room. Next thing we know, Vinny and Courtney are at each other's throats. Civilly, but still adversaries.
Courtney was voted off, but her 'afterwards' segment was uplifting. Courtney's sister getting the prize was bittersweet, as it was almost like she was giving up her time at the Ranch for her sister. I hope to see her finish well at the marathon.

Scenes from the next week: HOLY CRAP! Someone GAINS 5 pounds?! Seriously? That has got to be some sort of sabotage!


Side Note: Did anyone see the Marc Anthony collection commercial at Kohls? I might check it out for Michael, because it may be styled for a skinnier man. Marc Anthony = Skinny Minnie. Or Mickey. Thoughts?

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 4

Episode 4 opens, and there's a new biggest loser song. Did I miss this before? I may be being nostalgic, but I miss the song from previous seasons. This new one is not the best. Not my favorite. Moving on.

HANNAH! Oh my gosh! She's my absolute favorite! Hannah in the kitchen!

Okay, now that we've gotten that out of the way, I have a few notes to share from the next part of the episode. Past contestant workouts. Adam Hurtado still looks great, and of course, Marci is still the same happy Marci. That family is full of hopelessly positive, smiling, lovely people.  She says Week 4 was a struggle for her, but I don't recall her having trouble at any point in her season.

As Ramon is climbing up the mountain, I'm frustrated that he's trying too hard to be a leader. If you have to try at it, there's a good chance you're not a natural leader. Does this frustrate anyone else?

On another note, when Courtney had a remorseful moment, she is clearly stuck because of her negative thinking. I understand her though, because oftentimes I am in the same rut. She needs to turn that around!

During Bonnie's workouts, it's clear she's mentally scared. This is a huge problem for almost every Biggest Loser contestant. I know I would have the same struggles. It's hard to get over the metal hurdle of your brain telling you your body cannot run one more minute, when in fact, it can. Anna really has broken in her "Biggest Loser Training Style" because she hit the nail on the head with Bonnie in her workout. 

The subject of fast food "cheating" was brought up. It's an interesting concept.  Someone with an eating issue will drive thru and order something, then eat it before they get home. They throw away the trash before they go inside their home to see their family. Fast Food Cheating. How many people in America are falling victim to this trend? Are we as a nation obese because we're hiding it from our families? People can't help if they don't understand the problem. It's sad Joe later equated it to cheating on his wife. That's taking it a little far, but I can see how he would feel that strongly about it. 

The line relay challenge with elements was interesting. It was more of an endurance race for them at this point than a line relay. A word about the prizes: FINALLY Biggest Loser gets smart and allows everyone read their letters from home. Finishing challenges first isn't always the most worthy of the grand prize. Sometimes just finishing is worth earning a prize.

Video Chats: TEAR! I almost cried about 4 times.

Last Chance Workouts
How cute is it that BL built a tennis court especially for Anna and her team?! Awesome choice! It looked like a great workout to me. 

As for the pool workout with Bob, it started out nice and then got serious.  Joe, who can't swim, says, "It is weird. There's something about Bob Harper...you start believing you can do things that you've never done." Joe then  doggie paddles to the other side of the pool. TEAR. Then it gets super serious. Enter brutal pool workout. Bob Harper made two of the Black Team members CRY. A pool workout. Serious stuff.

Last word about the last chance workouts: Dolvett scared me a little bit. If I had to have a trainer on the Biggest Loser, Dolvett would NOT be my first choice. I don't want someone who yells at me in that manner. 

The Weigh In

I loved the simplicity of Alison's dress. Kill me if it's American Apparel.

Bonnie lost 7 lbs. now two weeks in a row! She's on a roll!
I'm sad that Blue Team lost another team member, but it's like I said...The Blue Team is out! So long, Mike!

I'm ready for another episode! 

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 3

That Tebow Guy

Bad news. My DVR is a piece of junk. For some reason it didn't record a part of the episode, so I missed the first 30 minutes! That being said, I'll do my best to share my thoughts for the portion I DID see.

I came into it seeing an NFL player doing a work out with each team. Cool. So it must be NFL week then. Got it. I did catch a quote that I thought was incredible motivation: "Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn't work as hard." Tim Tebow (Not that I know who that is).

Let's talk about Vinny. What a sad discovery. It is so sad to see someone realize they've been abused, and your homelife is not the norm. I hope he's able to work through this and eventually forgive his mom.

Quotes of Note at the Weigh In
"I'm gonna have one hell of a hootenanny!" Vinny
"I still had those tickets..they were still in my hands." Joe
"I finally saw that Bonnie can do it!" Bonnie

Do you remember when Bonnie was walking up the stairs...yet another visual that my predictions may come true about the Blue Team. Theeeeen, they won the weigh in. How and WHY did that happen?! I still think this was a lucky week, and they'll be back in their place next week. No offense, just being real!

Patrick at the start of BL12

It's elimination time. The Red Team is sitting in the chairs in the elimination room.  We never thought we'd see them there, being the youngsters and all. Enter "Self Sacrificing" Patrick. What. The. Hell. You don't do that in a game where you can win a quarter of a million dollars. Wow. The vote, of course, was intense. Also, I can't believe that Vinny didn't vote for him! In Biggest Loser code, you always respect your teammate's wishes. Courtney, you better thank your lucky stars.

Patrick is doing a great job so far at home! I'm happy he passed his physical test to be a police officer. Maybe he'll train well enough before the marathon...

Did you like NFL week?

Biggest Loser 12: Episode 2

It's the second episode in, and the drama has started! Already. 

John is already on my blacklist. HOW can you, with one week under your belt, begin to talk about your team mates behind their back? He's supposed to be somewhat trustworthy, considering he's a high school football coach. Although he apologized in front of his team, he's still on my bad side. I realize it's a game, but the gameplay shouldn't be a big issue (or on camera) until later on in the season. That's the point to get scrappy. Not now.

Secondly, we finally got a smidge more info on Sunny! I'm excited she's standing up for educators in Texas. I feel like teachers here are getting somewhat of a raw deal, and this is good PR in a way.

In episode 2, BL again touches on the regular person schedule. We 'regular people' have full-time jobs with only a limited time to work out each day. MOVE ON Biggest Loser! We know it's hard for us to lose weight! That's why we have to work harder for big results. WE KNOW.

I'm calling it now. The 'old' team is going home. Yes, the whole team. It's painful to admit, but these folks don't seem to have the wherewithal to finish this race, and well. Except for Mike, they all seem to have some sort of physical issue (i.e. knee replacement), that will ultimately hold them back mentally. Case in point: Johnny. Mark my words, the blue team will fade out soon.

One thing I'm thrilled about: They've eliminated the "America's Vote" pity save, and replaced it with a marathon. All contestants, sent home or still in the game, will compete in a marathon run to vie for one of the final four spots. This is SUCH a great idea. That chance will be as beneficial as the $100,000 'at-home' prize. I want to fast-forward to the run to see who wins!

Which team is your favorite?

Biggest Loser: Season 12

It's time time of year again for a group of overweight and obese Americans to engage in a reality show about losing weight and gaining yourself. It's called The Biggest Loser, and it has an audience that rivals other well-known reality TV shows. I've watched this show for four full seasons now, going on my fifth. While it's riddled with product placement and crazy shenanigans, it speaks to the public health advocate in me. It's inspirational, and I find myself watching what I eat and exercising more during the weeks it runs. It's win - win, no?

Last season, my favorite contestant was Hannah. She was the younger sister (her sister competed as well, and won), took the safe route, and had doubts about being independent or treating herself with respect. I identified with her because her story is similar to mine in a way. In the end, she placed second, but learned she was worth taking care of, and taking a chance on.

Hannah after finishing The Biggest Loser

This season I'm going to attempt to recap each show, complete with snarky remarks. Yes, I realize that's a big commitment for someone that aims to post once a week; however, it's going to happen!

Week 1: Intro to New Contestants & Trainers
It's unfortunate that we've lost Jillian Michaels for this season, but she's moved on to what she deems as 'bigger and better.' I haven't seen her new show (The Doctors), but how can it changes LIVES the way BL does? I have doubts. Bob Harper is back, of course, as the lead trainer. BL welcomed a oddly one-named trainer, Dolvett, and the world renown(?!), wonder woman Anna Kournikova. I'm pleased the producers replaced Brett and Cara from last season, though. I liked both of these trainers, but they didn't produce results like Bob and Jill.

On to something good: I LOVE the new setup for the teams. I've been saying for several seasons now that the teams should be separated by age, rather than teaming people up from previous relationships. We have three groups: the young (20-38), the middle (39-49), and the old (50-65). So far, the middle contestants have been pulling it out and succeeding at each challenge and/or in the gym. While that's great, I will still be rooting for the young group. How can I abandon my age group? I might, if I can't find anyone I identify with or I find an individual I like best.

The new contestants are fresh and new. Still happy. There's no way to foresee what's to come on the ever-changing setup for each season, BUT they have to know pain is coming. I never look forward to the mid-season breakdowns that BL plays up so much; however, these 'breakthroughs' are needed to finish the journey. I'm getting ahead of myself though. Let's talk people.

Favorites: Joe (46 - Knoxville, TN), Ramon (27 - Florence, CO), Sunny (41 - Frisco, TX) and Vinny (27 - Nashville, TN). Ramon's and Vinny's personalities remind me of Hannah's. They're so positive and cheeky. Gotta love a cheeky reality contestant. Sunny's got my vote because she's a hometown girl from Frisco (IKEA shout out!). Joe is very special, already, because of his family dynamic. Who are your favorites?

I can't wait until tomorrow night at 9pm! Keep checking my blog for updates, and let me know if you're a Biggest Loser fan!

Sicky Sicky

Over the past two days I've been sick, and basically pathetic. But, I've had some time to work on my crafts and listen to Lady Gaga. Don't judge. Ra Ra AH AH AH! Roma Roma-ma! Gaga, ooh La La!


Anyway, enough of that. I went nuts shopping Etsy yesterday. It was bad. I added about 30 items to my favorites. Here are a few of them:

Sage Bow and Button Headband

The Meredith: Thistle Bag

Vintage Owl Trivet

If I had unlimited money, I would buy it all.

On yet another note, my car is a brand-new piece of metal. This past weekend (when I wasn't sick) I got its oil changed, four new tires, and five new engine coils. Hooray for being broke. But, I have a like-new car!

Is anyone watching Biggest Loser? You know I want to talk about it. (SO glad Miggy is gone.)

Have a good Wednesday! I'll post pictures of my crafts soon. I need a camera?!

Starstruck - The Biggest Loser Style

Yesterday was a special day for me - I met someone famous! I don't know if you all know, but I am a big fan of the TV show the Biggest Loser. I've posted a few times about the surprising outcomes of each episode.

One of my favorite members of this past season was a woman who had a tragic story attached. In late 2006 she lost her husband, daughter and newborn son in a fatal car accident. She enrolled in the Biggest Loser to get her hope and happiness back.

It's Abby!

Before:

She did a great job on the Biggest Loser and lost a total of 148 pounds over the course of the show. She's amazing!

I recognized her at Half Price Books on Northwest Highway as she was checking out. She was sweet enough to take a picture of us with her Blackberry and send it to me! (I didn't have my phone on me.) She looks great, and I'm thrilled to have met her.

Biggest Loser Freakout

...Rebecca and Daniel?!?!

SO confused!

...but she may WIN!