Hello all,

I have a 28 mile mountain bike race on August 11th. Yeah...three weeks from Saturday. I started out this year by losing 20 pounds in the first three months. Then...when I started riding more....I stopped losing weight. I got stuck so to speak. So I have been at my current weight for last 3 1/2 months...and I am ready to lose more. I still have 50 lbs to lose....and I just need someone to kick me in the butt to get me going. I know I need to exercise more and eat less.....so that isnt what I am looking for. I need...weekly...daily...checkups from someone that will slap me silly if I falter. I am ready to get serious again. I want to be down 10 lbs for this race...and then 30 or more for the race I have in November.

Any takers?

You're on! I love nothin' more than slappin' you big guys around!

Well, since you are a parent, I would take the easiest way to motivate...but, don't just think of your kids...think of little things to get you going. For example, you have 4 kids I see. Now take your time and divide it up for your kids. I know a guy who used to do walks on his lunch break for 15 minutes twice a day...he had two kids and did 15 minutes for each of his kids. That was his 30 minutes walk a day.

So, since you have a looooong 28 miles, divide it up! 7 miles for each of your kids to get going and see you doing your best for yourself! Not only will you motivate yourself, you will motivate them and be a GREAT influence in the process.

I think one of the hardest things I learned about motivation is that we are so busy thinking about all the things we need to do and how we are going to do it when really...what is stopping us from just going out and do it? It's not easy. It took me 6 months to get back on track...and I didn't NEARLY accomplish as much as you!..so, I know you can do it!!!!! But, if you want, I have some 3inch heel boots I can easily kick you with. LOL!

Thats what I am talking about!!!!! Bring it on Kristen....bring it ON!

David...I like the idea of breaking down the mileage for each of the kids. That is an awesome idea. Finding motivation in different ways is the best way to stay motivated. My kids are always my driving factor....and my wife too. I dont want to stick her with four kids on her own.....that would suck. So...I will ride my ass off.....well...my stomach off...in the next three weeks and then give you an update onto my progress and the outcome of the race.

Good suggestion David! My kids are a pretty big factor for me as well--I want to set a really good example for them, and "Mommy doesn't wanna" isn't really a good excuse in my house!

Sean...10 pounds is a lot in only 3 weeks...got a plan yet besides riding 'things' off?

hey, I'm new here. I just started eating healthy and exercising a week and a half ago and have only lost a pound and a half. I decided to join this to keep me motivated but AH it is so frustrating to see the scale only down a little bit. I also im really out of shape so i can only do the whole run for 30 seconds walk for 30 seconds for 20 minutes right now. does anyone have any advice that could be good exercise for a really out of shape person? I feel like I need to work my way up to a 40 or hour exercise. I also don't really enjoy using ellipticals. ah am i doomed?

Kristen....yeah...I am not going to eat either! Just kidding. I am going to eat healthier and watch my calories. Also I will be doing Tae-BO for cardio and strength. Just gotta keep moving. I know 10 lbs seems like a lot in three weeks...but when I start losing I usually go about 10 lbs in the first three weeks....so it will be normal for me.

Emily...congrats on joining and wanting to be healthier. The best advice for someone who wants to work out is to start with what your body can handle and work your way up to the 40/min per workout. Mix it up too, try something different and boost your body into fat burning mode. Good luck.

Here is an update on progress over the last few days:

I rode 18 miles on Sunday. Rode 8 miles on Tuesday and 6 miles on Wednesday. Time restraints make it so that this was the only mileage I could get. I will rest tonight and then try to get another 10-13 miles on Friday before a leisure ride with the family on Saturday...about 10 miles. Intensity varies on the rides that I do....usually they are moderate intensity, but the 8 mile ride was full out for the whole distance...so that was really good. I felt good when I was done too. The 6 mile ride was not so good. Hills the ski area really took it out of me at the start, made for a longer ride at a slower pace...but still an awesome workout. New people to ride with and a different trails is going to be key. When you ride with new people you tend to push a little harder...breaking that threshold and making your body push its limits....to a point.

So far this week...down 4 pounds. This is the start...I will probably lose 10 pounds total in the next few weeks without really trying...then I slow down...but I will keep going. RIDE RIDE RIDE! Also...I will throw in some Tae-BO for cardio and minor strength....and just something different. My son starts football in a few weeks...so he will start running...and I might give that whirl until my knees cant take it anymore.

Thanks everyone...and keep up your good work!!!!!!

emily, if you're out of shape and you'd like a low impact workout to help form your body for future workouts then i would recommend yoga. I've been doing it since i was young, and although i've always carried weight on my frame, i've been able to work out quite easily.
if you don't want to enroll in a class i would suggest you get some dvd's and a mat and go to it at your home. There are cardio based yoga programs, but if you've never experienced it before i would get one that's more about learning the movements and how to breathe. 1 pound is nothing to scoff at, i've been on my regiment 9 weeks now and only gone down about 6 lbs. However, i feel wonderful and have lost many inches. You should concentrate on how you feel not how much you lose. Muscle weighs more than fat.
Also, i calorie count, and I really think it works. Keep a spreadsheet of what you eat and you won't be tempted to eat bad things. Lots of websites online will tell you how many calories you need to consume a day to lose weight.
good luck! yoga is also good for the mind and it will help you deal with your mental perception of yourself while you're on your journey to a more fit and healthy you.

Great update Sean! Sounds like you WILL be ready for your race.

Keep doing what you're doing...and make sure you enjoy your leisure time with your family!

HEllo everyone, I also need motivation. I do great for 2 or three weeks and then go back to my old ways of eating too much, and junk. I only want to loose 28, and have lost 2 already this week by counting calories and exersize. counting calories can be a pain at first, but then you memorize how much certain things are that you eat regularly and it really isn't that hard. It is amazing that when you start counting calories you realize you are consuming a lot more than you really think. even one bite here or one bite there, it all adds up so quick. I tend to snack too much and that adds lots of calories. I run a daycare from my home, so I am always around food, and always preparing food. Now I force myself to sit down and eat only what's on my plate. No taking a bite here or there while cooking. try counting calories for a week and you'll see. Best of luck!

Good job Lisa!

Motivation comes in many different forms. For me...one is the ability to keep up with a riding buddy of mine. Another is my kids. Just find some...and if you ask people to kick you in the butt....then they will do it.

Good luck.