I cant believe we just lost Anthony. Despite what TV showed he and I were close. He has so many great qualities and compassion. Nobody knows that more than Jami Lyn and Mike. The three of them had a great bond that began to develop towards the beginning. Even though Anthony was one of the heaviest guys he brought so much optimism to the team. I also look back at stage 5 and wonder how Matt was able to stick it out as long as he did. The type of terrain he endured was immense. I have trained for both strength and physical endurance my whole adult life and there were times during this thing that I was being punished from the weather and the terrain. These 12 people, yes all 12, are heroes. No, they didn’t save anyone from dying… but they finally got selfish enough to try to save themselves. That takes courage.
So here we go… beginning stage 6 without my boy Anthony, the giant we called Matt, the “Champ” Will, my precious Wendy, a true hero Shane and my first walking buddy Kim… We have 6 of the toughest people I have ever met in my life about to embark on the last leg of this 575 mile journey. This stage will be the toughest stage yet. It will be the hottest as we have traveled almost 500 miles closer to the equator over the last 2 months and find ourselves in the dead heat of summer. The amount of time to complete the incredible miles will be diminished. We did not shorten the times and lengthen the miles to torcher the marchers, we are doing it to challenge them. The Marchers that are left will have to depend on each other as a team because we are going to exhaust the motivation that they hold within them individually. To make it to DC on time… they will have to pull together. Oh, and by the way… who ever starts day 1 of stage 6, must cross the finish line in order for anyone to win their share of almost a quarter Million Dollars.
Right off the bat Jami Lyn’s knee gives out. She has been dealing with a lot of knee pain since half way through stage 5. She never really complained to me about it and has always been one of the strongest walkers. Many times she would walk many miles to the back of the group to help motivate other walkers and I think this has finally taken its toll on her body. Too many extra miles! Tonight Jami Lyn’s knee is swollen and hurting her. I am advising her to go to the ER to at least get an x-ray and perhaps some NSAIDS to relieve some inflammation and pain. I also think Jami Lyn’s mental state is slightly askew since some of the team decided Anthony wasn’t worth re-walking 6 miles to keep him in the walk. I know that this has been very tough on her. Anthony was special to a lot of us… but just like the last 500 miles, we must keep going forward, regardless of the circumstances.
Jami Lyn missed an entire day of walking due to her knee and subsequent doctors visit. I think the rest will do her good but I don’t have a clue how she will catch up. Everyone knows we have a 26.2 mile marathon to do in a couple days and she is gong to be an entire day behind, and her knee is still really hurting her. If I suggest she pulls out of the walk she will cost everyone 40 thousand dollars each. It is her decision. She is also struggling with even wanting to finish in order to get back at the rest of the walkers. She and I had a semi-private conversation about that. She knows she would never hurt someone on purpose just to get revenge. She is just really hurt that they didn’t believe in Anthony the way others did. But she is trying hard to forgive. She totally understands why the team voted him off, she just wishes things could have been different for Anthony, and so do I.
Jami Lyn is back with us and it is a day before the big marathon. She is going to have to make up some serious miles if she doesn’t want to cost everyone 575 miles of walking in vein. But if I know her… and I do, she is going to brave it all the way to DC. Sure enough Jami Lyn caught up all but 8 miles. That means tomorrow at the Marathon, she will have 10 hours to walk 34.2 miles. It is going to be hard enough for everyone to complete 26.2 miles in 10 hours, even without extra miles and a injured knee. She is doing it for Anthony and she is doing for the rest of the group.
Marathon day: Everyone including Lorrie and I are very excited. We adjusted their calories last night and this morning and we have been talking about strategy so the marches can all be successful in completing this huge task. To think 9 weeks ago of any of then trying to bite off a goal this big would have been suicide. Now I expect them all to make it… all except maybe Jami Lyn. As they were heading out Mike decided to go back to Jami Lyn. She is already way behind and now if she is to hurt to catch up we will have two marchers that have fallen way back and may not catch up at all. Personally I don’t know how Jami Lyn‘s knee is going to hold up.
Slowly, one by one, the marchers start to cross the finish line with hours to spare. The looks on their faces is enough of a reward for me. It is amazing to know I had something to do with why they were able to complete this incredible goal successfully. I love this feeling. After the Sam and Loralie crossed the 26.2 mile walk, I really felt like that was it for the day. But even though it was starting to get dark the official time had not expired yet. So we all anxiously waited to see if Michael and Jami Lyn were able to brave the 34 miles that it was going to take to catch up. Were they going to be able to take advantage of the 10 hour time limit even though they were going to have to walk 34 miles. So we waited, and waited, and with seconds to spare, in the setting sun here they came. Holy crap… I couldn’t believe they finished! What an amazing feat. This was enough to bring us together again. Finally the team would be starting from the same beginning spot tomorrow, and after experiencing a marathon together nothing could come between this team.
We took a small hiatus from walking one evening and decided to allow the marchers a real dinner to reward them for the fancy walking they have completed and to test their will power and decision making skills. We were buying dinner for the last 6 at a good ole American diner. Even though it was a typical greasy spoon, the menu was full of very good choices. Lorrie and I set it up where they felt as though no one would be holding them accountable for what they ordered. What they didn’t know is we were lurking right around the corner to congratulate them on there great decisions. NOTTTTT!! I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was everything from Philly cheese steak to country fried steak. A few marchers did very well on their choices and some did not. Let me give credit to all of them on their portion control. That particular display of will power was incredible. All of the marchers had a fantastic idea of when to stop eating. I felt a lot better when I saw all of the left over food. I guess I got through a little anyhow.
Strawberry Challenge. Oh my gosh… I wish you could smell the strawberries and feel this breeze. It is the most amazing sensation. The idea was for the marchers to collect enough fresh ingredients to make a smoothie, and then answer a few questions regarding other challenges. The first one to complete the questions and make a smoothie wins some fantastic prizes. Shea came through again.. Isn’t she amazing? I hope you all see Loralie as she tries to bring that bicycle down the home straight away. It was so funny, I thought I was gonna wet myself. I just love that Loralie.
Back to walking: It seems as though the team has worked through some of Jami Lyn frustration about losing Anthony and the marchers are starting to come together again. This is great because it would be unfortunate to experience such a special time in your life with all of these other people and leave the experience estranged form one another.The Finish:Lorrie and I and all of the production staff wanted to have a finish that personified the incredible life changing event this walk represented. Many of the reasons for these 12 people to be here had a lot to do with the relationships they shared at home. And we felt what better way to celebrate the accomplishment of such a huge goal than with their loved ones. So we made arrangements for the people closest to the marchers to fly out to DC unannounced and be here to wrap the marchers up in a huge hug one by one as they finished. Everyone was on task to finish that last day. Barring any injury or anything unforeseen Lorrie and I were not worried about anyone finishing.
After 550 miles these 6 new how to dig deep and come hell and high water… they were gonna finish! Lorrie and I left the walkers and ran ahead to the finish so we could welcome them in one by one. And so we did. Each one bringing us to tears and goose bumps. The looks on the faces of family and friends with the crowds screaming… I have had few times in my life when I was this proud. I was honored to have been a part of changing the way these people thought about the rest of their lives. No longer enslaved to their weight. No longer a puppet to their appetite. They have walked 575 miles across 9 states through the most grueling terrain and weather that could be thrown at them… and they laid down every demon that has ever haunted them along the way.
Tears… yes, but I am not sad. Laughs and cheering, that too, but there is nothing funny. I have goose bumps, but I am not cold. I am torn… For the first time this magical summer I have to say good bye…. I know many won’t quite understand how and why this is all produced. I know that many viewers will be upset how we pushed the unsuspecting “fat” people. I know many will never believe me when I say… all of us would do this again!!!! I shared the summer with 12 of the most amazing people I have ever met and can now call friends! I’m gonna miss you guys…
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Episode 5 - Matt
It has been evident for sometime now that Matt has been walking on borrowed time. The terrain we have encountered here in Pennsylvania is absolutely insane. The distance and speed we are covering in these mountainous hills are nothing less than miraculous. Even Lorrie and I are going to have to step up to the plate if we want to continue to drive these guys to do better.
Stage four has brought out a hard to describe energy throughout the entire team. At first glance one would think we are all falling apart, but when I stop and really observe the team I truly think we may have gown closer than ever. The entire ambience of stage five is one of anxiousness. These are serious hills that are taking their toll on everyone. I think when the team sees guys like Mike and Matt struggle it scares the rest of them. I wish the team didn’t measure their individual performance against what others in the team are doing… but I would have done the same thing.
When Matt and some others started to struggle, everyone got unfocussed and panicked. Matt had a few days he absolutely couldn’t continue walking due to inflammation and discomfort. He was being as conservative as he possible could with his walks and at the same time he was trying to not to fall back as not to hurt the group’s chances of making it to DC on time. In other words, Matt would fall a little behind only to catch up the next day, but that was wreaking havoc with his knee.
One morning early in stage four Matt finally came clean and told us his knee is starting to fail. He tried not to make a big deal out of it but it was obvious that he was trying to say his last good bye’s in case his knee gave out in the middle of the stage. If anyone left in the middle of the stage there was no opportunity given for the marchers to say goodbye. Sure enough, about two days later, Matt was unable to continue. The medic and I both had a chance to run back to his position and Brian (the medic) and I both felt like it was a great decision to go to the hospital for an x-ray. Hopefully an x-ray and some other tests would give us an indication what was causing the inflammation and soreness. Even with a background in exercise science and physical therapy, it is hard to do a field assessment on a 400 pound pro-wrestler’s knee.
Once at the hospital it was obvious what Matt had been dealing with for the last month and a half. The doctors told Matt he wasn’t able to continue without destroying his knees completely. Matt was devastated but he knew if he was going to return home and have any hope of meeting his weight loss goals he would have to quit fat march and allow for his knees to heel.
The rest of the team got the news later that night at the campground. Matt was such a motivating and encouraging part of our team. This was really going to change the entire dynamic of the team. But we will overcome. The same way we have been overcoming the harsh circumstances throughout this entire walk. This would prove to be no different. That isn’t to say that we didn’t lose a great man today or that we aren’t going to miss Matt tremendously, I am only saying we have to continue walking regardless of how this loss affects us.
Stage four has brought out a hard to describe energy throughout the entire team. At first glance one would think we are all falling apart, but when I stop and really observe the team I truly think we may have gown closer than ever. The entire ambience of stage five is one of anxiousness. These are serious hills that are taking their toll on everyone. I think when the team sees guys like Mike and Matt struggle it scares the rest of them. I wish the team didn’t measure their individual performance against what others in the team are doing… but I would have done the same thing.
When Matt and some others started to struggle, everyone got unfocussed and panicked. Matt had a few days he absolutely couldn’t continue walking due to inflammation and discomfort. He was being as conservative as he possible could with his walks and at the same time he was trying to not to fall back as not to hurt the group’s chances of making it to DC on time. In other words, Matt would fall a little behind only to catch up the next day, but that was wreaking havoc with his knee.
One morning early in stage four Matt finally came clean and told us his knee is starting to fail. He tried not to make a big deal out of it but it was obvious that he was trying to say his last good bye’s in case his knee gave out in the middle of the stage. If anyone left in the middle of the stage there was no opportunity given for the marchers to say goodbye. Sure enough, about two days later, Matt was unable to continue. The medic and I both had a chance to run back to his position and Brian (the medic) and I both felt like it was a great decision to go to the hospital for an x-ray. Hopefully an x-ray and some other tests would give us an indication what was causing the inflammation and soreness. Even with a background in exercise science and physical therapy, it is hard to do a field assessment on a 400 pound pro-wrestler’s knee.
Once at the hospital it was obvious what Matt had been dealing with for the last month and a half. The doctors told Matt he wasn’t able to continue without destroying his knees completely. Matt was devastated but he knew if he was going to return home and have any hope of meeting his weight loss goals he would have to quit fat march and allow for his knees to heel.
The rest of the team got the news later that night at the campground. Matt was such a motivating and encouraging part of our team. This was really going to change the entire dynamic of the team. But we will overcome. The same way we have been overcoming the harsh circumstances throughout this entire walk. This would prove to be no different. That isn’t to say that we didn’t lose a great man today or that we aren’t going to miss Matt tremendously, I am only saying we have to continue walking regardless of how this loss affects us.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Episode 4 - The Outward Bound Challenge
The team was incredibly excited when they heard their walk today would be interrupted with a challenging confidence course. We decided that we all needed to approach team building from a different angle. An angle that would coax some of the emotionally stronger marchers out of there inhibited and safe environments. I know that we have all grown very close because of all the fantastic experiences we have been able to overcome together. But I also feel like this team needs something to help stir the pot to facilitate even more understanding and growth. The exercise the marchers were about to take part in that day would teach them how to be leaders but first how to follow. It would push them into an arena where their lives and safety would be in the hands of their fellow marchers. And all of this in one recipe would provide an environment that allowed the marchers to open up about real struggles they were finally coming to terms with.
During the exercise climbing the 25 foot tall pole it became evident that this experiment would work to bring emotional confessions out of the marchers. They would confess struggles and experiences that have been holding them back from reaching their full potentials. As they were harnessed in, everyone was to climb the pole as high as they possible could and then with one fantastic leap of faith… let go. The letting go signified letting go of things in are lives that we alone are powerless to change. Letting go signified forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and taking a leap of faith to finally take responsibility for the things in our lives that we can change. Everyone, well almost everyone, did great!
We all need to learn to face our fears, yes especially the ones that make us hold back the best part of ourselves that we should be sharing with others!
During the exercise climbing the 25 foot tall pole it became evident that this experiment would work to bring emotional confessions out of the marchers. They would confess struggles and experiences that have been holding them back from reaching their full potentials. As they were harnessed in, everyone was to climb the pole as high as they possible could and then with one fantastic leap of faith… let go. The letting go signified letting go of things in are lives that we alone are powerless to change. Letting go signified forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and taking a leap of faith to finally take responsibility for the things in our lives that we can change. Everyone, well almost everyone, did great!
We all need to learn to face our fears, yes especially the ones that make us hold back the best part of ourselves that we should be sharing with others!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Fat March Confidential - Episode 3
Here is the rest of the story.Wendy…Wendy is one of the most precious people in the world. She is gentle and forgiving and very sensitive to others. She also has strong opinions but is able to not make derogatory judgments against people that differ in opinion. No doubt Wendy struggled every day of the walk. It was very hard to motivate her past her pain and circumstances. There were times when Wendy was above it all and then... like you all saw in episode 3, there were times when the complaining was just too much. Try to understand what she was enduring. It wasn’t that the walk was unbearable; it was staying with it day after day that got to her. Wendy did have pain in her feet, and we looked at conservative ways to prevent any more inflammation of the plantar fascia and tight calf muscles. Wendy was told about hydration and walking strategies that would help to alleviate some of her woes. This entire experience was so new to her that she often felt overwhelmed. However, the day she quit was without merit.
Wendy had just accomplished a 16 mile walk, 6 miles of which she ran right along side Lorrie. She ran for six stinkin’ miles. What an amazing investment - and to just turn around and give it all up 24 hours later is a travesty. I believe that Wendy really needed to stick this thing out completely. She needed to embrace the pain and loneliness that accompanied walking 100’s of miles across wicked terrain and being out in the cold for months away from a supportive and loving husband. These situations and circumstances can destroy your spirit, or make you appreciate what we would all return home to after getting to DC. Wendy was capable to continue… but she did not. She should have delved deeper into her desire and held on… just one more day. And then just one more, and one more….Donuts… get your hot donuts…Jamilynn.I hate to burst your bubble, but a few more campers also took a bite or two. Oh yah, off camera of course, but none the less. Jami Lynn was upfront from the beginning that she had major food issues. Loralie explained her similar issues like this. “Steve” Loralie said, “Food is like an ex-lover that is just no good for me. Not just any ex… but a really sexy great in bed ex. When I think about him (food) all I remember are the good times. I forget how much pain and guilt he would cause. And after an incredible night together full of passion he just leaves you crying on the living room floor in the fetal position full of guilt” “And yet, late at night… I still want him so so bad”.
Sorry about that… back to the donut, Jami Lyn did eat an entire donut and would have opted for more had we let her. At some point all of the marchers need to learn to eat for nutrition and fuel first and foremost, then eat for satiety and taste second. Not every meal for the rest of our lives has to be liver and spinach… but pasties should not be a breakfast staple. Jami Lyn didn’t learn anything new with this donut exercise. She was already very aware of the consequences of eating the donut. Really we all know don’t we. We know when we eat Lasagna and breadsticks that “Coach Pfiester” is going to be less than proud. Don’t we???Will, Anthony and Matt…“Drama starter or Guardian Angel”Will, Anthony, and Matt were all struggling to complete some of the hellacious days we experienced during the third episode. The miles were brutal. Some days still were cold, some really stormy, and some hot as blue blazes, and the entire time the terrain was relentless and only getting worse. The only reprieve was walking into New York City. Before all of that we had an issue with Will and Mat. Yes Anthony got involved, perhaps to instigate some drama, but truly because he was upset about Matt’s knee. Anthony really felt that Matt’s knee was going to take him out if it wasn’t carefully looked after.
Here is the behind the scenes of what you didn’t know. This entire feud was over an incredible gesture form Matt towards Will. Big Will’s feet were raw and hurting and Matts knee was all but ground round burger meat. Matt had a brand new pair of sneakers he was going to use to try and help his knee. When he heard that Will was struggling with his feet and Will’s shoes were wet and warn… Matt gave Will his new pair of sneakers and ordered another pair for himself. You can imagine with huge feet, the sneakers had to be special ordered. In the interim Will took the shoes. While wearing the Matt’s new sneakers, Will breezed passed Matt on a day that Matt’s knee was getting the better of him. Matt took this as a slap in the face. Will walked by without a word to Matt even though it was apparent Matt was struggling from the discomfort of walking on his knee.
Now, you all have to know that Will loves Matt. He has a very high level of respect for him and that goes without saying. However, Will still continued without even an encouraging word. I believe Will said nothing because he really didn’t believe the Giant could feel pain. In Will’s eyes Matt was 10 foot tall and bullet proof. I believe Will was so worried about making sure he himself finished, that it never dawned on him his friend and mentor may need Will to encourage him for a change. That is how it all went south.
Anthony tried to explain to Will how it came off and Will made his point that he cares, but at the end of the day it is every man for himself - sort of a survivalist mentality. And Will’s psychology was, if he is the weakest, let me (WILL) at least make sure I finish and everyone else should be ok. What Will failed to see is that everyone was struggling, not just him. Will never intended on hurting Matt. Anthony was trying to tell Matt to be careful who he pours his time and energy into because investing time and emotion into someone who is in the self preservation mode may cause more harm than good - at least for Mat’s knees.Time Square:Oh wow. Can you for a minute put yourself in my place. Pretend for a minute that you are a trainer, but not a TV personality, not famous - not even close. Personal training is not a profession you pick for notoriety. You do it because you love it. As people change the incredible effect you have as a trainer on their life is usually all the thanks you ever get. But now, time square was the pay off of all pay offs. For one day the world watched as we celebrated the effort these walkers were making at changing their lives. And we were creating hope for millions of viewers. Hope that people everywhere can finally gain control over this demon. So there we were parading in the center of the world in Time Square.
Time Square was the ending point for the third stage. It marked the ending of the hardest stage we have encountered yet. The energy just poured from the crowds that were cheering our efforts to change the lives of these 9 people who have made it almost half way through this epic march. As if being in time square weren’t enough, an infomercial was being ran by ABC on their Jumbotron. There were all of our faces being displayed for all of the world to see. It was amazing. For just a moment it felt like the whole world was proud of what we were trying to accomplish. Like everyone was on the same page. Like for just an hour, the entire world said “we agree that it is time to do something about this epidemic and the movement is here… and it is called Fat March”
Wendy had just accomplished a 16 mile walk, 6 miles of which she ran right along side Lorrie. She ran for six stinkin’ miles. What an amazing investment - and to just turn around and give it all up 24 hours later is a travesty. I believe that Wendy really needed to stick this thing out completely. She needed to embrace the pain and loneliness that accompanied walking 100’s of miles across wicked terrain and being out in the cold for months away from a supportive and loving husband. These situations and circumstances can destroy your spirit, or make you appreciate what we would all return home to after getting to DC. Wendy was capable to continue… but she did not. She should have delved deeper into her desire and held on… just one more day. And then just one more, and one more….Donuts… get your hot donuts…Jamilynn.I hate to burst your bubble, but a few more campers also took a bite or two. Oh yah, off camera of course, but none the less. Jami Lynn was upfront from the beginning that she had major food issues. Loralie explained her similar issues like this. “Steve” Loralie said, “Food is like an ex-lover that is just no good for me. Not just any ex… but a really sexy great in bed ex. When I think about him (food) all I remember are the good times. I forget how much pain and guilt he would cause. And after an incredible night together full of passion he just leaves you crying on the living room floor in the fetal position full of guilt” “And yet, late at night… I still want him so so bad”.
Sorry about that… back to the donut, Jami Lyn did eat an entire donut and would have opted for more had we let her. At some point all of the marchers need to learn to eat for nutrition and fuel first and foremost, then eat for satiety and taste second. Not every meal for the rest of our lives has to be liver and spinach… but pasties should not be a breakfast staple. Jami Lyn didn’t learn anything new with this donut exercise. She was already very aware of the consequences of eating the donut. Really we all know don’t we. We know when we eat Lasagna and breadsticks that “Coach Pfiester” is going to be less than proud. Don’t we???Will, Anthony and Matt…“Drama starter or Guardian Angel”Will, Anthony, and Matt were all struggling to complete some of the hellacious days we experienced during the third episode. The miles were brutal. Some days still were cold, some really stormy, and some hot as blue blazes, and the entire time the terrain was relentless and only getting worse. The only reprieve was walking into New York City. Before all of that we had an issue with Will and Mat. Yes Anthony got involved, perhaps to instigate some drama, but truly because he was upset about Matt’s knee. Anthony really felt that Matt’s knee was going to take him out if it wasn’t carefully looked after.
Here is the behind the scenes of what you didn’t know. This entire feud was over an incredible gesture form Matt towards Will. Big Will’s feet were raw and hurting and Matts knee was all but ground round burger meat. Matt had a brand new pair of sneakers he was going to use to try and help his knee. When he heard that Will was struggling with his feet and Will’s shoes were wet and warn… Matt gave Will his new pair of sneakers and ordered another pair for himself. You can imagine with huge feet, the sneakers had to be special ordered. In the interim Will took the shoes. While wearing the Matt’s new sneakers, Will breezed passed Matt on a day that Matt’s knee was getting the better of him. Matt took this as a slap in the face. Will walked by without a word to Matt even though it was apparent Matt was struggling from the discomfort of walking on his knee.
Now, you all have to know that Will loves Matt. He has a very high level of respect for him and that goes without saying. However, Will still continued without even an encouraging word. I believe Will said nothing because he really didn’t believe the Giant could feel pain. In Will’s eyes Matt was 10 foot tall and bullet proof. I believe Will was so worried about making sure he himself finished, that it never dawned on him his friend and mentor may need Will to encourage him for a change. That is how it all went south.
Anthony tried to explain to Will how it came off and Will made his point that he cares, but at the end of the day it is every man for himself - sort of a survivalist mentality. And Will’s psychology was, if he is the weakest, let me (WILL) at least make sure I finish and everyone else should be ok. What Will failed to see is that everyone was struggling, not just him. Will never intended on hurting Matt. Anthony was trying to tell Matt to be careful who he pours his time and energy into because investing time and emotion into someone who is in the self preservation mode may cause more harm than good - at least for Mat’s knees.Time Square:Oh wow. Can you for a minute put yourself in my place. Pretend for a minute that you are a trainer, but not a TV personality, not famous - not even close. Personal training is not a profession you pick for notoriety. You do it because you love it. As people change the incredible effect you have as a trainer on their life is usually all the thanks you ever get. But now, time square was the pay off of all pay offs. For one day the world watched as we celebrated the effort these walkers were making at changing their lives. And we were creating hope for millions of viewers. Hope that people everywhere can finally gain control over this demon. So there we were parading in the center of the world in Time Square.
Time Square was the ending point for the third stage. It marked the ending of the hardest stage we have encountered yet. The energy just poured from the crowds that were cheering our efforts to change the lives of these 9 people who have made it almost half way through this epic march. As if being in time square weren’t enough, an infomercial was being ran by ABC on their Jumbotron. There were all of our faces being displayed for all of the world to see. It was amazing. For just a moment it felt like the whole world was proud of what we were trying to accomplish. Like everyone was on the same page. Like for just an hour, the entire world said “we agree that it is time to do something about this epidemic and the movement is here… and it is called Fat March”
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
EPISODE 2 - THE CHALLENGE
The real deal: Episode 2 : The Challenge Lorrie and I arrived at the second challenge location a couple of hours before the marchers. I quickly ran down a huge hill and further down a trail to this magnificent pool of water being fed by a huge water fall. It was amazing. For a guy from Florida waterfalls seem magical. Just the chill in the air and the frigid humidity being spewed from the mist of the waterfall was awesome. I was doubly excited since I missed the Cranberry Bog Challenge because Anthony and I were busy catching up from him being in the hospital. As I settled into my environment and learned the rules of the challenge, the walkers soon appeared on set. They were pretty amped up, I think from just the energy around the waterfall. I know they were wondering what they were about to be engaging in.
Before we knew it the cameras were rolling and we were explaining the rules. The marchers would be split into 4 teams (1 male and 1 female). The object would be to fill a huge container held by the men with 16 gallons of water. Some of the producers did the math and told me how heavy that was. You didn’t need a calculator to realize holding a glass aquarium with 16 gals of water was almost a super hero stunt. Even worse, the women were running up and down a steep stairway to the pool of the waterfall with a small pail attached to rope. They would throw the pail into the pool to fill it, then run with the pail of water up the stairs and dump it into the aquarium being held by the men. Of course the 16 gallon container would start off light and get heavier each time the ladies emptied more and more water into it. Wow, this was going to be very physical. 3 weeks ago no one could have even made it down the stairs once, never mind over and over until they have 16 gallons of water. It is going to take a lot of stamina for the men to stand with that huge glass container.
Because Will was in the hospital, Loralie didn’t get to compete due to not having a team mate. She was way more bummed than what we were able to show in the show. The four teams were competing for a fantastic soak in a Jacuzzi. This may not seem that significant to some, but imagine being freezing cold for 3 weeks and walking your butts off everyday. Believe me that prize was highly coveted. The sad part is, there were rumors since breakfast that regardless of the prize Wendy had decided to sandbag the competition. She was going to give just enough to get by. In her defense, her feet were killing her. She had inflammation of the plantar fascia and tightness and spasms in her calves. But we all did. Wendy’s strategy was to conserve her energy for the next walking day. And she was going to do that by not competing in the challenge. I totally understand her conservative strategy but I need everyone to give 100% in everything they do. This challenge is very physical but Lorrie and I would never do anything to exacerbate anyone’s injuries. These Challenges are supposed to be a fun alternative to walking, but when someone has a blah, I don’t care, attitude it kind of ruins it for everyone.
The underlying lesson and purpose behind this blog is for everyone reading to understand why it is important to work through the pain and uncomfortable feelings that our bodies have. At some point we have to take control over our emotions and our discomforts. Our pain and emotions should never dictate our actions. Pain is only an indication that we need to be aware that something is affecting us momentarily. Emotion is important to be aware of, but not to be slave to. Some mornings we woke up grumpy and sore, but that was just our bodies giving us an indication that something fantastic was happening on a physiological level. We were getting stronger and thinner. We could have let that grumpiness dictate our reactions to our fellow marchers or we could just recognize it as good changes manifesting itself in our changing bodies and celebrate it. Let me get to the point. Our circumstances don’t dictate our how we react. We need to act out of purpose in a positive manor regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
So this is where Wendy has found herself. In pain and ready to quit. Loralie was dying for a chance to run the stairs and never got a chance. And Wendy stayed with her conviction to do as little as possible to preserve her feet.
The other three teams had a fantastic time and even though only one team could win, everyone had a blast. That evening Matt and Jami Lyn won a wonderful evening in a hot tub and they quickly invited everyone to come soak with them. It was amazing to see everyone soaking wet in such a little hot tub. I laughed until I cried….
Before we knew it the cameras were rolling and we were explaining the rules. The marchers would be split into 4 teams (1 male and 1 female). The object would be to fill a huge container held by the men with 16 gallons of water. Some of the producers did the math and told me how heavy that was. You didn’t need a calculator to realize holding a glass aquarium with 16 gals of water was almost a super hero stunt. Even worse, the women were running up and down a steep stairway to the pool of the waterfall with a small pail attached to rope. They would throw the pail into the pool to fill it, then run with the pail of water up the stairs and dump it into the aquarium being held by the men. Of course the 16 gallon container would start off light and get heavier each time the ladies emptied more and more water into it. Wow, this was going to be very physical. 3 weeks ago no one could have even made it down the stairs once, never mind over and over until they have 16 gallons of water. It is going to take a lot of stamina for the men to stand with that huge glass container.
Because Will was in the hospital, Loralie didn’t get to compete due to not having a team mate. She was way more bummed than what we were able to show in the show. The four teams were competing for a fantastic soak in a Jacuzzi. This may not seem that significant to some, but imagine being freezing cold for 3 weeks and walking your butts off everyday. Believe me that prize was highly coveted. The sad part is, there were rumors since breakfast that regardless of the prize Wendy had decided to sandbag the competition. She was going to give just enough to get by. In her defense, her feet were killing her. She had inflammation of the plantar fascia and tightness and spasms in her calves. But we all did. Wendy’s strategy was to conserve her energy for the next walking day. And she was going to do that by not competing in the challenge. I totally understand her conservative strategy but I need everyone to give 100% in everything they do. This challenge is very physical but Lorrie and I would never do anything to exacerbate anyone’s injuries. These Challenges are supposed to be a fun alternative to walking, but when someone has a blah, I don’t care, attitude it kind of ruins it for everyone.
The underlying lesson and purpose behind this blog is for everyone reading to understand why it is important to work through the pain and uncomfortable feelings that our bodies have. At some point we have to take control over our emotions and our discomforts. Our pain and emotions should never dictate our actions. Pain is only an indication that we need to be aware that something is affecting us momentarily. Emotion is important to be aware of, but not to be slave to. Some mornings we woke up grumpy and sore, but that was just our bodies giving us an indication that something fantastic was happening on a physiological level. We were getting stronger and thinner. We could have let that grumpiness dictate our reactions to our fellow marchers or we could just recognize it as good changes manifesting itself in our changing bodies and celebrate it. Let me get to the point. Our circumstances don’t dictate our how we react. We need to act out of purpose in a positive manor regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.
So this is where Wendy has found herself. In pain and ready to quit. Loralie was dying for a chance to run the stairs and never got a chance. And Wendy stayed with her conviction to do as little as possible to preserve her feet.
The other three teams had a fantastic time and even though only one team could win, everyone had a blast. That evening Matt and Jami Lyn won a wonderful evening in a hot tub and they quickly invited everyone to come soak with them. It was amazing to see everyone soaking wet in such a little hot tub. I laughed until I cried….
EPISODE 2 - LEARNING TO GET ALONG
EPISODE 2
We are starting today in Willimantic. It is the beginning of stage two and everyone seems to be pretty jacked from having a day off for the challenge, everyone but Anthony. His feet did not have the luxury of rest and it is really showing. I have never seen blisters and scabs like what is on the bottom of his feet. Even though we have lost two marchers the cash prize is still at a huge share of 80,000 dollars a piece. I haven’t determined in my mind how much the money is playing a part to motivate them to continue. I want to think that everyone is here to learn how to change their life or save it. Not to play for TV recognition or cash. But at the end of the day, I guess I am just glad that they are here. Even if under false pretense, I am glad they are giving me a chance to win them over to a healthy life style.
Over the last couple of days I have noticed Chantal flirting with ostracizing herself form the group. Lorrie is really trying hard to instill a team approach and Chantal is fine with that but she is not wanting to be a part of it (the team). Mike and some of the others are growing weary with Chantal’s antics. Chantal is destroying her body, pushing to come in first day after day. I can see the psychology behind having to be first and what it means to her, but if she puts that in everyone’s face she will be endanger of being voted off. From a trainer’s perspective I am worried about her hurting herself and not being able to continue and I am also worried about her bringing down the team by her having to be first at all cost. Many of the marches are deciding to go back to help the slower walkers. Our stronger walkers are completing the walks at a blazing pace and then walking sometimes up to 5 miles back to help Will or Anthony finish. That is amazing. That is true team work. The team is not going to give up on anyone, even if they have given up on themselves. I like to think they learned that from Lorrie and I.
This Stage was challenging for a lot of reasons. Terrain was hellacious; the weather showed some mercy but was still brutal at times. The amount of miles we were walking and the speed we walked was incredibly fatiguing. And if this wasn’t e big enough lesson to learn, we added a bit more. Half way through this stage Lorrie and I called in for Pizza and Wings for dinner. The marchers have had no decision in what to eat for almost a month and this night we are going to see will power… or not. Nutritious choices were available but no limits were put on the marchers. They were allowed to eat however their big hearts desired.
I was amazed to see what happened. Most everyone ate very well. A piece of fish, a little rice and some broccoli. But of course Big Will went straight for the Wings and Pizza. At first glance my heart sunk as I saw a major mistake playing out right in front of me. Lorrie got very firm with Will. Many of the team joined in and put their two cents in as well. I laid back just to observe the entire dinner…and this was my take. I was proud of Will. 4 weeks ago he would have plowed that pizza over. But tonight, instead of the fish, Will had one piece of pizza and a few wings on his plate. Then Will cuts his slice of pizza in half and shared it with Chantal, I think he even gave her a couple of his wings. What I tell you next may never happen again, but I found myself sticking up for the once competitive eater. I congratulated him for his portion control and restraint. I agree with the team that he is not getting the same amount of nutrition as the rest of them need for the next day’s walk, but he did well in what I call “damage control”. One big step for the team… One giant step for BIG WILL.
The marchers are starting to become very close with each other. As they are getting more and more comfortable some of the pleasantries, that I would call manors, have dissipated into the past. In other words, the honey moon is over. The great thing about this is the marchers are starting to become more themselves. They are becoming more and more vulnerable with one another and this is really helping them to take a good look and evaluate each others shortcomings. Not to judge each other but to try and help each other face some personal areas that may need improving. The inherent problem with this is people often get their feeling hurt when someone shares something in a harsh or unloving way. As we all got close tempers also flared a little more. Why are we always so coarse with the people we are closest to. This stage proved to be the hardest adjustment when it came to personality. During the first two weeks many of the marchers just turned the other cheek when they were offended. Now the layers are starting to be peeled away and what you are left with is raw and real. If the group makes it through this adjustment they can make it to DC.
We are starting today in Willimantic. It is the beginning of stage two and everyone seems to be pretty jacked from having a day off for the challenge, everyone but Anthony. His feet did not have the luxury of rest and it is really showing. I have never seen blisters and scabs like what is on the bottom of his feet. Even though we have lost two marchers the cash prize is still at a huge share of 80,000 dollars a piece. I haven’t determined in my mind how much the money is playing a part to motivate them to continue. I want to think that everyone is here to learn how to change their life or save it. Not to play for TV recognition or cash. But at the end of the day, I guess I am just glad that they are here. Even if under false pretense, I am glad they are giving me a chance to win them over to a healthy life style.
Over the last couple of days I have noticed Chantal flirting with ostracizing herself form the group. Lorrie is really trying hard to instill a team approach and Chantal is fine with that but she is not wanting to be a part of it (the team). Mike and some of the others are growing weary with Chantal’s antics. Chantal is destroying her body, pushing to come in first day after day. I can see the psychology behind having to be first and what it means to her, but if she puts that in everyone’s face she will be endanger of being voted off. From a trainer’s perspective I am worried about her hurting herself and not being able to continue and I am also worried about her bringing down the team by her having to be first at all cost. Many of the marches are deciding to go back to help the slower walkers. Our stronger walkers are completing the walks at a blazing pace and then walking sometimes up to 5 miles back to help Will or Anthony finish. That is amazing. That is true team work. The team is not going to give up on anyone, even if they have given up on themselves. I like to think they learned that from Lorrie and I.
This Stage was challenging for a lot of reasons. Terrain was hellacious; the weather showed some mercy but was still brutal at times. The amount of miles we were walking and the speed we walked was incredibly fatiguing. And if this wasn’t e big enough lesson to learn, we added a bit more. Half way through this stage Lorrie and I called in for Pizza and Wings for dinner. The marchers have had no decision in what to eat for almost a month and this night we are going to see will power… or not. Nutritious choices were available but no limits were put on the marchers. They were allowed to eat however their big hearts desired.
I was amazed to see what happened. Most everyone ate very well. A piece of fish, a little rice and some broccoli. But of course Big Will went straight for the Wings and Pizza. At first glance my heart sunk as I saw a major mistake playing out right in front of me. Lorrie got very firm with Will. Many of the team joined in and put their two cents in as well. I laid back just to observe the entire dinner…and this was my take. I was proud of Will. 4 weeks ago he would have plowed that pizza over. But tonight, instead of the fish, Will had one piece of pizza and a few wings on his plate. Then Will cuts his slice of pizza in half and shared it with Chantal, I think he even gave her a couple of his wings. What I tell you next may never happen again, but I found myself sticking up for the once competitive eater. I congratulated him for his portion control and restraint. I agree with the team that he is not getting the same amount of nutrition as the rest of them need for the next day’s walk, but he did well in what I call “damage control”. One big step for the team… One giant step for BIG WILL.
The marchers are starting to become very close with each other. As they are getting more and more comfortable some of the pleasantries, that I would call manors, have dissipated into the past. In other words, the honey moon is over. The great thing about this is the marchers are starting to become more themselves. They are becoming more and more vulnerable with one another and this is really helping them to take a good look and evaluate each others shortcomings. Not to judge each other but to try and help each other face some personal areas that may need improving. The inherent problem with this is people often get their feeling hurt when someone shares something in a harsh or unloving way. As we all got close tempers also flared a little more. Why are we always so coarse with the people we are closest to. This stage proved to be the hardest adjustment when it came to personality. During the first two weeks many of the marchers just turned the other cheek when they were offended. Now the layers are starting to be peeled away and what you are left with is raw and real. If the group makes it through this adjustment they can make it to DC.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
EPISODE 1 - THE WEIGH-IN AND VOTE-OFF
Today we are going to Gillette Castle. It is so beautiful. The weather is perfect...maybe a little on the chilly side, but still the warmest day we have had in a while. Also the first weigh-in means no walking today. That is a big deal for me because I missed the Cranberry Challenge because Anthony needed help catching up. Which he did… Hooorrah!!! There is a huge excitement in the air and also a cloud of anxiety. The excitement is due to the hard work that is going to manifest itself into pounds lost when the marchers step on the scale. The cloud of anxiety is because the marchers are torn with a decision to go back and make up Shane’s miles or vote him off. Today is the epitome of bitter sweet. Well let the games begin.
The weigh in went great. Everyone was fairly pleased with their weight loss. I was amazed by some and felt like a few others need to step up to the plate… or should I say away from the plate. HA, HA. After the weigh-in, the celebration seemed to die down and transform into more of a morose ambience. I can’t help but think this heavy feeling that has taken over such a fantastic day has something to do with the vote off. We all tried to regroup after the weigh-in. We are trying to eat lunch and return to the castle this afternoon to see who goes and who stays. There is no doubt that everyone here is not equipped with enough information and behavioral growth to leave yet. More time is needed to help cultivate new behaviors and teach how to change the environment of the marchers at home so the environment at home is conducive to their new behaviors and weight loss.
The Marchers entered one by one and received a chalk board tablet that may be used to write a fellow marcher’s name down to vote them out of the march. Everyone was taking this very seriously. I could tell they were all contemplating Shane’s fate. My personal struggle was two-fold. I know that Shane could use more time to help learn about nutrition and exercise and lose additional weight, but I also needed Shane to stay because he was instrumental in helping me encourage the team. I felt like he and I had the same goal when it came to bringing hope for some of these that came here broken and hopeless. I wasn’t sure if the team dynamic would morph into something negative if we lost such a huge part of out team. But we were about to find out.
As the votes were turned over each marcher had a chance to explain their decision. Every time Shane’s name was shown on a tablet I felt as though I was being beat down. Literally beat down. Instantly I knew we had lost him. I don’t think viewers will understand the emotion and the incredible remorse that is experienced from losing Shane. We have only known him for two weeks. But try to understand this…for the last two weeks we have walked 65 miles, in torrential rain and freezing temperatures. Shane was with us 24/7 as we experienced sites and sounds in the deep woods of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The 12 marchers grow so close so fast because all of them were ripped out of their safe homely environments and thrown into this new experience trying to reinvent their every thought. They learned to depend on each other for encouragement, and learned to trust each other to the point of being completely vulnerable to each other. These circumstances bring people together very fast and to a very deep level.
As the tablets were turned over with Shane’s name, all of the marchers explained their reasoning for voting Shane out. The intense words echoed in my head even tonight as I recollect the day. The marchers felt like Shane was unable to continue. They felt as though they had to stop him from permanently injuring his feet. The exclaimed that money had nothing to do with their decision nor did the thought of having to re-walk all of his uncompleted miles. Everyone felt like this is what was best for Shane. I lay down tonight not blaming any of the team. I know they did what they felt was right for Shane and the team. I hate to lose anyone that has the will to continue. But maybe it is what is best so he can return home to heal and start his own Fat March. Perhaps Shane didn’t need us as much as we needed him. Shane is on his way home, and he will be sorely missed. DC is not a stopping point…it was to be a starting point for the rest of his life. He just gets to start a little sooner than the rest of us.
The weigh in went great. Everyone was fairly pleased with their weight loss. I was amazed by some and felt like a few others need to step up to the plate… or should I say away from the plate. HA, HA. After the weigh-in, the celebration seemed to die down and transform into more of a morose ambience. I can’t help but think this heavy feeling that has taken over such a fantastic day has something to do with the vote off. We all tried to regroup after the weigh-in. We are trying to eat lunch and return to the castle this afternoon to see who goes and who stays. There is no doubt that everyone here is not equipped with enough information and behavioral growth to leave yet. More time is needed to help cultivate new behaviors and teach how to change the environment of the marchers at home so the environment at home is conducive to their new behaviors and weight loss.
The Marchers entered one by one and received a chalk board tablet that may be used to write a fellow marcher’s name down to vote them out of the march. Everyone was taking this very seriously. I could tell they were all contemplating Shane’s fate. My personal struggle was two-fold. I know that Shane could use more time to help learn about nutrition and exercise and lose additional weight, but I also needed Shane to stay because he was instrumental in helping me encourage the team. I felt like he and I had the same goal when it came to bringing hope for some of these that came here broken and hopeless. I wasn’t sure if the team dynamic would morph into something negative if we lost such a huge part of out team. But we were about to find out.
As the votes were turned over each marcher had a chance to explain their decision. Every time Shane’s name was shown on a tablet I felt as though I was being beat down. Literally beat down. Instantly I knew we had lost him. I don’t think viewers will understand the emotion and the incredible remorse that is experienced from losing Shane. We have only known him for two weeks. But try to understand this…for the last two weeks we have walked 65 miles, in torrential rain and freezing temperatures. Shane was with us 24/7 as we experienced sites and sounds in the deep woods of Massachusetts and Connecticut. The 12 marchers grow so close so fast because all of them were ripped out of their safe homely environments and thrown into this new experience trying to reinvent their every thought. They learned to depend on each other for encouragement, and learned to trust each other to the point of being completely vulnerable to each other. These circumstances bring people together very fast and to a very deep level.
As the tablets were turned over with Shane’s name, all of the marchers explained their reasoning for voting Shane out. The intense words echoed in my head even tonight as I recollect the day. The marchers felt like Shane was unable to continue. They felt as though they had to stop him from permanently injuring his feet. The exclaimed that money had nothing to do with their decision nor did the thought of having to re-walk all of his uncompleted miles. Everyone felt like this is what was best for Shane. I lay down tonight not blaming any of the team. I know they did what they felt was right for Shane and the team. I hate to lose anyone that has the will to continue. But maybe it is what is best so he can return home to heal and start his own Fat March. Perhaps Shane didn’t need us as much as we needed him. Shane is on his way home, and he will be sorely missed. DC is not a stopping point…it was to be a starting point for the rest of his life. He just gets to start a little sooner than the rest of us.
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