A beautiful day for a hike!

Well, it's been a few weeks since I posted, and I hate that it's taken me that long, but my life has been crazy nuts. Work has been very busy, and I've been trying to stay on top of my exercise and health program.

Our team was worried about our official program ending for many reasons. We've grown so dependent on each other and the support we have provided each other, that we knew we'd struggle some adjusting back to our "normal lives." Our group has been determined to stay together as much as possible, and continue to support each other on our weight loss journeys.

Another concern some of us had was not having the free access to the gym we had during our training. That's been a huge adjustment for me, and I've spent the last week exploring different non-gym workouts that are easy after work. So far I've walked a lot, I bought a jump rope, and I danced with our Xbox Kinect to Dance Central 2. Some of us are exploring affordable options to join a gym, so if you have any great discount connections to a local gym (preferably with group classes and a pool) let me know!

Our team has also come up with a schedule of sorts to try to keep us on track! We would like to include any of our friends and family who are wanting to get more active to join us for any of our meet ups. On the walking days -- there are usually a few runners in our group, but most of us (including me) walk. We know, especially with the summer approaching, that we won't all be able to make every Saturday or Sunday, every week...but we knew we needed some structure to keep us in line! There's also a few local races some of us are considering, if you're interested!

2012 Biggest Winner Tentative Schedule of Meet-ups

Sunday, April 15: Melody’s week! Hike White Oak Sinks in the Great Smoky Mountains. Melody has done this hike before, and it takes about 3 hours to complete. The hike is described as a “wildflower” hike with lots to see! The trail is near Tremont in the Great Smoky Mountains.  

Saturday, April 21, 9:30 a.m.: Arielle’s Day! West Side YMCA. This is down the “hill of death” from New Balance and The Health Shoppe.

Optional: Saturday, April 28, 8 a.m.: Dogwood Classic 5K   Register at: http://www.ktc.org/RaceDogwood.html

Sunday, April 29, Time TBD: Darla’s Day! House Mountain Hike!

Saturday, May 5, 10 a.m.:  LeeAnn’s Day! Tommy Schumpert Park (6400 Fountain City Road, 37918).

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.: Edee’s Day! Ijams Greenway.

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m.: Mike’s Day! Greenbelt Maryville/Alcoa. Meet at Old Courthouse.

Saturday, May 26, 8 a.m.: KTC EXPO 10K/5K  Register at: http://www.ktc.org/RaceExpo.html

Tuesday, July 3, 9 p.m.: Pilot Fireball Classic 5K Register here: http://www.ktc.org/RaceFireball.html

Saturday, July 21, 7:30 a.m.: Carter Mill 10K This race ends at a pool! Register here: http://www.ktc.org/RaceCarterMill.html

Today was a beautiful day to be in the Great Smoky Mountains. Casey & I headed to White Oak Sinks with teammates Melody, LeeAnn, and Darla. We had a gorgeous 3 hour adventure complete with water fall, and a bat cave (no bat mobile, though).

The hike was full of beautiful wildflowers! 

I'll try not to take so long between posts from now on ... just trying to adjust to post-weight loss competition life. Still trying to continue building a healthy lifestyle, and I appreciate everyone's support! Feel free to join us for a walk or a hike sometime!