My Fitness North 2 Finale
Wow, what a journey this has been these past two weeks! A journey to the heart, to the head, and to better health. After just two weeks here, I feel stronger and healthier inside and out. There is no question that I will be successful as I continue on the path to my goal. This is my time. The resolve is incredibly strong.
Today, our final day on the Fitness North campus at Surfside, we awoke early to weigh in and get our two weeks results. I lost 21 lbs in 12 days, plus some inches (forgot exact number) and lowered my % of body fat by a fairly significant margin. More importantly, I pushed myself to levels I didn’t think were possible and gained an inner strength and confidence that had been missing for some time.
Everyone in our group did extremely well on the hard numbers, but it is the journey itself and the fact that we have all pushed way past what we thought we were capable of that is of greatest significance. The knowledge I gained about the nutritional side of the equation is certainly worth noting, but even better, I leave knowing that if I follow the plan/path set out for me I will have guaranteed success in reaching my weight loss goals and likely in one year.
We spent the day just reflecting and relaxing and discussing re-entry into our “real lives.” The support and camaraderie is unbelievable in our Fitness North family. I am so excited to celebrate the completion of this part of the journey tonight with dinner out at Coho Cafe — where we get to have a glass of wine (yeah!) — and then tomorrow we all head back to reality. But for now, we are savoring the final day of Fitness North on campus experience. I am grateful to O’Neal and Sheryl, Leif and Jay and all of my FN #2 participants as well as all of you who have read the blog and commented, or sent cards, notes, emails of encouragement.
Thank you ALL for your support. I will do some reflecting in the days ahead before I close out this blog. I just had to email in the moment to share my initial results and express my gratitude for your support in this journey.
You are amazing! Thank you for your love and support.
YAY! Congratulations, Lori, on completing a successful and amazingly challenging two weeks. You sound great. I look forward to being a supportive friend and colleague as you work toward your goals in the months ahead. Perhaps every visit to the North Shore can entail a hike or snowshoe. I will be ready when you are. Have a wonderful dinner at the Coho, and enjoy that glass of wine. 🙂
Great job Schaef! I'm so proud of you but more importantly you sound like you are proud of yourself… and you should be! You've done a great thing for your life. You are one powerful woman. Look out world!
Lori, what an absolutely fabulous gift to yourself! Pushing your edges and holding yourself through all of it for the chance for a more balanced life. I am so proud to know you! Keep on keeping on. The trial is over and now it's about putting it all into practice to make a different life for yourself, one where you are in the center!
Blessings to you Sista!
Annie
Lor,
This is truly awesome! I'm so proud of you! Look what you've done.
I'm excited to see you and support you on the next phase. Congratulations on what you have accomplished.
This is hard to post on . . .that last note was from me, Jimbo.
Oh, Lori… you've done it! And you yourself have highlighted the greatest success! While the physical success is significant, and the gaining of specific knowledge to help sustain a healthy lifestyle is invaluable, you have “gained an inner strength and confidence that has been missing for some time”. In fact, I wonder if you've found an entirely NEW type of inner strength and confidence that you've never known before! I'm soooo happy for you, Lori! I can't wait to get together with you and experience your transformation in person! I know you have a whole new type of energy that you emit, and I want to experience it!!! Loving you!!!
lori,
you go girl! i am so glad you made it with success and a newfound determination. how wonderful.
reading your blog was insightful and made me hurt for you! keep it up and good luck. see you around!
wendy
Congrats, Schaef! So happy that you found the inner strength that we all knew you had. What a great Christmas present to yourself. ROAR!
Congratulations! I love how your summarized the over all strength you have gained from your experience. Can't wait to see you!
Marcia
Congrats! I cannot wait to hear about it.
Oh Schaef…..I am so happy for you!! I loved reading your blog today and I smiled in the knowledge that you have started a great journey to better health and fitness. It's wonderful. On a side note…I didn't do as well as you but it was a good two weeks full of careful watch on my part and thinking of you while I was on watch. I tried very hard to stay away form sugar as well. I even succeeded in avoiding the dessert table at our holiday party last Friday.
Welcome back to the real world. I know it will hard but you have your lions in the den to chat with when you need us. We will all be there for you!!
Lori – what better gift this holiday time of year, than to know that you did indeed take time for yourself and discovered once again, the real and wonderful Y-O-U.
Bravo.
Jeanne