The purpose of this challenge is to increase physical fitness - while avoiding injury - over the course of eight weeks. This is a special thread dedicated to support members of the Triple Digits Club, women and men who are (or were) looking to lose 100+ lbs. Our challenge officially starts June 7th and ends August 2nd, 2004.

Set yourself up for success!
Make a contract with yourself ~ commit to making fitness a priority in your life for the next two months. Also consider promising that you’ll check-in with this thread on a regular basis.

Not everyone who starts a challenge, finishes it. I've asked a few people about their decision to drop out; the common denominator is unrealistic expectations. When they couldn't keep up with their goal, it became embarrassing to come back to the thread and report failure.

Know that we are here to support each other 100%. No judgment. This is a safe place to share the triumphs, troubles and everyday trials of making physical fitness a priority.

Goals
By setting sharp, clearly defined goals, you can measure and take pride in the achievement of those goals. You can see forward progress in what might previously have seemed a long pointless grind. By setting goals, you will also raise your self-confidence, as you recognize your ability and competence in achieving the goals that you have set. The process of achieving goals and seeing this achievement gives you confidence that you will be able to achieve higher and more difficult goals.

Daily Goal Reminders
Once you determine your goals, print them out and stick "goal reminders" around the house, in your car or wherever you will see them the most. This will keep you motivated to achieve and not forget your own dreams! {from Oprah’s website}

I set high long term and low short term goals. As often as possible, I want to make sure I do what I say I will. So be realistic, make your goals attainable. Challenge yourself, but don’t set yourself up for failure by promising more than you know you can do.

The Alien Abduction Clause
Many of us have broken promises we’ve made to ourselves. Often we expect too much too soon. Sometimes, however, life throws us a curve ball. Be flexible when things happen outside of your control.

Should you find yourself beamed aboard a flying saucer, don’t stress that you didn’t get your workout in. Natural disasters, illness, injury, severe trauma, etc., fall into the same category. Just get back to your activity as soon as things calm down.

Extra Credit
This segment is purely optional, of course. But it's a good way to deepen the experience of the Challenge, an opportunity to share insight and get to know one another a little.

Mary suggested Oprah’s Get With The Program website to get ideas for journal questions. I’ll include one each week for us to ponder. They won’t only be in regards to exercise, but will encompass weight loss, emotional eating, conquering fears, etc.

Guest Contributors
In addition, this time around we’ll have some exercise veterans who will share their experiences with various types of movement. None of them would probably call themselves experts, but they are willing to share their knowledge. We’ve had some volunteers from previous challenges who are willing to tell their stories, and I’ve collected more from other sources that specialize in fitness for larger folks. Feel free to ask questions or share your own experiences so we can all learn from each other.

TDC Fitness Challenge Official Graphics
We’re very lucky to have graphics provided by a very talented Marebear! Mary created seven different logos you may want to add to your signature line … Choose your favorite!


Basic instructions for adding a graphic
1) Copy the address
Go to the picture you like; underneath you’ll see the web address; highlight it. While your pointer is still on the text, right click the mouse and choose ‘copy’.

2) Click ‘User CP’ near the top left of this page

3) Click ‘Edit Signature’

4) Insert the web address of your favorite image
Go to the main posting area and click to bring your curser into the main posting area; right click the mouse and choose ‘paste’.

5) Highlight text and click on the Image Formatting button
The Image Formatting button is yellow and looks like a mountain and sun.

6) You should now see something like this:

[IMG]the web address you chose[/IMG]

---> Make sure there are no blank spaces

7) Click ‘Preview Signature’ to see if it looks right to you.

8) Click ‘Save Signature’ if you’re happy with the results.


That should be it! If you have any problems, please don’t hesitate to PM me or leave a message here.