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Swept Up in the Whirlwind and Loving It!

February 1, 2012 By 8 Comments

Allie & LauraWow! The past 48 hours seem like they slipped away so quickly. At the same time, it feels like days, not hours that the Mamavation Moms were announced. The past month went by so quickly between the campaign and the two week challenge. I have been so inspired by past Mamavation Moms and all the ladies in the Mamavation Sistahood. I am in shock that I made it to the finals—eventually I become a Mamavation Mom myself.

Before I get too far into this post, I want to say thank you to everyone that voted, that supported me, that showed me love, and those that may have thought this was a crazy idea but gave me their support anyway! I feel so blessed and loved. I promise to make you all proud and soak in every opportunity this affords me.

This is all so surreal and it is happening to me! Someone pinch me. I cannot believe it!

This week was busy, busy, busy! I managed to get all the workouts in I needed to, but the scale refused to budge yet again. That is okay though. It seems like every other week is my thing and I am completely okay with it, because inches are steadily disappearing from my waist, hips, thighs, arms, legs, and everywhere in between.

I am in the midst of marathon training. On top of the Mamavation workouts, I run 5 days a week, including one track workout where we do a different workout every week. Some weeks we do tempo runs. Some weeks we do relays. Other weeks, we do 400 meter repeats. On Saturdays, we do a long run. Every week the time on our feet increases by 20 minutes. The combination of the two workouts is exhilarating!

I do struggle getting it all done, however I am a lover-of-lists. I have been breaking everything down and getting it done, one step at a time. Somehow, it gets done! Sometimes, it gets done late. The important thing is that it does get done!

Here is the part I cringe to talk about. DUN! DUN! DUN! My stats and BEFORE pictures are below. This is my story today and I know I have to embrace it. It is my job to make this story different and more of the story I can be proud of. Until then, here is where I am starting:

Before Weight

Scale 02012012

You may not know me yet. In time, you will find that I am a dork and below I do not mind showing it.

Before Photos Week 1

Without further ado, here is my first Vlog—ever, I believe. I am not comfortable on camera yet and I am pretty sure it shows. Everything in good time.

Have a great week!

Filed Under: Featured, Longterm, Mamavation Moms Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Mamavation Mom – Week 1: Here We Go!

February 1, 2012 By 18 Comments

I wrote my first Mamavation post Monday night, after the announcement was made. I wanted to make sure that I got all of the feelings and emotions that I was feeling at the time. My vlog really shows you just how out of sorts and stunned I was. Anyway – here it is……

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh my.

I wanted to write this post before things settled down and before I lost the excitement of tonight!

First, for those that don’t know me……my name is Andrea. I am a wife of 13 1/2 years and a mother to 2 funny, smart, crazy kids.

I’ve been overweight for a very long time and a binge/emotional eater for almost as long as I can remember. I joined Mamavation in 2011 as I was going through a dark time in my life. I joke that Mamavation saved my life. Talking with some of the women on Mamavation changed my perspective and how I looked at me. It actually did save my life and I will forever be thankful.
I’ve wanted to be a part of the Mamavation Mom campaign since I joined. I am not a confrontational person nor do I compete with everything and everyone in my path….but I do love a challenge. I love being able to conquer something that I didn’t think I could do. My weight is one challenge I have yet to conquer.

And now I get to do it!

I am super excited to work with everyone and go through this journey. I am really excited for everyone to get to know me and follow my story. I really, really hope that I inspire someone who has a similar story to mine to take back control and start their own new chapter!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for me. I received an endless amount of love and best wishes. Thank you for making this possible for me!!

My stats were taken on Monday. I am looking forward to seeing these numbers go down!!

Starting weight:  261.4

Waist

43

Hips

48

Bust

43

Arm – rt

15

Arm – lf

15

Thigh – rt

25

Thigh – lf

26
 

And my scale picture. NOTE: It was taken tonight (Tuesday). I am also noting that I will need a pedicure very soon. lol

Week 1 scale picture
AND………my before pictures:

Before pic 1
Before pic 2
Ugh! I can’t wait to see how much I change.

Until next week!


 

Filed Under: Featured, Longterm, Mamavation Moms Tagged With: , , , , , ,

New and Improved Me Here I Come!

February 1, 2012 By 15 Comments

Me and Baybah

Today is day 1 of my Mamavation Mom journey.  I am exhausted, but could not be happier to be here.  Thank you to all of my friends and family that gave me the support and helped make this possible.  I promise to make you all proud. I also want to make my son proud and be a fit and healthy mom so I can be the best mom that I can be!

The first day of our journey was filled with lots of information and an outpouring of support!  Today we got our exercise plan that we will be doing for the first three weeks of the campaign.  After that they will be switching things up for us to keep things fresh and our bodies guessing.  Since everything is so new, we do not have our nutrition plans yet, but I am excited to hear what Alyssa from inspiredrd.com has planned for me!  I see a lot of wonderful healthy food in my future.

Here are my before photos.  I look forward to sharing with you a thinner and healthier me at the end of  my seven week journey!
Picnik collage

I also have my first vlog for the campaign to share with you.  Can you say tired?!

I would also like to thank Leah for this amazing opportunity and my Mamavation Mentors Shelley and Andrea who have already been such a big help!

Filed Under: Featured, Longterm, Mamavation Moms Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Vote for Mamavation Mom–Campaign #11

January 22, 2012 By 125 Comments

It has been exceptionally hard to choose Finalists for Mamavation this round because they were all so dedicated and have really shown what they are made of during the hazing and #2weekchallenge. I based my decisions on the following factors: (1) How they interacted with the community, (2) their hazing and #2weekchallenge participation, (3) recommendations on twitter & on this site, (4) Interviews, (5) their videos, and (6) their overall demeanor, i.e. do I think they will say “Thank you Bookieboo, can I have another?” FYI, this ain’t no Club Med…this is a BOOT CAMP.

For those of you who were not selected, I expect you to stick around to reapply next campaign in April. Sticking around really shows me your dedication and how this community means a lot to you. Don’t give up on us! We can still be your friends and support group!

So what happens now? VOTING…all week long. The voting officially ends 1/30 at 9pm EST and I announce just before 10pm EST during the Mamavation Twitter Launch Party.

Rules: You can only vote once, but you can vote for as many as you want within that vote. I allow all types of garnering votes, so please don’t whine about how people are getting votes. Yes, they can go on TV, radio, church, friends and all sorts of places to get support from others.  In my opinion, the more people they involve in this lifestyle change the better. It makes them less likely to walk away from it all. That is my evil plan. Mwahahahahaha.

After voting, make sure to RSVP to the Mamavation Twitter Party here. That is where your Finalist will be that night and you can support her the entire time by virtually holding her hand. (She will be nervous.)

Next you can send out this tweet to invite other people to join us for the fun,

Celebrate the 11th #Mamavation Boot Camp launch w/ @Bookieboo 1/30 from 8-10pm EST, http://bit.ly/wtZgJW

Good luck to all the Finalists! Take a deep breath….and go get some votes!

 

Filed Under: Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Mamavation Moms, Uncategorized

Who Do YOU Recommend As Mamavation Mom?

January 18, 2012 By 73 Comments

It’s that time again where I’m tasked with having to narrow down the Mamavation Applicants into the finalists list.  Mamavation Finalists are the women whom I hand select to go to round two–the voting week starts January 23rd . Two of those five women win the title of Mamavation Mom and start the bootcamp as everyone watches on January 30th.

This is a dilemma because although I know some of these women, others I do not. And it’s hard to tell on video what someone’s strengths are, which is why I’m asking you.

Do you know one (or more) of the applicants?  Have you seen her do something remarkable?  Can you tell a story that shows her determination?  Can you provide an anecdote that will give me added insight to her character?

GREAT!  Leave me a comment below telling me WHY you think your favorite applicant should make it to the finals.  Tell me a story or share her strengths.  Let me peak into the character traits that you think make her prime Mamavation Mom material!

PS: If you are visiting for the first time and like what you see, please “like” Mamavation on Facebook. You will find a widget to the right to help you with that. :)

Thanks ya’ll!

Filed Under: Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Mamavation Moms, Uncategorized

Mamavation Boot Camp Twitter Party Launch #11

January 8, 2012 By 432 Comments

Let’s PAR-TAY!

Come join us for a Twitter party launching the 11th Mamavation Mom Boot Camp. Party with us on January30th  from 5pm to 7pm PST (Mountain Standard Time: 6pm to 8pm, Central Standard Time: 7pm to 9pm, OR Eastern Standard Time: 8pm to 10pm). In the past 2 1/2 years we have been helping women, Mamavation Moms have lost over 433 lbs. This campaign has made a dramatic impact in the lives of families and will continue to do so as long as I have it my way.

During the twitter party, the next two Mamavation Moms will be announced and they will enter into my virtual healthy living boot camp for seven weeks. We will also have giveaway winners organized by @Resourcefulmom. Use hashtag #mamavation for the party. (You have to be present to win!)

Mamavation Moms are put though a 7-week healthy living bootcamp. The receive a professional nutritional plan created by Alysa Bajenaru, a fitness program created fitness professionals, and weekly coaching by Pete Cohen. This campaign then becomes about sharing their lives with the internet similar to a reality show.  Their lives become a virtual open book with twists and turns and real life challenges they must overcome. The purpose behind the campaign is to inspire moms all over the internet to live a healthier lifestyle and share those experiences with their families. The program is managed by @bookieboo, Leah Segedie, who has successfully gone morbidly obese to a healthy weight and kept it off. (Although now she is pregnant with a 3rd baby.)

Here are the details:

What the heck is a twitter party? Click here for answer to that question.

When: Monday, January 30th

Time: 8-10pm EST

Hashtag: #mamavation


Make sure to follow our wonderful guests:

Mamavation Creator, @bookieboo and @mamavation (alter ego), Leah Segedie
Mamavation Dietitian @InspiredRD, Alysa Bajenaru
Mamavation Graduate & Community Manager @Momma_oz
Mamavation Graduate @NcCarterFamily
Mamavation Graduate @mnmspecial
Mamavation Graduate @eclecticmommy
Mamavation Graduate @Notimemom
Mamavation Graduate @Christlikemommy
Mamavation Graduate @Aries_Mommy
Mamavation Graduate @Miacupcake
Mamavation Graduate @Stacieinatlanta
Mamavation Graduate @beeacutie2
Mamavation Graduate @ninemoremonths
Mamavation Cheerleader @fitcheerldr
Mamavation Cheerleader @fitmomtraining

Giveaway prizes (Comment for EACH entry)

You must be present to win
1. $100 Visa Gift Card (1 winner)
2. EA SPORTS Active 2 (value $80, 4 sets, 4 winners)
3. Omron Pedometers (4 winners)
4. Eco-Foil Prize packs (3 winners)
5. New Balance Shoes (4 winners)

(more to come…)

Ways to Enter: (Leave a comment for EACH entry)

1. Tweet about twitter party. (1 entry per tweet, 30 maximum entries, Only one entry per hour)

Celebrate the 11th #Mamavation Boot Camp launch w/ @Bookieboo 1/30 from 8-10pm EST, http://bit.ly/wtZgJW

2. Share this post on Facebook (1 entry per share, one per week only)
3. Join Bookieboo.com (5 entries, new members only)
4. Join the Mamavation Sistahood (10 entries, new members only)
5. Leave a comment on the Mamavation Facebook Fan Wall (1 entry)
6. Leave Leah Segedie a message on her Facebook Wall. (Yes, this is just to stroke my ego a bit.) (1 entry)
7. Give @Bookieboo Klout props (1 entry for each prop, no limit)
8. Add @Bookieboo to one of your personal lists on twitter (1 entry for each list)

Hit the linky if you are planning on joining us!

Filed Under: Featured, Leah's Posts, Longterm, Mamavation Moms, Twitter Parties

Final Countdown…

November 24, 2011 By 14 Comments

In a way this journey feels like it has been going on for a long time, but in other ways it feels like it has just begun.  I suppose it’s a little bit of both.  I have, and JD has, battled with weight since adolescence, however, our true success’ are just now beginning.  With the support of Alyssa we have opened the door to a balanced healthy diet.  Pete has provided us with the lense to change our viewpoint on eating, exercise, and weight loss.  Finally Mamavation has provided us with a dose of reality in that we aren’t the only families struggling to find balance in regards to our health.  I think food will always be a challenge for both of us.  Our guest this past Monday night on Mamavation TV, however, gave me a new way to look at it.  Instead of feeling like a failure for eating certain things, take note and pride in the things you pass up.  This thought process has worked wonders for JD.  Do you know how many times he talked about getting a soda and thought better of it.  He’s now giving himself a huge pat on the back for his success’.

This journey will continue and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.  In January we will run our first 5K, probably our last, but one thing crossed off the bucket list.  Now I’m determined to write it all down and take pride in the accomplishments we make each day.

This week was victorious. I finally got the key to success in my battle against fast food was to make realize that… Wait for it… I FEEL HORRIBLE when I eat it. I feel so much better keeping up with my steps and making my food at home. My home life and my work are also improving. Quite the turn around. Started at 205 down to 198 and no stopping anytime soon.   -JD

Weekly Weight Loss: Kelly: .4 lbs.  & JD: 1.2 lbs

Total Campaign 10 Weight Loss: JD 7 lbs. & Kelly 8.4 lbs.

Total Weight Loss: Kelly 14.6 lbs.

 

Thank You to our sponsors for this campaign:

EASPORTSActive and Omron Fitness.  Each one is playing a huge roll in our goal to get active and healthy.

Also a Huge Thank you to all the Coaches: Leah @BookieBoo, Alysa @InspiredRD, Pete @PeteCohen_, and Drill Sergeant Alarik @gruntstyle.

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And it Goes Like This

November 23, 2011 By 24 Comments

I started this campaign with a list and I am going to end it with a list.

10 things I learned about myself during Mamavation Couples Campaign 10

  1. Losing weight takes work but it makes it worth it.
  2. Having a clean house makes life easier.
  3. Thank goodness for editing my random ramblings.
  4. 60 minutes of my time equals 3 miles.
  5. I am the queen of Squat challenges.
  6. Social Media took up a lot of time that I never realized.
  7. Nursing a baby required a lot of sitting time for me.
  8. Back Fusion Surgery only made me stronger
  9. Food isn’t my only reason for living, haha.
  10. Support of my friends helped so much!

Before 10/10/2011

After 11/22/2011

I know I have said this before, but I honestly had given up. I had told Megan I would die young and I believed it. I feel positive I can do this. I have decided to resist shaving until I reach my goal weight or 185lbs. I’m hoping I make it soon because my face is itchy. I’ve lost 17lbs since Megan convinced me to be apart of this.

Before 10/10/2011

After 11/22/2011

Being a Mamavation Mom/Couple is something that I will never forget. I now know that it is always going to take work and being idle is only an opportunity to keep moving. I have lost a total since joining Mamavation…(drum roll)…38lbs (not counting baby pregnancy weight). During the past seven weeks I have lost 13lbs.

The next campaign will be opening to moms soon and if you are thinking about applying, I urge you to do it. Don’t just think about it because thinking doesn’t yield results. Get up, grab your pedometer and walk until you hit 10,000 steps. The sooner you do it the easier things are. Build your team of supporters. Announce that you want to make a lifestyle change.

I started this with a newborn and a back fusion. I wanted this, I needed this, and I did this!  You can too!!

Thank you to our sponsors EAS Sports Active and Omron Fitness
And Special thanks to Leah @BookieBoo, Alysa @InspiredRD, Pete @PeteCohn_, Drill Sergeant Alairk @gruntstyle, and all of you in the the Sistahood and those thinking of joining!

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Am I Ready?

November 22, 2011 By 27 Comments

WoW another campaign is coming to an end and this campaign feels alot different to me at the end than the last one because I knew I was still going to be in the spotlight for the interium and for this campaign. So this ending blog feels more serious than my last one. But this also a totally different campaign than #9.

Well to begin I lost 62 lbs this campaign which is fanfreakintastic but I was hoping for 8more lbs. My main goal was hitting the 50lb mark but I would have loved to kill it with 70lbs but I will get there it just will take a few more weeks and that is alright by me.

Start:              End:

  • Bust: 50.5            49
  • Waist: 48              46
  • Hips: 58                56
  • Arm: 15.5            14
  • Thighs: 28.5        26

Which is a total of 9.5 inches not too shabby if I say so myself…

 

 

David here… Wow, Campaign 10 is over pretty much. I will say its more work than I thought it would be, and can totally understand why Meaness (Meagan) stays tired sometimes and is constantly on the go go go. I’ve learned alot and can almost jumpsquat! These at home work outs are hard core let me tell ya.

Start:  End:

10lbs in 7 weeks!!!!

  • Bust 39.5      39
  • Waist39        37
  • hips 35.5      35
  • Arm 13.5     12.5

4 inches total pretty…

 

For any of you reading this who are pondering with the idea of applying for Mamavation Mom I have a few thoughts for you. Yes it is toally worth every minute of the process but first and foremost you have to give yourself fully over to the coaching staff and mentors. Seriously if YOU knew what to do then why are you over wieght?? Your way apparently isn’t working trust me they know their stuff and it works if you put the time and effort into it and listen, take it in and apply it to your life. Its more than just a 7 week process the campaign is really just the diving board and when you get to the end you need to be able to keep this going in your life. Is it hard? Is it time consuming.. Yes it is, You need to enlist help from your family and friends, because its alot of work but if you have a schedule to get things done it can work single moms, working moms, stay at home moms, You can do it. I wouldn’t change doing my time as a mamavation mom for anything I have learned so much and have met so many wonderful people who are now life long friends. Reach out be real because no one is perfect and we don’t expect you to be.

Stop thinking about it and GET TO IT!

HUGE Thank You to our Sponsors EASPORTSActive and Omron Fitness they are helping us with their awesome products to reach our fitness and weight loss goals

Also a Huge Thank you to our Coaches: Leah @BookieBoo, Alysa @InspiredRD, Pete @PeteCohn_, Drill Sergeant Alairk @gruntstyle, Shelly @Momma_Oz and all the Sistahood these results wouldn’t be happening without the support we recieve from you guys it is amazing what you do for us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart

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Home Stretch: What I’ve learned

November 17, 2011 By 8 Comments

Is it really week 6 already?  And not just week 6, the end of week 6.  Life has been so busy and I’m glad these past 6 weeks have been here to teach us that we can accomplish our goal.  Next week is final weigh in, which means pictures and measurements.  I am so excited to see how far we’ve come. I know for sure my clothes are fitting much better.

I’ve learned so much about myself.  I’m a planner, this I knew, I kind of get anxious with spontaneity.  Funny thing is when it came to eating I did the farthest thing from planning.  Kind of fly by the seat of your pants.   When my son was young I made homemade baby food and his meals were planned out, however, mom and dad often grabbed something quick and we rarely planned a home cooked meal.  Not only did it lead to some stress and weight, but inevitably it took a toll on our pocket book.  Buying day to day and eating out takes it’s toll.  Lots of food was wasted including mass amounts of fruits and veggies.  You’d be surprised that by planning out our meals we rarely have any wasted food.  We buy within our cooking means.

Next, I learned remembered, that I love walking.  I really do like to be outside and doing it with my son is so much fun!  Can I just say again how much I LOVE our new jogging stroller, thanks Kathi.

I’m looking forward to winter break, because all excuses will be taken away.  I won’t have the hectic schedule that keeps me away from home during days and nights.  I will have someone home to keep me accountable for my exercise and eating habits.
-JD

Weekly Weight Loss: Kelly: 1.2 lbs. & JD: .8 lbs

Total Campaign 10 Weight Loss: JD 5.8 lbs. & Kelly 8 lbs.

Total Weight Loss: Kelly 14.2 lbs.

Thank You to our sponsors for this campaign:

EASPORTSActive and Omron Fitness.  Each one is playing a huge roll in our goal to get active and healthy.

Also a Huge Thank you to all the Coaches: Leah @BookieBoo, Alysa @InspiredRD, Pete @PeteCohen_, and Drill Sergeant Alarik @gruntstyle.

Filed Under: Featured, Longterm, Mamavation Moms Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,