The Biggest Loser!! (I have a secret to tell you all...)

Okay, SO, did anyone watch The Biggest Loser last night? Ya know how they went to 7 different cities to weigh-in contestants? Well I went to the Boston taping! It took place back in May and it was SOOOO awesome!! I even got to see Jillian Michaels!!! I wanted to tell you all so badly because I know many of you watch TBL but I had to keep it a secret. Here are some pictures from the taping in May....

 Hanging out before the taping began, the whole thing took about 4 hours.

I tried to stay in the back of the crowd. As much as I like TBL, I felt like this event wasn't really for me. It was important for the people who were trying to lose weight/needing motivation be up in the front. There were people there of all shapes and sizes but I felt more comfortable in the back. There was 1 couple there that had to be close to 600 pounds each, it broke my heart, I hope they were able to make a positive change after experiencing the taping.

I was actually surprised at how pretty Jillian was in real life. Her body is slamming but I've never really been attracted to her face. In person I thought she was beautiful! She had the state police guarding her and whenever there was a break she would run back to her limo and wait inside. I was hoping she would interact with the crowd more. She seemed like more of a celebrity than a trainer. We also had to do a 20 minute workout by Jillian...I wasn't impressed. She made people do the same moves over and over for 20 minutes, moves that 300+ pound people should NOT be doing (i.e. 200 jumping jacks), all with ZERO safety cues. But people seemed to really enjoy it and I think a lot of people got the motivation they were looking for.

The 3 hopeful contestants

Getting ready for the step up challenge. The audience stepped along with the contestants as they made their way to 500 steps. It was fun screaming and cheering for them.

Some people were really out of shape and it was a hard/sad thing to witness.  Some people had to stop after only 50 steps. I just can't imagine not being able to step up and down, something that seems so simple/effortless to me was near impossible for so many people there, it was a real eye-opener.

Me and Fredo. It was awesome to see how excited the contestants were and to feel excited along with them. It was a little difficult to see their families, as they were all pretty emotional. Of course it was REALLY sad to see Elizabeth pass out, poor thing, my heart was hurting for her and her family, who were all there watching.

Me and Brendan. He said he ran the Boston Marathon before, but there was no mention of that on the show last night so I'm not sure if that's accurate. It was crazy, these 2 guys went from being average Joes to celebrities within 5 minutes.

The black team getting their shirts. We all got black shirts to wear too (see above pictures of me). Mark Kruger was the host and he did a great job! He and his brother Jay were on season 5 of TBL. Ryan and I know them both personally because they are in our running club. They are both wonderful people and AMAZING athletes!!! Mark is minutes away from a BQ. Both are running a couple marathons this fall and Mark and I are running the same 50 miler in November.

The black team heading off to the ranch. They had about 5 minutes to say goodbye to their families then off they went. (Jillian left immediately after the taping ended. In fact, she jumped into the car while it was still moving!)

I saw myself on TV last night 4 times. BUT it was so quick that you'd never know, lol. I paused the TV and took these pictures. I had my pink sunglasses on my head (we weren't allowed to actually wear them) so I was able to spot the bright pink in the sea of black, I'm pointing to myself and my friend Lindsey who went with me.

There's me and Lindsey again. (BTW, Lindsey is running the Disney Half marathon as her first half in January. She is the one I did Team in Training in honor of).

It was so exciting to attend the taping. I felt like I was surrounded by positive people who were making the first steps in achieving a healthier life, or people who had already lost tons of weight because of the show.  I wish the 2 (or is it 3 now?) Boston contestants as well as all the other contestants the best of luck. May they come to love and enjoy exercise and healthy eating as much as we all do!!!

A truly amazing and unique opportunity I will never forget!