Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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!

30 comments:

Hannah said...

That is so awesome! What a neat experience for you!

Laura said...

So cool! We watched the whole show last night - hopefully it will help to motivate the people that need it! I am very impressed by Mark and his near BQ and him running the 50 miler.

Kayla said...

That is awesome that you were able to go to that! Sounds like fun!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

So neat that you got to experince the excitement of that. I pray it moves many to change their lifestyles. How great to show everyone that we are in it together whether you've got 300 to lose or you are working to maintain a healthy weight and habits, we are not on the journey alone.

Amanda said...

That sounds like a super experience. Like you I hope it energizes these people to do something good for themselves and their bodies.

I love the show and hate it at the same time. They trivialize training, fueling and nutrition for endurance athletes and don't explain just how much on course support these folks get. That's the one thing that truly boggles my mind. It's great to get people moving, but try to make it safer for those that haven't moved in years!

Anonymous said...

wow. way exciting! i could definitely see it being WAY inspiring being around such positivity

Kerrie said...

So cool! I TiVo'd it. Can't wait to watch!

Unknown said...

How fun, you know how much I admire your celebrity stalking...ex-presidents, etc. this taping looked really interesting and seemed so positive for everyone. GOsh, I THOUGHT I recognized you on the show with your pink sunglasses(ha, ha just kidding)!!
Happy WEdnesday!

Zaneta @ Runner's Luck said...

that's so cool! :D

Running and living said...

Ah, so fun!

Colleen said...

I have the show tivoed and will watch for you! That is soooooo cool :)

Mark and Jay went to my kid's school when they were little, and came back to talk there for a fitness night, they are great!

Now, I would never have expected you to support TBL...I thought you hated it??

Nicole said...

What an awesome experience! Jillian is sounding kind of lame though... boooo!

Teamarcia said...

How cool to see a taping! I had no idea TBL was on and watched DWTS. :(

misszippy said...

That sounds like so much fun--especially once you got to watch it and see yourself! Hmm, Jillian sounds a bit disappointing!

Marlene said...

Awesome!!! It was definitely hard to watch some of the people last night, and especially sad for those who didn't make it. I was happy when they showed previews for the season and indicated that they WILL get a shot at the ranch afterall! Thanks for sharing!

Denise said...

that's cool! altho, i'd like to see Bob, not Jillian. I can't support a trainer who is now selling her own supplement. I just think that's gross.

Jill said...

That is so cool, wow! Best of luck to all those contestants, I hope they find success!

J said...

Wow that is so cool! I still have to watch the season premiere! I DVR'd it so hopefully tonight I can sit down and watch it!

Katie A. said...

Very cool! I hope they all find the motivation they need to start getting healthy! When the girl in Boston passed out I totally cried for her - her story was so sad!
And I'm with Denise - no supplements Jill!

Aron said...

that is so exciting!!!!

Unknown said...

you are so funny with the pics pointing! I love it!

Jennifer said...

Great pic and kudos for you getting involved. I am not so sure about TBL, no doubt it has motivated many folks to get healthy but I heard some very disturbing things about how the contestants are treated off camera at the Ranch. Oh well, I guess it's all for the better!

RunToTheFinish said...

very very coool!!!!

Jennifer said...

Bethany- Thanks for the great comment on my blog, I love your "book". I have been wanting to email you to ask you some questions about your ultra training. My profile has my email contact. I see your contact is private. If it's OK I would be so happy if might consider emailing me so I could ask some questions! If not, no worries! Cheers!

ShutUpandRun said...

Wow so very cool that you got to be there. I am not surprised to hear about Jillian; she seemed so hands off. Thanks for giving us the insiders perspective...

Oz Runner said...

very cool...we're biggest loser fans but haven't seen this weeks episode yet, it's on the dvr..i'll have to watch for you...too bad about jillian, but i'm not too surprised...she's kind of lost my favor the last couple of seasons...

Mark said...

Yeah... I love TBL. I am not sure what my fascination with the show is. I think I like seeing people embarking on a more healthy lifestyle regiment. Although, my wife and I also love watching cooking shows—Top Chef, Master Chef, Iron Chef... anything with the word "chef" in the title really. What a strange dichotomy, no?

Keep on keeping on.

Katye said...

that is so much fun!

Stacie said...

I was finally able to watch it. It was fun trying to find you. What a great experience. I like Bob better anyway :)

Running Diva Mom said...

that's so freaking awesome!!!!! WOW!! What a cool experience!