Wagon Jumpers - May 31 - June 6th, 2009 (Closed, Waiting List Available)

Welcome 

(If you are interested in being on the waiting list, please read below and e-mail me. We currently have 1 person on the waiting list.)

Welcome to the Wagon Jumpers weekly thread. We are a group of CC members who have identified that one of our main challenges with achieving our weight loss, maintenance or general health goals is consistency.

This thread is designed to encourage long term commitment to our goals by publicly declaring them and asking the other members of this thread to hold us accountable. The primary focus of wagon jumpers is not how much weight you have lost, or need to loose, but what you need to do on a daily basis to meet your long term goals. 

There are two rules for Wagon Jumpers:

1. All members must post once per week between Sunday and Friday.

2. All members must check the thread for members who have not posted by Saturday (a short list is posted on Thursday) or are on the MIA list on Sunday and send them a polite and positive message to stay involved in the group and on track with their goals. 

If you would like to be a member of this thread please see the guidelines below and send me a PM if you are still interested (there may be a waiting list).

Medium Size Group = Some Time Commitment

The original idea of Wagon Jumpers was to create a close community where participants could get to know each other and hopefully form virtual-life and perhaps even physical-life bonds to create a support network as they attempted long term weight loss.

We quickly discovered that this was impossible with an 'always open' group as there were too many people coming and going. For this reason the group is finding its optimum level is between 20 and 25 participants. 

A medium sized group means that we have an active thread that produces between 30 - 45 posts per week. Members do not need to read / respond to every post every week. I do notice that those who respond regularly do tend to keep their goals top of mind, and have a better chance to achieve them. I estimate the average time spent by an active member on Wagon Jumpers to be between 1-2 hours per week. 

If you are looking for an always open group  on CC there are several that operate by different weight criteria, similar motivational patterns etc... There are also many small groups that cap their numbers between 4-10 people to keep the group more intimate, and easier for members to keep up with. 

Interested in Joining?

General Guidelines for Joining

1. Are you a wagon jumper?

Do you know how to loose weight, you often have success but then you find yourself loosing interest in your plan, or sabotaging your plan. It's not the "how" to loose weight that is the problem, it's the "how" to stay motivated.

2. Do you have a long way to go?

This group is designed so that members can get to know each other and support each other. Ideally you are planning to be a CC member and part of this forum for at least 6 months or more to achieve your goals and hopefully stay in motivation for a further 6 months or more.

Yes. This is, a long term plan.

3. Do you have the time?

This is a medium sized group, the thread does move fairly quickly each week. If you do not have regular internet access this is likely not the group for you. 

Still interested?

Send Supersized a PM. (Please do not reply on the thread)

An overview will be sent to you, you will have a chance to ask questions and an invitation will be sent to you once a spot is open. 

Google Group

We have recently added a google group as an option for members, past members, and members on the waiting list. If you would like access to the google group (and are in one of the above categories) send a message to beaglesmuggler (at) roger.com with your username and e-mail address and I will add you to the google group.

Wagon Jumpers Participants

Year 1 - Week 4 Riders:

Supersized  (myself)

Week 52 Riders - CONGRATULATIONS ON 1 YEAR!!!!:

Msmeg1984

Defrog3

Week 48 Riders:

Wenchie58 - extended sick leave

Week 46 Riders:

Raven21 

Week 45 Riders:

Tiegurl

Week 42 Riders:

Kyashiis

Week 37 Riders:

Unlimitedana

Week 36 Riders - Congratulations on 9 Months!:

Nannygabber

Week 32 Riders - Congratulations on 8 Months!:

Lam7

Week 28 Riders - Congratulations on 7 Months!:

Cawilder

Week 27 Riders:

Figurethefat

Week 26 Riders:

Carryonandon

Week 25 Riders:

Constanza

Week 24 Riders - Congratulations on 6 Months!:

Germaica

Week 20 Riders:

Jessicaanne2001

Week 3 Riders:

Dovelette

Week 1 Riders:

Jnielsen006

New:

Merimeriqcontrary

Missing In Action:

Pelkeyjm

Missing In Action - 1 Week:

Thesilverstar121

Missing In Action - 2 Weeks:

Current Membership: 21

Current Waiting List: 1

Outstanding Wait List Invites: 0

12 Week CONSISTENCY GOALS

(as set w/o April 5th, 2009)

By June 27th, I will be...

Msmeg1984 - Maintenance: I will continue to eat less than 1800 cals/day on average New: Exercise at least 3x a week at least 9 of the 12 weeks.

Defrog3 - To continue eating healthfully for me and my little fetus, which means I need to stick to 2,000 balanced calories/day. My NEW goal is to start exercising regularly, meaning moving my butt in some fashion for 30 minutes, 3 days a week.

Cawilder - NEW: Attain a 30 / 30 / 40 food combo 80% of the time. MAINTENANCE: Running @ least 5 hours / week and 2X weight lifting. 

Unlimitedana - Maintenance goal: Eat 1550-1650 cals a day. New Goal Achieve the 40-40-20 at least two days per week.

Raven21 - 1. Exercise at least 3 x a week (maintenance) 2. Average daily calorie intake of 1450-1650 (new)

Figurethefat - For maintenance:  I will continue to complete a minimum of 1,500 exercise minutes per month.  New goal:  I will drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day.

Supersized - MAINTENANCE: Continue to eat at or below 2,000 cal/day average for at least 6 of 12 weeks, and never over 2,500 cal/day average. NEW: start going to the gym (again), and achieve at least 4 weeks where I attend the gym 3x/week. 

Lam7 - NEW GOAL:  Participate in our Navan Walking Club 10 Week Program (Tuesdays) starting April 21-June 26; as well as attend 6 "Spring into Spring" Interval Classes which will run on Thursday evenings starting April 9th, 2009. 

Constanza - (new) Eat an average of 1700 calories/day. (maintenance) Exercise at least twice weekly (calculated by average)

Thesilverstar121 - Excercising at least 3x a week.

Kyashiis - Maintenance goal:Exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes a day 5 days a week. New goal: I will zig-zag on my food intake consistently throughout the week and end up with an average daily calorie count of 1,200 cals. 

Nannygabber - Maintenance goal of doing NROLFW 3x per week with an allowance of two weeks slack for this 12-week session.

Pelkeyjm - Maintenance: Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes at least 3x per week. New Goal: Log ALL food on calorie count.

Previous Threads:

Wagon Jumpers - May 17 - 23rd, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - May 10 - 16th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - May 3 - 9th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 26 - May 2nd, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 19 - 25th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 12 - 18th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - April 5 - April 11th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 29 - April 4th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 22 - 28th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 15 - 21st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 8 - 14th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - March 1 - 7th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 22 - 28th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 15 - 21st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 8 - 14th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - February 1 - 7th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 25 - 31st, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 18 - 24th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 11 - 17th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - January 4 - 10th, 2009

Wagon Jumpers - December 28 - January 3rd, 2009

As always all members are encouraged to tag this thread so that it is easy to find.

Ditto. Julie that was a great article. Last night I laced up my runners and headed out to run a 5K up and down hill run (some flat in there too). This is the first time I had tried to run 5K outside (I'm not counting Tuesday, that was just sad since I was still feeling pretty sick) and instead of saying to myself, I think I can, I said I know I will and guess what, minus the 3 telephone pole lengths I did end up walking on the return trip I ran 5K in 35 minutes! I was so pleased with myself, I even had a little steam on the final stretch to kick it up a notch (just a tiny notch). I bounced down the drive way, my puppy came running up, seeming to congratulate me (of course this could all be in my head, but I'm sure he understands every word I say lol). Hubby gave me a high five and felt high as a kite all evening. Only problem was it was a little hard to get to sleep, which is why I should probably run in the morning when I can. I'm definitely motivated for my 5K fun run on Saturday. I'm going for one more run before the race today and taking tomorrow off as it is suggested to take the day before a race off.

Thanks again Julie!

Quick check-in...Thanks Sara and Carrie for the reminder.  The days just fly by so quickly.  I just wanted to let you know that I remain on track with my activity, I am so proud onto how well I have been focusing on ensuring that I get it in during the week.  With increased intervals. 

Sara, I will come back to comment on my last 8 months, thanks for the wishes!  I have just been so busy with my Mom...(post stroke survivor).   Will get back to the thread this evening or tomorrow afternoon, as I am certain I will get inspired with what you all had to say about what motivates you all.

Chat soon...Lee-Anne.

Hi all!

I'm here, but sadly not quite able to give as much time as I'd liek to reading and responding this week.  LSAT studying has taken over my life.  There's so much going on though!  I think I might actually hold over some of my comments to next week, when I'll have more time.  On motivation I'll have to think hard about what my signs are.  Usually I know my motivation is slipping when, well, I don't feel motivated!  Will ponder it some more.  On the basic check-in front, I've been doing alright.  Exercise is still right on, diet right off.  At least I'm consistent.  :)  More next week - stay well everyone!  - And welcome, Meri!

Thanks Julie (nannygabber).

When I say counteractions I do the opposite of what I meant. It's like balancing the positive and negative. If you say or do something negative, you look at the positive and evaluate it then aim for the positive.

I guess when I tell my self I don't want to exercise because I don't feel like. I have to ask myself why I don't feel like. Is it a good reason such as being sick or just being lazy? If I'm sick then I'm going to rest but if I'm being lazy, I just have to put on my stuff and get moving. How beneficial would it be for me to exercise versus not to exercise? How will I feel after exercising versus if I didn't at all? Just stuff like that. Weighing stuff out. Eventually when you finish weighing everything out. You make the best decision. Although you don't always make the best decision.

Hey All,

I am so excited that the article is having such a positive response again! I expected nothing less as it really IS a super motivating piece. I wish I'd have remembered it before now. However, karma always has perfect timing right? LOL!

Things are on track for me, both exercise and food, which I am not logging during this 12 weeks. Yet, I know I am doing fine because I am still eating the same things I was before when I was logging, and... I am still dropping lbs at about 1 per week.

I have great news! I don't know if I mentioned it or not, but BF has been away for about 4 weeks now. He was wanting to come home this weekend for my birthday, but his company won't permit him. SO... he bought my plane ticket to go there and see him in Philadelphia!! I would drive but it's about 9 hours one way, and I am sure with the heck of a deal we got on the ticket, that I'd spend way more on gas if I drove. I don't really like flying, but also, I won't be as exhausted as if I was driving it. I can just sleep on the planes... LOL! I am pretty excited, as you might imagine!

I leave out late Friday night, and will be back late Monday night. This goes along with his work schedule, and I'll check in here on Tuesday... if I'm not to tired! There is a gym at his Extended-Stay hotel, so that will be awesome, too!

Anyway, I hope you all have a Healthgain weekend. Warm wishes to all!
~Julie

Hello everyone!  I'm back and its a perfect time to talk about motivation.  I was doing so great, had lsot inches and a few pounds and then.....Memorial Day weekend came around.  I went on a full on eating binge and didnt even stop to think about working out.  Well, that didnt stop that weekend like I had planned it continues until now.  All the stress from packing up my classroom and being exhausted(thanks to a virus that has thrown my system for a loop) has really played a toll on my motivation.  School is out for the kids anyway and I plan on jumping right on the band wagon tomorrow.  Thanks to everyone who sent me lovely reminders and helped keep me motivated.

Thanks to Raven for contacting me and nudging me to get my thoughts down for the week.  I still don't have time.  It's after midnight here.  I had an 11 hour day (my usual Friday schedule) with a dental appointment before that...  I have been doing pretty good on my goals. 

I am so tired, and I want to go to bed, so I'll have to hold off a little longer on the homework.  However, very briefly, I can say I motivate myself often with the thought that "Tomorrow's another new day" that I can bounce back, hit it hard, get re-started or whatever I need to do to get back on track.

Welcome to the group Maria!!

Thanks Sarah and Carrie (Raven) for reminding me to check the thread this week. this week has been crazy busy - but with gardening of all things! :-) I trimmed an entire hedge myself in about 6 hours yesterday.

I've been doing only Ok on goals - lots more exercise, but worse eating... haha. However, I can see where my good food habits from before are helping  - especially concerning food portions and types of foods. So, in general, the eating hasn't been all too bad, either - just too much of it.

My biggest symptom that I'm going to be lacking in motivation is if I'm going through a big change - like being constantly busy to suddenly not having anything set to do. This is happened recently, since I graduated.

What can I do about this? Well, I need to find ways to make my self-imposed schedule seem more important. Maybe reward myself for getting out of bed at a certain hour. Maybe starting the day out at the gym would be good even. Then I can reward myself with a little relaxation time before jumping into the full-time job search on the PC. Man, once i get that PC open, it's downhill as far as getting out of the house is concerned! :-)

Thanks again nannygabber for that motivational article, I really enjoyed it.  Have fun in Philidelphia with your boyfriend, that sounds super exciting.

Weekly Topic: Motivation

What are the early signs you can pick up on in yourself when your motivation is sliding?

• I tell myself just a little of (bad food) will be okay. 
• I'm doing good today blah blah blah... 
• Or I keep putting off the things I know I need to do. (shop early, exercise at my originally planned time, etc.)
• Having said that, a lot of the time, I don't notice I am sliding until I've slid so far it's hard to get back on track. 
• I don't log my food or write my journal (helps keep me honest with myself).
• I let DH sway me to non-productive or counter productive behavior.

As soon as I notice the backsliding, I usually promise myself to get back on track later in the day/before midnight/the next day.  I have memos stuck to my desk/computer and posted in the kitchen to help remind me.  I also have an Excel document open on my desk most of the time with pages to refer to in my daily activities such as exercise patterns, recipes, goals for various groups, etc.  This helps me get back / stay on track most of the time.

I have studied about self-talk quite a bit, so I don't tend to tell myself negative things.  What challenges me is that DH couches almost everything he says in negative terms.

THIS THREAD IS CLOSED, PLEASE POST ON OUR NEW WEEKLY THREAD:

Wagon Jumpers - June 7 - 13th, 2009