After last year’s holiday season my fearless leader at work decided to start a Biggest Loser contest at the office — I was quick to jump on board! A decadent holiday season left me with unwanted pounds. I also had the Disney Princess Half Marathon to train for; that was all the motivation I needed. The rules were simple: $20 buy in, 6 weeks to lose the highest weight percentage, winner takes the entire pot.

Spite is a big motivator for me, always has been. When buzz around the office started to grow about this competition, some of my coworkers told me I wouldn’t win. According to them, I’m already petite & therefore would have a harder time losing weight…so they thought. I entered the contest armed with determination, a running regiment & with my eye on the prize.

The six weeks came & went, I managed to lose 9.6% of my body weight…and was the Biggest Loser!  I loved the motivation we all afforded each other & the results we achieved by leading healthy lifestyles. Now, several months since the last Biggest Loser: Office Edition challenge, we started it up again. This time, as the previous winner, I am not competiting for the pot — call me impartial Switzerland. I am coordinating the contest, sending out updates & motivating the contestants along the way in hopes of starting a tradition of the next winner leading the next one & so forth.

Now wait a minute, just because I’m not competing doesn’t mean I won’t be shedding some pounds. I haven’t been as strict with my running regiment as I have been in the past & there are a few pounds I’m wanting to shed. I’ve upped the ante in my nutrition (which you will see here in the coming weeks) & my running schedule. This weekend I’ll be running the Miracles & Miles 15K. Next weekend I’m running the Wine & Dine Half Marathon. I will admit: I’m very nervous about my second half marathon. I don’t feel nearly as prepared as the first time but I am determined to finish…even if I have to crawl pass the finish line.

Katie is currently training for a 15K (go girl!); I have a feeling there will be plenty of running talk & nutritional tips as we get ready for our races. Get ready to lace your running shoes, eat your protein & carbohydrates & be the Biggest Loser. In the best possible kind of way.