Week #2--How Did You Do?

Is the challenge getting easier or getting harder?

I've found that parts are easier (the water) and parts are harder.

I could describe putting a Sonic tot in my mouth, looking at the clock, seeing it was 8:08, then shooting it out onto the table without chewing it; throwing a huge party here on Saturday night that began after the 8 pm deadline; or gorging myself on watermelon till 7:59. Instead, here's my exercise story of the week.

This has been the craziest, busiest week ever around here.  In case you haven't heard, my son Tucker got engaged Monday, and that small event sent my week into a spiral of no time and too many things to do. I went to bed early Friday night, fully planning to arise at 5:30, run a few miles then possibly go to yoga before my day got started.

At 1:35 am, I woke up and realized I didn't remember Ben checking in with us after seeing "Man of Steel."  I shot out of bed, ran to his room, saw his empty bed and quickly proceeded to freak-out stage.  I ran back to our room and called him.  He picked up after two rings, saying he had come home after I'd gone to bed and told Dad he was going to a 10 pm showing instead of the 8:45 showing.  He thought I knew. Just a small misunderstanding that kept me awake for the next hour, trying to still my thumping heart and racing mind.  That never happens to me--the not being able to sleep thing.

This sent my whole day out of kilter.  Around  3:15, I realized that if I didn't hop on the treadmill within 15 minutes, I wouldn't have time to complete my workout, so I abandoned my efforts to clean the yard for the party, threw on some workout clothes, and headed to the basement to run for 45 minutes.  I even added five extra minutes, just to be safe.

That experience right there is why being part of this challenge is good for me.  I would have easily ignored my run during any other crazy Saturday of my life.  But not this week!  Thanks for keeping me honest.

After reading everyone's comments about the weight points, I think we will follow the new rule--submit your weight points separate from your weekly challenge points.  They will count in the point tally during weeks five and eight.  The rest of the points will be used to break a tie in either category if one should arise.

So, for week #2, please list the following in the comments section:

1. Total points for your second week--including double points for exercise, up to 240 points total.
2. Total points for weight loss--number of pounds lost and if you maintained (or fell below) your lowest weight so far.
3. How did the bonus points for exercise change how you took the challenge this week?  We'd love to hear your stories.

After I receive point totals for week #2, I will post rankings, both in weight loss and in challenge points.  For those of you who haven't gotten as many points as you anticipated, remember this is an eight-week long challenge, and many people will start out strong and lag behind in the end.  Remember the prize is to the determined, not the fastest!

Next week:  Double points for 64 oz. of water every day.