When I was told I got into the finals I was actually really surprised but totally delighted. I couldn't believe it. I never started the challenge with the end or the finals in my mind at all but to be part of the final 10 USN body makeover challengers was a brilliant experience.
So what happened? Well, after a journey up on the train with my fellow finalist and challenger friend Tarryn, we got to the NEC. It's HUGE!!! I had no idea how massive it was. We were greeted by Mel, the Body Makeover contact for USN UK who has supported us this whole time. It was so lovely to meet the other challengers as well and hear their stories. There were some impressive weight loss journeys. I was interviewed by a lovely gentleman on stage (yes, that was rather daunting but I don't actually mind public speaking) and talked about what made me start this and how I've maintained it.
We then hung out with the other challengers and had a look around the Expo. I've never seen anything like it! USN provided us lunch and we chatted to the USN athletes. I was really worried that they might be snooty to us, we were mere mortals after all! But they were all absolutely lovely and made us feel really welcome and congratulated us. Before I even knew it, the time had come and they were getting us up on stage to announce the winner. The winner? My friend Tarryn and her boyfriend Dominic! They were ecstatic, I was ecstatic for them! Tarryn had tears streaming down her face, shaking has she held her oversized cheque with a huge smile. It was so lovely to see her win and so happy. For her, it was absolute validation that she had done well, it was the exact boost she needed following injuries last year. It was then back to the hotel to get changed for the USN dinner/after party. We hung out with the USN staff, ate, drank and danced the night away! It was so much fun. I have to confess to being of the age where I normally only dance at weddings so it was a refreshing change to be able to boogie without nuptials being involved!
So what's with me? Have I kept up with the USN lifestyle? In short, yes, I have. I made a very clear commitment at the start to make this maintainable for life and I think I've cracked it. I go to the gym three to four times a week, I follow around 80/20 rule with my food and I don't deny anything that I really crave. I like a drink although I drink different things and if I have a heavy social week, I'll cut back the next week. It works.
Having said all this though, being around all the athletes at USN and the body expo did make me think I'd like to take my fitness to the next level. I don't know what that looks like yet but I'm going to set myself some new goals and go for it. I'm presently trying to convince a friend to do the challenge again with me as they want to lose weight and I've convinced them that the way forward is the USN body makeover challenge. I've not decided whether I'll just do it with them to support them or whether I'll actually enter again but either way, I'm sure I'll keep this up so watch this space!
I will post some photos really shortly.
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