Hi Kat! Thank you for your support! I am so thankful for the wonderful opportunity that the Lord has blessed us all with and the chance to meet. Keep focused on what we've learned and keep aiming for your goals. Hope you get to enjoy a lot more soccer this year!

Hi Kathryn! Sorry I didn't type earlier! It was so exciting to see you at the Edmond Boot camp! I finished my month and now I am doing the Mark's DIFY at home. I lost 5 lbs so far!!!! I voted for you for the final! I praise God for this opportunity!

tammie, i watched you the whole way. I thought you were going to give, but you didn't. You were honest about your frustrations and trials. I watched you beat yourself up and find grace for yourself. You did an awesome job. you got my vote.

You are doing great and from what my mom has told me - Your a great woman. I wish that you could all win. You all deserve it!

Just want you to know that the Lord is very proud of what your doing!

Wow! I can't believe the 40 days are over! I'm so excited to continue with this lifestyle change.

Participating in Spirit 105.3's 40 Day Health & Fitness Challenge has been such a blessing to me. It has done for me exactly what I was hoping it would. It put some things in place that have held me accountable -- and have now established a routine that I can live with, and continue to follow beyond this challenge. I have been amazed at how quickly I feel so much stronger and healthier. In total, I have lost 11 pounds and 9.5 inches -- and have resumed playing soccer and tennis.

I love that the 40 Day Health & Fitness Challenge came to a close as we moved into Lent -- providing for another 40 days of challenge for healthy eating and exercise. And when that is over, I know that I will continue onward -- as this has been a change that I won't lightly put aside.

I have also been so blessed with new friendships that have formed with the other ladies in this Challenge. I feel like we are all winners -- no matter the final outcome.

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. The journey of a lifetime begins with a single step. Thank You!!

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Wait for the LORD;be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." Take Courage 1 Peter 3:14

Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. Psalm 55:22

I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

Kat- I hope you and the kids are all feeling better! stay strong and healthy!!! PRaying for you

I had to miss boot camp again this morning. One of my daughters was throwing up in the middle of the night last night. The kids are out of school this week, but I had planned it out -- so I'd be able to attend. That was before she got sick.

Sick kids are definitely my biggest challenge. Something like this derails my best laid plans. I just need to figure out how to work around it and stay on the path to healthy living.

PSA 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Well... Still a bit sick, but I did manage to go to my boot camp workout yesterday. So, I am pleased that I "only" missed 1 workout. I had a fever mid week, and am past that -- but just feeling a bit weak. Thank you everyone for all your support and prayers as I try to stay strong in this 40 day challenge despite illness.

take care -- Kat.

Hi Kat! How are you feeling? Any better? Praying for you and hoping your back to yourself very soon. Katie

Get better Kat- rest and take care of yourself Praying for you

Ugh. I'm sick today. For the first time since starting the 40 Day Challenge, I will be missing my boot camp workout today. It makes me sad, but I still feel motivated and I know that I'll get right back to it as soon as I'm past the worst of this illness. Fever, chills, and body aches don't make for a great workout. Hope everyone else is still staying on track -- and I'll catch 'ya when I'm feeling better. Kat

Day 27:

Quite a busy weekend -- I am happy to be getting back to boot camp tomorrow morning. I did exceptionally well on Saturday at my cub scout's Blue and Gold Banquet (Pinewood Derby Race). There was sooo much food, chips, and desserts. There were sandwiches and fried chicken. I chose meatless minestrone soup and fresh vegies. A definite win.

Hope you all had a great weekend, too!

1 Thessalonians 5:14

And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

DAY 25:

It's been another great week. I'm really enjoying this challenge and getting more active. This week, I played soccer again on Thursday morning, as well as playing Tennis with my husband.

I was really excited to see LeiLani come out and workout at Boot Camp this week. LeiLani is one of the "top 8" ladies in the competition. Go LeiLani! You can do this!

My cub scouts have their pinewood derby race tomorrow -- so another big weekend ahead. :-)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Colossians 3:12
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

Day 22:

It's Frugal February! At least it is at our house. This is a first (maybe annual?) event for us. We're going to go through the whole month and spend only the absolute minimum we can. We're usually pretty frugal anyway, so this will be a challenge for us to see just how frugal we can go. I'm looking forward to it.

Meanwhile... the 40 day challenge is moving along into our 4th week. I can't believe it has been this long already. I've had a great Monday so far, with a great boot camp workout this morning. I bent my left hand ring finger back -- jammed it, so it is pretty stiff and sore today -- but nothing major.

I'm looking forward to attending the "Body by God" workshop put on by Millennium Valley Chiropractic tomorrow night. All four contenstants are carpooling down to Puyallup together. Should be fun.

"The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works." (Psalm 145:8)

Kat- have an awesome day with the family. Dessert sounds yummy! Thanks for all your support and encouragement. See you Tuesday

Kat, Sounds like you have had quite a busy week. Congrats on the 5-6 you have lost. You are doing great!!! Thanks for the encouragement! This past week was more of an off week for me but not by choice. Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday evening!! ~hugs~ Ginny

Day 21: We're wrapping up our week of rest (no boot camp except Monday this past week). I feel really good. I was able to play indoor soccer one day, go to a track with my kids one day, and go swimming yet another (in addition to at home workouts). So... my week off of boot camp didn't mean no exercise. But, I
did miss boot camp -- can't wait to get back!

Today is an extended family celebration for 1st quarter birthdays -- I am in charge of desserts :) so, in addition to the traditional birthday cake, I've made a healthier alternative. We're having Angel Food Cake with strawberries, blueberries and kiwi.

Hope you all have a great Sunday -- Blessings to you!

Kat

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Hi Matt Case!

Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, I love my New Balance 1010's! (Can you tell?!). They do make the workout easier and it's not my feet that are getting sore!

Funny thing... when I went to the New Balance store to be fitted for my new shoes, I learned that I have been buying the wrong size shoes! They told me that a large majority of Americans (something like 75%?) are buying the wrong size shoes, because they never get refitted. They just go into a store and ask for the same size they have been wearing. Over the years, our feet change shape and size. Because of my 2 twin pregnancies and all the weight gain, my feet are now 1.5 sizes larger than pre-pregnancy size. So... next time you get new shoes -- re-measure your feet! And get an expert to help with the fit -- like the guys at New Balance.

DAY 19:

Yes! I did go to indoor soccer yesterday! I am so thrilled that in just 2.5 weeks, I have already started living my life (in terms of health & fitness) they way I see it for the long term. You will remember that one of my goals was to eventually play soccer again. I'm doing it! I am so pleased at this unexpected result. I never knew I was only 2 weeks away from playing soccer. I thought I was so out of shape that it would take me months to get back to it. Well... I certainly wasn't at the top of my game. But, I was able to run. The ball didn't always go where I intended it to go when I kicked it, but that will come back with more practice. Hooray! I am sore today (knees, hips, back) -- but I plan to be back next Thursday. Please join me! (Woodinville Indoor Soccer women's drop in play on Thursdays -- they also have it Tuesdays - but I am in Bible Study those days).

I went to Olympus Spa after soccer yesterday -- that really helped with the sore muscles. I think it would be worse today if not for that!

Yesterday was my husband's birthday. We celebrated and I didn't eat cake. :) My eating is not perfect, though. I keep reminding myself that none of us are perfect -- and if I were always perfect in what I eat (only healthy foods), then I would probably not be succesful in the long run.

Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

Kat~ how was soccer? Have a great weekend

Hey Kathryn, Those New balance Shoes are pretty sweet looking! I bet they make your workouts better huh. Keep it up!!!

DAY 16:

We are in our "break" week for boot camp. Mark plans a break every so often in the workouts so that our bodies can rest and our workouts, when we resume, can be more effective. I'm really excited about this break because I plan to play a little indoor soccer! I used to play some drop in soccer in Woodinville on Thursday mornings -- so I will check to see if this is still happening, and if so -- I'm going to do it this Thursday! So happy that I have come that far in just a little over two weeks.

I used my first free meal certificate for Taco Time this weekend. The have a couple low calorie, low fat meals on the menu now. I tried the Southwest Chop Salad -- and it was really good. Thank you, Taco Time!

Matthew 6:25 (NAS)
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

Kathryn, thanks for sharing with us! I can't believe you have 2 sets of twins!! Your New Balance shoes look pretty cool! I love that you "showed them off" in the new video! This is such a fun program to follow along with and I love to come home and read updates from you gals!! Keep up the good work!

Thanks Kathryn, for your willingness to share your story... struggles and successes. It is so helpful for those of us out here working along side you. I love your choice of verses that you share. I am writing them down, and keeping them on my desk here at work. I would say"God Bless You!" but it is pretty clear that He already has. So, I'll say, Thanks, and have a great day!

DAY 14:

Sunday evening... and I am actually looking forward to boot camp tomorrow. Up until now, I have looked forward to boot camp in the sense that I know I am accomplishing something... but this is the first time that I am actually looking forward to the hard work. That is yet another vicotry in this 40 Day Challenge for me.

I am looking foward to a fresh start again tomorrow. This weekend, I've been off my 40 Day Challenge game a bit, and I need a "reset".

Thank you, everyone, for all your support.. It means a lot to me!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

Kat, So glad that the workout is going well for you .. I am excited to see what Sunday has to show for me !!! So glad that your hubby is finding time to be supportive even though he is busy ! That just goes to show that he believes in you !! Remember forward to VICTORY!!! ~hugs~

Day 12:

I had a fantastic workout today. I am really starting to feel GOOD physically. The scale isn't showing too much of a loss, but I FEEL slimmer and much stronger. I know that the scale will catch up as I continue to follow the food and exercise plans. After all, I can only put on so much muscle.

I'm really enjoying my Beth Moore Bible Study, "esther: it's tough being a woman". Beth is so insightful and brings out so much from scripture that I don't pick up on my own. As she walks us through it, it becomes so clear. Thank you, Lord, that she has followed her calling.

My husband is being so supportive of me in this 40 Day Challenge, despite being overloaded at work and struggling with stress. Any prayers you can add for him are much appreciated.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. (Psalm 27: 1, 3)

Kat- praying for you and hoping all the kids are well and your schedule is allowing you "YOU" time. 2 weeks down- 4 to go!!!

Hi Kat, You are an inspiration! Keep it up! Will we recognize you at our next book club meeting? Can't wait to see you and hear about it all in person.

Go Kat! I have been following along with you ladies!! It's so fun to read your entries every day and the tips have been encouraging! Keep up the good work, you have alot of listeners praying and supporting you!

Day 10:

Hey -- Thanks for the tip about brushing my teeth earlier, Ann. That's a great idea. I'll give it a try tonight.

Yesterday, I was almost unable to get my workout in -- such a busy day. Normally, when it got to be 9 pm with no workout, I would have given up. But, this time, I actually did my workout. :) It wasn't the ideal time, but I did get it in. Another success!

Today, a friend joined me at boot camp! I'm so happy to have my friend, Lisa, working out with me MWF at boot camp in Edmonds. I'd love to have more of you join me, too! Check out the AIM Fitness information here on Spirit's website for details on how you can join us, too!

After my workout today, I headed over to Olympus Spa. I was in need of some warmth on my sore muscules -- and Olympus really does a great job with heat.

Olympus Spa has several heated rooms at various temperatures. I started out in the 90 degree rock/reading room, where I relaxed and worked through my daily Bible Study (Beth Moore's Esther). Next, I moved over to the "Sand" room. This room is 140 degrees. The floor is sand, covered with a canvas mat. There are pillows for your head and the lights are dim. In the corner of the room, there is a machine putting out the sound of waves and surf. That is my favorite room. I close my eyes and imagine I'm on the beach in Hawaii.

Next, I cooled down a little bit in a 75 degree room with cedar/log siding -- it reminds me of a ski lodge -- makes me want to hit the slopes again.

Finally, I finished things off with a soak in the hot jetted pools. What a lovely time at Olympus Spa.

Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever.

Keep up the good work Kat! Try brushing your teeth earlier...sometimes that helps with the night snacking.

Day 8

My kids are home from school today (MLK Day), so I had to get up early in order to go to my boot camp workout. Normally I am dropping the kids at school on MWF and heading to class at 9am. Today, though, I was up at 5:45 and made it to a 6:30am class. I feel really good, and happy that I followed through with my plan to go to the early class. God is really giving me strength in this journey! But, exercise is a lot tougher early in the morning (at least for me!). I am so impressed with all you ladies that are getting up that early to do class. Way to go!

The scale has barely moved since starting -- so I'm a little discouraged about that, but hubby says I am probably converting fat to muscle -- and we'll see a difference in inches before we see pounds. Okay, I'll take that. :) I'm going to try not to weigh myself every day. That scale does notdefine me.

Today I am going to try to get out and play with my kids -- maybe we'll take a hike or something. Looks like the weather just might cooperate!

Hope you all are having success with whatever you are doing to get fit. We're gonna DO this!

Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, Lisa -- it is really a big help!

I go by both Kathryn and Kat -- thanks for asking! You can call me either one. :)

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Day 6

What a GREAT day today was! My sweet neighbor's mother-in-law watched my kids this morning so that I could go to the Spa and meet the other 3 ladies for a morning of relaxation and support. It was fantastic to meet them in person, learn about each other, and support each other in this adventure.

This afternoon, my mother came over to watch the kids while husband and I went out to a movie. We tried to see Avatar in 3D IMAX, but it was sold out... all day sold out. We'll try that another time, so we saw Leap Year instead. Cute movie, but pretty predictable. After the movie we stopped and picked up my New Balance Cross Trainer 855's. Wow, what an awesome pair of shoes! I can't wait to use them in my next workout. Thank you New Balance & Spirit 105.3!

Tonight the kids are dancing up a storm in the living room as I write this. Think I'll grab the video camera and do a little stealth recording. These are good times. It's been a long time since I've had a whole day for me.

I know that this is my time to make this happen. God has placed this challenge in my hands. I began a new Beth Moore bible study this week on Esther. In the introductory video, Beth says, "God is not going to fulfill your destiny without you." Not that this is my destiny... but maybe a mini-destiny. I feel that he wants me to do this -- and I plan to respond and see this to completion.

Perhaps this is your time to make healthy changes in your life. Rise to the challenge and come along on this 40 Day journey. We can do this together.

Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it." Ezra 10:4