If you’re like us, you’re probably amazed at the transformations The Biggest Loser Contestants undergo by season’s end.  Just how do past BL contestants keep the weight off once they leave the ranch? They run marathons…the BOSTON marathon that is!

Ask anyone who’s ever run a 5K, let alone a full marathon, and they’ll tell you how important it is to have a good training program in place.  A combination of cross-training, stretching and of course, long runs will get even a beginning runner across the finish line. What runners might not tell you is how important protein is when training for an endurance event.  Protein is needed for the repair of broken down muscle caused during high endurance events like marathons. The Biggest Loser Protein is loaded with the Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) the key amino acids which fuel intense training and are vital to recovery.

With the help of The Biggest Loser Protein, Patrick House and Adam Hurtado crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon like the true champions they are. We recently caught up with Patrick and Adam, who just so happen to be among our favorite The Biggest Losers from Season 10.  Here’s how they trained, fueled up with Biggest Loser Protein and completed one of the toughest marathons in the country:

1.  A year ago, would you have ever imagined you would be running a marathon?  

Patrick:  No way.  If you would have told me a year ago I would be running the 2011 Boston Marathon, I would have pulled a stomach muscle laughing.

Adam: Never in my wildest dreams!

2.  Which did you find more physically challenging:  A typical training session on the Ranch or running the  Boston Marathon?

Patrick: I would say the Boston Marathon simply because of the time frame of doing the marathon as compared to a Ranch workout.  Ranch workouts were usually about 3 hours.  The marathon is 4-5 hours or more.

Adam:  Tough question but my hat is off to the Boston Marathon. It was a true mental challenge.

3.  How did you prepare for the Boston Marathon?

Patrick:  I prepared for the Boston Marathon by running 3 days a week, different distances and paces, and doing one long run a week, building up gradually to a 18 mile run 2 weeks before the marathon.  Then I tapered down my training to get ready for the run.

Adam:  I prepared for Boston with a combination of running, spinning, weight training & yoga/stretching.

4.  What role did The Biggest Loser Protein play in your preparation for the marathon?

Patrick:  The Biggest loser Protein was really important to my training schedule.  I always ate a protein bar or made a shake after my runs to help refuel my body.

Adam:  I used The Biggest Loser Protein pre & post workout to stay fueled for my workouts as well as to repair my muscles after training.

5.   What was your time?  Where you satisfied with your time?

Patrick:  My time was 5:12:38, which is not blazing by any means, but it is 33 minutes faster than my Biggest Loser marathon time.  I improved and I am proud of that.  I am scheduled to run Boston again next year, with about 3 or 4 marathons between now and then.  Hopefully I will put up a better time next year and keep improving.

Adam:  My time was 6hrs & 42 seconds. I was extremely satisfied to have finished! It was a very humbling experience. I was honored to be able to run for the American Liver Foundation’s Run for Research Team.

6.  What advice would you give someone who is struggling with his/her weight and wants to make a change, but doesn’t know how?

Patrick:  I always say that you have to start small.  Make and set small goals for yourself and as you achieve them, your self confidence and self esteem will improve also.  Anyone can do what I have done.  They just have to draw their line in the dirt and say they are not going to live the same lifestyle they have been living. 

Adam:  I would recommend the resources that I turned to when returning home from The Biggest Loser Ranch. I relied on the support of my family, friends, and decided it was my time to change. Food journaling, no fast foods, no soda, and the addition of The Biggest Loser Protein to my diet kick started my weight loss journey.

7.  What was the best advice you’ve ever received with regards to your Biggest Loser Journey?

Patrick:  I remember Bob telling me early on that I didn’t gain 200 lbs overnight, and in the same sense, I am not going to lose 200 lbs overnight.  I knew losing weight was going to be hard, so I prepared myself mentally for that going into the journey.  I feel like I really made the most of my time.

Adam:  The best advice I’ve received was from my brother Ryan. He said, “To never stop believing in myself. Rest assured that your whole family is behind you & that we love you no matter what the outcome may be.” Ryan was my inspiration and motivation to get healthy like he had himself. 

8.   What fun and challenging events do you have planned in the near future?

Patrick:  I have a couple more marathons planned.  I want to run NYC Marathon.  I also am planning on trying to run the Cayman Island marathon in December.  My brother lives down there, so that should be a lot of fun. 

Adam:  I am cycling 100 miles this Sunday May 1st in LA to raise money for the American Diabetes Assoc. Also, I just signed up for the 2011 NYC Marathon! I’m hooked. Thank you The Biggest Loser Protein for properly fueling my demanding nutritional needs! I appreciate all of your support.

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Here are five reasons why cross training needs to be part of your 5K training schedule:

1. You’ll improve your cardiovascular fitness, your chance of injury, balance out all of your muscle groups, while improving athletic performance

2. Ask runners to name one benefit of cross-training, most of them will tell you injury prevention. Injury prevention is by far the most widely recognized benefit of cross-training among runners, but it’s hardly the only one

3. Cross training can enhance a runner’s ability. By increasing a runner’s power, you can  lengthen of your run without getting fatigued 

4. Cross training creates a balance within our muscle groups and gives us stability and flexibility that can enhance our overall performance and training.

5. Cross training helps you avoid running burnout

CROSS TRAINING IS FUN!
No matter how much passion you have for running, if you do it often enough or run the same route, it will become boring.

 Most humans crave variety and get turned off by monotonous exercise routines. Cross-training helps you maintain your enthusiasm for running, making it possible to train harder and more consistently and ultimately to perform better in races.

WHAT IS CROSS TRAINING?

Cross training includes cycling, spinning classes, weight lifting, swimming, elliptical machines and yoga, just to name a few.

Cycling – It’s easy on the joints, strengthens your legs, & builds endurance

Weight lifting – Builds strength, develops legs muscles so they perform better for running

Swimming – It’s a great overall muscle toner, and strengthens your lungs

Elliptical – great for taking stress off the joints and getting your cardio in

 TWO HOT WAYS TO CROSS TRAIN:

If you’re looking to challenge yourself with something new, try TRX (www.fitnessanywhere.com).  Designed by a Navy SEAL as a go-anywhere workout, TRX is a complete total-body training tool that helps athletes and fitness enthusiasts take their performance to the next level. The TRX Suspension Trainer is built around a set of nylon straps that create resistance from two sources: your body weight and gravity.

Need another great cross-training option? Take a Kettle Bell Class (www.kettlebelltraining.net), now offered at many gyms across the country. Kettle Bell workouts are the ultimate in cutting edge strength training. Cast iron bells are used to develop the correct blend of strength with flexibility for maximum fat burning and muscular endurance. Kettle Bells will shred your mid section, tone your legs and strengthen your back while pushing your cardio capacity to the limit. 

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Did you know? Many running injuries happen because muscles are not properly stretched before OR after running. If you don’t stretch, not only could you get hurt, chances are you most likely will. Along with following a sensible training schedule and choosing the right shoes, stretching is the most important thing a runner can do. You’ll find that the benefits of stretching include reduced muscle soreness and better performance.

Before you run your body is cold and your muscles are short and tight. This is the reason why the first 20 minutes of your runs are the most difficult (if you haven’t warmed up). Without preparing your body for a run – by stretching – you are asking for an injury.

Too many runners are perfectly able to squeeze in many hours of running every week but they never seem to have the time to stretch. Not even for five or ten minutes before or after. Find the time!
Now that you’re sold on stretching – be careful about how you stretch. Technique is important. Don’t bounce! Instead, gently ease into and out of each pose, holding for 20-30 seconds. Do each stretch two or three times until you feel considerably more limber than before. Remember to breathe!

Muscles must be stretched gradually. If a stretch is applied too quickly, the muscle responds with a strong contraction, increasing tension. If the stretch is applied slowly, however, this contraction reflex is avoided, muscle tension falls, and you may stretch the muscle further. The lesson here: stretch slowly and hold the stretch for 30 to 40 seconds.

Do not stretch beyond the point where you begin to feel tightness in the muscle. Do not push through muscle resistance, and never stretch to the point of discomfort or pain.

Build stretching into your regular schedule both before and after your daily run — it’s best to do your pre-run stretching after a gentle warmup run of five or ten minutes, since “warm” muscles stretch more easily.

Here are some of the most popular stretches for running. Repeat Each Stretch 3 to 4 times; Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds:

1. Wall Pushup #1
Stand about three feet from a wall, feet at shoulder width and flat on the ground. Put your hands on the wall with your arms straight for support. Lean your hips forward and bend your knees slightly to stretch your calves.

2. Wall Pushup #2
From the previous position, bend forward to lower your body to waist height. Bring one foot forward with your knee slightly bent. Lift the toes of the front foot to stretch the muscle under the calf. Stretch both legs.

3. Wall Pushup #3
Put your feet together, rocking back on your heels with your hands on the wall and your arms straight to form a jackknife with your body. This stretches your hips, shoulders, and lower back.

4. Back Scratch
Grab your elbow with the opposite hand and gently push the elbow up and across your body until your hand reaches down to “scratch” your back. Gently push on your elbow to guide your hand down your back as far as it will comfortably go, stretching your triceps and shoulders. Stretch both arms.

5. Hamstring Stretch
Lie down with one leg straight up in the air, the other bent with foot flat on the ground. Loop a towel over the arch of the lifted foot, and gently pull on the towel as you push against it with your foot. Push only to the point where your muscles contract. Stretch both legs.

6. Quadriceps Stretch
Kneel on your knees (without resting back on your heels). Lean back with your body erect and your arms to the side. Hold for 15 seconds.

7. Heel To Buttock
Stand on one foot, with one hand on a wall for balance. Hold the other foot with the opposite hand and raise the heel of the lifted foot to the buttocks (or as close as comfortably possible), stretching your quadriceps. Keep your body upright throughout. Change legs and repeat.

8. Hip & Lower Back Stretch
Sit on the ground with your legs crossed. Lift your right leg and cross it over the left, which should remain bent. Hug the right leg to your chest and twist the trunk of your body to look over your right shoulder. Change legs and repeat (i.e. looking over your left shoulder).

9. Iliotibial Band Stretch
Lie on your side with both legs bent in running position. Bring the bottom leg toward your chest and then bring the top one back toward your buttocks, so that the running position of your legs is exaggerated as possible. Hold for 30 seconds then flip sides and repeat.

10. Hamstring & Back Stretch
Lie on your back with your knees bent. Hug your shins to your chest to stretch your hamstrings and lower back.

11. Bridge
Lie on your back and, with your feet flat on the ground, lift your hips up until your body forms a flat plane. Repeat this one ten times for 30 seconds each to stretch your quads and lower back.

12. Groin Stretch
Seated, put the soles of your feet together. With your elbows on the inside of your knees, gradually lean forward and gently press your knees toward the ground.

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Maintenance. That has been quite a scary word since my finale last December. Everyone warned me about it, but I would always think to myself that it would be a whiz. Peace of cake! Truth be told, the daily struggles of maintenance are something that I believe I will deal with for the rest of my life. 

Like I’ve stated before, I went back to lifting weights soon after my finale. I hit the weights hard and put myself on a muscle building program with the help of ProteinBlitz’s 60g of protein per serving. I figured I would need all the calories I could get while building, so my eating got a little out of control. Now, it is nearly physiologically impossible to pack on a bunch of muscle without adding on a little fat as well. So for three months I bulked and bulked and bulked. I was working out a lot so I felt as though I needed those calories to add muscle, but I took in more than I could handle, so my weight jumped up more than I expected. It was kind of like a slap in the face when I stepped on the scale. 

I needed to change things up. For the last two months I have been in the cut phase of my program. I had to trim a little more than expected, but I knew it had to be done. I increased my cardio and actually added more protein shakes with the Protein Blitz while dropping my overall caloric intake. I’m proud to say I’ve actually dropped more than 15 pounds, but more importantly, I’ve packed on even more muscle than before. I’m two notches in on my belt, my pants are a lot looser, and I’m actually starting to see abs again! Who knew they would come back. 

I feel unbelievable right now. There are two weeks left until the next Biggest Loser finale and I will be the on stage correspondent for DietsInReview.com. I was almost dreading doing it in the shape I was in a couple months ago, but look forward to doing it in the shape that I am in now. I can’t wait to wow everyone with my new muscular frame. I pick things up and put them down! 

Note: Mark Pinhasovich received free product in exchange for his blog. 

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One of the great things about living in Utah is we have four beautiful seasons. However, I think we may be the only state to have two seasons in one week. We had frost and snow on Monday and today its going to be 80 degrees. Yesterday, as I sat at my daughters track meet watching my son eat a snow cone I couldn’t help be a little jealous (because I am trying to watch how much sugar I eat) that I was “enjoying,” plain water. Well, this morning as I was preparing for day two of the track meet I decided I could also have a frosty treat. I’m going to attempt to make a Lemonade Designer Whey Protein 2Go®  icee. Doesn’t sitting in the sun sipping frozen lemon aide sound wonderful! I love Biggest Loser Protein 2Go® Lemonade!

Enjoy your weekend

Burgandy

 Burgandy Keel received free product in exchange for her blog.

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Who’s making your decisions?

Have you ever felt out of control? Lately I tell you I feel like I’m not getting it all together as if I can’t get anything right. I was talking to a friend and we were talking about the different pressures we put on ourselves that are often unattainable and then we never get a chance to celebrate or be done or take a break. Lately I have felt as if a teenager has been making my decision’s and trust me when I say I wasn’t the most pleasant teenager. I was that “WHATEVER” teenager and that is how I’ve been feeling lately and honestly it’s not ok, not anymore.

I realized that at different points in my life when I have felt uncomfortable or alone or scared or nervous or sad or out of control or even just bored I have let that teenager inside me that wanted to be noticed make decisions for me or shall I say sabotage me. Well there is nothing I can do about my past but I can stop the cycle and do something different. I refuse to let my insecurities sabotage me.

I have been at this point in my life many times before and I’m sure I’ll be here many times again I just hope that each time I catch myself a little faster than the time before and as long as I do that I will continue to win. As I continued the conversation with my friend and tried to pinpoint why I might be sabotaging myself, I realized that I need some new goals, I need to break it done to basics!

I need to rest my weekly plans and get focused on some specific goals that I am achieving each and every week so I can feel proud of my accomplishments. I realized that a lot of my “whatever’s” as of lately is because I haven’t been feeling the greatest about my self, about my body. I have been feeling weak, out of control and soft. I realized that I was experiencing what probably many others are feeling at this time of year…. I’m dreading swimsuit season!!!! I don’t feel as strong as I have in recent years years so I took a look at that and to tell you the truth there were some obvious voids in my routine that will help me feel better with just the simplest of tweaks.

So my swimsuit ready routine is going to be focusing on building more muscle, I want to hit it hard and really start to see all the definition that I love again. When I am able to see the definition in my body I truly feel BEAUTIFUL, with that having my definition which is strength and confidence. There are some transitions in my life right now and I want to feel prepared to address them head on. Hit me up on the Biggest Loser Protein  FaceBook page and tell me what kind of strength training programs and ideas you have as well as any new shake recipes for summer protein shakes! I’m trying CrossFit and just bought the TRX system so I’ll let you know how it’s going.

Till next time,

Ali xo

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The month of May is filled with many reasons to celebrate from Mothers Day to Memorial Day..and my birthday somewhere in the middle! :)
 
This month I want to celebrate, give thanks to and honor someone very special in my life. The Biggest Loser show brought us together and through the magic of the casting process and a little help from the internet, a bond was created that holds strong to this day!
 
I met Joeinne after her brother, Captain Tom, had attended and received a “call back” interview for Season 10 of the Biggest Loser…I attended the same casting call and received a “call back” interview also.  The casting call turnout was huge-3000 people…just trying to put into perspective how amazing it was ! We stood maybe a dozen people away from each other in line that day but it wasn’t until after the casting call that we all met!
 
Through the social networking process and our love of all things Biggest Loser and the desire to become healthy, Joeinne and I met via the internet! Joeinne was on a crusade to help get her brother, Captain Tom, on the show since he was well over 300 lbs and heart disease runs in their family.
 
Over the next several months friendships blossomed, our families all got together …Captain Tom took us for a sail on his boat, an authentic Sternwheeler! With season 11 Biggest Loser casting call now fast approaching, Captain Tom and I decided to apply for a spot on the show as a team! Joeinne had recently lost 125 lbs and was doing well with maintaining her weight loss. She not only was rooting for her brother to get on the show but was rooting for me now, too..I often told her that she was our “cheerleader” !  She was and is so much more then that though, she once drove over 400 miles just to help me make my casting video! She was and is our rock through this whole process!
 
In the end when neither Captain Tom or I were selected for Season 11,  there was Joeinne once again encouraging us to stay strong. She feels that we can lose weight and get healthy on our own. Her positive energy never ends and is quite infectious as well!
 
Three months ago Captain Tom and I attended the Season 12 Biggest Loser casting call. Joeinne was helping to attend to every little detail and cheering us on as usual! Joeinne had been so focused on being there for both her brother and I that she hadn’t noticed that she had gained back 36 lbs!  She had once weighed 320 lbs and gotten down to 187.
 
Joeinne noticed she wasn’t feeling as energetic as usual, so she visited her Doctor for a check up. One month after the Season 12 Biggest Loser casting call, she found herself in Double Bypass Open Heart surgery to correct a severely clogged artery.  She had also suffered a mild heart attack as well.
 
Almost 6 weeks post surgery, Joeinne is healing and looking forward to getting back on track with eating healthy. She has begun walking to stay fit. 

I can’t think of a nicer person that I have ever met in my life as Joeinne. When my family and I visited Joeinne and Captain Tom in their hometown for the first time, it was as if we had stepped back in time to a story book fairy tale….it was enchanting and beautiful….just like Joeinne!

Sometimes we want to help others so much and in doing so, we lose sight of ourselves. Keeping ourselves in focus helps us to be able to keep doing what makes us happiest, like helping others.  I’m sending Joeinne a “get well/care package”…not flowers, not candy….but, something that will help her get healthy ….a basket of ‘Biggest Loser Protein Products!’  She knows it on the way and couldn’t be any more excited!
 
Have a wonderful May everyone! See you back here in June!
Stephenie

Stephenie received free product in return for her blog.

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Wow everybody! What an amazing journey its been since my time on The Biggest Loser! Between being a full time husband, a daddy to 3 amazing kids,  a full time pastor, and traveling the country telling my story to any and everybody, its hard to get the nutritional aspect on lock.  I love how The Biggest Loser Protein products keep me so in check with my nutritional goals!  A lot of people think that The Biggest Loser Protein Powder is a magical weight loss powder you add to some milk or some water but you would be wrong! It starts in your head! Having a great workout plan, a great nutritional plan and incorporating The Biggest Loser Protein is the right way to balance out your life! It is an amazing tool to help you on your weight loss or weight maintaining journey, however, your best tool is a having a great plan.  Remember to sit down and plan out your meal times and your snack times.  Also, remember to add some time  for working out or working up a sweat, and remember to add some you time in there to balance out the equation. I believe in you, believe in yourself.  I am currently in Owasso Oklahoma training for a few half marathons, some 5K’s and a 10K.  Its always good to work toward a goal.   So, be sure to set yourself a goal!

Do good work, find me on facebook and tell me all about your amazing lives with The Biggest Loser Protein.

Sean Algaier received free product in exchange for his blog.

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:  ”After an Intense work out, when I feel quenched and drained of energy I grab a packet of PROTEIN*2GO out of my gym bag and mix it with my water or when I work out at home I put 1-2 cups of ice in a blender add a packet of Lemon or Red Raspberry PROTEIN*2GO and blend it with 8oz. of water for a quick pick me up, and to help in the rebuilding process of my muscles! It’s a great refreshing Frosty!

Frado Dinten received Free product in exchnage for his blog.

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I don’t know what’s it’s like to not be overweight. I have lived my whole life on the sidelines, looking in, wishing I wasn’t overweight, wishing I was thin and fit.　 

I am a wife and a Foster Mom. I found out a few years ago I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. A condition that prevents me from conceiving a child. My Dr. has told me that if I lost weight my chances to have a child would improve. With the time clock ticking, I’m running the most important race of my life. I have resolved that no matter what it’s of the highest priority that I become healthy for myself and my family.　　
　
My story has a bit of an interesting twist…I am among the over 200,000 ‘hopefuls’ who dream of being on NBC’s Biggest Loser reality TV show! If you’re one of the Biggest Loser ‘Hopefuls’ too then this blog is specially made just for you! I share all of　the emotions from the excitement of going to the casting calls to the disappointment of watching　another season start with out you.
　
My journey to The Biggest Loser began 6 years ago. I made videos, went to casting calls, had call back interviews and appeared briefly on episode 1 season 10. Somewhere I decided that being on the show was my only hope. What I realized was that the hope was always inside of me…vying for a spot on the show brought out the competitor in me, awakened a fire in me…bottom line is that the Biggest Loser reminded me of a passion and a fire to fight for something…something that matters more then anything…so why give up because I wasn’t selected?…this time I didn’t give up…
　
I have lost 53 lbs on my own since last year. I have 120 to go.　
　
I currently weigh 248 lbs. I decided to celebrate my weight loss ‘Biggest Loser style’ and have a photo shoot to mark my progress…here is my ‘before’ or someone in the middle picture. I  am not embarrassed to post it because I know there will be an ‘after’ picture..and I can’t wait for that day to come! I love the inspiration I get from watching the show and never miss an episode! I’ll be a fan forever!　
　
I am also celebrating joining the ‘Biggest Loser Protein’ family! I am figuring out that ‘planning’ is key with  eight loss. I keep Biggest Loser Protein bars and Protein 2GO in my favorite flavor lemonade, in my purse and gym bag at all times. Winning the war on fat means arming yourself with the best defense possible…for me it’s gonna be Biggest loser Protein products.　　
　
My next Blog will be in May….have a happy and healthy April everyone! 　 

Note: Stephenie received free products for submitting her blog.

Posted in Stephanie, The Biggest Loser | 4 Comments