My RTP Shredder Roundup

I just posted this in the comments on Adam's blog as instructed, but thought I'd post it here.

Being part of the RTP Group Shred was an amazing, experience.

I had no idea what to expect, was giddy with excitement, and, at first, a little nervous. But before Day One officially started, the nervousness subsided.

The Highs
The shredder roll call, reverse roll call and all of Adam's videos, the incredible bond between shredders, losing six pounds, getting kind comments daily from fellow shredders, and most importantly walking again.

The Lows
The photos. The process (which was time consuming) was not the hardest part, but actually seeing my pics on a regular basis and looking too closely for changes was really UN-FUN as I got into the second week. Staring at photos, for me, was like staring directly into the sun. The longer I did it, the less I could see. Take pics, post pics, spend your time eating clean (BIG component, super BIG component for me) shredding hard, and thinking big.

My Tips
• Take part in the Pre-Shred Excitement. It really gives you an extra jump on the good vibes and sets a tone for the entire shred.

• Give of thyself. Don't sit back and wait and expect people to read and comment on your blog. Get out there, read and post. You will feel more connected and more accountable. Plus, for me, there were some days when I was down, and reading good news on other people's blogs really lifted my spirits. I wouldn't have been invested in their good news if I didn't read every day.

• Did I mention to not stare at your photos?

• Fall in love with the process. Focus on your workouts, your eating, your blog, supporting your fellow shredders. Do not become overly focused on the results in your day to day. Set aside a set amount of time for you to check your progress (like weekly or in my case, the end of the shred) and fall in love with the shred. It will save you from getting too discouraged or if you turn a big result EARLY resting on your laurels.

If you are worried about whether or not you can do the shred, know you can. You cannot be in much worse physical shape than I was (I could not even walk or stand up without a walker). You do not need to be following the same program as everybody else, and you do not have to worry if it's the right time. There is always something you can do and you always have more to give than you think you do.

Invest in yourself. Take the plunge. I am very glad. I did. If you have any doubts or questions you post a comment and ask.