Amy Thiele
Tropic Blue/Lime Team
I am a 39 year old registered nurse. I have two amazing kids. My beautiful daughter, Emma, is 13 years old and loves cheerleading. My son, Davis is 11 years old and loves football and is the class clown. I like to spend time with my family and friends, read, travel, and helping others. My husband, Jamee, is an outstanding chef, and we LOVE to spend time in the kitchen cooking. I am ready to get healthy and help others along the way.
Enjoy my blog
7/3/16-What a week it has been. It's been 24 hours since I crossed the finish line for the half-marathon. It was hard. I wanted to throw in the towel many times. Every muscle in my body hurt, but Beth wouldn't let me. She grabbed my hand with about 1/2 a mile to go and did not let go until we crossed. I was so happy and glad to be done afterwards. The weather was perfect, the food was great, and everyone finished. What a great day.
I was disappointed when I realized we were doing blind weigh ins until the finale. Now I have to wait to see if I have crossed over to ONEDERLAND. I still had extra credit, so I didn't lose enough to catch up. I am tired and ready for vacation. I will miss everyone in the program, but I hope to pick up where we left off when I return refreshed.
Thanks to everyone that has been a part of the program this season. You have helped me get my life on track.
6/26/16-Week 13-Another 3lbs down on the scale! I am so close to ONEDERLAND! I really hope this week is the week I conquer that goal, but if I don't, I know I have given it my all and it will come soon enough. This week, I finally had my "aha" moment. During extra credit, Rick had us climb the stairs with weights equivalent to what we have lost. Boy was that hard, but so eye opening. I had been carrying all of that weight on my body EVERY SINGLE DAY! I never want to go back to that. I was eager to do my second workout that night and I scheduled it in between cheer meetings, baseball games, and running kids places and I WANTED to work out! I believe that I will need to physically write on my calendar time for workouts after the program is over. I know I will never be perfect and I won't always want to workout, but I need to push myself to continue what I have learned.
I need to give a shout out to my husband. He is the best! He does everything he can to help me succeed. He gets it. He lost over 200 lbs and has kept it off for over 7 years. I am so proud of him. He works 2 jobs, runs my kids everywhere, participates in all my crazy ideas, and cheers me on every single day. I can't wait for all of his dreams to come true. He is an awesome chef and things are finally coming together. I look for great things to come.
I have mixed emotions about the program ending. I'm ready for rest, relaxation, and vacation on the beach. But I worry that I will falter and go back to bad habits. It gives me great comfort knowing that I can call my FWSW family for help to get back on track. I will miss the group workouts every morning. I will miss my fellow contestants and the alumni that came along to help us succeed. I will miss Rick and Tina and all of their knowledge and encouragement. I may even miss the extra love a bit. But I hope to return next season as an alumni to help the next group, like the alumni have done for me this season. I see big things in my future and I now have the energy and drive to go after them. I made it through Season 9 of FWSW! I can do anything!! Thank you all!!
Until next time....
6/19/16-Week 12 was hard. I had a really long day at work on Tuesday, working until 7pm and I never seemed to catch up on rest. I had a blast learning the dance routine on Wed. I have no rhythm, but not many of us did. We have some very funny contestants in our season. I laughed so hard. The run on Wed started out very hot and it was hard to breathe when running, then the rains came and we were drenched. The 10 mile run on Saturday started out good. Ashley and I ran the 1st mile before walking with our very supportive alumni, Beth cheering us on. As the miles increased, my hamstrings tightened up while walking. Tina and kaitlyn helped me complete the first loop and we're so great at keeping me going. It was so hard and I so wanted to quit, but I didn't and I finished!! I am feeling nervous about the program ending, but am really looking forward to my vacation which begins on July 14. Thanks to all.
Until next time.....
6/12/16-Week 11 started out great. I lost 4.2 lbs!!! Finally, a big number. I have lost 28 lbs total. That is a huge accomplishment for me. I am getting close to "ONEderland"!!! I have not been under 200lbs for over five years!! My clothes are starting to be too big, but I don't want to get anything new because I'm still losing. Plus, I don't have any extra time to go shopping, my husband is happy about that, lol. I'm starting to think more about what I will do after this is all over and have been talking to a few alumni about how they stay on track. It all comes down to planning and making sure you make this lifestyle a priority. In all the other weight loss programs I have done, I have never looked ahead, only stayed in the moment. I have a vacation to Florida coming up soon after FWSW is over!! I have been thinking ahead to how to get workouts in and meal planning. I know we will go to some great places to eat and I have looked at the menus and will decide before going what to have, instead of choosing when I get there. My husband and I can share things too. It's not all about the food anymore. It's about spending time with my family and enjoying life! The food will always be there. Thanks FWSW!,
Ran in my first 5K this week. Finished in 44 min. Not bad, only room for improvement. It was a fun experience. Ashley and I stuck together and finished together!
The run Saturday was brutal. I was not feeling it. It was HOT!!! Beth stuck with me and her hubby joined us. They made the run easier with their commentary. Never thought I would laugh while running, but these two are hilarious. Or maybe I was dehydrated!! Ha. Thanks guys!! Ashley did great. I do better in the beginning and she shows her strength at the end. Go girl!! My knees really bothered me this week, so I have been icing them and taking ibuprofen. Hopefully, they will feel better by Wednesday. The workouts are getting harder, but I am able to keep up most of the time. Those party trains though! Love you Tina!! Looking foreward to what Amber has planned this week. I'm sure it will be comical because I have NO dance coordination. Make sure you tune in! Haha.
Thanks to all alumni, Amanda, Jenny, Micheal, Lenny, Izzy, Mark, Sonja, no Rick & Tina. You are saving our lives for the better.. God bless.
Until next time....
6/5/16-I can't believe it's June already. Everyone said that the weeks would fly by and they sure have! I have learned and accomplished so much in this orogram, but I feel I have a long way to go. I just have to tell myself that this is a lifestyle change forever and not just a change for 15 short weeks. Many people have commented to me that they can't see a real difference with the weight loss. Normally, when this happens, I tend to slack off and I slowly begin to gain the weight back. Not this time, I have the support of everyone at FWSW to keep me in check even after the program is over. I love that! Thank you Rick and Tina!
This week went so fast. I really loved the workout on Tuesday with the stations. We kept moving the entire time and did different things with all the trainers! I was a bit intimidated by the challenge this week, but I planned for it and got it done Tuesday as my second workout. It certainly wasn't record time, but I did it on my own. Ambers basketball workout was cool. I learned another way to stay active without depending on the gym, and I'm sure my son would enjoy a little one on one with his old mom! The run went well. Cece stayed with Ashley and I and kept us on track, even though we did not think that we could. Thursday was my least favorite day. Usually, I like the pool workout, but this week I was not feeling it. I am not a strong swimmer and about half-way through my lap I would really struggle to breathe air instead of water. I inhaled and drank quite a bit of pool water this time. Lol.
I was nervous about the eight mile run on Saturday because I remembered how sore I was after 7 miles. My knees were killing me. I talked to Ashley earlier in the week about some stretches for my back which helped a lot. Foam rolling is amazing!! Gretchen from Summit PT watched me run a lap and gave me some recommendations to help my knees. Ashley and I were blessed to have alumni, Beth run with us and we had a plan to walk 5 minutes and run 7 minutes. We both felt we needed a longer recovery time in between running. Beth encouraged us to increase our run time by 30 seconds each time and reluctantly we did and by the end, we were walking 5 minutes and running 10 minutes!! I was surprised at how well we did and how good we felt afterwards. And I am happy to report that my knees feel just fine today. I guess it's a good idea to run on your whole foot and not just your toes! ;) And loved Beth's stories, they kept us entertained during our run!!
Looking forward to learning more this week and running in the Germanfest 5K on Wednesday.
Until next time...
5/29/16-WHEN YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL!! That is what happened last week and the scale showed big time. I only lost 0.8 lbs. I did not get 3 second workouts in and my meals were not planned out so I did not get my nutrition in like I should have. This week I did much better and got all my workouts in and planned my meals ahead. The run this week on Wednesday was HOT!! I just couldn't keep up the pace, but we did go almost 4 miles in an hour. Saturday's run was much better and Ashley and I stuck together and pushed each other to the end. We walked 4 minutes and ran 6 minutes the whole time. We definitely didn't want to, but we helped each other along. It's so much better to run with someone. THANK YOU ASHLEY!!! I completed the Jacobs Ladder challenge and it was tough. But I am proud of myself that I got it done. I am learning so much with this program and I can't wait to pay it forward when I am done. We have some big things coming up in our lives and I am so glad I will be healthy and ready to enjoy this time! THANKS TO YOU RICK AND TINA AND FWSW!!!!!
Until next time....
5/22/16-Another great weight loss of 3.4 lbs, for a total of 20.8!! It was a very hectic week for me. My kids last week of school meant final band concerts, baseball games, 8th grade graduation, and Confirmation. It was hard to fit everything in, but I did. I finished my run Thursday night at about 10pm. Eight weeks ago, I would have just said forget it and went to bed. I felt a bit scatter-brained and did not fit all my nutrition in each day, so that is something I need to work on. The run on Saturday was intense as it was the farthest we've gone at once. I was pooped afterward and can only imagine how tired, but relieved to be finished with the half-marathon. I can't believe it is over half way through the program. I have learned so much. Thanks to all!!
5/15/16-I had a great weight loss of 3.6 lbs, but I'm still behind so I earned extra credit, AGAIN!!! I was MAD, frustrated, and disappointed. So I went into Tuesday with a chip on my shoulder and having a little pity party for myself. It also sucks to be a girl with all these hormones floating around, lol. Tuesday night as I was on the stair stepper, Mama T set me straight by telling me that I was lucky and I see pts every day with obesity related health problems! Again, I must say Tina you are right. We only had extra credit with Rick for two days, but I decided to embrace the LOVE and cam early on Thursday and Friday. Thursday I started early in the pool and Friday I had a date with Jacob. Haha. I really enjoyed Friday's workout and felt good going into the weekend. Six miles on Saturday was rough, but I noticed some changes in how long I could run at a time. It's not easy, but it is getting easier. I had Paula and Ashley to run/walk with and that was so helpful. It definitely pushes me when I have someone there alongside me. I've decided to not focus on the scale, and to embrace the LOVE each and every week and make sure I leave it all out there when I am working out!!
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
5/8/16-Week 6! Not a great weight loss of 1.4lbs:( which earned me extra credit! I did have some NSV this week. I was able to fit into some clothes comfortably that have been snug in the past. There was pizza and cookies at work and I did not have even a crumb! Which is huge, because I LOVE pizza. I was able to get a second workout in every day! I am working on a better attitude and changing my way of thinking about this lifestyle change I am going through. Meal planning is becoming easier and I actually like what I am eating. It's a big mind game. Thanks for everything that you all are doing for us. Tina, I hope you are enjoying your Mothers day and having your daughter home. Thank Mama T.
Until next time....
5/1/15-Week 5! Down another 2.8 lbs for a total of 12.4. To be honest, I am a little disappointed. I am not on track to reach my personal goal isn't for myself or to meet Rick's goal of 50 lbs. I am going to keep working and hope things even out.
This was a extremely hard week at work. We had a VERY busy surgery schedule, a business dinner, and a trip to Indy for a work conference, all from Tuesday to Friday. Plus I work the weekend. I was pooped and laid down to rest for a couple minutes at 8pm last night and woke up at 3am fully dressed. I guess I needed it! I was not able to fit in a second workout on Tuesday or Thursday and am disappointed in myself. I need to have better time management or more hours added to my day. I did do over 40 flights of stairs at my job on Saturday according to my Fitbit so there was a bit of a workout!
My back is continuing to feel better, thanks to summit physical therapy. What an awesome group of people, we are so blessed. I was able to jog at our runs and had very little discomfort!! Yay me! I am still not friends with running, but I don't hate it as much. It definitely helps to have someone there to cheer you on. Thank you alumni!
I went to Eddie Merlot's for a business dinner. I was very nervous about eating, but I had advice from Amanda and Tina. I ordered the bison filet with no butter and steamed asparagus. It was delicious! And I didn't have any of the appetizers that were ordered for us and no bread. I am happy to know that I can eat at a restaurant and be able to keep it healthy and still have a good time.
My husband said he is noticing some changes in my body!! I am feeling stronger and am able to workout longer before tiring. Thank you FWSW for this chance! I can't wait to pay it foreward to next season.
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
4/22/16-Week 4!! Words to describe me this week are FRUSTRATED, GRUMPY!!!, and PAINED! I lost 2.6 lbs at weigh in on Monday. Not a bad weight loss, but just not where I feel I should be. I have lost 9.6 lbs total. I know I can do better. Rick does also because I was assigned "extra love" this week! Kudos to my patient and loving husband. I was such a grouch this past weekend, I think he was glad he worked most of it so he could avoid me. HA HA! He came with me to the run on Saturday and it was nice to have him there.
My lower back and right glut have been bothering me and things worsened after running Saturday. I saw Andreas on Monday and he thinks it is a bulging disc. :( I was sent to the pool on Wednesday and was really disappointed and worried that I wouldn't get a good workout, but Kim and Edna really made it a fun but hard workout. I was pooped afterward and Tina was right about not taking on Amber that day. Too many burpees for this poor back!! Thanks to Andreas and Gretchen and Mitch.
My beautiful daughter, Emma joined me for the run on Wednesday. I walked the whole time, but she got bored and took off running!! Go Emma!
My back/leg is feeling better, I just need to avoid anything high impact for a bit. No running for me right now. I will keep at it and will be successful and try my very best. I just may be assigned "extra love" each and every week.
I must give a shout out to my friend, Jamie. She has been getting up every day and working out at the YMCA at 5 AM and also doing a second workout most days. She is keeping track of her food in My Fitness Pal. She always rocks it at the gym and is coming along with her food. Just need more veggies!!! Thanks girl for coming along for the ride. We are going to look so good on the beach this summer!!
UNTIL NEXT TIME...
4/14/16-Week 3 is almost over. I can't believe it. I really took advantage of my rest day on Sunday, my low back was bothering me and the rest and stretches Mitch gave me to do made it much better. On Monday, I got up early and went to the YMCA to start the running assignment. It was rough but I got through it. I'm really trying to like running, but we are not friends yet!! I lost 2.2 lbs for a total of 7! Long way to go, but one day at a time. Tuesday, I really enjoyed the stations, especially the boxing, sorry, Tina, your party train is a close second :) I can't wait to try the gravity training with Mari. My job really got me down, because I work in surgery, I am on my feet for 6-10 hours sometimes. I hope to increase my stamina as I get in better shape. I did not get a second workout that day because I was exhausted. Any suggestions??
My hubby made some cauliflower rice and it was delicious!! I am hoping I live up to my Vegetable Queen status I received from Amanda, LOL. I am nervous about the 3 mile walk/run on Saturday. I hope my hubby can come along to cheer me along.
I have not had chocolate/sweets for three weeks and I am shocked that I am really not missing them that much. I always thought people were CRAZY when they said their cravings went away when eating clean. Meal planning is getting easier and my day goes so much smoother when I have a plan in place.
Thanks so much to the Tropic Blue nutritionists, they are AWESOME!! It's so nice to see them at our workouts and having them encourage us is amazing. I definitely wouldn't get through some exercises without them. THANKS!!!
Thank you to all the trainers, alumni, nutritionists, Ruck & Tina, and everyone I'm sure I am forgetting. I will make the most of this program and look foreward to paying it foreward and helping others in the future.
UNTIL NEXT TIME....
4/9/16-Week 2 is in the books!! I can't believe it. I was much better prepared this week with meals and exercise. The scale showed a loss of 4.8lbs. I was happy with the loss and am looking forward to seeing more of the same. The workouts were hard and the alumni really help me get through times when I didn't think I could. I am so lucky to have the support of my husband. He has helped me prepare my meals and makes them so delicious. It's like eating at a restaurant! That's one of the hardest things for me right now since we like to check out all the new places in town. Only 13 more weeks and then I will have the tools to choose the right foods when we do eat out. My goals for this week are to increase my vegetables to 4 servings. I seem to be stuck at three per day right now. I also will maintain the food planning and getting to bed by 9pm. Until next time.
3/31/16-Week 1 is almost in the books!! It has flown by, with the exception of when we are holding our arms up for arm circles or holding a squat, then time drags by. Monday was quite a humbling experience. I have NEVER shared my weight with anyone, especially wearing only a sports bra and shorts. Yikes!! But, I will never again see that weight again. I learned a lot at the nutrition class and am now looking at food labels more closely. Tuesday was exciting and hard and I learned some great stretches from EJ. It was a great workout. Wednesday. All I can say is Amber!!! She kicked my butt and is the reason that I can't easily take the stairs or even get up and down from a chair! And Rick, I was holding a squat and he walked in front of me, smiled and pointed down. He never said a word, but I knew what he meant!! Thursday was pool day and I got a good workout. It was harder than I thought it would be. I am still in awe and very thankful for all of the volunteers and the alumni that workout with us. They have really helped me finish things when I wanted to quit. I am looking forward to the rest of the week and my rest day on Sunday!! It will be so nice to sleep in a bit. My struggles this week have been fitting in the second workout and prepping my meals. My goal is to do most of my food prep on Sunday and to manage my time better. I can't wait to see the scale on Monday night. Until next time.
I don't think reality has set in yet that I really am doing this. I'm sure it will Monday night as I stand with my teammates as we have our first weigh-in. And again Tuesday morning when my alarm goes off at 4AM!! I know I have a great support system behind me to succeed. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have already received from everyone that I have met from FWSW, Spiece, The Running Club, my team, and past alumni. I am excited and also very nervous about this journey.