Thomas Scrogham
Black/White Team
I am married to my wife of 20 years, Brandy, and we have three great kids – Jacob, Joshua and Emma who keep us busy. Outside of family time, I work as a controller for SDI LaFarga in New Haven. My interests include: various sports, music and reading a good book. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity with FWSW and look forward to working very hard to achieve my goals and supporting all the season nine participants, my teammates.
Enjoy my blog!
Comment section towards the bottom of the page.
7-3-16
Reflections on Week 14: Here We Are. Wow, another week over and what a week it was. This program is not about the 15 weeks. It is about the rest of your life. Getting the rights skills and creating the right habits to live every day and make it count. The food advice and knowledge, the correct exercise mix and learning a new healthy lifestyle so we can maintain and thrive after the 15 weeks. We all came in nervous, hesitant on trying new things, scarred about running a half-marathon, but no longer. We have accomplished our goals and now it is up to us, each of us to use the new skills we have learned to continue. We are a larger family now and have each other for support. When you put your mind to it, anything is possible.
Put the 13.1 sticker on my car. Season 9 made me proud yesterday. Everyone killed it. Thanks to everyone from Rick and Tina, to the volunteers to the alumni to the running coaches for putting on a great show. One that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was an amazing feeling to cross that finish line and see my family. Thanks. Jeff, you were great and thanks for keeping me strong and focused during the run. Wow. A day I will cherish. Friends that I will have always.
"There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." - Thomas Aquinas
Thanks again to everyone for their support, well-wishes and prayers. Way to go Team Black.
T out.
6-26-16
Reflections on Week 13: Second Chances. Another week has gone by. Keeping the focus and determination. Continued to add a few calories and much more water to keep hydrated. Probably my main issue over the past several weeks, keeping hydrated and ready for the longer runs. Did over 6 miles yesterday and it went well. I'm ready for the half marathon next weekend. Almost 14 weeks ago, I would have NEVER said that - ready for the half marathon, but here I am.
The support still amazes me. Rick and Tina, the trainers, the nutritionists, everyone associated with FWSW and the alumni. Wow. Thanks. Also, thanks to my family and friends and co-workers and a special thank you to Season 9 teammates and Team Black. It makes knocking over obstacles and getting back up to try again so much easier when others care and love and support you. We definitely need more of that in today's world.
"I know the power obedience has of making things easy which seem impossible." - Saint Teresa of Avila
Rick mentioned a thought this week which continues to stick in my head. We are like a rubber band. We are meant to be stretched to be useful. Continue to challenge yourself to do the impossible to make it the possible.
Thanks FWSW and everyone for "stretching" me. Go Team Black.
T out.
6-19-16
Reflections on Week 12: Accomplishment. Strange how every day or every week, your perspective can change. Most is your mindset. Thinking about the positives and what we can do to get better and not dwell on the negatives. We need to learn from those lower points in our life as we will have face them. Again, it's about how we get up. I felt much better this week. I got more sleep and was more mindful of proper hydrating. I'm still learning and getting ready for the next chapter. We are closing in to the final few weeks of Season 9, but my life will continue with better habits, more knowledge, greater understanding of love and support, and a stronger awareness of what I can achieve. About 12 weeks ago, I was so nervous about the running that we will do. Well, yesterday, we ran 10 miles and in two weeks, I will run 13.1. What an achievement. I can feel it. Thanks again FWSW! For those doing this on your own, keep focus. Remember the reasons why we need to lose weight and be more helpful. Please reach out to others for support.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall." - Vince Lombardi
Thanks again to everyone for your kind words of love, support and encouragement.
Go Team Black and Season 9! Happy Father's day to all the fathers out there. Thanks for your example.
T out.
6-12-16
Reflections on Week 11: Frustration. Have you wanted to succeed and can feel some of the success, but it seems that some obstacles remain? It was one of those weeks. I have improved in so many ways over the past 10 weeks. More ways that I can ever say Thanks too - from my health, weigh loss, more confidence, better time management, helping others with keeping in mind health, etc. However, sometimes, your body (or it it your mind) will put up those roadblocks. Sometimes, you just need to overcome and prove to yourself that you can do it and sometimes, you need to listen to your body and get the proper rest and make sure that you take care of yourself.
The week started with a 3 pound weight loss, which makes roughly 41 pounds in 10 weeks. Very happy. Got my follow-up results from some blood work and everything improved tremendously during this time, including my blood pressure. Few workouts went well and was highlighted with my run during the Germanfest 5k on Wednesday night. I was very happy and ran the entire time, record for me. That went to the lows of the week on Thursday through Saturday, where my body wasn't cooperating with my workouts. We will figure this out. One foot in front of the other - to continue.
Takeways - for those struggling on their own. Please keep up the fight. Eat mindfully and use an app or diary to log your food. Very important. Also, please keep active. You don't need to run a half-marathon tomorrow. However, you do need to take that first step, then another, then another. Include others as a support system. Family or friends and challenge each other. Your health and life depends on it. Also, I would add to feed yourself spiritually. These are my own words of advice.
Thanks again to my family for support, my friends and co-workers for their encouraging words, to Tina and Rick for their thoughtfulness, gifts and concern, to the trainers and nutritionists for their talent and knowledge and the alumni from past seasons for their love and concern. Special thanks to Season 9 participants for being "family". I couldn't do this without all of you, thanks.
"The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse." - Helen Keller
Go Team Black. T out.
6-5-16
Reflections on Week 10: Been awhile. I haven't done well with updating this blog in awhile. Keeping focus and working on balance. Life will throw you curveballs. It's what you do that counts. if you fall, then get back up. If you miss the pitch and take a strike, then stay in the batter's box and wait for the next pitch. If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade. Life will always be tough, but don't give up or make excuses. We are made to keep fighting. We need to learn and grow and overcome. we are 2/3 done with the season, but life will remain. For those working on being healthy on your own, continue the fight, it's well worth it.
Last week was difficult from a weight loss standpoint, but this past week made up for it by losing 5.8 pounds. Since Monday, it has been difficult. The workouts continue to get tougher, while we ran 8 miles yesterday. Again, at the beginning, I couldn't run 1/5th of a mile. I'm continuing to take one day at a time. I'm worried about the weigh in tomorrow, but I'm fighting on.
Thanks to everyone this past week for your help and support.
Tom
5-24-16
Random thoughts: Monday weigh-in was 2.8 pounds. Not necessarily satisfied with that, but still averaging 4 pounds/week. Need to step up the fitness portion and with the step up on the running already occurring (from the good running plan from our running coaches), I will be okay. I'm here to succeed. "I can" has definitely replaced "I will". Workout this morning was intense. I was very tired, but feel good now. Thanks for continuing to push us. This is a life change, not a 15 week change. T out.
5-21-16
Reflections on Week 8: Another week. The week of turning corners. We are currently over half-way and I'm really starting to "get it". Everything is coming together. Better food week this week than last. The running is getting better, 7 miles yesterday with most of them running over 6 to 7 minutes at a time - major progress for me. The week started with a 3.6 weight loss at weigh-in which makes almost 30 pounds for me since the beginning of Season 9. A good week of workouts this week as we continue to push. The trainers remain fantastic by working hard with mixing up our routines. Also, realized the importance of proper nutrition before running (thanks Tina 
). I'm not sure about this upcoming Monday's weigh-in as each week seems to get harder with losing, but I continue to trust the process more and more. I continue to get good pep talks from Kurt and David, thanks guys. Team Black is doing very well and it was nice to see Nancy recovering nicely.
Also, this week on the personal side, I lost my Uncle Jim. I wish prayers to my Aunt Linda, Lisa, Jim and Jeff and their families. Was very nice to see everyone this weekend, just wish it was under better circumstances. He did live a good life with many people who loved him. That makes two uncles (and Uncle Josh) that I have lost since roughly this season has started.
It did knock some sense in me of the real reasons why I'm doing this. I was heading down the wrong way health-wise and I needed a change. I needed guidance, accountability and support to get there. I'm not there yet, but I can see and feel the difference. Thanks again to everyone - family and friends for their kind words of support and their love. Thanks Rick and Tina and everyone associated with Season 9. Thanks FWSW alumni for your example and support. Shout out to Team Black, Steve (my bro) and Scott (told you guys I would), Jamie and Joe (for their support).
"Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C.S. Lewis
"No time like the present to make a positive change." - T.W. Scrogham
T out!
5-14-16
Reflections on Week 7 (Almost Half-Way): Wow, time flies when you are having fun. We are now well into the meat of the program. Harder workouts and longer runs. Still tired and sore. I'll find out this week's results on Monday night. This past Monday was 3.8 for 26 pounds at end of 6 weeks. I'll take that. Been fairly consistent, but still worried about the weigh-ins, but I'm getting better for just keeping the faith and trusting the process. Everyone associated with the program are deeply talented and love what they do. You can see and feel that.
Working on keeping that focus and determination. One step forward every day. If you don't take action, then you will become overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with every day life and knowing that 24 hours isn't sometimes enough. However, if you just think about it, then nothing gets done. Take action and take one step at a time. No time for perfection. We are designed to learn and grow. These are not easy lessons for me, but I'm learning. Overall, I feel better each day. And taking one step at a time.
Ran 6 miles yesterday. I would have laughed if you told me just 7 weeks ago that I could do that. One step at a time. Thanks Jeff for the support on Saturday.
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." - Thomas Edison
Go Team Black and let's rock! T
5-7-16
Reflections on Week 6: Mark another week down. I know that I continue to repeat myself, but another challenging week. Just when I thought it wouldn't be, it is. Not necessarily from the workout side, I expect that to continue to be harder, but more from a balancing standpoint. The commitment of this process and the commitment of home and work. We are all pressured everyday to balance various things - prayer, family, work, friends, and health. Some weeks are more busier than others. I knew that this week was going to be hard. In my job, the first week is busier than the other weeks (really, all weeks are busy, but maybe more stressful is a better word :) ) and we had co-workers in from Spain this week for various meetings including some lunch and dinner plans. So, I knew how important it was to lose on Monday's weigh-in, to potentially avoid "extra credit" due to my more limited schedule. On Monday, I lost 4.2 pounds for a total of 22.2 for the program. I felt relief and joy. Joy in knowing that I continue to get closer to my overall goal, but also relief knowing that I wouldn't need to have extra credit. Then I heard Rick's words that Team Black was going to have extra credit aka extra love. This is 30 minutes of additional workout before our 1 hour workouts each day. I was not too happy. Not from the extra work (we all will get out turn), but due to the timing. In addition, this was also a challenge week in which we all needed to come in twice to climb 100 flights of stairs as fast we we could. I was thinking, how am I going to do this.
Our Lord continues to amaze me. Maybe I needed to be more humble or more focused or more appreciative of the process, whatever I was being taught it worked. I survived a more challenging week than the previous ones. I was sore everyday, more than any other week. I was humble for receiving the extra credit and when I thought I couldn't, I could. I was more focused and determined than last week and I was very appreciative of the talents and dedication of Rick and Tina, the trainers, and the nutritionists. We will see the success on Monday night. As for the stairs, well I still feel that I'm making the climb. However, my climb isn't for how many flights of stairs, but for achieving my goals - being healthy and changing my life for the better.
For this week, I would like to thank Rick and Tina for their advice on my food choices, Kurt, David and Beth for their pep talks when I needed to hear it, for Nancy, Richelle and Elissa for being an inspiration to me, for Carles and Helena for their kind comments (all the way from Spain), and from my family and friends, especially Brandy and the kids for their love and support. Another week of being reshaped - reshaped for the better.
"A dream doesn't become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work." - Colin Powell
T out. P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there - especially my mom for her love and encouragement and my wife who is my best friend and the best mom for Jacob, Joshua and Emma.
4-30-16
Reflections on Week 5: Hi all. Another challenging week. Very hard to believe that we are 1/3 of the way done. This was a better week for me. I'll find out on Monday night for the next weigh-in. The week started last Monday with the weigh-in. I was surprised, but happy with a 3.8 pound loss. This makes 18 pounds in 4 weeks. So far, on target for the team goal, but short a little for my personal goal. Tuesday was a surprise with it being Amber day, a day earlier than we expected. These days remain a tough challenge for me :). Wednesday through Friday continued to be more difficult and I find myself, even though tired and sore, very happy afterwards. Its a good hurt. This morning, we are up to 5 miles on the run. A few weeks ago, I could not even think about attempting that, but I did it. Thanks Beth and Jeff for the support and encouragement for me to push myself.
This process does well at continuing to sharpen you. A prayer recently that I heard was about us being diamonds. Diamonds are made by force and pressure. All the various edges shine the light in so many directions and ways. Each of us are different. We look different, some have more edges than others, but we all give off light. We are all unique in our shiny ways. Our daily pressures, issues that we handle, family, work, our eating habits, how we treat our bodies physically, mentally, spirituality; all shape us. For me, this process is shaping not just my body and mind, but also how I view things. Seems that I'm more positive than before. I try to be more open (and not "overthink"), and more active around the house. I needed to change. My health was starting to get away from me. I never thought about all the positive changes, but I can see it and feel it. Also, I see it in others around the Season, my family and my work. For all of this, I am humble and thankful. Thanks to God and our savior, my family and friends, Rick and Tina and all the Season 9 volunteers and sponsors, the great Alumni and all the contestants. So far, its been a great ride and I look forward to next week. Thanks Team Black! Let's rock!
"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials." - Chinese proverb
T
4-23-16
Reflections on Week 4: Wow, what a tough week. Rick mentioned that some weeks would be. If anything, the real world blasted me. Between a stressful busy week at work, various kids sporting events and other commitments took its toll on me. Trying to keep my food pattern the same and stay to the fitness plan was more difficult. Made me realize how I need to continue on pre planning and making my meals earlier just in case. I'll find out the impact on Monday's weigh-in. I had a good run this morning and pushed myself more than ever. Sounds crazy, but I enjoyed it and now look forward to Saturday morning.
On Monday, was weigh-in night. This week was 3.6 pounds. Still close to my personal goal of 5 pounds per week. So far, each week gets tougher on losing the weight and the workouts are tougher too. However, we need to continue to push ourselves. Again, everyone from Rick to Tina to the trainers to the nutritionists to the sponsors to the alumni are so helpful and caring. Great group of people. Also, I'm very proud of my Season 9 teammates and Team Black. Thanks Tina for the extra pep talks and helping me not over-think the process. After weigh-in, we had a great opportunity to visit Kroger and review good choices with our teams and nutritionists. Very nice evening and I learned a lot. Tuesday was a new round of session workouts in the morning. Wednesday was Amber day and is always a challenge for me. Thursday was pool day and boy did my arms hurt. Thursday night was run club which was cut short just a little from the rain and lightening. Friday was yoga and wow did I struggle. I need to stay positive and keep trying, but I got very frustrated. Need to improve my mind and continue to push on and through. Wow what a week.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."- MLK Jr.
Thanks to all! T
4-16-16
Reflections on Week 3: Another week passes. By taking each day as it happens, time flies. I'm trying not to look forward. How will I be in May? June? What will it be like on July 9th? Or how will I make the 13.1 mile run in July? One day at a time, I remind myself. Anything is possible by breaking up a large, seemingly impossible task. How can I lose 50 pounds in 15 weeks? One day at a time. A quote from Lou Holtz reminds me of this. He said, "It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it." Enough said. One day at a time.
On Monday, was the next weigh-in. 4 pounds less. Again, I was nervous, but I trusted the process and took it one day at a time. Tuesday through Friday workouts were harder than the previous week. Again, the trainers - EJ, CC, Amber, Mari, Josh, Katelyn - have been tremendous. Thank you for your time and sharing your talent. They ask us to push ourselves. Not for pain, but to work through when your mind says that you can't. Your body can take more. One day at a time. Also, Colleen and Stephanie have been great with advice and keeping Team Black on the right track from a food perspective. Thank you. Then the running this week. Two 40 minute nights at 8 minute walk, 2 minute run intervals. Thank you running coaches for your advice and dedication to seeing us succeed. Then 3 miles this morning on a beautiful April day. Brandy came out to run with me which I really appreciate. One day at a time.
Still amazed at the love and support in this process. Thanks to Rick and Tina and the alumni for keeping up the support and pushing us when our minds want to stop and quit. Also, thanks to my family for continuing to support me by their comments and well wishing. In addition, my fellow teammates at work who watch our videos, look at our pictures and ask me every day how it's going. Thank you. One day at a time. Go Team Black! You have been a great inspiration.
T
4-9-16
Reflections on Week 2: It it truly amazing that two weeks are over. Going into this week, I had a better idea on what to expect compared to last week, but was still nervous on "ramping" up the workouts. I am so impressed with the trainers and how well organized the workouts are. Each day seems to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Thank you for your time and sharing your talent. Monday was Weigh-in and I was nervous on what I lost. Rick and Tina and the Team with a supporting Alumni group make the night as comfortable as possible. I'm sure each week will be easier as we can see the results yelled out and a loud applause in the room of encouragement and support. All Season 9 did a great job and I'm very happy for Team Black. Everyone worked so hard and did a great job on food choices. My weight loss was 6.6 pounds. This helped me focus even more for the week ahead.
Tuesday through Friday were great workouts. Afterwards I can feel the soreness and the aches, but it feels so good (that may seem strange?). It helps remind me of the abuse on my body over the past 15 years and that it will hurt to lose those extra pounds. I'm looking forward to the next Weigh-in and repeating the week process. Today was an indoor fast walk. What can you say, Indiana weather at its best. Snow on the ground, so indoors we were. Next week, more running starts as we build to the half marathon (still nervous). I'm in all the way and trust the process to work. I'm excited on the progress so far, but I am taking each day at a time. Workouts and smart food choices is my game now.
Thanks again to my wife and family and friends for their kind words and thoughts and prayers. I truly appreciate it and feels good to hear. Also, thanks again to Rick and Tina for putting together such an amazing program and great team. It may seem that I keep repeating my self, but I can feel the love and help everyday from this team of sponsors, trainers, nutritionists, running coaches, volunteers and Alumni. Thank you! GO TEAM BLACK!
"Faith is to believe what you do not yet see; the reward for this faith is to see what you believe." - Saint Augustine
T
4-2-16
Reflections on Week 1: Overall, the week went by fairly quick. On Monday, was the weigh-in which was very humbling. It was time to own the weight and realize that "no more" will I be that overweight guy. Time to make a positive permanent change in my life and standing there cemented that thought. Tuesday through Friday with the workouts and the walking and swimming were a great mix of realizing how much my body needs to change. Creating good, positive habits I keep telling myself. Yeah, I was sore. Each day was a different muscle group and a different part of the body that was saying "hello Tom remember me". On the food side, journaling each day my choices has really opened my eyes to how bad I was treating my body by eating fast food, skipping breakfast and eating on the run so much. I have made step 1 with many more steps to go.
My fellow Team Black members have been so supportive, a great group of people that I look forward to being with during this journey together. The running still makes me nervous, but this morning made me realize that I can do the half marathon. Thanks Beth for the support during the recorded first mile. My time was nothing fantastic, but it is step 1 and I can do this. I never considered myself a runner, but I'm open to this process and look forward to week 15 and compare my time then to now to see how much I improved.
The support from Rick and Tina and the whole FWSW team is truly amazing. Thank you so much. The support, guidance and encouragement from the Alumni group is so helpful and contagious. It truly helps drive you to do more than you think you can. I know I have more weeks ahead and nervous to see that weight go down next Monday night to help me "see" the difference. Thanks also to my family and friends for being so supportive and keeping me in their prayers and thoughts. I love you all. Thank you.
T
3-28-16
Well, here we are. The day of Official Weigh In and first class. Been full week of emotions. From excitement to being nervous to feeling overwhelm to excitement again. Don't get me wrong, I'm ready for this to start. I'm been preparing this week by getting up much earlier, trying to journal my food choices (not very consistently), doing some stretching and walked yesterday 2.5 miles prior to the rain - idea...to get us to run quicker (or run at all), the threat of a thunderstorm chasing you on the trail will definitely get you to do some running. Most of though, I remain grateful to the love and support that I continue to receive this week from family and friends.
Again, I am thankful to Rick and Tina and all the volunteers and sponsors. Absolutely amazing.
Hope everyone had a blessed Easter and for Team Black and all of the Season 9 teams, please keep in mind (from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18): "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." And in the words of Michael Jordan, "You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them."
T
3-22-16
Just got sized for my running shoes. Very excited and thanks to 3RRC for their time and help.
Also been reflecting on the start of this process and this past weekend. I am overwhelmed with the love and support from Rick and Tina, the entire team of volunteers, the Spiece staff, and all the sponsors. Thank you! In addition, to all the alumni from past seasons. Your stories, your passion, and your love is amazing. Season 9 can feel that support and I truly am grateful. I would also like to extend my thanks to Beth and Jeff for their encouragement and kindness, you both have been amazing.
It was nice to meet various participants from Season 9 this past weekend and I look forward to this experience with you going forward. To the great Black Team, I am so encouraged and proud to be teammates with you on this journey. Let's make it count and work hard together.
As I begin this journey, I would like to thank my wife, Brandy, my kids, Jacob, Joshua and Emma and all my family for their love and support. In addition, thanks to all my friends including the great support and kind words from my friends at Saint Vincent's and all the support from my work families - SDI LaFarga, Steel Dynamics and OmniSource.
Okay, 6 days and counting. Let's rock. T