Final Score

Alas - 710 pts. again. The scale does not reward me in an orderly fashion. But I have lost 13.2 pounds on this contest, I bought a pair of pants one size smaller last week, and life is good.
As one of the oldest people in this contest, to be the official biggest loser - makes me the winner, even if I don't take home the money. So thanks for not kicking me off the island - it's been a good ride. Here are some things I've learned:

1. You can exercise even when you're sick (I was sick 3 weeks of this contest, and did not miss one day)

2. Free days rock. And one a week is sufficient. You look forward to it more, and I really think the goodies taste better because you waited, and planned for it.

3. Vegetables need to be the star of the show. This one's still hard, but it WORKS.

4. 4.0 mph feels really slow after doing intervals at 4.5 mph (for those of you skinnier, younger, and in better shape, don't laugh - this is really booking for me).

5. I sleep better when I go to bed slightly hungry (my new goal was to be done eating by 7:30 - GREAT rule).

6. The ONLY part of my body that likes sugar is my tongue. It's kind of like sex - 90% of it is in your head. :)

7. Who knew I needed that much water? SO many benefits, some too delicate to broach here. :)

8. I really like to sweat. I need to do it every day.

9. So easy to say no to treats with, "It's not my free day." I took an amazing sweet roll home and wrapped it up in my freezer for the next free day. Except my husband very kindly ate it first! (he'll pay)

10. It's good to practice integrity with yourself - in the end, the only place it really counts. When I started this contest, I made a personal commitment that I would earn a perfect score every single week, NO EXCUSES. I knew I couldn't control those bonus points, but I knew I could control the rest. And I did it, not for anybody but me. Not a bad drill to practice.

THANKS GUYS. I'm excited to keep practicing the habits I've developed over the last 8 weeks. Another 13 pounds is imminent!