Behind the Scenes

June 20, 2008: Hello Again

So Hello Again everyone  -- sorry I've been absent for so long, but a lot has been going on in my life -- some good and some, unfortunately bad so I had to take a short break from blog writing, but, this time I'm really back --

First, I'll start with the bad, sad news -- last week, at age 98, my grandmother, who many of you have written so kindly about, passed away.  She had been somewhat ill the last few months and it was not largely unexpected, but no one is ready when something like that happens.   I must give a special thanks to my second family at "Live with Regis and Kelly" -- I couldn't have made it through the past week or so without their support -- they definitely came through when the going got rough.

As I said, many of you have written about her so kindly and I know most of you remember when she was on the show in 2005 at the young age of 95 to help choose a boyfriend for me. Nothing got her more revved up than being on television and becoming a celebrity -- she was recognized in her apartment complex in Coney Island and often would invite strangers into her apartment just to watch the tape of her appearance -

She was a smart, educated woman -- a teacher, she graduated from Hunter College in 1931and was honored a few years ago as their oldest living graduate.   For many years, when she was able, she and I attended every Broadway show -- especially musicals and even into her 80's, she was taking the subway from Brooklyn to Broadway without blinking an eye. 

I was thrilled that she had a chance to meet and get to know David and I know she liked him (not just because he was Jewish -- that always helped with her) -- but because often times when we arrived for a visit at her apartment, she would ask him to change the lightbulbs in her fixtures -- that is when I knew -- he was in....

I saw her often in the past few months, visiting every weekend and saw her the Saturday before she died -- I think she waited until I got home from my trip -- she left behind kids, grandkids and great -grandkids -- quite a legacy -- I could write more and more, but leave it to say she was an amazing woman -- she had suffered through much hardship in her long life but was stronger for it.  She was very accepting of everyone -- and straightforward to a fault -- she told you what was on her mind (often more than once) and was loved even more for it -- she told you if you were fat or thin or if she agreed with you or not -- her mind was 100 percent and sharp right until the end.

She was a woman ahead of her time who was a feminist well before anyone knew the word (she loved that a woman was running for President of the United States) and lived long enough to see technology change from the first lightbulb to having her own flat panel television and DVR which she programmed herself.--  I was lucky to have her in my life for so long, but definitely took for granted that she would live forever -- I loved her more than I can say and will miss her even more --- Here is one of my favorite photos from when there was a Schulweis family Relly nomination tri-fecta -- me, her and of course, Molly ---

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Now on to brighter happier topics --

First the blog name change -- since the challenge is over, it seems fitting to change the name of the blog to fit the times -- so if you are looking for me, it is now called "Schully's Rundown" -- a name thought up by my friend Colette out in Denver -- it seems fitting because my main job here at "Live" is doing what we call "The Rundown" --- it is essentially a format in print form of what is planned to happen on any given show ---- each segment is assigned a time and then depending on how long the first segment of Regis & Kelly's chat goes, Gelman can see if he has to shorten the times I've given because like it or not 10:00am we are off the air whether we are done or not --it is sort of a roadmap for the show   -- so while doing the rundown for work, I'll be giving you the rundown on what is happening with me -- sort of a roadmap of me -- letting you in on how I'm doing, what I'm doing, etc. -- so welcome to "Schully's Rundown!"  --- Thanks for sticking with me -- like I said -- sorry for being absent for so long --

Next -- where do I begin to catch you all up? -- I don't really remember where I've left off, but over the next few days we'll play catchup --

I guess let me start with how my weight and exercise regime has been going since the challenge -- I don't want to lie -- there has definitely been some ups and more recently a big down -- an injury is plaguing poor Schully ....

Until the trip to Italy and France, I was definitely maintaining my weight - staying within 2-3 pounds or so of my final weigh-in and truthfully I was happy with that -- exercise took a hit during May when I was working like crazy getting ready for the trip and working on the Mom's Dream special and because of all that contracted a pretty bad cold which took me out of the gym for a week --

Then... the trip -- I think I turned into a giant ball of cheese -- the food is so good!! -- meats, cheeses, pastas -- wine -- lots of wine!!! -- and what really did me in was the tail end of the trip in France -- I've never eaten meals so good or so rich and loaded with calories, but it was worth every delicious mouthful -- I will tell you more about the trip at a later date, but suffice it to say I put on a few pounds while away -- which unfortunately haven't gone away (don't get worried - all my clothes fit and it is all definitely loseable) -- but I feel like being back on the blog means back on the challenge!!  I guess I just wanted to share with you all that the challenge was one thing and life and vacations are another --- it is no joke that the challenge has to be for life!!

As far as my running -- right now I'm signed up to run a half marathon on July 27th, but 2 weeks ago, the inevitable happened -- injury!!! --- While training, I've been following a training schedule by Michael Conlon who is helping WABC-TV's Heidi Jones -- Here is a link to Heidi's training schedule - it is a good one -- I strained my achilles tendon -- I was running 8 miles on the treadmill and probably going faster than I should have because I was trying to increase my speed and the next morning I felt like someone had bruised both of my ankles!! -- I walked in pain for a week and didn't workout at all and finally this past Tuesday went to the doctor  -- Achilles Tendonitis was the diagnosis and no running for awhile is the prescription along with lots of ice and physical therapy -- having running taken away from me so abruptly definitely made me realize how much I love it!! -- running in the half at the end of July is now in jeopardy, but it has made me even more determined to run in the NYC Marathon in November.

I went to my first physical therapy session today which consisted of ultrasound and a painful calf massage and ice -- as my doctor said "ice is my friend" -- she told me that the marathon was not out of the question, so I am committed to doing everything to get this thing healed as soon as is humanly possible. 

Here is the lesson in all this -- stretch, stretch stretch -- and don't push yourself -- know your body -- I knew I was pushing myself too hard and now I am paying the price.   Know your body -- it was the first time in years I had run two days in a row - I usually wait a day in between, but wanted to follow the training regime -- but I should have listened to my body -- I think I wouldn't have gotten hurt -- Now I am benched for a little while, but can still do strength training and the stationary bike and the rowing machine and Sid my trainer has given me some exercises so that I can stay in shape -- so, we'll see how it goes -- it will definitely be a test of patience for me -- I want this healed now!!   

I have to admit I'm frightened of gaining weight now that I can't do a lot of cardio work, but I'll just have to watch my diet and do what I can -- we'll see how it goes!!

Otherwise, things are status quo -- I think I'll leave you for now with this update, but in the coming days, I'll catch you up on my European adventure as well as the SELF magazine photo shoot and lets not forget the de-cluttering which resumes in earnest this afternoon ---- so as they say in the theatre -- always leave them wanting more --- thanks for checking in -- I'm back to stay -- best, Schully

June 3, 2008 - I'm Coming Back.....

Hey guys -- your requests for my return have not fallen on deaf ears -- I have had a busy few weeks and have just returned from a European vacation, so I have much to tell, but am still readjusting to being back and getting over jetlag as well as sorting through literally 1200 photos --

so have no fear -- I will be back -- I've also been accepted into another half marathon and so I will re-begin training hard -- I'm afraid a lot of cheese and pasta and wine in Italy and France have taken their toll, but I'm back and will be back on the blog --- by Monday, I will have a proper post -- promise!!

just wanted you all to know I'm still here and still thank you for your continued support even in my absence -- talk to you soon -- Schully

May 12, 2008 - Catch Up on the Clutter Blog

So guys, I'm back -- it was a rough week -- filled with Mom's Dream Come True and a full day of clutter cleanup -- work was pretty busy, so I wasn't able to write, but I'll try to catch you up on what I've been doing in the past week or so -- sorry I've been so out of touch --

Last weekend, my friends Colette and Tom arrived from Denver and I was happy to have them again -- I had dutifully stocked up on Skinny Cow Ice Cream Cones (Tom's favorite -- he is eating them instead of Crumbs cupcakes!) and they arrived Friday night and truth be told, visiting me was a fringe benefit for both of us -- they really came to NYC for a wedding and a stopover on their way to London on vacation - -- we went to our favorite sushi restaurant for dinner (actually only Colette, David and I went) -- and were happy about our bonus time together --

Saturday -- I woke up with a cold -- I have to admit to you that it threw my workout schedule into a tizzy -- I had every intention of working out last Saturday morning, but as the morning went on, I seemed to get sicker and sicker and what I thought was allergies, clearly was something more -- so I skipped the workout and we actually headed downtown to the TriBeca Film Festival to the family street festival to meet another friend from college Melissa, her husband and son -- we ended up being an hour late due to a long ride on the subway, but then we walked around the festival and stopped for a nice lunch outside

Then we headed back home -- took a nap and watched the Kentucky Derby -- before we knew it, it was time to leave for the theatre (this is what we always do with Tom & Colette - Colette and I are theatre buddies from way back) --- we went to see the Pulitzer Prize winning play "August: Osage County" -- when we realized we were too late to get a proper dinner, we walked around looking for a place that could seat us at 7:20pm for an 8:00pm curtain -- our prospects didn't look good until we walked into Carmine's - a great family style restaurant and were able to nab a cocktail table at the bar -- between feeling sick and being so late -- it was a time to throw the diet to the wind - we ordered fried calamari, stuffed artichoke and garlic bread which arrived at our table at 7:40pm -- with only about 15 minutes to eat all that food -- there was no talking -- just eating -- all of us trying to eat as fast as we could -- I felt like we were on "Survivor" and hadn't eaten for 39 days -- it was quite hysterical -- at 7:55 we walked out of the restaurant - smelling of garlic and very full, but we sat down in our seats with only a few minutes to spare -- (incidentally, across the aisle, was sitting Michael Patrick King who wrote and directed the new "Sex and the City" movie coming out shortly) --

The play was very good, what I saw of it -- I say "what I saw of it" because between having a cold, getting very little sleep and a belly full of Italian food I kept falling asleep -- at one point I I woke up to find David, Colette and Tom staring at me and telling me I had been snoring!!!! -- could that be more embarassing?!?!?!? -- yikes! -- so what I saw of the play, I thoroughly enjoyed - I wouldn't be surprised if it won the Tony Award in June.

Sunday, Tom and Colette were off to visit another friend of hers and David and I went to go visit my grandmother -- she is hanging in there -- 98 years old and still kicking, -- then we got home in time to go to dinner with David's father, aunt and uncle --

Mom's Dream week at "live" was eventful in the fact that everyone works around the clock and we are deep into May sweeps so it tends to be a busier time for everyone -- in addition to work, I still worked with clutter girl Kathleen on my apartment -- and all this with a cold no less -- while my eating has been fine, I'm afraid, like I said before my working out has slipped this week --it was 8 days between workouts -- -- I know I will go back, but it is interesting after so many weeks of being so disciplined, my body is really feeling the lack of exercise and I'm feeling pretty sluggish because of it  --

On the other hand, it was a banner week for my personal clutter challenge -- after working Monday night and taking the day off and working 9 hours on Friday, my bedroom is looking pretty empty and fairly clutter free -- the harder stuff to go through is definitely coming, but in the meantime I've gone through all my clothes -- got rid of anything I don't wear or is too big -- no chance of gaining weight now - I'll have to go to work naked!!

I've decided in the cleanup now to go one room at a time -- and there are definitely things I've learned about some of the reasons I've been able to accumulate so much stuff is that -- one  - I have an apartment in Manhattan (always known for apartments with very little closet space) that has a fair amount of closet space which I've added to with built-ins and two, in all these years I've never moved, so once I got the stuff - held on to it -- it just kept acccumulating in various spots all over the apartment -- of course I know there are other more thought provoking psychological reasons for keeping all the stuff -- but I'm going with the fact that I actually have the room for a lot of it --

This week's emphasis was on the bedroom -- I think most feng sui experts usually agree that the bedroom has to be the peaceful place -- a haven -- so that is what we are going for -- I started with the closet and a particularly troublesome corner of the room -- I really don't want to show the before shots - they are a little embarassing -- but to fully understand the after you'll have to see what we did -- so here you go: -- keep in mind the stuff in the corner was keeping me from opening one half of the closet before it was cleaned up:

all of this involved going through all of my sweaters -- in total -- I ended up giving away about 57 sweaters -- here is a look at the finished closet -- David is using this as his closet now - and the sweaters found a new home:

not bad I think -- and that is only part of what we accomplished -- also in the offing were my shoes -- I'm not like Kelly R. with boxes of shoes, but I can certainly hold my own - even Molly was amazed at the pile

There is also that corner I was talking about --and actually since I've taken this photo I've put Molly's bed in the corner --

Also thrown into the mix were my collection of baseball hats -- over the years it seems I'm pretty big into t-shirts, sweatshirts and caps and it was the caps turn to be gone through -- I ended up giving away 261 baseball caps -- I kept quite a few -- but the majority are being donated -- 

The numbers of things are staggering -- all in all it was a good day and it was great to have a chunk of time to work on the de-cluttering process --

Here are some of the resulting numbers in addition to the hats and sweaters -- staggering as they might be:

I'm also getting rid of 43 pairs of shoes, 44 blouses, 17 pairs of pants, and 15 purses and handbags -- and that is only some of the brick a brack that is leaving my apartment -- they are being donated to various spots around the city -- the nicer clothing is going to an organization called "Dress for Success" -- which dresses women in need for job interviews and gives them work clothes -- click here for more info on Dress for Success in your area - they are located all over the country -- I am continuing to donate to Housing Works as well as Abraham House when appropriate and it feels good that the clothes will not go to waste

The process is exhausting, exhilirating, emotional and exciting -- it is a weird feeling to finally do what you've only meant to do - to find the time to really rid yourself and your home of excess baggage -- Kathleen says your home should only have stuff in it that you really love -- that is what I am aiming for and nothing was better than David coming home on Friday night and seeing that he had a real space of his own -- he is waiting for me to do the kitchen so he can bring in all the proper utensils and equipment --

The rest of the weekend was a mix of things -- I saw 2 Broadway shows -- the first "Boeing Boeing" - a revival of a 1960's play which was just plain silly but you just laugh the whole time -- it stars Bradley Whitford who I loved on "The West Wing" as a guy engaged to three stewardesses -- actress Mary McCormack also of "The West Wing," steals the show --

Saturday, we went to visit my grandmother - I'm trying to go see her as often as I can and we saw the Queen Mary docked in the harbor .   David and I went to see "Gypsy" rhat night -- yes, I know what you are thinking -- didn't I see that a few weeks ago? -- yes, but it is my favorite musical of all time and I wanted to share it with David -- it really just makes me happy and it is all I can do not to jump up on stage with Patti LuPone -- who may be one of the finest Mama Rose's ever --- after the show we went back to Carmine's -- earlier in the day we had been watching the Food Network and Bobby Flay's "Throwdown" was on where he made eggplant parmesan  -- well, didn't you know that that is what we had to order!! -- not on the diet I know - but it is nice to splurge every now and then --- and on the way home we saw Will Smith filming his new movie in Times Square

Sunday I finally made it back to Central Park to do a run -- my chest was still congested, but it felt great to move again although I'm sore today -- I ended up running faster than I ever have -- tomorrow I'm looking forward to running with my half marathon buddies Diana and Tara -- it will be fun and will get us psyched for the next half marathon in July -- I'll keep you posted on that --

Thanks for all your supportive comments about the de-cluttering - I'm glad that it has struck a nerve with everyone -- I think it is all part of the same thing - weightloss - all of that -- it is about letting go and and letting a new life start -- I got a comment today from Shirley R. which struck a chord with me -- she says that her trouble is photos -- so is mine!! -- I'm dreading when we get to photographs -- and I agree I hold onto them because I feel that they are the key to unlocking memories in my head -- I'm not up to that yet -- but stay tuned -- and no Shirley I am not getting enough sleep which is why I came down with a cold, but until this thing is finished I think that is the way it is going to be!

Tracy asked me if Kathleen sets limits -- not really -- but we count everything as you can see - so I know exactly what I'm keeping and what I'm giving away and she definitely has told me I'm not allowed to bring anything new into the house -- but in general there are no limits -- but I sort of can tell when I should keep something and when it has to go -- and I go through the piles more than once --

anyway guys -- thanks for reading - sorry it has been so long and this blog is so long -- once a week means of novel of a blog for all of you -- I'll be back later in the week --

take care and thanks again -- Schully

May 1, 2008 - Family Time and Life with A "Mean Sark!"

So guys -- hope you have all been well and I gather from the many e-mails I've been getting that the new sneakers have arrived!! -- Congratulations! -- glad I could oblige! -- I'm trying my best to keep up with the blog, I know the entries are few and far between and not what you are all used to, but I can promise you, when I write --it will be jampacked with info --

For me, life has somewhat calmed down in the weeks since the challenge and I'm trying to find a balance in my eating -- I haven't lost more weight, but I've been successful in maintaining -- exercise is really the key -- if I overeat at a special event or dinner -- I am back on the treadmill the next day -- I am actually finding that the exercise is the part of my new lifestyle that is somewhat easier to maintain -- it is easy for me to head to the gym during the day and when I wake up in the morning I always plan in my head what I will be doing later that day -- but sometimes the food part is hard -- going out to dinner, especially on the weekends, I tend to let myself go a little bit -- but during the week, my eating does not really change that much from what I had been doing during the challenge so I'm finding there is a balance --

I'm afraid though, the challenge has taken a backseat to the new big thing going on in my life -- the decluttering process -- it is a long and hard process and I'm exhausted - it is not only hard to part with things, but hard work doing it -- I don't really know why I have trouble -- there is definitely something in my personality which is making me somewhat of a hoarder -- not as bad as that woman on Oprah, but I have my own issues -- I always hesitate to share them here -- but if I am continuing my change -- why shouldn't you all learn and change along with me!

Kathleen, my organizational consultant, has been a godsend -- and while it might be easy for anyone to part with as many t-shirts, sweatshirts and books as I have in the past week - for some reason, it is not easy for me! -- again hard to understand I know -- but Kathleen is there to help - to question - to cajole and to help throw out once and for all -- as I mentioned last week, we started with the book shelves in my office/guest room - I didn't take a very good before shot -- but here is the before and.... the after!

  not bad I think -- and a great start - the books were easy -- I looked online where they could be donated and it turns out that Housing Works has a used bookstore downtown, so we packed up all 246 books in 7 boxes and I got them out of the house the next day -- click here if you are interested in donating to Housing Works. 

We worked for 9 hours last week -- after the books, we tackled the sweatshirts - I fancied myself quite the collector -- i have (or should I say had) all the Ivy League schools -- tons from Northwestern (my alma mater) and even more from Nantucket (my favorite vacation spot) --

At one point we had all the sweatshirts laid out on the bed, and Kathleen held them up -- one at a time -- I fought her on some - it was a real give and take and at one point she actually was a little insulting -- but it is all "tough love" -  

she continues to point out and she is right - that I'm 30 pounds thinner than I was and that none of these sweatshirts are the least bit flattering -- I tried a few on and I forgot what she said, but it wasn't very nice and so she has now been given the nickname of being a "mean sark" -- (the saying is derived from a saying that a former "live" producer Dana Dodge and I used to say which is taken from when Dana was a kid and couldn't say the word "shark" and so it came out "sark" -- so whenever anyone wasn't the nicest -- they were automatically a "mean sark!") -- hence Kathleen was transformed into one during the sweatshirt escapade --

To her credit, Kathleen has her own language which hits the points home -- calling me a "schlumpadinka" if the sweatshirt was the least little bit too big -- it is my cue to show off the new body that I've got and the time to wear sweatshirts is done --- once finished, my living room was filled with shopping bags filled with them -- all of which will hopefully find new homes where people really need them -- even Molly looks happy the sweatshirts are gone.. 

It was a good week and a good start to the de-cluttering process --  the more I do this, the more I realize that part of the reason I hold onto these things because I think I can't remember things without them, but in reality -- I can remember what I want and it is time for new memories to be made in this apartment -- I do have to point out that although I am as Kathleen says a true "clutter monkey," it is true that I have never moved -- I've lived in my apartment for all of my adult life -- Now it is time to make room for someone else (David) -- it is really like having to move for the very first time -- Kathleen is definitely pretty tricky -- she gently encourages me to throw away much more than I would have liked, but the empty shelves and room for the stuff I do have is the trade off -- it is all pretty good.

My cleaning was interrupted on Friday by a trip to Ann Arbor to see my little brother Jason graduate -- so the Schulweis' descended en masse upon Michigan and enjoyed a happy event -- for the first time in the history of the University of Michigan, the graduation ceremony was held in the middle of campus on the "Diag," rather than the "Big House" -- the football stadium which is undergoing renovations -- -- Bob Woodruff was the speaker and it was kind of cold grey morning -- but we were all happy to be there --

  my favorite photo of the whole weekend was when we were able to find my brother in the crowd of more than 4000 University of Michigan graduates!! It was very exciting to be able to find him and considering there is no playing of pomp and circumstance and no walking across the stage to receive a diploma -- it was a thrilling moment for all of us and I'm pretty sure my dad may have gotten a little teary --

After the graduation, we headed back to Jason's house which he shared with 6 other fraternity brothers and we took the necessary photos -- -- here are some of the highlights --

those are 4 of the 5 Schulweis kids -- all beaming with pride -- it was a pretty great weekend -- nice to spend quality time with my family and I'm pretty proud of my brother -- as they say -- a good time was had by all -- that night when we went out to dinner -- David called me just as we were ordering wine and so he helped out a bit with the ordering -- well when they brought the wine -- who do you think the waitress poured to taste -- you guessed it ....me!! -- Kind of funny -- but I put my newly learned wine expertise to work   --- the next morning -- there was only my sister, brother and Dad left, so we all went to breakfast --- and then as fast as it started -- the weekend was over -- and Jason was about to enter the real world with the rest of us!! -- One last Congratulations Jason!!!

On the plane ride home --as we were flying over Manhattan, we flew right over the Verazzano Bridge -- I started to seriously think about running in the NYC Marathon -- and that is where it starts -- I'm seriously thinking of trying to run it -- but who knows -- then I get on the treadmill and think - how in the world would I ever be ever able to run for  5 hours -- there is still a little time -- but like I've said before it is much more fun to run when there is something to train for -- so we'll see -- I'll keep you posted.

I was greeted when I got home by David who had been dogsitting Molly all weekend andt they both survived the experience brilliantly!! although Molly gave me quite a greeting when I got home -- she was definitely glad to have me back -- they both were -- and it was good to be home --

This week has found me feeling like I've been burning the candle at both ends -- getting up early to go to work -- then running home and continuing to clean for 3 or 4 hours when I get home -- I'm definitely staying up way past my bedtime -- and after going to bed last night about midnight I'm definitely feeling it today --

After tackling the t-shirts on Monday night, Kathleen was back last night to box them up and have them ready to ship out to donate to a  shelter in the Bronx --  click here for more information on Abraham House -- and I continue to clean my guest room to anticipate the return of my friend's Tom and Colette who will be visiting this weekend --

I have to admit to you all, that unlike most NYC apartments, I have a fair amount of closet space, but taking up room in most of it are a gazillion t-shirts -- here is a before and after of one of them -- I definitely did not take enough before shots -- when Kathleen comes over -- we zoom right into work and start cleaning right away and before you know it -- the closet is cleaned out!!

again -- not bad -- I think ---

All told -- and here comes the embarassing part -- I packed up 13 boxes of t-shirts, sweatshirts and shorts -- the final tally ------- gulp --- and I hesitate because why do we keep these things (the answer is because we can) --- I gave away 355 t-shirts (included were t-shirts from every U.S. Open since 1983!!, countless Nantucket t-shirts and others from various sporting events and god knows what) --- 63 sweatshirts and about 20 pairs of shorts --- I couldn't even start to wear everything even if I started today!! ---

Kathleen and I piled them onto a cart -- here she is as we headed -- trapped under the boxes!!

down to the lobby -- who knew one person could have so much stuff!!

it is a little sick I know -- but after losing 30 pounds -- i'm not done -- I'm losing hundreds of pounds -- literally and figuratively --

It all feels good -- exhausting, a little sad, a little weird, but essentially all good -- it is how I know the weight will stay off for good this time -- because this stuff was weighing me down as well -- change is being able to let it all go -- and you just have to be ready for it and I guess I finally am.....

Just a couple of quick notes -- first, Betsy -- yes -- Bob Woodruff was an amazing speaker -- but you didn't see me in the Campus Inn because I wasn't really staying there -- my Dad was -- I was staying at a different hotel -- but that is a weird coincidence --

Second -- thank you all for your encouraging comments about the de-cluttering -- they mean as much to me as always -- I guess the weight problem and clutter problem go a little hand in hand -- and just like I'm continuing to try not to put things in my mouth -- I'm trying not to buy anything or bring anything new into my apartment -- it is all the same - all things that weigh you down and keep you from being (to borrow from Oprah) the best you that you can be -- thanks for continuing to take this journey with me (now I just sound like I'm on a reality show -- they always use the word "journey" ) -- I mean it....

Another long blog -- sorry -- but I think you may only get an entry about once a week - but it will be a good one!!  I'll fill you in on my weekend next week -- but there will be more de-cluttering news I'm sure!!

And one more congratulations on the new sneakers for those who got them -- thanks for supporting me -- now get out there and exercise !

Thanks for reading -- have a good one -- Schully

April 23, 2008 - So Little Time - So Much to Blog

So guys, sorry for the delay -- I've been busy doing all kinds of things -- but you'll all be happy to know my workout schedule has stayed intact (in spite of friends in town and big holiday dinners) and I've tried to maintain my eating the best I can --

I'm not going to lie -- life after the challenge has been difficult but liveable and I feel that although I was so strict and a little crazy, I have calmed down considerably and am learning to take life as it comes and all things in stride - in other words, I've let myself off the hook a little, if a miss a day at the gym or go over board at a special meal -- the important thing, is that I am learning to be this new me and really do take it one day at a time --

I definitely wake up each day - especially during the week with a plan of what I will to eat and what I plan to do at the gym -- that planning helps me stick to it for some reason -- so even if I'm tired and I don't feel like working out, I told myself first thing in the morning or last thing before I went to bed and I am accountable to myself to make sure that it happens --

I can't go back too far in time, so I thought I would share the last few days and you could see what I've been talking about --

I'll start with last Friday -- I couldn't tell you one thing that happened at work except that we said good bye to Alexis Altschuler who has moved on to work at the Food Network -- we had a nice going away party for her  -- complete with Magnolia bakery cupcakes (which I didn't have - because I knew I was going out for a big dinner that night) --- I work pretty closely with Alexis and she is one of the best -- she is the person who calls the trivia callers that we talk to each day, then she gives the name to me and then I tell Regis and Kelly about the person on the phone -- so it was only appropriate that we posed with one of our favorite trips   --- Turtle Bay Resort in Hawaii!!! -- I will definitely miss her -- but now maybe I can finally sit in Kitchen Stadium and observe "Iron Chef America" first hand!!

I was supposed to have a training session with Sid -- I've been able to purchase sessions so I can continue -- I think it is important for me -- Sid is not only a trainer, but also a part-time shrink -- so that hour not only keeps me fit, but pscyhed to keep going and not let myself down -- unfortunately, we had a little miscommunication and the session got cancelled -- just as well, because my friends Fran and Steve were arriving from London with their friend Rachel and we were all going to meet for dinner that night. --

Getting home Friday night was a slight mess -- thanks to Pope Benedict -- no offense, and I think it was great for the city that he came for a visit, but if you live on the upper east side of Manhattan it was no fun getting around town -- David picked Molly and I up at work and then didn't even make it to my parking garage -- instead we parked on the street and walked home -- the police had completely closed off Park Avenue --

and when we finally arrived home -- this is a look at the traffic I could see from my window -- yikes!! -- it is enough to make you want to stay locked indoors!!

Once it cleared, we made our way to midtown to a restaurant called "BLT Steak" -- which was very delicious and obviously specializes in steak - a favorite food of my friend Steve -- he has very simple taste in food, so we tend to defer to him when choosing a restaurant because the rest of us will eat most anything! -- The food was good and I have to tell you -- I tried everything -- I had some of the popover they served me, grilled octopus, a taste of all the side dishes including a few french fries - I only had half of my strip steak and I even had dessert -- I know - you are asking yourself - who is this? -- but that is what I'm talking about -- life is too short to not eat good food when it is presented to you and to watch what you eat when it is not --

I have to admit - in these past 2 weeks since the challenge ended and I've indulged, I do feel a little sick afterwards -- my body is just not use to big meals or essentially carbs -- so when I do eat like I did on Friday night -- I am right back on the wagon the next day mostly because I have no desire to feel like that again!!   We did have a terrific time - lots of laughs -- good food and great conversation - lots of catching up --                                                 

Saturday -- I have to say was quite the industrious day -- after not working out for 2 days and that big meal which included wine and cocktails I might add -- after taking Molly to the park on a beautiful Saturday morning -- I headed back out to Central Park and ran one loop -- about 6.1 miles --- it felt great! -- it was only the second time I had run in the park since the half-marathon --

The first time I did it, I felt pretty strange -- like a weird re-living of a dream - and it wasn't nearly as much fun even though I was running half the distance I did that day -- also I've realized how goal oriented I am -- it is much more fun to run and train when you have a goal like the half marathon, so I'm definitely going to run in the next available race --

Saturday's run was great -- I've shaved down the time it takes me to run one loop and it ended with a trip to my manicurist for a manicure -- what is better than that??!

I have mentioned that I'm de-cluttering - or un-cluttering - whatever you want to call it -- well on Saturday I dropped 118 used books off at Housing Works, a local thrift store nearby -- it felt great -- but it is only the beginning and I will get back to my own personal Unclutter Challenge later --

Are you still there? -- this may be the longest blog ever -- but try to stay with me -- it has been awhile

Saturday night, was the beginning of the 8 day Jewish holiday of Passover -- David and I split the 2 seders between our families and on the first night, it was his family's turn -- the seder is essentially, the retelling of the story of Moses (if you've ever seen the film, "The Ten Commandments" -- that is essentially it, except without Charlton Heston and the special effects) -- The food selection is always the same -- gefilte fish (an aquired taste - I maintain if you weren't brought up eating it, you will never like it) - matza ball soup, brisket, matza farfel (a kind of stuffing made out of crushed up matza) and lots of vegetables -- for dessert, my favorite bakery Crumbs makes Kosher for Passover cakes and even the cupcakes -- which are not as good as the original, but a good stand-in

It was a nice evening and I didn't over-indulge but I didn't abstain either -- I'm trying for realism here -- so that is what we did --

After the Seder, we headed back into Manhattan and where we met Fran and Steve at "Top of the Rock" -- this is at the top of the GE building in Rockefeller Center --I had never been and it was the one touristy thing Fran insisted on doing -- it was a lovely night in Manhattan -- clear, but windy on top -- but you could really get a lovely view of Manhattan at night -- you can see how windy it is with my hair sticking up straight -- but that location was the photo op with the Empire State Building very clear in the background --

Afterwards, we headed to another great spot if you are visiting the city -- The King Cole Room at the St. Regis Hotel -- we had a night cap and chatted some more -- it was so nice spending time with them --

It was two late nights in a row which included some alcohol so when Molly woke me up at her usual time of 6:00am -- I was pretty sleepy ---

Sunday was more of a lazy day, although I did make it to a kickboxing class called "Powerstrike" which Illaria teaches (it is her spinning class I take every Wednesday night)  -- Between Friday night's dinner and the Seder and knowing there was another Seder on the way that night definitely got my butt to the gym and working out --- I definitely see the balance between the two -- in my book, diet and exercise must go hand-in-hand ---

That night, we headed to my Dad's apartment for the next Seder and Fran, Steve and Rachel came with us -- my Dad is the perfect leader and I think loved having some "fresh meat" at the table -- someone new to explain the stuff to for the very first time -- essentially, the menu was the same -- it is like everyone knows that gefilte fish, matza ball soup and brisket (pot roast) -- must be served -- it is like law -- it was another nice night and I got more desserts from Crumbs -- too many to be sure -- the folks at the office got a treat the next day when I brought in the leftovers -- but what good would I be if I didn't have too many desserts -- I think Deborah at the office said I was over-compensating because I knew I wouldn't really eat them -- so I wanted everyone else to eat more -- who knows -- you can be the judge

Monday morning, my English buddies came to the show -- the only reason they really know who Regis and Kelly are is because of me but I think it was fun for them to sit in the audience and get somewhat of the royal treatment -- Regis & Kelly and even Neil Patrick Harris came over to say hello -- my friend Fran is as much into pop culture and me and is an avid watcher of "American Idol" in England (they show it on Thursday and Friday nights over there) -- so she was happy to hear one of the idols (Kristy Lee Cook) sing in person.

Both Fran and Rachel were disappointed to hear that Colin Firth would be appearing on our show on Tuesday - they are both huge fans and I guess anyone who has ever seen "Pride and Prejudice" becomes instantly smitten with Mr. Firth -- So the next day, when he was on -- he was kind enough to take these photos with me -- which I promptly sent to Rachel and Fran who were absolutely thrilled!!

I thought it was kind of funny, so I thought I would share them with you too --

Okay -- almost done -- hang in there -- like I've said before, now that I've shed my physical weight, I've definitely been carrying around other weight as well -- I have to admit, I'm somewhat of a hoarder/clutter hound -- it is not something I love to admit, but anyone who comes to my apartment or sees my desk -- there is no hiding it -- so in hopes of moving forward and cleaning myself up for good -- and to do something that will insure that the Schully of January 2008 is gone and replaced by the Schully of April 2008 - a thinner, fitter model for sure -- I've hired an organizational consultant to come in to my home and help me clear the clutter once and for all!

Kathleen showed up at 7:15pm on Monday night and we set to work -- which we did for 3 hours -- I boxed up about 100 more books -- is it right for a person to have all those books?!?!? -- I threw away a lot of stuff and am going to be making several trips to goodwill in the next few weeks -- I hesitate to include the photos just yet - but we started with the easy stuff -- and this is built in bookshelf we started with...

On Tuesday, I was exhausted -- between getting up early, working all day - a session with my trainer Sid (who I have continued with - post challenge) -- and then working 3 hours on cleaning -- it was a long Monday -- but Tuesday night, we were back at it ---

I still found time to run 5 miles on Tuesday and I chose to do it later in the day so it would energize me a little and I even ran into Regis at the gym so we went around the outdoor track together -- it was a nice break -- but 7:30pm -- Kathleen was back -- she is pretty good -- kind of tricks you into throwing away stuff - lets you keeps something at first, but then 15 minutes later shows you the same item and asks you if you really want it and then you end up throwing it away!!!! very tricky!! --

Some would ask me why I don't do this on my own -- the truth is - I can't -- I'm pretty lazy and I just can't -- parting with things - anything really is pretty difficult -- I guess admitting you have the problem is the first step -- maybe this is all a little too personal for the blog -- but you know what? - you got me through the challenge and I hope you'll get me through this -- and it is kind of fun -- very cleansing -- feels as good as not eating carbs!!

In the end -- I'll have a great apartment which David and I will share (David -- remember him?) -- and a place that can go from my apartment -- to ours -- big step I know -- He is enjoying the wilds of Iowa and central Illinois this week and will return on Thursday night and will be hopefully pleasantly surprised with the few days of spring cleaning --- It is going to take awhile, but I'm pretty committed -- I'll keep you updated and I'll show you what the bookshelves look like now  - with a lot less stuff and about 200 fewer books & magazines!!

Okay -- there you have it -- thank you for all your comments -- they continue to make me smile, I hope you'll stick with me in this next chapter of my life -- it is a new day -- and a new Schully -- I honestly believe that the weight is gone for good -- and I even think I may have found a balance that will keep it off --

Tonight, I get a night off but have to clean on my own, but Kathleen will be back on Thursday and then Friday morning, the Schulweis Clan is heading to the University of Michigan to watch and applaud the graduation of my brother Jason!!

So keep in touch -- I know they are fewer in number -- but keep checking in -- the blog will continue --

Thanks for reading and staying in touch -- best, Schully

April 18, 2008: Be Back Soon!!

Hey Guys --

Have no fear, Schully is still here --- many of you have written asking where I am - I'm coming -- just been a busy week around here -- so I promise -- check in again in a few days and you'll hear all my news -- promise!!!

This weekend holds a visit from friends from London - the Passover Seders and I'm going to begin my own Un-Clutter Challenge -- you will hear how now that I have lost physical weight -- I'm going to try to lose tons of metaphysical weight from my apartment --- so don't lose heart -- I'm still here and I will be back!!

We'll talk soon -- Schully

April 13, 2008 : Life Begins...

And so guys -- Here I am - back at the blog, back to life without the Staff Fitness Challenge -- thought I would fill you in on what has been going on with me since Wednesday and how it is going and what I'm feeling now...

First off, life without the challenge is more relaxed for me -- I've started a way of life -- am able to stick to it, but I'm also, happily able to let myself off the hook a little bit if I get off track -- which over the last few days I have -- only for momentary celebrations - celebrating my win and celebrating a new "thin" existence.

Also, it seems that we will be able to continue blogging -- I'm glad of that -- mostly because it holds me accountable to all of you and myself -- it will keep me honest -- and hopefully keep us both going as life continues on... I can't promise I'll write everyday as I've been doing, but I will definitely be checking in with you all a few times a week for sure -- It is kind of funny, after going through so many days writing the blog, I can't stop writing it in my head -- so I think you are all safe -- you will continue to hear my news and how I am doing in keeping the weight off and staying in shape --

Thursday and Friday after the challenge were fairly run of the mill days -- I ate what I have always eaten and I went to the gym, just like I've always done -- so I guess the challenge did its work --

Like many in America, David got trapped overnight in Chicago, thanks to both bad weather and cancelled flights on American Airlines -- but when he got home -- he greeted me with a large bouquet of roses

Then we celebrated with champagne -


It was a nice night, although I do owe David a little bit of an apology -- he came waltzing in with flowers and champagne and we hadn't seen each other for 5 days, but I just got a new laptop computer and I'm obsessed with getting it to work so I'm afraid the computer got more attention than my boyfriend did!!!

Saturday morning I went to go do what women everywhere hate doing - bra shopping! -- and although I would usually deem this too personal for a blog entry, I wanted to point it out because it just shows how turned around my head is after losing 32 pounds --

I think I've mentioned before that it is a funny experience that when I look in the mirror, all I see is the old Schully -- sometimes I get glimpses of the new thin me, but most of the time it is just the same old me I see -- well - as you can imagine, none of my bras fit thanks to the weight loss -- I'm convinced that most of the 11 percent body fat I lost came from that area of my body!! -- well - for most of my life I've been a 36 whatever -- well I got measured Saturday morning and I'm down to a 32!! -- how the heck did that happen -

I'm also discovering that I automatically try on things that say large or even when I've been thinner - medium -- guess what -- I'm a small!! -- it is crazy -- I think that will be a big part of keeping the weight off -- realizing that this is me -- a new smaller me -- but if I want to stay this way -- I've got to stop thinking of myself as the larger me -- I went to a bridal shower today (which I'll get to later) -- and it was funny to meet people who had never met me before and just thought I was this fit, thinner in shape person -- they didn't know I had just lost all this weight -- the whole thing really turns your head around....

Saturday afternoon, I tried to make up to David favoring my computer on Friday night -- I booked massages for us both which we thoroughly enjoyed -- mine was especially good - a great deep tissue massage which got all the places still sore and tight after last weekend's race -- then -- we were off to Nobu for dinner where I finally really splurged a little and ate things I had denied myself -- I had my favorite drink -- a dirty martini and one of my favorite dishes at Nobu - rock shrimp tempura -- which was delicious!!

We definitely had a fun date! - it was nice to be out and be relaxed and know that even after splurging a little - the next day I would be back on it --

I think I have mentioned previously that David and I are going to a wedding in Italy in May, well today was spent at a fabulous restaurant Spice Market -- for the bride's bridal shower -- not always a first choice to spend a Sunday afternoon, but Richelle is a good friend and I'm responsible for her meeting her fiance, so it actually was a nice afternoon and again -- good food, nice company -- I met some of Richelle's friends that I had never met before and hit it off so well with one girl, that I felt like I made a new friend --

After yesterday's splurge, I tried to not eat too much at the shower -- I had a taste of everything though and although I tried to moderate, I was pretty full when I walked out -- but you can't beat cooking by Jean Georges --

If you recognize her fiance Eric -- he was a cast member on the 3rd season of "Big Brother" -- the whole reason they met is because I'm (as you all know) -- a huge reality show fan -- and I got to go to the "Survivor All-Star" finale and party -- well Eric walked by -- saw Richelle and the rest, as they say (whoever "they" are) is history -- 3 years later, we will all be flying to Tuscany to witness these two getting married in an Italian castle --

The shower was fun -- although I could have done without the opening of all the presents -- who started that tradition anyway? -- the mountain of presents was so huge it took more than an hour for her to open them -- I tried to talk her out of it, but it really would have disappointed her mother, so there we sat watching the traditional bridal shower present opening!

All in all -- it was a nice afternoon -- and a good weekend to start the rest of my life -- a few splurges to be sure -- and I did take the weekend off from going to the gym -- but tomorrow I'm back on it -- back to my oatmeal, salads and egg whites -- it is the only way to survive the rest of my life --

Before I go, I just want to thank you all for the lovely e-mails of congratulations!! -- they just really make my day -- it is nice to know there are people out there pulling for me -- knowing I succeeded in the challenge and will succeed in life -- anyway -- Thanks again for all your support - it means more to me than you all could ever know --

Now it is time to take Molly for a walk and get ready for a new week -- Regis is back tomorrow filled with many stories of his weekend travels and don't miss Michael Johns from "American Idol" performing -- what is up with his getting eliminated anyway!?!?!?! -- America is certainly fickle -- I'm glad my bloggers aren't --

Keep checking in with me ---- I'll be here --- take care and thanks again --- Schully

April 9, 2008 : Not the End....

So, I know guys, you've been waiting all day to hear from me - I was having trouble with photos, so here it is first thing the morning after -- well, I did it -- I'm the winner -- the biggest loser -- I actually did what I set out to do and then some -- when I stepped on the scale to the groan of the audience back on January 8th - I set a personal goal for myself -- lose 30 pounds -- that was it -- I had 3 months -- I wasn't sure if my body would cooperate, but I worked hard, worked out, worked on watching what I ate and low and behold 3 months later I stepped on the scale and lost 31.6 pounds and weigh less than I ever have in my adult life....from 160.1 to 128.5 -- even I'm surprised....

But I'm getting ahead of myself -- this morning was all about nerves -- worried about my outfit, worried about the scale - just plain worried -- you can bet I didn't eat or drink anything for quite a few hours, but I knew the outcome would be well worth it --

Pat Sajak was here this morning (who I love and who was here on the day of our first weigh-in - if Regis couldn't be here, Pat was definitely a great stand-in) -- I briefed him, changed into my outfit and then at about 8:15 or so we had a rehearsal --

I thought as a parting gift, I would show you a little bit of the rehearsal -- with the big board, all of us in a line, but not in our outfits and Meaghan and Katherine from SELF all set up with Gelman as a stand in -- it got us all ready, but nervous --

  Once the show started, I stayed at my post in the studio until after the first segment -- once that ended, Christine Composto relieved me of my cue card duties and I went backstage to change - get a little makeup and just psyche myself up for the weigh-in -- before you knew it -- we were up -- Laurie C. first looking very skinny in green, then Delores -- also looking good - then Cindy - always entertaining with her belly billboard - then Mariann - looking quite svelte in pink -- then there was only a commercial break standing between me and the scale -- two and a half minutes never seemed so long....

Finally -- my turn -- there was the before shot - me at 160.1 then I walked out there (I chose one of my favorite songs "How Far We've Come" by Matchbox Twenty to walk out to) -- and then I stepped on the scale -- before I knew it -- I couldn't believe my eyes -- 128.5!!! -- yikes! -- how did I get so skinny? -- I lost 11.4 percent of my body fat and you'll have to check the stats for how many inches.... I was pretty pleased with myself and realized that all my hard work, plus the half marathon did its job -- I got off the scale - walked over to Mariann who hi-fived me and then just like that it was over -- after me came Elyssa - also looking very toned and finally Marco who has literally turned into a muscle overnight -- and then before I knew it -- I had won!! --

So, congratulations to all who picked me to win and will be receiving a new pair of sneakers in the mail -- good for us- -- determination and hard work prevailed --- and I can't hide the fact that I'm pretty proud of not only myself -- but all 7 of us -- each in our way, we changed our lives - learned to watch what we eat and learned to incorporate exercise into our lives --

Once the show was over - we were all happy -- took some photos and then again, just like that  -- the Staff Fitness Challenge came to an end --

 

Now, the hard work is up to me - why is gaining weight so easy and losing weight so hard? -- as soon as the show ended, I drank a big glass of water and ate...what else? -- my orange and some oatmeal

At lunchtime, I walked into the cafeteria and there were hamburgers and turkey burgers and french fries, but I had my salad with grilled chicken with my own balsamic vinaigrette just like I have every day -- I had an apple as a snack and then later a granola bar... so you see, even in the face of being off the hook maybe the food I eat is all I know -- maybe all of this has really changed my life forever -- I hope so....

That afternoon, I talked with Tara who I ran the half-marathon with and we've already decided to run together one night a week -- I am going to continue to run on Sunday mornings and take my favorite gym classes (thanks to the one year membership at Reebok) just like I've been doing and I'm seeking out new goals -- anything to keep this weight off and maybe lose some more --

Once work was done, we had a small get together at a local sushi restaurant and I actually had 4 pieces of sushi (not sashimi) -- that was my big splurge so far -- just a few of us were there, but it was nice to relax and talk without the pressure of the challenge --

Now, I am not perfect -- I did go to the store and buy my favorite flavor of Edy's light ice cream (it was light I didn't want to go that crazy after all) and had a big bowl of it when I got home -- a girl's got to celebrate somehow -- right? -- but I've realized that tomorrow I'll have my oatmeal, my salad, maybe some grilled fish for dinner - go to the gym and then just like that -- I'm back and I'm in it -- it is a way and a "weigh" of life --

So there you have it -- the last day -- sorry it is so late, but I had to let it seep in -- that the real life challenge has started -- that I did actually win (what am I going to do with that huge treadmill anyway?) and that now I have to get on with my life -- I have some new goals -- like really clean my apartment -- there is a trip to Italy to a friend's wedding in the future and who knows? -- now that running has really become a hobby maybe you'll see me running in the NYC Marathon in November -- the sky is truly the limit and I have high hopes that this time it will stick -- that  a month, a year or even 10 years from now you can run into me and I'll still be the new - skinny Schully -- I think I've said this before -- I don't have a great track record -- this is actually the 4th time in the 12 and a half years I've worked at "Live" that I have had a big weight loss only to gain it back -- I'm going against the odds -- but thanks to a lot of support I think this is it --

Speaking of support -- some thank you's -- to SELF magazine for approaching the show to give us all another chance and to Gelman who actually said yes! -- to Reebok Sports Club and especially my trainer Robert "Sid" Sidbury who was everything from trainer to shrink to photographer for an hour every week -- I'm already signed up to continue on with him -- to ASICS for that treadmill and the running shoes to run my first race -- Katherine Brooking and Meaghan Buchan whose support helped me do so well and whose continued support will keep me a winner... -- also from SELF -- Lauren Theodore and editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger who has now changed my life twice in a lifetime -- much more than anyone can ask for..

Here are the big ones -- to David, who puts up with the crazy that is me and loves me and cooks for me anyway, my family, my friends -with special shout outs to Colette, Marci, Rainy, Joy, Rhonda, Joan, Fran and Cammy -- thanks to all of you, I'm richer than George Bailey --

And most of all to all my bloggers -- Cyndi, Patty, Tina Morgan, Pat E., Peggy Williams, Lyn, Beth, Lori, Tina C., Doris, Deanna, Judy G, Franziska -- and so many others and anyone who read my blog even though they didn't send a comment -- and if you were a regular and I forgot you it isn't on purpose believe me, it is late and I'm a bit overwhelmed -- knowing you are all out there and feeling your support everyday will definitely keep me going - long after this is over -- Thank you, Thank you, Thank you  and if I have helped you in anyway -- then I really truly have won this challenge.

Okay -- enough of that, but I don't know how soon it will be before I'll blog again so I don't want to forget anything -- believe me -- if I can keep blogging I will -- I definitely want to stay in touch......

This has been an amazing experience -- some downs, but mostly ups -- I feel healthier and fitter than I've ever felt in my life --

Best to all -- Schully (Lori S.)

April 7 - 8, 2008 - It is All About Tomorrow!

So guys, - this is it -- it is now all about stepping on a scale tomorrow morning and seeing the results -- After running the half marathon, the weigh-in almost seemed like an after thought, but the reality is, this is what we've all be working towards for the past 3 months.

Monday remained full of the exhilaration of the race on Sunday -- I wasn't too sore and I was excited to show off my medal -- I actually got up at 4:00am again on Monday and did a very very light workout - rode the bike for 20 minutes and then did the eliptical for 15 minutes just to move my legs a little bit -- nothing strenuous - just to get the blood flowing -- then it was off to work -- in the end I'm glad I did that -- it really warmed me up and made me feel better later on ...

The show was fairly uneventful except for the fact that Regis made fun of me for coming in 2520th in a race of 8000 people and I still got a medal for it -- I tried to explain it to him it is about the accomplishment of it -- which I think he got -- but just wanted to tease me -- deep down I think he was pretty proud otherwise he wouldn't have brought it up on the show -- you can watch host chat from yesterday on our website ---

They taped our "exit" interviews for the recap tape -- I essentially said a lot of the things I said in the webisode -- that the real challenge starts Wednesday morning at 10:00am for me -- for some reason I was given this second chance and I don't want to blow it again -- I think my body is just where I want it -- I've developed a new hobby in running and exercise is truly part of my daily routine -- I'm not naive enough to think that it will be easy to stay this way -- but I am definitely going to give it the college try -- and as I was coming to work this morning I started to think to myself -- why not the New York City Marathon? --

After the show - we had our usual meeting -- followed by a second meeting which lasted well into the afternoon -- I had one last appointment with Sid before the weigh-in --

Sid thankfully only really worked my arms - giving my legs a little break from the run the day before -- and then at the end he blissfully and somewhat painfully stretched me out for about 10 minutes -- the tightness in my leg muscles was intense!!! --- but afterwards I skipped out of there like it was nothing at all!! --- Yeah Sid!! -- I couldn't have done so well in this challenge without him --

Tuesday morning started early again -- ran a little bit in the morning -- then dropped Molly off at daycare and then headed into work -- today the recap of the challenge aired -- you can see how much thinner we all are and I'm pretty proud of Cindy, Elyssa and I for running that race -- it really shows what this challenge has truly done for us -- really for all of us -- Mariann, Marco, Laurie and Delores -- set us on a better path than we were on the last time we did this challenge

After the meeting I had a salad for lunch -- don't want to eat too much today for the weigh-in tomorrow  -- and then after completing work I headed to the gym for one last push of burning calories before tomorrow -- did I mention my whole life is focused on tomorrow morning -- I ran 4 miles (it seems so little to me now - funny how everything is relative) and rode the bicycle for 20 minutes, stretched as much as I could -- spotted Regis -- he is on his way to a short vacation tomorrow -- sat and chatted a bit and then here I am finishing up work -- anxious and apprehensive about tomorrow --

what is that saying? -- tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow --

Sorry no photos today -- but I think I gave you all my fill from the race ---

On a personal note to all my bloggers -- I'm truly overwhelmed by your support -- not just in the past few days, but from the very start of this challenge -- to know that I've helped any of you or befriended you or made you smile or showed you photos of parts of NYC that you've never seen before never ceases to put a smile on my face -- I feel very connected to all of you -- and am so thankful we've gotten to know each other....

And to Cyndi - who has blogged with me from day one -- literally "weigh to go!" on your own weigh-in -- 17.5 pounds is nothing to sneer at  --  everyone should do so well --

But truly your e-mails of congratulations and support always brighten my day! --

I guess the ending of something and the start of something else always brings out the philosophical in me -- so maybe I'll stop writing this entry ---- enough of thinking about it .....

Let's Win This Thing!!! -- Tune In Tomorrow! --- Schully

April 5 - 6, 2008 : 13.1 Miles!!!!

So -- where do I begin? -- what a weekend -- I did it!! --- 13.1 miles -- all the work and training paid off and I had a great race this morning and fun to boot -- lots of photos and so much to tell -- again - where do I begin?

With the race on Sunday, I knew that Saturday had to be a rest day -- no two ways about it -- in order to have enough energy to run the half marathon, I definitely needed a day off to rest -- my day consisted of a morning walk with Molly, a nap on the couch and what else? -- A day at the hair salon -- I, like Kelly R., get my hair colored by Scott at Oscar Blandi who does a super job and agreed to his internet debut on the blog

After that, I got home with great looking hair and David and I went to the Pre-Race Pasta Party at Tavern on the Green -- Now I talked with a lot of folks about what to eat prior to the race and everyone said carbo loading and eating pasta the day before was the way to go -- it went against everything I've been doing in the challenge and I couldn't tell you the last time I ate any, but I didn't want to collapse on the groundthe next morning, so pasta is what I ate : 

It was actually pretty fun and I didn't eat that much pasta - just enough and it really made the race feel very real and it was then that I started to get nervous -- as I was leaving Tavern on the Green I looked up at the ceiling and noticed all these floating flowers ---  is Tavern copying "Spring Fling Trivia A Gro-Go?

As we left Tavern and walked uptown, the nerves started to get to me and when I got home I laid everything out -- my sneakers, ipod, camera, numbers, outfit - everything so I wouldn't have to worry about it in the morning -- I was in bed by 11:00pm and got some sleep although as morning approached - sleep was pretty elusive --

The alarm went off at 5:30am -- I got dressed - walked Molly (just around the block today) -- then ate breakfast -- I loaded up on protein and some carbs - egg white omelette with vegetables, non-fat yogurt and oatmeal -- stuck a string cheese in my pocket -- and then off I went to the race:

  Once there - (the race started at 8:00am) -- our plan was to meet at 7:15am by the baggage claim -- as soon as I got there I spotted Diana and then we walked back to the starting line where we met up with the Eyewitness News van and the rest of the girls running with me on the WABC-TV team were Heidi Jones, Tara Zimmerman, Lisa Colagrossi and Diana Williams -- they have all been training with Jimmy Lynch and I've had gotten advice from him too along the way and he was great enough to bring a massage table and stretch us all before the race -- we posed for some photos and then before you knew it -- it was time to line up --

 

We lined up amid the crowds of women a little nervous, but ready -- Diana told us all a joke to warm us up and then before you knew it we were walking toward the starting line -- then, again, before you knew it -- I hit start on my stop watch -- we crossed the starting line and off we went --

The race was going to take us twice around the Central Park loop -- but we would pass Tavern on the Green 3 times -- it was weird -- once we started, we were in a mob of people for awhile and frankly I couldn't believe we were actually in the thick of it! -- After all the training and running on Sundays every weekend, we were actually in the race!!! --- Truthfully, I couldn't have made it through without Diana and Tara -- we all run at approximately the same pace and pretty much kept together through the first loop - I felt that we were going a bit fast, but you get so caught up in it - adrenalin kind of takes over and you can't really slow down --