Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Updates

I've gotten quite a few emails with people just dropping in now, looking for the information for the challenge. That's the thing I sometimes hate about blogs, posts get shuffled to the bottom that you want first, and I hate rearranging my post dates and times.... So I created an archive box on the top right of the blog that has direct links to the steps for the challenge in order!


Also, as of this morning, we have 82 participants! I'm still entering everyones information into a spreadsheet, which I'll hopefully get finished this week. I'll send out a mass email over the weekend, so I'll post when I do, if you don't get the email, you're not on my list!


I've had quite a few suggestions come in, like group chats and how we can support eachother. I'm not sure how to set up a group chat, but maybe someone can enlighten me? Perhaps we'll pick 2 times per week and it will be totally optional for people to come in and share how they're doing.
What do you all think about being matched up with one other person, who you can keep tabs on during the week? I'd love to communicate with all of you every week, but I just don't think it's going to be possible with over 80 participants!


Comment here if you like the buddy idea... if it sounds like most people do, then I'll go ahead and send out the info in the email.


I've also had a few questions about competition and rewards and such. As of now, it's not at all a competition...and honestly, if it is, that's more calculations and charting for me to do! As for rewards, since I don't have sponsors or anything, rewards would have to be out of pocket... so I'm thinking about it... but not 100% sure what I'll do.
I'll keep you posted ;)
Posted by at

28 comments:

  1. JuliaMarch 17, 2009 at 9:16 AM

    For group chats, check out http://chatroll.com/ It's very easy to add to your blog and you can leave it up there all the time so whenever people are on at the same time they can chat, but you can also schedule times when everyone should show up for a group chat.

    For prizes, I think a nicely designed ribbon to put on your blog is all that's necessary. The 20 lbs lighter should be reward enough. :)

    As for buddies, I like the idea, but I think you should match up people who have around the same starting weight. So maybe only match after the first weigh-in? It should also be optional, since you don't want someone who wants a buddy to be matched with someone who is uninterested. So maybe have people say if they want a buddy or not in the first weigh-in email.

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  2. ChelsMarch 17, 2009 at 9:18 AM

    I like the buddy idea.

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  3. Firefly062March 17, 2009 at 9:21 AM

    I'd be down for having a buddy!

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  4. The Mrs.March 17, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    I like the buddy idea... but I agree with Julia on everything. Loosing 20 lbs is the reward for me! ;)

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  5. EmilyMarch 17, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    I *really* like the buddy idea. I wanted to put everyone's URLs into my feed reader so I can keep tabs on everyone -- I think it'll be encouraging and motivating to see how everyone else is doing, but if we're matched with a buddy who's sort of at our same level -- that'd be GREAT! Talk about accountability!! :o)

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  6. sarahMarch 17, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    Love the buddy idea!!

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  7. DianaMarch 17, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    I like the idea of a buddy. Helping someone stay motivated is very rewarding and having a buddy on those days where you just don't feel like working out is great b/c you can have someone motivate you!

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  8. jenncuisineMarch 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    I like the buddy idea, and I really like the previous comment about matching ppl up with those starting at similar weights.

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  9. SaraMarch 17, 2009 at 10:16 AM

    I really like the buddy idea, and basically second everything Julia said.

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  10. KatieMarch 17, 2009 at 10:22 AM

    I love the buddy idea, and completely agree with what Julia said. I think it would be great to have a buddy that is starting about the same place I am. I have alot more than 20 pounds to lose, but I have to start somewhere. Thank you so much for doing this challenge!

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  11. Ms2MrsMarch 17, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    I love the buddy idea and group chats. I'm totally up for a buddy.

    I also agree that the 20lb loss is reward enough for me.

    Also, I read the weddingbee blog and one of the girls posted about the challenge! You should be so proud of yourself for getting so many people involved in HEALTHY weight loss!

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  12. CassieMarch 17, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    I like the buddy idea too!

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  13. HollyMarch 17, 2009 at 10:46 AM

    Are you planning to put your spreadsheet on Google Docs so we all all see it? You an also make it so WE can enter our OWN weigh-in, less work for you!

    I'd be up for a buddy!

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  14. EmilyMarch 17, 2009 at 10:53 AM

    I like the buddy idea, and i think it would be good to be matched up with someone the same starting weight. In regards to a prize, perhaps with the buddies, they could each send a little something to their partner at the end, a sort of swap so it wouldn't come out of your pocket. Just an idea.

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  15. kccatMarch 17, 2009 at 11:24 AM

    Ditto everything Julia said.

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  16. Chic Ink DesignsMarch 17, 2009 at 11:58 AM

    The buddy idea is nice.
    IMO, anyone doing this for a prize from someone else is in it for the wrong reasons.

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  17. Delightfully DivineMarch 17, 2009 at 12:29 PM

    I like the buddy idea! Thank you so much for doing this Ash!

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  18. JustDoitJacquiMarch 17, 2009 at 12:51 PM

    I like the buddy idea. :)

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  19. MindyMarch 17, 2009 at 1:12 PM

    I like the buddy idea as well (matching up similar starting weights), and I also agree that the real reward is living healthier, & losing some lbs. Nothing else is needed. I think it's really cool that so many women are excited to do this, team up, and stay accountable!

    www.healthybecause.blogspot.com

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  20. SarahMarch 17, 2009 at 1:24 PM

    I love the buddy idea, too! It will be a great way to stay accountable!

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  21. CarrieMarch 17, 2009 at 1:26 PM

    I like the buddy idea!

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  22. ColleenMarch 17, 2009 at 1:37 PM

    I'm all for the buddy idea ... also to help you out you should definitely look into Google Documents for a Spreadsheet, therefore we can all update our own weigh ins. Also you can use a google group so we can interact that way -- Google is pretty intuitive and if all these wonderful ladies can find your blog then they can use google groups!! Let me know if you need any help setting it up.

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  23. jesstylerMarch 17, 2009 at 2:52 PM

    love all the ideas ... esp. being teamed up with a buddy. I know I need the extra accountability. I also like the idea of having everyone's blogs available so we can give others motivation as well as get motivated by others as well.

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  24. ogracefuloneMarch 17, 2009 at 4:11 PM

    I agree- a buddy with the same starting weight (or maybe in the same geographic vicinity) would be great!

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  25. JessicaMarch 17, 2009 at 8:54 PM

    I love the buddy idea, it would be great to have someone to keep in touch with about staying motivated.

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  26. Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)March 18, 2009 at 1:09 AM

    I like the buddy idea too!

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  27. JessicaMarch 18, 2009 at 10:27 PM

    I like the buddy idea as well!!!
    ~Jess

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  28. MeganMarch 19, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    I like the buddy idea!

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