MONDAY, JANUARY 14


I can’t believe it’s here…the final week of “The Allen Challenge”. Actually, it’s the end of what I call “phase one” of the challenge. I hope to challenge myself by staying fit and healthy for the rest of my life. I’m sure some of you are betting that I will gain it all back – and that’s fine. Have fun. It’s very possible I could, but I’m going to do everything I can to not ever go back to where I was. Today, Travis puts me on the elliptical for a few minutes and then it’s back to lifting weights. But the old problem with my left knee has returned. All I did was take a weird step and it was a stabbing pain underneath my left knee. That’s why it’s good to have the physical therapy folks standing by at Total Fitness Connection. They took a look at it and found some inflammation so I will ice it down a few times tonight and tomorrow and all should be fine. Today’s Diet: Apex fit mix drink with skim milk. Morning snack: Lean Cuisine pepperoni pocket. Lunch: Subway 6” lean turkey sandwich, Lay’s Light potato chips and Diet Coke. Supper: Homemade chili made with lean ground beef.


TUESDAY, JANUARY 15


Travis says we’re going to take it a little easy today until my knee feels better. It doesn’t feel too bad so I get back on the elliptical for a while and then the treadmill. Today’s Diet: Honey Bunches of Oats cereal with skim milk for breakfast. Morning Snack: Apple slices and grapes with orange juice. Lunch: Lean Cuisine cheese pizza with Coke Zero. Supper: Leftover chili.


WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16


Wednesday weigh-in: 251 lbs. (-3 pounds over last week -32 lbs. total)
Yes! Another three pounds which puts me over 30 total pounds lost! This is really what I wanted from the beginning…to show at least a 30 pound loss for the 12 weeks. I told most people I wanted to lose between 30 and 40 pounds and it has worked! Through all the holidays, the times I “fell off the diet wagon”, the times I whined and moaned about exercising or denying myself of some of the foods I used to eat…it has all paid off. I pictured what 32 pounds lost might look and feel like…and I can tell you it’s even better than I imagined! I miss my workout today because of a day-long department head meeting. Today’s Diet: Apex fit mix drink with skim milk. Lunch: baked chicken with green beans and Irish potatoes, iced tea with Splenda. Supper: Tossed salad with grilled chicken, toast and iced tea.


THURSDAY, JANUARY 17


Today, I get a late start working out and Travis has already left for the day. But I know what to do as he has trained me well. I workout on the elliptical for 30 minutes and then do a few leg extensions, abdominals and some free weights. Then I head over to the treadmill to round out the last 20 minutes. Today’s Diet: Sausage and scrambled eggs with orange juice for breakfast. Morning Snack: Apple slices and grapes. Lunch: Lean Cuisine Pepperoni Pizza with Coke Zero. Supper: Applebee’s house salad with 2 mini-burgers and Diet Coke.


FRIDAY, JANUARY 18


Well, here it is…the official end of “The Allen Challenge: Phase 1”. I must say that when I started this challenge, it was hard for me to envision losing more than 30 pounds…but here I am! This morning at Total Fitness, we spent a long time shooting video for the big finale which will air next Wednesday on AM Kentucky. It will be a retrospective of the entire 12 weeks – all the ups and downs of my exercise and lifestyle change – along with (I’ve been told) a few surprises I don’t know about. Words cannot begin to express my gratitude to Total Fitness Connection for what they’ve done to encourage me, slap my hand when needed and get me back up on that healthy horse and stay fit! But we’re not quite done yet. Stay connected to WBKO as the 2nd phase of the Allen Challenge is announced next Wednesday. I can tell you that you might be surprised to learn what I’m doing next. I can’t believe I’m taking this next challenge on!!