Knowing the big twist that was going to hit the teams in Week 2, I was definitely nervous and anxious to get going. But first, the challenge. The Blue and Red teams both wanted this win, but the Blue team I think was determined to beat the Red team after their loss at last weeks challenge. And for a while it looked like it was going to happen. Blue held on to a clear lead almost all the way through, but when Phil squared off against Jerry as the final two to run the stairs, it was clear that Phil wasn’t going to give up. I totally got caught up in the moment as Jerry and Phil disappeared behind the walls and we couldn’t see them until they came around the corner towards the finish line.
It was such a close race! It was hard to see the Blue team be disappointed again, but the Red team is shaping up to be a powerhouse in these challenges. Unfortunately, they couldn’t translate that strength into a win at the weigh-in.
Standing there with the Black Team, watching the Blue and Red teams faces when they caught sight of their new competitors, I was so nervous. The Black team didn’t know what to expect, what the teams reactions would be. There were a lot of mixed feelings about being left behind, in the desert, but also excitement to rejoin the game.
I have to say - it was so hard to say ‘goodbye’ to the Black team out there, in the desert. And let them think they were leaving the game. I felt terrible as I saw Jez lean up against the gas pump, Bill & Jim trying to shake off the disappointment, and Julie and Hollie consoling each other. But I knew it was going to be awesome having them back, having them return to the game to face off against the other two teams. And it was – they weighed in, and showed their strength by winning the weigh-in! I think Jillian was nervous to make a good first impression with her teams results. You can definitely tell that this more than just a game to Jillian, Kim & Bob. They all are so invested in their team – and for that matter all the contestants.
After the weigh-in, Red team had a major blow – they had to vote off another member, two weeks in a row. It was so brutal to see them again at the elimination. They were not ready to lose anyone and Lezlye was a strong member of their team. I was so impressed with how she handled herself after the votes. She understood the decision of her teammates, even though she definitely wanted to stay, she wished them the best, and said she knows that one of them is going to win the whole thing.
I didn’t get a chance to know Lezlye well, but I really admire her strength and courage. And she made me laugh with some pretty clever come-backs while we were hanging out during shooting. After she said goodbye, I reminded the Red Team that they only have 4 team members facing two other teams, 6 strong. They have an uphill battle, but I had better not see them in the elimination next week!
