The Biggest Loser Show Series on NBC: Ashley Sherry Blog

Ready, set, GO... Biggest Loser Season 11 is here and it's Couples again! Did you see the show???? If you missed it - stop right now and watch it on nbc.com/biggestloser!

Season 11 looks like a good group of contestants but they all have a long way to go. Arthur's starting weight of 507 and 5'8" - Bob says that makes him officially the biggest contestant ever on Biggest Loser. Did you catch his picture at 646 pounds? He has already lost almost 150 pounds and has another 300 to go... it seems overwhelming but Bob really helped to get his head back to one day at a time! I love you Bob!

We also have Courtney of the Aqua Team (I like the new color don't you?) who has lost just over 100 pounds before coming to the ranch and is starting at 323, but it still puts her as the biggest girl in the house this season. Ashley was the biggest girl in our season starting at 374 so Courtney can do it and she seems to have the determination already. Her mom Marci is 20 pounds more than where I started at 218.

Did you hear Moses (440 pounds) from the Gray Team throw down a challenge from the very beginning? He is going to beat our Season 9 Gray Team Koli and Sam! What do you think about those guys! And the 54-year-old Black Team twins whose stories were heartbreaking. Don's son has disowned him and Dan's son died at 24. Sarah from the Pink Team, starting at 261 pounds, has had a number of miscarriages due to her weight and doesn't want to lose any more babies. And I have to mention Rulon and Justin, Yellow Team, because Rulon is the 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist in wrestling and Bronze Medalist in 2004; you know he has it in him. I liked everyone didn't you????

Biggest Loser has teased us for weeks in the commercials about the BIGGEST addition to Season 11 - TWO NEW TRAINERS!!!!!!!! Then the first challenge with the BIGGEST prize ever in BL history - the right to chose your trainers - Bob AND Jillian or the two UNKNOWN trainers AND FOUR WEEKS OF IMMUNITY!!!!!! The first challenge is a team 5K. (Okay, yes from couch potato to a team 5K is "challenging," but try couch potato to a team MARATHON ON A BIKE like we did our first day on the Ranch in Season 9, I'm just saying....)

I was impressed with many contestants during this challenge - yes the Yellow Team and their competitiveness but what about Gray Kaylee and Green Jennifer! Yellow, Gray, Aqua, Green, Brown, Purple, Pink and Red all got to make a choice of their trainers, leaving Orange, Blue and Black with no choice. What would you do? Bob and Jill, or unknown trainers but four weeks of IMMUNITY... do you think you would continue to work as hard if you knew every week could be your last? I know having the threat of going home next weigh-in drove me to continue pushing harder when I wanted to slow down... time will tell.

The unknown trainers with their five teams are working at Biggest Loser Fitness Ridge in Malibu while the six teams are still on the Biggest Loser ranch. I have not been to Fitness Ridge yet but you can bet it's no picnic! Check it out at http://malibu.biggestloserresort.com/. From the messages I'm getting on my Facebook, you wanted to see the unknown teams weigh in to see how well they did. We only got a peek at the Yellow Team who lost a total of 59 pounds, and Moses who set a record by losing 41 pounds! So it appears they are "killing it" as did Bob and Jillian's teams we did get to see. It is hard to see anyone go home the first week like James on Season 9. But with only nine pounds lost, Orange Team Mom Ana was eliminated. She does seem to be doing well at home having lost an additional 41 pounds and is serious about taking charge of her life again!

One last thing until next week, I heard a few words out of Arthur's mouth after pushing Jillian's truck around the mile and you know her foot was on that brake! He said," I CAN do this!" Do you think he's already getting it??? I love it!

I'm thrilled to blog about Season 11, Biggest Loser Couples. Ashley will add her thoughts occasionally as well. My life since Season 9's Finale has definitely changed! I am continuing to work on myself and apply that BUT-WHAT-IF-YOU-CAN determination I found in myself while on the ranch. Just as I encouraged Ashley to change her thinking and believe in herself, I realized I needed to do the same.

I now look at life with an attitude of I CAN do that and I am doing it - running races like the Don't Compete, Just Complete with Biggest Loser, Motivational Speaking, and other fun things like recently zip-lining through the tree tops in the Ozark Mountains (and ending with a 100 exit drop)!

I'm living my life again and enjoying it! I love meeting so many people whose lives have been impacted by The Biggest Loser and my story, who share their stories of triumph with others and me, and who need words of encouragement to believe they too can change! J.D. Roth, CEO of 3 Ball Productions and Executive Producer of The Biggest Loser told us all that our lives would be defined by this experience - before and after The Biggest Loser. He was so right!

I would love to hear from you! Here's my contact information:

Email: biggestlosersherry@yahoo.com
Facebook: Sherry Logan Johnston and Official Sherry Johnston Fan Site - Biggest Loser Season 9

And follow me on Twitter: bl9SherryJ

Hello again everyone. I realize I've missed a couple of entries, but life has been rough of late. One of my family members became ill and actually passed away within 6 weeks... It really puts life in perspective... It reminds me to appreciate the people in my life, to cherish them and the moments we have the opportunity to share. I so relate to Mark with his father being diagnosed with melanoma cancer and his desire to give back to him and spend as much time with him as possible. It is what is important! He gets it I think - Biggest Loser is so much more than a game.

So let's get caught up! Season 10 has given us so much to talk about throughout the weeks, and last week was so hard with having two lines - yellow and red! I think everyone was surprised to see Brenden fall below that red line and immediately go home. It is so hard when that happens. You really do leave immediately. Those goodbyes are it and the next thing you know - you are on a plane home. In Season 9, we all cried when John Crutchfield from the Brown Team fell below the red line and was gone. He is such a good man, a dear friend, and impacted so many of us on the show.

The time on the ranch has come to an end for this season, and it's time to head home. The concerns for the final four are the same as we all had no matter how when we went home - how do I take what I've learned on the fanch, which I call the "Perfect Bubble" - doctors, trainers, food, drive, no work, no outside stresses... and really adapt it into my real life at home? It is real life and that is the biggest challenge! Having support at home is so helpful and for Ada, I was so delighted that she had family and friends there to greet her! There were hugs and delight on faces! I was so glad for her because that has been her great heartache all along. Her mother's tears brought tears to my eyes. She was so brave to talk with her parents about her feelings - it is a first step. Patrick's family and friends were there in force. I'm so proud of his wife as well, she's lost 50 pounds since Patrick left! BL is making a huge difference in this whole family as his mom Sally expressed. Elizabeth and Frado both had great support as well.

One thing Frado said is so true - he did not realize how his health impacted his family and others around him. It is soooo true. I didn't realize it either! Both my daughters, Cyndie and Ashley, would tell me, "Mom, please do something to get healthy. You are the only parent we have left and we want to keep you as long as possible." It broke my heart but I didn't do it. I wanted to but just didn't think I could. Just like Ashley didn't think she could! I had to take my own advice - but what if you CAN? And I did! I also had to do it for me. You have to do it for you and realize you are valuable and worth it! As I always say - YOU CAN!

The Biggest Loser Marathon! How many of you have ever run a marathon? That is on my list for 2011! Just think a few weeks ago, these guys were not doing anything and could hardly walk a mile - remember Week 1! Ada has become such a runner, hasn't she? She was shooting for Tara's record and did actually get it! They all completed! If you saw the "Where Are They Now" show a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the launch of a new initiative between Biggest Loser and Active.com called Don't Compete, Just Complete to encourage everyone to just get active! Great accomplishment everyone!

I love it when Bob and Jill make house calls! I remember when Jill came to our home to visit Ashley - she took the time to talk with both of us and specifically to get Ashley talking about where her head was and to really give her a one-on-one Last Chance workout. It is important to have that encouragement before the last weigh-in! One of the first things Jill said to me was, "Sherry - even the dog is overweight." So we went over his diet and exercise plan! I am pleased to say Sampson, a Doberman, who at his highest weighted in at 110 pounds, is now almost to his goal weight in the normal range! He weighs about 80 pounds and his percentage of weight loss is about 27! Love it! He is healthier too! And for the weigh-in - Patrick rocked it with 12.54%, then Frado with 10.89%, Elizabeth at 7.81%, and Ada at 6.7%, which means the guys are in the top two and the girls in the bottom two. Now YOU have the power to decide which one will be in the final three.

So here we are at Finale Week for Season 10. It seems like they just got started but December 14th, it is LIVE! Finale week is such a crazy week - you ask did I do enough, you are still working so hard for those last few pounds, you find that perfect outfit for the new person you are, and of course seeing all your competition! I loved the Finale! One of the greatest pieces of advice I received was from Allison Sweeney the night before - live in the moment! The work is done for now and it's time to celebrate your accomplishments! I did just that! But I still felt nervous before I walked out on that stage. Maria, Cherita, Victoria and I took hands and prayed. It was the peace that I needed!

So Season 10, enjoy the process and know we are all waiting to see you shine on Tuesday!

Until Then,

Lil Pink Momma, Sherry Johnston, BL9

We are down to 10! And the real game play continues to be in high gear! Lisa has wanted to go home and says she is only in 60% - that's hard to imagine I know, but I do see her conflict, don't you? It seems so many have lost sight of the real goal - figuring out what got them to this weight and losing it - changing their lives from the inside out starting with their emotions! In Jill's talk with Ada - because she too is struggling with all the game play - Jill reminds her to get her mind on her weight loss and says, (I love this), "Whether you have the title of The Biggest Loser or not, it does not define you!" I love her! I walked away without THE title and I AM A WINNER! I've CHANGED MY LIFE! For Ashley and I, we went for the weight loss and were not good at the "game play" as some of the players were in our season (yes we really had them and some you may not always suspect) but we stuck to our plan - LOSE the weight, and deal with the issues that were keeping the weight on us! WE ARE BOTH WINNERS! ASHLEY, The Pink Ninja, IS SUCH A WINNER AND I'M SO PROUD OF HER!

Boy the games were in high gear when Ali invited everyone to dinner. Brendon won by eating 3,500 calories! You realize that is a pound right? 3,500 calories equals one pound either lost or gained! Looks like the boys' club alliance of Patrick, Brendon, and Frado is holding and growing stronger...

There was a bright spot tonight for the ladies with Ada and Jessica's win in the Tower of Sugar Cube Challenge, and what a great prize to win! A week at Fitness Ridge for them and three others. That is a great way to pay it forward to others you love!

Bob and Jill both really know how to help you get to the issues in your life and make you take a hard look at them. But not just that - make you decide what you want to do about that! Jill got to it with Aaron as he began to realize he had to do this for HIMSELF! It is a wonderful moment. I went to The Biggest Loser for my daughter! Ashley was 384 pounds and I would have done anything to help her but along the way with all the sweating, puking, yelling, overworking, etc., Bob and Jill helped me realize - I have to do this for ME! And that was not selfish but actually an act of love for my children - standing up and being a strong woman, a "super glue mom," as Bob told me I needed to be. I got it! I GOT IT! I have to change me before I can change anything else around me! I had to realize I CAN!!!!!!

During the weigh-in, it was so hard to see Jesse and Aaron fall below the line and be up for elimination because they had worked so hard. I feel Lisa and Elizabeth had worked hard too but these two guys so wanted to be there 100%. I love what Jesse said in his exit interview - he feels good about how he acted and what he had done on The Biggest Loser ranch. And Aaron - a strong, good man. It seems these two men still have their integrity, which is so valuable. It wasn't just a game to them.

So tell me what you think about Season 10? How do you feel about all the game play? I'm hearing from many of you whereever I go...

Well, we are down to eight. Who do you think will be in the final four? Who do you want to be there?

Until next week,

Lil Momma

Well, I can't believe how quickly this season is going! I was actually home one weekend last month and though life is good, it's busy and I'm so sorry it's been a bit since we've updated the blog! It's really a fun, action-packed season with so many things being "mixed up" from Season 9! I mean to have the yellow line halfway up the board and then to have to compete in a challenge to stay. It puts so much pressure to really pull your numbers! Ashley and I both know about that! We were not so great at all the challenges but we did pull our numbers. If we had had the lineup so far, I know of a couple of times I would have definitely been scrambling in a challenge! So do you have your favorites yet? I've met so many people who tell me how they pick their favorites, some from the first show, some as they begin to get to know some of the contestants after a few weeks.

Okay - let's get caught up! (I'm so sorry to be behind with blogging.)

You know a couple of weeks ago, the two teams, Black and Blue, had only one person to represent them at the weigh-in. Everyone really had to step it up because who knew who the other team would pick. It was tough, but Elizabeth thought they would be looking and her and she was right. I loved it when Elizabeth realized she had not been a fighter but just a survivor! I think that was such a pivotal moment for her, don't you? I came across a note I wrote to myself in the first few weeks I was on the ranch - it was my pivotal moment. I wrote "Settled for life - that's what I've been living. I CANNOT I CAN'T..." I was realizing I always said, "Oh, I can't do that. I can't... I can't... I can't! I had settled for a life of thinking I can't do anything much... I'd given up in some ways so I really related to Elizabeth with not being a fighter - though I had fought many battles, I was happy just being a survivor. So I was so happy for her as she worked through and fought hard! She was right, the Blue Team picked her and she lost five pounds! (Elizabeth weighed in exactly where I was when I began my BL journey, at 218 pounds.)

I love Alison Sweeney don't you? I hear it all the time from you, is she really as nice as she seems on the show? The answer is YES! She is as beautiful on the inside as the out and this week, as every week, she was beautiful!

Another great line from Jill - "Don't play the weak card!"

The elimination ended in a tie and the Black Team cast the final vote for Adam and he was eliminated. Did you see him on the Today show on Tuesday? He's looking good - he looks like he is still working hard at home with the help of his brother, being inspired by their late mother.

AND LAST WEEK... THE MARINES! Are you kidding? Before Biggest Loser that would have been my reaction but you know, I thought I'd like to be out there with them this time - I'd like to try! They are about a lifestyle of discipline - everything on a time limit! They really pushed everyone out of their comfort zones and really messed with routines. Season 10 landed at Camp Pendleton, California to be trained by America's finest - The Marines. It seemed very special to Ali since it was where her dad was stationed. It seemed Frado might have had an advantage on this one in terms of knowing what to expect, since he had been a Marine in his younger days. The first hike was tough - each had a backpack with an additional 30 pounds! But they did it. The challenge with all the different parts of the obstacle course - pushing a truck reminded me of a workout we did one Saturday at the ranch that was not actually filmed when we pushed a jeep all around that Presidential Mile! We were divided into guys and girls that day. Then the day we PULLED a semi! Biggest Loser really knows how to set up a challenge, don't they?!

The reward for the first team with their feet in the water from this obstacle course - PHONE CALLS HOME! Oh you don't know how important that is to each person. Ashley and I weren't picked to have a phone call home and remember, the Black Team didn't get their letters either... I was so heartbroken that day - I could see the letters with my name on them from my oldest daughter Cyndie and all my friends and family, but didn't get to read one of them. It was very emotional. It is just what you need to spur you on, it seems at the time.

It was a shorter show due to election night but it was packed! The weigh-in! Oh my - the weigh-in! Blue weighed in first and I think Lisa was right - they did not have as much control over what they ate. I doubt the Marines had a nutritional fact sheet on each meal. Jessie actually gained a pound... then the Black Team weighed in - Elizabeth gained a pound and Frado... What happened? As Ali said, it was the first time anyone had apologized BEFORE they weighed in and he was right - he had gained four pounds, which sent them into the elimination room, where Anna was sent home.

What a week! But what an amazing group of men and women that make up all our armed forces - and they VOLUNTEER! Thank you! The Marines build character and helped Season 10 see what they are made of! I totally agree, the Marines are TRUE AMERICAN HEROES! So to them they are "always faithful" - Semper Fi.

Until next week...

Lil Momma

Wow, it's hard to believe it's time for a new season - and what a kick off it was! Leave it up to The Biggest Loser to keep mixing things up. Having a challenge to even get a spot on the ranch... that's tough. Seven cities and three people trying out in front of their families, friends, and peers. Not only that, but putting on that sports bra and shorts, or no shirt and shorts - I can tell you from experience - it takes determination to do it. Ashley and I did it as a last minute twist when we did our first weigh-in for Season 9, and that's really where the "rubber meets the road" as they say - am I really ready to lay aside everything to change my life - including my shame and my pride? Am I willing to do what it takes to change? Do I really want it? Do I have what it takes? If the answer is yes, you take off that shirt that has covered you for how many years and don't look back. You stand on that scale ready to face the reality of the number because it's one of the first steps to change!

Season 10's contestants seem to have had many life events that have contributed to their weight gain. Sophia's brother wdied tragically, Adam's mother died at 51, Ada lost two brothers, Anna lost her three-year-old son to cancer, and Lisa lost her brother. Others like Elizabeth, who was in an abusive relationship; Frado, who has already been told he has five years to live in his present state, diabetic and with three children; Ali, who had the band surgery and thought she had "fixed" her weight problem; and Aaron, who has traded his father's alcohol addiction for a food addiction - each have such compelling life stories. Such stories of heartache and heartbreak, stories of people's lives just like you and me.

I related to so many things with so many contestants - I think we all can. So they are ready to put themselves out there, tired of letting the "weight" of their problems continue to "weigh" them down - "weight" they can't afford to carry on their bodies any longer!

What about those challenges! I know a few things about a Steps Challenge - about 850 of them! If you remember last season when all the eliminated contestants came back for a chance to come back on the show, first we had a weigh-in. I'm not bragging - just stating the fact - I landed on top of that board for the highest percent of weight lost, and had it been a straight up weigh-in, I would have won! As Bob says, I showed a little "POWER of the PINK in this house." But it wasn't to be, and I was happy for Victoria, that she actually had a chance to experience life on the ranch. But there was a Steps Challenge for a second person to get back on. We all know that Melissa won, Lance came in second and yes, the Lil Pink Momma came in third. I was so excited that I had done so well, even losing my shoes, that afterwards I stood on my step and hummed the theme of the Olympics with arms raised in the air - I had won bronze! It was a great night, even though I did not make it back on the show; I celebrated my accomplishments, and my victories both on the scale and in what I could do physically! Not bad for 52 years old! Celebrating each victory, each step of accomplishment is something that is emphasized on The Biggest Loser ranch, in the gym and in all areas of your life.

I'm excited to see Season 10 contestants as they take the first steps of their Biggest Loser journey - not just as they begin to lose the physical pounds, but also as they begin to unpack the "weight" of their life issues that brought them to this crossroads. Ashley and I know the hard work facing them in the gym, but also the harder "heart" work that needs to be done! Both are difficult and necessary. Are you ready to begin like these contestants are and we did? I challenge you to consider this, but what if YOU CAN?

Blessings,

Lil Pink Momma

Blog comment responses:

to RealtorCathy: Thanks Cathy! I have a great trainer, Steve Everson, who helped me with good workouts - lots of reps, not heavy weights. You can find him on Facebook - he's started posting workouts! Check it out.

Dr_Anne: I love it! We are never too old to make a change - I know that now. I'm excited about life again and feel great! I'm going zip-lining in a few weeks and can't wait! You CAN do this!

dovermomof5: THANKS!

kimberleyJ: You are right on all counts - it is not an overnight process, but a lifestyle change! Speaking of taking a break from your workouts, try about eight weeks! I had an emergency ruptured hernia surgery and NO workouts - Dr. said none! We all have setbacks so we just have to start again where we are. That is what I'm doing.

Stacey J Wimpy: Great job on the 45 pounds - refocus and lets get moving!

Mindy Kay: Ditto - The Biggest Loser motivates me too as you could see every week last season. I think I cried some every episode and in reality, I was pretty emotional and still am. I cried for the first week of Season 10 too - they really pull on my heartstrings... I thank God for the creators of the show too! Changed my life, my future, and my family! Thanks JD!

Hi Everyone! We are so excited to be chosen this year to write out thoughts about BL Season 10. Not only do we plan to give you insights to what is happening behind the scenes, but also give you some anecdotes from our season. We will also fill you in on what is happening with us and what we have been up to since last season's finale! We hope you will join us here and share your thoughts, questions and personal weight victories!

Last season, when Biggest Loser began, Ashley became overwhelmed and thought she couldn't continue. My response to her was, "But what if you can?" That moment was the beginning of a shift in our thinking. We could do this. We could step out and make a change in our lives that would not only impact us individually, but impact the future of our family.

Fear was keeping us back in the past. It defined our lives. If you are thinking about making changes in your life, but don't think you can, we believe you CAN do it. It isn't easy and it isn't overnight, but we applaud the people who do it everyday at home.

Keep checking back and keep working out, Pink Ninja and Lil Momma