Hmm what have i learned about myself this challange: I have learned that I am capable of doing more things than I had ever thought I could do. I was always the type of person who made up excuses for things that seemed hard for me. I was a couch potato for the longest time and when I started this challange, I was motivated to do more than I ever thought I could such as all the walking im doing and hitting the gym on a regular basis, creating optional workouts when unable to get to the gym, my self confidence has grown so much that I feel really good about myself where I hadnt before. No more self pity, only moving on doing more and keeping up the work ive been doing.

What can you take with you after this challenge has concluded:

The knowledge that I am somebody and that I can do what ever I put my mind to. No more what-ifs for me, this challange has taught me the "I Can" attitude. If I have an obsticle, i work around it no more saying its not do-able. What I take with me is Self Confidence and Self Respect.

I have learned that when i try i can. Encouragement is a good positive motivator, Amping up the workout means i can do way more than i ever dreamed or imagined and see positive results and M means i have developed a new lifestyle that i can manage the rest of my life because its fun and its doable and its healthy. I CAN. You can too. Go team athena and thanks for helping make all this happen

I have learned that I cycle between highs and lows, but with a little support and a lot of determination, I can work through it and get to where I want to go. I have learned that being part of a team is not just about motivating others and supporting them, but also about accepting help from your teammates. I have really enjoyed being a part of this team and getting to know my teammates just a little better.

From this challenge I take away some new friends and an old friend too. I take away the knowledge that I helped my friend gain some self confidence and start to exercise and get healthy. I take the fact that even when things don't happen as quickly as I would like, that I still need to keep my eyes on the prize. I will get there eventually, no matter how slowly I go.

I have actually learned lot about myself this challenge. I've learned that I AM capable of doing this. I've learned that it really is A LOT of work. I've learned that to see results you have to work for it. I've learned to eat healthier. I've learned that I HAVE to exercise....I can't just think about it (that darn persistant procrastinator that I am). And most importantly I have learned that when I am slipping up...I can come here for a soft place to fall. There are so many wonderful people here to motivate, congratulate, give support and a shoulder to lean on when needed. There are so many wonderful experts here that give amazing tips, answer any questions (no matter how silly.) And then there's the great people behind diet.com that make this place just plain awesome. I love it here. I plan on being here long after I reach my goal.

There is so much information that I can take from here and apply to my everyday battle to loose the pounds. I would never have been able to do it without this place!!

I've learned that 9 weeks is a long time for me. It's enough time to be on top of the world at day one of the challenge and run through the cycle of motivation to be grasping at threads to hold on by day 63. I've learned it's enough time to go from perfection in daily eating, tracking and exercise to becoming comfortable enough to think that I can do this without the consistancy that comes with being on this website daily. I've learned that my personality test pegged me right on the button and that I can slip back into bad habits as a swing eater and an all or nothing exerciser in 9 weeks.

I realize this doesn't sound like the motivational answer that anyone is looking for from a person who was lucky enough to take part in this challenge from day one. But, this is something I've learned about me. I can't turn my back for one second because my personality, my nature, is waiting to sabotage me at any minute and I still have a lot of learning to do.

I've been fortunate enough to maintain the past couple of weeks but it wasn't doing things the right way. I started skipping meals again and have allowed my work and other things to take over my life that I should be devoting to my health.

More in moderation is what I'm taking with me along with the support of a great group of ladies. Moderation in eating, moderation in exercise and moderation in spending time on this website. I can't allow one to take away from another.

I look forward to continued support and friendship on the blogs and in the groups outside of this challenge.

Thank you team Athena for being there for me.

This challenge has forced me to "get back in the game" and re-evaluate what I've been doing. Although I've gone up and down a few pounds and haven't lost like I had hoped to, I've made some great friends and learned a lot about what I'm capable of. Being on a "all-star team" has been great, and the people on my team have been so awesome! I feel honored to have participated with such a great team and to have been chosen in the first place to do so. Everyone accepts each other, whether we lose weight or not, and we're always there with words of encouragement. I feel like we have a great bond and have really pulled together!

I've learned that it's not just about losing weight. Even though I feel like I've let my team down as far as my overall weighloss during the challenge, on the other hand, I feel like I've made up for it with my participation and "teamwork". It isn't about just me, but my teammates as well. With their tips and encouragement, I have really started to get into a routine that I've been able to stick with instead of making excuses not to work out or eat well. It hasn't been easy, but with the help of my team, I feel like I can do it!

With what I've learned, I know that I won't give up until the weight has come off, no matter how long it takes! I have to make this committment to myself and follow through so that I can live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Thanks team Athena for being such an awesome group of ladies! You guys rock! And of course, thanks to diet.com for giving us such an awesome challenge. It gives us that extra boost we need to keep going with our goals! I hope to participate in another one real soon!

What can you take with you after this challenge has concluded? The biggest thing I will take with me after this challenge is all of the people I have met here along the way! Whether they are on team ATHENA or not, they have all helped me along the way. I have learned that its easier to lose weight if you have support from your family and friends as well as from a group that is in the same boat as you are. There have been quite a few things that I never could ask my friends because they are not in the same weight situation I am in. I asked people on here and come to find out they had some great advice because they have been or are at the same point I am. Doing this challenge and being active on this site has been one of the biggest reasons I am still sticking with things!

The thought of exercise, Oh, such a drag. The team picked me up, No one will lag!

Five minutes on the treadmill It quickly turns to ten. 10,000 steps a day?!?! Hell yeah, I can!

Doubts in the air, Didn't think we could do it, Friendships formed, And we pulled each other through it!

Jumping through puddles, Running through fountains, Dancing in the kitchen, On this team we move mountains!

Go team Athena! Only on the team for 2 weeks, If only I found it sooner, More pounds would have leaked!

Thank you team Athena! You ladies are great! You taught me not to give up, To get healthy, it's never too late!