My Biggest Loser Re-Cap

My Trip to LA for the Biggest Loser 8 Season Finale
Sunday, May 10:
I jumped out of my bed at 3:00am. I always do my cardio before I travel. (Just in case I don't get a chance or if the travel exhausts me). I hoped on our Cybex Arc Trainer and burned calories for 60 minutes. Now it was time to finish my packing. My husband drove me to the Logan Airport at 6:15am and I was off, flying to Hollywood by 7:35am.

I landed in LAX Airport at 1:00pm PST. Picked up my rental car and drove to Universal City. It was the most thrilling commute ever! I couldn't believe I was cruising the LA highways alone. I felt so independent and free!

When I got to the Universal Sheraton, I was shocked to see Filipe and Sione sitting in the lobby. Everywhere I turned, there was another past or present cast member. Joelle Gwynn was there too! I waved to her as I check in. (She invited me. Love her.) She was headed to get a spray tan with a few of the other Season 7 cast members.

I really felt icky from traveling in my sweat suit all day. I unpacked and hit the gym for a fabulously sweating 90 min. strength training workout. Now, I was ready to socialize! That evening I met almost everyone, accept for my mentor Bob Harper. After I was introduced to everyone, I felt like part of the family.

Monday, May 11:
The first thing I think about when I wake up is working out. To me, it's a re-awakening process. It makes me feel, revived, rejuvenated, AWAKENED. Luckily, Joelle was up with the birds too! We had a totally sweaty workout on the new Life Fitness Elliptical machine. I wanted to stay on it all day. Hehehhehhe.

Joelle and the rest of the Season 7 cast members had to go to NBC studios for the day, to prep for the big show. I took Joelle's mom and aunt to Venice beach. Again, driving through LA was so cool, even in the bumper to bumper traffic. I was totally present and happy.

Later on that evening we socialized all over again. The lobby was the central meeting place. The Sheraton has recently under went renovations and the lobby was transformed into a club like atmosphere with a cook blue bar in the center.

Tuesday, May 12:
Yup, I was ready to workout again. This time, Joelle and I ventured out to LA Fitness in Hollywood. Oh my, what a job. You see, when you have been taking care of your body daily, for several years, atmosphere change and equipment selection becomes exciting, like Christmas day. Sorry, it's true.....

After our workout, we went into the hot-ass dry sauna and steam room. We were drowning in our own sweat, it was such a good feeling. Before opening my own place, I took advantage of the sauna at the Boston Sports Clubs almost daily. I miss that....

The cast members boarded a van by 9:40am and were off to prepare for the show. I had a breakfast in my room (spinach & mushroom omelet and whole grain toast) and took a much needed nap.

Next it was time for me to start getting prepared. I hoped in my rental car and drove down to a nice shopping plaza to have my nails done. The excitement was building within me. I was slowly becoming anxious and my belly was filling up with butterflies. I was thinking to myself, this is the day I am going to met my MENTOR: Bob Harper. Yikes! Just the thought increased my heart-rate.

Showtime: Needless to say, the show was great and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I couldn't believe I wasn't on my couch at home, I was really there. When Bob and Jillian finally came out on the stage, my anxiousness turned to nervousness. I practically ran out of the place after the show. I had to go to the bathroom so bad and I was really nervous, not ready to meet Bob yet.

After-party: Once back at the hotel, the party had already begun at the lobby bar. I ran up to freshen up my make-up and get my "Are You Ready" book for Bob to sign. Yikes!

Now was the time, my heart was in my mouth. Yikes! As I approached Bob he turned and looked at me and said, " Oh my god, I know you. Facebook"! "YOU are Danielle, you are Danielle, everybody this is Danielle." He turned and tapped his assistant on the shoulder and said, "This is Danielle." He signed my book "I Love You" and we took the much anticipated photo!

I didn't linger, I moved on and mingled with everyone else in the room. I was actually ready to go to bed after finally meeting Bob. It was truly a dream come true.

NEXT MISSION: Now I'm home, working hard, dreaming of working with Bob someday. I would love the opportunity to assist Bob in some way. We share the passion for helping America get fit. Until we meet again, I'll keep doing my thing in Boston, making Bob proud! I love this game!! Go for the GUSTO!!