Breakdowns and breakthroughs
Episode 15, 17 February 2009
With every breakdown there’s a breakthrough. That’s what Michelle told Nathan during their heart-to-heart after training, and that’s what we saw with Julie on the training field and then in ‘Commando’s world’.
Nathan is an interesting character. After elimination on Monday, I wrote him off as someone who was trying to manipulate the game and the contestants in it. But I didn’t appreciate how much he was hurting on the inside and suffering from a sense of responsibility that Jodi and Jeda had gone home.
Sure, emotions are on overdrive in the house because we’re all so far from home, but what Nathan disclosed in his chat with Michelle was very deep and raw. It was also a good example in control. I don't mean controlling your emotions – because in Nathan's case he needs to let them flow – I mean trying to control life (and even the Biggest Loser game) which is essentially uncontrollable.
The only thing you can truly control in life is your response to it. So, you can either "suck it up", to quote the Commando, or you can let it take control and conquer you.
Speaking of the Commando, it was great to see him back and causing havoc last night. Water, mud, fishnets and sandbags – that’s his idea of torture! And it’s terrifying, let me tell you. Although, having survived a Commando training session, I had to laugh when he yelled to the contestants, “Don’t worry about your makeup!” Trust me, when you're rolling around in the mud and an ex-secret service agent is yelling at you, makeup is the least of your concerns!
What I was concerned about was Julie's ability to survive the session. In the earlier training session with Shannan, she did so well to overcome her self-doubt and barge the scrum machine across the field; however, in 'Commando's world' she was clearly petrified.
Sure, the Commando's training is tough – and there’s no doubt that it is – but as Steve said, it’s a “mental game”. He’s trying to push you physically but also psychologically. When the contestants were struggling to move the sandbags under the net, through the mud, he yelled, “Think of this as an obstacle in your life… can you overcome it?”
I guess that's why I love exercise so much. Not only does it make you feel amazing, but it's also a reminder of your ability, each and every day, to overcome the obstacles in your life. It's why Julie had every right to be proud of herself after the session... she put aside her fear and pushed through. As the Commando said to the contestants, "You're all stronger than you think you are," and this is same for you at home.
It will be interesting to see the contestants overcome the obstacle of tonight's doughnut temptation. Hmmm... those things look good! Be sure to tune in at 7PM on TEN and then check your inbox in the morning for my daily update.
Episode 15 highlights
If you missed last night's show, you can watch the entire episode at The Biggest Loser TV show website.
My favourite segment was the Commando's night-time training session – suck it up, as he says!