Theresa, Chicago
Derrick, Chicago

Theresa and Derrick met on a blind date. She drove to their date with a bicycle in her car and having seen this, Derrick knew Theresa was the one. They walked and rode their bikes throughout the summer. Both contestants had been lifelong athletes, playing sports that included baseball and tennis. In addition, they have both taken part in triathlons.

Their wedding took place last July, and they have been keeping busy with work and caring for Derrick's elderly mother. Their workouts have slipped away, so they're ready to dedicate the next eight weeks to getting in shape, again!

It was so much fun meeting everyone. Anna, Val, and Dean are hilarious. They kept us all so relaxed, it didn't feel like I was on live TV. I know that we will have a lot of competition and I am going to enjoy the challenge.

It's early Monday morning. I arrive to work early to get a quick workout on my own. The ETHS spin room is where I enjoy working out. I turn off the lights, throw in a DVD, adjust my bike and start my workout. I enjoy the ambient light from the DVD and energizing music that comes with it. Just as I begin my warm up, Brett, coach of the ETHS Girls Water Polo Team, comes in and crashes my private workout session. Behind him are 25-30 high school girl athletes who came to have a spin session of their own. I'm actually happy to see them. Now I can lead the team and really have an intense workout. The team and I completed the 27minute workout at a level I might not have done alone. I just wanted to say "THANKS" to Brett and his Water Polo Team for joining me for an intense, upbeat and energizing workout! IT WAS FUN!

It"s time for the only testosterone in the competition to make his appearance and I have four words for you..........I NEED SOME CANDY! Actually, the workouts have been going fine(especially if you count our trainer Gretta stretching my formerly inactive legs into a quivering hunk of muscle), our diet has progressed very well and it feels good to actually SWEAT a little..........okay, if you must know, I was sweating so much water they had to replace a treadmill already! Keep up the good work everybody.

Have you been wondering, "What does Spark represent?" Take a guess, here's your 1st hint:

• It started at zero hour

The last 12 days have been quite an experience. Just getting a handle on the food that we've been consuming has made all the difference in the world. The scream you heard a little over a week ago was me reading how many calories are in a Baconator(850, to be exact) and figuring that was almost 40% of a daily intake for a average person!......and people eat them EVERY DAY!. Fortunately we've been eating a lot of strawberries, blueberries and pineapples getting our palates ready for the tropical fare!

Some of you may recognize that phrase(with a twist) as being from the famous movie Animal House......but it truly applies to the current bane of my existence, Sgt. Gretta. My body has been twisted, turned, stretched and crunched into positions I never knew existed. The last time I did 20 bicep curls I actually had curls on my head! But I must say that Sarge is whipping her whiny big recruits into shape....come hell or high water! Thanks Sarge!

With my busy work schedule, training with SERGEANT GRETTA, and waiting for decent weather, it's been hard to do one of my favorite workouts, working in the garden. Today I was turning the dirt, pulling weeds, and racking leftover leaves (didn't really like the racking of the leaves part). It's a great calorie burner and you end up with a nice yard. I'm also glad to be able to ride my bike on the lakefront without freezing my buns off. This challenge is hard work but I love every minute of it. What I love the most is working out with my husband. Good luck everyone!