by Gina Scarpa

 

The journey on The Biggest Loser often has its ups and downs, and Pam Geil certainly felt that this season. One minute she was breaking down in front of Jillian and the next, she was celebrating her 9 pound loss at the weigh in. One minute she was winning a 5K and the next, she was automatically eliminated from her two women team. We chatted with Pam today about the inspiration for auditioning for The Biggest Loser, her relationship with Jillian and teammates, and how the show has changed her life.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to audition for The Biggest Loser?

A. Pam: I had always joked about going out for the show. My mother, in 2011, was diagnosed with cancer and I became her caretaker and started packing on the weight. It was my mother's last wish that I go out for the show. When she passed in March and the auditions were in July, I felt I needed to go.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Looking back on it, do you see being placed onto Jillian's team as a good or a bad thing?

A. Pam: If you asked me in the beginning, I would've said a bad thing but now, I would say a good thing. I thought her tough love was not good for me but being pushed to the limit so quickly with her helped me at home. I still hear that voice of hers in my head when I'm in the gym and running.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Your white team fell apart so quickly, which made me wonder if you really had time form close, personal connections with them besides Danni.

A. Pam: You know, I did. Even though Nikki didn't make it to the first weigh-in and TC and Nate went home in Weeks 1 and 2, we all bonded very quickly. I think the fear of Jillian brought us all together. I still talk to all of them, I adore them! My only regret is that I didn't have more time with my team.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You had your best weigh-in during Week 3, when you lost 9 pounds. What changed or clicked for you that week?

A. Pam: I think that Jillian and I had finally come to a breaking point as witnessed in the last chance workout. It was one of those things where either I got it together and broke through my walls or this wasn't going to work. I think that was the week that I finally let go of the fear and began to trust her stye and that she knew what was best for me. She knew I could handle the workouts more than I believed. That was a turning point but it's unfortunate that Week 4 was my best week and I was eliminated.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How much of an impact did not having the trainers at the ranch have on you this week?

A. Pam: I was more relaxed because I didn't have the paralyzing fear of the workouts. Jillian left us specific instructions on what she expected. I was really looking forward to it being an even better weigh-in to show, "Look, I can do this!" When that 3 popped up on the scale, I think I was shocked.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You and Danni won the 5K this week and that had to be an amazing feeling for you both!

A. Pam: I think I can honestly say that was one of the biggest achievements and best moments of my life. I had never run more than 3 blocks! When they said I was going to run a 5K, I just about had a heart attack. I knew that Danni would be the strongest one. There was a little bit of pressure on me but it was an amazing day for both of us.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: When the white team lost this weigh-in, did you feel like you were ready to go home?

A. Pam: I think I wasn't ready to go home. I definitely wanted another week or two there, at least. It had been my best week ever so I didn't see it coming. While I was excited to see my daughter and boyfriend, I wasn't ready.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's the biggest change you've noticed in yourself since being on The Biggest Loser?

A. Pam: My happiness! I've got my life back. You don't realize, when you're overweight, how you get trapped in that vicious cycle. I'm a runner now, I can run 6 miles. Who knew? My relationship with my daughter is better and my relationship with myself is better!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You talked about your mother in the beginning of our conversation. What do you think she's say if she were able to see you now?

A. Pam: Are you kidding? She would've tried every way to get on the show! She would've been like, "Can you put me in your suitcase?" I feel like she's the reason I got onto the ranch. I think there's some happiness going on up in heaven. She's smiling down on me.

 

 

The Biggest Loser: Challenge America airs Mondays at 8/7c on NBC.

 

(Image courtesy of NBC)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa