Let me start this post by saying that this past week has been the best week of my life. In less than seven days I reached two of the very main goals that I set out for myself when I began my weight loss journey. On Sunday, 8/31, I ran my first half marathon! It was one of the most difficult and rewarding things I have ever completed. I finally have reached an understanding of why running can be so cathartic. Hearing cheers from complete strangers, watching families come out of their homes to watch the runners from their front lawn, it was all so unifying.Having my trainer running next to me was probably one of the most humbling things I have ever experienced. He took hours out of his day to celebrate and share in my hard work and accomplishments with me. Tons of love, respect, and kudos to you, Carley. Thank you for chugging along with me!
Finally at the finish line with my trainer, Carley!
Also, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing your closest friends and family cheering you across the finish line!! Lots of love to my family and friends for coming out!
My little sister was sure to be there with me too!
My fiancee’s little siblings cheered me on and made me a sign!!
I also was very fortunate to have met Pam Geil at the Biggest Loser Runwalk Half Marathon. Pam was a contestant on season 14 of the Biggest Loser. It was her season that helped keep my fire alive during the beginning of my weight loss journey- she is such a boisterous, fierce, and fun-loving spirit. She was so kind and very encouraging. At the end of the race, Pam was announcing at the finish line. As you can see in the pictures, I was thrilled to see her again. Overall, it was a really amazing experience and something I will definitely want to do again!
Seeing Pam at the finish line!!! (sorry for the poor quality- screenshots from phone).
hugging Pam at the end of the long run!
Running thirteen miles was not the only feat I accomplished this week. On Friday, 9/5, I had my monthly measurements and weigh-in at the gym. This was a particularly important measurement day. I had not completed measurements in August because the previous month was a rough one. In July, I gave the bare minimum: a typical combination of poor nutrition and lackluster appearances at the gym. Overall, I was not committed to my goals. Rather than being disappointed in the numbers, I reasoned with my trainer and decided to push my measurement day back until after the half marathon in early September. BOY, WAS IT WORTH IT! I am so proud to share that I OFFICIALLY crossed the threshold of having lost over 100 lbs! As of Friday, I am down 101 pounds and 15 percent body fat from December 2012 when I began my weight loss journey. You know that “happy thought” that Peter Pan and all his little buddies need to hold on to in order to fly? Now that I have mine, I’m pretty sure I don’t even need the damn pixie dust. Sorry, Tink. One of my first blog posts included some pretty embarrassing “before” photos. I took them so that I could use them, personally, for motivation. I couldn’t be happier that they were taken today. I did promise, early on, that I would share complete before and after photos, and I am true to my word. As difficult as this can be, there were many times that I stumbled across a brave soul posting photos like these when I needed the motivation. I have decided to share these with the world to pay that forward. Below are my before and “current” transformation photos:
Remember this one? I featured this on one of my first posts! 12/2012 at 281 lbs
The purple bra doesn’t fit anymore! Had to make a substitute! Here I am today 101 lbs lighter!!
I want to make it clear that I do not believe a number on the scale is what will bring me, or anyone else, happiness. That being said, the number is not what I am proud of. I am proud to look back and see the changes I have made, the new person I have grown to be, and every little thing I have accomplished and conquered along the way. Those “little things” have been the building blocks to the larger endeavors- however small they may seem, they slowly build a strong foundation for your new beginning. Its super-sappy time, folks. Are you ready? Okay great. Buckle in.
Here is what a year and a half of grit, tough love, blood, sweat, tears, and 100 pounds off my shoulders have taught me:
- There is no magic pill (sorry, Neo), no perfect shake, no fad diet, and no “quick” fix to substantial lasting weight loss. This is probably the most devastating thing I had to accept early on. It’s a whole lot of blood, sweat, and tears (blood coming from my crazy rages during food cravings, of course). If you work hard and hold yourself accountable, the proof is in the pudding. Eat clean wholesome foods and get your ass MOVING! Your body will thank you by dropping the pounds and behaving the way you want it to.
- Challenging yourself is the only way change can take place. I used to always think that one day I could go to the gym and the workouts would be a lot “easier”. It wasn’t long before I recognized if that ever did happen… then I’m doing something wrong. If you want to change your body in any way it will ALWAYS be a challenge- and that’s half the fun, isn’t it?
- By far, the most important: If you really want to commit to this and lose weight the right way, then you have to do it for yourself. If you’re planning to drop weight because you want to impress someone or because you have a family member nagging you to do it, it simply won’t last. Sorry Charlie, that’s the truth. Once you can accept that you’re worth the work and you are deserving of the time and effort you will put forth, half the battle is over. At that point, when the only person you are accountable to is YOU, there’s nowhere to hide. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself you’re worth it. If you light that fire, it will burn inside you every. Single. Day.
If you’re reading this and your mind is stirring, maybe you only have 10 pounds to lose, maybe you’re like I was and have over a hundred to lose, what are you waiting for? Don’t wait until next Monday. The day of reckoning has come- it is time to take control of your life and be who you want to be! December 10, 2012 I took a small step that changed my life forever. Since that day, 1 year 8 months and 30 days or a total of 638 days have transpired. YOU saw the same 638 days as I did, we lived through the same 24 hours 638 times for a total of 15,312 hours. The time will pass no matter how you choose to use it. Make every second count. Don’t waste another minute trapped in a body you you’re unhappy with. Don’t give up on a goal because of the time it will take to achieve it; the time will pass regardless and it’s up to you to make that time worthwhile!
