In September of 2012 I was almost 200 lbs. I had just moved here to Georgia after spending a year without my husband due to the military. The weight had really crept on over the past year and I was feeling miserable. I hated the way I looked and felt. None of my clothes fit and I had a really hard time finding good fitting clothes from the brands I liked. Shortly after we moved here I saw my new doctor, who diagnosed me with PCOS after 6 years of unexplained problems that no other doctor was able to diagnose. It was time to begin a new life. Lose the weight once and for all, to help me look and feel better and also to control my PCOS.
I didn't put too much thought or anticipation into it. I just kind of started doing it. However, I did know that I needed to come up with a way to hold myself accountable for my results or else I would never lose weight and keep it off. My method was to weigh in every other Wednesday and set goal weights. This was before I knew how inaccurate the number on the scale can be, and that it's really better to take measurements and pictures. Still, I managed to make every goal or at least come close.
How did I do it? I started running. At the time I thought it was the best way to burn the most calories and get skinny. And it is to a degree, but now I know that you should supplement your running with weight training. But back then, pretty much all I did was run. I didn't think I needed to strength train to lose weight. So I started in the treadmills at the gym, running for as long and fast as I could, then taking a walk break. The walk breaks got shorter, then completely vanished, and after about 2 months I stepped off the treadmill and never returned. I ran outside no matter the weather. Then I started registering for 5k's. I worked on my 5k speed, then set my sights for the GRU 10k. Then I found Spartan Race. I began to delve into the world of strength training, simply using body weight and dumbbell exercises in my spare bedroom. Started working on our pullup bar. I added a Ashtanga yoga class about once a week.
Diet wise, my approach was to make gradual changes. I was eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I figured the reason so many people don't stick to healthy eating habits is because they do too much too soon. You can't just go from eating crap 24/7 to eating nothing but salads and expect to succeed. So instead of setting myself up for failure I changed 1 or 2 things here and there. I tried to use healthier swaps in cooking ingredients. I became mindful of how much sugar I was consuming (sugarholic to the core!!!) I still have alot of work to do in this area. My diet is far from perfect, I still succumb to some pretty terrible cravings (especially sugar!) but I am more mindful of what and how much I eat, and it IS easier to say no.
As part of celebrating my "2 year anniversary" I have decided to finally share my fatty pics along with pics of what I look like today. I'm in the same room, wearing the exact same clothing.
9/19/12. 196 lbs. Size 12.
9/16/14. 160-163 lbs. I haven't weighed myself in awhile. Size 6.
- I was so puffy!
- Runner's Tan.
- Face. Nuff said.
- Arms/shoulders. Getting there, noticing definition but I still have the bat wings. (Also, boobs are smaller, sadface.)
- Back, a little definition showing
- Stomach. The pouch is still ever present, but it's getting smaller. I have much more definition and much of the fat on the sides of my stomach is gone
- Butt/legs. I have a tiny butt and stork legs. There's so much more definition in my legs, knees, and calves.
It's crazy to look back on where I was and how far I have come. Most of my life I was inactive and didn't care a thing for fitness. Sure, I always did love the outdoors, but going running was NOT my idea of fun. I got addicted. To the way I feel after a great workout, how much better I feel throughout the day, the way I look and feel in my clothes, and just more confidence and overall happiness. I think what I love most is DOING stuff. Using my body to do some good old hard work. Testing my limits. Seeing what I'm capable of. I found obstacle racing - I can explore the outdoors, play like a kid, face my fears, crawl around in the mud, climb, carry, swim, push, pull, you name it. There's something so primal and satisfying about it. Plus, obstacle racing gave me the push to strength train harder, and now I have a new addiction - the gym. These past few months I've gone in there.. climbed ropes, lifted, pulled, pushed, burpee'd, plus thrown in some great stability and core work. I sweat alot and feel great.
And now, I'm in the process of changing careers. This journey has helped me discover a passion for fitness and I want to share it with others. I'm about halfway through my personal trainer certification class. By next year I hope to start a new career doing something I have grown to love. Next year I will accomplish so much more - in the gym, on the roads and trails, and on the race courses. And this time next year I will post more pics. Who knows what I might look like then?
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