I was never overweight as a child.
However, as I grew up, I grew less active, especially after getting married when I often related myself to a large, cuddly pillow for my two beautiful daughters. While I loved my family, I didn't love myself and I often said I disgusted myself because I couldn't control myself enough to lose my excess weight. Until one day I realized I was almost 41 and had had ENOUGH!
In March 2013 my mom and I made yet another agreement to support each other long distance to lose the weight. But this time there would be no email only or avoiding the phone call so we didn't have to report a gain. We would talk about what was working and what wasn't each week, NO MATTER WHAT! I weighed in at 260. This was actually down 3 lbs from my last known weigh in, so I was already off to a good start.
I began reading other people's weight loss blogs for inspiration and "The Secret." Two made big impacts: canyoustayfordinner.com and runsforcookies.com. As a result, I cut way back on my protein (3-4 ounces), almost entirely cut out processed carbs (breads, etc). and STUFFED myself with roasted zucchini, yellow squash, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, etc. I also learned not to punish myself and my imperfections and that I'm allowed to have desserts, it's the big habit changes that make the difference. I had some new philosophies in place, now I needed some tools to help me get there...
I knew that journaling was how I had been successful in the past, so I decided to use an app (MyFitnessPal) on my cell phone. I also pulled out my old Polar Heartrate monitor, and after some investigation found that I could even wear it swimming! So armed with some cool techie tools, I plowed on in. I was walking on the treadmill for 42 minutes, and swimming in the 17 yard pool at the fitness club a mile a day 1-2 days a week. I was feeling pretty great and had lost about 15 lbs.
Then my baby sister came to visit and I began hiking 980' and 4.3 miles a day, twice a week, and I have just extended my walk to 4.75 miles, same altitude climb. And I lost even more weight...
June 22, 2013 at 229 lbs (31 lbs lost)
I had set a mini-goal to try to lose 40 lbs by the time the family gathered together July 19th, 2013. I consider it a success that I made it within 2 pounds of my goal.
My initial measurements (taken on April 2nd, 2013):
Bust: 50"
Waist: 51"
Hips: 57"
Thigh: 28"
Upper Arm: 13.5"
On July 2nd, 2013:
Weight: 224
BMI: 31.9
Bust: 46.5"
Waist: 43.5"
Hips: 52"
Thigh: 24"
Upper Arm: 12.25"
So I had achieved a small milestone and seemed to be celebrating a bit too much, and that was NOT the direction I wanted to go!
I began looking for inspiration in blogland again - and found it at www.swimbikemom.com/. I read Meredith's story as well as the inspirational stories by other women out there, and realized: I can do that! Not an Ironman, but a sprint triathlon...and I got EXCITED!!!! I said something about it to my oldest daughter, and she said "I'll do it with you!" When I told her sister, she said she would, too! So now we've decided that in 2014 we are doing a Sprint Triathlon!
My latest comparison photo...
To help keep my motivation going, I have decided to stage a mini-triathlon. Kass, Ry, and I will swam at the Fitness club for 250 yards, biked for 6 miles through town, and ended at the high school track for a 1.5 mile jog. The following Sunday I uped the mileage to a 2/3 sprint triathlon practice, and the following 3 Sunday's I did a complete Sprint triathlon. Even though I haven't completed an official tri-athlon, I now consider myself a tri-athlete!!!!! (And on July 4th, 2014 I will complete my 1st official triathlon!)
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