Tag: weight loss journey

Another (Goal) Bites the Dust

It’s been two years in the making and I am proud to announce that today another goal bites the dust.

In June 2011, I began a weight loss journey that’s had it’s ups and downs (but far from my yo-yo dieting days of the past). Starting at a 287 pounds (sadly, only a ‘lil more than 30 pounds over my high school graduation weight), I knew there were changes to be made.

So, I met up with the Corporate Dietitian at a “10 in 10” class, aiming to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks. That was in June 2011. In the 10 weeks, I changed my outlook on food and dropped about 16 pounds. I wasn’t dedicated to exercise, but I was dedicated to eating healthy. In the months that followed, I maintained the loss. After seeing a photo of me at my cousin’s wedding, I knew that it was time to get back to business and I started a monthly 1:1 check in process.

Now, 20 months later, I am proud to say that I have completely changed my life. I have ran a 5k walk, completed a 7-mile mud obstacle run (twice), ran an official 5k, ran the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, ran a Foam 5k. I’ve shared with you my joys when I dropped 50 pounds (about 13 months ago). When I hit onederland. And now today, I am proud to say it…

I have officially lost 100 pounds!

100 pounds weight lost

If you want to be technical, 101.6 pounds. And I want to keep going, not to meet some societal standard but because I want to keep improving my health and tone my body (I am hiding some ferocious skin flab). And I am not afraid to show you my official weigh-in, broken toe and all (oh, you missed that? I broke my toe in the Half and ran around on it the last 7 weeks without knowing, oops).

185 pounds

Yeah, I know 185.4 is still a bit of a weight, but I continue to work and find meaning in every day, something I am not totally sure I was able to do 100 pounds ago. Excuse me, 101.6 pounds ago. I can get out of bed, run 3 miles, and not feel like death. I ran 13.1, who am I kidding? I am a new me, and I am so glad that I am doing this not only for me but for my ‘lil Burghers, my babies who need their Mama (and Daddy!) in their lives, being the best we can be.

Some days I do not see much difference, but in my heart of hearts, I know this is a new me. Thank you all for your constant encouragement and love. Can’t wait to tell you again that another goal bites the dust. Now, where’s my next tattoo, Billy Hill?

Swimsuit Pic of Me? And I am OK With It?

Following a day at the pool, my friend started putting up photos on Facebook. Before, I used to be scared of what pool photos would mean for me, but yesterday was different. Sure, there are some of me awkwardly balled up in the baby pool, but come on. It’s 1 1/2 feet of water and I needed to curl all 5’6″ of me up to cool off. Of course, that’s going to look awkward. But that picture up there? I am ok with it.

While I didn’t meet my goal to be -68 pounds by this trip, I am down 62 since last summer. That makes swimsuit photos a lot more comforting than last year. Instead of hiding behind my husband like I did here… I stood proudly beside him and let her snap a pic. Sure, my body isn’t perfect, but it is mine and I am learning more and more every day to love it. This journey has been a blessing and I am seeing the benefits.

Eating better, exercising, and taking care of me has made a difference in my life. A slow journey, but it’s all worth it. Sure, I looked happy last year on the beach, but I can tell you that I really wasn’t feeling 100% myself there. Today, I am fine with sharing that photo with you…even if this time next I am like, WHAT WAS I THINKING?…and that’s a good thing. I hope to teach my kids that body image is something easy to get out of control, so love and work with what you’ve been given.