This is a hard picture for me to share. I certainly don’t post this photo because I enjoy embarrassing myself. Rather, I show it to offer hope.
In the spring of 2008 I was fat. I weighed over 200 pounds, was out-of-shape and prediabetic. I wasted years of my life hating my body. I vowed if I was able to lose weight I would pay it forward and help others do the same.
I lost over 80 pounds by making smart food choices, running and doing super fun video workout programs like TurboFire.
I am proof that a middle-aged working mom with two arthritic knees can become fit. For me it wasn’t about rocking a bikini. It was about honoring and respecting the body I was given and having the energy for the activities I love. And you know what? Losing weight and regaining my health literally gave me my life back.
I went from not being able to walk to the mailbox without being winded to a crazy long distance runner. One year to the day after running my first 5k race I ran my first marathon — and my “after” picture above was taken a day before that Las Vegas Rock & Roll Marathon 2010. I started running up to 12 half marathons per year. Yes, I was a crazy Half Fanatic and proud to be one!
Me and a group of Half Fanatics before the St. Louis Rock & Roll Half Marathon.
The weight loss journey doesn’t end when you reach goal weight, and this blog is my story of weight loss and life AFTER the diet. I am not a doctor or dietician, but what I CAN offer is real-life experience, encouragement - and most of all HOPE. If I can get fit anyone can. I’d love for you to journey with me to a place of health and happiness and PEACE.
Finally losing the weight that had been holding me down in many ways was truly a dream come true. And here is another dream come true…
Me and Jon Bon Jovi - my second dream come true!
Please feel free to email me ([email protected]) or comment on my posts. I’d love your thoughts and feedback.
Wishing you good health and peace with food!
