2 years later...

So, during my pity party earlier I started to realize how far I have really come in the past few years.  It is quite amazing to be honest.

March 2009 was a HUGE turning point for me.  I was the heaviest I had EVER been.  No really.  It was awful.  I couldn't take it anymore and I decided that I really was going to DO something about it instead of just TALK about it.  My motto became "There is no can't - just will or won't".

I just wanted to share some before and after photos.  I started at just under 150lbs.  For me being only 4'11"... that was a big deal.  I had a ton of self confidence issues and I wasn't happy.  It was a really hard time in my life- but I couldn't have done it with out my hubby.  Oh... and don't mind his funny looking cast in the pic below... he was going through therapy after cutting a couple tendons in his hand... ouch!

me and the hubby at his bday party (80's themed) March 2009

December 2008- 2 yr wedding anniversary

I started out small.  I joined a gym and I only went for time (worked up to 30 mins on the elliptical and went up from there).  I wasn't sure if I would ever return to running.  I hadn't run since I had foot surgery that happened in 2006 during marathon training.  I just gave up.  Plain and simple.  Life got busy and with that came a whole ton of pathetic excuses.  

Let's be honest, we all know it's a lie when we say "Oh, when ____ happens- then life will get less busy and I will find the time to do it"  Seriously, if you find yourself in that rut... ya better just suck it up and find a free 30 mins in your day.  I don't care what time it is!  I worked out as early as 4am and as late as midnight. (okay, i'm not saying lose sleep... but I think you understand what I'm trying to get at)  I understand how busy life can be and it's only going to get busier!!  Something is always going on and something new always happens to pop up right when you think it won't.  Anyways... moving on.

At that time we were still in Utah while Jon was finishing up his masters and doing the internship and job search thing.  Anyways, I had some friends who were signing up to run a 10k for July 4th in 2009.  My husband took an internship that was in Houston and he would be gone for the entire summer while I stayed in Utah.  I  knew I had to keep myself motivated while he was gone.  To do that- I needed to set goals.  My friends asked me to do the 10k.  I was scared.  I didn't know if I could do it.   I was always signing up for 5ks and I figured I would stick to those.  However, I knew if I wanted to challenge myself and lose the weight- I had to jump in and do the 10k and get out of my comfort zone.  So, that first 10k turned into three 10ks, 3 half marathons, a few 5ks, 6k and a full marathon going from July 4th 2009 to April 17th 2010.  With that came a loss of 40 lbs!  Since April 2010- I have run a few more half marathons, 5ks and another marathon and I am still wanting more! 

Here is my after :-)

First night in our new  home August 2010 with our awesome sparking cider :-)

Harry Potter world - Feb 2011

Hollywood studios - feb 2011

Epcot - feb 2011

Okay, so I don't have "proper" after shots... but seriously, I cannot express to you how much happier I am.  If you are struggling with weight and wanting to start your journey- I know how overwhelming it can be.  You have to take that first step and just start.  Even if it's only for 10 mins at a time!!  Don't give up either.  You will hit walls, but the harder you work, the better you will get.  If I can do it- anyone can!   Need advice or motivation- feel free to contact me!  I love love love talking about this sort of thing!