I had a life changing moment when I realized that in order for me to take care of my family, I needed to first take care of myself. I saw myself withering away slowly in the mirror. I hated looking into that mirror. The pounds were slowly packing on, and that sparkle I once had in my eyes, looked very dim. I was getting frequent headaches and feeling sick and unhappy with myself. Something snapped and I decided that this past summer, I was ready to change. I started running every morning in the month of June. I ran around our 3 acres until I couldn't run anymore. I only made it halfway. I felt like giving up, but I woke up EVERY morning rain or shine and ran because even though it made me feel exhausted, sweaty, and tired; it made me feel good; like I could take on anything. Each day I began running just a little further than the day before until I was able to run laps around our 3 acres. I also began doing light aerobics and stretches that month. By the beginning of July, I had lost 6 pounds with 3 inches off of my waistline.
The following month I began taking notice of the things that I ate and drank. I enjoyed having my daily vanilla coke, and 2 cups of coffee. I loved sneaking a casual cookie or 2 or heck even 3 in between meals. I loved eating chips and Little Debbie snacks. If the girls didn't finish their meals, I would finish them because I hated seeing food wasted. I rarely drank enough water. I would only drink one glass a day if that. In July, I made the bold decision to not buy pop/soda anymore. I began drinking nothing but water, but still had my cup of coffee in the morning. I continued working out and running and by the end of July, I had lost a total of 10 pounds with 4 inches off of my waistline. I was seeing results, and it felt amazing. My skin began to glow and that sparkle was back in my eyes.
In August and September, I continued my new lifestyle of running, exercising, drinking 4-5 16 ounce bottles of water daily, and cutting all snacks out of my diet completely. I attended a fitness group and learned new exercises and met a wonderful group of people who were focused, driven, and fun to be around. I was introduced to the wonderful world of PiYo, Les Mills Combat, T25, and Insanity, and LOVE all of them.
By mid September I had lost a total of 15 pounds with 5 inches off of my waistline. I had to go shopping because none of my clothes were fitting right anymore. Everything I wore was baggy and falling off of me. Shopping actually turned out to be fun and not a chore as it once had been in the past.
I began switching up my daily exercises in the month of September. I had noticed I wasn't sweating as much while doing the usual exercises so I started doing some more intense cardio workouts; T25 and Insanity. I wanted to keep my body guessing and not bored with the usual routine. Every other day I ran and my husband began being my running partner. Our daughters would even run with us some evenings.
This week is the week I achieved my ultimate goal. I have lost a total of 20 pounds with a little over 6 inches off of my waistline. I am down 6 dress sizes. I am 5'4 and was 142 pounds in June and wore a size 11. Now I am 122 pounds and wear a size 3-5. I have never been a size 3-5, not even in high school.
I am so proud of myself. My birthday was yesterday and I couldn't think of a better present than to have my life back. My headaches are gone. My body no longer aches. I have this incredible amount of energy that I have never had before. It just feels amazing! I am not finished though. This new lifestyle is continuous. I plan on keeping up with my routine of daily exercise and healthy eating from now on. I am not just doing this for myself, but for my family. If I am not healthy and happy, then they won't be either. I realize this now.
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