why I love it...what about you?

It's crazy how much I love blogging and meeting other blogger's that share a similar story.  They share their personal struggles, just as I've done.  We are able to relate to one another by offering motivation and encouragement, even though we've never "met".  We log on and post our accomplishments, frustrations, questions and concerns, injuries and more!  And if I'm having one of those days, I can always count on a reader to lift me up and help me through the funk...nothing better than that.  And if there's a day when I'm lacking motivation, I can always read a post about a blogger's great workout, and I'm out the door!  Even if you aren't a blogger but read their stories, you are able to relate as well!

I met Run with Jess several years ago and was always amazed by her determination and passion for running.  She's training for her first triathlon and just completed a weight-loss challenge at her gym.  She shared this the other day and I wanted to share with all of you.  

It's never too late to change...NEVER!

From Jess:

I lost -24.9 pounds!

13.7% body weight

How?  It's the most frequent question people ask me through this journey.  The answer is two-fold and quite simple...  Hard Work and Dedication.  (Thanks Dolvett!)

#1 - HARD WORK 

in the gym, around the track, in the pool, on the bike...

You need to burn more calories than you consume.  And by burn, I mean sweat your ass off... not a casual jog around the park.  Several times a week, I put in two-a-days (workout in the morning and again at night) to cash in on the magical "afterburn".  The longer and harder you workout, the greater the post-exercise metabolism increase and the longer it lasts. During the final week of the weight loss challenge, I did two-a-days every. single. day.  Exhausted, but I eliminated nearly 5 lbs over a 5 day period (making up for that week-long vacation!).

To give you an idea of my workload over the Weight Loss Challenge, I kept track of my key activities.  Here's what it takes for me to lose 25 pounds in 55 days... 

Ran 250 miles

Biked 235 miles

11 Spinning classes

Swam 18,500 yds or 10.5 miles

7 Yoga sessions 

4 Elliptical sessions

Numerous circuit workouts

#2 - DEDICATION

to a healthy change in my food choices.

The biggest part of my success the last two months has been a change in my food selection. I'm a firm believer that for weight loss to last, it must be a realistic change.  I can't expect to eat separate meals from my family.  We are an old fashioned family that sits down around a table, says our prayers and eats together... every night.  So the food aspect was a big challenge for me.  No fad diets here. I'm in it for the long haul.

I focused our meals around lean protein and an assortment of fresh vegetables. I minimized carbs and switched to whole grain whenever possible. I completely cut out salt and soda. I have a sweet tooth and every afternoon, it ached. Sometimes I fulfilled it with fruit, and other times, I gave in to chocolate. The most important lesson I learned was balance and moderation. One aspect I had to balance was the checkbook.  Undeniably, eating fresh and healthy IS more expensive when you're feeding a family of four. In the long run, it's a great investment, but still a challenge of current money and time to keep fresh foods in the house.

This latest weight loss success has made me slightly nostalgic. I started my weight loss journey in the fall of 2008 when I topped the scales at (gulp)... 230 lbs.  Seriously, right?  I was miserably obese with a depression that transferred to every area of my life. At the peak of my life with two baby girls, I was falling apart at the seams.  My heart breaks when I think of the hell I put my husband and mother through. They truly are my life vests. 

I started walking, then wogging and finally running.  I quit smoking and cut down the alcohol.  It began a gradual weight loss that changed more than just the number of the scale.  Running changed my life.  I fell in love with the run and how it made me feel.  It was contagious, a healthy addiction for once. It made me a better person, a better mom, wife, daughter and friend.  This is why I write about running - it is a passion, a love, that I believe has the potential to change everyone's lives.

Then & Now...

Jess hosted a virtual run last year and it was a huge success...good news? It's back with lots of race options and prizes up for grabs!  If you've never done a FREE, virtual race I suggest you sign up!  It's fun and you go at your own speed!  
Mark your calendars!  The Jelly Bean virtual race is back for it's second running.  This race was such a giant success last year and I'm so excited to do it again.  More events + more prizes = More Fun!  More details to come, but early registration is now open! 
Sign up here.