One year of progress. No gimmicks or quick fixes.

Timorous_Beastie

Basic stats, 43 years old, 5'5, around 130 pounds.

I lost weight through MFP a few years ago, then between depression after a death in the family, apathy and injury, gained some (ok, most of it) back. Summer of 2014, I had a nasty lower back injury (SI joint) and could barely even walk without severe pain.

Anyway... it was about one year ago that I was recovered enough from my back injury to start running again (the doctor's advice was, "it'll probably still hurt, but you won't make things worse by running"), and around that time I took some "before" pictures. I've had some stumbles along the way. I fell off the wagon in the middle of November and through December. I'm an artist and had a major Christmas rush take up every free second, plus I was beyond frustrated that the steroid injection I got for my back made me gain ten pounds in about a week.

I started up again in January, logging my food, running, lifting, etc. Then I had shin splints put me on the sideline for a few weeks in April & May. Then seven weeks ago, I had an Achilles problem (heel spur that aggravates the tendon), and just started running again two weeks ago. I haven't been lifting as often as I should, but when I do, it's full body compound moves (deadlift, squats, bench, row, overhead press). Not as heavy as I did before my back injury, but between "novice" and "intermediate" in strength standards. I suppose you'd still call that heavy lifting.

With the one year anniversary of my return to running, I thought it would be a good time to get out the bikini again and take new photos. All in all, I'm down about 20 lbs from those photos, and from a snug size 8 to a size 4. I'm really happy with what one year of dedication and good food could do. No gimmicks, no quick fixes, no Beach Body products, no organic (unless it happened to be the same price as regular), no green smoothies or kale anything. Just the regular food I love in the right portions. Still had pizza, bagels, garlic bread, pasta, potatoes, ice cream, chocolate, mixed in with loads of veggies and (mostly, but not exclusively) lean meats.

VA_ITGuy

Amazing transformation... way to go ..

Asallings323

I love the story of your journey and the perseverance you had not to give up. I myself am a true believer that you can still eat all your favorite foods just in a balanced proportioned size. You are inspiring. Thank you for sharing.

JustMissTracy

Wow, look at you!!! You look awesome, great work!!! xo

FitChick_40

Well done, you look great!

sweetsmile_lee

Awesome!

sun_fish

Great work through some very difficult times. Very inspiring!

Karen_can_do_this

Omfg you look incredible!!!!! Way to go lovely lady!!!!

Livgetfit

The progress on your body is amazing - so amazing - but so is the face progress. Look at that side profile. BEAUTIFULLY HAPPY & GLOWING!!!!

LadyKT

I used to follow you a few years ago - you were probably one of my favorite blogs around here to read! And your progress now is exactly why- you are so awesome! Keep up the good work

2manyhats

Great story!

Timorous_Beastie

Thank you!

brynnsmom

LadyKT wrote: »

I used to follow you a few years ago - you were probably one of my favorite blogs around here to read! And your progress now is exactly why- you are so awesome! Keep up the good work

This exactly. Looking good! Sorry you have been through some rough times, but you have such a great outlook!

jumpinthemud

Your determination has shown through! WTG!

helpatalkingmuffin

Ahhh, I used to follow you a few years ago! (I had a different username--'runningfromzombies'.) You are as fantastic as ever. :flowerforyou:

healthhappinessfit

.

CaffeinatedConfectionist

LadyKT wrote: »

I used to follow you a few years ago - you were probably one of my favorite blogs around here to read! And your progress now is exactly why- you are so awesome! Keep up the good work

Same! I knew I recognized those tattoos ^^ (ok, that sounds seriously creepy). Glad to see you back, and for your success a second time around. You were absolutely an inspiration for me.

I think that one of the most important things that you are showing people in this post is that with the proper education and by finding a sustainable and healthy (mentally and physically) method of losing weight - without resorting to fad diets, excessive restriction, or going into debt for name brand products - one can weather life's disasters and that even if one regains some weight, one always has the tools to return to a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle. Not to mention the confidence!

ETA: I just realized this is kind of a zombie thread that got resurrected, but I'm glad it did!

Nikki10129

Great job! It's especially noticeable on your back! You look great

aspire2lift

Phenomenal results, your truly an inspiration to me!

gina20202016

You look amazing!! I'm a 43 year old mom of 3 teenage girls. Work travel has taken a 15lb toll on me. Your post and inspiration. I'm going to take bikini pics tomorrow and plan to be 140 by September!!

oliverngus

Way to go! You look fantastic! And it's especially inspiring to read that you were able to get motivated and on track again after a loss. After losing my mom, I've gained weight and lost motivation. So thank you for giving me hope!

emz_1993

I remember seeing you years ago.. Good for you for taking back control of your health! You look amazing

BenKnowsFitness

Welcome Back.

slimcharm20

Timorous_Beastie wrote: »

Basic stats, 43 years old, 5'5, around 130 pounds.

I lost weight through MFP a few years ago, then between depression after a death in the family, apathy and injury, gained some (ok, most of it) back. Summer of 2014, I had a nasty lower back injury (SI joint) and could barely even walk without severe pain.

Anyway... it was about one year ago that I was recovered enough from my back injury to start running again (the doctor's advice was, "it'll probably still hurt, but you won't make things worse by running"), and around that time I took some "before" pictures. I've had some stumbles along the way. I fell off the wagon in the middle of November and through December. I'm an artist and had a major Christmas rush take up every free second, plus I was beyond frustrated that the steroid injection I got for my back made me gain ten pounds in about a week.

I started up again in January, logging my food, running, lifting, etc. Then I had shin splints put me on the sideline for a few weeks in April & May. Then seven weeks ago, I had an Achilles problem (heel spur that aggravates the tendon), and just started running again two weeks ago. I haven't been lifting as often as I should, but when I do, it's full body compound moves (deadlift, squats, bench, row, overhead press). Not as heavy as I did before my back injury, but between "novice" and "intermediate" in strength standards. I suppose you'd still call that heavy lifting.

With the one year anniversary of my return to running, I thought it would be a good time to get out the bikini again and take new photos. All in all, I'm down about 20 lbs from those photos, and from a snug size 8 to a size 4. I'm really happy with what one year of dedication and good food could do. No gimmicks, no quick fixes, no Beach Body products, no organic (unless it happened to be the same price as regular), no green smoothies or kale anything. Just the regular food I love in the right portions. Still had pizza, bagels, garlic bread, pasta, potatoes, ice cream, chocolate, mixed in with loads of veggies and (mostly, but not exclusively) lean meats.

I also remember you when I was here before. You were an inspiration then and are now! Kudos to you for turning things around!

smkondy

Great progress-way to go!!