Paying it Forward (w/ pics)

Log_n_Jog
Log_n_Jog Posts: 64 Member
in Motivation and Support
Throughout my weight loss journey, I have been inspired and motivated by before/during/after progress pictures posted by other members on MFP. For those of you who have posted before me, please know how much you have encouraged me to keep going and never give up. Thank you! In order to pay it forward, I’ve decided to post my story and pics. This is a huge step for me especially since I've been hiding out on here for the past two years. I am still a work in progress and I’ve had a few setbacks, but I am determined to reach my goals. In my most recent setback, I gained back 15lbs over the past five months which made me realize that I can’t let my guard down and go back to my old ways…EVER.

So, here’s my story: I started MFP in January 2011 at 5’2” and 200lbs. I hadn’t exercised in over six years and I was so out of shape I couldn’t dance or play with my daughter. Three things happened in the Fall of 2010 that inspired me to make positive changes in my life forever. First and most importantly, I wanted to set a better example for my daughter. I wanted her to grow up to be a happy, healthy, and confident woman but I wasn’t setting that example for her as her own mother. Second, I witnessed part of a marathon/half-marathon as it went through my hometown and was inspired by all of the happy and fit runners. I remember thinking how proud they must feel when they cross the finish line. Thirdly, I saw this picture:

4b126157-4dc0-4524-a8fc-996be3809c01_zpsafeec344.jpg

This was taken Christmas 2010 and I didn’t even recognize myself at first. This picture made me realize not only how big I had become, but that I had no pictures of me and my two-year old daughter together because I refused to have my picture taken at all.

During the past two years, I’ve lost 55 lbs and gained happiness, confidence and pride. Since beginning the C25K program in February 2011, I’ve completed two fun runs, 3 5Ks, 1 10K, and two half-marathons. But the best part of my journey has been the positive example I’ve set for my daughter. She now pretends to “go for a run” by putting on my running shoes and has ran in two fun runs herself. The other day, she said, “Momma, can I run with you in a big race when I get bigger?” :)

Thank you for reading my story. I know it’s long, but I hope I have inspired someone to never give up. If you need a positive and motivated friend, please feel free to add me!

3-13-113_zpsec3dbbb3.jpg
March 2011-15lbs lost

a7ff29df-0a20-43c1-90d6-d298162a8c7c_zpse1639b53.jpg
May 2011-30lbs lost

a7421349-ee3a-4d51-9afd-9d05c15ce367_zpsd5303a05.jpg
My 1st half-marathon, May 2012, 50lbs lost. My daughter said, "Mommy, I so proud of you!"

half2_zpsf075d7ff.jpg
My 2nd half-marathon. This was the race that originally inspired me to start running.

4-27-1252lbs_zps736aa22e.jpg
55lbs lost

4-27-12back_zps458beec5.jpg
55lbs lost.

Replies

  • ChristyRunStarr
    ChristyRunStarr Posts: 1,600 Member
    Wow, congrats!!! You look amazing! Thank you for sharing your story, I loved reading it. I want to run a half marathon this year and am hoping to find one worth it and around here. You look so happy in all your after race photos, you should be so proud of everything you've done!


    PS-go Red Sox :wink:
  • Log_n_Jog
    Log_n_Jog Posts: 64 Member
    Thank you! Running a half-marathon is an amazing experience start to finish and holding that medal at the end is worth all of the months of training. Good luck to you in running your first! :) And yes, Go Sox!
  • Log_n_Jog
    Log_n_Jog Posts: 64 Member
    I'm sorry for the enormous size of some pics. I tried to edit them with no luck. :/

Categories