270-170lbs in under a year. Pics from my dream vacation

We just took a vacation that even a year ago I could never have imagined. We drove from PA to Montana and then backpacked for miles and miles. I felt strong, fast, and healthy. What a truly wonderful feeling.

BEFORE: August 2011, 270lbs, size 24.





AFTER: August 2012, 170lbs, size 10.

Hiking in the Badlands, South Dakota




Hiking and camping in Glacier National Park, Montana











(this is my background, from my profile:)
I'm a 5'8", 32 year old, stay at home mom of three girls, ages 2, 4, &6.

I had a spinal cord injury in June 2011 at 270lbs. Emergency spinal surgery, and temporarily paralyzed from the waist down. Regained sensation and mobility over the next few months. At my discharge appointment in August 2011, the neurosurgeon said the best way to prevent reinjury is to lose weight. The next day I started really slowly daily exercise and tracking my food on MFP.

I began my exercise SLOWLY. Like really really slowly. The first day, I walked around my block. 0.25 miles in 25 minutes, with a CANE. The next day I went a little father, the next day a little faster, just doing what I could, getting out there and moving and sweating every single day. After many months, I added in 30 second jogging spurts. Then I just tried to run more and walk less, gradually introducing faster speeds as my body could tolerate it. After a few months, I was able to jog for my whole workout.

Currently during a typical week, I run 6-7 days/week and lift 2-3x/week. I've done five 5k races this spring and summer, and hope to train for longer distance events.

The key to my success: Consistency. Just get out there and DO it. Watch your portions. Sweat every day. No excuses.

:-)

Joy