Jan 2013 Starters....

PinkNinjaLaura · December 2013

My joined date is later, but I didn't actually change my life around until January. Here is a photo from then:

So...in December I quit smoking, and then in January I changed everything else. Cut some calories, started exercising, stuff like that. Decided that I wanted to learn to love running. So...started Couch to 5K, found the C25K group on here, and then on March 23rd (my birthday) I completed my first 5K:

Continued running, joined the local running club here and then found the Women's Run/Walk Memphis and decided to try the Intermediate 2 group:

Is that not the face of a runner's high! Anyway, made lots of friends. Here are more photos from there:

Then....in October...you guys ready for this? I completed my first HALF MARATHON!

Wow...what a day that was. Blistered foot, tired as hell. But to cross that finish line at 02:33:48 was heaven. And come to find out, the course was messed up. The escorts made a wrong turn and added an extra .25 miles onto the course.....so I might have come in under 02:30:00...we will see in March how much I have improved. That is my next HM.

I wandered after that. Did a 5K here, some running there. And then read an article about some girls who had stuck together after the Women's Run/Walk Memphis ended for the summer, and decided to go check them out. Now, I have a running group of about 10 ladies I run with, and the group is getting bigger! I am known at the running stores...the owners are some of my best friends....and our group is known well throughout Memphis. We even have shirts to prove it!

Yesterday was my one year anniversary from quitting smoking. I am 25 lbs lighter and a whole lot healthier. My goals are already set for next year, including 3 HMs and I have been asked to help coach the beginner's group at the Women's Run/Walk Memphis, something I am seriously considering. But the biggest thing is, I enjoy myself a lot more now...which I think is the biggest success.

What a journey! Your comment about enjoying yourself a lot more resonates with me. I'm realizing I'm a much happier person in general. Or when I'm not, somewhere in the 3rd mile of my run I'm able to shake off the bad mood.

juliemouse83 · December 2013

Wow! Everyone looks fantastic! Lots of hard work, and it shows! Nicely done!

I signed up in 2011, but didn't get serious until last January, when I was at an all time high of 192. I knew I needed to get the weight off, and I stuck to it this time. The first two times were 2-3 month stints where I stalled, got frustrated, and simply gave up.

In just over ten months I lost 50 pounds, learned to lift heavy and love it, have done four 5K's, and jog for fun, not because someone is chasing me.

I'm up 8 pounds currently, because I'm bulking, and will start my cut at the first of the year. Am on mobile, so won't try to post pics, but there are some in my gallery.

Huge high fives to everyone posting their successes!

mvajt · December 2013

my real journey didnt start until march but it was my new year resolution to lose some weight, and now i have lost 60 POUNDS!!!!

Heres to another 40!

GiveMeCoffee · December 2013

My joined date is later, but I didn't actually change my life around until January. Here is a photo from then:

So...in December I quit smoking, and then in January I changed everything else. Cut some calories, started exercising, stuff like that. Decided that I wanted to learn to love running. So...started Couch to 5K, found the C25K group on here, and then on March 23rd (my birthday) I completed my first 5K:

Continued running, joined the local running club here and then found the Women's Run/Walk Memphis and decided to try the Intermediate 2 group:

Is that not the face of a runner's high! Anyway, made lots of friends. Here are more photos from there:

Then....in October...you guys ready for this? I completed my first HALF MARATHON!

Wow...what a day that was. Blistered foot, tired as hell. But to cross that finish line at 02:33:48 was heaven. And come to find out, the course was messed up. The escorts made a wrong turn and added an extra .25 miles onto the course.....so I might have come in under 02:30:00...we will see in March how much I have improved. That is my next HM.

I wandered after that. Did a 5K here, some running there. And then read an article about some girls who had stuck together after the Women's Run/Walk Memphis ended for the summer, and decided to go check them out. Now, I have a running group of about 10 ladies I run with, and the group is getting bigger! I am known at the running stores...the owners are some of my best friends....and our group is known well throughout Memphis. We even have shirts to prove it!

Yesterday was my one year anniversary from quitting smoking. I am 25 lbs lighter and a whole lot healthier. My goals are already set for next year, including 3 HMs and I have been asked to help coach the beginner's group at the Women's Run/Walk Memphis, something I am seriously considering. But the biggest thing is, I enjoy myself a lot more now...which I think is the biggest success.

Fantastic!!! Half marathon, quit smoking and you look so much happier and healthier!!! Well done!!

GiveMeCoffee · December 2013

I started January 17th and really wanted to lose 100lbs. After my wedding in July, I had a bit of a rebellious period so my total so far is 62.5lbs gone. I bought my wedding dress 5 sizes too small. It was very stressful but worked for me

WOW!!! Amazing and what a gorgeous bride you were!!! Congrats!

Jan 2013 Starters....

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