On my way to being a trophy wife (pics)

I woke up in May of 2011 and never looked back. I'm not really sure what woke me up, maybe the huffing and puffing when I tried to hike with my family, or sounding breathless from running to catch the phone, or maybe the fact that my clothes were getting tighter and tighter, but really I think it was how miserable I felt in my own skin.

I started like most on here, plugged in my numbers, wanted the weight gone asap, ate less, drank water, and walked as fast and as much as I could, weight fell off at a nice clip. I did eat my exercise calories, but looking back I should have upped my calories by a few hundred because imo MFP sets you a little low. I was netting around 1400 a day. I am 5' 9" and was hungry all the time (duh). After 25 pounds fell off (August 2011) I decided to learn how to run and began the C25K program. The first time out I thought my heart would explode. It wasn't pretty and I wasn't fast but I kept pushing myself. Inches were now flying off. I lost another 10 pounds and finished the program in October 2011, in time for my 42nd birthday I weighed 169 and was on top of the world. I kept reading and seeing other post about calories and how much to eat and realized my body needed more so I started eating around 1600-1800 net. 10 more pounds came off by Christmas, but I wasn't totally thrilled with some of the changes, sure I could run and found enjoyment in that, I looked pretty good in clothes, people were noticing, but I knew I could do better. I got hooked with strength training and l found my way in the free weights aka man cave section of the gym. I got the book New Rules of Lifting for Women for Christmas and haven't looked back. I have only lost another 5 pounds since lifting heavy but I can wear a size 6 jeans and my body is looking better and better. I have had 5 children and can't believe how things have lifted and how much better I look since lifting heavy. Not to mention how empowering it is to know I can squat 145 pounds, dead lift 100 and bench press 85. I still run 4-5 miles about 2 days a week, I lift heavy 3 days a week and I am now eating 1700-2300 a day depending on what I do that day.

I'm not at goal yet but I am so close. My goals now are more fitness related. I want to get to a 20% BF and I am at 24% now. I really want to be able to do a pull up and of course be a smoking trophy wife for the love of my life. I keep on keeping on and I know I will keep improving.

Stay the course, I believe every single person can have success if they stick with it. Sorry this was long winded and I hope others can get some encouragement from it. If I have learned anything along this path it has been to be patient, do some research and take care of yourself.

Enjoy the journey.