Courage

Courage.

On a Roll

Spring 2011: At this point in my life, I was feeling so much better about myself. People were noticing the smaller me and compliments were coming in. I bought a few new outfits that were not a size 16/18! I was focused and driven but competition is the true motivator for me. I felt the desire to encourage others who were unhappy with their weight to make some changes so….. I decided to host my own friendly “Weight Loss Challenge” and began rounding up some contestants. Ended up with twelve contestants and the 1st place prize was in the ballpark of $600.

I’ll just say it….I won 🙂

It was awkward to win my own contest especially because my daughter won 2nd place but we worked hard for it. Suddenly, I was looking like a completely different person and I will tell you that once this starts happening, the struggle to work out and eat right becomes so much easier. You see the results of your hard work and feel great. It takes a while but hang in there, it is well worth it!!!! I was 186.2 pounds when the six week challenge began and my final weight was 162.2. 24 pounds in six weeks! This was done by tracking all of my calories and exercise with my “Lose It” app and trying to be well under my allotted calories for the day. I worked out just about every day making sure to do a minimum of one hour of cardio at every session. Minimal weights – just some basic machines at the gym.

…..and I began running.