anitanell
392 7/21/04 - Pre-Op
358 8/12/04 - (34)
345 8/26/04 - (47)
296 11/20/04 - (96)
285 12/4/04 - (107)
267 01/13/05 - (125)
259 02/16/05 - (133)
237 04/06/05 - (155)
228 4/25/05 - (164)
219 05/10/05 - (173)
214 06/14/05 - (178)
194 8/03/05 - (198)
180 9/18/05 - (212)
176 10/15/05 - (216)
172 11/09/05 - (220)
166 01/20/06 - (226)
162 02/01/06 - (230)
Lauren and I July 4th, 2004 (Pre-Surgery)
Hi I'm Anita-Nell I'm a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. I have been thinking about this surgery for many years now. I have done every kind of "Diet" there is and lost hundreds if not thousands of pounds. With always regaining my wieght plus more. In 1998 I was at my peak of 527lbs. I was misserable and thought I was going to die. My husband, Dale and I went on the body for life program and I got down to 311lbs by October 2000. I stayed on a platue for a long time and just started gaining slow and steady. I was scared I was going to end up back over 500lbs. We seriously started to go back to eating healthy in January of 2003 and have been able to maintain my weight around 380 for the last 17 months and not getting any heavier. I have had my consult with Dr Oakley 6/3/04. Now just waiting on insurance approval. Surgery scheduled for 7/26/04. Read the WLS book by Barbara Thompson and I am even more inspired, great information. Right now I just pray to God that the surgery is approved so there is no more delays.
6/24/04 Today I found out I have been approved and surgery is a for sure thing on 7/26/04. I am really excited. I am really busy at work the next 4 weeks so that should help time go by fast. I am starting to feel like I need to sample all the different kinds of food. Right now it seems real hard to eat healthy. So this will be my biggest challege the next 4-1/2 weeks.
July 26,2004 around 2pm after a mid morning surgery. I look alittle out of it. Don't remember much from that first day. I did talk with my awesome friend Faith shortly after that picture. Don't remember what we talked about. And of course Dale and my Mom stayed around faithfully and kept me company as I dosed in and out. (really they kept each other company)
8/22/04 I have been on the go since the day after I came home from the Hospital. I came hame and my Mother in law -Mary who lives with us went in to the Hospital. She is still there, is having a hard time coming back after her surgery. Please if you read this keep her in your prayers.
I went back to see Dr. Oakley after 15 days down 34 pounds. I will weigh myself agian this coming Thursday and update. Things are going well. I am so glad I had this surgery.
September 2004 with my Disney Pals at Walt Disneyworld. (Down 56lbs)
11/20/04 Wow a lot has happened since I last updated. My mother in law passed away the end of august. Then we shut down my Jack in the Box the first part of October to be converted to a JBX grill. (Which will have some very awsome healthy choices) and then my 14 year old nice was hit by a car the last friday in October. She is doing much better today but it will be a long road to recovery.
With my emotions on a roller coaster it has been a challenge to stay on track. I do pretty good but I have to consistantly remind myself to drink water and eat protien. I have been really good with excercise until this week. I have been extra tired and think I may be fighting off a cold. I know I just have to make the time and find the energy.
I have 4 more pounds to loose to make it to the century club and my goal is December 1. I will be in Disneyworld till the 3rd so I will try and update when we get back. (We leave on Thanksgiving)I am really looking forward to this trip. I know I will get some good walking in why we are there.
I hope everyone has a good turkey week and is good.
Dale and I on a train tour @ WDW in December 2004 (Down 100lbs)
12/04/04 We had a great trip and walked more than you can ever imagine. I am a regular at Walt Disney World, I had more energy than ever before. And took the stairs when ever possible. The wieght just fell off last week. I was able to eat good and maintain my water. Also for the first time I was able to ride every ride and fit and room to spare on some. My husband and I go back in May...Something to look forward too.
Also my nice is recovering well, was able to see her on Thanksgiving when we flew through Seattle. Things are looking up and now just getting ready for the Kids/Grandkids for Christmas. They come home every fourth year. We try and make it really special.
Dale and I at Walt Disneyworld the weekend after Thanksgiving 2004. What a thrill it was to ride rides with my husband and not crush him. (Down 107 lbs)
Christmas day 2004 (Down 118 lbs)
1/13/05 Well the Holidays have passed and I had a great time with my family. Totally enjoyed everyone and it was fun because little ones are so honest. Two of my three G-Kids 3 & 4 were very vocal about my tummy being smaller.(It sure felt good) Also the kids got together and gave me new clothes which I really needed. (2outfits in size 22, 20, 18 & 16) so along with my new work shirts I don't need to worry about clothes for 4 months. Last christmas I was in a size 36/38. Now I am ready to go into a 20. Did not have any food issues over the holidays, but do need to work out more. Wishing all a great New Year.
4/06/05 Hi everyone it has been a while since I last updated. I had a really slow Febuary.I decided after the support group meeting in January I would join the YMCA. It took me to march to join. It was a very good month. I am now in a size 18 and feeling great. I am also going to the YMCA 6-7 days a week. I paid for a personal trainer to work with me, I needed to get on a good system and Jolene is giving me one. Plus it is good accountability for me. (which I need) I am now down 155 lbs. and registered to run in a 1/2 Marathon on my birthday in January 2006. I will update agin soon.
My Personal trainer Jolene from the YMCA This is from May I started working with her in March 2005.
05/10/05 Well todays my big day, my husband and I are going on a three week vacation together. We leave tonight and spend three days in Walt Disney World then to a 14 day Disney cruise and finish up at Disneyland for three days. We won't arrive back until May 31st. It will be my biggest challenge yet. To stay eating healthy and to continue to work out daily. I have 4 different workouts to take with me for strength training. and will continue cardio 6 days a week. What I am looking most forward to is just being with my husband and grow together over the next three weeks. We are both very ready for this. So we will see you in June....
On the Disney relocation 2 week cruise from florida to California Wow is all I can say!
Dale and I in Alcapulco in the Black lagoon (Where the oringinal Tarzan was filmed") in a Jump over Jet boat excursion! It was great!
06/14/05 Well I am back.....It was a vacation of a life time. I totally enjoyed every minute. I was very good about getting up and working out everyday but three, those were travel days. I ate like I was a normal person on vacation with the exception of sugar. Though I did try some sugar free deserts. (Two made me dump) And I gained two pounds, which I have lost now plus 5 more. The last three days of the trip I could tell the eating was getting to me. I never though I would be so happy getting back to the YMCA and my support group there. Also being back at work is great too! I missed both my employees and my guest. So I have had nothing but fun since I have been home. My husband and I would take the trip again if the opportunity came up though, the only difference for me is I would not be so experimental with my food. I like the way things are. Will update at my year anniversary at the end of July.
Dale and I at a Dinner for work Mid June. First who knows why I ordered that big meal I just took a few bites and ended up having a reaction to the BBQ sauce. (What an aweful dump, Live and learn) Had to eat later when I got home.
7-14-05 Johnnie (My sister) Adam (Her oldest & one of my favorite nephews) and Myself at Lunch next door to Jock n Jills running shoe store....After buying my first pair of running shoes.
8/05/05 Just thought I would leave a one year update had my official 1 year meeting with Dr. Oakley on Wednesday. All my blood work came back great, the only thing were keeping a close eye on is the B-12. I was at a normal mid-range. He likes us to be at the high end so I will dissolve B-12 twice a week under my tongue. He pretty much told me I was a perfect patient. That really put a smile on my face. I also am continuing to work out 6 days a week, I do 6 cardio and 3 strength training. I still work with a trainer one day a week. I really am glad I have gone the trainer route. It keeps my workouts fresh. I am still planning on the 1/2 marathon in WDW in January. (My first big goal)
In Arizona visiting my brother and his family, had a blast. When out on a four mile run/walk ended up lost and went six miles. I was also able to work out at the YMCA while there. Really like my YMCA better. I am hoping I inspired my brother while there. (Update visited this year my brother now has a full gym at home and a eliptical machine. Awesome)
My good friends Marla and Vicki in Arizona
My weight at date of surgery 392lbs.
My weight today is 194lbs.
Total loss of 198lbs, So today I have lost more than half of myself.
37 lbs to go to goal
I have lost almost 10 feet (119 inches)
Neck 4.25 inches
Bicep Total for both 13.5 inches
Forearm total for both 7 inches
Chest 19.5 inches (Poor Dale, Alot is off my back, But there are 0 boobs left)
Waist 21 inches
Hips 21 inches
Thighs Total for both 27 inches
Calf Total for both 6 inches
I feel better than I have ever felt, I will update in September.
Grandma Anita-Nell with Lauren and Katie at the YMCA swimming, August of 2005. We had a great time and about 30 trips up the water slide for turns riding on grandmas lap.
Ron, Lisa, Kelly, Katie % Lauren and of course Dale & I At Roaring Springs water Park.
Lauren and Grandma at play!
9/18/05 Well Hello! I had a really good last six weeks. Though for the last two weeks I have been at the same wieght. I can still fell the inches coming off 10.5 feet of inches now! I remain busy, I have never been this busy in my life. I am really utilizing every minite of everyday. I do take time to slow down but it is almost always planned. Has been very hard to get to the computer to do anything. I really enjoy the nice weather of summer. I am cold all the time inside. (Airconditioning is my worst enemy) I really enjoy the Hot. I am truely not looking forward to the winter. I hope my body learns to adjust my body temp. after loosing all this wieght. I feel so good and I am so glad I had this surgery. It has gotten way easier to eat and I am alot more aware of eating healthy. It is really a must. My stomach is just a tool, the tool is bigger now and better to fill it with healthy choices. I am finally at the top of the weight range for my height and my BMI is concidered normal. I do have 23 more pounds to get to my goal of 157. which is mid-range for my height & Doctor approved. I still go to the gym six days a week. Though I was out of town 1/2 of last week and 1/2 of this week and missed 2 days each week. I am back on schedule. Well enough of babble I will update again next month.
My first race a 5k will run walk it with my trainer Jolene. was very successful finished in 33:33. I was pleased. It was very exciting, the womens fitness challenge with about 15,000 people. An awesome day! Thanks lord for getting me here!
10/15/05 Well what a month...I was measured in the begining of the month and now I have lost over 12 feet in inches . And now 4 more pounds. I have 19 more pounds to go. I had a rough go with my workouts this month had a knee injury and had to really back off. I feel my lighter workouts helped slow my weight progress. Well I am back on track with my work outs and feel GREAT! I also will have my body fat tested at BSU on the 28. Will update next month on how it goes. Onward!!
Karlee's birthday weekend, had a great time with my grand daughters we played until we droped. I can't believe how much energy I have now....I'm lovin it.
11/9/05 WOW! Is all I can say. Three weeks have gone by since I have last updated and I'm down another 4 pounds and 8.5 inches. So that makes 13 feet in inches that have gone away. I had my body fat tested at BSU on the 28th of October and at that time weighed 174.5 and my body fat was 17.4% which I am told is excellent, that of an athlete. (Had it done in a dunk tank). And have decided to change my goal weight to 162 instead of 157. So only 10 pounds to go. Hopefully by my birthday in January (7). Though this month was full of good news. I did have one rough night. I tried some "no sugar added " Ice Cream. Well it was made with splenda, I have now decided that splenda is not my friend. I was woke up with intestional cramps at midnight and had the most painful gas for the next four hours you could even imagine. I still had gas here and there the next day, the worst of it was those four hours. So I guess no more ice cream for me. Have an awesome month and I will update in December.
The grandkid's Christmas day Kelly, Karlee, Katie, Brandon and Lauren. We had a good time the girls and I made candles it was fun. I also ran my first 12.5 miles on the treadmill christmas eve while grampa put Karlees bike together. (Don't know who's job was harder)
Karlee and I on her new Bike.
Grampa and I just enjoying the excitment of it all. It's such a pleasure to surprise those kids!
01/20/06 Well December has come and gone, and now January is almost over. Time flies when your able to do everything with no pain. I am feeling great, I had an awesome holiday season with my family. We spent it in Seattle with the girls and there families. I really had a great time playing with all the g-kids. We even did a craft project. I did not even get pooped out this holiday season, the first I can remember. I have also been training for a half marathon 13.1 miles which I did run on my birthday (Jan 7) in walt Disney World. I ran the whole way and finished in 2:25:03. I did have to make one stop at 5.5 miles to go potty. I averaged after backing out the potty stop 10.5 min. mile the whole race. I am already signed up for next year for the full Marathon 26.2 miles (It will land on my B-Day) and have signed up for other events the rest of the year about evry six weeks. A couple 1/2 marathons and some 15k races and a 10k race. I have to have goals in front of me to keep going. Dale my husband is having fun being a cheerleader and he is enjoying my new energy level. Well I'm not quite at my goal, 4 pounds to go, new goal Valentines Day. I will post sometime next month with that update.
The Starting line at the 1/2 Marathon in WDW on my Birthday 1-7-06. What a natural high being out there at 4am with all the runners/walkers old and new. Mickey started the race with fireworks!
My first half Marathon. It was at Disney World on my birthday! This is going down main street in the magic Kingdom about mile 5.5. Stopped and got my Birthday kiss from Dale.
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This is coming through EPCOT at about mile twelve. I feel really good.
Running for the finish line....What an awesome feeling!!
The after the race picture! Me and my first medal and it's Donald (He's my favorite!)
Me and the Girls (Dana my biggest fan who came and cheered me on not only on practice runs but also for the race. and Malinda my dear friend who signed up and got the flu five days before the race and did not feel better until day before race day. She finished with a smile...My Hero!)
Dale, my cuz Kit and I. We met up before going home from the race. Had a great visit.
2/6/06 Well Last week on 2/1/06 I hit my goal wieght of 162. I feel good. I might still try and loose 5 more pounds over time. Not work hard at it, if it is meant to come off it will. I am now taking two days off from my workouts. Sundays and one other day. I joined a running group in Boise and Jan 28th was the first long run I went on and it snowed. But I did make it all seven miles with snow on the ground and in my face the whole way. As I approached the end I felt like "Rockey" Going to the top of the stairs, It was a great feeling. This last saturday I ran my first hill run. It was up Shaw mountain road 4 miles the back again. Again I felt great I was very scared before I left for the run, (I also felt
like "Rockie"again) 9 more weeks before the Robie creek half Marathon in Boise. I will update after that and I will get my new measurements up soon......Onward!
5/11/06 Wow how time flies, this has got to be the busiest I have ever been in my life! And I feel GOOD! I have had a great couple of months. After joining the running club in January I trained for a race called "Robie creek" It's like the half Marathon to complete if you live in this area. It is capped at 2400 runners, so I felt honored to be in it. It goes over a mountain 8.5 miles up then 4.6 miles down to Robie. I ran the whole race with the exception of the last 1/2 mile up the summit and the first 1/4 mile down. (Just did a great speed walk) I felt so good after the race, I can't even explain how I felt.
The Start at Race to Robie, My friend Stacy who talked to me at the YMCA all the time and invited me to join the running group to prepare for the race is in the blue, number 1745. I'm the one with the number 2104 in the yellow shirt. I was very nervous that day. But very excited the day was finally here.
That's me somewhere around mile 5 or 6 with my gloves tucked into my shorts there was still snow on the summit and I new from practice runs it could get very cold. But if I kept my hands warm all would be good.
Almost to the summit, around 8 miles at an 8-10% grade. Just trying to speed walk as fast as possible...feeling great!
Going for the finish line.....what a feeling. Hanna a girl from my running club and I hooked up on and off during the race, she is next to me in the blue and pink. (You can't really see her just a piece of her clothes) We were able to pull each other along during the race. I thank God for Hanna...everytime it was tough Hanna appeared along side of me. At mile eleven I was pretty tired and was in prayer asking God to just pull me to the finish, and at that momment Hanna tapped me on my shoulder...A God send!
This is the sign at the finish line, To me it was a mark in my life I will never forget. I felt great at the end of the race. I had a momment where I realized my life had just changed forever. Running is a sport where you can be close to God and nature, you can run along side your friends and strangers and help each other along. Everyone ran for different reasons and causes, but we all ran because we believed in something. From this day forward I want to be able to pass it forward to others, to inspire.....
After that I got ready for a great weekend for women in Walt Disneyworld the first weekend in May. I went with a great girl in my support group (Amy) we had our surgeries a few weeks apart. We did both the 5k on Saturday and the 15k on Sunday. It was Awesome! The highlight of my weekend was seeing Amy cross the finish line on Sunday. It was very emotional to see her cross the finish line with tears in her eyes and have the complete feeling she could do anything she set her mind to. It is so awesome to have such great friends and support in our group.
Amy and I Just before the 15k started Sunday Morning....
Running through EPCOT in my "Minnie Mouse" dress boy it was hot, but very fun!
I think this is running between MGM and Epcot
Running through MGM studios
The Finish, another great race!
The month of May seemed never ending for races...Minnie Marathon weekend (2 Races 5k & 15k), great Potatoe race (1/2 marathon) and race for the cure (5k).And all along we were setting up for the Sawtooth relay the 2nd weekend in June.
May 13th 2006 Race for the Cure 5K. This is my friends Linda and Machelle from the support group and this was there very first race. I was going to run this race all out and decided I would rather walk it with friends. So I e-mailed the girls and ask them if they wanted company, that I was OK to walk the race. We got down there early and got caught up in the race excitment. We were right in front at the Starting line with thousands of people behind us. I let them know being in front of that group we would need to start off with a run and go to the side, to let others by. Then at the finish everyone needed to run all out the last 150 yards. They were good with that. Well it turn out they caught up in the excitement and we ended up run/walking the whole race. i was so happy that I was able to be included in the race with Linda and Machelle. Again it was a life changing day. Way to go girlfriends!!
The last race of the month was the great potato race...what a story. A day I will never forget...at least what I can remember!
Well standing at the starting line, I did not feel right. I was not sure why, but physically I thought to myself just make it through the next two and a half hours. Little did I know after going to a celebration on Thursday I would be one of many to have saminilla (SP?) poisioning. I progressivly got sick over the first three miles, I thought it was the flu and I could push through it. I did some running, then some walking....I was still feeling very bad. I stopped at every restroom and porta potty along the route. Got sick in everyone. Soon all I could do is walk, I felt alone, I knew God was with me and would pull me through. At mile 12 Steve our coach and friend at Boise run/walk club ask me if I was allright. I explained I thought I had the flu, he ask me if I wanted to stop I said know I can go the last mile. By this point I was so out of it I don't remember much It took me 35 minutes to find the finish line from there. I am sure I made some wrong turns but I made it.
Our famous spud!
The remarkable finish, from there to the medic tent. Then my friend Stacy saw me and drove me to my car, and somehow I made it home. I was out of it for the next 36-48 hours. On Monday I found out that everyone at the celabration had been sick all weekend. I should have just stopped when I realized how sick I was. I learned a valuble lesson...that there are good running days and bad and you have to know when to just back out of a plan.
In June there are 5 patients (Machelle, Amy, Carol, Tammy & Anita-Nell) and Dr. Oakleys nutritionist (Jen) doing the Sawtooth relay from Stanley to Sun Vally. I am very excited. The support group has really been great and I feel honored to be part of it. And now to be doing a race with my peers in the group is incredible. I will update after our race. And Heidi a dear friend and someone who has been there with me though my journey is going to be our volunteer and help on the course.
PS Still at goal and loving life.
Our team for the Sawtooth relay 6 runners, our voluteer and our Photogapher-encourager. This is the night before the race with our Charlies angel pose.
Machelle and I @ 1:30am!
Well It's 2am already, only 30 outside...getting ready for the first leg of the race. I'm the one in the head light. Machelle my buddy cheering me on!
Anita-Nell and Jen at exchange 8!
Our team after the finish. top row Machelle (Legs 3 & 9 My amazing friend that has just discovered she is an athlete. She ran/walked her first 5k in May with me we had a great time.) Carol (Legs 6-"The Summit" and Leg 12 "The finish") Tammy (Legs 4 & 10, And she also completed her first Marathon in May "The great Potatoe race") Amy (Legs 5 and 11, And she did her first two races with me in May a 5k and 15k at Disneyworlds Womens weekend) Bottom row Carrie my buddy and friend from Boise run walk who came with us to help take pictures and she also walked the summit and final leg with Carol and they kept each other motivated. Since the race her husbands in the military and they have been transfered to the east coast...Miss you girl friend!) Jen (Legs 2 & 8 she is part of our support group and our dietition for us. She also ran a half Marathon in July with us. Though she missed a turn and ended up doing 17.5 miles....We love you Jen!) Anita-Nell (Legs 1 & 7 - The downhill from the summit! That's Me!) And Heidi my true friend and our team volunteer....Thanks Girlfriend! Our team had a total wieght loss of 977 POUNDS....WOW.....INCREDIBLE!!!!
It was an awesome time up in the Sawtooths, I am sure this will be an annual event. There was great fellowship and how do I say this again...another life changing event, thanks God for all the great friendships you've givin me. I will treasure them.
July is here..only one race this month! It's the fit for life event. there will be a 5k, a 10k and a half marathon. The monthof July has had it's challenges for training we had multiple days over 100 prior to the big day. But we were all ready for anything!
The Group Tammy, Jen, Anita-Nell, Machelle, Colleen and Amy ure)Colleen did the 5k and was first in her age group and it was her very first ever race. She has lost (120lbs.) Amy did the 10k. She has lost (85lbs.) Jen(Lost 9lbs), Anita-Nell (Lost 365lbs), Machelle (Lost 195lbs) and Tammy (Lost 120lbs) We all did the 1/2 Marathon. Jen missed a turn and ended up making a 17.5 mile race out of it. (Her first time over 8 miles) She suffered from dehydration and loss of nutrition. Recovered well. Also they had miss marked the course it ended up 13.7 miles. really through me off mentally. But all ended well.
This is the start of the Half Marathon Machelle's in the light blue tank (55) Jen is (57) and I'm (118)
Colleen is 519 and Steve (Our Coach) is in yellow.
Coach Steve going for the finish!
Amy going for the finish!
Tammy going for the finish!
Going for another finish line....Feels so good!
This is Beth and I after we finished. We worked together for 18 months and both ran Robie creek...it was so refreshing to see her on the course. I think it gave both of us a boost. I miss her she is now joining our military and will be gone before the next local race. You go Girl! I will miss you!
The Gang checking on Jen She missed a turn and went 17.5 miiles! She's good what a day!
11/06/06 Well it as been a very long time since I have updated. The last 5 months has just flown by.
Dale with Emily, Lauren, Karlee and Nana!
Leah and Mom!
Grandpa Dale & Grandma Anita-Nell with Emily.
Grandpa and Emily relaxing.
In August our #6 Grandchild was born Her name is Emily. Dale and I went over to the Seattle area to spend time with all the kids and grandkids. It was a blast.
In September we went to California it was a bitter sweet trip.Our first stop was at my sister in laws Janice's house to visit, my brother in law had recently passed away. Wayne was a great guy and we will all miss him. Though we were able to visit our nephew Gerry and his wife Mary and there daughter Haily while we there with Janice. It was good to have us all together for the evening. Haily and I swam and then we all visited and dinner and visited some more. It was hard leaving the next day to go into LA.
We are finally here for friendship, fun and RACING! Anita-Nell, Makinda (In Back) Cindy, Faith and Dana!
Dale and I in Downtown Disney California
When we arrived at Disneyland Dale had not been to California Adventure so we spent a day there and really enjoyed it. I sure is fun riding the rides when you fit. On Friday we spent sometime at Disneyland and then at the Disney half marathon expo. I picked up my race packet for both the 5k on satuday and the 1/2 marathon on Sunday. So not only did I run on both Saturday and Sunday we were surrounded by friends. Dale and 4 of my friends volunteered for helpers in the 1/2 marathon and got out there at 2am to prepare for the racers. The racers myself included started to arrive between 3-4am. We got warmed up and sent out to the starting line. Disney did a great job with a pre-race show. though the racers further back could not see it.
The starting line, I am somewhere in the first group.
Going through Downtown Disney About 3 miles into the race.
Running through Angel statium @ mile ten
My friends waiting at the finish line!
Almost there!
Looks like I made it with a strong finish!!!!
It's Victory!!
What a great day!!!
Best race ever!!
It was a good race for me, my best 1/2 ever I finished in 2hours 17 minutes. I felt very good afterwards. Lori and Malinda also knock time off there January race. Hami (Malinda's husband) ran the race for the first time and did very well. And for all of us it was great having the big support system around us.
Anita-Nell and Machelle......"V" is for Victory!!
Machelle and Myself after a great race I am so proud of Machelle sticking to her goals!!
Also being the prize winner Loraine Oates the head of the celebration had spent sometime with me on the phone and heard my weight loss journey and decided to include me in an article in the local Boise paper. I was very honored she included me. From that article the Montel Williams show found it and read it and has invited me to New York a few weeks ago to talk about how I was inspired. I hope so much that it will help inspire women everywhere to get healthy from the inside out!
October 21, 2006
Let see on Oct 21st three of us did Barber to Boise. I paced Machelle at a 12:15 mile. and she ran the whole race. She did great. Her endurence is getting stronger and stronger. Justine another friend from the support group went with us we all crossed the finish line together. How AWESOME! Machelle is so ready for the city of trees on November 5th.
After I finished the Barber to Boise race I went home and the Montel show had sent a camera man to my house for the afternoon. We did three hours of misc. tapping. The following Wednesday morning Dale and I left for New York. We arrived at our Hotel around 5:45pm. Met with Glen the travel guy from the show. He gave us $25 for dinner and said he would pick us up at 8am in the lobby. He also gave us some general directions on where things were. So that night Dale and I strolled around upper manhatten and had dinner. I went to bed early that night because I was in training for my Marathon on November 5th and needed to do a run the next morning. I got up at 4am and was out the door by 4:30am. I had a good run all the way downtown to the queensbough bridge and back up, Then I winded through some nieghborhoods. I returned to the Hotel with Bagels and cofee shortly after 6am. I felt so alive it was a "11" on a scale of 1-10.
We had our bagels and coffee and got ready to go to the show. We wnet to the lobby and we met April who was also on the show, she was a really nice lady with a very touching story to tell.
When we got to the studios they put us in a green room and separated us. Then I went to hair, then make up then back to my green room. They brought breakfast "A basket of muffins and pastries that was garnished with about 10 blueberries and two strawberries. (Needless to say I was on the show to talk about my success with gastric bypass and the body for life program) So guess what I ate the blueberries and the two strawberries. I thank god I had a good run that morning and decided to treat myself to a bagel. otherwise I might have gotten ill from not eating. (I have learned to make sure I have my nutrition) also I did have a protien bar in my bag which I ate right after the show. Yeah for me for being prepared. During the show I was introduced to one of my all time heros "Bill Phillips" the author of Body for life. I was also invited back for a show in January. I am so excited My dream is to INSPIRE OTHERS THAT WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE CAN BE POSSIBLE!!!
They were not sure when the show would air, Monday the producer sent me an e-mail letting me know the show was going to air November 2. WOW that was the day my Mom and Dad were coming!!! I invited the running club, Kim my kettle bell instructor and friend and some people from the weight loss support group over for a "Montel" party. We watched the show together and visited. It was awesome that my parents were able to meet people from my "NEW" life. Then on Saturday my Mom and I spent the day together for her birthday. We went to breakfast at "Goldies" and then to the "City of trees" Expo for the marathon packet pick up and some shopping. She got to re-meet some of my friends from thursday and some new ones. Then we went on a bus to ride the course for the following day. It was very overwelming but exciting for me. And my mom realized how far 26.2 miles was. She marked some spots that they could meet me on route the next day with fuel and cheering. That night we went out to my moms favorite restaurant in the valley for dinner "Noodles" She had her eggplant parmisian (I don't remember what the boys had) and I had my raviolli's (Pre-race dinner) I did not eat my salad, had them package that to go. (I didn't need the ruffage) I just had raviolli's and bread, like always a treat for so much hard training. I got the half of my dinner I did not eat to take home I new I would make use of it. I was in bed by 7:45pm and up at 4:20am wanted to make sure I had enought time to go poop before I left home. No stopping on the run! (I did have time)
We got down to the race start it was raining out. We gathered in the lobby of the hotel (Which was where the race started outside) As all the Boise run/walkers arrived we cheered each other on and talked about handling the rain. We all hoped it would go away mid race. Our coachers showed up and gave us our motivation speech and we did a cheer and went outside to join up with the rest of the marathoners. My buddies Machelle and Linda who were doing the half showed up as we were going to the starting line and we had our good luck hugs.
My biggest reward was at the finish line....My Husband Dale was there, my Mom and Dad, Jolene (My very first personal trainer who taught me to run) Kelsy who was always very incouraging to me at the YMCA. My running coach Steve from Boise run/walk who presented me with my coaches hat for the winner season(I will be working with the marathoners) Kim and Carolyn from Pulse fitness in Meridian who have supported me with encouragement since I have met them. (They also sponsered our sawtooth relay team) And all my friends, Linda, Machelle,Colleen,Donna and then we cheered in our other friends. It was so awesome....what a reward!!!!!!
