Happy New Year - I Know I'm Late, But Still

Feb 16, 2013

Hello Everyone,

Okay, so life has just been happening and kept me away from posting like I want to, but my goal is to get back on track this week.

I have soooo many wonderful things to share - the first being that I am almost at my goal weight (but, I still plan to keep going until I am comfortable). I am running 7.5 miles five times a week, a 5 mile sprint twice a week (in preparation for the Publix 5K on March 17, 2013), and then I walk 45 minutes one day a week. I alternate other activities like kickboxing, TRX Suspension classes, and swimming - among other things! I am having a ball. I have the 5K in March and then the annual one at Emory Johns Creek in May. I am sticking with my 5K runs this year because next year, as I will be turning the big 4-0, I want to do my first 10K marathon!

I also start the certification program at ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) to become a Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Youth Fitness Instructor. Why am I doing this you ask? Well, I have been fighting with my weight since I was a baby (I was a pudgy baby). I have been on so many diets that I cannot even name them all. My weight has gone up, my weight has gone down, then back up again - most times I gain back more than I would lose. When I went in to talk to Dr. Johnson about having my surgery - I was just plain tired of the battle and I needed help.

While I don't regret the surgery, and would do it again in a heartbeat, I can't help but feel that my journey would have been easier had I learned how to lead a healthier lifestyle when I was a child. Most of the people in my family are obese - we grew up on Paula Deen and The Neeley's style cooking if you know what I mean. It was not a thing to eat all that food and that go to sleep right after Sunday dinner. Then, about 10 or 11 years ago, my sister was at her breaking point and had the surgery - and she still looks great to this day! I wanted to have the surgery when she had it, but it was a lot harder to get insurance to pay if you were not morbidly obese. I was overweight, but not big enough were I would qualify for the surgery. Please believe me when I tell you that I almost wanted to force myself to eat more food to gain the weight so that I could qualify for the surgery, but I was too scared that if I did that something would happen where I still would not be able to get the surgery - and then I would be even bigger and more depressed.

Anyway, I have been watching The Biggest Loser this season and was excited to see them try and do something to fight this growing epidemic of child obesity. I believe if you start teaching children at a young age about exercise and nutrition they have a better chance of not being where I ended up. Then, for those that have had the surgery, I want to be in a position to help them get the weight off and keep it off. Not to mention, this is a great way for me to continue to stay in shape!

Like I said, I have a lot to share...and I will post more soon, but I just wanted to touch base today.

I am so proud to be where I am today and for the choice I made to take control of my life almost a year ago.

God is really good and I am truly blessed. I pray all is well for all of you that read this post. TTYS!

P.S. - Take a look at the pictures I posted of where I was almost a year ago - and that was at 245 pounds (after my surgery). My highest weight was 270, but I was so embarassed I have no pictures of me at my highest - too depressing! I wish I would have taken at least one now. Anyway, I will be posting recent pictures real soon...so stay tuned for my unveiling! :-) 

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