I’ve Officially Lost 50 Pounds!

It has been a few weeks since I posted anything about my weight loss. Between running two half marathons, doing the mom thing, and caring for our sick dog, I failed to mention that I’ve officially lost 50 pounds! It has been quite a journey and I’m so proud that I’ve stuck with it! Victory, while sweet, has not been without struggles, trials, frustrations, and doubts. But, here I am! 50 pounds lighter!

I have been running so much over the past few months. I’ve been swimming in the pool with Mr. Bear when I can. I have been so consistent with my exercise and it is really paying off! The one thing that has made the most difference, however, is the way my eating habits have changed. I now make time for breakfast, even if it’s just a bar on the go. I try my very hardest to fuel my body properly, and in doing so, making good choices about what I eat! This is one of the most difficult things I’ve done in my life. I have to stay consistent! I have to make sacrifices and sometimes that is not easy!

Running and exercise, in general, has gotten significantly easier. I can run quite a few miles without stopping now. I don’t get winded when I’m exercising as much. I’m running a solid 10-11:30 mile per minute pace, which is AMAZING for me! It has been many years since running was this easy! I’m ENJOYING running so much more, because it’s easier and because I’m getting better at it! I had so many years where running was just too hard for me. I kept getting injured. I know that my weight had such a huge role in that! It’s so nice to feel lighter on my feet and do what I love so much!

I’m still going to Lindora for maintenance, but I’m not actively on their program. I am still using all the tools they taught me and I still get my B12 booster and lipotropic injections. I love the staff! They have been so helpful and supportive! I’m so glad to have found a program that I can see myself using for the rest of my life!

Clothes shopping has become such a blast now! It used to be such a chore, but I really am enjoying it! I got to small for most of my clothes and I’ve had to add some staples to my wardrobe. It has been a love-hate relationship I’ve had with shopping for so long. I don’t expect anything to look right or fit right. It is strange to look at myself in the mirror now. I expect to see the same overweight person I used to see months ago. Instead, I see this thinner face staring back at me and a much more athletic physique. It is still taking some getting used to! When I go shopping, I often select sizes I know fit me, yet I begin doubting they will, as I’m looking at them before trying them on. Then, I look in the mirror and see they actually do fit. I still can’t believe it!

My next race on the horizon is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon in San Diego. It isn’t until August 21st, so I have plenty of time to prepare. I know I’m in much better shape now than I was at the Carlsbad Half Marathon in January. The AFC Half is one of my all-time favorite races and I’m looking very forward to it! It is known for having record heat during the race. I’m a little worried about that. I know it’ll be fine, nonetheless, I’ve got some hard training in the heat to do to prepare!

Tell me! What is your biggest weight loss motivation? Is it bathing suit season? Fitting into your wedding dress again? What keeps you motivated to lose weight? What keeps you going?