Um..this is new.

Someone used the word "athletic" to describe me today. That has to be a first. Even when I was wrestling, I wasn't athletic, per se.

I started working out with a new trainer today. She's really cool, I had a good time! She actually said she wants me to be her workout buddy outside of our sessions since I can keep up with her and push myself as hard as I can. She took me through an awesome leg workout today and focused on using each muscle group in a workout, which I loved. She says I can look like a trainer very soon and very easily if I keep it up and eat right. Given my current weight, she says I should only go down to about 150 if I want to be toned. That means losing about 10 lbs, which puts me right where I want to be.

I've decided I am going to take a class for my personal training certification once I hit my target. This whole experience has been amazing and I still can't believe how far I have come! My heart absolutely goes out to people struggling with their weight and I want more than anything to help them. If I can do it, I strongly believe EVERYONE can. I've gone from a size 16 to a comfortable 10 (very uncomfortable 8). I can keep up with personal trainers in their own workout routine (and out jump rope them!). I have participated in 2 5Ks. I never thought those things were possible once I gained weight. I want to help people do the same!

Before and Halfway There!

Shield your eyes for the before picture. It's truly horrifying.

So close, no cigars please

I just squeezed my ass into a pair of 8s. It wasn't pretty, but they zipped. Epic muffin top ensued.

Weight: 158
Mood: excited to get back to the gym after being sick for a month.

Everything's Comin' Up Millhouse

I'm so proud of myself. I tried to go running tonight at my apartment gym, but apparently when they switched management they deactivated all the old keycards. I have to go get it fixed tomorrow, so no run tonight. :( I do have a session with my personal trainer in 12 hours, so I guess that's something.

So, instead of running I held a fashion show in my bathroom. I put on all my "thin" clothes I had saved up from when I was smaller and OMFGTHEYFIT. I about cried. My size 10 pants fit me perfectly right now and my medium/small shirts not only fit over my shoulders, but my gut isn't hanging out anymore. Of course, I celebrated with a happy dance and I'm pretty sure I pulled a hamstring. Dammit.

Here are some pictures that make me very happy. Don't mind my messy hair, I had just tried on a few turtlenecks. These are the size 16s I started in.

Weight: 160
Mood: OMFGHAPPY

I Don't Think I'm Fat Anymore

I don't think I qualify as fat anymore. That makes me happy. I can easily squeeze my ass into a size 10 (my goal is an 8) and none of my clothes fit anymore. I'm putting them all in boxes and giving them to friends or GoodWill this weekend. My favorite tank top might as well be a dress now!

I started a new diet today. It was strongly recommended by my personal trainer and is basically a series of supplements a day and healthy meals and snacks. I think this works with my lifestyle better, since I will be taking two shakes a day, small snacks and one major meal. I normally just starve, eat all of my calories in one meal and starve some more since I took on this new job. It will be much easier for me to be healthy and get the nutrients I need in a shake form. I'm hoping to hit my goal weight fast on it.

I also got a metabolism test done today and I STILL have 32% body fat, which leaves me with 17lbs of fat to lose. My goal should be somewhere between 137-145. 17 pounds seems VERY easy compared to the 52lbs. I've lost so far. I'm going for another test after a week on the supplements to see if I've made any changes. In the meantime, I'm going to work my ass off! I'd hate to see what my percentage was before I started this!

Mood: hopeful
Weight: 163

Ahhhhh!

Well, it's official. I'm engaged! We're setting the date for summer/fall of 2012, which gives me tons of time to plan (and freak out). This totally gives me a goal to work towards in terms of weight loss! Since we're having the wedding in Chicago and live in Dallas, it's going to be quite a bit of work getting everything done during trips up there. My new goal is to have my 20lbs. long gone by July so I can go dress shopping with my friends and my mom. I'd rather not deal with a nightmare of an alteration closer to the date, so this weight needs to be gone now! I'm kicking it into high gear for the next few months. I totally failed the second day when I overslept for the gym, but I can get back on track tomorrow!

2010 in Review

It's almost the new year! I can't believe how many changes this year has brought! I started out with the simple goal of losing weight. Yeah, yeah. I've been saying that for the last 4 years. Something was different this time though. Something made me stick to it. I'm not quite sure what that was. Was it the fact that I cried when I saw photos of myself? Or the time I broke down when my boyfriend made fun of my stretch marks (he didn't think it would upset me...stupid boy!)? Or was it the time I got winded walking up the stairs to the apartment gym? Regardless of what finally motivated me, it probably saved me. Last year I was 215 lbs. around this time. I lost about 13 before I started this blog simply from riding a bike 3 times a week. Today, I weighed in at 165. I ran two and a half miles without stopping and have never felt better. I almost burst into tears when I saw the scale. I've been stuck at 168 for so long due to poor eating choices and exhaustion from working double shifts and drinking too much beer. Last week, I decided to cut it out and get back on track. I'm in the best shape of my life and I'm still chubby. I can EASILY lose the next 20 pounds if I put my mind to it!

So here are my goals for next year:

• Run an entire 5k without walking at all (I walked for 4 minutes in the one I did)
• Complete the 5k to 10k training program
• Run a half marathon
• Lose my last 20 pounds
• Fit into a size 8
• Develop some sort of self esteem (when it comes to looks...I'm totally awesome otherwise)
  
• Wear a bikini (without causing people to run screaming)
• Have something resembling abs

Mood: proud
Weight: 165