change (/CHānj/): make or become a different substance entirely; transform

Ryan and I have had some difficult times these past few years. In August of 2011 we decided to start trying to have a baby. (This is not the topic of this post, but a little background is required. I will address these struggles and our journey on another post later.) Through a bunch of issues and procedures we figured out it wouldn't be the cakewalk we always imagined it would be to get pregnant. As expected, this can take quite the toll on your emotions and can spread into your physical life in many ways. 

Fast forward to 2013, and I physically was at the worst of my entire life. Out of shape, and at the highest weight I had ever been in my 33 years. I am not going to say that I was fat or obese, I am not "that girl". But, for me, it was the peak of my unhealthiness. At the time that I really decided to make a change, I was at 164.5 pounds. No muscle definition whatsoever, and absolutely no stamina or endurance. 

May 2013- 164.5 lbs

I, honestly, can't remember if there was a specific thing that happened or that I realized that made me completely aware of the issue. There was no "light bulb" or "a-ha!" moment that stuck with me. I just remember telling Ryan that I was going to make a change. And I promised him that I would not quit this time as I have so many times before. Just to be clear, Ryan has never once hinted at any issues with my physical appearance. If anything, I am pretty sure he likes the extra "junk in the trunk". :) So, this decision that I made was for me. To get healthy, for myself and for my family. For the possible future children that we would hopefully have one day. To make a positive change in my health to help to promote a healthy "system" to house a baby someday. That was my primary focus. And it still remains.

So, in June of 2013 I started counting my calories utilizing the "myfitnesspal" application on my phone. Based on my weight loss goals, my daily net calorie intake was to be 1200. That was quite the shock to my current eating habits and took some real getting used to. I also started doing the "Jillian Michaels- 30 Day Shred" video. It was a daily workout that really kicked my very out of shape butt. After about 10 days of counting calories and doing the daily workouts, I was having a few aches and pains. I was afraid I might be pushing myself a little too hard, a little too quickly. This was when I decided to start doing the video workout 3-4 times a week and working in some cardio to mix it up a little. I decided to try running. This was quite a challenge for me, because I really hated running. This distaste goes way back. In high school, the track coach tried to get me to come out for track (because I was pretty fast at sprinting...partly why I played volleyball- less running, only in smaller bursts). I swiftly declined, because...well- I hated to run.

I downloaded the "Couch to 5K" app to use to give me some structure and drive when running. I ended up really liking it, and eventually stopped doing the video workouts and was running 3-4 times per week. And yes, I injured myself. Of course. You can't go years without any exercise and then expect to be able to just jump into constant workouts without a few issues, especially at my age. I strained my achilles pretty badly. After several weeks of not running (alternating swimming when I could), I was finally able to get back into it. I ended up losing 11 pounds over about a 5 month span. This was huge for me. I wasn't on any fad diets or depriving myself anything. Just simply paying attention to what I put in my mouth and maintaining a regular workout regime.  

In November, I started to kind of plateau. The holidays were upon us, and so were all the parties and calorie-rich foods. I was able to maintain for the most part, but gained a few pounds back, then I would lose them again...repeat. In January my brother, Tim, and his wife, Kristen, told me that they and a few friends were going to do a weight loss challenge for a few months. I jumped on that opportunity right away. Knowing that it might be that little kick in the pants I needed to continue and step-up my commitment. I also made the decision to sign up for my first 5K, The Color Run, which is in April. I recruited Ryan, my 2 younger brothers, Tim & Bryan, along with their spouses, Kristen & Mandi, to join my running team. Our team name is "This Better Wash Out!" :)

Right after that time my cousin, Katie, told me about this Free Owasso Fit Challenge (boot/fit camp). I was very skeptical at first. I mean, it was free...what was the catch?! Mid-January, I decided to check it out. To put it simply, I loved it! I was instantly addicted to the workouts, and the environment. All of the coaches are so inspiring and positive, it was something I had never experienced before. The coaches are all distributors of Herbalife. They put on these free fit camps to help people get healthy, lose weight, and possibly embark on the Herbalife product line or business opportunity. And just to be clear, there is no sales pitch, no pressure to do or try the product. It is there if you are interested, and they will help to guide you through the entire process of getting healthy.

They have a "Fit Challenge" that you can sign up for. There are 3 winners: 1) total weight loss, 2) % of weight loss, 3) improvement on fit challenge from beginning (# of sit-ups & push-ups done in 2 minutes, plus 1 mile running time). Another challenge? SIGN ME UP! Apparently that is my new thing. :) 

January 2014- 154 lbs

At Challenge Start (01/30/14): (this was after doing 2 weeks of fit camp, I was 154lbs at the very start)

• Weight = 151 pounds
• Mile Time = 9:27?...I honestly can't remember what it was- but close to this.
• Sit-ups (crunches)= 54
• Push-ups = 27

The challenge reassessment will be on 02/28/14. I have a ways to go on my personal goals still! But right now, I weigh 145.5! That is 19lbs down from my original weight. I feel pretty good about it. I am going to start on some Herbalife products (hopefully they will get here SOON!) and I am hoping those pesky pounds just drop once I do. But even more importantly than any of the poundage...I feel awesome. I have more energy, I am confident in how I look, and I am happy. Above all...I am happy. Ryan has been amazing through all of this, and I am pretty sure he likes the "trunk" even more without all the extra "junk". ;)