Monday, June 20, 2011

My Weight Loss Journey: Part 1

I decided to begin a blog and share my story in the hopes that someone else out there who struggles with their weight will realize they can make a change. Running has changed my life. Read my story below and see the pictures for yourself...

My weight loss journey began in late June 2007. I had ballooned to 195 pounds and knew I needed to make a change. In fact, I realized I needed to change a few years prior but was not motivated enough to begin the process. I had lost almost 30 pounds before with Weight Watchers but had gained those pounds back plus many more. I was now at my highest weight ever and ready to take measures to change. I attended a Weight Watchers meeting and began the journey that brings me to who I am today in the year 2011. By December of 2007, I had lost 42 pounds and began to exercise regularly. The first entry in my training log included 10 minutes of walking and 10 minutes on a stationary bike. Over the next several months, I walked on the treadmill about 3x a week. I was proud that I was consistent with exercise. By the end of February 2008, I had lost 52 pounds and began increasing my 3x a week to 4 or 5x a week exercise for about 30 minutes each time. I was still just walking on the treadmill. I began jogging on the treadmill at some point and increased the amount of time I spent to one hour per session. My treadmill broke in early July of 2009 and I began using the elliptical machine at my school's gym. It had not yet entered my mind to actually run outside. This is something I had tried to do when I lost those 30 pounds many years ago but shin splints stopped that real quick. I now understand I most likely increased my mileage too soon. One day in mid-July, I decided to run inside the gym around the basketball court. I ran 50 minutes that first morning. Yes, I ran around and around in circles in the gym. I still used the elliptical machine for a couple more weeks but then switched to running in the gym. I did not have a Garmin to track my mileage so I would count my laps. Twenty laps equals one mile and I usually did 5 miles each session. Keep in mind that my pace was anywhere between 10:00-12:00 minutes per mile...to be continued
                                                                        Before...
After...
           

 


6 comments:

ssmith7 said...

Thanks for sharing your story. You did a great on your first blog. :-)

Flannel Avenger said...

I would not have pegged you at 195 in that picture.

Kellie said...

Way to go, Dawn. :) I am at least walking every day... except for one. I am thankful to get out and exercise and hope I don't stop again when school starts back.

The Arteagas said...

definitely inspiring - keep writing!!!!

Anne Ferrell said...

Thankyou for sharing such a personal yet remarkable story. It is very inspirational and I am sure it will give people out there the determination to do the same!

Kathy Dean said...

Wow! I had no idea since we have just recently been in contact after many years! WTG! Great job and great story! I'm sure you will be an inspiration to others who struggle with their weight!