What Is Hiding Inside You?

January is almost over.  How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions?  If you have resolved to get healthy and lose some weight, I applaud you.  I know exactly where you are coming from.
Below is a pic of the old me.

Me at 220lbs

I look happy in the picture.  Truthfully, I was miserable.

My life has changed so much since that photo was taken, about 2002. I did not lose the weight overnight.  Everyday I was a work in progress.  I started being active in 2006, after the birth of my daughter.  I never wanted her to know that woman in the picture.  I was very successful.  Upon seeing this picture she said " that is not my mommy".  She is correct.  My life as that girl ended when I decided to make some small changes.  I started paying attention to what I ate, portion size, and walked everyday.  The walking evolved into running, and eventually I started biking. 

I am stubborn by nature, so I was able to stay motivated and not let anyone get in my way.  I carved out time in my day to exercise.  I made my health a priority.  I wanted to be able to chase my little one at the park, run with her in the backyard, and be able to play with her without getting winded.  I did not want to sit on the sidelines and watch.  I wanted to be able to play. 

My favorite picture 

And play I did.  The picture above is from my first 12 hr race in 2009.  That woman on top of  the podium was inside me all the time.  I just had to lose 75lbs to find her.  I had many struggles, but I kept my eye on the prize.  The prize was being healthy, happy, and a good role model for my daughter.  

I want my story to encourage you to keep moving forward to a healthier lifestyle.  I also hope my story inspires you to find out "who is hiding inside of you ".