Friday, January 27, 2012

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 ".  

7 comments:

  1. I adore that second picture. Good on ya!

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  2. BRAVO!!!
    Jan 2010 my wife made me go to the doctor for a physical. I hadn't had a complete, thorough physical in over 10 years. I didn't even have a doctor, but I had a list of ailments. I weighed #290, and am 5'11" tall. I snored so loud it woke the kids up in their room's. Long story short- I found a doctor, had a sleep study, all the blood work, and a complete physical done. When I went back for the results this is what my new doctor had to say, and I quote" Mr Dotson, I can put you on this long list of medications, and put you on a Cpap machine, for the rest of your SHORT life, or YOU can exercise, lose weight, start eating right, and live a long time. The choice is up to you, it doesn't affect me in any way." I started my journey then and there, and haven't looked back. I still have some weight to lose, but I don't think I have been in this good a physical condition in 20 years. I can't wait for Mountain Bike Racing season to get here!!! I now live by the mantra of " You can get busy living, or get busy dying. It's up to you! See ya' on the trails!!

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  3. Gary, that photo captured a lot of feelings. It was at that moment that I let my fat self go. I accomplished something I would have never believed I could. And being in the presence of friends and teammates made it extra special.

    John, I am so glad I met you at the BT Epic. I am so proud you did not quit that race, and very happy you did not quit your life in 2009. You have a great season to look forward to. You are an inspiration.

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  4. I LOVE this post! Love it.

    And I love John's doctor, too. Too few doctors are willing to tell patients what we really need to hear. I can clearly remember an appointment back when my older boys were little, about 15 years ago. The dr handed me my chart to carry out to the receptionist, and I noticed he'd checked "obese" on my form. Never said a word to me. I knew I was heavy, but to see THAT WORD applied to me was a huge shock. I have a terrible picture of me from that time...I'll have to post it some time. But, like you, I love the person who I found under all that fat when I started living my life and reaching for things that I'd always assumed were beyond me.

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  5. Walking is what got me back into being active too. I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn't know where to start.

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  6. Absolutely an inspiration Wendy.Thank you so much for your motivation.)

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