Six months later, I was in a new state, with a nine month old. I had no friends, no family and a refrigerator full of food. While I didn't gain weight, I sure wasn't losing any or toning up. One hour walks as a family are not very effective when you are consuming bags of Pizzeria Pretzel Combos and Vanilla Dr Pepper.
Then, In October 2007, the youngest arrived. He was the latest and last addition to our family. I was as big as a barn and so was the youngest. Arriving at ten pounds, ten ounces; there was no shock that I was large and in charge. Literally.
Eight months later, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I decided to start running again. After four months of running 5 days a week, I had lost one.single.freaking.pound. I was over it and gave up.
A year later, we got orders and arrived to our new place of residence. I felt really good about me. I soon came to realize that the only thing I felt good about was my tan. As soon as it faded, I lost everything. Desire, drive, determination. It was gone. I ate, sat around, watched TV and ate some more. What did it matter? My husband was working 95+ hours a week, we only have one income and I just really felt like I was not worth it.
This picture was brought to my attention and I almost died. I knew I wasn't in the best shape, but I really, honestly, truly believed I wasn't that big. I like to refer to this me as "The athlete formerly known as Fat Amanda".
Luckily, this picture was brought to my attention after I had made a complete lifestyle change. When I saw this, I gasped. Seriously, was I really that big?!
I was.
In July 2010, I ran my first 5k. It was a last minute decision, as my sister wanted me to run with her. This is me two weeks before said 5k.
I ran that 5k. Well, I actually walked most of it, but I gave it my best. I finished with a time close to forty six minutes. But something happened to me that day. On that day, I decided that it was time. Time to get me back. I started running again, returned to the gym and started walking 5 days a week while pushing my boys in the double jogger.
In October 2010, I had lost thirteen pounds on my own, but I wanted more. So I started meeting with a personal trainer. The first time he weighed me in, I was at 173 pounds. And I had already lost weight!
I started meeting with the trainer three days a week for an hour. I did this for eight months. Only missing one week for a stress fracture I received while running a 5k. I worked hard. I put everything I had into those workouts. I never gave up, I didn't quit and I lost a total of fifty one pounds!
The last picture in each set are me today:
I haven't worn a bikini is years. I have stretch marks on my stomach, but you know what? I gave birth to a couple of line backers and I worked hard to have that stomach. So I strut my stuff. I was ashamed of my body for too long and now? I don't have anything to be ashamed of! I am now in maintenance mode as well as a little of a toning up mode. I'd like to have more muscle mass, so that is my goal now.
For me, giving up wasn't an option this time. I have included everyone in on my efforts and now even my boys know how important it is for me to run and sweat. My husband has been amazing and I have friends that have done nothing but encourage and support me along with way. These people are my family and I love them for being there for me. Thanks guys!
