Holiday Hurdles! Cookies, Candy & Bread! OH MY! :)

For those of you who are amazing supporters & encouragers of me... thank you! Many of you have been asking when I am going to update my blog & how I am coming on my progress. It has been quite a while and I deeply apologize. I have been very busy and the holidays seem to be full of parties, gatherings, shopping, planning & preparation. Also, along with those... comes food temptation. Nothing rings more true than the title of my last blog post... truly the REAL challenge has begun. Being in the program was a sinch compared to being alone. Not to sound like scrooge but I am ready for the Holidays to be over just for the sole reason of the cookies & goodies to disappear! If you don't have it around- it doesn't tempt you. But when you're not in control of what's around... that's when you're own self-control is really tested.

And yes- I know you're all wondering what my status is and what I have done over the holidays... I have eaten some cookies & things I look forward to every year. Just in moderation... but now it's time to kick it back up a notch. I have been maintaining weight which was my goal for the Holiday season. I finished off with an amazing meal with very dear friends at maggianos in charlotte (which is heaven on earth but not a friend of someone trying to eat well) but now it's time to get running now that the snow is melting here at home and kick my booty in to high gear for the new year & on! Every year, I have been one of those faithful people who set a resolution to lose weight and faithfully follow it with cookies & laziness. I am so pumped about going into the new year with momentum in my goals and really continuing this journey that I desire so much for myself! The next challenge starts in January, too, and I will be mentoring my trainers team! I am very excited about being in that environment again for sure! The Try Sports ambassador team starts racing in 2010 too so lots of things to work towards and keep me motivated!

I know that there are going to be struggles in my journey so I am daily preparing my mind, heart & body for those. I know the success principles that I have been taught though and I know deep in my heart that this is a life long journey for me rather than a temporary "fix it." So I cannot let the speed bumps and hurtles that occur slow me down-- I am looking at them as an oppourtunity, not an obstacle. They have definitely been a opportunity for me to learn!

Thanks for reading & hopefully it won't be as long before my next post. :) I love you all and wish you a very Merry Christmas and blessed New Year! May you all realize the seeds of greatness which the Lord has planted inside of each and every one of you- you're blessed and highly favored children of God!

The REAL challenge has begun...

A lot of you have been asking for blog post- I apologize for the lack of them. The holidays got the best of me you could say! The MUSC Healthy Charleston Challenge is over and honestly I am really feeling that now is when the REAL challenge begins. Words cannot express how much harder it is to do this without my trainer & my team. I really have been struggling. It has been thirteen days out of the challenge with Thanksgiving, of all things, thrown in the mix. 

Many people were asking me what I was going to do over Thanksgiving! I'm sure they were assuing that I would eat a leaf and be on my way. Oh contrary!  I decided that I would enjoy myself over thanksgiving but just not go overboard. Since I have started the challenge- it is my goal every week to lose weight. My goal for thanksgiving, to be honest, was to maintain! I was just praying not to gain any. I did really well overall with eating and maintained weight. No loss.

It's so funny now that I am not in the challenge how easy it is for my mentality and determination to slip since I don't have the trainer and team to hold me accountable. I have been "off" for 13 days and this is the end of it. I have got to get back on my game- FOR REAL! I have done so well and made so much progress but my overall goal is still very far away! 150 pounds total leaving me with 105 left to go! I know I can do it but having that team definitely was a plus.

On Thanksgiving day, I ran my very first 8K race! My brother and I ran the Charlotte Turkey Trot! It was an awesome day. I really enjoyed the company of my brother and I am proud of myself for running the entire 5 miles. I ran it in 1 hour and 12 minutes. Not the greatest time but my goal was to just run the entire time. I ran pretty consistent miles and kept great pace so that is awesome. It was funny...  my brother, Justin, said he would start out with me and stay with me for a while. He is a firefighter and in great shape-- so needless to say, after a few shuffles and he is pretty much walking beside me as I drag myself "running" along... I looked at him and said "really. It's ok. Please go!" And he took off to the finish. He ran it in 40 something. I am excited about making improvement throughout the year and it becoming a tradition with me and my brother! Thanks Justin! :) You're awesome! 

Tonight was the first meeting of the 2010 Try Sports Ambassador Team. I am so excited about getting to run with this team and for this opportunity! I got my team shirt that I will race in and my shorts. I got another Try Sports shirt and two water bottles. Everyone that was there one the team seems pretty hard core. I am hard core at heart but my body is not quite at that level yet so I'm going to be a bit behind them but that is ok! I am doing this more for compeitition against myself rather than to win the races. I am excited about stretching myself and becoming better, stronger & faster every single day!  I will start running races very soon! I really really really want to do a Triathlon but I don't have a bike so that kind of makes that impossible. If you guys know anyone who has a nice bike that would be good for that- that they don't use or they'd let me borrow/rent or something let me know. I really want to have my own but I figure borrowing will project me closer to my goal then just not doing anything to get towards my goal of doing  triathlon this year. 

Please go to try sports! If you are in Charleston (Mt P), Charlotte, Raleigh or Wilmington (or close surrounding areas).. seriously- you need to go to try sports! They have amazing customer service, phenomenal products and just a really amazing mission and belief about sports & healthy lifestyle.  Let me know if you are in the market for sports stuff- I can give you a referral card to help you save a bit of money and get your hands on some good products with people who will help you in any way they can! 

I am blessed! :)

Blessings & Dreams unfolded.

GOD IS BLESSING ME BEYOND BELIEF nd I have nothing but amazement and awe in my heart. I have no choice but to Praise Him for his goodness and mercies. Every minute of every day I thank Him for the things he is providing, for the things he is revealing and who his is molding me to be. 

The challenge is over and I have been struggling with feeling somewhat empty!  For those of you who have been reading my blog all along, you read the previous post about Try Sports when they donated my shoes and one of my dreams for the future was to be on the Team Believe. Achieve for Try Sports. I did not think it would be in the near future by any means. I still run ridiculously slow and still have 105 pounds left to lose until I reach my goal but this past week I was hit with the realization that things do not have to be perfect for great opportunities to happen and for me to take advantage of them. 

I was very surprised this week to have an email from the Mount Pleasant Try Sports store (go there!!) asking me to be a part of the Try Sports Ambassador Team: Team Believe Acheive! I about peed my pants when I read the email! MY DREAM HAS COME TRUE!! I don't know all the details yet. I just know I get to run a bunch of races and help promote healthy lifestyle at events and wear the official uniform... and I am just dern excited!! AND HONORED! Humbled even. I am kind of laughing inside because I am not a fast runner and will not be bringing home prizes for them most likely- but they want me because I am a positive role model for healthy life and for the Try Sports mission. What a blessing!  I'll let you know more details. 

All I have to say is YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! lol

So here is my new challenge: Team Believe Achieve! 

God is so good!

Picture Updates

This is 3 members of my team and two supporters who did it in the past. This was the first time we did the bridge at the beginning of the challenge (3 days into the challenge). 

Here I am. This is what I look like at a 44.2 lb loss after the healthy charleston challenge!

I have one of our team from the win last night that I will be getting emailed to be soon! :) Thanks! Love you all!

VICTORY!!! :) Starting a new chapter...

It's hard to believe that it is over! The MUSC Healthy Charleston Challenge had our official final weigh in tonight and I so incredibly awed and pleased to announce that I WON overall for females for top % of weight loss and was also incredibly blessed to be a part of the TOTAL APPROACH/Anderson Insurance who took first place! 

I have been through and experienced many amazing things in my life... but I think this, by far, has been the most life changing. I am so thankful for the things I learned during the Healthy Charleston Challenge and for all of the people I met. Katie St Clair is the best trainer possible and Julie Puchetti (my mentor and one of my best friends) is the most amazing, encouraging and inspiring woman. I could not PRAISE GOD enough for his goodness and for these amazing people. I am completely thankful for Janis Newton and the program that she started at MUSC. If anyone is in the area and looking FOR REAL for a way to lose weight- not any gimmics or easy fix its but rather a real life style change- please look into the Healthy Charleston Challenge at MUSC. 

As I weighed in tonight and worked out all week- I was praying for a 5 lb week so I could stand a chance at winning. I actually started eating a lot more this week. I bumped my calories up to 1300 to 1400 a day since my metabolism was speeding up. Obviously, it was successful this week! I mainly though think it was a great God who helped with my tremendous weight loss this week. This week I killed my 5 pound goal by losing 9.2 pounds this week alone! That leaves me with a final total of 44.2 pounds during the healthy charleston challenge!! What an amazing victory! 44.2 pounds!! In TEN weeks!! I am so excited about my new life and making a healthy start for me and for my future family! I am a much better person because of this new direction I am taking in my life. I can now glorify God better, love others and myself more fully and really just be thankful for who I am. 

Thank you to all of you who have read this and encouraged me... whether it was through prayers, encouragement or some of you even financially. There were times when I needed things, even money for healthy groceries, and the Lord provided. I am so thankful for  Try Sports and their staff in Mount Pleasant. They provided my shoes, socks and even more (I am eternally grateful!!!)  There are still many needs that I have but unlike before the challenge, I no longer doubt the Lords provision. I know he is going to provide my bike for me that I need to begin training for triathlons as well as the money for a gym membership so I can continue on towards my goal. I hit and surpassed my goal of 40 pounds for the Healthy Charleston Challenge but my overall goal is 150 pounds and I have quite a long journey left to travel.

I am so thankful for this 10 week journey but it is not over yet. I feel a bit empty that it is over and I think it is going to be a struggle transitioning to being in a team and structured program to being on my own. But I know that I am very blessed to have been a part of an amazing team with a phenomenal trainer-- I will not be alone. I will need your encouragement now in the near future more than ever before!!

I know some of you are curious what I won and were asking... 

for my team winning, we all received a massage, a gold pass to all the county parks for a year and one hundred dollars.

for me winning top female, I won 50 dollars, some training sessions with my trainer, and then there were two prizes for the tip top of the two winners (male and female). One was a bike and one was a signed NFL football by Joe Namath. For those of you who have been keeping up with the blog and talking with me, I really really really wanted to win the bike. The male had a higher % than me so he got to pick first-- he picked the bike. I was so sad!! I don't even know who Joe Namath is (haha- and everyone there thought it was a crime that I did not) but apparently it's worth TONS of money so hopefully I can get some good money out of it on e-bay or something so I can buy my bike, maybe help get my membership for a year and hopefully some to help bless a team member of mine too who is really on my heart.

I am so excited and thankful. For everything! Praise God is the only thing that has reigned over in my mind again and again and again. :) His steadfast love endures forever!

EEEK!!! :)

This is it! 3 more days... (not even..)

I did not think I even had a chance of winning the Healthy Charleston Challenge but this is proof that you should never count yourself out even at the very end. So far this week, I have lost so much weight and I am really close to where the top winner for % was last week. I had hit a slump point where I had slowed down some in weight loss-- but I started eating more calories since my motabolism is up and I have lost more. I am so excited! Please send more prayers for me. I know this may seem silly but it's so exciting to me. I know whether I win or not that I am victorious and have already won. My goal for the challenge was to lose 40 pounds and I am positive that I am going to hit that goal and go beyond. I am so excited about my future and how much better my life is going to be because of these decisions I made and will continue to make.

Trucking it to the end...

I just got finished running a 5K in mount pleasant! I was thinking while I was running how amazing it is that I could run 3 miles straight though-- slowly, may I remind you-- but non stop at least. I could not even run one lap around the track when I first started. I thought I was going to dye going up one flight of stairs and I just ran 3.1 miles! All things are possible... moving towards the 8K on thanksgiving day with my brother in Charlotte. 

As I enter this last week of the challenge, I am trying to push myself as much as possible so that I finish with a bang. At our weigh in on thursday, I lost 2.4 pounds with a total of 35 pounds lost in the MUSC Healthy Charleston Challenge program. What an amazing success that is. I may not win this whole thing but boy have I jumped over a huge hurtle that I never thought I could. In my mind I have set a 40 pound goal for the program so I am hoping to lose 5 this week. :) We will see! 

The festival of lights run on thursday was AMAZING! If you are in the area- you need to go do it next year. It was so beautiful and so much fun! The lights distract you from thinking the negative thoughts of "this hurts..." or "I can't go any more..."  I ran the 2 miles in 23.39 which is really good for me. I think I was super fast that day. My time today was a lot slower... around 41 minutes... but I kept a fairly consistent mile pace so that is good. Lots of room for improvement and am so excited about getting better and better! 

CHEERS for the last week of the challenge. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate some extra prayers...even though it's silly even some prayer that I lose my 5 pounds so I reach my goal... I love you all and I cannot do this without you!

Wrapping up the Healthy Charleston Challenge...

I cannot believe that the healthy charleston challenge is over almost! We only have one week left after weigh in tonight. Next thursday, the 19th, will be our last weigh in and the winners will be annouced. It blows my mind how fast it has gone by. I am really sad about it being over and am going to need some major support and encouragement to keep me pushing forward towards my goal! The lack of the team and compeition will make it difficult but I am excited about keeping that comrodery up with my team and all of us reaching our over all goals! It will be an exciting day!

Lots of things went on this week and I feel like I have not posted in forever! I was having a lot of foot, knee, hip, back and neck pain & discomfort. I went to see a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. She saw me and nothing seemed to be terribly wrong structure wise with the exception of me having "hideious posture." Haha- those were her exact words! :) She did recognize though that there were a lot of issues going on with muscles and things that needed to be worked out. She recommended deep tissue massage and physical therapy 1-2 times a week. RIght now- I am not in a position to be able to afford that because I have not met my insurance deductable so I am trying to figure out the next best solution to get these things fixed so they don't turn from minor issues to major issues. I know the Lord is going to provide a cheaper solution to the problem and that I am strong and healed in His name.

This week has been frustrating. Thus far in the program, I really have not had any struggle with eating right or working out-- this week, I have eaten well but I have really struggled with keeping a good food log. And I just don't feel quite driven in my workouts like I was. This is not good with only a week left in the challenge. I still feel like I worked out a lot and ate right enough to lose the needed weight for the week but had hit a major plateau this week. Nothing had gone off. It actually had gone up a tiny bit since last week's weigh in. I was so frustrated but I decided to give it up to God and finally last night when I weighed I was down for the week. We shall see how I come out tonight at the weigh in.

I am excited about tonight! Everyone in the challenge is going to run the James Island Festival of Lights 2 Mile run!! I get to run in all kinds of beautiful christmas lights at the park with amazing people I love! I am really pumped!! I have a lot of races coming up so please be praying for me!

Upcoming Races:
Tonight- Festival of Lights
Saturday- Harbor something...run.. in mt pleasant with katie lesslie!!
Thanksgiving- 8k with my brother at the Charlotte Turkey Trot.

Should be fun! Will update you on the weigh in sometime this weekend! Thanks for reading!!

Getting my mind right...

I am so blessed to have a trainer that not only cares for me and my team as far as our health and weigh loss but one who cares about us as a whole. She really observes her team and pours herself into us-- she loves us enough to tell us things that benefit us when we need it most.

So my mind has not been right. Overall- I will say I have done really well with staying positive throughout the challenge. I think if I were to compare myself to how I thought/acted this time last year, I would have no choice but to say that I have grown tremendously. But sometime in the last 2 weeks perhaps- my mind has shifted. When I was not in the top 5 for % lost- I would be devastated and just get so negative.  I became obsessed with winning.  Yes- I still would like to win mainly because I really want a bike and cannot afford one other wise but my mind was in the wrong place and I am so thankful for a little help in getting back to where I need to be; not so that I can win the program but so I can say that I gave it my all and have won the battle in my mind that has been an issue for almost all of my life.

The bike... not going to lie... would make me incredibly happy. But the weight. The poor self image. The feeling of not being worth anything. All of those things, that baggage, that I have carried around for my whole life- are quickly fading away. That is what is the real prize. The real prize is overcoming where I was and breaking the bondage that had such a tight grip on me before. Thank GOD I entered this program and I am learning to love me--who I was, who I am and who I am becoming; bike-less or not. :) 

I am praying to God that Katie (my trainer) does not get upset that I post some of her message that she sent to me. It was very personal but it really set me free and as I re-read it and meditate on it- it continues to set my mind and spirit free. Katie- I know you read this sometimes- so please for give me but in my heart I feel like there are people who read this that will be set free from this as well. It was meant for me but it is so applicable to each and every person in each and every struggle or strong hold in your life. Katie... thank you. 

"Positive thoughts bring positive results. Negative thoughts, low self esteem, blame, shame, fear are what have led to the negative path your life has been on up until now. Take control of your thoughts before it's too late. It's time to let go of it all. Let go of the negativity, the should do wish I could or wish I was. Let go of all the pain. Don't waste time. Be the person you want to be right now. Be happy, be positive, make every thought, action and word you speak positive and your results will be positive.  I could list a million reasons why I think you are great but it doesn't mean anything until you start to believe it in yourself and project it to everyone. Who cares about the top 5- you've changed your whole life, made a new group of truly supportive friends, learned how to eat well, exercise and continue to do so.  When your head is right you'll be able to accomplish anything. You only get one life so don't waste a minute of it not being happy or at least trying to be happy.  And if all else fails do something for somebody less fortunate than you."   W0w- what an incredibly wise and encouraging woman. 

Weigh in update-

I lost 2.6 pounds this week for a total of 32.6.    117.4 pounds left to go until I reach my goal.

I have such a large goal but I have set some smaller goals to help me along the way. I have selected pieces of clothing to help. About 3 weeks ago I bought a yoga coat on sale at old navy. It is a L. I have worn XXL clothes at ON for as long as I can remember but I bought it as a goal and I can now wear it!! What a good feeling!  So today I was at goodwill and decided to look for more goal clothes- I got two really nice work out shirts (nike and columbia)- one is a small and one a medium so those will be hung up to motivate me now. :) 

This past weekend was the NYC marathon- me, along with a few team mates, decided that we are going to do it next year! (gotta start saving pennies now!) We have set some small goals along the way. This coming thursday, our team is running the James Island Festival of Lights Run- 2 miles. I am so excited about the christmas lights and being with my team! Then that saturday, Katie Miller and I will be doing a 5K in Mt. Pleasant! I am so blessed to have the chance to run with one of my dearest friends and encouragers! :) Then THANKSGIVING!! Then back here for the Reindeer Run. My midway point goal will be the Bridge run 10K. Very excited and thankful.

Another thing Katie had me do was list 10 ways my life has changed because of the program and then 10 things I have always criticized myself about in the past/currently and then change them to a positive. Some of these are extremely personal.... I have really debated on putting them on... but you know what transparency inspires.... and I am trusting with my heart. I am thankful to a God who gives grace and uses my struggles- and one thing I do know is when you are open, trusting and completely transparent/honest-- you are able to heal and overcome a lot better. Here is my trusting to anyone to stumbles across this page..

Ten Ways My Life Has Changed for the Better during this program:

1) I am happier than I have ever been.

2) I am starting to love myself and my life.

3) I am not struggling with depression like I was - no longer take anti depressants, thoughts of not wanting to live, etc. I am happy to be alive and be me.

4) I am doing things that I never thought I could/would do but always wanted to (run, do future events such as triathlon etc.) - building belief in myself.

5) I have found that I can inspire people and motivate people- I always thought I was a no body who would never be used. 

6) I am motivated and excited about something for the first time in a long time.

7) I have met amazing friends who encourage me and support me through our team & found how much others outside of the team are a support system.

8) No longer feeling trapped in circumstances: I am breaking the bondage that being fat has had on me and my mom.

9) I have gained the ability to help others and encourage others become healthy and overcome things they don't like about themselves.

10)  I am stronger physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

Ten Criticisms to Positives

1) I am worthless and never good enough for anything. -- I am good enough & of priceless worth. I am improving every single day.

2) No one loves me; I am never going to get married. -- I am learning to love myself which will help people love me and help me love others. When I love myself, my spouse will come soon after.

3) I am fat and ugly -- I am a beautiful child of God created in his image inside and out. I am working hard every single day to be my best healthy self.

4) I am stupid-  I am becoming stronger in mind and body. I am developing a positive mental attitude that can help me achieve all things.

5) I am a disappointment to my family -- my family was proud of me before and they are thankful that I am now choosing to become the best me possible. 

6) I am lazy -- I am full of energy all the time and always take advantage of time to be productive and active!

7) I wear huge  clothes- I am shrinking every single day that I work out and eat right! I am working to be happy with my size. I'm slim and fit.

8) I hate the way my stomach looks- My stomach is getting smaller and firmer every day I work out and eat right.

9) I hate the way my skin looks- As I become healthier inside and out, my skin will become healthier too.

10) I hate how fat my legs/thighs are- My legs are getting thinner and stronger every day I work out. 

11) I don't believe in myself - Every day I take action and work on myself I build belief in who I am and that I am capable of all things of JC who gives me strength.

There you go... the real me. 

Thanks for loving and reading!

Fitness/Strength Progress:

Last week-- Mile time was 13.42 /Stair time was 28 seconds

This week-- Mile time was 12.51/Stair time was 24 seconds

Making improvements!  :) 

Updated Pictures of Me

Many of you have asked to see updated pictures of me. I have posted here three pictures of what I used to look like (through out the past year) and then two from halloween this weekend so you can see where I am to this day.  Lately, I have really been struggling with my self image. I have to really remember what it was I looked like, what progress I have made and think about what progress I will make in the future. 

Even though these were not taken for purpose of showing how I have changed (they were taken for halloween trunk or treat at school on friday)-- but they show how I have changed fairly well. And it's fun because I went as an 80's fitness instructor. :) How appropriate. "Let's get physical!" :) 

7 weeks down... 3 more to go...

Tonight's weigh in did not go as well as I hoped but went a lot better than I thought it would. I really wanted a 5 pound week. That would put me pretty much at the top of the top 5 for % body fat lost- but I am number four which honestly was a huuuuuge surprise to me. I am number 1 for weight pounds lost. I have exactly 3 weeks left in the program. That leaves me having to bump up one slot each week to win it overall. I need extra prayers. This may not seem like a big deal to you but it is a huge deal to me. I would appreciate any encouragement, love, support and prayers. It fuels me and pushes me when I do not want to go any further.  I lost a total of 3.2 pounds this week for a grand total of 30 pounds during the charleston challenge thus far (7 weeks finished 3 weeks to go). 

Tonight, our trainer made us run a mile and timed it. I ran it in 13.24 which is faster than my high school time. I was really impressed with that because I was actually active and played sports in high school. We also ran 3 flights of stairs and timed it... I did it in 28 seconds. We are going to be doing these again next week to see if we can beat our time. I'll keep you up dated on the improvements! 

I have been having a lot of issues with my legs hurting and doing weird things. I think it's some type of lower back issue or nerve issue. I'm going to have to make a way financially and in my schedule to get to the chiropractor next week. I have never been but Julie has really been trying to get me to go. I think it would fix a lot of issues. For example of just how bad it is.... I was in spin class on tuesday and my foot fell asleep. And I was SPINNING. HARD! That is not good.  There is no reason why that should have happened. I'm looking forward to getting in there and getting some things straightened out (literally) and getting back to work full force these next three weeks. 

Thanks for reading.

And I leave you with this quote that has been in my mind for a long time and I have used it to encourage my team members. It just happened to be highlighted tonight in our weekly class and weigh in too.

Whether You Think You Can or Can't, You're Right"

--Henry Ford

I not only THINK I can.

I KNOW I can.

I will lose 150 pounds.

I will win this competition.

I will be the best me possible.

No compromise.

It's been a while...

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. This week has been crazy full! We have a weigh in tonight so I am looking forward to that update later. I have a feeling this was a lower week- 2 pounds maybe- but that is still good. Right now though I need to lose 5 pounds one week to really make my way towards the top in the % lost catagory in order to be able to have a chance at winning this thing. We only have three weeks left and I am beginning to really have some anxiety about the program being over. I don't want to lose my team, trainer, mentors & the program all together. It's been difficult trying to prepare my mind for that change come three weeks from now... but I have a goal and it is not finished at the end of this program. This is not a diet. This is my life! And I am so thankful to say that I love it. It's hard, yes, but I love it. There are so many times in my past that I cannot recall being able to say that. I love my life.

An anticipated weekend away..

This weekend has been a much awaited one. I really am having a difficult time with it being over. It flew by! I went to my college for homecoming to spend some time with people who are very dear to my heart & I miss incredibly much. I was excited about seeing everyone, hearing the choraleer's fall coral concert (which was amazing, by the way! Congrats to you all!) & my plans to take a run with Jan one day. Those things were all exciting but honestly (and maybe this seems a little selfish or vain...) but I was excited about people seeing me after the weight loss. People who see you everyday don't tend to notice as much but it's much more apparent to people who have not seen you in a while so needless to say I was excited about what everyone's reactions might be. Lots of people made remarks and said you could in fact see a difference so that was good. Sometimes I think when you are the one losing weight it's hard to see the results especially when you have seen yourself a certain way for so long. 

The run... :) It was a much anticipated event. I have always watched Jan run and read her post and things about running and envied her love and ability to run for so long so I asked her to run with me this weekend. We went Saturday morning and I am quite proud of myself. Ok- I would really call it run... jog is a more appropriate term but still, I was very proud of my ability to keep up and run the entire two miles. I enjoyed her company & presence so much. It was a great way to start off my saturday. Jan- you really are a blessing. I look forward to more runs with you in the future! 

I left Due West early today to come back for our Challenge workout and a taebo class. Not many people were at the challenge work out. I think people are starting to feel like "eh, it's almost over" and they are not pushing it like they had. I refuse to slow down. I am proud of my current accomplishments but I have a very long way to go! God, keep me motivated and focus during the last 3.5 weeks- help me keep my eye on the prize that I may glorify you with the body I have been given. 

Love you all :) 

Weight Update

It's really late so I cannot spend much time updating. Need to pack for Erskine... but wanted to let you know my weight loss this week. 3 pounds this week... total of 26.8 leaving me as number one for pounds lost but still need to get my body fat % lost up. It's a struggle. :) I am happy though and plan on KILLING these last four weeks!

Look forward to a great weekend and running with Jan Walker this weekend :) Love!

The fight for the dream..

"If you can dream it, you can get it. Therefore getting it is exactly what you will have to do. If the dream is big enough, you will have to fight for it. You won’t necessarily fight another person for it, but fight laziness, procrastination, negative opinions of others, apathy, etc."

I am realizing what a strong hold laziness (and procrastination) has on my life... not just in working out but in my job and in my business and in house hold chores. Laziness has kept me back for so long. I am making the decision to not be lazy anymore. I have huge dreams and I am just now learning that I am worth them coming true. For so long I did not think so-- and still occasionally do not think so. This program is the first thing that I think I have ever worked this hard for in my whole life and I just I am so ready to see final results. Trying my best to walk by faith and not by sight. I am so thankful for the Lord who carries me through each and every day. I am determined to lose this 150 pounds in a year and determine to do everything in my power to win this competition. I may not win but I refuse to let it be because I did not give it all I had!

Tonight was a good work out. Me and another girl on the team got together with our trainer and just worked on strength training and reps. It was nice to learn that... we all just need to become stronger in so many ways. I am looking forward to that. Then I did taebo (which is always a pleasant and fun class) and I did the step mill (which always reminds me of what I think hell will be like.. lol.) 

Update on the shoes: Words cannot express how much of a difference they make!!! For real if you are a runner or what ever- make sure you have good shoes. it is so important! The support is amazing and those shoes are such a blessing. I cannot workout without feeling so blessed and thankful! :) Again- thank you try sports and whoever got in touch with them! 

Weigh in tomorrow-- I am speaking and hoping for 5 pounds especially since we only have 4 weeks left but it's looking like maybe 3 pounds perhaps. 

I am pooped for sure and ready for a nice hot bath in Epsom Salt. :) It's definitely a-callin' my name!

Running with Bailey...

I was almost hesitant posting tonight b/c my last post was so awesome. haha- I want it to be there on the forefront of my blog forever. Gah- what a blessing!

Today was Bailey's visitation and funeral... when I got home I just needed a way to get out some emotion and needed to get some physical activity in for today so I decided to go walk/run the bridge in Mount Pleasant. I have a new found appreciation for running now-- and a new gratefulness for a working body and legs. The Lord has really placed a vision in my heart. I am  really thinking about and praying about organizing an event called "Running with Bailey."  Probably a 1 mile run or a 5K walk/run now that she is able to run with us. I know she is much happier now- she is a dancing, laughing and running completely perfect seven year old little girl. I think it would be a great way to bring awareness about Bailey but also a good way to get people moving who have been blessed with the ability to move. More to come on this later. 

When I started the bridge, I was running a minute - walking a minute then once I got up the first incline about a 1/4 of the bridge done, I decided I was just going to jog/run to the end of the bridge. I could do it. It would be hard no doubt but I was going to push myself. I just kept thinking of that sweet girl the whole time. I got to the end and turned around to come back and just kept running. The whole way back! This has never happened-- while I was running I was really reflecting on Bailey's life and how much she suffered. When I wanted to quit- I thought about how she did not quit or give up until her purpose was done; until she was victorious in the Lord. It motivated me to keep going. I could not believe I did it. From now on- that is my goal for the bridge. 

Thanks Bailey for keeping me going and pushing me to strive for more and use the abilities I have been given.

My heart is so full!

What a day yesterday was! I wanted to post this last night but I was exhausted and emotionally full and drained. The only thing I can say is that my heart is so full. Full of sadness & full of much happiness. What a day of tremendous up & downs. 

Yesterday was a teacher work day and for those of you who don't know I am a PMD teacher (Profound Mentally Disabled). I have some of the best students who have taught me so much about unconditional love & servant-hood thus far this year. At school, I received the terrible & unexpected news that one of my students had passed away yesterday morning. I could not believe my ears- one of MY precious students passed away today to be with God. I sobbed forever.  Bailey was so beautiful and perfect in her own way and had such an amazing smile and giggle that could melt all worries away. It breaks my heart but so glad beautiful Bailey gets to be whole in Christ's perfection. So bitter sweet. I miss you boopsie! Please pray for her family and Reeves Elementary.. and me; mainly that I can be strong for them.

 

That news of course is enough to shatter anyones day. I got up early yesterday to work out at the gym with Julie (for those who don't know her- she is basically like my best friend, mom, mentor, encourager and strong hold). We had planned on going together to Try Sports to pick out my shoes and everything. After this day I could really care less about shoes but we figured if nothing else it would get my mind away from sadness even it was just for a little bit. 

As many of you know- I have written about my huge need for new shoes since I have been having some knee & foot discomfort and also upon the discovery of having such a weird walking pattern on my right foot. I did not have the money to buy these or really anything else at the time but I had faith that the Lord was going to provide for me needs just like he will for the ones that remain. The LORD IS SO GOOD!!!! This is the neatest story. I almost feel bad being so joyful about shoes on this day of grief but it just proved that God provides and I know if he can provide my stupid shoes, He will take care of Bailey and her family during this time and for anyone else forever more.

So I told Julie that I would meet her at her house after school at 4:30. We hop in her car and are headed on our way to Mount Pleasant to Try Sports to get fitted for my shoes. What a different experience this was compared to what I used to do to buy tennis shoes; I said "THOSE ARE CUTE!" and I bought them.  That is not how it worked out this time. It's really a neat process. They take time to sit with you and talk with you about what you're doing, any pain or difficulties you may be having. Then you stand on this thing that takes an imprint of your arch so that they know what kind of support you need. Then you put on a pair of tennis shoes and you get on a tread mill where they analyze your running and take video of it. You watch your video and they analyze different angles in your feet and how your feet strike the ground and your natural gate. It was sweet! Try Sports really cares about their customers so PLEASE go there if you are looking for anything sports related but especially for shoes. They have Try Sports located in Mt. Pleasant, Charlotte, Wilmington and Raleigh! Seriously- Go! You will be glad you did! Ask for David Cross at Mount Pleasant! He is AMAZING! :) (They are all wonderful by the way- but that is who helped me.) 

So I want to give you pretty much a run down synopsis of my trip to Try Sports- with some pictures included! 

So like I said I got to Julie's and we are on our way and we get to Try Sports. Julie has been there before and purchased shoes so she goes in and asks for Dave. I just figured that she had worked with him previously and really liked him. So I introduce myself and we go through the arch analysis. I am telling him all about what I am doing with the healthy charleston challenge and my goals. Just normal conversation. I get up to run on the tread mill (haha and Julie is taking pictures of me on her i-phone the whole time and I had no idea she was photographing me during this whole experience. I'll try to get some with me on the tread mill soon.)

With the run on the treadmill, we figure out what type of shoe I need and Dave presented me with three choices. From here on out, it was my trying them on and my personal preference and comfort. I am trying on the first pair and I see Julie whispering to dave. Who knows? I thought it was kind of weird but did not really strike any suspicion or anything. So I came back and tried on the second pair and Julie says "Ummm.. I am going to go look at Sports Bras." I did not think anything of it because we had both talked about desperately needing new ones. So I just said "Ok" and sat down to try on a new pair of shoes. I put the second pair on and started walking around the store. 

By this point, I am standing my Julie and a girl comes up to me and says "BLAIR!" and I have no flipping idea who she is! I said in a really unsure tone "Yes?" and she put out her hand and said "I'm Angie!" and also introduced herself to Julie. We had a little chit-chat and then she said something that truly rocked my world. She said "I have been reading your blog!" ...

"WHAT?!" That is what I said. Just like that. "WHAT?!-- Are you serious?" and she replies with "YES! I love it and I am so proud of you."  So of course my first reaction is to start questioning her..."but how? who told you?" and I quickly looked at Julie and she looked shocked to exclaiming "I did not tell her." And Angie says... "A little birdie told me."  So now... I am starting to wonder but still was pretty much clueless to the blessings that were in store for me today at Try Sports. 

So I shrug it off really and continued to try out the 2nd pair then went back to meet dave for the final pair. I put them on. And it was between the 2nd and 3rd pair. Once I decided on the shoe. Dave said "What kind of socks do you wear?" and I so brilliantly responded with... " I don't know...socks..." :) haha. Who knew that there were really different kind of socks! So he grabbed me a set of socks and said these are really great and is what you really need when working out. I said "oh ok, great" nonchalantly but inside I am screaming "HOLY CRAP!!! I CANNOT AFFORD THIS!!!! I BARELY HAVE THE MONEY FOR THE SHOES!!!!" So I hesitantly follow him to the counter to pay and there Julie hands him a shirt... he puts it in the bag. He goes and grabs another shirt... puts it in the bag. He grabs a water bottle... he puts it in the bag. Grabs my shoes and socks... he puts it in the bag. Hands me his card with the sweetest smile and said "ok! There you go! You are good to go." And I with a confused voice said... "Well, how much do I owe?"  Then my world got rocked & it became so real to me how much support I have and how much people believe in me and HOW MUCH I KNOW I can do this.

He said..."Nothing!"  "WHAT?!" I said. "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! HOW?! WHY?!?" then after all those questions I was speechless. He said "it's taken care of!" I quickly look at Julie! She said "I DID NOT DO IT!"  HOLY CRAP! I again said "WHY?!" and Dave said something so real and so meaningful to me coming from a complete stranger. He said "We are just so proud of you! Keep doing great! It's taken care of."  What a great picture of Christ... "It's taken care of." He takes such good care of us. Their moto at Try Sports is Believe. Achieve.  How true for any situation- if you BELIEVE you can... then you can! If you BELIEVE in Christ then he will show you his profound greatness. 

So Julie was taking pictures this whole time because she knew this was happening and I was CLUELESS!!!! She took a picture of me and dave with my bag full of new gear! 

So I walk out speechless with my mouth hanging open to the car and Julie was hysterical saying "YOU WERE SO CLUELESS!" I was. NO IDEA. It is crazy because maybe about 3 or 4 weeks ago I opened my heart with Julie. I am never afraid to tell her my dreams  and wishes that most people might deem as stupid because she always embraces me. I told her then how I wished that I could get Try Sports to sponsor me through my goal so that I could one day be a part of their team that does races and triathlons. One of my dreams is to compete in triathlons. I don't know if I will be on the Try Sports team one day but they sponsored me! I could not believe it. I got in the car and it was all I could do not to sob. I was astounded and my heart was so full.

I don't know how it happened... who worked it out. All I know is someone worked it out with Try Sports and made a bit of a donation and knew I was good friends with Julie so they had her go with me. But- I have a feeling whoever you are ... I have a feeling you read this... so deeply, with tears filling my eyes now as I type, I want to thank you so so so very much. You have no clue. I know Try Sports donated a lot to me too. Thank you so very much Try Sports and Dave, from the bottom of my heart! Your support seriously means the world to me and just as I was hitting this halfway slump- you have encouraged me all the more. 

Please please please go to Try Sports if you need anything sports related- they are amazing people WITH HEARTS for their customers- they are not in it for the sale but in it to help. Thank you Dave!! 

God's provision has left me speechless. Since I have started the challenge budget has become really hard b/c healthy food is a lot more pricey than the family pack of hot pockets and the lunch meat and bread I was eating before. Yes- seriously...that is about ALL I ate. I have been left wondering how to buy the things I need to be successful in this goal like groceries and these shoes. The Lord has provided and I know he will provide for the rest of my needs as I continue on this journey. I am just... so humbled by his goodness and the hearts of his people. Thank you! SO MUCH! 

So back to Bailey- the sweet little student of mine who passed away. She never could walk. She never could run. She was tube fed. She never could help whether she gained or lost weight. I am doing this for her from now on. I have been blessed with a body that works and I take it for granted and have abused it for years. No more. When I run- you're in my mind Bailey and I will miss you forever!

Here is a picture of me and Dave at Try Sports...

Here are the new shoes and bottle from TRY SPORTS!!

SO EXCITED!!! (Ps: I could not get my leg up this high before the challenge...)

Shoes again!

Julie and I walked around in my new shoes! I was itching to go work out in them!!

 

THANK YOU TRY SPORTS!!!

Half Way Finished through the Challenge.

Well- it's official. I am half way done with the healthy charleston challenge. I did not lose 5 pounds this week and that is ok- I am still happy with the loss I got. And I am going to reset that goal for next week for sure! 5 pounds next week!! It's happening! I really need to step up my game though. I want to get the maximum weight loss possible during this program while I have all this support and help at my finger tips! Plus- I am determined to win overall. I am currently #2 for pounds lost and #5 for body fat % lost. Tonight I weighed in losing 3.4 pounds this week with a total of 23.8 pounds lost. 

Prayers for my team please- we had a little injury tonight with someone very special to me & who inspires me. Just pray for quick healing & recovery. I know the Lord is going to provide for her and heal her quickly so she may get back to what He has set her out to do!

I'm going shopping & getting fitted for my shoes tomorrow! I don't quite have all the money yet but I am excited about just picking out the pair. My trainer and I were talking & really I think it will make all the difference. I am just so blessed with the Lord's provision & just remain speechless at how good He is to me. Every day! 

With you readers as my witness- I am posting this now so that you all may read it, know it to be true and remind me of it. (if you read this maybe comment so i know who I am accountable to... even if it just says hey or your name). Even though the challenge will be over in five weeks, I, BLAIR CHRISTIE, AM NOT GOING TO QUIT, SLACK OFF, BACK DOWN or SLOW DOWN UNTIL I HAVE REACHED MY GOAL AND I AM VICTORIOUS IN THIS GOAL! I WILL BE A CONQUEROR; A WINNER; VICTORIOUS AND STRONG and not to mention... 150 POUNDS LIGHTER!! :)  Once the challenge is over-- seriously if you don't mind...please hold me accountable. I will need that support!!

Love you all & thanks for reading!!

I must push through.

I am really tired. I am half way through the healthy charleston challenge and I am down right tired. My mentor and trainer said it was normal to be exhausted at this point in the program. I am hoping to get some really good rest this weekend to hopefully get me out of this exhausted funk. Prayer would be greatly appreciated that I would be rejuvenated and that every ounce of my heart will be filled with passion to continue on this journey so that I may glorify God with my body and be a good steward of what he has blessed me with. 

During this program, the Lord has really been revealing his mercy & strength to me. I think he has been trying to reveal it more than I have allowed him to. My pride & focus on myself has definitely got in the way. I know that my success & strength as well as my future success has come from Him and Him only. There is no other way that I could've done it. As I reach the half-way point in the program tomorrow though I find myself getting kind of discouraged. The first five weeks flew by and I know the second 5 weeks will too. I am terrified about progress on my goal after the Healthy Charleston Challenge is over. I am so scared about not having my team, my trainer, the meetings and support. I am just praying so hard that I can find a consistent support afterwards that will take place of this blessing that I have been given. Definitely has been the best thing that I could have EVER done for myself. What a great opportunity and experience the Lord has blessed me with. I am forever grateful. 

The Lord is faithful. This I know and will continue to believe. A while back, I wrote about my foot pain & the need for new shoes... and lack of money. The Lord is little by little providing a way for those shoes to be made possible. It makes me so emotional to even think about how he has provided for me. Why do I ever doubt his provision?  I can be so foolish sometimes. 

So week 5 weigh in is tomorrow-- I am hoping/speaking 4/5 pounds...but we shall see! 

Thanks for reading & for all your love.

Funky Town

I need some motivation & encouragement today.

I think I'm just down right tired between all the things I am trying to accomplish & overcome..

(with weight loss and in ALL aspects of my life.) It's all just adding up & catching up to me.

I feel like there will not be too much weight loss this week- feel kind of bloated.. but I am speaking 4-5 pounds for this week. Speak what you want right? :) 

This is a lame post- perhaps more later tonight after work out. 

I want to step up.

I want to be a leader.

I want to inspire people.

I want to encourage.

I want to love & support.

I want to motivate people.

I want to be an example.

Through this journey I'm starting to realize I'm a lot more capable of things that I gave myself credit for. With the Lord- all is possible... when I doubt me... I am ultimately doubting Him. What a foolish thing. 

With that said- I leave with this quote "The two greatest days in ones life is the day they were born and the day they figure out WHY."  --With this journey, I am just now slightly starting to figure out why I am here. I want to love me... and help others love themselves. 

Say Adios!

Goodbye 20 lbs! You are not welcome to back to my body ever. I was laying here thinking about things that weigh 20 pounds and how much easier it will be not to have to carry that around anymore. Lets take a look shall we?

Apparently I have been carrying around this lovely turtle.

This vacuum...

Surf Board..

 I like Karaoke and all...but not that much!

BOX of oranges. you ever lifted one of these?

This seriously gives a whole new meaning to the term "spare tire." 

Goodbye forever 20 lbs. Looking forward to losing two tires, one turtle, one vacuum, one box of oranges, one surf board & a karaoke machine (ok-- half of a karaoke machine.) Thanks for reading & have a wonderful weekend.

"I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength."  & ALL means ALL.

Tuckered out but victorious!

I DID IT! I broke 20 pounds at the weigh in tonight AND (ohhhh this is good stuff) I made it into the top 5 for weight % lost. I am currently number two in the competition for pounds lost and number five for weight %. The overall winner is based on % so I am pumped about getting there. 

Total Weight Loss tonight at the weigh in is 20.4-- losing 5.4 pounds this week.

I am really tired and have a slight pain in my right heel. I think it's because of my tennis shoes. They don't have good support. I need to find money to get a nice pair from Try Sports in Mount Pleasant but they are pricey and money is more than tight right now. I have a funny gate and now I understand why I have always walked so weird. Stretching and rest for now until I can figure out how to afford new shoes. Suggestions welcome. :)  [anyone in Charleston area need a babysitter or anything? I'll do whatever to try to gather up the money for them. Just thought I'd throw it out there.]

Sorry It's short tonight and not very exciting but I am pooped and need much rest. Thanks for reading!

129.6 POUNDS TO GO UNTIL I REACH MY GOAL!

By the way- Satan's choice of exercise equipment is a step mill (basically a rotating set of stairs- cant stop or you will fall off) Terrifying. I shed some tears on that thing tonight but now as I reflect.. I am going to CONQUER that stupid piece of equipment! MAN!  More details to come.

Brutal.

Brutal is the only word to describe the work out that our trainer had for us tonight... just plain brutal. GOOD but definitely brutal.

8 flights of stairs up and down in a parking garage twice = A few slipped curse words  & perhaps some growling.

40 squats= some pretty dern sore thighs and booty.

20 side squats= a chance to stretch your legs from stairs and praise the Lord!

20 burpees= satan's choice of exercise cause they are from you know where.

40 lunges= cramped muslces.

a million laps= gasping for air.

stepping up on benches= callin' out for Jesus like it's my Job. OH LORD

running around the gym building = feeling way to slow being put with the fast people/getting discouraged

YET...

Conquering and finishing the work out = PRICELESS

Loosing a pound = PRICELESS

Feeling good about who I am and who I will be (who I was created to be) = PRICELESS

One thing that was reconfirmed to me today... what is in your mind and what you think... affects every single thing you do. Most days when I work out I am constantly reminding myself how much it's going to pay off, how I am a winner, how I am losing weight everyday and how I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. Today was a bit of a different story. It was such a tough work out. Tons of negative was in my mind and even though I got an amazing work out- i did not give it my best. I could've done better. Never a good feeling to feel like you did not give it your all. Negative thoughts do that. Even if you don't believe it say what you WANT and what you KNOW should be true over and over and over again UNTIL you believe it. Eventually you will and it will come to fruition. Today I let satan tell me lies about myself during the work out. No Mas! I kept catching myself... and just had to repeat to myself what I knew was true. I CAN do it. I CAN do it. And I WILL. 

I will say though... I am up to 19.6 pounds. I lost a pound during that workout. It was awesome. Looking forward to hopefully one more pound and breaking 20 for the official weigh in this Thursday! 

A time of overcoming & dreaming...

Good day today! Man it was tough this morning to even get myself out of bed because of the rainy weather. Then when I got home from work the thought of working out was not exciting. I just wanted to cuddle up in bed & read. But we all know-- to get the results that you want to see (in anything) sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. I did team workout (and my team is awesome) and then a KICK BUTT Taebo Class!

Just some random bullet points that have been in my mind.

Things I have overcome:

• I can somewhat do a pushup now. I could not even hold myself up before. (girly push up- but hey gotta start somewhere, right?)
• I can run for more than 15 seconds.
• I can climb stairwells and not feel like death is knocking.
• I COOK NOW! (if you want to call it that...) This is coming from someone who seemed to live off bars, lean pockets & sandwiches.  This was a big thing I had to overcome and I am just so proud of myself. For real. 
• My addiction to and carelessness about food.

Things I WILL DO once I am fit (or overcome in the near future) Dreams if you will:

• Hike the Camino in Spain
• Mountain Climb 
• Triathlons
  
• Maybe even go to get certified to teach group exercises or do training (for people like myself. I have a passion for wanting to help people who don't love themselves. I want them to be who they want to be on the outside but through it all learn how wonderful they are on the inside.) 
• I want to run big races with Jan Walker... and keep up with her! :) 
• I will completely overcome believing the lies that Satan has put in my mind and heart about me being ugly, fat, unworthy and just plain not enough.

Exciting thing about my body: I HAVE ARM MUSCLES!!!! Ok ok ok- so there is still tons of flab underneath...but up top.. LIKE A ROCK BABY!!! :) How cool! Funny story of today... so I was on my way home from the gym and I was noticing my muscles. So I'm in the car driving and flexing my muscles and smiling and a man is staring at me. :) Oh well. I'm proud. 

Weighed today and I am down 18 pounds. The official weigh in is thursday...so my body can do funky things and that was right after a workout. Hopefully it won't change...but exciting still! 132 Pounds left to go until I reach my goal! 

Thanks for reading!! :)

"I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!" 

Stepping into a new me but a bit of funny fat girl story too...

This picture is of me today at church in the outfit I am talking about below. :) Enjoy the read.

This weekend was an awesome weekend for exercise. I am very blessed to have the opportunity to attend fun classes to keep me motivated and interested while exercising. Friday I went to Taebo which has been a fun staple in my work out routine. It's so much fun and I absolutely love the instructor. But then one of my team mates wanted me to try this class with her called "Fanatic Friday" afterwards. Like I said, in this blog I will talk about my frustrations and failures too. Well this class was a major FAIL for me. It was made up mainly of step. And I'm not talking about basic step routine. I'm talking fancy-smancy step. That, my friends, is not my calling. Haha not right now at least. So I struggled through that and probably burnt more calories laughing that I did stepping. I am also very blessed to live in such a beautiful city. Saturday morning was a perfect morning to walk the bridge. VICTORY here! The first time I did the bridge- it took about 2 hours and pretty much walked the whole way. This time it took me about an hour and I ran a minute walked a minute. Then ran long stretches by setting the goal for myself. I am learning that is key. Tell myself "just run to that pole." Get there and stretch yourself a little further..."Ok now to that sign." I have had amazing people to teach me how to push myself. Just when you think you cant go anymore...push yourself a bit further. 

I'm starting to get to the point where I can see and feel differences. I think one of the biggest secrets while trying to loose weight when you are truly eating well and exercising is to live by the moto "live by faith not by sight." Some weeks you may do EVERYTHING right and no weight comes off but it will soon. It was not in vain. But lately I have noticed and felt changes. My fingers are smaller- I cannot wear my college ring anymore. My wrists are smaller- my watch is quite loose now. My face is slimmer and even my complexion looks a bit clearer. I have not really noticed a difference in my clothes until today. I got up and got dressed for church-- put on my dressy jeans and a nice top and I felt good. It's nice to feel that way. But here is my funny fat girl story for you today-- so these jeans... i love them. They have a pretty sew on button on them not a normal metal button. So one time-- probably about 7 months ago- some friends and I went down town to go dancing. Pop lock and drop it came on and someone asked me if I knew how to do it. With me being quite informed on the latest dance moves I felt obligated to teach him and provide all my wisdom of course. (haha) So I showed him and I gave an all new meeting to pop lock and drop it because my button POPPED off my pants. :) NOW today- they were very loose. :) Good feeling. Now I can do the dance without losing my drawers! 

 :) Thanks for reading!

A pictures worth a thousand words... (unfortunately.)

This is me this summer on July 25, 2009 at sarah hopes wedding. Haha by the Ice cream bar with Josh. But this will give you a somewhat good image of what I started as at the beginning of this program. I'll try to get a pic of me currently soon. Be patient with the pictures. :) 

Some catching up to do...

A lot of people have asked me to start blogging or suggested that I should blog about my new journey to becoming a healthier, happier & better me. I had thought about it a lot so I just decided, Yeah! Let's do it. What a great way for people to share in my journey, maybe relate to me or [prayerfully] possibly even be inspired by me to make themselves the best person they can be. 

Because I am starting this a little over three weeks into my journey, I have some catching up to do. First, let me tell you a bit about my past and what has driven me to make this decision. My whole life I have been overweight. I have never eating too much but definitely weren't eating the right things and physical activity was a foreign concept to me. I grew up in a family where they worked hard doing chores and their job but there was never planned time for intentional physical activity which is so important. Throughout my childhood, teenage years and young adult life, I have been overweight and miserable about who I am. I would like to refer to myself as the "funny fat girl." I would always get people rolling about anything but my weight-- always a good laugh. I like the funny part but the "fat girl" had to go. I have never loved who I am mainly because of the way I looked. In high school I did weight watchers and was successful but still did not make a lifestyle change. It was just a fad for a bit like most diets are. I wanted to change. I wanted a healthy lifestyle. I wanted to learn to eat things I should and learn to love and enjoy exercise.

A well-respected lady who is very dear to my heart & like a mother to me here in the Charleston area just completed a program downtown at MUSC called the Healthy Charleston Challenge. She was very successful with and she knew I had image issues due to my weigh. She suggested that I try it. I was very quick to jump on the band wagon but then became very hesitant and nervous. The basic gist of it: it's pretty much like the biggest loser of Charleston. There are 10 teams each team consisting of 7 people each. Each team has a trainer. You work out with your trainer, team and mentors. We also have Dietitians, Psychologist and life coaches to help us out; we are required every thursday to participate in a weigh in and nutrition class. It is incredible to be learning from people who care about you and have great knowledge about healthy ways to lose weight and become a better me. The MUSC wellness center is fabulous because they really care about people and their health unlike a lot of gyms that I have gone to in the past that seem to care about being ridiculously skinny and/or making money. They are encouraging and I have an incredible support system.

My team: well... all I can say is first impressions aren't always everything. I am on a team of 7 people including myself and we are the most RANDOM, diverse group of people anyone could ever put together. We have such diversity, you have to laugh. It ranges from me, a 23 year old who just wants to love herself to a middle-aged man who has to do this in order to get a liver transplant life or death type situation to a sixty-something year old woman. It's incredible. 

The program started on September 10th. We have been going a little over three weeks now. The very first work out with our trainer we had to do stairs- 3 floors up and down- 3 times. I think we all about had a heart attack. Seriously. We all about died & were cursing ourselves for signing up. Three weeks later- I can jog those stairs. What a feeling of victory! The older lady on our team, could barely walk a lap and this week she Jogged 2 whole laps in a row. I am just seeing so many changes in me and our team and it's so encouraging!

I could catch you guys up on a whole lot more from the past two weeks but I would be here forever. The point of this blog is to allow me to hold myself accountable, to reflect on my hard work and progress & to keep some of you who asked updated on my progress. My goal is to hopefully post a picture every once in a while, post my weight loss on weigh in days (Thursdays), talk about my small victories or even my frustrations. 

It's a little frightening for me to just throw my goal out here on the web. It makes it real and lets everyone know...so come a year from now if I don't make it... it could be difficult. But I am confident that I am going to make it and am going to be a completely different person.

MY GOAL:  BY SEPTEMBER 2010, I WILL WEIGH 150 POUNDS LESS THAN THE WEIGHT WHEN I STARTED.

MY CURRENT PROGRESS as of my weigh in this past thursday: 15.0 lbs and going strong!

Thanks for your love and support and I am already so much happier with who I am. I even actually enjoy working out. What a great decision I am making for my life and it is so satisfying to know that I am taking small steps towards a me that glorifies the Lord with my life and my body.