So, it as been about a month since my last post. I have to admit that I have been a bit overwhelmed lately with school, work, health, fitness, and just life in general. I just don't seem to have all the time that I used to have or the energy at times. Since I am allergic to all things spring, I have been battling the past two weeks with just making it to work and home most days. Allergy meds make me so sleepy, but going without them led to bronchitis and a sinus infection, so I guess everything is a trade off at times.
Through this journey, I have had a lot of ups and downs. I first started the journey back in July 2014. I took every one's advice and posted BEFORE pictures that were taken on July 27, 2014. They were not flattering, but I didn't really want them to be. I wanted them to be real and not edited. I wanted to have something to look back on over time and see progress. I had my ups and downs in those times and lost 20 lbs, only to gain it all back by Christmas. So, I started over on January 12, 2015...100 days ago! I didn't take before pictures at this time because I looked the same as I had before...255 lbs and not happy!
Today I hit 100 days since starting at the gym and today I finally weigh LESS than my driver's license states...it's a miracle and a first!
Everyone I see tells me how much I have changed. I see it in the sheer numbers...as of today, I have lost a total of 36.6 lbs in 100 days. I can tell by the fact that my pants and shorts are all falling off of me, that I have to cinch my belts as tight as they will go. I am down to a size large shirt from a XXL. I can fit into clothes that I have had for 5 or 6 years, always holding on to the hope of maybe wearing them again one day. I can see all of that. Yet, when I look in the mirror, I don't see it. I get that I see myself everyday and it is hard to see changes daily. So, I decided today, at 100 days, to do a little side by side comparison. And to say that I am completely blown away is an understatement.
On the left are my photos from "BEFORE" on July 27, 2014 and on the right are my photos from "AFTER" on April 22, 2015. I tried to re-create them as closely as possible. Funny thing is on the left, I have on size XXXL bike shorts and an XXL top...on the left, I have on size L bike shorts and size M top.
I still have so much further to go, but now, for the first time, I can finally see how far I have come. My goal weight is 150-160 lbs and as of today, I am 218.4 lbs. That is less that I have been in some 7 years. I feel better and I am working hard. I have goals that I never thought were possible and some that I never even thought that I would want to have. It feels good to see these and actually see the difference. I hope and pray that these pictures, as bad as they are, will inspire someone else to do the same. Anything is possible.
#BeBraveBeBadass #teamendured #nevergiveup #nevergivein #noexcuses #beforeandafter #100days
