2010:
I got married in December, 2009, and when I returned from my honeymoon, I was over 200 pounds. I had been separated from the Air Force for fewer than two years and my weight was out of control. I made a New Year's Resolution to get back to my pre-Air Force weight. I began using the Weight Watchers plan on my own at home, not attending a meeting, and I joined Curves and began Couch to 5K.
Within six months I was down 30 pounds and running a 5K in just over 30 minutes. My Curves location shut down and my weight-loss started to plateau, so I joined a proper WW meeting to kick-start my progress, and I haven't looked back. I use all the tools that Weight Watchers has to offer, not just the food plan. Their holistic approach is perfect for me, as I think most of my weight issues are more about lifestyle than just food.
I still had more plateaus during the rest of the year, but I learned countless invaluable lessons about how to deal with setbacks in a healthy way and come back from them even stronger. I continued to enjoy running, competing in 5K races monthly, and I got my 5K time well under 30 minutes. I took advantage of every opportunity to challenge myself physically by hiking, rock-climbing, yoga, snow-shoeing, you name it. I didn't reach my 70 pound goal for the year, but at 50 pounds lighter I had absolutely nothing to complain about.
2011:
In January, I refocused and joined Crossfit and watched my body transform from fit to athletic almost instantly. My weight-loss stalled at first, but I lost two pant sizes, so I was thrilled. Eventually I adapted and the rest of my weight did come off. You know that "last five pounds" that takes forever to lose to get to goal? I did not have that but instead I lost 2 pounds a week for three weeks and I reached my goal weight while I was on vacation in California!
I did maintenance for six weeks in March and April and in that time I learned that my journey is far from over. I have the rest of my life to learn how to safely and sanely maintain my weight and fitness. I still weigh-in weekly at Weight Watchers, adjusting my daily points target if my weight fluctuates. I took a part-time job as a meeting-room receptionist, about two to four meetings a week, and that really helps keep me focused.
My husband Grady joined Crossfit shortly after I did and also quit smoking and adjusted his food to a healthy diet. We worked out at Crossfit three times per week, and on our off days we trained for running. In 2011 we completed several 5Ks, two adventure races including Warrior Dash, and our first ever half-marathon. I am very grateful that this is something we can do together and support each other with.
2012:
So far so good. Our major fitness change this year is that our Crossfit location shut down in March. We worked out on our own over the summer, just me and Grady. Then in September we started a bootcamp class here in town which we love! It meets at the indecent hour of 5:00 in the morning, three days a week, and somehow we still love it.
I graduated from UGA in May with my bachelor's degree in computer science, and now I'm working on my master's. Over the summer I took a few trips, to San Francisco, London, and Madison. My weight dropped well below my goal weight, down as low as 135, which is lower than I was comfortable with. Unsurprisingly however, I had no problem putting it back on. It's just a lifelong process trying to maintain a healthy weight.
We have a few small trips planned for the rest of the year, and some events, plus a trip to Jamaica in December that I can't wait for!
As painfully boring as I find maintenance to write about, I continue to update this journal about once or twice weekly. I believe it's essential to stay proactive and aware of my weight and habits in order to maintain my weight. loss Please feel free to comment or ask questions and I'll answer as best I can.
Thanks for reading!
