A few weeks ago BlogHer contacted me about hosting a $100 question. I submitted my idea but was never informed that they used it. Surfing around the other day I found it but the deadline to participate was friday, June 25. :(
To make up for it I’m hosting my own $100 giveaway. I’m in the mood to hear some inspiring stories. Have you accomplished your weight loss goals? Achieved a level of fitness you thought was reserved for those crazy athletic people? How about completing a running event after declaring "I can’t run"? <–My favorite. ;)
Simply answer this question…
What have you accomplished that at one time thought was impossible?
…in the comments for your chance to win.
Let the inspiring stories begin!
Note: Deadline for entry is Friday, July 16th at 11:59PM. I will randomly pick one $100 winner from the comments on this post containing inspiring stories.
P.S. I’m going to BlogHer in NY in a few weeks! Click here and let me know if you’ll be there!
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79 Responses to Have You Accomplished The Impossible?
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I Published a Cook Book!
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What's Cooking in my kitchen?
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If I was a good blogger this idea would have been published BEFORE the Super Bowl not during it. I made these today to have a little fun. Surprisingly, The Husband liked them even though he didn't eat more than one. Why? Because he's strange like [...] -
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I made this on a total whim yesterday as I had leftover avocado after feeding the baby and leftover Spaghetti squash cooked from the weekend. I roasted the squash to serve with my Chicken tips instead of potatoes and it was AMAZING! Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. So I'm sitting there staring [...] -
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Last week the kids and I tried parsnips for the first time and I've made them 3 times since. I wanted to figure out the best way to roast them. Yeah, that's it, the best way to roast them. You'll buy that right? Right? The truth is, I'm obsessed. I found myself [...] -
Yesterday just felt like a good day to stuff an acorn squash. I had one sitting on my counter for quite some time and it was just begging to be cooked. Since both husband and child don't like it I made a solo meal just for me and, well, it was DELICIOUS! [...] -
I bought a fennel bulb on a whim for the holidays not knowing quite what I would do with it. Of course I forgot about until yesterday when I was rummaging through the fridge trying to figure out what I wanted to make for breakfast. I pulled it out and stared [...] -
I probably should have warned you I was taking a holiday hiatus. I've been soaking up every moment of family time imaginable these last few days, leaving no time for anything else. Not even blogging! Shocking I know. ;) So I return not with a new recipe, per se, but to [...] -
Here's a quick idea for when you find yourself with a spaghetti squash but don't quite know what to do with it. Come on. Admit it. That's happened to you too. It's sure happened to me! I roasted this squash on Sunday... [...] -
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I'm going on day 2 of counting Weight Watcher Points and I'm already inspired to come up with light, healthy meals for myself. It's like I needed the constraint of points to motivate me. Isn't that weird? Anyway, all morning I was brainstorming what to make for lunch. I wanted something flavorful [...] -
I have a friend who patiently cleaned, peeled and cubed a fresh pumpkin and then selflessly gave me some. Scratch that, a TON! I would have never even thought of doing something like that! But now that I have it in my fridge the ideas are flowing. First, I roasted some [...] -
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This may be my simplest idea yet, but it was so tasty and satisfying I had to share. Plus you guys know I'm a Laughing Cow Community Leader so I'm all about sharing fun ways to use their products. You guys may also know how I feel about pausing and making [...] -
I made this on Thursday. THURSDAY! I hate when I can't post something I've eaten within 24 hours. It just bugs me. Not sure why, it really doesn't matter when I post it, does it? Anyway, I did whip this up to cure a pizza craving and I couldn't be happier. [...] -
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It's the day after Thanksgiving and my refrigerator ROCKS! I have leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted Brussels Sprouts, a bunch of veggies and tons of miscellaneous fun stuff. I've already made stock from the bones (like this) and my first batch of soup, Classic Turkey Noodle. I hope to share [...] -
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"Note to Self… http://t.co/ZF9osULa Do NOT Open the Pantry.— RoniNoone
About Roni
Roni started this blog in '05 to journal her weight loss. 70lbs later, she's committed to living a conscious, healthy life and hopes to inspire others along the way. Read more on the about page.Like the new look of Roni’s Weigh?
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I quit smoking after too many years to say in public. So proud. Sure wish someone would have told me how easy it is! Now, trying to be a exercising ex-smoker!
I ran. 30 minutes on my treadmill, two miles outside. I never thought that was possible. Well, I never thought 5 minutes was possible, much less a whole 30. I can do 5k on my tread. Next on my list is a real 5k, out in public.
While I hope to have many success stories on things I didnt think I could accomplish over the next few months (Im training for my first half marathon, Im 30lbs down and 30lbs to go until goal, new job, ect) – the thing that I am shocking myself with right now is that I am finding the happy balance in life … something I didnt think was possible. I dont have to give up any part of my life to fit another part in…
Im super mom to a preschooler
I keep my busy house running smoothly
I am an athlete – I get my runs in, I have awesome spin shoes for spin class!
I am learning and growing in my new role as a nurse practitioner
Nothing is suffering – by me putting time in for me, I am a better mom, a happier wife, a better friend, have more energy for work.
I was always one of those people that said “there just isnt enough time to work out”… that is bogus. Yes I have to get up early or workout late but its COMPLETLY do-able… and the more I do it the more I want to do it, the more I have to do it, the more I look foward to it… Its part of me now and Im not the same without that time.
10 years ago, I was a normal fat person. I didn’t work out, or do much. I had a job as one of those annoying people who try to sell you time-shares. Went to work the day after my birthday, had some checks to cash… and ended up in a car accident with a conversion van. Needless to say, my little gerbil rocket did not survive. I only barely did. (Thank you seatbelts.)
I woke up from my first surgery to meet my bone specialist, a rather brusque unpleasant sort of man who was used to dealing with athletic injuries. “You may never walk again,” he tells me.
Two more surgeries, 3 months immobilized, 6 months learning to walk again. I still didn’t walk *well*. I was another 2 years on a cane, and several years on pain medication almost constantly. I couldn’t walk down a flight of stairs without clutching the rail and taking it one step at a time. Running. Jumping. Right out of the question.
I have six pieces of titanium permanently installed in my ankle. When the weather is bad, I still get an ache. I have been told by various specialists that I will always have pain. Pffft. What do they know?
Last year, I trained for and walked in the Susan G Komen 3-day. That’s 60 miles in 3 days… my training for the event brought my yearly mileage up to 782 miles over the course of February – October, or almost 90 miles a month.
So much for never walking again.
I did not think I would be alive in 2010
I lost 120 pounds in a year and ran my first half marathon 2 months after that. Before that I had never exercised, much less ran… through losing weight I found myself :)
A couple months ago, I ran almost 5 miles in 50 minutes. I never thought I could do so, especially with my ongoing problem with shin splints. I swam a mile a few weeks ago, although it wasn’t ongoing laps. I’m now lifting 15 pound dumbbells and I have those cuts in my shoulders and back that I wondered if it was possible to obtain. I work out 5-6 days per week. Huge deal to me because I was that kid all throughout years of P.E. or elementary school basketball team whom got picked last, never was passed the ball, one of the last people running the mile, made fun of, you name it. Now most of those kids (well 20-somethings) are inactive, out of shape, unhealthy, and have gained weight!
Shew, where to begin. First, it’s cool that you’re picking the winner at random, Roni. No pressure, just people sharing stories, and one of us wins a contest. Pretty sweet.
Well, I definitely used to say “I can’t run.” I feel like a broken record mentioning this all the time, but I have had plantar fasciitis in my foot for years, which basically just means incredible pain whenever I’m on my feet for very long… walking, standing, whatever. Getting up in the morning used to be the worst part; I would have to hobble for the first several steps, like a very old woman. I hated it.
I had known for a long time that someday I was going to be living a healthy lifestyle, I just couldn’t grasp when that was going to happen, or how. One day last summer I was at work, and I just decided that I had to change. The first thing I did is go to iTunes to find some podcasts to listen to that would be inspiring. I found Ask Roni, and Two Gomers Run a Half Marathon. They were both awesome. I started eating healthy that very day. My first goal was to eat 500 calorie meals, 3x a day, no matter how I had to do that. That wasn’t the healthiest goal in itself, but it evolved.
I followed as The Gomers trained for their big race, and as Roni didn’t much train for her marathon (last October). I was floored when Roni just went out a few days before her marathon, after not running much for the last few weeks, and pulled out a 20-miler like it was nothing. She is amazing; I laugh that she could ever have said “I can’t run,” when it is obviously something that comes naturally to her. It didn’t come as naturally for my other podcast buddies; they are nothing like runners. A professional musician and a youth pastor, and both Star Trek fans, these guys are the epitomies of Geek (or more specifically, Gomer). They managed the half marathon though, and this year they actually did the full marathon.
While listening to all of these tales of running, I started to wonder if I could try it. I had been doing elliptical training a little, because it is easy on the feet, and I didn’t know what I was even thinking considering running. It hurt to walk, to stand for an hour… how could I possibly brutalize my foot by running on it?
Despite my trepidation, I decided to try it one day. I said a quick prayer “Please God, don’t let this hurt my foot too awful much…” and off I went. I tried Day 1 of Couch to 5k training, and let me tell you, it was brutal on this 235ish pound lady. But afterward, my foot didn’t hurt at all! It was amazing.
I decided I was going to do it. I was going to train for as long as it took, and eventually I was going to be able to RUN 3.1 miles! This was about January, and I found a 5k that was in June and signed up for it. I started on the treadmill, and decided I’d move it outside when the weather cleared up. In March I ran outside for the first time, and it was much harder than the treadmill. I kept at it though, and before I knew it I was able to run 25 minutes at a time.
One week before the race came, and I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it. At that point I had still only run 25 minutes at a time, and no more than 1.5 miles. I was nervous. What had I been thinking?? The race was coming though, and I had to know what I could do. I decided one evening that I was just going to do it. I left my house for the rail trail, and told my husband to pick me up in “about 50 minutes” at the end of the trail, 3.1 miles away.
And I just started running… It was hard, but I just kept going. Before I knew it I was in the final stretch to the end of the trail, and I was still running. I made it to the end, and looked at my time. It had been just over 40 minutes! I had done it! I was so relieved, and so proud of myself as I sat and waited for my family to show up to get me. It was awesome.
A week later I ran the 5k. This past weekend I ran my 2nd 5k. I am going to run one 5k per month until the end of the year. I talked to some friends at work today about doing a team event next April. They are excited about doing it with me. I have lost 54 pounds since that awesome day last summer, and my plantar fasciitis is a thing of the past (I think it was mostly due to being overweight).
The biggest thing I’ve learned about running is that it’s all in your head. It doesn’t take much training for your legs and lungs and heart to get on board with what you’re doing; the hardest thing is telling your head that you can do it, and that you’re going to keep running even if you feel like stopping. Once you get that, you’ve got it.
That’s my story. Sorry it’s so long for a comment post… but there it is
I lost 30 pounds doing Weight Watchers (lifetime member now!) and have kept the weight off for 2.5 years. Working out is now part of my lifestyle and I don’t feel “right” after going days without excercising. I never though I would be a runner, but I have completed my first 10k (52:51) and run 5 miles 2-3 times a week (step, bootcamp, and weights the other days). My old, non-fit self would die at the thought of running a mile, and now I run a “quick mile” after my hour-long step class just to get a little extra in. I had my first baby 10 months ago and kept up my same excercise routine throughout my pregnancy. I didn’t run as fast or lift as much weight, but I did step two days before and a weight class the day before I gave birth to my baby boy. I attribute a quick, easy labor to staying fit during pregnancy. I also think that had a lot to do with being able to lose the baby weight in less than 6 months.
At 16, I left parents who abused heroin and prescription drugs, got legal emancipation, worked at a gas station and a laboratory to put myself through college, moved 1,200 miles away home at 20 years old, served as a full-time volunteer for a year working in high schools (because despite everything, I still felt like I had been so blessed in life and I had to give back), bought 2 homes by my 21st birthday, finished a 3 yr graduate school program in 2 years, and ran 2 half-marathons back-to-back in 2 weeks in 2009. Despite ALL of these profound successes, I still struggle with food and take it one day at a time on that front.
I’ve got a running story too! ;)
I was never a runner. I walked most of the 4 laps all through gym and could never fathom actually running it all. Fast forward to 2005. I was in a bad car accident leaving me in the hospital for a month and a wheelchair for more than 3 months (broken hip, pelvic bone, rib, shoulder, ruptured spleen, several surgeries … and on and on.)
I remember sitting in the hospital bed wondering if I would ever be able to walk again. (I couldn’t get out of bed without MAJOR assistance.) If you would have told me I could RUN I would have laughed in your face!
It’s now December 2007 and I have had an almost complete recovery (still get sore, but who doesn’t?) A friend invited me to run a half marathon with her the following spring. I told her no way, it was impossible … “I was not a runner.”
It gnawed away at me. For some (crazy) reason I thought, what the heck, I’ll give it a try. I never dreamed I’d actually run it, but I she was so positive that I could. I just had to try.
Long story short (too late?), not only did I finish the half marathon in May 2008 but I did it again this year (May 2010)!!! Don’t ever tell me you CAN’T run! ;)
I was never a runner. I walked most of the 4 laps all through gym and could never fathom actually running it all. Fast forward to 2005. I was in a bad car accident leaving me in the hospital for a month and a wheelchair for more than 3 months (broken hip, pelvic bone, rib, shoulder, ruptured spleen, several surgeries … and on and on.)
I remember sitting in the hospital bed wondering if I would ever be able to walk again. If you would have told me I would RUN I would have laughed in your face!
It’s now December 2007 and I have had an almost complete recovery (still get sore, but who doesn’t?) A friend invited me to run a half marathon with her the following spring. I told her no way, it was impossible … “I was not a runner.”
It gnawed away at me. For some (crazy) reason I thought, what the heck, I’ll give it a try. I never dreamed I’d actually run it, but I she was so positive that I could I just had to try.
Long story short (too late?), not only did I finish the half marathon in May 2008 I did it again this year (May 2010)!!!
i hiked 9 miles.
I went from a person who looked at people running and thought they were crazy to a woman who trained hard and ran her first 1/2 marathon in June. It was a long hard sweaty road but I did it and now I know I can do anything!!!
I lost 133 pounds. I was obese for over 20 years, and thought it was impossible to get the weight off. I’m 5’5″ and thought I would never get below 150 lbs, but I’ve been maintaining between 132-135 for over a year now. I’ve also become a runner in the last year. I still take lots of short walking breaks, but I love how strong my legs have become. I thought if I wasn’t able to figure out how to get the weight off and become fit in my twenties and then my thirties, it would be very unlikely in my forties. I’m living proof that it’s possible. I feel better than I have in 25 years. Ronnie, your website was one of the first ones I stumbled across when I first started researching weightloss on the web back in 2007. It has been a tremendous help to me!
I quit smoking (after 15 years!) and completed a marathon, all in a single year.
Getting my 11 year old daughter involved in meal planning, keeping a food journal. She is really starting to grasp the concept of portion size, budgetting your points and making healthier choices and swaps. I am so excited for her. She has struggled with weight gain since my husband died 3 years ago. I feel like we are turning a corner!
Although this is not fitness related, my big “never thought possible” was having my daughter. After our son was stillborn at twenty weeks, we weren’t sure we could have kids. The pregnancy with my daughter meant five months on full bedrest, but she’s here and happy and healthy. So maybe it’s not something I’ve “achieved” and it’s certainly not a health/fitness goal, but for me it’s a huge, miraculous accomplishment.
Running for 5 minutes, then 7, then 10, then 20, then 3 miles, a 5k, 4 miles – it’s an amazing accomplish for a “non-runner”
Hello Roni -
Well, obviously, what I have accomplished was not impossible at all, but at one point – I definately thought it was. Where to begin…. In 2002, I celebrated my 30th birthday by getting the results of a CT scan on my back that showed that I had a herniated disc in my lower back. I was on maternity leave with my second son (my older son was three years old) and had spent the better part of seven months in terrible pain, and on some days, couldn’t get out of bed. What should have been a joyful time with a new infant was overshadowed by pain. I’d never felt so “old”. After having surgery on my back, and getting back to work, I made the decision at 286 pounds that it was time to make a lifestyle change. I had dieted MANY times in my life – only to regain whatever weight I’d lost – and then some. A pattern most of us are familiar with.
I started small. Better food choices and walking very short distances (I was still struggling with some back pain). The weight began to come off, and my level of fitness slowly improved. Walking eventually became running, which then led to a gym membership. It merits mentioning here that in my youth, I was the girl who wouldn’t run to catch the bus. I was the girl with a note to get out of gym class. I NEVER thought I would enter a gym. Too embarrassed. But I did it. Now I go almost every day and I am able to run 10 km. I’ve lost 145 pound and have kept it off for almost 3 years now. I’ve gone from feeling “old, tired and in pain” to feeling “fit, strong and healthy”.
I still struggle daily with a serious food addiction – but I’ve learned that one bad day, week, whatever, doesn’t mean that I’ve failed. I’ve learned that there’s always a new day and each day is an opportunity to do what I can for my health.
Thank you for your inspiring website, tips and recipes. Cheers.
Jodi
I, like many others, thought lots of things were impossible because, “that’s not me, I’m not a ___” When I started losing weight and getting healthy, a funny thing happened along the way. I gained strength (physical and emotional), determination, courage and confidence. With that, I started trying new things that I once that impossible. Then I realized that with each new step, each new adventure I was expanding my, at one time tiny comfort zone. What an amazing feeling (for some inspiration lookup the poem “Comfort Zone by an unkown author – I have it posted everywhere). I too thought, I am not a runner, I don’t even understand those people that run. Well, I’m now one of “those” people also. I’ve done a few 5k’s but I recently signed up for a half (end of October) and am excited to prove to myself that I CAN complete 13 miles! As I’ve decided to try new things and complete this “impossible” activities not only have I realized I CAN but I’ve got some awesome new hobbies such as kickboxing, rock wall climbing and ziplining/ropes courses. I think my biggest sense of accomplishment and “aha” moment with the whole “I can’t” business came during my most recent event. In March, I participeted in the 10K MudRun in Jacksonville to benefit MS. This was an amazing event: 6 miles run with about 12 obstacles all through the mud (varying degrees of mud from watery muddy ponds to that the consistency of brownie batter). Two of the obstacles worried me before the event even started. The weeks leading up to it, I began to doubt myself. I am afraid of heights. Yes, I love rock wall climbing and ziplining but with that, you are in a harness. I will NOT get on the 3rd step of a ladder. Two of the obstacles were walls that you had to hoist yourself over. The first was an 8 foot solid wall. After some assistance getting to the top, I was a bit freaked out about getting down but I did it! I felt pretty empowered after that. Then, we got to the second wall. I nearly cried. It was about 20-25 feet high, not a solid wall, sort of like four by four boards with about 4 feet between each one that you simply had to climb up from one to the next then over the top. But…25 feet up…straight up!? That’s higher than the third step of a ladder. I stood there, and I froze. I just looked at it and said to my teammates and everyone that could hear me “I CANNOT do this, you guys don’t understand, I simply CANNOT do this.” A guy behind me, whom I did not know approached me. He said, tell me why you cannot do this. I said, “I’m afraid of heights, there’s just no way I can do this, I’m going to walk around and skip this one” He said to me (here’s the aha moment – ready for it!?) “Look, I understand that you are afraid of heights and I understand this is going to be scary for you. But, you cannot stand here and tell me that YOU cannot do this. Look at all the obstacles you just completed, you are covered in mud head to toe, you have been running for several miles already. YOU CAN do this. The people that we are completing this event for (again, it was to support Multiple Sclerosis), THEY cannot do this. They physically CANNOT do this. Are you going to tell me again that you cannot?” That gaves me the chills, and up I went. Slowly, very slowly, one height to the next, up to the top and down the other side. I freaken did it, you know why!? BECAUSE I COULD! Ya baby! We all need to stop our negative self doubt. Forget this “I can’t” business because it’s just a thought that holds us back! I’ll end my comment with a verse from an inspiring Christian song because I think it’s appropriate to this question:
From the song What Faith can Do By Kutless:
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Health and Happyness y’all! Keep expanding those comfort zones!!
I have accomplished the impossible. I grew up in a very sedentary household. As an adolescent I was chubby and cripplingly self-conscious. I knew that if I just lost weight, all my problems would be solved. I was on “diet” from the time I was 13 and never lost a pound. Sound familiar?
This was my life. When I graduated college, I moved to a new city, and lived alone. I didn’t have many friends yet, and hated cooking for one. I went to the bar often to imbibe and socialize. In less than a year I gained another 30 lbs. That was the breaking point. I was disgusted and depressed.
In a twist of fate, the office where I worked just started a Weight Watchers at work program. It was worth a try. It was difficult at first, but amazing things started to happen. I actually learned about health, wellness, portion sizes and fiber. Things I never knew before, despite a college degree. I had structure, a plan, support; it was amazing. And lo and behold, I lost weight! It took me nine months, but I lost 33 lbs, and gained some muscle.
I was inspired to help others and became a Weight Watchers leader! But I knew the key to maintaining my weight was exercise and activity. I’m not going to lie, I still love beer. So I chose running for the high calorie burn and the great social network of runners I found. I set goals, and at the end of my first season running, I completed a 5K (in 32:40, same as you!!!). Since then I keep setting the bar higher. This year, in May, I completed the Bayshore Marathon in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. My time was 4:57:02. I was shooting for a 4:30, but that’s okay, now I have a new goal.
I NEVER in a million years could have pictured myself running a marathon, or running at all for that matter. Nor could I picture myself as the healthy and confident person I’ve become. Your blog was no small part of that. I’ve followed you since Weight Watchen and you keep me motivated. I feel like we’re the same in so many ways. Thanks, Roni! I have accomplished the impossible.
I stand in the front row at Zumba class now; which I go to five times a week. I’m one of the regulars!
Just 19 months ago, I probably would have told you my biggest accomplishment was getting my PhD. I have always been career oriented. That all changed with the birth of my son at age 38. Now, my biggest accomplishment is being a mom. I was a professor and just never thought I could balance work with family and do either in a quality way. I convinced myself that I was okay being childless (“After all I had 250, 18-22 year-olds each year). But I made a career change, and my new job was much more family friendly. We got pregnant the first time we tried, and now we are expecting another. I feel really blessed.
When I was 24, I was told I had high cholesterol. I was up to 175 lbs and had high blood pressure too. It runs in my family, so it was a bit scary. Fast forward 5 years and I have lost and gained all of that weight back- and lost again, thanks to pregnancy. I am now 5 pounds below my pre-pregnancy weight (it took me a year, but I got here) and I work out at between 3 and 6 days a week! I never thought I would be thinner going into my 30s than I was at 24!
Through the grace of God and a lot of hard work, I recovered from disordered eating. I’m loving life and eating “normally” now!
After a car accident in 1996 left me with a numb right arm whenever I tried to run, I assumed I would never be able to accomplish my life goal of running a marathon.
After losing about 40 lbs and several years, I tried to run again (2002ish) and in 2009, I ran the Marine Corps Marathon. Hoo ah!
I’ve achieved a distance running that I never thought possible but not just running that distance but learning to love running along the way. I started out not being able to run a mile. Heck a couple minutes straight was hard. Used the couch to 5k program and ran a 5k. I’ve not only gotten faster at running but 3 miles is a short run now. I recently completed my first 10k and finished with under 10 minute miles. I surprised myself even. But the biggest surprise is the true appreciation I have for running. It is mentally an excellent thing for me to have learned and will continue to learn from.
Roni, My fitness goal this year was to cycle in the MS150 bike ride on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Cycling 150 miles in 2 days! I had many fears but I faced them and accomplished what I set out to do. Fear is a wasted energy and we are all much stronger than we think we are. I have lost 75 pounds with Weight Watchers and I want to help and inspire others to not let fear stand in their way. GO FOR IT! Thanks for all you do. I love your website and you inspire me!
I am finally successfully losing weight! I’ve had a few false starts that never lasted more than a couple weeks/the first 5 lbs or so. I’m now 13 weeks in, and somewhere between 22-24 lbs down.
I also joined a roller derby team! I’m finding that I am capable of things I never imagined.
I never thought I would run. And I definitely never thought I would like it.
All through childhood, every time I ran I’d get the horrible side stitch, feel as though I was going to die, and stop. My excuse was always that I had pushed myself too far. Or even worse: that I simply couldn’t do it.
In college, the only time I’ve ever run a mile for gym class, my time was somewhere around 20 minutes.
Now, I go for miles and am training for a half marathon. I often think about the little girl who only thought of running as a painful thing that ‘fit’ and ‘skinny’ people did.
Now, it’s something I do. It’s how I unwind. How I maintain my confidence. And how i lose the weight.
I have accomplished so so many things in the last year I once that were completely impossible. First of all I lost 100 pounds… never ever thought I’d be the one saying that. I completely changed the way I think about food, and I’ve become a 6 day a week exerciser. Most recently (in April) I took up running and this once non-runner ran a 5k in 32:15 on June 12th. I still run 3 days a week for about 30-40 minutes, and am contemplating races in August and September. I am so darn proud of myself!
This certainly doesn’t compare to some of your amazing stories of overcoming major struggles, but I think it’s often the little day to day stuff that makes a real difference in our lives.
After reading this blog and others for several years, I’m finally starting to change my internal monologue to positive thoughts about myself. I have “dieted” on and off for the past 10 years and obsessed over the same 20 lbs. It’s exhausting and although I’m not currently at my “ideal weight” I’m starting to truly realize that I can’t just lose for the next event – I have to make it a lifestyle and appreciate the journey. Life is too short to not realize I’m fabulous just the way I am!
I think I can… I think Ican…. (it’s a process!)
I lost 120 pounds in a year and ran my first half marathon 2 months later. Before the weight loss I had never been an exerciser!
This is not weight orientated or a fitness related accomplishment, but personal for me. I had my first son at the age of 17. I graduated high school, married the father of my son several years later, and had another child. And that boy I gave birth to my senior year in high school??!! Well he’s graduate high school himself and is headed off to college. He is my number one biggest accomplishment in life and he always will be.
Getting help. It was clear to everyone, and even myself, that my desire to lose weight had turned into an incredibly dangerous spiral of disordered eating and compulsive exercising. But I’d finally found something I was good at (hey, I can lose weight!) and my STRONG Type A personality made it so that I refused to get help. I figured I could fix it on my own. Well, it took six years of struggling, but I finally did what I thought was impossible–I asked for and accepted help, with accepted being the key word. It not only changed me physically, but more significantly changed me mentally. It really IS ok to ask for help.
First it was smoking, quit that (for good this time) in March 2006. Failed with the first 5 attempts.
Then it was getting to a doctor to help me deal with my snoring and breathing in June of 2006. This was a fear factor situation. My fear of dieing took precedent over my fear of being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. Had to wear a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine over my face while I was sleeping for over 2 years. Thought that was going to be a life long situation. Never being able to sleep without the assistance of a CPAP machine. Then in August of 2008 after losing more weight than I had ever thought possible (well over 150 lbs.) I was able to breath at night without any aid what so ever. My snoring, for the most part had pretty much vanished as well along with the 150 lbs. Even though losing 167 lbs. was surreal to me, keeping it off now for 20 months truly seems as something that I feel is the task of most impossible feats. Every month (so far) I have weighed in at WW within my 2 lb. limit and maintain my lifetime status at my goal weight.
The journey I started over 4 years ago is never ending. I would say that is the thought (or concept) that has sustained me. Being able to realize that this is not a means to an end. This is a way of dealing with my weaknesses on a day to day basis. Using my strengths to outweigh (not over come) my weaknesses and diminish there effects. My behavior change has truly been the accomplishment that has made the difference. Catching that “Aha” moment and holding on to it as my foundation to keep my motivation.
Thanks Roni for doing this. At least once a month you make me think and that is a great thing.
Oh and by the way, I completed my first (of many to come) half marathon in May. Now I just need to find another race to focus in on. I am figuring a 10k in August before I find a half marathon in the fall to complete.
I am a runner with asthma! I am slow, but I go:)
I’ve got a couple:
After smoking for 14 yrs., I’ve been a non-smoker for nearly five.
Sunday, I ran (OK, mostly slowly jogged) 11+ miles and walked 3+ miles. And it was fun. And I am a life-long “non-athlete”. So, that is just awesome–I feel like a rock star!
Hi Roni,
I also considered myself a nonrunner….until this year! I started the C25K program and ran my first 5k on June 11, 2010. My time was 36:37, but I was just happy to finish :) I plan to run another 5k in September….it is a proud feeling to cross that finish line! This is a small accomplishment to some, but it was my “impossible”
It’s not very often that I ever even tell myself I can’t do something because I truly believe that I can if I really want to. I ran my first 5k (and many since) wondering what I was getting into, but I never doubted that I could do it. Even though I’m afraid of heights I told myself I could rock climb – and I did. And so on… there is no such thing as impossible!
Hi roni
I’m 47 years old and have been dealthy afraid of water for as long as I can remember. I often joke that I must have drowned in a previous life thus my phobia to water.
Well, last week, I learned to swim the width of the pool under water. I started out with sticking my head in the water, holding my breath, to pushing and 2 hours later, I was swimming the short of the pool. This is huge and a major accomplishment in my life. Those who know me know what a big deal this is.
So yea, I can swim not great but I’m getting there and I never thought I’d look forward to the pool as much as I do now. I must credit the blogging community i.e., midlifeswimmer, finding radiance and TJ’s Test Kitchen for inspiring me to learn how to swim.
oh, and on July3rd, I completed my 3rd 5k. My time is not the best and I have steel plated knee cap so even though I finished in 45 minutes, I’m still amazed that I can jog at all let alone finish a race.
and, I hiked 11 miles in the national forest and did it in 3.5 hours. Shaved 2 hours of my initial hike. I’m training now to climb a mountain. Never thought I’d be this active at this age. Okay, nuf said.
In high school I was diagnosed with PCOS, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. One of the problems that many PCOS patients suffer is weight gain. Slowly I began to gain weight right after high school. I got married and the weight kept coming. I was finally over 100 pounds over weight! I tried every diet imaginable! I even joined LA Weight Loss only to stick it out for 1 week. I felt like a complete failure!!
One of the other problems with PCOS is it can cause infertility! My doctors told me that in order for me to have a baby I must first try to loose some weight. I had battled the weight loss for so long never getting anywhere. I finally told myself that I would not even begin to try for a baby until I had lost the weight. Having a baby became my motivation! I decided I would try one last program which was Weight Watchers. I became seriouse about it and in about a year and a half I was able to loose 102 lbs!!! I made my goal and became a life time member in 2008. We immediatly began trying for a baby! In April of 2009 I found out I was pregnant!! I delivered healthy, full term TWIN girls Dec 30th 2009!!!
I never thought it would be possible to loose the weight and I had almost given up my dream of every becoming a mom. I stayed the course through it all and my life has been forever changed!!!
Although my accomplishments don’t involve fitness or weight loss (still struggling daily on those fronts, but working on it), I am proud to say I have returned to college. To a 35 year old mother of three kids (11, 7 and 4) who has a husband with a crazy work schedule (he’s a firefighter), I never thought my goal of becoming a Registered Psych Nurse would ever truly be a possibility. I am pleased to say that I finished my first year with honors and can’t wait to get back to school in the Fall!
Too bad I can’t type, and didn’t spell my own name right!! lol
My mother was fat, my father was worried about being fat, and I was told I was “chubby”. The first time I remember the number after stepping on the scale was when I was in seventh grade, and weighed in a little over 210 pounds. After the Freshman Fifteen years later, my highest weight was 226.4 pounds, and I felt destined to be fat my entire life.
I had never shopped at “normal” clothing stores, and had never felt beautiful. I wore baggy clothes and didn’t try to be fashionable. I was too fat.
After my college graduation, fresh from a lifetime of projects and schooling, I realized that there is nothing that I can’t conquer if I don’t put my mind to it. I began my journey there, at my highest weight and size 22.
Two years later, and I am still on my journey. It’s not all ups or all downs, but a path that gives and takes. I am a size 12 and can shop at all those cute boutiques that I thought were reserved for thinner, more deserving, more beautiful people.
I look back now and see that fashion is harder at a larger size, but not impossible. That fat is not ugly. That I was beautiful then too. But I didn’t feel beautiful, and I didn’t fit the clothes at the places my friends shopped. It feels amazing to walk into Macy’s, but sometimes I still miss Lane Bryant.
I thought it was impossible to lose 100 pounds. But I did it in 16 months and I’ve kept it off for two years!
I ran a half marathon. When I started running, I could barely run a tenth of the mile before needing to take a walk break. Eventually I signed up for a half marathon, and I did it! After I crossed the finish line, I met up with my family, and my dad said he couldn’t believe how big the grin on my face was as I crossed it. I’ve gone on to run 4 more halfs and knock some 25 minutes off of my time and now I’m running the Chicago Marathon in October. Even though a marathon is that much harder, I don’t think I’ll still be as proud as I was when I finished the first half marathon.
I went to a small private high school. All of my friends were in athletics and very in shape. I was one of a few that really didn’t fit that mold. I thought I never could. But, honestly, after seeing you run…. I thought why not?! I started slowly running, and after a year and a half, I did my first 1/2 marathon. I never thought that was possible! Now I have signed up for my second 1/2 marathon. Now, instead of finishing, I want to finish in a specific time.