This week's topic is turning points, what led you to yours, what was your trigger, and who helped you get there.
I could talk about my medications, how I was taking 7 every single day just to get through the day. How when I walked up the stairs in my house I was winded. How I snored so loudly at night that it was embarrassing. Or about how I was only able to shop in plus sized departments and or stores like Lane Bryant.
Honestly, I was morbidly obese BUT all of those things did not push me to get healthy, it was almost as if I had settled into being fat and just accepted it as my fate. I was going to be big and it was my 'body type' my crappy 'genetics' I had a million excuses. And then it happened.
I got pregnant... The Obgyn's are not nice to obese pregnant women. Well at least that was my experience. I had a hard time, but that is for another day.... It hit me when that tiny baby was put in my care.
She was relying on me, I was setting the example. Even if I worked so hard and made her food and fed her super healthy, she would watch me eating crap and soon start asking for it too. I wanted to set a better example for her. I sunk into a depression after she came, it was hard. When she was 6 months old I began doing research for a paper and saw horrifying statistics. If a child's parent is obese they have a 50% chance of being obese, if both parents are obese a child has an 80% chance of being obese (AACAP).... I did not want to give my daughter a 50% chance to be unhealty and miserable like I was. So when she was 6 and a half months old I made a choice.
I chose to join Weight Watchers and attempt to lose weight.I began losing weight and feeling better, and then I made some discoveries. I found out that I actually liked working out. I started to do more and more of it and then a funnier thing happened. I started jogging, and after some time I started liking it! I signed up for a 5K and thought, well what is the worst thing that can happen?
I loved it. In fact I signed up for another one. And then I decided I would attempt a half marathon... And I liked that so much I did 4 more this year ;)
Do you see those smiles?
I work now to earn her smiles and post race banans ;) those are her fave! I will run one more half marathon on Sunday making it 6 this year. And then I will go to Philly with my family by my side cheering as I run my first full marathon on November 20.
The best part of this? My daughter went from having a 50% chance to zero of being obese because she now has 2 healthy parents who are active. For me there is no greater reward then this :)
What was your turning point in your journey?
13 comments:
Beautiful journey and little girl!
SO glad you posted this today!! I'm just getting to "know" you on twitter and from your blog and am stunned by your journey. Seriously. I love the end of this particular post - that you are setting such a beautiful and fit example for your family. Rock on sista!!
So glad that you are sharing your journey w/ us. I'm new to you and it's been so wonderful to read about your training and healthy journey.
13.1 is so addictive!!!
My new mantra for tough runs or rides is Colleen ran 29 miles in the yuck so I can do it, too!
I just found your BLOG & I Love it! It's very inspirational as a friend has talked me into trying to train for a 10+ mile run later in the summer of 2012. I have done several 5K & one 7K - but running is not my passion- working out is- so Goodluck on the 20th & thanks for all the posts!
Awesome post. My turning point was also having my girls. Everything I do is for my kids. They now want to run and it makes me so happy that I am a good influence on them.
Your story is so inspiring Colleen, thanks for sharing! Good luck this weekend!
Thank you for sharing your story. Your 29 miles in the snow helped me push through when I felt really sick (ok I was actually gagging) from pushing my pace. I thought about walking back but remembered your fall and kept going. It's such a great feeling when you are done. I know I'll think back to how you got through as I'm running my first 10k tomorrow, and I'm gonna kick butt so thank you! :)
Thanks so much for sharing your journey!
It gives me so much motivation to move forward and accomplish my goals!
Good Luck on your marathon, I know you will do amazing!!!
Colleen
I thought I'd found it (my turning point) recently as I had some success with a weight loss program and thought my 'head' was finally in the game. But have been a bit wayward lately so guess it isn't so.
So... am still waiting - though time IS getting away from me.
xx
this totally made me smile large. so happy for you!!
That's great Colleen! Mine was similar. About a year after my first was born and I realized if I wanted my children to eat healthy then I needed to lead by example. He wanted to eat anything he saw me eating & I could not deny him a piece of cookie if he saw me eating it just because I thought it was unhealthy for him. He wouldn't understand why mommy could have it and not him. So, I need to show them how to eat healthy by doing it myself. Plus, it is so rewarding when you see your child want a piece of broccoli because they see you eating it! ;)
you are so flipping inspiring.
What a wonderful story that I hope motivates other parents out there to set good examples for their children by leading fit and healthy lives! I hope to do the same for my future children as you have done for yours!
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