I came across this very inspiring video of 500 amazing before and after weight loss pictures on YouTube the other day and I thought that I would share it with you. None of the people featured thought that they could lose the weight, but guess what? They did it!
I’m sure for many of them getting started wasn’t easy. Going for that first deliberate walk, putting on an exercise video, joining a sports team or stepping into a gym was probably very very intimidating. I can relate.
As many of you know, I started back running this past January. Amber, my third daughter was only 2 mos old and I wanted to lose a little bit of weight and to improve my posture:
January 13, 2011 - 2 months post-partum
I wanted to lose all the extra weight that I had been carrying around since my first daughter, Sierra was born 5.5 years prior. That very first jog was awful. Everything hurt and sucking wind after only jogging to the end of my driveway was demoralizing. But two times a week I motivated myself to do the Nike Training Club iPhone app in the comfort and safety of my living room. Four times a week I motivated myself to keep jogging, going further and further each and every run. Yeah – even though I *used to be* a runner, it was tough. In some ways it was tougher because 10 yrs prior I was able to run 20 miles on a Sunday morning without even thinking about it. It hurt to see how unfit I had become. There were many days when I had to motivate myself. No one else would do it for me. On those days I said to myself, “Janice, you can have fitness, or excuses, which do you choose today?”. By May I was able to push myself to run a half marathon:
I DID IT!
By October I ran the second fastest half marathon of my life:
excuse the shitty self-portrait- this is what happens when the only other photogaphers of yourself is a 4 yo or a 6 yo....
I now weigh 25lbs LESS than I did BEFORE I got pregnant with Amber. I’ve lost 35lbs this year:
November 29, 2011
I want you all to know that every weight loss success story doesn’t start easily. No matter where you start it’s hard. Sweating, sucking wind, and aching… It’s not fun. But determination and will power does pay off. I know, because I did it, and you can too!
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Awesome job, congrats on the weight loss! I’ve been trying to lose some too. http://www.realpeopleloseweight.com has some interesting info too.
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I didn’t watch the video but I LOVED LOVED LOVED your before and after pictures!! That’s so great and inspirational!!
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Thanks Paula!
Way to go Janice!
Thanks Julie! Now comes the hard part… maintenance! Eeek!
What a great success story! Congratulations! I ironically lost the most weight after my first son was born. After my 3rd it is tougher & I am struggling to lose the last bit again but I will eventually. Just have a lot of stress and emotional issues yo deal with. But I’ve done it before so I know I can again!
Great job Jeannie! I would love for you to do a guest post about how you did it, your motivation etc.
You are amazing!! So inspiring!! Thank you, Janice, for being living proof that WE CAN DO THIS!
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Yes! That’s exactly why I included the video – not only did *I* do it, but many other people have, and you can too!
WOOT! SOOO inspiring. I loved the slide show, and love your own story. Yahoo!
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Thanks Susan!
I have seen this video before! Very inspiring!
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