Saturday, June 12, 2010

So it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything health related, eh? My journey hasn't halted, but I just neglected to write about it on here.

When I began, I intended to lose 61 lbs., get healthy and strong, and gradually implement changes that would affect my family in a positive way as well. I also knew that I needed goals outside of just seeing numbers going down on the scale, though. So, I challenged myself to get certified to teach group fitness classes, run a 1/2 marathon, lift more weights, run faster, do more pushups (or atleast one...ha!), etc. Having a wide variety of goals helped to remind me that it was about the big picture rather than just about being skinnier, ya know?

So, where am I now? Well, in terms of numbers I've lost 40 lbs., I can actually do several pushups, I'm challenging myself to run faster for longer, etc. I'm also back to investigating more about nutrition...what things are better to buy organically (i.e. that are cleaner), what additional healthy changes I can make by removing certain food and adding in others, etc. I'm teaching aqua aerobics now, and love it. I look forward to teaching other classes in the near future too. I'm in a boot camp style group training, just trying to spice it up a bit and trick my body into pushing itself past what's comfortable and expected.

Having said all that, I thought it might be fun to you to see a picture from when I started....when I was at my heaviest (and saddest, I might add), and then a current one of me in process. It pains me to look at the "before" picture. Why did no one tell me I looked like someone had inflated me to be a balloon in the Macy's Day parade? Ugh! I just can't believe it. Anyway, here goes...


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5 comments:

Heather said...

you are beautiful my friend!!!

Melanie said...

Oh Karen! When I look at that first picture, I see a family smiling amid heartbreak. Tears are coming even as I type this! Then, when I look at you, I can see what you were trying to tell me a year ago - about your weight - but of course at that time I never would have had the "eyes" to see that you had gained! Does that make sense? Anyway, you look amazing now, more so because I know that your weight loss and overall health goals are a result of crazy hardwork, focus, and a deep respect and care of the wonder of God's creation that you are!!! I love you and am so very proud of you - sorry for the longest comment EVER!

Erin said...

First of all...amen to what Melanie said. Tears..and the same things aobut "eyes" to see. I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU, friend!!! So proud! you look AMAZING! LOVE You!

Anonymous said...

I 100% understand your "why didn't anyone tell me???". I've wondered the same thing.
But I think it just prooves how much people love you that they probably didn't even see it.
YOU are beautiful no matter what outside size!

Cori Hasty said...

You look fantastic! And might I add that the picture at the top of your blog is spectacular!!!!!!!!!