So I have decided big changes are coming to this blog! I have found that there isn't a lot of blogs out there from the perspective of a bariatric patient training for races. That being said, I want to start one as a way to show that yes it can be done!
Stay tuned it is going to be a fun ride!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Monday, October 15, 2012
Saying Goodbye and Hello
I know it has been a while! I even missed my 6th month post. Everything is better then great. I will update on those things (like numbers) another day.
For a awhile I have been struggling with who I am. I am not the girl in my pre-op picture anymore, but I don't know who this girl is now. I do not ever remember being this small. Like, ever. I see myself, and don't believe this is me. I train and don't believe I am able to do the things I am doing now. I beat the girls running up the steps to dance class. I mean come on!
Today, new Megan decieded she was done waiting for me to get it together and came shining through. She has made me look at old Megan and realize I am really not that girl anymore. In the matter of 45 minutes I said goodbye and hello to myself.
Weight loss surgery, and weight loss in general is like taking a ride on the crazy train. Day to day, minute to minute things change. Last week I posted on Facebook that I had ran my longest interval to date. I ran 0.5 miles without stopping. I was ecstatic! Smiled all day. The next day I ran 0.6 before seeing the trainer. Bigger smiles. Saturday I went to 5K training and again I was able to bust out 0.5 intervals. Huge smiles to put practice to paper.
Today, well today it was very different. I ran 2 miles. 2 FREAKING miles! Straight! No breaks. I have never ran a mile in my LIFE. So to hit that and keep going is just huge for me. I started running at 0.3 on the treadmill and didn't stop till I hit 2.3. I cried when I hit it. When I went to stretch out I was still choking it back. I cannot believe how far I have come. I got really choked up when I got home and was posting on Facebook. Charlotte suggested I get a new charm for my bracelet. LOL She is such a smart girl!
This is so important for more then the obvious. I weighed in this morning, and that damn scale didn't move. After all I have been doing, nothing. I made a choice that the number was not going to define me. I pushed myself to prove to the scale (and me) that I define me. That run this morning defines me now. Not that damn number.
I feel like I have finally let go of the fat girl that has been with me all of my life. I am Megan, a mother, wife and an athlete. I am going to continue to push myself. No one can take this away from me. I am running the Color Run 5K this weekend, and I fully plan to run the Princess Half Marathon in Disney 2014.
For a awhile I have been struggling with who I am. I am not the girl in my pre-op picture anymore, but I don't know who this girl is now. I do not ever remember being this small. Like, ever. I see myself, and don't believe this is me. I train and don't believe I am able to do the things I am doing now. I beat the girls running up the steps to dance class. I mean come on!
Today, new Megan decieded she was done waiting for me to get it together and came shining through. She has made me look at old Megan and realize I am really not that girl anymore. In the matter of 45 minutes I said goodbye and hello to myself.
Weight loss surgery, and weight loss in general is like taking a ride on the crazy train. Day to day, minute to minute things change. Last week I posted on Facebook that I had ran my longest interval to date. I ran 0.5 miles without stopping. I was ecstatic! Smiled all day. The next day I ran 0.6 before seeing the trainer. Bigger smiles. Saturday I went to 5K training and again I was able to bust out 0.5 intervals. Huge smiles to put practice to paper.
Today, well today it was very different. I ran 2 miles. 2 FREAKING miles! Straight! No breaks. I have never ran a mile in my LIFE. So to hit that and keep going is just huge for me. I started running at 0.3 on the treadmill and didn't stop till I hit 2.3. I cried when I hit it. When I went to stretch out I was still choking it back. I cannot believe how far I have come. I got really choked up when I got home and was posting on Facebook. Charlotte suggested I get a new charm for my bracelet. LOL She is such a smart girl!
This is so important for more then the obvious. I weighed in this morning, and that damn scale didn't move. After all I have been doing, nothing. I made a choice that the number was not going to define me. I pushed myself to prove to the scale (and me) that I define me. That run this morning defines me now. Not that damn number.
I feel like I have finally let go of the fat girl that has been with me all of my life. I am Megan, a mother, wife and an athlete. I am going to continue to push myself. No one can take this away from me. I am running the Color Run 5K this weekend, and I fully plan to run the Princess Half Marathon in Disney 2014.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
On My Own
I become quite thinkative on the treadmill. Normally it is my inner voice saying 'only a little more' or 'you got this' or 'no, your not going to die keep going!' . Today it was a little deeper then that, an epiphany of sorts. It was all started by 3 little words... On My Own.
Now, the person who used these words (I hope) wasn't saying it to be insulting. But they stung a little all the same. People who haven't had RNY or live with a person who has had RNY honestly doesn't get it. Some (not all by any means) people think that I took the easy way out by having it done. Or that this is instant bullet, or that by loosing weight 'on your own' you have somehow worked harder for your better health.
All of the above is completely false. Yes, it is true that right now I only am able to consume about 800 calories a day. Because of this and the shock of surgery to my body the first 30 or so pounds did come off pretty quick. However, when you are someone like me who has upwards of over 200 lbs to loose, 30 is a drop in the bucket.
RNY for me is a tool, I can work it however I see fit. It can work for me or I can abuse it. It is up to me. There are ways around the bypass to eat if you really want to. People regain their weight ALL of the time. It is easy to fall into bad habits. Right now at almost 6 months out, I am a rule follower. Period. I don't push the limits of what is ok or not. Will I over time? Probably, if I am being honest.
Yes, I have had RNY and this is the one and only tool that has ever worked for me. I need to be manually restricted. My tool is no different then people who use Weight Watchers, Medifast, Detrox Diets, or just follow a healthier lifestyle. They are ALL tools. You can follow the plan, and it can work for you, or you can abuse it. It is still all up to you.
My RNY doesn't make me woggle (run/jog) 5K's once a week. It doesn't drag my ass to the gym on days that I do not want to go. It doesn't make me put healthy food in my body. It doesn't make me look forward to literally whipping my butt at the gym. It doesn't understand the look my in husband's eyes when I sleep in one of his t-shirts. It doesn't understand the feeling of stepping off that treadmill after beating you own time.
Sure there are things that my RNY does do for me. But, at the end of the day it is me and my pure determination to become healthy. So far I have lost 127 lbs. On. My. Own.
Now, the person who used these words (I hope) wasn't saying it to be insulting. But they stung a little all the same. People who haven't had RNY or live with a person who has had RNY honestly doesn't get it. Some (not all by any means) people think that I took the easy way out by having it done. Or that this is instant bullet, or that by loosing weight 'on your own' you have somehow worked harder for your better health.
All of the above is completely false. Yes, it is true that right now I only am able to consume about 800 calories a day. Because of this and the shock of surgery to my body the first 30 or so pounds did come off pretty quick. However, when you are someone like me who has upwards of over 200 lbs to loose, 30 is a drop in the bucket.
RNY for me is a tool, I can work it however I see fit. It can work for me or I can abuse it. It is up to me. There are ways around the bypass to eat if you really want to. People regain their weight ALL of the time. It is easy to fall into bad habits. Right now at almost 6 months out, I am a rule follower. Period. I don't push the limits of what is ok or not. Will I over time? Probably, if I am being honest.
Yes, I have had RNY and this is the one and only tool that has ever worked for me. I need to be manually restricted. My tool is no different then people who use Weight Watchers, Medifast, Detrox Diets, or just follow a healthier lifestyle. They are ALL tools. You can follow the plan, and it can work for you, or you can abuse it. It is still all up to you.
My RNY doesn't make me woggle (run/jog) 5K's once a week. It doesn't drag my ass to the gym on days that I do not want to go. It doesn't make me put healthy food in my body. It doesn't make me look forward to literally whipping my butt at the gym. It doesn't understand the look my in husband's eyes when I sleep in one of his t-shirts. It doesn't understand the feeling of stepping off that treadmill after beating you own time.
Sure there are things that my RNY does do for me. But, at the end of the day it is me and my pure determination to become healthy. So far I have lost 127 lbs. On. My. Own.
Friday, August 3, 2012
The Next Step
I don't know if I mentioned in my last post that I was going to have another free session with a trainer at the gym. Well I did yesterday. It is one big sales pitch, and I knew that going into it. Chris and I had chatted about what we could afford and not. I had kept up (mostly) my end by getting to the gym as much as possible. Summer has been hard, but I have made adjustments and now back on track. I have been in the gym since 7 weeks out from surgery. I love it. I really really do. My workouts are getting too easy though. Chris understood all of this.
So I listen to the whole presentation. I know that I have lost 120 roughly, and I have about another 120 to go. Yeah for being half way there! Trainer Dan was trying to push the whole 2 more years to get there. Uh no Bud. My weight loss is accelerated because of the bypass. Here is the big BUT to that statement... I spun my wheels the weeks I didn't make it to the gym on a regular basis. Now that I have restarted I am whizzing along. Bottom line the, bypass only does so much. It is just a tool. I work my butt off to move that scale. Again, BUT I fully expect to be pretty damn close to goal by February. Not two years from now.
He whooped my butt to show me what they could do for me. It was 5 minutes long. I am sore when I stand today! As sick as this sounds I love it! After that we start going through the particulars of the contract. It sounds great to me. A little higher then we were thinking monthly, but totally worth it for what I am getting. Until I read fine print... these people wanted a large down payment for the two years. Very large. I could see Chris' head exploding. I start to back pedal and tell him that I must have misunderstood something along the way but there was NO way I could pay that. Long story short, I got it worked out to lessen the months of the contract to 12 months and cut the down payment by more then half. They even let me post date when they would charge my account. I have about 2 more weeks to go till I start training. But in the meantime I can still get my gym time in every other day.
I feel bad about spending money on something like this for myself. I am trying to see it as more of an investment into my health. I mean I rearranged my guts for goodness sake! I made that commitment 5 months ago. It's like a marriage, I am in it for the long haul. This is the right next step for me.
So I listen to the whole presentation. I know that I have lost 120 roughly, and I have about another 120 to go. Yeah for being half way there! Trainer Dan was trying to push the whole 2 more years to get there. Uh no Bud. My weight loss is accelerated because of the bypass. Here is the big BUT to that statement... I spun my wheels the weeks I didn't make it to the gym on a regular basis. Now that I have restarted I am whizzing along. Bottom line the, bypass only does so much. It is just a tool. I work my butt off to move that scale. Again, BUT I fully expect to be pretty damn close to goal by February. Not two years from now.
He whooped my butt to show me what they could do for me. It was 5 minutes long. I am sore when I stand today! As sick as this sounds I love it! After that we start going through the particulars of the contract. It sounds great to me. A little higher then we were thinking monthly, but totally worth it for what I am getting. Until I read fine print... these people wanted a large down payment for the two years. Very large. I could see Chris' head exploding. I start to back pedal and tell him that I must have misunderstood something along the way but there was NO way I could pay that. Long story short, I got it worked out to lessen the months of the contract to 12 months and cut the down payment by more then half. They even let me post date when they would charge my account. I have about 2 more weeks to go till I start training. But in the meantime I can still get my gym time in every other day.
I feel bad about spending money on something like this for myself. I am trying to see it as more of an investment into my health. I mean I rearranged my guts for goodness sake! I made that commitment 5 months ago. It's like a marriage, I am in it for the long haul. This is the right next step for me.
Monday, July 30, 2012
5 Months and Feeling Fine
Updated numbers...
Down from highest recorded: 119
Down from surgery: 87
So, it has been five months now. These past two months I have slowed down loosing. I think mostly because with it being the summer it has been harder for me to get into the gym. I thought it was going to be easier with no school. But that just hasn't been the case. So that is a bummer. I did start back this past week going on a more regular schedule and have already seen results on the scale. My goal is to lose at least 13 more before my 6 month appointment next month. I have time to get it going again. Just please pray no more illness in our house for a LONG time!
I do have some NSV (non-scale victories) to share. This past weekend I finally broke down and bought a belt, two actually. I needed them badly. I am loosing my shorts everyday by the afternoon. I also (well Chris did) found on clearance a cable knit sweater with a zipper. The big deal about this is that it is first clothing piece I have bought as an adult the was (although still in plus sizing) a 0X. No number in front of it! At my heaviest I wore a 5X in plus sizes. I sleep in those shirts now!
My top is way smaller then my bottoms right now. For clothes I am down (if you count every number) I am now down 20 sizes on the top and 12 on the bottom. That is crazy to me!
As far as what is coming up, I am meeting a personal trainer tomorrow. Another free session, gotta love that! I am going to start following the 5K training program again. I was literally melting when I was doing that. I have learned a lot over these past months about recovery time, and what my body needs. I am my own personal science project now! Chris and I are going to take pics soon. I can't wait to see my parents this week. They haven't seen me since early June.
Down from highest recorded: 119
Down from surgery: 87
So, it has been five months now. These past two months I have slowed down loosing. I think mostly because with it being the summer it has been harder for me to get into the gym. I thought it was going to be easier with no school. But that just hasn't been the case. So that is a bummer. I did start back this past week going on a more regular schedule and have already seen results on the scale. My goal is to lose at least 13 more before my 6 month appointment next month. I have time to get it going again. Just please pray no more illness in our house for a LONG time!
I do have some NSV (non-scale victories) to share. This past weekend I finally broke down and bought a belt, two actually. I needed them badly. I am loosing my shorts everyday by the afternoon. I also (well Chris did) found on clearance a cable knit sweater with a zipper. The big deal about this is that it is first clothing piece I have bought as an adult the was (although still in plus sizing) a 0X. No number in front of it! At my heaviest I wore a 5X in plus sizes. I sleep in those shirts now!
My top is way smaller then my bottoms right now. For clothes I am down (if you count every number) I am now down 20 sizes on the top and 12 on the bottom. That is crazy to me!
As far as what is coming up, I am meeting a personal trainer tomorrow. Another free session, gotta love that! I am going to start following the 5K training program again. I was literally melting when I was doing that. I have learned a lot over these past months about recovery time, and what my body needs. I am my own personal science project now! Chris and I are going to take pics soon. I can't wait to see my parents this week. They haven't seen me since early June.
Monday, June 18, 2012
5K Wrap Up
I can't believe that I haven't taken a moment to write about the 5k... I like to blog in quite, and normally would take a minute when both girls were in school. Those moments are gone, for now!
It was a really awesome day! I was surprised to see how nervous I really was by the time it was to get started. Kim came to walk with me, her support was awesome! The only thing I wanted was to NOT be last. That was it.
I thought there would be more walkers, but there were only a handful. It was pretty easy to tell that I was the shortest one out from surgery, and honestly I was still the largest. I just let that go once I got started and focused on what I have been training to do. Complete it.
Chris had all the girls (Lily H, Charlotte, and Lily G) at the pavilion making signs for us! It was so cute! They were our own cheering squad! They cheered everyone on as the walked/ran by. On our last lap the girls came with us. Chris followed behind. The Lily's made it, Charlotte pooped out after the incline. She and Chris made a cut through the middle!
Towards the the very last turn, I made my move to not be last and I passed the only person in front of me. Lily and I crossed the line together! Kim sat with the girls while I walked it off with to catch my breath. I did get choked up when I hugged Chris. I was so proud of myself. I have come so far in this journey. I know I still have a ways to go, no doubt, but I am gonna get there.
We all got certificates and goodie bags. My time was 59:53. I am proud of that considering at the start of this I could barely do one lap. 1 year ago, there would have been no way I could have done it at all.
They are continuing the running/walking club through the summer. They are also running another couch to 5K in the fall. I will be running this. No doubt. I also plan to run the color run in Oct!
It was a really awesome day! I was surprised to see how nervous I really was by the time it was to get started. Kim came to walk with me, her support was awesome! The only thing I wanted was to NOT be last. That was it.
I thought there would be more walkers, but there were only a handful. It was pretty easy to tell that I was the shortest one out from surgery, and honestly I was still the largest. I just let that go once I got started and focused on what I have been training to do. Complete it.
Chris had all the girls (Lily H, Charlotte, and Lily G) at the pavilion making signs for us! It was so cute! They were our own cheering squad! They cheered everyone on as the walked/ran by. On our last lap the girls came with us. Chris followed behind. The Lily's made it, Charlotte pooped out after the incline. She and Chris made a cut through the middle!
Towards the the very last turn, I made my move to not be last and I passed the only person in front of me. Lily and I crossed the line together! Kim sat with the girls while I walked it off with to catch my breath. I did get choked up when I hugged Chris. I was so proud of myself. I have come so far in this journey. I know I still have a ways to go, no doubt, but I am gonna get there.
We all got certificates and goodie bags. My time was 59:53. I am proud of that considering at the start of this I could barely do one lap. 1 year ago, there would have been no way I could have done it at all.
They are continuing the running/walking club through the summer. They are also running another couch to 5K in the fall. I will be running this. No doubt. I also plan to run the color run in Oct!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Full Of Life
That has been the atmosphere around here this past month! We have been so very busy. Ok lets get down to business first.
14 weeks out
Total from all time highest: 97
Total from surgery : 65
Things are really starting to change. I am able to see the weight loss better then ever before. I have been training HARD for the 5K that is this weekend! So excited. Still wish I could run/jog it. But I know how far I have come from even 7 weeks ago when I first stepped foot on the track. I barely made it once around. To complete the 5K it is a total of 4 trip around the 0.8mi loop. I have completed it once on the track 3 times in the gym on the treadmill. I am so much more stronger then I ever thought I would be. I know running will come. My surgeons office is toying with the idea of doing it again the fall. I am also signed up for the Color Run in DC in October. Looking forward to doing that with two awesome ladies and our kidlets! I am really going to work in getting myself there to jog the whole thing.
I did start jogging a little, but my body needs to get about another 50 lbs off first. I will get there.
Chris and I have talked more about the 1/2 marathon. Instead of the 2013 one I am going to shoot for 2014. I really to get my belly fixed ASAP after I get to a good weight. I would rather train to run it after I get it completely fixed.
This summer is looking promising for myself and the girls! I have energy and desire to play and be active. The next few days I am going to work on setting up a schedule for us, so that I make it to the gym at least 3 days a week and the other two we do something active.
Will write more on Saturday after I complete my very first 5K race!
14 weeks out
Total from all time highest: 97
Total from surgery : 65
Things are really starting to change. I am able to see the weight loss better then ever before. I have been training HARD for the 5K that is this weekend! So excited. Still wish I could run/jog it. But I know how far I have come from even 7 weeks ago when I first stepped foot on the track. I barely made it once around. To complete the 5K it is a total of 4 trip around the 0.8mi loop. I have completed it once on the track 3 times in the gym on the treadmill. I am so much more stronger then I ever thought I would be. I know running will come. My surgeons office is toying with the idea of doing it again the fall. I am also signed up for the Color Run in DC in October. Looking forward to doing that with two awesome ladies and our kidlets! I am really going to work in getting myself there to jog the whole thing.
I did start jogging a little, but my body needs to get about another 50 lbs off first. I will get there.
Chris and I have talked more about the 1/2 marathon. Instead of the 2013 one I am going to shoot for 2014. I really to get my belly fixed ASAP after I get to a good weight. I would rather train to run it after I get it completely fixed.
This summer is looking promising for myself and the girls! I have energy and desire to play and be active. The next few days I am going to work on setting up a schedule for us, so that I make it to the gym at least 3 days a week and the other two we do something active.
Will write more on Saturday after I complete my very first 5K race!
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