My weight loss journey began in September 2009. I was unhealthy, unhappy and 246 lbs. I needed a change. I started eating healthy and exercising daily. In one year, I lost 90 lbs, ran a 5k, got married, ran a 10k and finally a half marathon. Exactly two years after my weight loss journey started, I ran my first marathon. I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m excited to keep meeting and then exceeding my own expectations…

Christmas 2006. This is one of the few pictures I have at this weight. I gained another 30 lbs over the next three years.

Summer 2008. Camping in the Boundary Waters. I purposely held the book over my double chin!

New Year’s Eve 2010. Four months into my weight loss and about 40 lbs down. I bought my dress from H&M. It was the first time I shopped in a non-big girl store in ten years.

March 2010. My first race ever! A St Patrick’s Day 5k. I was petrified that I wouldn’t finish. I surprised myself by running the whole thing. This was the day my passion for running was born. The day I realized I was capable of so much more.

April 2010. Thirty pounds from my goal weight, I finally consented to having our engagement photos taken.

May 2010. My first 4 mile race. I still hadn’t discovered wicking fabrics or polarized running glasses. I had started tracking my workouts with a Nike Sportsband.

June 2010. Grand Marais, Minnesota. 60-70 lbs gone and 100% more confident than the last trip up north.

September 2010. I got married. 6 lbs from my first goal weight!

September 2010. I wore a bikini for the first time in 14 years on our honeymoon.

October 2010. My first 10k. I was so nervous. I ran too conservatively and crossed the finish line without emptying the tank. I realized I could push myself so much harder.

October 2010. I ran my first half marathon. I wept out of pure joy and amazement when I crossed that finish line. 

January 2011. New Year’s Eve. 90lbs gone. The previous New Year I was in a size 16. This year I was in a size 8 and could finally wear leather boots that zip. They never fit before.

March 2011. Learning how to maintain. I never thought it would be so difficult. It’s a challenge every day.

October 2011. Fast forward through half a year of racing and maintaining my weight. I completed my first marathon. I cannot describe the feelings I had as I crossed the finish line. I could not help but reflect upon how far I had come and how far I still have to go. It has been quite the journey.