WEIGHT LOSS STORY

me (left) in Australia during my junior year of college, July '09

Growing up, I didn't have to watch my weight.  I was a flamingo-legged (people told me I would appreciate this when I was older), flat chested, stick until about 9th or 10th grade.  Then puberty hit, I got some lady lumps, and my stick-like figured filled out.

Insert college days: eating out + drinking + not exercising + growing up not really worrying about my weight = a big problem.

By the time my junior year rolled around and I finished studying abroad, I was 20 lbs heavier than my high school days.  Towering at 5'9", it's often difficult to tell when I gain or lose weight (+/- 5 lbs) but I remember looking at this <------- exact photo and thinking to myself, 'wow.'

My fears were confirmed when I arrived home and a few of my family members made comments about how much I must have enjoyed my time in Australia.  I was up to a size 8 and that was fitting a little tight.

Venice, Italy August '10

A year later of hard work, eating right and exercising regularly brought me back down 15ish lbs.  I was a size 6 and felt 10x more confident in my body.

Then, I studied abroad my last semester of college, gained a little weight back, but also finished running my first 5K.  It sparked an interest in racing and a passion for running that helped propel my quest for a healthier lifestyle.

When I returned to the States and moved to Washington DC in February 2011 to start my full time job, I made a commitment to myself to start eating better, exercising regularly and keeping my weight on track for the rest of my life.  No more ups and downs!  To reach that goal, I:

Became a vegetarian.

Started running on a regular basis.

Joined a gym.

And finally, trained for my first half-marathon.

Widrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon, October '11, 1:54 (PR!)

Here I am today, 6 months later, training for my first MARATHON (Pittsburgh, May 6, 2012) at a comfortable weight of 145lbs.  I've moved down to a size 4 as I've focused on toning, keeping my sugar intake low, and transforming my body into the strongest it can be.

Originally taken to show off my crazy color scheme, April '12

I still have a ways to go, but I'm enjoying the journey.  It's given me the opportunity to work towards a goal, try new sports (spinning, yoga!, etc) and most importantly, develop life-long, healthy habits.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you'll continue to follow my journey :)

XO,

Wild Rice