Friday, December 3, 2010

Fat A$$ Friday!! From there to here

Several people who know me now but did not know me during my "fat years" have a hard time believing that I was really as fat as I say I was. To those of you (and you know who you are) here it is. Proof in pictures. Yes, I really was more than 100lbs heavier than I am today. Yes, sadly it is all too true.

A big plate of chicken wings must be in my peripheral.
 So, when I was at my parents house a couple weeks ago and my Dad wanted to show me some pictures from not so long ago--pictures from my Fat Days-I could not wait to check them out.

I used to hide from the camera because when I would see the pictures, I would not recognize the woman I had become. I had never struggled with my weight and to be walking around at this size was foreign to me.

What I saw in my head did not match the person I saw in the mirror or in pictures.

Now when I look back at those pictures it is a bit of mixed emotion for me. On one hand, I am proud of myself for finally saying "enough is enough" and making the decision to take control of my life. On the other hand, I am saddened to know that at one time, I was in a very different place.

I don't know what's worse: the double chin or the double belly roll

oh.my.  Back fat rolls!!

But I have to embrace FAT JEN because without going THERE...I would not be here. And you know what? HERE is a pretty great place to be! And now we are working on FrankenJen (but that is a different post all together)

Running-it does the body (and the mind) good! Sept 2010


My husband is an absolute rockstar for sticking with me thru thick and thin (pun totally intended!!). When we started dating I was in pretty good shape and then over the next several years I just blew up. 

Then one day something in me just snapped and that was it. I had a plan and nothing was going to stop me until I achieved my goals and lived my dreams. 



Much healthier and happier, Michelle and Me at the Mainiac Sprint Tri Sept 2010

Along the way those goals and dreams changed and grew. The goals got bigger-the dreams became a reality. I found a new self confidence in being able to achieve things I never thought possible. I discovered just how strong I can be and how far I can push myself.

I have met some amazing people along this journey. Quality people who don't care what label lines my clothing or what bag I am carrying around. People who inspire me and motivate me to achieve new goals and dream even bigger than before.

When I started on this path, the thought of running one mile without stopping seemed impossible.
I could not wait to run my first 5k race.
I cried the first time I ran 5 miles without stopping.
I celebrated my first real push up with a big ole "HELLLLLL YA!"

Today I dream of running 26.2 miles after biking 112 and swimming 2.4~and with absolute truth I tell you that I will accomplish this. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but it will be done.

Today I dream of taking my passion for health and fitness and making it my career when I return to the working world.

Today I dream of inspiring others to reach for their goals-no matter how big or how small.

Reach deep down inside of yourself and find that fire that ignites your soul. Let that desire fuel your motivation to do the work necessary to be a success. Achieve the things you never thought possible. Do not let anyone or anything stand in your way or deter you from your goals.
It can be done.

What do YOU want to achieve? What goal do you have in your sights?

30 comments:

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

Wow! Such a transformation. If you can commit to that lifestyle change, you can do anything. Go get that 140.6.

Caratunk Girl said...

Wow Jen, I have no doubt you can do anything you set your mind to. I like how you described it as a switch that just went off in your head, and you basically said, "thats it!" Can't wait to see what is next!

Anonymous said...

Are you sure thats you?! What a total transformation! You are an inspiration. Go get girl! I definitely see 140.6 on your horizon

Unknown said...

WOw...what a great post!!! COngrats on your commitment to fitness and health!! You look great!

KovasP said...

100 Mile run. Can't wait to hear about your success at the long course triathlon!

Ruben said...

Wow! Awesome!

Teamarcia said...

Fantastic Jen! What an inspiration.

abbi said...

Amazing! It's so true that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.

Sarah said...

Now I am following you too!

starfaerie82 said...

Wow jen! I couldn't imagine you 100 pounds heavier, but you had that same quirky grin and energy, it was just trapped by the fat.

I'm training for my first sprint triathlon and I'm down a bundle from my highest weight! highest was 235 or so, I am at 166.4 today....

Oh yeah, all your girls from MTC miss you sumthin awful!

Sarah said...

found you through dailymile. what an inspiration! love the blog!

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

In 25 years to be the "old man" on stage at an Ironman competition talking about my 35 prior IMs (they always bring the oldest and youngest on stage at the carbo dinner) to motivate all the first time "young" whipper snappers.

You know you look 10 years younger to boot. IM is a piece of cake compared to your weight battle.... really.

Jason said...

This was truly awesome. I cannot wait to have the participants of Marathon Makeover see this post and see that it is possible to change and chase your dreams.

Thank you so much for putting this up. It truly is an inspiration and motivation.

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

I can see your eyes in the pictures above, but if I didn't truly know that was you, I would never belive it! You are SUCH an inspiration!!! I'm sharing this post on my facebook to get some people moving!

Courtney said...

Amazing before and after!!! Great job!!

mom27g said...

Great Job, Jen - you are truly an inspiration. You have proven that you can do anything you set your heart on!

shannon said...

What an amazing transformation! You are a great spokesperson for anyone struggling with their weight, and are also proof that exercise and determination can result in very positive changes. Way to go, Jennifer!!

Julie said...

This link was posted on Heather's facebook and I'm so glad it was. I'm about 80 lbs overweight right now and never struggled with my weight until after my 3rd child 4 years ago. I started running this year and I struggle to stay consistent with it. I'm so glad I saw your blog because I long to look like I used to again and you've shown that it's possible. Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!

Melissa Cunningham said...

great job all around jen! you have no idea how much you inspire and motivate me!!!
keep on keepin girl,
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!

Tammy (Fxmomto3) said...

Awesome Jennifer ! I'm so happy to hear you are dreaming about making fitness a career for you ! You should absolutely do so ! I'm so darn proud of you...and so proud to say I worked alongside you...kind of...lol You are already an inspiration...you'll be an amazing inspiration to your clients one day !

Rae said...

WOW! You are amazing and awesome! You are such an ispiration! Those pictures look like two totally different people!

Emz said...

you
are
sooooooooooo
freaking
awesome.

JL - it's just amazing.[take out the just because it's] . . . . .AMAZING. AMAZING.

Emz said...

okay
I'm trying this comment for the third time.....

I'm a retard but you my friend

Are freaking amazing.

incredible.

let's run a 100 miler together!!

Aimee said...

That is just awesome! Good for you for changing your life for the healthier!! You have changed soo much..it's crazy! You are a total inspiration!

Pahla said...

What a wonderful post - thank you for sharing! I have no doubt you can accomplish ANYTHING you want to !

Jamison Roberts said...

Good job. I went from ~286 to ~176 thanks to cycling and running. I'm not brave enough to post my fat pictures though.

Big Daddy Diesel said...

Truely amazing and inspiring!!! I applaud you for all your hard work and determination

d.a.r. said...

I just stumbled upon your blog and my jaw is on the floor. You should be SO proud of yourself for taking control and becoming the person you are in the inside! You just radiate confidence and pride now, good for you!

tkr said...

This is amazing, Jen! Thank you for sharing this and providing so much inspiration. I'm totally bookmarking this post!!

Unknown said...

Jen this post is amazing! I love seeing the before and after pictures - you look so different, so much younger and so incredibly happy!