Purely Katie

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Before & After: Losing Pregnancy Weight

Run

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This July marks one year since I started running.  It was such a struggle in the beginning and now I can’t live without it.  It has definitively been a tough year, but it has been a good one!  And, I can honestly say, that the drive and the push behind my dedication and desire to run is GOD!

Let me give you a little background as to why I started running in the first place.  July 2011, two years ago I was blessed with my daughter Ellie.  She is one of the best and greatest things in my life.  When I was pregnant I gained 70 pounds.  I took the whole “eat for two” thing literally and ran away with it.  Or, better yet, shoveled food in my mouth.  I’m pretty sure I lived on McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, fries and Dairy Queen ice cream.  Oh, and don’t forget about Dr. Pepper!  By the time Ellie was due, I was up to 240 pounds.  Yes, 240 pounds!  That is the most I have weighted.  EVER!

 

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The first year after having my daughter, I really didn’t exercise much.  I was a new mom and trying to figure how to take care of a newborn.  As little ones they need so much love and care.  She was my life and my number one main concern.  I put myself on the back burner.  That was probably the most challenging time in my life, but in a good way.  I was overjoyed at being a new mom, but so terribly unhealthy and unhappy.

 

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In July 2012 my daughter turned one.  And, I thought to myself, I need to make a change.  I need to get healthy so I can take care of my daughter.  It was so hard carrying around all that extra weight plus a child.  So, I started the Couch 2 5k program one week after my daughter’s first birthday party.  I downloaded the app on my phone and just started.  But, there was a small problem.  I never ran a day in my life!  How was I ever going to be able to run a mile, let alone a 5 K (3.1 miles)?  I swear by this program!  It totally worked for me.  It’s a 9 week walk/run program that helps you build up endurance so you can run for 3 miles.

 

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Running still wasn’t easy for me.  I had to walk most of the time.  I was out of breath gasping for air, but there was just something inside of me telling me to keep going.  The mantra I used then and still use now is;  I may be slow as a turtle, but at least I am running.  You can only do ‘your’ best.  If you compare yourself to others you will set yourself up for failure.

 

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So, I ran.  Blood, sweat and tears I ran.  It was hard at first, but the more I ran the easier it got.  There were days I could hardly get ready to go out and run.  Staying motivated and overcoming the laziness and tiredness took a lot of encouragement from friends and family and determination to get in shape.  I am still slow as a turtle, but that’s just who I am as a runner.   This past year I have done four 5ks and one 10k.  I have lost 70 pounds and I am probably in the best shape/health of my life.  I love running now!  I try to run at lest 3-4 times per week.

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This post is a summary of my running journey over the past year.  I will post later about what I learned concerning the details of becoming a runner.  I learned a lot about the physical and mental parts of being a runner and have more to share.

 

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Comments

  1. Kalyn says

    Congratulations on meeting your goals! That is a really inspiring get-fit story! Glad that I could read your experience…

  2. Carrie This Home says

    What an amazing change! It’s been a lot of fun seeing your progress. Thank you for sharing your story–we all need to see more positive examples like you! Thanks for linking up to Frugal Crafty Home!

  5. Bethany says

    Look at you!! You look awesome! I have a love/hate relationship with running. It’s horrible, isn’t it!? But it’s wonderful exercise, and I feel great when I am regularly running. Keep it up 🙂

  6. Michele says

    I’m so proud of your accomplishment! Taking care of yourself will make you a better mom and a great role model for your daughter! You look wonderful, but your spirit is shiny and that’s even better:) I posted DIY Doily Jacket. Swing by

  7. Shan Wilson says

    Running is such a great (and cheaper) way to get into shape. I’m so glad you enjoy it now and its such a part of your life. I love to go running and never worry about time or speed. Its great way to get moving and get into shape. Congrats on your running journey so far. That is a great accomplishment.

  8. Alexis AKA MOM says

    Way to go! My friend’s husband did that same program and had great success. You look amazing.

    I have a torn ACL me and running don’t agree but I so can walk with the best of them :). 105lbs down.

    Congrats Again!

  9. Keikilani says

    Great Job! I am working on my journey of losing the pregnancy pounds as well. My third little one is 1 yrs old. Very inspiring!

  10. Stephanie Pass says

    What an inspiration! I have downloaded the app myself, but every time I want to do it, my husband wants to go along. I love that he wants to do with me, and I love him to death, but he drives me INSANE with his attempts at motivating me while running. I’m a solo exercise kinda girl, I think. He’s also a foot taller than me, and I can’t keep up with his stride because I’m also as slow as a turtle, which is just so frustrating. I think you’ve motivated me to try again, and I’m going to start doing it during the day when he’s at work, lol.

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      Haha…you gotta love the husbands when they try to motivate us. When I run it’s ‘me’ time. I’m for sure a solo workout girl. I hope you will try again! Let me know how things go. Best of luck!

      Katie

  12. Kristin says

    Oh. My. Gosh. We have such similar stories! I gained 70lbs during my pregnancy, started running (although I hated running) to lose the weight, started with C25K, and am now a (turtle slow) “runner.” I had an extra kiddo thrown in there because whe. My son was 6 months it just seemed easier to have another one than lose the weight! When she was 6 months and life started getting a little easier I decided I needed to get healthy for them. They now do yoga with me (kiddie yoga), my son asks to wear his runnig pants and do squats, we go for runs all summer long, and my kids prefer veggies over chicken nuggets. Success! It may still be difficult for me, but at least I can see how it is benefitting them and that keeps me going. Thanks so much for linking up – I’m thrilled to learn your story is so similar to mine, and I’m a new follower!

    • The Casual Craftlete says

      That’s crazy! I don’t know how you did it with a second little one. What a great example you are to your children! They learn everything from us, so it’s important to teach them about healthy living from a young age. Thanks for letting me share my story and for sharing yours. Have a great day!

  15. Tammy says

    Visited feom the SITS post today. This was a great post, I have started my journey to health recently my weight has fluctuated between 185 and 175 doe the past few years and my baby is going to be 5- no more excuses.

    Thanks for inspiring me.

Trackbacks

  2. […] excited to announce a new feature here on The Casual Craftlete!  For those that have read my Before & After:  Losing the pregnancy weight, know that I just started running last year.  Since then I have lost 70 pounds and would like to […]

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