A blog about my journey as an athlete and a woman. Come step into her shoes...

Monday, October 13, 2008

My journey to a healthy mind, body, and soul.

My journey to a healthy mind, body, and soul.

The High School Years

Ever since I can remember I have always been a little chubby, but I have always been very active. I was a cheerleader in 9th grade, and then quickly switched to cross-country and water polo, because I didn't feel comfortable in a short skirt! My mother and father have always taught me to be health conscious, but in high school I made my own diet. I ate what I wanted when I wanted. I figured I was running or swimming all the time and burning so many calories that this would be ok. Well I was wrong. I always felt like the chubby friend, especially since I had two of the most beautiful skinny models for best friends. They were over 5'7 and so thin, I envied them for being able to eat whatever they wanted. Why wasn't my metabolism like theirs?!

The College Years

I went in to college at 5'5 and 155 pounds (I lied on my driver license and put 150 because that seemed smaller to me). I started my college education as a Kinesiology major because I wanted to be a PE teacher one day, and this was how I thought I would lose all the weight. Well I was partially right. I began to exercise a whole lot because all my classes were exercise classes. I had yoga in the mornings, Akido in the afternoon, and kickboxing at night. I was also taking nutrition classes and learning a little about what the right things were to eat. I slowly started knocking the weight off, but I wasn't doing it the healthy way. I remember people saying to me, man you look great, keep it up. I was so happy but started to get depressed. I knew that I was messing with God's temple. The breaking point was when I got down to 10 wheat thins, and an apple a day. I was starving myself. How could have I have gotten this far? How was I justifying this? I was falling a part. I got some help and started developing a better relationship with food, better but not great.

 



The Move

My sophomore year I left to Memphis Tennessee, the third obesity state. Don't get me wrong they have some great food in the south, but a lot of it is full of grease and salt. I knew what to eat, and I tried to stay healthy but college got the best of me, and I had one to many beers and free pizza dinners. I gained all my weight back plus some. I was in a size 12 and still fighting to get down to 15o even though that was still considered overweight for my body frame I thought 150 was fine. I finally decided to bust out the old running shoes and start running again. I took it easy and got back in to running shape; well at least I could do a good three miles without dieing. I then started to get inspired and motivated I loved the way I felt when I ran. I was born to run! I have and will always love it. I knew that I was going down a path to freedom.

My senior year of college I decided to do my first marathon, St. Jude. I started training with a friend who had to drop out, so I finished the training on my own. I didn't have any kind of plan, I just ran when I could and did long runs on the weekends. I had no idea that I should be taking goo's or doing interval training and yoga was out of the question. I still ate OK, not great. Had those late night Chilli’s runs oh so often with happy hour margaritas! I ran that marathon the best I could and hated it. I remember hitting 18 miles wanting to run off that road and go home! I ran the whole thing and got a 4:20 and was proud of myself. Never thought I could do any
better.

The Post College Years

After the marathon I developed a bad case of foot spurs (probably from those cheep shoes I wore). So I got a gym membership and started doing kickboxing 4-5 days a week. This was it! I was shedding weight like crazy. I quit the alcohol consumption and started eating real healthy food. Didn't need free meals anymore, I was making real money! Gave up all white breads, and sugar I couldn't believe how much weight was falling off. I got a personal trainer for two months and he taught me how to use free weights at home, and how to eat at least five small meals a day. I had gotten down to a size 9 and I was so happy. Met and got engaged to my hubby that year. He fell in love with me at first site. He never thought I was overweight, but I knew I still had a couple more pounds to lose before the wedding. I got down to a size 6-7 on my wedding day, and can you believe I had to get my dress taken in 3 times?! I looked stunning!



Today


It's been a year and two months sense the big day. I am now TEACHING kickboxing, running on a regular basis, and my diet could not be healthier. I love working out and training for the next event (by the way I just finished my second marathon and ran a 3:24). I am down to a size 4 (smaller then I wasn in High school) and for the first time in my life have stepped on the scale and I am in the 120's!!!! Never thought I would be here, writing about health, and now going back to school to be an R.D. I have friends from High School that don't recognize me because of how much I have changed. People ask me all the time, how did you do it? How did you get so small? It's because I treat my body like God's holy temple. What goes in my body is very important to my spiritual walk and how I take care of it is an example of how much I appreciate this gift of life. I want to continue helping other women and men discover the beauty in a healthy mind, soul, and body. Without these life is only half full.

 food_008

My Advice

Mix it up!
Work out at least four-six times a week and do what works best for you! My body did not change when I just ran, I had to do something that brought my heart rate up and back down.

Eat REAL food. Get rid of all the processed crap! Lots of veggies, fruit, and get rid of the white breads. Make dinner at least 5 days a week, and when you go out don’t order anything you couldn’t make on your own. Plan your menu for the week on Sundays; you are more likely to stick to good food if you have a plan!

Quit the quick diets. They don’t work. I did weight watchers points and that was good, but it was a way of life diet and takes off the weight slowly. It helps you develop a better relationship with food, instead of seeing food as the enemy. Don’t do anything that guarantees quick weight loss, slow is ok.

Have a training buddy and goal. It can be anything from a 5k to a marathon. If you have a goal and a buddy it will be more fun for you to get out there and do it!

77 comments:

Trying To Heal said...

Wow, WOW!
What an amazing story and you have come so far and done so well!!! Congrats on everything! I love the way you think about health and exercise and envy that!

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for sharing this with us! such inspiration. i'm in awe :D

Colleen said...

Wow. What a journey you have had over the past few years! I think the journey was probably just as fulfilling as your end results. I can relate to your beliefs about treating your body as 'god's temple.' I definitely share in that idea, and these bodies are the only ones we've got, right? So refreshing to see how running can be such a rewarding aid on the path of health. Keep up the positive-ness that you illustrate through this blog!

carla said...

I love this and recognize/APPRECIATE THE TIME IT TOOK.

Its so interesting to read and learn about where you started.

Thanks for bringing us along on the journey.

MizFit

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post. You have come a long way. I agree with cooking dinner at home. And, nice tip about not ordering anything you couldn’t make on your own.

Lance said...

Bobbi, thanks so much for sharing your journey here! What an inspiration you are! You've told it like it is, no sugar-coating what you've been through -- and that makes it real. You're doing amazing things with both your body and your life! Your really are an inspiration to me...

ncrunner12 said...

What a great story, very inspirational. I think that most of us as runners have had a time in our life where unhealthy eating and being overweight played a role, it’s like one day we woke up and a light just turned on… I know it was like that for me. Congratulations on your road to success and enjoy it, looks like it’ll be a long road.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for posting this! When you told me you were working on your story I got very excited, I love reading how people's lives have changed. You have been on a fabulous journey and you look AMAZING, HAPPY and HEALTHY!!!

I really want to try kick boxing, but I can't afford a gym membership at the moment, that's why I netflix corny work out videos. They may be cheesy but I swear they get my heart rate up and that really is the key!

I'm so happy for the direction you have taken your life. I look forward to continue to read about your amazing journey!

Anonymous said...

WOW, one word ... you are one AMAZING and GORGEOUS lady! Keep up with the GREAT work! And oh, I REALLY wanna take up kickboxing one day ... really wanna kick someone's butt :D

Anonymous said...

You are right on. There comes a time when everything just clicks, the lightbulb comes on and we realize what it is we have to do to become who we want. Very awesome post, Bobbi!

HangryPants said...

What a fantastic post and story in general. I love learning more about my fellow bloggers and you're a real "success" story. I love how you worked so hard yo get where you are. You show that it's not easy, but it can be fun, and is definitely rewarding to get on track with your health!

Anonymous said...

YOU GO GIRL.

Now eating sweet potatoes as a snack.

chandra said...

I LOVED reading this. You are amazing and so inspiring!! Congrats on all your success!

Anonymous said...

That is such an incredibly inspiring story! You look fantastic and I relly admire all the hard work that it took. I fully agree with your "treating your body as a temple" and "eating REAL food philosophy". Although I have never been overweight, I have definitely struggled in the past with negative body images and succumbing to junk & not giving my body the love and nourishment it needed.

I too try to cook as much as possible - I even bring lunch to work! Seriously... be proud of yourself and where you are now - mentally & physically.

Maude Lynn said...

What an inspiring post!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing. You look fabulous! And so jealous that you ran so well on your recent marathon.

Great job!

Anonymous said...

It's all about determination and discipline and you did it! Really inspired!

Unknown said...

Hi!
I went to school in Memphis too and St Jude was my first half-marathon which I ran my senior year in college. Thanks to training for that race I'm in love with running. It remains the best race I've ever ran! (Maybe because of the adrenaline of it being my first long distance race?)

Anyway I just found your blog-- looking forward to reading it more! Great story!

keep on truckin

Denise said...

We have a lot in common and your story is inspiring. Keep up the good (and hard) work. You look fabulous.

Unknown said...

You're such an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful blog! I am so inspired! Thank you for sharing with us.
www.theplatedecorator.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Your story is incredible. Thank you so much for the inspiration and for the awesome blog. I can't wait to read more!

Aggie said...

Just came across your blog and I love it!!

Mom on the Run said...

What a great story! Can't wait until more post :)

Kristin @ The Southern Summer said...

Just found your blog, and love your story! I myself have a very similar story, we were about the same size and frame in high school!

Since then I have also taken up running, and it has simply changed my life. I am truly impressed with how fast you have gotten, I hope that in the next year or so my times will improve as well!

Good luck at Boston!!

fittingbackin said...

I just found your blog and love it!! You're such an inspiration and DID look stunning on your big day! :) I'm going to add you to my blog roll!!

Anonymous said...

I just found your bog and it is these kinds of inspiring stories which keep me exercising and taking care of my body, so great to see!

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog and can't wait to read more!!

Anonymous said...

Hi I just found your blog and love it. I started my own blog this year after decieding to lose weight and get healthy and have recently become vegetarian too. I love blogs that can inspire me and give me great food ideas, so I added you to my follow list, I hope that's cool.

Anonymous said...

You look terrific and make it sound so reachable/obtainable.

Thanks for sharing :)

Laurel said...

I just read this! Amazing!

Anonymous said...

This is great! Thanks for sharing!

Erin said...

I am just beginning my running journey and want to lose the weight too, and this story just inspired me so much to know it is attainable. Thank you so much for sharing. I can tell your inspiring words will take many on the healthy path!

Amy said...

Wow, I just found your site and LOVE this story. Definitely putting you on my reader list :) Best of luck in Boston!

The Reeds said...

HI! Just found your site from Gina's. What an inspirational story. I've recently started up a fitness blog (this profile "The Reeds" is me and my husband from when we were doing missions in AFrica). My "health" blog is www.rebornrunner.wordpress.com. I'll definitely be following your blog now. Thanks for sharing!
Georgia

Robin said...

Wow. I love your story. What a great blog! I'm definitely going to keep reading.

www.fitnutforever.com

Anonymous said...

you story is beautiful! i just came across your blog and love it. i think you've got yourself another regular reader :)

EricaH said...

Wonderful story, good for you. I am currently at my heaviest weight I and I am hoping that running and all the great eating tips I am picking up throughout the blog world will help to get my weight back down. I look forward to following your blog.

Anonymous said...

I just love, love, love your blog SO much! I totally agree on treating your body as God's temple, you will see such great rewards when you do this! Thanks so much for sharing this story!

megan said...

Hi! I'm new to your blog. Wow! What an incredible story! You look FABULOUS! So inspiring :-)

Laura said...

Awesome story. You're an inspiration!

Lizzy said...

I just found your blog and am so inspired. we have similar story and i feel like i can really relate! I'm currently getting ready to train for my first half marathon and i hope that i can do it. seeing you challenge yourself through it makes it seem possible! Hope everything is well!

Becky said...

I just started reading your blog and I love it! What an amazing story! I like your advice about how just running won't make you lose a lot of weight, but to mix it up and do exercises that work different muscles. That's what I need to work on. Thanks, I'll be back for more :)

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog but never read your journey. It's a great one!!!

Sarah @ Sarah Snacks said...

What a wonderful story- congrats on your success! I love your idea of treating your body like a temple- I've never thought about that in relation to food before. I think that idea will definitely helpn kick my last few pounds to the curb!

Emily said...

I have a similar story to your's... up and down with weight through the years. I am now back to counting weight watcher points and eating real food! I'm hoping that I can get back down to my "happy weight" again!!

Thanks for sharing all of your experiences! :)

Jenna said...

what a great post!
just found your blog and i love it!
recently made my own as well, check it!
jenna

health savvy shopaholic said...

wow! what an amazing story! you have come SO far and should be SO proud of yourself- you look great and you can tell that you FEEL great! LOVE your blog! just started my own (finally)- check it out :)

xo, whit

Unknown said...

Hi, I just started reading your blog. I think your story is amazing and I am greatfull for all the helpful tips. I am trying to lose weight and I am so HAPPY that I found this blog :)

Alicia said...

I can relate to so much of your story! I've struggled with my weight since elementary school. (I seriously remember taking a little baggy of slim-fast powder with me to school in 5th grade to replace my lunch. Crazy!) I'm 31 now. Four years ago, after my second baby was born, I started running. And started caring for my body. Since then I've lost 50 lbs and I'm training for my first marathon! I read your blog because I love getting new ideas for healthy meals. Great post!

jp said...

wow...you rock! amazing! you are an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog! Like many others I can relate. I was heavy when I was studying kinesiology in college. It wasn't until I started a diet group called 3D (diet, discipline and discipleship) at my church, that I realized I needed to take care of this body that God gave me so that I could be used by him.

I just ran my second 1/2 marathon and plan to run more! You are an inspiration, I can't wait to start following along!

Anonymous said...

I loved reading your story! The change that you have made for yourself is so inspiring! You are a role model for anyone who wants to become a healthier person! I can't wait to read your posts!

Courtney said...

Bobbi, you're my number one inspiration!! I love you and your blog so much - thank you for being YOU!

Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama said...

What an amazing story and journey! I just found your blog and I already LOVE it! Keep up the healthy living and eating! =)

Joey said...

I've been following your blog thru my Google Reader for awhile now but never really clicked over to see this until now... Amazing story. Thanks for continuing to be such an inspiration! :)

Kelly B. said...

I just recently found your blog and I am HOOKED! You are amazing with an inspiring story! I look forward to following you on your journey! :)

FoodEffort said...

Great story, you've come a long way and I think the important thing is that you did it and you're doing it the right way (without starving yourself).

I'm new to your blog but I'm definitely going to continue to follow your journey. I'm going to school to become an RD too.

Jennifer said...

Excellent come back story! I like how you noticed that you were not treating God's temple (your body) as you should. I think many times we forget that our bodies belong to God and to his service and by treating them bad, how can we possibly further his kingdom? Keep up the great work! I'm looking to run my first 1/2 marathon in March and am so pumped!

www.fitatheart.wordpress.com

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