Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Struggles and Gains

I've talked a bit about this before, but I thought it may be worth revisiting. Ever since university I've struggled with my weight. I know I can pin point it to my fall work term after second year. I was working in Rocky Mountain House, AB which is a pretty small town. I know I was frequenting fast food establishments on a very regular basis and that was when I learned that my metabolism just wasn't what it used to be. I lost some of the weight before leaving school, but then once I started working it became a struggle again. I was probably at my heaviest in the spring of 2006. Around that time I started to keep track of my weight and had a little notebook that I wrote my measurements down in, all in the name of tracking progress. The scale has gone down and come back up, but for the first time in a long time I think those days of yo-yoing are over. Last night as I was getting ready to head to the gym I was curious to see just what the difference is. Twenty pounds and many inches later, here's the difference:


March 2006

October 2008

Much better glasses now too, wouldn't you say? Anyhow, it is still a work in progress, but I know a big part of the change has been incorporating swimming and biking in to the mix. And nutrition...that is definitely still a work in progress...

Otherwise, last night it was off the Y. I'm not sure what has happened to me. Despite the weather being not too bad outside I opted for the treadmill to get my 30 min run in. I had weights to do afterwards and somehow it seemed like it would all get done quicker if I just ran on the tready. Seriously though...I hate the treadmill and last night was just not a good run. My shins were hurting so I tried to dial back the pace a bit but that didn't help either. And I was just watching the clock, watching the minutes tick down to 30. I finally paused the treadmill to stretch my lower legs out and it was like a major revelation, finally my legs felt good to go! I bumped the speed back up. When I hit 30 min I was just short of 3 mi and I really wanted to get 3 mi done so I kept at it. Afterwards I took a spin around the weight floor, got some core work in and called it a night.

16 comments:

Brooke said...

Haha! You'll notice (from my recent posts) that this is something I struggle with too (especially the nutrition part!). But maybe your title should be struggles and losses... :) I too hate the treadmill. I find changing the speed and the incline in 2 minute increments really helps me though. You look amazing. Keep it up!

Marcy said...

OMG!! Wow! You look awesome chica! I didn't even realize that you had struggled with your weight before?!? Wow!

TNTcoach Ken said...

I though it was just the baby blue that you always wore? Great job Runner Leana

ShirleyPerly said...

Congrats on the weight loss!! You look great and the smile is much bigger too.

I think we all have off days in working out. Nothing to worry about.

teacherwoman said...

The nutrition part is the hardest, hands down. You look awesome though, and have come a long way!

Kelownagurl said...

Lookin' good! And hey, I've been to Black Hills Estate Winery... :)

audgepodge said...

Yay, Leana! You're doing great and lookin' good ;)

Before I'm 35 said...

Lookin' good girl! I have been there and still make return trips occasionally. And my nutrition is so bad!

Keep up the good work :)

Anonymous said...

Wow - you look great! Great job on the weight loss. It's not easy, I know.

I've noticed that when I swim regularly and incorporate weight training (which I've been bad about) the weight comes off easier. I need to do that this winter!

Unknown said...

You look gorgeous!

Great job on the progress.

Unknown said...

Yes, Co-op can be nasty for the old waistline. Ha ha. You've done amazing over the past couple of years - weight loss or not, just think of how much stronger and fitter you are now. This is really the true evolution of Leana...

Marlene said...

Congratulations! You look fantastic and you must feel like a million bucks! I've been struggling with my weight for years also and finally find myself in a "healthy" place, although it is also a constant work in progress for me.

I'm so with you on the treadmill... I can't take my eyes off the screen and it just seems to take FOREVER!

Laurel said...

You look amazing girl! Congratulations on your new, healthier life!!! :)

Run For Life said...

You look fab!!

Sonia said...

What a great weight loss!! You looked awesome when I saw you =) Keep going!

rocketpants said...

awesome! Nice work.