Tuesday, December 10, 2013

100 Reasons To Celebrate


Happy Tuesday, friends.
I've decided that I'd like to take my blog down a 'healthier' road this week and share a few different things with you all. I will probably do 2 or 3 health/fitness posts this week, so consider yourself warned. Ha!
Also, this post is SERIOUSLY going to be all over the place. I have so many thoughts running through my head and so many things that I want to say... so this post is going to be a whole lot of word vomit and a whole lot of thoughts just going all over the place.

A lot of people have asked me to do a weight-loss update, and show my progress as of lately, so that's what I'd like to share with you all today. Lets just say, I've got 100 reasons to celebrate.



As some of you may, or may not, know - from September 1st to November 30th, my roommate Amanda and I completed a 90-day challenge. We 'upped' the intensity of our daily workouts, stuck to clean eating, agreed to workout 5-6x a week, and cut alcohol. I'm not going to lie, the 'no alcohol' thing was really hard because most of our friends simply didn't understand. Amanda and I definitely indulged in a few 'cheat' nights of drinking with friends because we had a few big evens that we didn't want to miss out on... but we stuck to this challenge pretty damn well - and I'm proud of our hard work.

Everyone wants to know the results, so here they are:
*I'm still not comfortable sharing what my currently numbers are, so I'm just going to share the numbers lost*

    Weight: 21.2 lbs lost
    Waist: 3 inches lost
    Bust: 0.5 inches lost
    Thighs: 2 inches lost (1 inch on each)
    Arms: 2 inches lost (1 inch on each)


Overall, I'm pretty happy with what I was able to achieve in 90 days. I think I definitely could've done better, and I know that I didn't give it my ALL in the month of November. I took a week off from working out due to being sick, and I had a hard time getting back into the groove. Near the end of the month, I got back on my grind and I've been trying to stick with it.

This whole process has been interesting. I started my weight-loss journey earlier this year. Let me just tell you, the past few months have been a WHIRLWIND. Everything about me has changed, for the better. My physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being have improved greatly.

This year I've gone from blogging about why I will never run to blogging about running situations I've gotten into. I love running, I absolutely love it. I wouldn't, by any means, call myself 'a runner' compared to people who actually go out running. I still get out of breath quickly, and can't go far - but I do interval running about 5x a week and it is amazing. It clears my brain, allows me to get out any aggression I have, and has helped to eliminate my insomnia problems that I had been battling for a few years.

My instagram has gone from endless mirror selfies (#OOTD anyone?), pictures of food, alcohol, or my dog to being non-stop fitness related posts. I'm now sharing daily workouts, inspirational quotes, before and after photos (and hey, I still share far too many selfies, pictures of food, alcohol, and my dog... but it's mainly fitness-related posts).

I wanted to share this quick video to show you where I've come from vs. where I am now. My heaviest weight was in 2011 and my guess (I refused to step on a scale) was that I was around 325lbs. I'm happy to share that I officially hit 100lbs lost this past week. That BLOWS MY MIND. I still think I'm that girl, I still feel like that girl some days and I literally have to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself that I am NOT her, nor will I ever be her again.



I happened to find this video in September when I was looking through some old files on my computer, and I honestly didn't remember making it. Watching this video for the first time was a completely surreal experience. Who was this girl? How had she allowed herself to become so unhappy, so unhealthy, and so unmotivated to do anything with her life? I want to reach out to her, hug her, tell her that everything was going to be okay, and help her to make the changes that she needed to make...

The funny/ironic thing is that I had the resources at my finger tips the entire time. My best friend, and my brother had both dropped a lot of weight (the healthy way) and were living healthy, active lifestyles, but I wouldn't take their advice or their help... because I didn't want it. I wasn't ready for it. I needed to come to the realization that I needed to change, all on my own. From 2011-2013 I lost about 30lbs from walking more (instead of driving everywhere), and not eating fast food or diet coke every day. Basic changes. I was still eating 'unhealthy' but the changes were enough to help me to drop some weight. It wasn't until earlier this year that I finally had enough and admitted to myself - and the world - that I was sick of being "fat". I officially changed my lifestyle, which lead to 70lbs of weight-loss in 6-7 months.

The changes that I've implemented in my life have made me happier, healthier, and have helped to show me that there's more to life than what I previously knew. Change can be scary, change can be intimidating, but change can also be a wonderful thing. Don't be afraid of change... embrace it.

100 lbs. One Hundred freakin' pounds.
I have 100 reasons to celebrate today, friends.


I have come so far in such a short period of time, and I can't wait to see where I'll go from here. I think that the keys to success with this kind of journey is to NEVER give up, allow this process to run its course, take it day by day, and never, ever ever ever, forget where you came from.
Like I said, don't be afraid of change.




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Obviously I still have to share a Christmas joke and picture today since the advent still counts...



What do gingerbread men put on their bed?
Cookie sheets




29 comments:

Morgan Sparks said...

21 pounds in 90 days is a huge accomplishment! Congrats girl!

Allie said...

FAITHY! I am SO SO SO proud of you! You have done such an amazing job and I can't wait to start my journey come January and have you coaching me on. It really shows that if you put your mind to it, you can do anything! LOVE YOU SO MANY <3

Unknown said...

Wow congrats good job!
x Hannah
http://theadventurouslifestylelab.blogspot.be/

Unknown said...

100lbs!!! Way to go. That is such brilliant news!! Actually super proud cos I know how hard it is!! xXx

The Pink Growl said...

I love this story! It's so amazing and inspirational! You look FANTASTIC girlfriend!

shannon said...

YOU ARE INCREDIBLE AND I LOVE YOU SO HARD.

Omega Man said...

OK my darlin' daughter .... I knew that this day was fast approaching (the 100-lb mark). I'm incredibly proud of your commitment and determination and for not giving up. I'm not proud of the results ... they are simply the inevitable end-point of a new (can I say better?) mindset and heartset that you've embraced over the last few years, specifically the last half year. The 100 lbs is a point of celebration for sure, but your Mom and I have been celebrating with you each day these past 6 months as we've watched you move in a new direction. You've taught us ... and in some cases, you've retaught me lessons that I first taught you, but forgot along the way ... THANK YOU. Can't wait to see you (in 72 hours!) I love you. Dad

Sami said...

Well I was on the verge of tears already, then Dad's comment up there and I just lost it. I tell you this often, and I will keep telling you.. you are incredible! I know it was hard for you to share that original video, but I have to tell you as someone that didn't know you back then it's hard for me to believe that was really you. You have done some amazing things this past year and I am completely and totally proud of you and lucky to have found you and call you my friend. I hope that 2014 is a great year for both of us, I know that I need to make some changes and I can't wait to see all of the good that comes to both of us. Love you so much! Congratulations on 100 lbs that are never to be seen again!

Brittanylea02 said...

Yay Faithy! So proud of you! Congrats on the 100lbs that is just amazing! xoxo

Kelly said...

That is amazing, CONGRATULATIONS!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Jay T said...

You are incredible. Absolutely incredible!!! I am SO proud of how far you've come, and I know you are too! I would never have guessed that the video from 2011 was you...you did a complete 180 and I am so SO happy for you!!!

Anonymous said...

You have single handledly changed your life... you're amazing. That video made me feel emotional. Thank you so much for being a huge inspiration to me in my own life. i love you!

Liz @ Fitness Blondie said...

Unbelievably proud and inspired by you, great job girl!

Elizabeth at Southern Finesse said...

Congrats! That is such a huge achievement that took a lot of hard work. The changes you have made come across clearly in your words too. :)

Donna said...

Congratulations!! That is such a huge accomplishment, you should be so proud of yourself and all your hard work!

Leah said...

YEAAAAAAH Faith, that's so awesome - I loved your video, you absolutely shine with positivity and happiness at the moment. 100 freakin pounds is amazing, I'm so proud of you and happy for you. Keep it up hun. Much Love xxx

Kay said...

FAITH! Holy moly! You are incredible! And beautiful! And inspirational! And happy! You look so happy. And I hope that 2014 is your best year yet. Now I'm all emotional at work and I need to get a tissue fast!

Melissa Nicole said...

WOW. that is all I have to say. you are a mega inspiration girl and you look hawt! good for you and congrats on 100 :)

Whitney Ellen said...

THIS BLOWS MY MIND. You're seriously incredible and I'm so proud to call you my friend!

Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky said...

Yes to everything about this post! like you, i refused to hear anything that had to do with fitness UNTIL I WAS READY and then, i never looked back.

congrats on the hitting 100lbs lost - an amazing feat that you should be very proud of. continue to kick it out of the park :)

-kathy
Vodka and Soda

Chelsea Moos said...

I just found you through Sami...you definitely have every reason to celebrate today. You are INSPIRING, so much that I no longer have an excuse to not get up and exercise. It's always been in the back of my mind or like you said, at the tips of our fingers. I don't even know you and I love you for this! Thank you so much for having the courage to post your journey..and your comment from dad? TEAR JERKER!

Anonymous said...

I teared up when I saw the "old Faith".. I don't even recognize that girl anymore! I remember those days, but when I look at you now, I can't even imagine you looking like the old Faith anymore. I am so, so, soooooo proud of you best friend. (In case any of you are wondering, Faith has worked her ass off, and come so far - not just physically but mentally too.) You've done an amazingly incredible thing for yourself and I cannot wait to see what 2014 will bring, if it's anything like 2013, it's going to be HUGE! Love you <3

Cream 'n Sugar | Lifestyle Blog said...

This is amazing! That is so awesome that you lost 100 pounds and are still continuing to keep motivated! You look great and it's so easy to tell how happy you are now compared to your old self.

Kristin O said...

Great job!!!

Jo said...

Way to go Faith! 100 down - that's amazing.

Anonymous said...

Congrats!! This is so amazing and your journey is definitely an inspiration!

Carolyn said...

Congrats pretty lady-- this is so so so impressive! Not only the weight loss, but I love your real-ness and vulnerability. You have been kicking ass and you deserve every SECOND of happiness you've had this year :)

Allie said...

2nd comment. I didn't have time to watch the video earlier. Now I've watched it and I'm in tears. I'm that same girl. Maybe I go out more with my friends, but everything else is on point. I can't wait to start my journey and I will absolutely be doing a starting video just so I can look back and remember where I came from. STILL SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOU. All the ZEDS in the world <3

Jessica (Anchored in CLE // Jessica Gets Fit) said...

Just came across your blog and I love your story! You are an inspiration. I'm currently on my own weight loss/fitness/healthy lifestyle journey and it has been a struggle at times but I'm committed to it and want to progress further than I ever have.

You may talk about this on your blog already (and I intend to keep reading), but I was just wondering what changes you made within the past year to lose those 70 pounds?

I feel like I've been making positive changes to my diet and fitness routine but I know there's definitely much more I can do.

Thanks & we're all celebrating with you!