My Journey

I never envisioned myself as a "runner". I actually always hated it. When they would make us run the mile is school, I always walked it. Once I hit my 20's weight became more of an issue for me that I let slowly slip away from me to the point where I couldn't believe I had gotten so big and I thought I was doomed to just be the chubby girl. I got married to my wonderful, supportive husband, Bryan in the summer of 2009, in late September we decided we were ready for a puppy. That decision is truly what changed my life.

I wanted to be the best dog owner I could be and that meant daily exercise and proper nutrition. I would walk miles with our new puppy, Maverick, daily and I was really enjoying getting outside and the fresh air and the bonding experience that was being created between Maverick and I. His health was so important to me, and it struck me that mine should be just as important. So I decided it was time to take charge and make a change! I started following the Atkins diet plan after many attempts and fails with other diets. The diet worked well for my lifestyle and the weight was starting to come off! After about a year on Atkins, walking with Maverick and losing 65lbs I felt ready to kick up our routine. I started to jog a little on our runs. I would only make it a block or two before I would need a break. But each walk became a little more jogging and a little less walking until one day I realized, 'I'm becoming a runner!'

Maverick and I run miles together now 4 times a week or more! I found a passion that had been hiding in me. I love to run and I want to share it with everyone! So when my best friend took it up too I couldn't have been more ecstatic! Something we can do together and motivate each other! She has truly pushed me the extra mile, no pun intended, because now she has motivated me to run half and full marathons! Something I never thought I would do or even wanted to do as a runner.

I am officially down more than 75lbs and am in the best health I have ever been in. I look forward to improving on myself and my runs. I can honestly say if it wasn't for Maverick I would have never made the first step out the door to become a runner and I would be missing out on so much. I adore him in every way and truly believe he saved my life! I have the best support team and they encourage me every step :))

Me, before on the right with my BFF Dani, on the left

Me now, down over 75lbs, with my wonderful, supportive husband Bryan :))