Last year for New Year’s, I posted a comparison of what I could do when I started at my local gym and where I was currently. (View Here) Two months later I left said gym and started focused boxing training and running. So…….I obviously won’t be posting the same comparison because I do so many different things now. Instead, this year I complied a list of what were my best memories and accomplishments this year:
***Click the links to see the original posts about these events and photos from each.***
Personal
A New Car – While this one isn’t directly weight loss related, I sort of feel like it is a little bit. Without the change in my self confidence in the last two years, I wouldn’t have gone after the job I currently have. I might not have been able to physically keep up with my current position. However, because of the weight loss and transversely a better job, I could get a new car!
Tenure – I received tenure in my current school district this past spring. Again, related to the above, without my new confidence and self investments I might not have received such a status.
A Trip to New York – Without my weight loss, I would have never taken this trip. My friend might not have even invited me, knowing I couldn’t keep up. But while we were there and seeing EVERYTHING, we walked/ran over 100 miles. I made memories I’ll have forever.
Fitness Events
My first Half Marathon – I ran the Colfax Half Marathon in May after training by myself with inspiration from my friend Thomas. This was a goal I never thought I’d even have and then surpassed. This race meant the world to me and marked when I think I officially became an athlete and a runner. I’ll never forget this day!
300+ miles run – Through my training and completion of now two half marathons, I logged 250 miles on my Nike running app as well as completed many many more at the gym. I can’t believe in one year how many times I ran when I didn’t want to, finished when I didn’t think I could and surprised myself along the way. Running is awesome and the best promise you can keep to yourself.
Other Races – I also completed The Graffiti Run (5K), The Runnin’ of the Green (7K) and the Rock and Roll Half Marathon.
Tough Mudder – When I signed up for this race/obstacle course, I didn’t even know what I was getting myself into. Only shortly before the race did I find out it was 12 miles and 20+ obstacles. This race was so fun and something I couldn’t have done a year ago. I can’t wait to do it again next year! I’m already putting my team together!
Ninja Training/OCR – I went out on a total limb this year and took a few Ninja Warrior Training Classes and Obstacle Course Training Classes. They were so fun. It’s something I’d love to do regularly but I tend to hurt myself a lot so I can only do it during certain times of the year. I can’t wait to get back to it!
Mount Bierstadt – Dan, some friends and I hiked Mount Bierstadt this year which goes up above 14,000 feet. I feel so thankful to even live in a place where you can hike that high. The view from that high is incredible and like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I wish I had more time to hike and I’m looking forward to the temperatures coming back up so we can.
Rock Climbing – In the winter last year, I went insane. So this winter I wanted to make sure we had something we could do active indoors. Rock climbing is a great sport/exercise for so many things and it’s very popular in Colorado. I’ve been interested in learning for about a year and this year we did. We now go a couple times a month and I wish I could go more often, yet again.
A Boxer – One of the most important things to me this last year has been my boxing training. I box 4-6 times a week and I can never get enough. This December, I registered with USA boxing to compete at the amateur level in 2016. I have so much more to say on this in future posts but this one is already carrying on long enough. I can’t wait to show off my skills in the ring this year!
Milestones
I hit two major milestones in my life and weight loss journey this year. I never set these goals but because of my love of health and fitness, they just happened.
Half My Size – Sometime over this summer, I hit half of my original weight of 290 pounds. My original goal weight was 165 and then I just kept losing very slowly. Later I discussed competition fighting with my trainer and he set my fight weight at 141. Since then, this is where I try to stay.
My First Size 0 – While this should have been a post all in itself perhaps, I tried on my first size 0 and it actually fit. I was at Express and wanted to try on a dress I had seen the previous weekend. Of course it was gone in my expected size of 4 or 6. There was only a 0. I was trying on other items so I grabbed it just in case. It kind of looked big enough. When I tried it on, it zipped with ease. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t purchase the dress because I didn’t like it better than one I already had but I still wanted to just because it was a 0.
Here’s what I think it probably the best photo of my from 2015. My hubby took it at dinner on no particular night and there’s no particular reason I love this photo. I didn’t even do my hair or put on hardly any makeup. This dress is a size 8 and not a 0. It doesn’t show my new slammin body. I’m not standing with a popped hip and perfect angle. No duck lips or ‘smizing’. It’s just me. And this is the very first year that I feel like I’m finally that, just me.
Man. 2015 was freaking awesome. I’m so excited for 2016! Happy New Year Everyone!
Just beautiful inside & out