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Jen Female Boston, MA United States: Share

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Losing the Weight...Before the End of 2008

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One Step At A Time (Literally!)

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Jen added the blog post 'I GOT THE JOB!!!'18 hours ago

Jen commented on the blog post COUCH TO 5 K QUESTION...Something isn't right Nov 20

Azad left a comment for Jen Nov 17

Jen commented on the blog post GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nov 17

Jen commented on the blog post Goal! Nov 16

Jen commented on the blog post Meal Plan for the week and my struggle tonight! Nov 15

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About Me:: Where to begin! I was always one of the bigger, taller girls growing up. Even looking back at old team soccer photos, I was always the big one in the back. I never really noticed or worried about my weight though, that is, until high school.

It didn't help that I have a naturally athletic, seemingly perfect sister, only a year and a half older, and I've always felt that I live in her shadow. Through lack of activity (I never bothered trying out for sports teams in h.s. because of her), poor eating habits (my dad was always a big guy), and generally being unmotivated I found myself at an all time high of 232lbs. my sophomore year. I don't know if anyone else can relate, but I always LOATHED going to the doctor. There was always the anticipation of the conversation "do you exercise? you need to lose weight, etc." I remember getting out of the doctor's office many times and sobbing all the way home.

I hate to admit it but a lot of my motivation for first losing weight was my junior prom. I had never even been asked out by a boy, and I didn't want to be the only one of my friends to be without a date. Naturally I figured if I lost weight the boys would just flock to me. I somehow managed to lose a few pounds but still remember the disgust I felt in getting a size 20 dress. I ended up going to the prom with a friend of a friend, and after seeing pictures was even more motivated to lose.

That summer and into my senior year I tried to exercise on our family treadmill and with videos as much as I could. I also tried slim-fast for awhile, but like everything else I gave up on that too. A year later at my senior prom I remember finally feeling pretty, at around 190lbs with a size 14 dress, and my first kiss as my prom date (I guess I was a late bloomer lol).

Fast forward to college. Didn't go to the gym once that first year, and found myself back up around 210lbs. by summer. Something clicked sophmore year, and I started joining my friends at the gym, somehow ended up around 165lbs without really trying (looking back I was barely eating anything and going to the gym pretty much every day). Again, gained the weight back and was around 206lbs the summer after my senior year.

I got a job and apartment in NYC and seeing all of the super fit people in the city definitely motivated me. I began walking everywhere, going to the gym after work, and eating healthy foods daily. I was finally learning that I needed to make a life change and I would not lose weight with a quick fix. By last fall I was back down to about 170lbs and feeling fabulous.

I know this may sound crazy to some of you but a lot of why I've always wanted to lose weight has been guy-driven. I have been blessed with so many things in my life but have never had a relationship that lasted more than a couple months. I know I need to lose for myself, and to gain confidence, but I've always blamed my lack of lovelife on my body, and my loathing of it. But I digress...

Then last October 1st I got the worst news of my life. My father had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer (the same cancer Prof. Randy Pausch recently passed away from). I was devastated. I began travelling home to Boston every weekend and when he continued to deteriorate and the chemo was stopped, I stayed home the entire month of December. Through stress and sadness food didn't seem to matter anymore. As I mentioned my father was always a big man (about 6'2, 280lbs for most of my life). In his last months he had lost all of his appetite and I remember he kept saying "It's kind of funny how I used to live to eat and now I'm eating to live". He passed away January 10th, at 56 years old, just over 3 months from his diagnosis. I remember weighing in at 157lbs. around the time of his passing.

I am now back around 166lbs and my goal has always been to be 145-150 and STAY there. My main motivation is that I am joining my sister and brother in running (yikes!) the Miami half marathon this January, raising money for pancreatic cancer research, in memory of my Dad. Through training, healthy eating, and support from others I KNOW I can do this.

This time it'll be for good.

My Stats:
Height: 5'9
Highest Weight: 232
Starting Weight: 166
Current Weight: 159.8
Goal: 145-150

Plan of Choice:: Low Fat, High Fiber, Other

Workout Philiosophy:: I'm a gym rat ALL the way, I love lifting weights, I only exercise because I have to

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Jen's Blog

I GOT THE JOB!!!

To all of you who sent positive vibes my way, THEY WORKED! I got the call today that I got my dream job! I'll be working in special events benefiting kids/adults with cancer. I'm in complete shock but so excited! Great way to start off the weekend! In other news, I'm keeping up with the half marathon training to the best of my ability but I'll tell you, the weekends haven't been so great. I've literally had 4 birthdays to celebrate in a row with another one tomorrow night! I've really started to… Continue

Posted on November 21, 2008 at 11:45am — 4 Comments

This is why I love this site!

I am SERIOUSLY inspired by all of the positive posts I've read today! Last week (week one of half marathon training) went really well, I completed all of the scheduled workouts and even did 4 miles on Saturday! However, I had to go away for the weekend to celebrate my sister's and my best friend's birthdays - you know what that means, too much celebrating and no running. Adding to that, I got back Monday night and first thing yesterday had a second interview for a job I really really want (p.s.… Continue

Posted on November 12, 2008 at 2:01pm — 6 Comments

A Eureka! Moment

Tomorrow begins week 1 of my hardcore 12 week half marathon training. Up until this point I have been trying to run as much as possible, but with no real schedule in mind. I've been extremely nervous about this part of the training (am I really doing this!?), but the other day I had a bit of an epiphany. All along, I kind of thought I was expected to run the whole thing - that is, nonstop. I don't know why I had this idea ingrained in my brain but it was there. This is much of the reason I would… Continue

Posted on November 2, 2008 at 8:30pm — 3 Comments

Emotional Eating Like WHOA

So my grandfather passed away yesterday. It wasn't really a shock, he was 87, and had been going downhill for awhile now. What do I do to deal? Start eating everything in sight. I mean, I thought I was a semi-emotional eater before, but now I really believe it. I've been reaching for things I don't even like all that much, just for the heck of it. I've had a huge burger, fatty appetizers, cheesecake, halloween candy...and that's only the really unhealthy stuff. Add to that lots of bryers free, s… Continue

Posted on October 22, 2008 at 12:09am — 6 Comments

Frustration

Well, I had high hopes of getting to at least 2.5 miles running nonstop today but no dice. Yesterday I had to literally DRAG myself to the treadmill to get a walk in since TOM is here and I had no energy at all. I thought today I might be more back to normal and so I got all psyched up to run...and had to stop at .8 mi to walk! I haven't done that in forever! I guess it was a mixture of the random heat (I've gotten used to the brisk cool air and today it's 75 degrees!), and TOM. Sometimes with t… Continue

Posted on October 9, 2008 at 2:55pm — 5 Comments

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At 3:37pm on November 17, 2008, Azad said…: Hey Jen!!! You've been missed around here! Thanks for the comment on my blog...hope things are going well :O)

At 11:08pm on September 24, 2008, Kelsey said…: Hey Jen! So exciting to hear you're running a half-marathon!
To answer your questions: I ran cross-country in high school, but it was more of "my friends are doing it so I will too" kind of deal. I never liked/enjoyed running and never would've thought I'd be running a half marathon in less than a week. I still don't really like running, but it's one of the few forms of exercise I can tolerate. As you said in your blog, I would not consider myself a "running person" either. Honestly, I am only running the ½ marathon because my older brother (a fitness guru) doesn’t think I can do it. However, now that I am actually doing it, I'm proud of myself for not giving up. I printed off “Hal Higdon’s Novice Guide to Running a Half Marathon” and followed it fairly closely- it’s a 12 week program that outlines what you should do each day to prepare. Just keep in mind you don’t have to run super fast or super hard. My typical pace is 6 MPH or 10 minute miles. You can do it!!! You are also running for far more noble cause than I am, so you should use that for motivation. Sorry this is so long…but stay the course and keep the end goal in mind! Let me know how everything goes for you!

At 11:03am on September 24, 2008, Rachel said…: I'm so glad I could give you the idea! Cinnamon graham crackers on top sounds perfect! I'll have to try it.

At 7:06pm on September 23, 2008, Stephanie said…: Hey Jen!! I just finished reading your story and am so sad for the loss of your father. My other thoughts were how similiar I recalled some of my high school experiences to a degree. I too am the "athletic tall girl" that played soccer as well. I'm 5'8" and in high school weighed around 160-170 and never thought too much about it. About 2 years ago I lost 20# or so, but now I am trying so hard to shed those last 10...I would love to be between 140-145. So I just thought we shared a few common things. Good Luck on your training and running! My first half marathon was an amazing experience...I'm sure it will be for you as well. You really do look fantastic!!

At 2:30pm on September 22, 2008, Kristina said…: Thanks for the comment and sweet compliment about my daughter! Your exercise goals seem very realistic which is encouraging to me. Sometimes I feel that if I am not working out rigorously that I will not see the benefits...when I know I could simply aim for 30-40 minute walks or bike rides in our very hilly neighborhood and keep up with doing some weights at the gym or just strength exercises at home. Im trying to take it one day at a time and not focus on the fact that I was once 135! So hard to do sometimes. but thanks for the encouragement, you have the happiest most beautiful smile and your positive energy shows up even online!

At 11:03am on September 22, 2008, Kristina said…: Hey! I just read your story, very moving. I am sorry about the loss of your father last year. My neighbor here in Asheville is now going through what you went through then...her father has cancer and has only been given a few weeks to live. She is driving to see him every weekend.

Your pictures are incredible, and your progress has been so wonderful! thanks for the inspiration! I myself am aiming for 145 and it seems SO far away! do you lift weights as well as cardio? what do you think the key has been for your success?

At 9:27pm on September 18, 2008, Brian said…: Jen thank you so much for your encouraging words today. Its really funny I am so excited about a few minor changes and even more excited about ww (if thats possible) now than even before. btw CONGRATS on all that you have already accomplished and good luck as you get really close to your goal!

At 11:01am on September 18, 2008, Kristi said…: I just wanted to say thank you for your super awesome and supportive kind words!!! The theme of our meeting was "It's ALL in your mind!" and it's true...we are our own worst enemies! We come up with some terrible stuff and we've GOT to get out of our own heads. So I just wanted to say thank you for sharing. I love the members of this community so much! My week definitely took a turn for the better yesterday after posting that blog and your comment only helped in that aspect, so thank you again. I hope you've had a wonderful week so far!

At 7:35pm on September 9, 2008, Christy said…: Most of the time I do cupcakes with the WW diet soda cake recipe. I like that with cupcakes it breaks it down to 24 servings for 2 points a piece. I typically top it with a little cool whip as the icing. YUM! I'm not sure why yours stuck and didn't turn out right. I just pour the mix in a bowl, pour in one can of diet soda, and then stir until it is all mixed together. Pour into cupcake liners and cook like you would any other cupcakes. I made the funfetti kind the other day--delish!

At 1:04am on August 27, 2008, Joni said…: Jen... I just took the time to read your whole story. WOW what a tough year for you. I really applaud your willingness to train for and RUN this marathon. I KNOW you can do it. Sometimes you might have to dig deep to find that motivation but it is there. Good luck darlin!!

And BTW you look FABULOUS!