I started a big massive training today. Next summer I plan to hike up and down Pikes Peak. I have an awesome trainer who came up with an amazing plan and I started this week. It is the equivalent of training for a marathon - but I do not have to run it. It also will continue to build strength and muscles - an absolute must in hiking such a big mountain.

i am going to get better about blogging and posting - I started an online support group for people like me that struggle with their weight and health - it is called helping hands for health!

Today's a short post - but the start of something big!!!

Fat?

I just got back from an amazing Body by Vi regional success training...I had the opportunity to hear so many amazing stories. I also got to hear so much inspiration and motivation. I also heard from others that i am inspiring them. In fact - I got to go up on the stage to be recognized for my weight loss. I don't say that to brag - not at all - I tell you this because  - I have always identified my self with the word fat.

I was teased as a child - made fun of - probably by today's standards - i was bullied. It didn't stop as an adult. As a teacher - i have heard students laugh at me - snicker behind my back. My parents and other family members begged me to take care of myself and lose weight - I put it off! I never was at the right point. So to think that I inspire people?

I wish Mom and dad could see me now. I wish I hadn't waited until I hit middle age to do this. I wish I had been a better role model to my kids.

Our closing exercise at regional - said to picture a word that has held you back - my word was FAT - and after we pictured it - we were to picture ourselves erasing the word - So I am no longer thinking of myself as FAT  - instead - I want to help others do what I have been able to do!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey:  It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclai...

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey

Live, Laugh and Love: The journey:  It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclai...

The journey

 It may be a cliche that life is a journey...but the last several months have really proven that to me. I have been on a journey to reclaim my health. after 7 abdominal surgeries and being overweight most of my adult life - I decided enough is enough - so i joined the Body by vi 90 day challenge. With the challenge - a great exercise plan and help for God - i have been able to shed 70 pound and over 48 inches. I am by no means done yet.

But it not just my health journey that has changed these last few months. By making a conscience effort to focus on the positive things in my life - the changes I was making - I also found other changes I needed to make - I needed a spiritual transformation. I have been saved and a christian most of my life. I went to church regularly and prayed on s somewhat consistent basis - you know - when I needed something - not good.

I have used the last few moths to also transform the way i look at god - I am reminded of the song - I am a friend of God - the chorus goes:
I am a friend of God
I am a friend of God - I am a friend of God - He calls me friend...

Why did I bring up that song because that is how I have transformed my relationship with God - i talk to Him now like a friend. i reach out to Him for everything - i truly pray without ceasing - and it has made so many areas of my life better.

So if you are thinking about transforming yourself - don't forget your spirit too - it may need a little transformation!!

Debi

Live, Laugh and Love: I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Live, Laugh and Love: I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!: I did it!!! I did my first 5K!! I had to walk a couple of times  - it was so humid - but I walked really fast until I could breathe and th...

I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it!!! I did my first 5K!! I had to walk a couple of times  - it was so humid - but I walked really fast until I could breathe and then forced myself to run again! My goal was under 45 minutes!! I did it in 40:35.9. I went from 6 months ago being a severely obese non exercising woman to a 5K participant! How life has changed!!!

I owe it not only to bodybyvi, but my supportive husband - who takes Anneshia to school everyday so I can work out in the mornings, a great trainer - you all should look Toby up - and a group of supportive friends and family. The only mistake I made was running with my glasses on. I was afraid of getting lost - LOL!! They bugged me the whole way - but I know better for the future!!

I love my exercise routine and eating healthy and feeding my spirit too!!! I was thinking this week about the Praise song:

I am free to run
I am free to dance
I am free to live for you
I am Free!!!

My success is not just my own - I have been praying for God's strength and his willpower to help me! And He did!!! I still have a LONG way to go - but I also remember the kids song from church many many years ago:

He's still working on me to make me what I ought to be.
It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars,
The sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars.
How loving and patient He must be, He's still working on me.   1. There really ought to be a sign upon the heart,
Don't judge her yet, there's an unfinished part.
But I'll be perfect just according to His plan
Fashioned by the Master's loving hands. CHORUS: 2. In the mirror of His Word reflections that I see
Make me wonder why He never gave up on me.
He loves me as I am and helps me when I pray
Remember He's the Potter, I'm the clay. CHORUS:

I am happy with what God accomplished and I accomplished today - i can't wait to see what he has planned next!!!