42 paperclips

I went from a very fit 142 pounds to a very non-fit 182 in the three years between '96 & '99. *no excuses*

When I first began trying to become a fitter, healthier person I started a paperclip chain. I added one every time I lost another pound and took them off when I regained. I found it helpful to have a visual reminder. I cannot count the times (or explain the disappointment) that I had to take clips off because I slipped.

Today Logan was counting them and said "42". My heart fluttered. It's been a long, long journey full of stops and starts, periods of comfort, and bouts of frustration. I have been very lucky to have found the love & support of someone who never saw the "fat" me, only the woman he loves. With him beside me, and the encouragement of my sons & friends, I've lost all of the weight that I gained while I was pregnant with Colin as well as what I gained in the year following Logan's birth. Plus a smidge more.

My goals when I started (forgive me if I'm repeating myself) were to be able to run the length of a soccer field and to have my thighs stop rubbing together. Since then, I've gone from getting winded walking the stairs to do laundry to running 5, 10 & 22 kms at a time. :o) I've reached my goals.
But I'm not done yet.