100th post - time for reflection!

So. This is my 100th post! I thought it would be a good time to see where I've come!

Here's where I started. This picture is from last summer - right before I started running.

And for more perspective, here's how I felt after my first run.

Wow. Reading those two entries in particular remind me how far I've come.

Some basic statistics:

Weight: Then - 180 lbs. Now - 158 lbs. (I've been shy about sharing my weight, but that is silly. Time to be honest with myself and my adoring readers! Besides, 22 lbs. in 10 months is pretty great.)

Running ability: Then - Maybe 2-3 minutes of running. Now - 3.1 miles easily, with no walking. Up to 13.1 using a run/walk method. Now, that's a major, major improvement.

Clothing size: Then - 16 Now - 12 (but almost a 10!) (see? Those jeans are a size 12. My legs look super-short because my very tall hubby took this picture. Or, I might also just have super-short legs.)

Health: Then - acid reflux, headaches, stomach issues. Now - not so much. Y'all. Seriously. Those problems are gone.

Ability to manage stress: Then - low. I had actually been considering going on medication for anxiety, and had been in therapy for 6 months to help with body image and emotional eating. Now - Even my mother recognizes how much calmer I am. Coworkers have seen the change. But, most of all, my husband doesn't have to serve as my "confidence crutch" anymore. I've got control of my emotional eating, and rarely feel anxious or stressed (even though life is still crazy!) I can confidently say I would not have made it through the craziness at work this winter without running. Also, fired my therapist. :-)

Body image: Then: Yikes. Now: Significantly improved. I now only buy clothes when the look ADORABLE and even bought a skinny belt because my waist is like TINY these days. (see? prime example of improved body image.)

Some additional insights:

I am a part of a great community of runners and I love it. Besides the friends I met in the running group, I have bonded with strangers, cousins, my father-in-law, coworkers, old friends, and my husband over the running/getting healthy thing.

I love being a "sporty/outdoorsy" type. Mostly because I've never even seen that as a possibility.

I get to wear clothes from Ann Taylor Loft and the Banana Republic again. It's been a while. It is FUN.

I feel so in control of my health for the first time ever. It is an amazing feeling.

I can't wait to volunteer for the running group this summer. I hope to be able to inspire people the way so many have helped me. I've still got a long way to go, but in 100 posts here, I've made a lot of progress!

Sarah