August 20, 2019

My 10-Year Weight Loss Anniversary (and 10 crazy-cool opportunities I've had because of the weight loss)

I have been such a terrible blogger lately! It's amazing to me that I used to write every single day for a few years. I've been writing less and less frequently, and I'm starting to wonder if I'm approaching the end of the road of my blogging days; but I'll cross that road when the time feels right.

I will write a post about our wedding anniversary (similar to this post) hopefully before I'm 100 years old, hahaha.

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of when I started losing weight. It was the last day that I weighed 253 pounds. It's so hard to believe it was that long ago; but on the other hand, it's hard to remember what life was like before I lost the weight.

Some crazy accomplishments regarding my weight loss over the last 10 years:

#1. I lost a total 132 pounds at one point (February 2016). (The lowest Wednesday Weigh-In was 122, I believe; unofficially, I reached 121 at my lowest.)

before and after weight loss photo


#2. I started running--something I never thought possible. I ran 5K's, 10K's, half-marathons, and even three full marathons. WTF?!

Chicago Marathon finish photo


#3. I started writing Runs for Cookies in 2011. Here is my first post (there are some that are dated prior to this post, but I copied those over from a previous online journal I had). My blog has led to most of these opportunities.

Jerry's design for my virtual 5K shirt


#4. I was featured in Runner's World magazine, Woman's World magazine, Shape magazine, the local newspaper (twice), the morning Channel 4 news, The Today Show, The Dr. Oz Show, Another Mother Runner podcast, Half Size Me podcast (three times), Everyday Runners podcast, Run to the Top podcast, and a full-length documentary called From Fat to Finish Line that was available on Netflix (again, WTF?! CRAZY.). Here is a link to my "Press" page, which lists everything with links.

From Fat to Finish Line on Netflix


#5. I started coaching cross country (this is my fifth season). Getting kids excited about running is super rewarding, even though I am not currently a runner myself. (I have no idea what was happening in this picture, hahaha)

Cross country meet


#6. I met some amazing people--super inspiring blog readers; other bloggers; Bart Yasso (the "Mayor of Running); David Willey (Editor-in-Chief of Runner's World); Kerry Sanders (of The Today Show); Pete Thomas and Ada Wong (of The Biggest Loser); and probably a few more that I'm forgetting.
I met up with total strangers to run two Ragnar Relays, and some of those people have become super close friends. I've had meet-ups with blog readers, and I have to say, these have been my favorite people to meet! I love hearing their diverse personal stories.

Reader meet-up in Indianapolis


#7. I traveled to places I wouldn't have otherwise:

St. Louis, MO (for Purina, who sponsored a few posts in my blog)
Boston, MA (to visit a Ragnar teammate and for a Runner's World magazine series of races)
Portland, OR (to visit a blog reader-turned-BFF and to run my personal best 10K time)
Roanoke, VA (to visit a Ragnar teammate)
San Diego, CA (to run a Ragnar Relay)
Key West, FL (Ragnar Relay)
Kansas City, KS (to visit a Ragnar teammate)
Bethlehem, PA (for Runner's World magazine)
Seattle, WA (to visit a blog reader)
NYC (for The Dr. Oz Show, a BlogHer panel, and a couple of Purina events)
Indianapolis, IN (a blog-reader meet-up for The Indy Mini)
Joliet, IL (for The Warrior Dash)
Minneapolis, MN (for my first Ragnar Relay)
Cleveland, OH (for my first marathon)
Chicago, IL (for my third--and final--marathon)
Rockford, IL (to surprise my sister and run her first half-marathon with her)
Lake Cadillac, MI (for a last-minute random 10K race with Jerry)
Dayton, OH (for my RRCA certification, and to visit a Ragnar teammate)

(I have a list of all my traveling adventures and corresponding blog posts on my Travel page)

Hiking in Oregon


#8. I became an RRCA-certified running coach.

RRCA certificate


#9. I had a boudoir photo shoot--something I never would have done if not for the weight loss. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I never felt better about my body as I did during that photoshoot. You can see a couple of my (more modest) photos here and here.

boudoir photo


#10. I had surgery to remove excess skin from my abdomen after the initial weight loss. This helped not only cosmetically, but my comfort and health as well (I was getting rashes under my excess "apron" of skin, and the bouncing of my skin was very uncomfortable when running).

pre-surgery from skin removal


As a bonus (#11): While I'm currently the heaviest I've been since 2010, I am still about 85 pounds less than I was on August 19, 2009. While some may not consider that an accomplishment because of the recent gain, I am a million times healthier, happier, and more able-bodied than I was 10 years ago. I consider that a success.

current selfie


(Not saying that I don't want to drop about 20 pounds, but I don't want to downplay the fact that I've maintained such a large weight loss for such a long period of time.)

And there you have it. This list is far from complete of all the opportunities and accomplishments I've had over the last 10 years, but these are the most notable that come to mind.

Interestingly, writing this post just inspired me to run. I don't know if I'll do it regularly, but just for today, I'm going to do a short, awkward, difficult, and very slow run. Because I can :)


24 comments:

  1. Congratulations!
    Thank you again for inspiring me to be a runner and to lose 120+ lbs.
    Tracy

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  2. If you start running, I will too! I've never been a runner and I'll be pushing a baby stroller too 🤣🤣🤣 but I think I want to try.

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  3. So happy for you Katie! I love your blog and get so happy when I see a post! Did you delete your Instagram?

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    1. https://www.instagram.com/runsforcookies/

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    2. The link is dead. It says the account does not exist. :(

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  4. you are amazing. you inspired me to start running, just as a means of fitness, nothing competitive. This year I ran my first 1/2 marathon distance on a long run day. You rock!

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  5. You inspired me several years ago to start running for fitness, nothing competitive and this year I ran my first half marathon distance ever. Never thought my old 43 year old butt could do that nor my bum knee. You rock! also, don't be hard on yourself..my weight fluctuates up to 20-25 pounds as well.

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  6. Your writing style now is great and website code/organization also a great talent.

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  7. Congrats on the anniversary! Maintenance is almost the hardest thing behind starting, so heck yeah raise your mug to celebrate! We're all toasting with you - I'm raising my coffee to you from Australia!

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  8. Thank you and Congrats! You have inspired so many people, me included, to live healthier. Please keep doing what you are doing! I would have never had the courage to start running / weight loss without your blog! I just thought I couldn't do it. You have had an impact on more people than you know!

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  9. Awesome post! Can't believe its been 10 years! You are amazing and so are all of these opportunities you've had! I always love seeing a blog notification post from you!!

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  10. You've done so much in 10 years! Thank you for sharing through your blog.

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  11. You inspired me to run 2 half marathons and I've lost 107 lbs to date. I've kept it off and am approaching maintenance. One day I hope to run a Ragnar

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  12. As you know my journey started just after yours, in Dec. 2009. What a crazy road we've both been on over those 10 years! You have become famous!!! Me, not so much, but I did get some notice in the local newspaper, national magazines and even got to be on the Today Show in 2012. As you also know, I have struggled with regains over those 10 years, but somehow manage to get back to goal....usually. Today I am only 7 pounds from my happy weight of 150, and using WW Meetings to get there. The accountability of that weekly weigh-in keeps me on track. I have used many methods to lose weight, and seem to have a need to keep changing it up in order to get re-motivated. I still love reading about your daily life, and have enjoyed watching your boys grow up. PLEASE contact me the next time you get close to my area (Lincoln, NE). I promise, no matter what I weigh, I will meet up with you.

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  13. I love your blog and am so glad I've had the opportunity to read it for as long as I have! Thanks for sharing so much!

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  14. I’m so glad you posted this. Sometimes it’s hard to see the huge accomplishments when we are working on a smaller goal. Not to trivialize what you are working on but looking at where you started is an amazing feat that you should be so very proud of! Also just wanted to say I read this post and got the urge to watch fat to finish again and didn’t find it on Netflix right now but I do see it on amazon prime. I hope you continue to blog as I really enjoy reading it and being inspired by all you do.

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  15. CONGRATULATIONS!!! I absolutely love your blog, it's honest and real!!! I was diagnosed a year ago with severe RA and it's hit pretty hard. The meds that are prescribed for this just to get by and then for the flare ups cause such on and off weight gain. So reading such inspiring stories past and present really helps, because I know weight is and was a lot of my issue. I do love to get out and walk and spending time with my family. My RA dr told me that drinking Green Tea works great for energy so of course I've tried that and my last appt in June his PA told me of a weight loss program she was using that was herb tea that gives you great energy. It's called flat belly fix and it's herb tea that I drink daily and it's great and it doesn't have any reactions with my medications WHICH IS A PLUS!!!! It seems to give me energy where the meds was taking it. And right now I am willing to try anything because my RA and PCP drs are talking to me about the possibility of a bariatric surgery (which kinda scares me a little). So I'm up for suggestions to go along with my herb energy tea which is truly pretty good http://bit.ly/2L2t5s1 if you want to check it out. I'm 50, lost 12 pounds so far, and I would love any suggestions that you have. My weight fluctuates between 178 to 224.

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  16. Wauw, good for you. Very inspirational, this blog can really make people believe in themselves.

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  17. Congratulations Katie!!! I looked back on your old post and have you ever thought about sharing your recipes that you typed out with the ww points? Always love your ideas and accomplishments!

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  18. Congratulations Katie! I love this. I hope you don't quit writing here, you inspire me so much!

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  19. Face it, Sole Mate--you're fucking amazing. Love you!

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  20. You should be proud of where you are 10 years later. You are a tremendous role model. Keep up the great work despite those feelings of failure. You are AWESOME!

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I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

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