Morning Y’all! It’s that time again… Transformation Tuesday! I am excited to bring you Mark, we met at the New Balance Good Form Clinic the other week and realized that in true Savannah fashion, we had mutual friends. And even better, they are mutual run friends. So let’s meet Mark

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I feel extremely confident and excited about my future now. Ever since I allowed myself to make better food and body choices, I am now able to make excellent life choices. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Middle Grades Education and starting my first year of teaching.

Anywhere (well, almost anywhere) downtown or throughout my neighborhood (Ardsley Park)…I still find myself gawking at the pretty homes in those two areas. Oddly enough, they keep me focused on the task at hands because there is so much beauty to look at in my hometown…so I gotta keep moving!

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Thank you so much, Mark! Doesn’t he look amazing, y’all? And no, the Green Jacket is not from the Masters Golf Tournament… it’s part of the Legendary St. Patrick’s Day Celebration down in Savannah. Come on down, Y’all!

Hey Y’all! Boy do I have a treat for you guys today. So you may have seen my posts mention that I have volunteered at two ultras races here and here. The culture of Ultras is just plain rad. Everyone is so laid back and chill. Plus the runners push their bodies to levels I want to achieve. At the Cremator 50 Mile just a few weeks ago I met Andy. He came in 8th in the race, but to be fair he really ran 57 miles and not the slated 50. Therefore he WON the 57 mile Cremator Challenge!

So please welcome my new friend, Andy to Transformation Tuesday. He will no doubt inspire you to push yourself.

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1- Why did you start your weight loss process?

The pain during the first three months of running was awful.  I had shin splints, plantar fasciitis, blisters, and chafing issues, but I knew if I stopped and waited for everything to heal I wouldn’t get up and start again.  So I had to push through the pain and continue running regularly.

If I’m eating at home, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a bag of baby spinach tossed together with some balsamic vinegar.  If I’m going out to eat, I’ve grown to absolutely love sushi. 

It’s a full social 180.  I used to be a bit of a recluse, spending long hours on the computer without very many real friends, but running has given me so many absolutely wonderful friends who get me of the house. The transition to a healthier lifestyle also motivated me to complete college and get into graduate school, which I will begin this Fall.  Girls have started to pay attention to me in a positive way, and what guy doesn’t love that?  Most importantly, I’ve become a much happier and more thoughtful person.

It’s a tie.  One is winning my first, and only, ultra at the Long Cane 55 miler in 2010.  For the last 10 miles people at aid stations were telling me that I was gaining on the leader, and somehow I repressed the pain and continued to push hard until I passed him with only a mile to go.  The other amazing moment was finishing my first 100 miles at the 2012 Landsford Canal 24 Hour Run with my proud ultrarunning BFF, Kelley Wells, there at the finish.  

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Thanks Andy for sharing your story and your tips! Can y’all imagine running 50 miles??? Or even 57? Sheesh. #rockstar.

What motivates you today? Any desire to run an ultra?

Hey Y’all! Welcome back to Transformation Tuesday. I am happy to welcome Chad to the scene as my first Dude for #TransformationTuesday. We met because his awesome wife and I work in the same industry. Amy is the voice behind @VisitSavannah and other Savannah social media links. So say hi!

Chad and I swim together on the Savannah Tri Team and he was so encouraging to me to try tri’s!

So please welcome Chad….

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1- Why did you start your weight loss process? It was the summer of 2008 and my wife was pregnant with our first child and we were busy preparing and making improvements to the house. I also wanted to improve me. I think I was feeling some pressure to be a great dad and a good example so I decided getting healthier should be apart of that. I was fit in medical school but during my residency I had quit working out and began to gain weight. When you work long hours you often look to food as a reward. When I was up all night working I would tell myself ” you deserve donuts this morning”. In 2008 I  was a practicing physician and had a schedule that would allow for exercise but I had settled into a lifestyle of high calorie foods and being sedentary. I used to weigh regularly but at some point I had quit. I pulled out the scale and saw a number I couldn’t believe, 273! I’m 6’2″ and always been muscular but never imagined I could weigh that much. I was sedentary and ate poorly so I don’t know why I didn’t believe it. Looking back there were signs such as clothes that no longer fit but somehow I rationalized it away and blamed my wife for shrinking my clothes. 

I immediately ran to Wal-Mart and bought another scale only to find that it too said 273. My previous peak at been around 250. A friend had recently done a beginners triathlon in Austin and it had intrigued me. I played football in high school and had no background in swimming, biking, or running but I imagined triathletes to be really fit and that’s what I wanted to be. I found a triathlon 2 months away in Hilton Head, SC called the Beach Bum. It was a 500m ocean swim, 6 mile beach bike ride and a 5k run. I expected everyone to be these super physical specimens but was surprised to see all shapes and ages. I was very slow but survived and had a great time. I was hooked on triathlons! I’ve now done over 30 races and last summer I completed my longest triathlon, a half iron man. It consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run.

2- How long did it take you to get to your maintenance weight? And how many pounds did you lose? My first triathlon was at the end of the summer In 2008 which was the end of the triathlon season. I continued to train over the next year and was down about 20 lbs by the next summer(2009).

The next Spring(2010) I decided to make another push to lose weight and decided if I could get to 225 I would buy myself a new top of the line triathlon bike. I made it and have maintained a weight of about 220 since then and have continued to improve my body composition. So I continue to maintain over a 50 pound weight loss.

3- What are your best/favorite tips for those just starting their journey? We need to be active and it will eventually make you feel good but you have to put it on your schedule or you won’t do it. I would often say “I’ll work out tomorrow” but then I would keep putting it off and then the day would be over. You have to schedule it and then protect it. Schedule other things around your workout. It’s not a luxury, you need it. Make it a priority. Those first few weeks just focus on keeping the schedule. If you’re running late and it’s only going to be a brief workout do it anyway. Keeping your schedule is the most important thing to starting a new active lifestyle. 

      Don’t start out too strong. Weight loss and better health are too abstract of reasons for you to keep working out. You’ll only keep it up if it makes you feel good. I had several previous aborted workout resolutions that began with intense 5 AM workouts but lasted only a day or two. This time I started out easy and built up slowly.

4- What was your biggest challenge or hurdle? Being patient was probably my biggest challenge. When your goal is to lose 50+ pounds and keep it off the only way to do it is slowly. If you crash diet and lose a bunch of muscle you’re just going to gain the weight back. When all your life you seen commercials promising ” rapid weight loss” it’s hard to look at your goals in terms of years instead of weeks. 

5- What is your favorite food that you have discovered as a result of seeking out healthier options? I would say ” whole foods” in general. Usually things that are less processed have a lower calorie density and therefore you can eat more of it and helps control your appetite. For example I traded out a breakfast danish for oatmeal. The oatmeal had fewer calories and kept me full until lunch.

I’ve also given up Diet Coke and instead drink unsweet or naturally sweetened green tea. There are studies that link diet sodas with obesity. I suspect that artificial sweeteners make you more tolerant of all sweet tastes. When I was downing several diet cokes a day I seemed to have more a sweet tooth than I do now. I even have an occasional real Coke after a workout as a reward.

6- How is life different now than before, outside of diet and exercise? I feel so much better but not just physically. I feel mentally sharper when I exercise regularly. I also feel I’m less impulsive and make better decisions. Exercise increases dopamine which is a pleasure chemical. If you don’t get it from exercise you’re likely to seek it out in impulsive behaviors such spending excessively, eating poorly or possibly even drugs or alcohol.

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Dr Chad! What a positive role model for us. Keep up the great work. And because I know Chad won’t gloat– Che just podium’d (now a real word) THREE times in a ROW at recent Triathlons in his bracket (whatever they call it in tri-lingo #newbietalking). Because he rocks that hard.

And calling all dudes, don’t be scared- you can be featured too! Just let it be known, that Chad was first so therefore he has rights to say “I was the first ever Dude on VR’s Feature Spotlight”.

Keep it up Chad and see you at the next open water swim!

I was the type of girl who had a great personality, was funny, liked by everyone (except myself), and was a great friend. I was the girl that no guy seriously wanted to date (until I met my hubby who loved me fat and thinner.. thank you baby!) and I was a disposable friend to the girls. I was fine with all of this during high school, during the beginning of college, and until I met my husband. When I met my husband, I had realized how unhealthy I really was. I looked at those wedding pictures, honeymoon pictures, and realized how much I had gained. I realized how fat I really was. I was 293 pounds and per my doctors (and family history) I was on the road to having diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, etc. Thankfully, none of these problems had hit yet.

I had tried every fad diet known to man and even succeeded at some of them. After I succeeded, I would gain the weight back, plus a few friends. It was a vicious cycle I was entering in. My body was beginning to feel the weight (literally), my knees were hurting, and I sounded like a TRex while breathing at night! I scared myself and my husband.
December 28, 2010 I had the Route En Y Gastric Bypass surgery. My life was forever changed from that day forward. This wasn’t a fad diet that I could gain weight back from (even though you really can gain the weight back but it wasn’t an option for me), this was a permanent life change. From then on I worked out consistently, found a great gym that I took boot camp classes at regularly, and hired a personal trainer. I lost 110# and found out I was pregnant.

So to answer your question, that is why I started my weight loss process. I did it for myself so that I could be a better person, I could not suffer from one of the many diseases that weight helps with, so I could be a better person and not let my weight hold me back from living my life. I also did it for my husband and that we could have a successful life together. Lastly (and really first) was for my future family. I was terrified I wasn’t going to be able to have children and if I did, what kind of example would I be? Certainly not a healthy one.

There are so many reasons to start a weight loss anything, the point is to just start it!

Don’t quit. Take each day at a time and do the best you can each day. It took us however long to gain the weight and it def. won’t come off overnight (especially with those fad diets!). Enjoy the journey because it is a journey. Enjoy the new exercises you can do, the way your body will change, the new you! Start with small changes that can be included in your life for the long haul.

I tell everyone to also make a bucket list when you start your journey. Include everything you want to do and everything you never thought you could do with being heavier. My list included everything from loosing 5,10,15+#, shop in normal stores, be able to run, and even ride a horse. Then watch and enjoy as you start to cross off each thing off the list.

My biggest challenge was actually going to the gym and making conscious decision to do better. None of it is easy. Of course eating that double cheeseburger from McDonald’s is faster, easier, and sometimes tastier than having a salad. If I didn’t find something fun at the gym, like my boot camp classes, then I am not sure I would have stuck with it for so long. I had to learn to incorporate the changes into my routine slowly. I had to learn to do simple things like have a gym bag packed in my car before work so I could head to the gym after work, without stopping at home.

The worldwide web is a funny place. It can connect the most random people, let you market yourself to whomever, and obviously get the latest in celebrity gossip.

I “met” April last year via twitter and through the #runsav peeps. She is inspirational, insightful, giving, and blessed with her family. I love following her running journey and I hope you do too!

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1- Why did you start your weight loss process?

I woke up one morning and realized I was squashing a whole lot of potential. I had allowed myself to get lazy and just call it “normal.” After all, I am a mid-30, married mother of 4 children. I have a full time job. I am supposed to be a little soft. It was okay to carry extra weight.

The truth was I was using excuses because I was afraid it would be too hard, I wouldn’t be enough, and I would fail.

The truth is I am a role model for my daughters. Some of the fittest women in the world are older than me. Some are nearly twice my age. Being fit give me more ability to tackle my life. I am supposed to be strong. So, I laced up my sneakers and started walking the dog.

2- How long did it take you to get to your maintenance weight? And how many pounds did you lose?

8 months and I have lost about 30 pounds.

3- What are your best/favorite tips for those just starting their journey?

You can go crazy with the amount of information out there (most of it contradictory) about how to do “it” “right.” The “it”s are different, the “right”s are varied. The truth is, we really know what to do – move your body, put good, real foods in your mouth, and stay positive. It is not a “diet” or a “program.” It is a life. Smile a lot and just do better for your body today than you did yesterday.

4- What was your biggest challenge or hurdle?

There are two and they continue to be challenges – Time and Food. I have had to be diligent in carving out scheduled times for my exercise. That has meant getting up earlier, going to sleep earlier, and getting the children involved at the YMCA. It has been tough but doable.

Food is my comfort and my addiction. It was no small feat to remove processed and artificial foods from my daily life. I still miss Jalapeno Cheetos and Chi Fil A Drive through. The trade off in how I feel is worth it. Better still, my kids are now starting to address foods in “good for your body” kind of way. It is a huge leap in great living for the whole family.

5- What is your favorite food that you have discovered as a result of seeking out healthier options?

HUMMUS! I use it on everything. I use it as a replacement for cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, etc. It is a dip, a spread, a snack. I like it plain and flavored. It is just wonderful.  

I am a more positive, gracious person. I am strong and energetic so I have more to give the world around me. It was hard so I feel more compassion and patience for others who are experiencing challenges.

I encountered a few moments where folks were not so nice and it showed me how not to approach my new lifestyle. I appreciate differences and just because I enjoy something or it works for me, does not mean it is necessarily for everybody else. I am more even tempered and not so rigid.

I am just mentally and physically better. I smile more. I help more. I am moody and tired less. I am a better wife, momma, daughter, friend because I am a better me

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WOW! Amazing! And that transformation was started by simply walking her dog. Simple changes yield large results! Way to go April!

On a Victoria Runs sidenote– yesterday morning we were down one coach, so I volunteered to run with the run group. Being that I normally mentor the r/w , deep inside I was slightly apprehensive but I wanted to push myself on my tired legs from Sunday’s brick workout . It felt awesome to push it in the 84 degree heat. We held around a 9:45-10:30 min/pace. This is fast for me, so I was stoked! I stayed with them until mile two of the run and then circled back to make sure the middle part of our group was good to go. It was really hot and steamy, but our whole group is real strong from top to bottom.  We were all sweaty, but all SMILES!

Have a great Tuesday, y’all!

xoxo

So like I discussed last week, I am going to be spacing out the success stories being featured on the blog. But please hit up the button on the top whenever you need some motivation. But I think I can get creative and innovative each Tuesday, because let’s get real.

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And that way of life can be hard. Real hard.

So here are 5 Tips that have worked for me.

- Bottoms Up.

And as much as I like to have a glass of wine or enjoy a beer, water is my BFF. At work I have three trinkets on my desk and I move each trinket as I drink my 20 oz cup. So bottoms up!

And on that side note, Savannah peeps! Check out World of Beer…. ask for the raspberry beer mixed with *crap I can’t remember*. OMGsogood. Then follow with a water.

Don’t know how much water to drink? Check out this article from the Mayo Clinic. I also like to consult the pee test, especially during the hot months in Savannah (like NOW!) and during peak training.

- Smuggle Veggies & Fruits

I aim for between 5-8 servings of a F&V. Think it’s hard. Well yes, it can be. So I smuggle. Smuggle them into my protein shakes (handful of spinach coming right up). Smuggle them into my egg white omelets. Smuggle them on top of oats. Or into pasta dishes. Get creative.

Now what constitutes a serving?

1/2 cup of strawberries is 4 large ones. That’s it! BAM!

How much should I eat? Check this out from our friends (or not friends… whateve, I don’t get into politics here) in Washington.

-Play “Telephone”

Remember that game? Pass along the word to friends. Just make sure they don’t mess it up.

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That’s right. Tell your peeps that you want to get your tuckus in gear. And amaze yourself with the support you get. The nay-sayers… are probably just jealous or on a journey themselves. Treasure the relationship you have with them, but just remember that you want to be fit and seek your guidance from a source that uplifts you.

- Dear Diary….

I once found my old diary. Apparently I had very little to say, because I wrote all of two words.

Now I use MyFitnessPal to track what I eat and how much I exercise (plus DailyMile— let’s be besties on it!)

- Have FUN

Why would you workout and eat healthy if you can’t have fun?!? I like to mix things up and try new fitness activities, like training at D1 Savannah.

Or wearing a ridiculous costume to a race. Yes. I am a cup of hot cocoa with REAL jumbo marshmallows. I won first place.

 In the costume contest.

Have a great 4th of July tomorrow. Be safe and if you take in some libations, have a DD please!

Q: What tips do YOU do that help?

xoxo

Oh and remember…. these worked for me and are my opinion (see end of this if you have questions).

Welcome to another edition of Transformation Tuesday! I am stoked to bring you my new Savannah friend, Madeline. We met through FitFluential and lo and behold, her hubby ended up being stationed here I really enjoy hanging out with her and Emmie. Plus our hubs get along well too!

But before we dive into just how fabulous Madeline looks 8.5 months after having sweet Emmalyne, there is something I want to discuss.

I love the Transformation Tuesdays. But obviously there are 52 Tuesdays in a year and will I get 52 people every year to step forward??? So I am thinking maybe doing 1-2 a month and it doesn’t have to be weight loss, it can be a financial journey, home transformation project, recipe transformation etc. The focus will primarily by weight loss or running, but what you do you think about the add-ons? Thoughts? Suggestions? Want to be featured? Email me at victoriaruns1{at}gmail dot com.

OK. I digressed.

Oh… and tomorrow. Yeah you are in for a treat. You will see Madeline and I’s workout at D1 Sports. She is posting it today with a video, but mine will be up tomorrow. So check her’s out. We were some hot, sweaty messes.

Sheesh. Back to the reason y’all are here….

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1- Why did you start your weight loss process?

I started my weight loss process after giving birth to my daughter
Emmalyne. I had a goal of reaching my “pre pregnancy” size by 6-9
months postpartum. I had gained 32lbs during pregnancy.

2- How long did it take you to get to your maintenance weight? And how
many pounds did you lose?

It took me 6 ½ months to reach my pre-pregnancy weight and I lost 12lbs.
I had gained 32lbs during pregnancy but left the hospital 20lbs lighter so I
don’t count those

3- What are your best/favorite tips for those just starting their journey?

• Be patient. This particularly applies to postpartum weight loss. It
took me 9 months to gain the weight and I had to remind myself it
wasn’t going to fall off overnight.

• Be kind to yourself. It is easy to have negative thoughts when
trying to lose weight and the pounds are S-L-O-W-L-Y coming off.
Focus on being positive and what you HAVE done and you’ll get to
where you want to be and be a lot happier along the journey.

• Embrace the things your body can do. For me, I had just had a
baby! I mean come on … that’s pretty awesome! My body grew
and birthed a beautiful baby girl. There’s not much it can’t do.
Embracing the potential and working towards it was key for me.

{let’s talk about my little girlfriend Emmie and how adorable she is. Those sunglasses. I. Die.}

4- What was your biggest challenge or hurdle?

This is going to sound counterintuitive but my biggest hurdle was eating
MORE. An important aspect of weight-loss is fueling your body properly.
You try to find that careful balance of eating enough but still losing weight.
Postpartum I went back to my eating habits pre-baby … around 1700-
1800 calories a day, which maintained my pre-pregnancy weight. Well for
a breastfeeding, exercising mama that was nowhere near enough and the
scale wouldn’t budge. Once I realized my error, upped my calorie intake to
around 2300 a day, the scale continued to drop.

5- What is your favorite food that you have discovered as a result of
seeking out healthier options?

I love hummus. I eat it as a snack almost everyday. It is also a great
addition as a dressing for salads. I also stock up on Chobani Greek yogurt

every week at the grocery store for a quick and healthy afternoon treat.

6- How is life different now than before, outside of diet and exercise?

I remember the whole reason I started my weight loss journey, which
began with an angry little cry of a sweet baby girl entering the world. Life
is different now and will never be the same because of it. Whether I am
training for half marathons or just chasing around a busy and mobile 8
month old there is never a dull moment in my life. I wouldn’t change it for
the world.

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Isn’t she lovely? And I will say that her after photo doesn’t do her justice. Last night during our killer workout, she was was working it like a lean mean sprinting/squating/pushup/etc etc queen!

xoxo