Tuesday, January 4, 2011

A New Year….. A Fresh Start

So, after being inactive for way – way too long, I have decided to get back on the blogging bandwagon.  The primary reason is to hold myself accountable to becoming a healthier mom, wife, friend, & daughter. 

I have always been a thin person.  When Brent & I married nearly 12 years ago, I only weighed 110 lbs (soaking wet).  I wore a size 2 and looked great in a swimsuit.  Fast forward to present – after 7 years of fertility treatments, surgically-induced menopause, and multiple abdominal surgeries, I have gained way TOO much weight, developed hypertension, and fed multiple bouts with Depression.

After visiting my family in SC over the Christmas holidays, my cousin, Sonya, mentioned that she is going to start training for the Cooper River Bridge 10K in Charleston on April 2, 2011.  I never have liked to run, but a bell started going off in my head…. Wow, training for a 10K would be hard, but the benefits would include: losing weight, becoming a healthier / happier person, run a fun race with my favorite cousin, and have a girl’s weekend in Charleston.  Hence, my quest to write a blog about the struggles and triumphs I face in training for the race.

I am going to go beyond my comfort zone here, and post some pretty personal facts about my weight / measurements.  I am probably even going to post pictures to show my progress (slow or quick).  I would normally not do something like this, except I feel that exposing my current state of fatness / grossness will finally hold me accountable to returning to the cute, fun, bubbly, and healthy MEAGAN. 

My goals:

1.  Train for the Cooper River Bridge 10K using the Couch Potato to 5K program – I’ve always hated running, but I’m going to stretch myself here!

2.  Lose weight – I don’t have a set weight goal for myself.  My primary goal in losing weight is to see results in my clothes and losing my double chin.  It would be nice to be back in a size 8 pants.  I know, I know….. this is a big difference from the size 16 I’m in now, but I have to have goals……

3.  Work out at least 5 days / week – My plan is to do my 10K training schedule on Mon, Wed, and Fri and either yoga or kickboxing on Tues & Thurs.  Sunday will be my day of rest!  & Saturday…….. I’ll find something to do :)

4. Eat healthy – That means NO MORE fast food!!!!!  Brent & I have decided that to be healthy & good role models for Zoe, we are going to cook ~ 90-95% of all meals at home. 

So, in order to accomplish these goals, I have to put it all out on the table….. fat rolls and all!  My stats as of today are as follows (START):

Measurement Size
Height 5’ 4”
Weight 200 lb
BMI  
   
Pant size 16
Shirt size XL (16/18)
Bra size 42 DD
   
Chest (in) 49 3/8
Waist (in) 48
Hips (in) 46

 

Brent & I took starting photos, but I haven’t downloaded them from the camera yet.  I will post as soon as I have done that.  So, join me on a whirlwind  adventure as I make some drastic life changes!

5 comments:

Teresa said...

I am super proud of you, Meagan. You are brave to post your numbers, but as Oprah said, you have to own your number before you can change it.

Meagan Byrd said...

Thanks Mamma! I'm stepping out on a limb here! I hope not too many people laugh at me.

Mel Roschal said...

So proud of you girl. I'm running again too. It helps with depression, stress, fatigue, there are just too many benefits NOT to do it. I'm going to find something here local to train for, probably NOT a Tri this year, but there are tons of fun running events.

Sonya :) said...

I am so excited to do this with you! You have inspired me to post my numbers too. You are going to rock this!

Meagan Byrd said...

Ok Tia Mel - let's sign up for one this spring!!!!! I'm ready. When ya coming for a visit?

Sonya - you are gonna rock this too!