Wow, you ae all such inspirations...so much weight lost
I, too, am a huge believer in exercise and do not think I could have gotten as far as I have without doing it. It is about more than the weight; it is about how my overall health has improved.
I am well below 200 in cholesterol (last two labs have been 115 and 143) and triglycerides (last two readings 71 and 52). My blood pressure readings have consistently been in the 100/60 range - before starting to exercise I was typically in the 125/80 range.
Most importantly, my fasting blood glucose readings have been in the low 70's. given that my father had type II diabetes that caused him major medical complications that eventually brought about his death, I am scared of diabetes. Such a cruel disease. Knowing that I have blood glucose readings in the normal range, combined with a clear mammogram in December (mom died of breast cancer, another evil disease), I feel very good about my improved health.
I also am proud of the fact that I can run without collapsing! Who woulda thunk it?
when I was 12, I couldn't even jog a mile in gym class. Now I can do 5 miles without having to stop. 1049jess, you are an inspiration because I would love to be able to get to 10k one day.