GatorGal - thanks for your support! Glad I could help you along as well! I was lucky enough during my journey to just not fall off the wagon...I did eat poorly at times, but my theory on losing weight is that I am going to "eat out" and eat things that aren't on plan...and that is okay as long as I make up for them by getting on track the following day.

LukesMommy - thank you for the compliments! they really make you feel good...especially (for me at least) after spending 5 years of not having them...or having them but not feeling them! I currently spend about 30-40 minutes on the treadmill. When I started I could only do the elliptical due to shin splints, and was on it for an hour. I then moved to using both the elliptical and treadmill trying to become a runner...and I'd vary it between 30 minutes and 60 minutes. Now I only do the treadmill and am trying to improve my 5k time...so currently between 30-40 minutes are spent on it...although I am trying to increase my distance....so that may change....it definitely took a lot of time for my strength and endurance to build up to use the treadmill as I use it today.

CountingDown - thank you very much! I am very happy these days and feel pretty fit as well! I run faster than some of the boys and for longer when at the gym...which makes me feel very good! I can't wait to get some really awesome "runner legs"...

This is so inspirational!!! :carrot:

THAT'S AMAZING!!! yay for another slimfaster like myself!! you look amazinnnnnnnngggggggggg!!

That is wonderful. You look great. Thank you for sharing with us.

Congratulations! You look great and years younger.

Hey Girl just want you to know that YOU are my HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for all the kind remarks! The great news is that if you haven't done it already - you can too!!! If there is anything I can do to help any of you, feel free to PM me!

Wow!!!!! How freakin' AWESOME!!!

:bravo:

Check out the dress I wore to a fundraiser/Clam Bake this past weekend. :) I must say I'm slightly impressed with myself! Please ignore my phony looking smile, I'm really bad at it when I'm taking photos of myself! :)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h3..._1193_crop.jpg

you look fantastic! i've lost 40 pounds in the past year, and i understand hating photos of yourself. now i can look at myself in the mirror and think, "man, i'm pretty hot."

Amanda-
You truly look AMAZING! You ARE my inspiration. I hope you dont mind but I have booked marked your pics, everytime I get down Im gonna look at your progress. Thanks!

You look awesome!! Congrats on your success! :congrat:

What an amazing story!!!! You truely are an inspiration!!!!!

GatorAmazing
 

Amanda,

How inspiring! Finally something that a Gator can teach a Bulldawg!!! :D :hug: I can't wait. I have finally begun my journey and I expect next summer to be fabulous. 10 months huh? That is so AU-some. oh I am sorry all the SEC hype. My fingers just keep getting twisted. Thanks again for the inspiration!!! 11/01/08!!!

Haha DeltaGurl - I love the SEC talk and do it myself sometimes around here as well! 10 whole months - it's amazing that it took 5 years to put it on and only 10 months to take it off...seems to easy, right? Well as long as you stick to your plan - the one that works for you - it can easily be done! Thanks for your compliments!

Everyone - thank you so kindly for your nice words. Some days on this journey it was difficult, but honestly - one of the best things that worked for me was to come to 3FC and read, read, read - learning from the pros. Good luck in all your journey's!