Hi everyone ! My name is Valene and I'm from southern California and I'm on a mission to lose this extra weight I've been carrying around for so long !
Here's the story:
I've always been a bigger gal and never really worried about eating healthy or even working out but in 2005 I met a Marine and we started dating, it seemed like paradise. He pushed and pushed me to work out and I did, I was at about 200 pounds and was still big but now looking back I wish I was that weight again ! Him and I had a tough breakup, I was crushed and I thought my life was over and I stoped running and working out and I just didn't care anymore. I ended up gaining weight and I went through **** and back and have grown into a strong woman who is now married to a truly amazing man and I have finally realized for myself and noone else that it is the time to get healthy. I now can understand that NO ONE can tell you to lose weight and get healthy, you must believe it and want to do it yourself.
I have been going strong only for a couple months now, but I won't give up, I can't ! I have been making better food choices and I walk 2 miles a day along with pilates 5 days a week. I weighed myself 3.5 weeks ago and I was 260, and last week I went to the Doctors and I am now 250
I want to one day be at 160 but for now my goal is 190 because it is more realistic right now. My goal is to run the 26.2 mile Marine Corps Marathon with my Aunt, in honor of my dear cousin that was KIA. It may takes years to get there, but I will do it.
This forum is great and seeing all the other women on this mission is encouraging and awesome !
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm glad you had a happily ever after. Good luck with your marathon. I did the LA Marathon a few years ago so trust me when I say it can be done. Sorry for the loss of your cousin. You're a sweetie to do this with your Aunt.
Thank you so very much for the warm welcome and wishes
I commend you on doing the LA Marathon, what a wonderful accomplishment. I want to one day do marathons all the time, it's a great goal and I will do it !
Thank you again and I looked forward to chattin with you all.
I have my medal hanging in my bedroom. Although, I'll have to say, if I ever do a marathon again it will be to pass out water and cheer on the rest of you guys!!
Hello WS I just joined today and am trying to great some ppl and make some friends. Wow it seems like you are on your way I would be so excited to lose 10 pounds, good on you!
Hello and welcome to the group. I too was married to a Marine, and ours ended badly as well. Yes you are right only you can tell you when to do this, I have just learned that.
It sounds like you've had a tough time, but that only shows that you can do anything! Pretty exciting, isn't it?!
It's so true that you can only do this for yourself. Just like no one can lose the weight for you, no one can make you lose it--other than you of course!
Hi everyone... Only I can make this choice :)
Although, I'll have to say, if I ever do a marathon again it will be to pass out water and cheer on the rest of you guys!! 
