One of my best of friends Stefanie is getting married tomorrow. It's so hard to believe that the day is already here...just hours away! When I think of people who inspire me most when it comes to achieving weight loss / fitness goals, Stef is surely at the forefront.
Stef and I met in college - we were in the same sorority. We became fast friends and during our last year in college we had the opportunity to be neighbors. We dragged each other to the gym and cheered one another on when mini-goals were achieved. Neither of us ever fully met our weight loss goals back then, actually we never came close, but it was fun working towards it and daydreaming of what the end result would look like - one day.
Stef and I met in college - we were in the same sorority. We became fast friends and during our last year in college we had the opportunity to be neighbors. We dragged each other to the gym and cheered one another on when mini-goals were achieved. Neither of us ever fully met our weight loss goals back then, actually we never came close, but it was fun working towards it and daydreaming of what the end result would look like - one day.
Those days, Stefanie HATED running. I can still remember so distinctly being on the track in the rec center, and me playing "coach" as I like to do, would force her to run. Each and every time, she would glare at me with evil, "I want to hurt you" eyes...she promised me running was surely not "her thing".
Fast forward to today, boy things have changed. I would consider Stef my ideal workout partner. While we don't live near one another (sadly), when we do have the opportunity to get together, going for a run with one another is always part of the agenda. Always.
This past week, we were blessed with a couple of opportunities to run together. Our pace is always so in-sync; both deep in our own thoughts, no conversation is necessary as we both seem to find comfort just simply running side-by-side. During these moments, I am always reminded by how far Stef has come...and always inspired.
 |
| Stef & I, after a four mile run in Higgins Lake. |
 |
| High Five Girlfriend! |
Her Story: From One Runner to Another
MSF: You've come a long way on your weight loss fitness journey, tell me a little about what worked for you? What made you give running a try?
Stef: A little over two years ago, I realized I was so unhappy with my body and uncomfortable in essentially every setting. I decided to join weight watchers because my mom had such great success on the program. I needed that accountability of weighing in in front of a stranger every week. It took me nine months...slowly but surely I lost about 20 lbs - just from making smarter food choices! With new confidence, I decided to give running a try. I was really worried, still am, that I would gain my weight back so I knew that I need to start incorporating physical activity into the mix. I guess I picked "running" because it was something "free" and easy to do. I had no idea that I would actually end up being a "runner" - it's so fun to say that!
 |
| The before "Stef" ... |
 |
| Stef & I at my wedding June 21, 2008...time sure does fly! |
 |
| Another "Before" Pic of Stef... |
MSF: What do you love most about running?
Stef: I absolutely love the way I feel after a run...each and every time. It is indescribable...if I was forced to summarize in one word I would choose amazing! Growing up, I always felt that I wasn't very athletic, it's fun to finally feel like I'm good at something; running!
MSF: When did you actually start liking to run?
Stef: I don't think I actually started to like running until I completed my first race last November. My fiance and I ran the Turkey Trot in downtown Detroit together. My goal was just to run the whole thing and not stop to walk. I completed my goal and I have been addicted ever since.
MSF: Any tips for people who say they "hate running" but want to "be a runner"? How should they start?
Stef: I hate when people say they can't run! Yes, yes I know that I was once one of those people! My views have dramatically changed - everyone can run, you just have to start slow. I couldn't even run a mile when I started. The key is to build up your milage every week. Don't go too far too fast because you are going to end up hating because it'll feel "too hard". I started with a three mile loop around my house. I would start running to a certain spot and every week I would add a few more blocks before I would start walking. Eventually over time I was able to run the whole loop...that was an awesome day.
MSF: You've now ran a 1/2 marathon, a 10 miler, and several smaller runs - how'd you stay motivated for the training
Stef: I make sure I am signed up or at least have a race in my sights at all times in order to stay motivated for training. I've learned that if I am not signed up for a race I don't log as many long runs as I should. My soon to be husband also keeps me motivated. I get jealous if he gets a run in and I don't! We designate a few evenings a week to run together which is something I really look forward to.
 |
| Stef and I in July 2011 after completing the Warrior Dash, intense 5K obstacle course. |
MSF: What would you say is the # 1 benefit of running?
Stef: The #1 benefit of running for me is the mood I am in after a run. It instantly lifts my spirits no matter how bad I felt beforehand. I can always count on running to put me in a good mood and to me, that's priceless.
Earlier today, I gave Stef a "Last Chance Workout". It was intense! A memory that will be with me forever...
"Tribute to Bride to Be"... to be continued tomorrow.
Keep it Clean & Enjoy the Ride,
Mrs. Skinny Fat
You two are such an inspiration! You both look so fabulous! Congratulations to Stef! Love you both!
ReplyDeleteThank you Julie!! Means a lot!!!
ReplyDelete