The birth of a new way of life!

For everyone reading this who does not know me, My name is Heather! I am a 33 (nearly 34) yr old, stay-at-home mother of one. I have an amazing husband and a beautiful little boy...and I am miserable.


Like so many others who have struggled with weight problems (I mean obesity/morbid obesity...not those who have 20lbs. to lose) I feel I have no control over my own body. My skin feels to tight, my hair is thin, I feel puffy and bloated. My clothes never fit right and I feel like the entire world stares at me thinking what I have heard others say..." If only she would just stop eating so much"..."just get on the treadmill, you'll start losing weight."


I have been on every diet imaginable! Weight Watchers at least 6 times, Jenny Craig twice, low-fat, low-carb, low-calorie, SlimFast, Phen-Fen and Metabolife... Some I have lost great amounts of weight on...most, hardly any.


I have been to a nutritionist and I have seen a therapist who specializes in eating disorders. I have even attended OverEaters Anonymous.


And here I am, 256lbs., 5'6", and 106lbs overweight...still!


I guess in some ways I am lucky...for now. I am not diabetic, I do not have any heart problems (other than my murmer). I have had triglyceride problems in the past, but they have leveled out.


BUT, my knees ARE starting to become a problem. And my ankles, and feet. It does make exercise tough. I am limited in the type of movements I can do. At the end of the day, I feel like an 80yr old woman.


EVERYTHING hurts!!!


About a week and a half ago, I was frustrated after having been using this great calorie counting app on my new android phone. I was SO SURE with this tool I would finally conquer my weight issues!


Sadly, this was not the case!


After three weeks of using it, I lost 4 lbs. only to regain them the next week.


I was angry and disappointed and so frustrated.  BUT, I decided I was not giving up this time. I made a bet with my husband...If I lose at least 90lbs by next September 2011...he will take me on a vacation to Europe for TEN DAYS...just the two of us!!


If I lose (or don't lose..lol) he goes WITHOUT ME!!! He will take his Uncle!


Now I just have to say, there is NO WAY IN HELL my husband is going to Europe WITHOUT ME!!! SOOOO, I had to step it up!


I live in Myrtle Beach, SC and for the last few weeks I have been seeing an ad on T.V. for NBC'S "The Biggest Loser" First ever 5k/1mile Challenge.


And my general comment each time it ran was..."yeah, ok...thats gonna happen!"  But on this particular day, at this particular time, it occured to me "why not?!? My best friend will be in town that weekend and she is a seasoned marathon participant! If ANYONE can get me through this, SHE CAN!!!"


So, I called her, she agreed, we signed up and I was pumped!!! I had no doubt this was what I wanted, no NEEDED, to do!! ANd not the 1 mile challenge...OH NO!!! The whole 5k!! Of course, I had to research how long a 5k is...cause I had no idea!! LOL


Some of my family was shocked, but all were supportive. I posted it on Facebook and my old highschool friends supported me as well!


The even was great! The night before, we went to pick up our packets and we got to see one of the former contestants from the show.


There was also an audition booth for those who wanted to audition for the show!! Now, I have made 3 audition tapes in the past, but I have never sent them in.  There were alot of reasons why, but mostly it is because I was not ready!!


I wasn't going to try, but my friend talked me into it. So I did.  It was tough. They ask you such simple questions, but there are no simple answers when you have struggled with this as long as most of us have.


I cried, as I am sure most people did in that booth. But the sound and video guys who are in there with you, are great.  They really put me at ease, and I didn't feel foolish.


I hold no illusions that I will receive even a call back!! So many audition, and they are looking for 24 contestants for Season 11.


And while I TRULY believe I am ready to be at the ranch with Bob and Jillian, I am so proud of myself that I even stepped up to this challenge.


I did finish by the way!!


My time was 57:15!!!


I expected to take an Hour and a half. So I was quite pleased with myself. I also ran the last 300 yards!!


There are 4 more 5k's between now and the end of may...and I will be in every one of them.  My goal is to to RUN the one on Memorial Day weekend with my best friend. The one who helped me start it all!


Some I may have to do alone, but thats ok because at the end of the day this journey is mine, and mine alone.