I've Been Bit And It Seems To Be Sticking Around

Well... well... well... it's been a long time. Doesn't mean I haven't thought about writing or that I had nothing to say. I actually have a legal pad with a few pages of thoughts for my blog. However, before I go into those, I thought it was important to update you on some things while I've been away.

First, I haven't retreated back to bad habits. I'm still on this mission of total wellness. Since my last post in November 2015, so many things have happened including some new opportunities.

My dad & I (11/15)

During the month of November I experienced a real emotional roller coaster when my dad suddenly become sick and was admitted into the hospital. For a minute there, things were life threatening and for me things became REALLY emotional.

However, I kept believing in God and took to the road with my running instead of turning to food. It was during my runs where I found moments of peace and God was able to minister to me through that tough time.

Dad fixing dinner for my niece (11/15)

And boy was I glad that I didn't turn to food, because within a week my dad was back home and up cooking for my niece's birthday.

Once I got past that curve ball life threw, I took to committing to establish a routine that I could maintain so that I wouldn't fall back into old habits when school started. I know there are many of you who understand the battle of balancing life when you have several commitments such as work and school.

After I made that commitment, I was bit. Bit by something that would change my life forever and that has required the love and support of my family and friends. I was bit by the running and healthy living bug. Yep, you read that right... THE RUNNING & HEALTHY LIVING BUG!

Early morning run after the rain.

Night run after a long day and I'm still smiling.

This wasn't some phase, it had rooted into a lifestyle change. I developed a routine that had me running more regardless -- early mornings or late nights, this chick was determined to get her miles in.

2016 Run Goals

As the new year started, I decided to up my commitment to keep me motivated once school started, so I created running goals for 2016. I also created a vision board to keep me inspired. A really nice idea from Pinterest.

Now, that school is well underway and I'm headed into week four, the pressure of balancing work and school, hasn't gotten to me. So far I'm maintaining an A average and I still haven't turned to food for comfort.

See, I told you I needed to get you caught up, it's a lot right?

Thankfully, it's a lot to push me into my destiny of being a whole person. Considering I've been dealing with this journey off and on for so many years, sometimes I wished I would've gotten bit a long time ago. But it's all good.... I'M BIT NOW and This is one bite that will last a lifetime!

Thanks for joining me again & I promise not to stay away so long next time.

LaWanda a.k.a. @Fattieontherun

Failed to See Because of What I Heard

For the last three weeks life has come in and I've made it a priority without including my wellness journey. Yeah, the same ol' problem I've dealt with for years. And instead of looking at this thing as just a temporary situation, I became very hard on myself and failed to see how far I'd come.

It wasn't until I was sitting having a conversation with my sister that she bought it to light for me. For three weeks, I'd been assisting my sister as her caregiver because she pulled her back at work and was out of commission for a month, as well as trying to get all my ducks in a row so I can start graduate school in January 2016. After an eight hour day, I was beat physically, mentally and emotionally and the last thing on my mind was working out or choosing healthy options for food consistently. Comfort food such as sweet and salty items became a staple at least once a day.

Instead of choosing to listen to my body or fight my feelings and sneak in at least a 10-15 minute workout, I sat and listened to myself speak my disappointments out loud. "You ought to be ashamed of yourself for not having more fight." "You're back at ground zero and now you're going to have to start over." "Why can't you be like those success stories you read about where they fight the odds and workout for at least an hour 5 to 6 days a week?" "Your friends are mothers and full time employees and they fit it in." Rough, right?

I was letting three weeks of "life happening" defeat my whole mission and take me to a "ground zero" mindset. However, with the help of my sister, I was able to stop and see how far I'd come in this journey. So what I'd had a couple off weeks, at least ALL my food choices WEREN'T bad. Every day I walked a half mile from my parking space into work instead of catching the bus, even when it was chilly and rainy. I made every effort to at least get in the minimum ounces of water. And the biggest accomplishment, I was actually upset for not working out. That would have never happened before and I even missed my running time.

In taking a brief moment to shut up my negative thoughts, I was able to take joy in my improvements. I was able to see I'd grown and my lifestyle changes were actually rooting.

So on today I want to encourage all of you who are in your own journey whether it's weight loss, professional growth or personal growth, take a moment to celebrate every moment big or small. It's these moments that will encourage you and help inspire you to continue on.

I'm looking forward to better weeks ahead. Tonight, I had an awesome run that has inspired my next blog posts.... wait for it... :>) I'm taking better precautions to help me stay on track this go round and signed up for two programs - a virtual race in Las Vegas and a program through my job that helps you to remain active and stay on course with healthy food options through the holiday season.

I would love to hear from you. What journey are you on and what moments, big or small, do you need to celebrate? Comment below or let me here from you on my Instagram or Facebook pages.

Until next time,

LaWanda a.k.a. @Fattieontherun

4 Things I Learned About My Journey From a 90-Year-Old Man

Did the fact that a 90-year-old was able to teach me something about weight loss cause you to click on this post? Then you can only imagine how much my mind was blown when I took it all in.

I don't know much about this man's early years, but I do know he wasn't born into the best of situations. However, it's not his early years that taught me key tips for my journey. It's his latter years.

• The first thing I learned from this man's story is "Age Ain't Nothing But A Number." We often hear that phrase when there's a significant age gap for couples. But for this man, it appeared when he was selected to lead a huge life-altering mission for thousands of people. When younger, maybe stronger and/or more agile men were available, this man was chosen to lead this mission at nearly 90-years-old.

• The second thing this man taught me was how to face a challenge - "Head On With Courage." He didn't let fear of failure, the size or responsibilities of the mission or the fact that he was constantly bombarded with the voices of others, take away his momentum. His faith to overcome was in God. If a man in his nineties can take such a huge responsibility on his shoulders and solely rely on God to guide and help him fulfill his mission, then why can't I?

• The third thing this man taught me was "Keep Moving." When he was selected to lead the mission the plan and the final goal was clear. All he had to do was take each step, guide and encourage those in the mission with him to keep moving and trust God. Sounds easier said then done? Well, I learned it doesn't have to be.

• Lastly, this man taught me to "Divide & Conquer." This man divided the plan and shared it with key people working with him in the mission. The final goal was a huge one and while I believe because he trusted God so much, he could have made it to the end. Dividing the plan and having others help work the plan became a life-changing moment and a lesson for the other people in the mission.

After hearing this man's story, it got me to thinking. What's stopping me from conquering my weight loss? Yeah, I'm getting older and science says with an increase in age it's harder to lose weight, to find a decent mate or to have children. But I'm looking at a man that led a mission and succeeded, not from behind a desk but on foot. If he can do it, then I can lead and conquer my mission to lose weight as well.

I already know I want to lose 100 pounds. I know I need to change my diet and select better food options. I know I need to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. I already know the steps to get me to my final mission, I just need to keep moving and trust God.

Before: April '15

In Progress: Oct. '15

I will take this man's life and look at my 100 pound weight loss journey differently. I'm breaking each part of this journey down. Currently, I'm working with The Fit Tutor, which has been a major part of this journey for me. For $8 a month, a health coach has been helping me to eliminate unhealthy habits and replace them with healthier options. And we don't move on until I master each habit. This divide and conquer then becomes a lifestyle change and it's one that takes me to my final goal. It also helps me to appreciate my NSVs (non-scale victories) such as getting into smaller size clothes.

One thing is for sure, if a man who led a mission that included thousands could do it in his 90s. Then surely I - in my late thirties - can conquer my own journey as well.

So here's to defeating all the negative comments and statistics that say I can't. And embracing one of the key things this 90-year-old man taught me: "For a conquest to be successful, it has to come from God's power, and not my own ability."

Thanks for joining me again,
LaWanda a.k.a. @Fattieontherun

Oh, still curious about who the 90-year-old man is? Well, I learned he died not too long after completing the mission at 110-years-old. And he is known in history as one of the greatest leaders in the Bible - Joshua.

I'm a Fattie & I'm Okay With That

The word "fat" is more often perceived as a negative term. Any man will tell you if a woman ask the dreaded question, "Does this dress or pair of jeans make me look fat?" Then whatever is on the T.V. becomes very interesting.

And I will agree that I felt the same way. I saw myself as "fat." And it was this vision of myself that caused me to deny myself the benefits of life because I was too fat to do this or that. One of those things was running. I was never much of a runner and never really had an interest in it growing up. However, somewhere at some point and time in my adulthood, I became intrigued with watching people run - rain, shine, hot or cold. And I always wondered how long they'd been doing it and what inspired them to do it? Then one day my intrigue went from focusing on them to wondering if I could do it.... "Naw, I'm too fat. I'd have to lose a bunch of weight first."

But one warm summer day in July 2014, that all changed. I joined a running school and saw women of all sizes, races and ages hit the pavement. From day one my run coaches saw me as a runner, when I only saw a "Fattie."

As I continued the run program, I realized who said Fattie had to be a negative thing. Yeah, I had a lot of extra weight that I needed to lose before I developed serious health issues, but being overweight isn't to be a negative ball and chain I wear.

After all, fat isn't all bad. While there are negative consequences to consuming too much of the incorrect fats. There are some benefits to eating the right amount of good fats. You know the ones found in nuts, seeds, avocados, cold-water fish and olives.

According to experts, these fats can:

• Reduce LDL levels, which decrease risk of stroke and heart disease.
• Help with blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain.
• Help fill you up and give you a lasting full feeling - like in a single ounce of almonds.
• Work as an energy source.
• And vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins that rely on fat storage and transportation throughout the body.

So yes, I'm a Fattie On The Run - a woman who has fallen in love with running and is decreasing her risk of life-threatening diseases, is filled and satisfied with life and absorbing all of the mind, body and spiritual health benefits that is sparking a lifelong transformation.

So, why my name doesn't sit well with a lot of people because they see it through the eyes of negativity. Don't Worry! I'm the Good Fat: Changing and Benefiting my life one mile at a time!!

I'm baaacccckkkkk...

Yep, that's right I'm back to writing this blog. It was three years and five months ago when I started this blog under the name "See Me Now... Watch My Later." Well, my later didn't come fast enough, I had many ups and downs and true to my history - I gave up on my weight loss journey and the desire to keep this blog going.

And as if that wasn't enough, since my last post in June 2013, I underwent even more heart break with the lost of really close friends, a really tough emotional battle in my professional career which caused my confidence to take several blows and all of this ended with me being at my heaviest weight of 275 pounds.

But you know me, I refuse to let my story end in defeat. Now, I'm living in a new city, enjoying a new job, having a blast with the addition of some new friends God has placed in my life, and I'm more focused on really becoming a better me. In addition to the new city, new job, and additional friends, one thing that really made a difference in my life is really living my truth in God. No longer focused on being a people pleaser, but a God pleaser.

I spent years turning a deaf ear to what God was instructing me to do. And in the end, it had an effect on me emotionally, mentally and physically, which led me to food - my comfort & temporary fix. It wasn't until I stopped running and moved fully into the obedience of God that my eyes opened up to living a life of truth and contentment in God.

Well, it's my first post back and I don't want it to be super long, just wanted to let you know I'm back. And I know a lot of you are wondering about the new name and some of you don't like "Fattie On the Run." It's okay! Stay tuned for my next post where I'll explain my new name.

Until then, follow my journey on Instagram at... you guessed it @Fattieontherun.

Be You & Live Your Truth in God,

LaWanda

P.S. While you're waiting on my next post, please take time to view my old posts under the former name.

Where Am I Now?

My last post was November 19, 2012 and here I find myself in the same place when I started this blog more than a year ago.

What have I learned? That I have trouble making myself a PRIORITY! This includes taking control of my health.

This very reason is why I haven't blogged in awhile. Transparency and Accountability means you have to deal with the truth and I couldn't deal with it. I had failed and even though I had friends and family pushing me, I had no pushed.

In the last few months I kept saying to myself, "Where would I be had I not stopped?" but made no changes to get myself back to the progress I had made.

However, I woke up this morning wanting something different. Ready for something different! What is it?

CONTROL over my life, CONTROL over what I allow in my life and my body.

So on today, June 15, 2013 I'M TAKING CONTROL! I refuse to be defeated in my mind, in my body and in my spirit.

I'm ready to put in the work and I'm ready to make me my own hobby. To seal the deal for me, I read a message today from @mankofit, a lady I follow on Instagram and it sank in even more for me. Hopefully, this will help someone else:

"Life is hard, life will throw punches at you, reward you, throw you off a cliff then help you get back up... where am I going with this? Well very simple, LIFE IS HARD but there's light at the end of the tunnel which takes me to my next point.

How many times have you or seen anyone quit during their fitness journey falling right back where they were? Well a lot haven't you?

I don't know how many times I'm going to say this but it takes time to see amazing results. It didn't take you a week to be out of shape, reality is just like me some of us haven't even picked up a dumbbell in our lives when we began our journey, so why expect to skip the hard work that takes when we are trying to reach our full potential!

Why would you quit so easy & so early into your journey because you don't feel like you're getting there fast enough?
How many times have you said, "If I didn't stop back then I would have looked/ felt so much better?" Well too many times, haven't you? because I've been there.

Achieving your dream body and acquiring optimal health takes time, dedication, persistence, and hard work just like anything worth having in life. We really have to stop quitting because every time we do, we start dwelling on what could have been.

So stop it now, get yourself together and promise to yourself that you will not quit this time! Do it for you because you deserve to live healthy, happy, and longer.

We are not quitters, we are warriors, and we will succeed! Get it through your head, you are NOT a quitter, not this time, not next time..."

See Me... Being My Own Road Block

It's been almost three weeks since I've posted my last post and it's because I found myself in a little funk. Why? After celebrating my 30 pound weight loss, my doctor called to let me know that I was still in the pre-diabetic range. Talking about knocking the air out of my sail. And on top of that, I found myself in an emotional funk dealing with relationships in my life.

For two weeks, I found myself in a state of HUGE disappointment. While I know that the process to becoming a healthier me wasn't going to be easy, I wasn't expecting to hear those words. Even as I shared my results with those closest to me, I received mass words of encouragement. From family, co-workers, friends, and associates, everyone was pushing me to keep going, don't lose hope, practice what I had just posted and use B.S. (breath then smile).

Moment of transparency: I couldn't make myself do it! I knew what I needed to do and what I shouldn't have done; however, I became my own road block. Eating things that I shouldn't have. Not keeping up with my workout routine (I haven't been to the gym in 2 weeks). 

The result: I gained back 4 pounds of the weight I loss.

What now? Now, I stop acting like a baby and get back on the pathway to a healthier me. Now I reverse the damage I've done and continue on to losing my next 10 pounds and NOW, I STOP BEING MY OWN ROAD BLOCK!

To everyone who has pushed and encourage me, believe me it has not been in vain. I know that I must become strict on myself in order to beat this thing. I refuse to become a prisoner to diabetes and I refuse to become a prisoner to self-doubt and fear.

I WILL OVERCOME THIS ROAD BLOCK IN MY LIFE AND IN 30 DAYS BE A LIGHTER ME.

I'm not giving up on myself so I'm asking all of you, Don't Give Up On Me!!