At the end of my 3rd round of the 12 week program

And yet it is not over, because this is a life long journey. Besides that I still want to get down another size or two. But either way I am happy with what I have done.

I have lost 8 lbs in the last 4 weeks, 26 lbs in the last 3 months and a total of 114 lbs since the beginning of January. I have also lost 5.75 inches in the last 4 weeks, 14.50 inches since 15 of August and a total of 76.75 inches since the beginning of the year.

Anyone interested in a breakdown? This is my total loss for different measurement areas. Upper arm: 3 inches, Bust: 12 inches, Under Bust: 9 1/2 inches, Across Belly button: 16 1/4 inches, Waist: 13 inches, Across hipbones: 13 3/4 inches, Thigh: 6 1/2 inches and calf: 2 3/4 inches. The inch loss is where it is at! LOL. I am now a size 12 (though because of my hips being a bit wider than that, and the fact I am long waisted, I need to wear a size 14 trouser, although this ALWAYS means the waist is big on me...sigh. Was the same when I was a size 24 and still like that as a size 12). I think I mentioned at the beginning what weight I started out at. But I will (wince) state it again. In January, I weighed 291 lbs. I am 5 feet 10 inches tall so I can't get TOO small, but I now weigh 177 lbs and I want to get to about 167 lbs, though I think 155 to 160 lbs would also be good. I am not too worried about actual weight though because that can fluctuate even in one day by a few pounds. I am happy where I am at.

I know I have said this before, but really, the weightloss is nice, it is a bonus though. And obviously this is what people see. But I see something which is more important. I am gaining better control over my health; I don't have the insulin/glucose problems I was having earlier this year. My hormones are beginning to cooperate. This is always an ongoing battle because PCOS doesn't just go away. Even now I would love to indulge my appetite and just eat whatever the heck I want! Wouldn't that be nice? But I can't. My priority is my health. I do love exercising. I love running (on a side note I ran straight for 45 minutes yesterday, woohoo that was really nice! I could have run longer but I had to get home so Kim could get to the Church to get some ward clerk stuff done), I love weight lifting, I love yoga. I love how my body feels; my energy, my mood. I love feeling strong. I don't get winded running up the stairs anymore, I am enjoying greater health and I never though I could to this extent. I see more possibilities for being stronger and active more and more.

Being healthy, being strong and being well isn't impossible for anyone. I know it isn't easy. It is an uphill battle often and it seems like it is impossible to achieve certain goals. But they can be met. The road taken is one step at a time. If someone had told me back in January that before the end of the year was out I would be running up to 15 miles a week, every week, I would not have believed it. I have wanted to be a runner for a long time, for several years now, but I didn't see it as a possibility. Now it is a reality. That's what I love. Sure, I am glad I am slimmer and that I have reached some weightloss goals, but the real rewards are in the knowledge that my health is better, I am NOT going to become diabetic or develop heart disease because of my lifestyle. I am gaining better control over my fertility (if you have never had to deal with this, you have no idea how amazing it is to see these improvements! It is such a blessing to know this is in my hands.) and I am in better shape. Much much better shape.

I have said this before and I will say this again. Anyone can do this. Anyone can gain control over their health. We are meant to be healthy. Our Father in Heaven gave us these wonderful, miraculous bodies to accomplish wonderful miraculous things. When we treat them with the respect and love they deserve they can truly bless us, challenges notwithstanding. Not everyone has the exact same physical goal. We all have our own challenges, but we can each become the best individual physically, spiritually and mentally that we can. The power is in our hands to create lives that bless ourselves and others as we strive to be healthy and live lives of wholeness. When we are taking care of ourselves, we can serve better and give more. I truly believe this.

I still have some more goals to reach and I will keep you all updated. This journey isn't over yet. :)