Michael Jackson - King of Pop
MY SPEECH IS BELOW THIS POST…I’m still in shock that Michael Jackson is gone! I was a huge fan in the 80’s, I’m talking, posters on the wall that I use to talk to, and hide my change behind. I had a belt with his face on it, that I treated like gold! Well… I digress. Today, I was asked to speak at “Healthy Happy Hour” about losing weight and living an active lifestyle. We dined on turkey lasagna made with whole wheat noodles, veggies and dip, and fruit kabobs for dessert. We did line dances and yoga stretches. Then, they introduced me to the crowd of about 20 or so as an expert! I’m by no means an expert, but it was nice to hear the applause as I told them my story. Well here’s my speech, but I must tell you that my big little sister said I was “Ghetto” for adding a special shout out to Michael Jackson at the end of my speech LOL!….
MY SPEECH…
- Hi, My name is “Carli”, I’ve pretty much struggled with my weight since adolescence. In June of last year, I joined the Weight Management program at Washington University. Since that time, I’ve lost 50 lbs and made many drastic lifestyle changes. Before I joined the WM program, a typically days meals would probably consist of a breakfast sandwich, hash browns and orange juice, lunch of chicken fingers and fries and soda, donut sticks for an afternoon snack, and a double cheeseburger meal with a soda, and usually dessert with dinner. Before loosing the weight, I would get out of breath doing everyday activities. I got out of breath putting on shoes, walking up a flight stairs, and even getting out the car. It was a miserable way to live life, that’s when I knew something had to be done, so I joined the WM Program. The 1st 20 weeks of the program are very strict. I thought that I would most certainly die when the dietitian said Mountain Dew would not be a part of my new food regimen. A typical day’s food turned into a High Protein Shake
for breakfast, a salad for lunch, a Protein Bar
for snack and a healthy choice frozen meal for dinner. I stuck this meal plan about 90% of the time. In the beginning, I slowly became more physically active by joining the Wash U “On the Move” program, an exercise program designed specifically for overweight individuals. After Stage 1 of the program ended, and new foods were added to my meal plan, and I stopped loosing weight. I realized I had to get even more active and dedicated to my weight loss. I started a blog online called www.runningintoshape.com. I used my blog as a journal to track my ups and downs as I trained for several months and ran my 1st 5K in April of this year. I never thought in a million years I would be able to jog for 3 miles. I felt like I could do anything! Often times at work, my co-worker and I will walk a mile around downtown on our lunch break, and I consistently work out at least 3 times a week in the gym or jog in the park. In May, Kay Quinn from Channel 5 interviewed me as someone who participated in a Wash U program, and lost weight and changed my lifestyle. After half of St. Louis saw me on TV, and told me how my story inspired them, it was only then that I actually was able to see my accomplishments. I walked the Komen 5K Race for the cure with co-workers a couple weeks ago, it was a great feeling when I reflected on the fact that this time last year I wasn’t even able to walk from the parking garage to the Weight Mangement clinic without huffing and puffing and complaining about the distance. Currently, I’m still blogging and training for my 3rd 5K. I will be running in the All Star race next month, My is goal to beat my time from my 1st race. I’m still adjusting to people calling me skinny, and telling me, I inspire them to work out. People constantly ask me, “how’d you do it?”, my response is “the only way you can, eat less and move more!” My advice to you would be to find a long term Weight Management program that works for you, find new fun ways to get active, surround yourself with positive people who support your goals, and accept that sometimes you just might eat a donut!. I still have many pounds to go to get to my healthy happy weight, but with the continued support of my family and friends, I know that I can do it! As difficult as it may seem, Just remember the basics, “Eat less and Move more!”
Today was my Big Race Day. I must admit I’m so proud to say, I Made It! I jogged for 3.1 miles. My 2 goals were to finish in under an hour, and not to come in last. I met both of them! While listening to the Rocky Theme song, I crossed the finish line in 54 minutes, came in 638th Place, and ranked in the 89 %tile… and you know what, I’m PROUD about it!!! Everyone asked, “So how does it feel?” My initial response as I limped around was “I hurt” …But in reality, 2 months ago when I started training; running for 60 seconds felt like cruel and unusual punishment. Now, I’m planning my next 5K. I’m extremely proud of my success and know that I can do anything I put my mind to. I’m going to do the Susan G. Komen race for the cure in June. I’d like to shave 15 minutes or more off my time while doing to for a good cause. So, this time around, I’ll not only be “spamming” you as one of my best friends said, but also asking for donations… Thanks so much to my family and friends who came out so early on a damp morning, and those who supported me with encouraging emails and phone calls…Check out my finish line pics!
Today could not have been better; it started off with a free tax day massage in Keiner Plaza downtown, and ended with a 5K run! Yes you read it right, I actually did it. I can’t freaking believe it. And I did it in under an hour, 53 minutes to be exact. I never thought in million years I could jog for 3 miles. This time last year I was complaining about the walk from the parking garage to the weight management clinic. Now 52 lbs later, and working out 3 times a week. I feel a hard earned sense of accomplishment. Even Lance Armstrong had to congratulate me through my ipod on my long run yet!
I keep telling myself, It’s now or never; the race is Saturday. Today was an unpredictable April day in Saint Louis, will it rain, snow, shine, you never know. I went to gym because it’s weather proof. I went up to the track, calibrated my Nike iPod sensor, and got to jogging. I jogged for 50 minutes! That’s my longest jog yet. I’m learning how to pace myself a little better. I was still a little shy of 5K (3.1 miles), but hopefully by Saturday, I can do it.
I worked out on vacation, not only did I work out on vacation, I got up and left the cozy condo early in the morning to go jogging.
