Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Ultimate Before!

Yesterday I got an email from Marathonfoto.com about a local Chicago 8k I do every year, the Shamrock Shuffle 8k.  They combined all the pictures from 2006 on of the Shamrock Shuffle 8k into one site for your viewing (and re-ordering) pleasure!

They actually only had 2 years listed, 2007 and 2009, even though I ran this run since 2004, missing only 1 year.  I happened to pull up 2007 and WHOA!  That was a sight!  This run is either in March or April every year.  I'm guessing this was late March or early April.  I started Weight Watchers in May 2007.  Therefore, these pictures were taken about 1 or 1.5 months prior to starting the weight loss process.  This is most definitely my heaviest weight to date!  And the pictures do not disappoint!  How about I throw in a 2011 Marathon photo after, just for shits and giggles.


2007 Shamrock Shuffle 8k


2007 Shamrock Shuffle 8k


2011 Chicago Marathon


2011 Chicago Marathon
 Now, as much as I want to delete those previous run photos from the existence of this planet, I have to look back and smile for a few reasons. 

#1 - Look how far I've come.  And even though I have rough patches and I gained a little weight back, it's still an amazing accomplishment that I sometimes forget about. 

#2 - In the 2007 picture, I'm running.  I'm running an 8k!  And to think I even ran my first half marathon the year before in 2006, still overweight!  I did it back then.  All too often, I hear people say they can't do something until they lose weight.  They think they are too big, too heavy.  They don't even try.  This proves you can do anything you set your mind to.  Do you think running an 8k (or half marathon) or even a 5k was easy for me back then?  No!  I walked parts of it.  But I finished!  And I didn't give up!  Again, this is also an amazing accomplishment!

I hope you all have a happy holiday season!

12 comments:

  1. WOW Amanda! That is all I have to say!! WOW!!!

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  2. AMAZING!!! Wow..you have come so far on your WLJ. You are such an inspiration. And your right too many people say they can't do something until they lose weight (me included) but you have totally proved that to be false.

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  3. Wow... good job and it think it is an important message for everyone. As an overweight individual myself you need to start some how some way!!!
    Keep it up kid!

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  4. Wow, you don't even look like the same person anymore! What an amazing accomplishment!

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  5. Thanks Dad and thanks Kara!
    I remember being overweight but I don't remember it when I see the pictures. I just don't remember being THAT heavy!

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  6. Sorry, missed your message Amanda! Thanks!! :)

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  7. You are amazing and inspiring, Amanda! Before AND after!!! :)

    Merry Christmas!

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  8. thanks for stopping by my site!! What a cool post! I think it is always amazing to see the journey that running has taken people on and the smile on your face really speaks to that

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  9. You have come so far Amanda - yep, you need to refer to those before pictures to remind yourself how far you've come!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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  10. Anonymous12/27/2011

    Those pictures are amazing! You are truly inspring. I'm totally one of those people who say I'll run when I lose a bit of weight, but you were doing it even then. That's awesome.
    Hope you had a great Christmas!

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  11. Thanks Meesh and Biz!

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  12. Thanks again everyone!

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