2 Sisters with Gastric Bypasses, and 1 Half Marathon

So, I've taken some time off from watching what I eat and exercising like I used to. Yes, I had a baby, and I did great during the actual pregnancy and only gained 20 pounds, but afterwards I found out that while I was breast feeding I could eat whatever I wanted and not gain weight. I picked up some really bad habits, and in doing so I've put an unwanted 25 pounds back on. But have no fear, I'm back!!! I've been training all winter long with my sister, and I just finished my 3rd half marathon. It felt great, and I'm already down 6 pounds (this week). I always love blogging about my running, so here are some of the highlights.

On Saturday, January 17th, 2015 me and my sister, Brandi, ran the St. George Half Marathon together. It was awesome!!! I loved everything about it - the training, the conversations, the bonding - I wouldn't trade a single bit of it (I'm not so sure Brandi feels the same way yet... but she will after the pain goes away completely). This was my third half marathon and Brandi's first. I was so proud of her. She did so much better than I did on my first marathon, and this course was the toughest too. The first seven miles were up hill, and we were literally the only ones we could see that actually ran the hills and didn't walk them (it must have been those hill sprints we did and loved so much!!!)

Running a half marathon is a huge accomplishment for anybody, but especially for me and Brandi who both topped the scales at close to 300 pounds only 2 and 4 years ago. I had my gastric bypass in May 2011 and Brandi in June 2013. Now what we have to careful of is not forgetting or belittling our achievements. I remember those days when my goal was just to finish and 5K - that was all I wanted. But now that I run at least a 5K (3.2 miles) 3 or 4 times a week, I find myself saying, "We're only running 3 miles" - like that is not an accomplishment in itself! There is nothing "only" about getting in shape and taking care of yourself emotionally and physically through running!!!

Well, it feels good to have one more half marathon under my belt. Although this will probably be my first and last winter marathon. Training is hard enough, but when you add running in the cold and dark, fighting colds and flu's, navigating around ice and snow, it's even more complicated. Plus, I could really use some sun on my legs! Although it was good for me to realize that I can run in the cold and be just fine. I typically hang up my running shoes around Halloween, but from now I think I'll keep running through the winter here and there, just not with the intensity and frequency you have to when training for a marathon. I'm super proud of you, Brandi! You're da bomb!!! Let's keep the momentum going!!!

This was me and Brandi at my very first 5K in October 2011. I had dropped close to 100 pounds at this point, and getting a gastric bypass wasn't even on Brandi's radar yet.

And this is us today!!! Together we're almost 300 pounds lighter and we're both officially marathoners!!!