I’ve always been very active, and played sports all my life. I’ve played tennis the longest (as my parents both enjoyed/still enjoy playing tennis), although lately, they’re playing more golf than tennis. I played competitive softball for twelve years (starting when I was five). I played on basketball teams, but that was more for fun (although I think our coaches wished we took it more seriously – it was a church league). I never really picked up running until after college.
I had never enjoyed the aspect of running, but after a terrible high ankle sprain (during a tennis match…stupid overhead shot), the only conditioning my doctor would let me do, after the six weeks, was running. He said the movement of tennis (side-to-side) would be too much on my ankle so soon after my sprain, so running was what he recommended. After being inactive for that six weeks, waiting it out, I was more than ready to do something, and if running was what he recommended, I knew I had to try it. I ended up loving it, and built up to running small races (nothing over a 5K, and trust me, nothing speedy here people). But then I started having babies, and that cut out running for me, for a long time. I did keep up tennis for awhile, playing on a USTA team, while pregnant, but now I’ve just strictly been running. I’m hoping in the next year or so, we can join a swim and racquet club, and I can play tennis on a more consistent basis again. Right now, running has been the easiest form of working out for me. It’s so nice to just throw on a pair of running shoes and go. No checking in at the gym, no classes at a certain time, it’s just easy. Although I would like to start the gym back up at some point, right now, it’s all about finding enough time to squeeze in a run.
While I was pretty fit until high school, once college hit, let’s just say I had a lot of fun. I probably weighed between 145-155 pounds. I still played most intramural sports in college (our sorority team I was on at N.C. State (where I went before transferring to UNC-Chapel Hill) were the Residence Hall/Sorority Intramural Champions)). But I still probably ate (and drank) way more than I exercised.
After graduating, I got engaged at 22. I never wanted to lose a lot of weight for my wedding, because I didn’t want to look back at my wedding pictures and think how skinny I was. I know I’m crazy. I did lose some weight, but nothing too extreme (maybe 140?). I actually probably weighed less two years later (in 2006), at one of my sisters’ weddings, than I did at my own (when I was on Weight Watchers and started running). At my highest pregnancy weight, I tipped the scale at 180 pounds. W and E were both 9 pounds, L was 8lbs, 7oz, and V was 8lbs, 9oz. I was 9lbs, 9oz! And then my mom proceeded to have five more?! On top of that, she had the first four natural, and the last two, she had epidurals. Talk about a super woman!
Right before I delivered V, I weighed in at 174lbs. I began the My Fitness Pal app a week after V was born (on November 1st, since I wasn’t breastfeeding), and weighed in at 151lbs. I hit my goal weight of 130lbs back in March, I think. I’m 5’6″ and have now maintained 130 pounds for almost four months. And y’all, I eat. That’s what I enjoy most, that I’m not starving myself, and cutting things out I love. My biggest changes are portion control, eating slower (savoring food), making time for meals, and trying not to snack. No matter how bad I know alcohol may be for my metabolism, that’s one of my vices I’ll never cut out/back.
Everyone’s bodies are different. Please don’t go by my weights as targets, and my runs as your goals. While it may encourage you, do what’s right for your body. If you’re thinking of losing weight, I’d consult with a nutritionist, so they can help you find what’s right for you and your lifestyle.
And honestly, it’s not genetic either. First off, every single one of my sisters is more well-endowed than I am. Seriously got the short end of the stick there. And they’re all teeny and petite (except for the youngest who is 5’8″, they’re 5’5″ and shorter). And by the way, my mom, who is my height, weighed only 132 pounds at her HIGHEST pregnancy weight with me (and remember, I was 9lbs, 9oz!). I’m comfortable with who I am. That’s what everyone should aim for. Be comfortable in your own skin! Most importantly, I’m just thankful to be fit and healthy enough to have the energy to run around with my kiddos, and hope to keep it up for years and years to come!
This is a great post. It shows what a grounded, sweet, and considerate person you are.
Thank you! 🙂
Loving reading your blog. You are so motivational! Thank you for this post.
Thanks! Means so much!
Thank you so much for your honest post! I tried to comment on your last posts about running, but it wasn't working for some reason. I was going to say that I use Charity Miles for my walks (my biggest problem is finding the motivation to get my twins ready and in the stroller by myself). For every mile, they donate to a charity of your choosing (from a list). It tracks distance and time, and I feel even better about what I'm doing. I have one-year-old twin boys, and I love reading your blog and checking out what L and V are wearing! Too bad JV Clothiers has no west coast schools 🙁
Thanks so much, Ellie! Wow! Twins! I used to nanny for twins. Everything you do, you have to do it twice! Whew! JV Clothiers is a growing company. Last year at this time, they only had four schools available. I'm sure they'll get more. I think there's somewhere on their site where you can request a new school to add. Happy Monday!
Thanks for sharing! What a great post! Running is a great way to get exercise and very therapeutic. If I don't get a chance to run alone, I load up the boys in the double stroller and go. They love the fresh air too. Btw, I love reading your blog. I have 18 month old twin boys and I love keeping up with your adorable fam. Plus you have great taste! 🙂
Thanks so much! Running with a stroller is tough! Especially with a double stroller!
I need to get back to my running! I miss it!
and I love the JV Clothiers polos! My cousin and his wife just found out they are expecting a little boy in November- it's not too early to start thinking about the next football season right?
Haha! Right! Or basketball in the spring!
Love this post! What stroller do you wear? Also, thinking of getting some of the JCrew 3 in shorts…what size do you wear? We have similar shapes…do they run true to size?
I have a BOB, and should be the spokesperson for it. Lol. It's definitely an investment, but it's honestly worth every penny. The shocks make it such an easy, smooth ride, love how far the hood can shade the children, and I love the swivel wheel in front that doesn't wobble. And the resell on them is fabulous too! I wear a size 6 in their shorts. 🙂 They do run true to size!
Wondering what size J.Crew chino shorts you wear?
I wear size 6. 🙂
love JV, bummer places like this rarely have my school!
I would love to hear any bottle feeding tips you have! I have a 5 and 3 year. Due in 2 weeks with baby number 3! Wondering how I am going to manage feedings and our busy life 🙂
You look great girl.. on the inside and out!
Too sweet! See you Thursday! 😉
thanks for being so honest about your weight (you look fab by the way!) I really admire how you maintain a healthy lifestyle but don't obssess. As a recent college grad this is something I'm learning to balance!
You're gorgeous! I want your hair!!!
I was happy to read this post. I am also 5'6". I was always a skinny kid….tried to gain, rather than lose. Had to babies (now 9 and 14)…went to 175 during pregnancy. I managed to get down into the 120's, perfect for me. Then I had a hysterectomy in January and I am 145! I am going to go like a powerhouse and lose this weight! Thanks for the motivation.
Loving all the weight loss tips. Keep em coming!