Another goal YET AGAIN achieved:)

These past few weeks have just been full of amazing, and mind-boggling things that I have been able to mentally check off my goal sheet! First of all, I went into see my kidney and heart specialist doctor on Thursday and got some amazing news! Not only had a lost another almost 20 POUNDS since seeing him a few months ago, but he also told me that because I was on such a low dosage of medication for high blood pressure I could not only be off the medicine now, but in his words I was "officially cured from having high blood pressure!!!" Hearing those words come out of his mouth was something I think I have hoped for my whole life.

Being on medication like I have for about 11 years has been something that has not been fun by any means. I have been through it all. Honestly, I have gone up and down in my dosages of this medication, been through tests, and been on other not so fun and uncomfortable medications through out my life because of my high blood pressure. I look back now, after all these years and still wonder why I didn't change my ways sooner. Because honestly, all of my health problems had to do with my weight. There wasn't any other reason for why at 13 years old I was on blood pressure medication. For me, I have now realized I let my weight dictate what my life was going to be like. For so many years, I felt like I couldn't do this, or I couldn't do that because of my weight. But now, after all of my hard work and sweat has paid off, I am SO ready to live life to its fullest.

I also got to talking to my doctor on Thursday about possibly looking into some career options because of my recent weight loss and the success that I've have had with it. He told me that he was very interested in staying in contact with me and possibly bringing me on to help with their non- profit organization and helping with some fundraisers, or possibly some employment opportunities. I am actually really excited to see where this takes me. Who knows, I could take my degree at a different angle and start working towards helping get our food systems in schools to a more healthy and balanced way? Or I could possibly start working with something that looks at the idea of childhood obesity and finds way to prevent and educate people on this? As of right now, these are just some ideas that have been popping into my head, and has also really got me thinking about what is next for me in my career path!

On Friday I weighed in with my trainer and also found out that I had lost another 2 pounds making my total weight loss 108 lbs.!!!! It's funny to see that I have continued working out, haven't stopped eating right and trying to live my life and the weight is still coming off and I am still losing inches! I am still finding new and awesome ways to burn those calories and eat right, and for me it's still an in process learning experience but I am loving every minute of it!

As far as the next few weeks go, I need to just get through the "Holiday food craziness" as I like to call it. Believe me, I love sweets, and all that fun stuff but I have to realize that my body is WAY different than it was a year ago around this time! Sweets and sugar affect me so much differently now, that sometimes I need to just STAY AWAY it. Because when I want to go and get a hard, awesome work out in, its much harder to do if I've been eating christmas cookies, fudge, etc. (haha.) Not to say that I am always perfect, but I do realize what I need to do to still continue my healthy lifestyle. So I will enjoy this holiday season with less food, and more running and exercise!!



Oh, and P.S. I completed the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot at The Oregon Zoo in 39 minutes and 45 seconds!!!!! That is BY FAR the best time I have EVER gotten on a 4 mile run!

Life is moving and I feel so healthy! Excited now that I really appreciate life and all of the things that go along with it!

OH MY GOSH, I DID IT.

For many of you, you have already heard this news MILLIONS of times or more. But as of October 22nd, 2010 I have LOST 102 lbs.!!!!! I could NOT believe that I have actually FINALLY done it! It was an amazing moment for me, and I was so happy and unbelievably proud of myself.

As of now, I have been taking things down a little bit, and still working out, and eating right but I am not in such a "GO,GO,GO" mode and more of a "maintenance" time. But honestly, for myself, having been in that crazy mode of workouts that took about 2 hours, running 4.5-5 miles twice to three times a week, and really watching my calories and maybe lowering my calories a little was something that I had gotten used to. Now, I am doing my "total body workouts" about 3 times a week, running maybe 4.5 miles once a week, and really amping of my calorie intake with "clean food". Also something that I have been utilizing more now is really making sure I am taking my daily vitamins, green tea tablets and getting a protein shake in no more than 30 minutes after I have worked out. I may not be working out for as long, but my workouts now are just as intense. Also taking the vitamins help my immune system and energy like no other!

What's even more amazing and incredible for me, is that even after having a week last week where I wasn't pushing myself as hard, but still burning the calories I needed to, I STILL lost 3 more pounds! It is so crazy to see my body still changing.

All of you now may be asking, what's next? Well, I AM doing a 5k this month! No ifs, ands, or BUTS about it. Possibly the turkey dash up at the Oregon Zoo, and as well as doing the Jingle Ball run with a group of people that have formed a team for fighting arthitis. And FOR SURE doing a 10k in the spring. Also, since I didn't do it last year I want to do the Shamrock Run as well in March.

So many of you out there have helped me so much through this. I count my blessings for all of you that have pushed me to keep going by your continuing support, and acknowledgement of my goals and achievements.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME:) 105 lbs. lighter!

Tomorrow is another big day!

It is crazy for me to think that I have been on this path and journey of a healthy lifestyle change for over a year now. Some of you know also that lately I have been battling the last ten pounds, and then 5 pounds and now I am literally down to battling ONE POUND. I can not tell you all the mental/emotional stuff I have been going through! On one hand, I know I am so close but then at times I begin to question if I really CAN LOSE 100 lbs. I guess it might just be myself playing mind games and maybe a little bit of going back to the old mind set, or the way I used to be before. I can tell you one thing, I DO NOT want to go back to who I used to be before. Yes, I was happy and I am still the same person that I was over a year ago, but going back to a person who is not motivated, and not physically active? I can't even imagine doing that over again. It's hard to admit but sometimes I really am scared, afraid of the "what-ifs". What if I lose my hundred pounds and then I gain some back? What will I do?

As all of these questions go through my head, I have to stop for a second and realize that there do not need to be these "what-if" questions in my mind. For one, I have gotten this far and I just have to tell myself that there is no turning back. I love the way I feel and I love the great achievements that have followed and shown up for me through this journey. Should I worry about gaining the weight back? Maybe, but for me I have the tools now to use that if it were to happen I could get back and fast!

All of you have been amazing through out this process. Thank you to each and everyone of you that has left me messages, or people who I have talked to that I haven't seen over the years. And of course, I couldn't have done any of this without the support of my close friends and family. All of everyone's positive attitude about my lifestyle change has only wanted me to push harder and strive for my ultimate goal.

So tomorrow morning I weigh in again. Whether I reach my goal or not tomorrow, I have in my mind and am telling myself repeatedly that I have made it this far, there is NO turning back. I can do this!

Amazing day with an amazing goal that has been MET!!

Hey all,
It again has been a while since I have posted anything on here, but I have been busy, busy, busy with workout and staying on track with my goal! This morning I went and did my training session with my awesome trainer, Lara and also got some GREAT NEWS! As of today, October 1st, 2010 I have lost....





99 LBS.!!!!!!!!!




I CAN NOT believe that I have done this! Let me tell you, stepping on the scale each week is not always easy for me but when I have big numbers like this (5 lbs. dropped this week, which is huge for me!) it is a really great feeling. Stepping back and looking at where I was at this time a year ago, it is incredible and so gratifying to see what I've done. The old me who was the "pretty-faced" girl, is now a rocking diva with some muscle to prove! This new me can run, jump, and push herself to an extreme she could have never done before. When I weighed in this morning, it was SO great to just scream and celebrate! (Yea, my trainer and I screaming at 8 in the morning in the gym...it was funny!) I'm so proud of myself and the choices that I have made, and the steps and routines that I am making for myself and for my future. This has been a long process, one that hasn't been easy always and there have been ups and downs too! But knowing that I got myself here and with all the amazing support of friends and family, that is something I am so blessed to have, and so proud of.

So, What now??

Now, I am for SURE going to get to my goal of 100 lbs. lost in another week or two! I am also going to be doing a 5k at the end of the month, (Possibly Run Like Hell 5k or something else) and then doing a 10k most likely in November or December! Once I hit this 100 lb. goal it's time for me to shed some old clothes in my closet, get some new ones and change my look a little bit! If any of you have any ideas on what I should do, let me know:)




Love you all, and thank you again for reading this and your continuing support for me through my journey!!!




♥Emily

It's my 1 year anniversary TODAY:)

So here it is, one year later and I can not believe how far I have come!! To think back about who I was one year ago today and who I am now is almost a night and day change. For one, I am 100% more active than I have ever been in my life EVER. I don't know if it was the fact that when I was younger I just really loved and wanted the social aspect and friendships in life that I put have physical activity to the side, or if I just didn't feel that it was important enough..But now all I can say is the idea of physical activity now is so inviting and challenging that I need it, want it, and crave it on a daily basis! I also am much, much more conscious of what I put in my mouth. Honestly before, I never thought that anything food wise was off limits for me, but now going through this year long process I have learned that there are just some things that I need to put out of my eating habits all together, period. Things such as candy, soda, cheese, eating out, etc. are things that I try regularly to STAY AWAY from. I mean in the scheme of life, is it really worth feeling icky and bloated after eating this type of stuff? And in the long run for myself, as well as my body it has improved my mood and energy level by trying to eat more things such as fruit, veggies, whole wheats, etc. Not to say that I have always been 100% perfect, but I have as well learned from the experiences and challenges that I have had with food. No matter what, I will always love food, but now I know what food to love and what food to just not choose to have!

As far as how I feel with it being one year ago today that I weighed 92 lbs. heavier all I can say is the old me is the past, and I am not going to dwell on who I used to be!! I can only start from now, and move forward with the rest of my life and take what I have learned from this past year and for the rest of my life and continue on!! I have to say though there are A LOT of people that have helped me in my life, and right now I would just like to acknowledge them and thank them-

First and for most, Ben, my wonderful fiance must be thanked. He has stood by me not only for this past year, but as well as for over 5 years now and has loved me unconditionally, even when I felt like I couldn't be who I was anymore. So thank you Ben, for sticking with me, even when I have been a little difficult through this process. Thank you for helping me understand who I am and being there for me and being my mental and emotional support even when things in life are stressful and tough. And thank you for now joining my journey and being my new work out buddy! You are doing awesome, and I only hope now that you will have all the success that I have had as well. You can do it babe! I love you and again thank you for all the wonderful things that you have brought to my life each and every day:) xoxoxo

Ms. Lara Foster
What can I even say to begin with all the things that you have done for me in my life? You made me see what I needed to do, and challenged me to work my hardest at something I didn't possibly believe I could ever do! Not only did you push me with all the awesome work outs we had together, but you as well have been my saving grace and my guiding light through this journey in my life. Thank you for not only being my personal trainer, but for being there for me truly as an amazing friend and helping me go through all the emotions and transitions that I have been going through over the past year. You truly helped me save my life, and I am forever thankful for all the things that you have taught me and helped me succeed!! You rock my socks off Ms. Lara and again, even what I have said here does not even begin to describe how happy I am that you were put into my life a year ago today!! Thanks again Lara, and can't wait to go on those runs we have been promising each other:):)


Momma & Daddy Stroeve
As I sit here, in your wonderful backyard I can not to begin to thank you for all the things that you have done for me in the past year, but as well as my whole life. Thank you for always believing in me, and letting me live out the dreams and goals that I have wanted for my life. Thank you for always staying positive with me, even if I might have not been seeing the value and importance of my health at times. You guys have always been such a huge support for me, with everything and I believe that we have such a wonderful relationship and bond as a family because of this. And most importantly thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for helping me get my health back on track and supporting me in my journey. Having a gym membership and being able to support me with helping me with personal training sessions has literally changed my life forever. I love you guys and thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me with everything that you have in my life! You guys are amazing:)


Mrs. Danelle Swift
Where to begin, my bestest friend of all? I love you like a sister and you as well have been there for me this past year and since we met our freshman year of high school. I am thankful that I saw and have seen the success that you have had with weightloss in your own life and I do believe that your success really gave me the push to want something like that for myself as well. I am so proud of the woman you are and all the success that you have had and accomplished for yourself!!! Never forget who you are, and how amazing you are and always will be!! Thanks for always staying positive with me, and always giving me "pep talks"...I love that! And of course thanks for all the laughs and good times we have had not only this last year but over the past 8 years of our lives!!! You rock and lets get away soon for some "bff time":)



And to everyone, all my work friends, friends on Facebook, and people who have read this blog thank you for all the positive comments and praise I have received from all of you this past year. Not only has it made me feel amazing, but it as well has pushed me harder and made me achieve more than I ever thought I could. If I didn't name you specifically still know that I love you all and am thankful for you all:) And for those that want or are interested in going on a journey such as this, just know that deep down, in your heart I know and you know that you can achieve something like this as well!! I am always here, so please feel free to email me anytime with any questions you have. I am all for helping others succeed with a journey such as my own.

So all of you might be wondering what is next for me? Well, first of all I will be getting to my 100 lb. goal hopefully by the end of this summer! I am not letting it discourage me that I didn't get to it in exactly one year, but I will get to it, and I am confident that I can do it! Just with everything else going on in my life, I have to look at how far I have come and all the positives that have followed. So do not worry, those 100 lbs. will be off soon, just might take me a little longer than a year:)

Another exciting thing that is happening, is that I will be graduating from college, August 14th:) It's great to be able to say that I finally will have my Bachelors Degree and will hopefully be able to do something with my degree. I will most likely end up going to grad school within another year or so and be getting my Masters in Education as well. I have big plans for my life now! I have almost conquered my weight loss and now I want to be able to enjoy life and all the things that it has brought me in a happy and healthy way! Who knows, I might as well go teach in Japan or South America for a year..we shall just see where my life will lead me now!!! Thank you all again for taking the time to read the things that I have put into this blog in the past year! Keep reading though, I plan on blogging still until I hit the 100 lb. mark and even after that! Love you all:):)

Ms. Emily

I'm still here!

Oh my goodness! I had not realized at all how long it had been since I last posted something! Wow, so it's July now...and I am officially 9 DAYS away from my one year anniversary of starting my weight loss journey! What to say? I have learned so much! Seeing where I am now, and where I was almost a year ago is crazy for me to ever think I was any different. Since I last posted, I have lost 13 more pounds making my weight loss total...




90 LBS!!!!




I have basically lost a whole little kid! It's crazy to me. And what is also unreal to see things on me such as my collar bones, or that I now have muscles, YES muscles in my arms!

For me this still has been a pretty huge learning experience. I know what I can do now, and I feel amazing. I have never wanted more now to just live, wake up in the morning and enjoy each day. I honestly can say that I never want to go back to the woman that I was before. Honestly now, I think I have become even more of a human being, and I feel more in my body and not just someone who doesn't feel comfortable in their own shoes. Sure, I am still self conscious of things at times, but now I feel like possibly I mesh in more in a crowd and I am okay with that:)

So, tomorrow I am weighing in again. This will be my second to last weigh in, as I am thinking in honor of my one year anniversary on July 17th, I will weigh myself in again that day. Also on a side note, since about April I have lost about 14.5 inches total from my chest, thighs, calfs, arms, and stomach! I have lost even more inches total than that in the past year, so next post I believe that I will give you guys that update as well.

Again, if I can do any of this, any one of you out there can too. It is really just as simple as eating right and having exercise in your lifestyle! I am so happy that almost a year ago, I made that choice in my life, mind, and body that it was time to change

Yet Again, It's been awhile..

So for those of you that have been checking up on me and how I'm doing through this blog, I'm so sorry to say things have been HECTIC around my area. Finding a new place, moving into the new place, as well as going through things and moving out of my old place have been the story of my life for the past month or so. Although on a positive note, I am still well within reach of my weight loss goal and on the track to reaching my 100 pound mark very soon!

Not only have I continued to lose weight through out these last few hectic weeks, but I have now as of last Friday lost a total of 77 lbs!! I am now only 23 pounds away from hitting my 100 pound goal! These last few weeks have been extremely stressful, but even with a week or two of maintaining and not gaining I have still managed to keep on track.

A few things have been put into my lap, as well as some things that I have began to think about because of my weight loss journey. Starting next month, I will begin teaching a Tuesday night water exercise that is about a 50 minute class. Not only is this a new step in the direction of my teaching swimming lessons already, but I am hoping that this might possibly inspire others to help their journey of losing weight through me teaching this class. I am going to be honest; I am a little nervous about what the people who regularly take the class will think of me, if I can really do this, etc. But I know in the end this will be a good experience for me and a way to get even more of an awesome work out through out my week!

Another thing that I have been thinking about is the idea of looking into career or job opportunities that have to do with possibly doing some motivational speaking and being able to talk about my process and my story. I'm sure there are other people out there that felt like they were and still are completely struggling with their weight, life, and own body image. The question that I keep thinking about is, what if I could tell my story and change someone's life because of it? I have been playing with the idea a little bit, and who knows maybe I'll look into something in that line of work after I graduate in August and see if that is something that I want to do.

Other than that, life is good:) I'm in a new place now in my life and I'm so ready to kick these last few pounds off and keep living the wonderful life that I am now. Soon enough it will be time to start planning a wedding, and looking for a dress:) Can't wait!

It's been a little while..

Sorry to have not posted in a while, but oh man have I been busy! Between work, my school schedule, trying to maintain a healthy and contacted relationship with my fiance, and working out as much as I can I have felt like lately I haven't had time to stop and think. So now, at 12:51 am..I am stopping... And thinking. This past month has been just a whirlwind! I have been having a few issues with my knees, with all the running I have been doing, but after Lara, my personal trainer at 24 hour fitness, showed me a way to "roll out" my thigh muscles (Ok, this is me sounded dumb because I don't know the name of that muscle..) that are connected to my knees, my knees now feel amazing! Lately though, I have had running on my mind 24/7. When I wake up I want to go running, when I am sleeping I DREAM about running, and when I am at school or work I WISH I was outside running. And you know, the beautiful Oregon weather lately hasn't been helping my drive to stay focused lately on anything else either!

I have to say that I have finally hit a point in my weight loss journey where I am becoming so much more comfortable with my body and with the way I feel about how my body looks. When I look at pictures at myself I don't instantly come to the realization of "Oh, there's my double-chin," or "Oh my belly is sticking out". Do you know how weird to me it is that I can see and FEEL my collar bones!??!? All this time, those things were hiding under there! (ha.) And another thing, I have to say that my bottom end has become REALLY FLAT. WHAT?!?! Serious, no more junk in the trunk for me anymore, and you know what?, I am okay with that:)

It is getting closer and closer to the Shamrock Run in March and I have to say I am SO excited! This is going to be a major moment for me, and to prove to myself that I have become a very athletic person. Which is something extremely weird for me because, yet again before this journey I was not very athletic. I was unfortunately someone who wanted to just focus on the things at hand in my life, and I didn't see that my weight was effecting my drive, and motivation to be healthier and happier in my life. I now really enjoy running and that exhilarating feeling of accomplishment when I run is something that I have learned to love.

Of course I have changed a lot with the transformation in my looks and weight, but one thing that I know and need to say to the people in my life is that, I am still ME. I am still the same Emily you knew 7 months ago, still have the same personality, and love for life. I have told myself time and time again during this process that my attitude will not change about people around me, or that my personality will not change just because I am "smaller" now. I think that at times some people get caught up in the compliments or the goal of to getting to that weight desired in anyway possible, and some times that can hinder and change a person. This can instantly and easily become and obsession, and turn into other things that I do not want for myself, i.e. an eating disorder, or gaining the weight all back. I am taking this journey in my life at my MY OWN PACE, and this is not a competition for me. And once I get to my goal, I will be maintaining it for years to come in a still healthy, and positive way:)

Well, this is it for now. I need to get some sleep because I have decided to start getting up an hour earlier to run on some amazing turf field across the street from my apartment to help my knees, as well as keep my running up! Oh man, its gonna be an early morning but I'm going to LOVEEEE IITTT.

ADIOS!

63 pounds now lost, and a new goal to achieve:)

I know, I know. It's been a little while since I posted! But honestly, I have been soooo busy! With working out as much as I am now, trying to find time for homework, working, and maybe a little bit of sleeping I am surviving! I have noticed that it has really helped me lately to plan out my days, and have a plan, things set up for myself the night before and I am good the next day. It doesn't help me at all for me to plan things last minute, because then I feel like I am rushed, or things such as not packing something to eat while at school the next day tends to make me weaker to want to eat things that are NOT good for me! Sometimes I think that it really sucks not to be able to do things such as this last minute, but then in the long run I decide that this is okay & because of me preparing myself ahead of time I have seen some AMAZING changes in my life!

So as of last Friday I am up to 63 pounds LOST!!!Still must, must MUST keep going! Nothing can stop me now, and it feels awesome to say that. Even if I am having a bad day, or rough week working out makes things a lot better for me and my stress level. Just the act of working out and listening to my ipod and my Lady Gaga (don't laugh because I burn calories BIG TIME to her songs! ha.) I feel wonderful!

****DRUM ROLL PLLLEEASSEEE!!!!!!!****




I have now set a new goal for myself in my weight loss! On March 14th, I will be running a 3k for Portland's Shamrock Run!!!! I have now started running outside, and I really think this goal is achievable for me! Honestly running outside is amazing. It's funny because looking back in my life, especially in middle school and high school I HATED running! I hated the way I looked when I ran, how everything on my body was all over the place, and I hated that I couldn't go far, and couldn't achieve distance in my running. Well, as of Thursday I ran 3 miles in 33 minutes and 33 seconds!!!! And then I ran again with my Dad on Saturday and ran the same 3 miles in 32 minutes and 40 seconds! For me this is a major achievement, and to be able to run 3 miles without stopping? WOW.

As for running, I am now running outside twice a week, and lifting four times a week. I also do cardio such as the eliptical, and swimming as well lately. I have become a completely athletic type-of-person and it is really crazy for me to see myself as that now! But I love it, and I love who I am becoming:)

Enough for now, I must get to bed and have another great work out again tomorrow!

60 pounds, wow.

I can honestly say that as of today, I have never felt more liberated and renewed within myself. I never thought I would get to the point of having lost 60 POUNDS. Me, Emily Stroeve has lost 60 pounds? Really? And to be honest, I didn't really think the scale would move much after my trip to Vegas. I did actually lose a pound even after all the traveling, and all the temptation of wanting to just eat whatever I wanted to on this trip. I ate pretty decently, but when your used to just having your own routine with working out and eating, then suddenly having not as many options; its pretty hard to not want to eat food that is bad. I never have said that I am not guilty of slipping up a few times, but when I do that I truly realize how easy it could be for me to just put back the 60 pounds that I have lost.

But I CAN NOT & WILL NOT do this!

Yes, I believe that even after I have lost the weight that I want to lose that I will always have to work out and eat right. But just going through this process has really made me see that I can eat healthy, and I can live life to the fullest and not let food be my out for everything.

I have recently been thinking about all the people in my life who have been so positive with and about my weight loss, and how much I truly value the things and the encouragement that people have been saying. Even today, my mom's wonderful friend Liz, who is practically like a mother to me, saw me at the gym today and almost made me cry because of what she said! She looked at me and was like, "She has always been beautiful, but now just look at you." I don't know why but that just really hit a spot for me. I mean, yes I love the compliments that everyone has been giving me and they have been totally pushing me through..but someone who's known me since I was a kid, and has seen me at my heaviest, and still believed in me no matter what; that's what matters to me. And not just Liz has been this person to me. My parents who have been amazing and have been supporting me financially through this journey, have always believed in me even when I have fell short or given up. Ben has loved me no matter what, told me I'm beautiful a MILLION times a day, even when I didn't feel that way.. Even my best friend, Danelle, who has been one of my very close and best friends, someone who has gained and lost weight with me, is always telling me how proud she is of me. Even people who I don't talk to much, or haven't talked to for awhile have been so amazingly positive and really have been pushing me forward in this journey. That's the encouragement for me that pulls me through, even when I feel like I can't do this journey anymore.

And for the people who didn't believe in me, who called me "fat", or looked at me differently just because I was "bigger"..relatives that tore me down as a child, and encouraged me to lose weight, but all in the wrong ways... Look at me now. I've done something that some probably thought I couldn't do, or wouldn't do. I'm doing this for real and without any pressure from anyone. For once I finally realize more importantly, past all the compliments and encouragement, I have and will do this for myself.