Healthy

It's been a long time since my last post and I have lots to say! I will do a running and biking post later this week. Last, week was a milestone..I went to the gym and had a body analysis done. Now, lets back up a bit and say that for my entire adult life I've been scared of the scale, the doctors comments, and the truth of the numbers that were usually given to me. Everyone always used the words overweight, obese, fat, and unhealthy. The doctor would say eat less and be active. I was never "good enough" and was never "where I should be." The dreaded nurse saying.."you've put on a few pounds since your last visit." Looking back I can say that I do not remember looking in the mirror and seeing the old me..I am not sure why, but I do not remember looking that way. Obviously I did and I know I was unhappy but I convinced myself that it was "NOT THAT BAD!"

 I have spent countless hours working to be healthy and get fit. I can finally say that my hard work has made the doctors shut up! They can no longer tell me I am obese, over weight, or fat!!! My BMI  and Percent Body Fat are both in the HEALTHY RANGE!! Yes, you are reading that correct....Stephanie Rogers is healthy....text book definition healthy! Some will now say so what in the world can you possibly have to say...you are good to go. Well, that is not true! I have toning to do, workouts to maintain, races to run, and a healthy life to continue. I still look in the mirror and see flaws, but I also see how hard work, dedication, and determination do pay off! I have had many say I couldn't, wouldn't, and am not good enough. Well guess what....I did, have, and am! I am worth this. I am worth working for, I am worth the time this is taking, I am good enough to be happy. I have said time and time again that half of this journey is emotional and the little voice inside my head...I am finally overcoming that little voice that for years has told me no. I am out loud and proud saying yes I can and have.

This journey is so far from over and continues everyday. It is a daily choice to workout, eat healthy, and want this. I have lots of work left, tons of dedication and people to show that this is possible and worth it. I still have a choice to make everyday.. is that calorie worth eating? Is this workout worth skipping? Is this mile worth running? I will not let food define me ever again...I will not hide behind food, fat, and others. I have a story that is worth telling and deserve to who I truly am. I am not done learning and am looking forward to so much more.

I have had these results for about a week now and have really been trying to decide what is next so here are a few of my goals..

*find self rewards that are NOT food related- this is so hard! (I loose a pound and celebrate with ice cream...what the heck that is so messed up!)

*continue to work on being happy with my reflection and the skin that is left behind. (not easy, every time I look in the mirror I see what's left of bad choices and emotional eating)

*continue to tone and maintain. (I will NOT allow myself to go back! My friends...seriously you have my permission to call me out!!!)

*continue to blog and maybe look into personal training/ coaching of others.

This is a picture of the past 3 times I have run the Soldier Field 10mile race...year is on top and time is on the bottom