Last summer, while I was watching our city’s first marathon, I had a runner (mid-race) come up to me and say, “Hey Clare! I follow your blog and really enjoy it!”  (How she spotted me, I have no idea! I think it was my tall hubby!) I had no clue who this gal was! I looked at my husband and we both were trying to figure out if we recognized her, because surely, no one would recognize Clare from Peak313!  I got home and later that night, Abby emailed me introducing herself. She doesn’t live in my town now, but we have mutual friends. Small world! She has been an awesome supporter of my blog and has been on a fantastic journey with her health. Check out our 19th (19th!!!) Shed & Share story! Meet Abby!

{The Basics}

Age:29

Profession: medical social worker prior to having my daughters. Stay at home mom now

How long have you been on this weight loss journey? 21 months

Weight Loss/Inches Lost: 110 pounds. went from size 18 to 6

Blog/Facebook Page : Running Errands and Marathons facebook page

{Your Story}

What was your “low point”? 

When I got diagnosed with pre-eclampsia with my first daughter. The doctors said it was not related to my weight but I still think it was. It opened my eyes to my unhealthy lifestyle. I was determined to lose weight and get healthy before my second pregnancy. I was able to lose 80 lbs before getting pregnant with my second child but gained 100 lbs during pregnancy! After my second daughter was born I was determined to get healthy and be a good role model for them!

Shed & Share Wednesdays: Meet Abby V! (She's lost over 110 lbs!) | peak313.com

How did you get started?

I started the couch to 5k program and honestly had to repeat it several times before I was able to run 3 miles without stopping! In regards to nutrition, I made one small change a month. Cut out pop/juice, cut out white flour products, etc.

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

I run 4 days a week( distance depends on what race I’m training for), attend spin class once a week, strength train using Les Mills Pump and Combat 3 times a week

Shed & Share: Abby V (lost 110 lbs!) Before & After! | peak313.com

Abby, before and after

{Help us!}

What are your top 3 favorite resources that helped you along the way?

1.) Myfitness pal

2.) Skinnytaste

3.) Couch to 5k program

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is sitting on the sidelines and waiting?

Life is too short to be unhappy! There is a whole new world waiting for you, it just takes one small step!

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is in the process but is feeling discouraged?

Focus on how far you have come, not how far you have to go! I keep a picture of myself 100 lbs ago close by so when I’m feeling discouraged I can look at the hurt in that girls eyes and remember why I have to keep working hard!

If you are a parent, how have you balanced everything?

I workout before anyone else in my family wakes up! I run outside in our neighborhood at 5am or goto spin class at 5:30am! I love the fact that my workout is done before my day starts and that I haven’t taken away from any family time!

♥♥♥

I have to tell you. Abby’s transformation is jaw dropping to me. Over 100 pounds is AMAZING–and she did it with 2 small children! I am so proud of you, Abby, and your dedication to your health and the example to your two girls!

If you have a SHED story that you would like to share, please contact me! I am always looking for real life inspiration and guess what–that’s YOU!!! clare@peak313.com