{Shed & Share Wednesdays} Tonya

Woo hoo! It’s another “Shed & Share” story!! Meet Tonya!

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The Basics:

– Age: 37

– Profession: Homemaker/SAHM

– How long have you been on this weight loss journey? Approx. 2.5 years (pregnant time included)

– Weight Loss/Inches Lost: (Post Baby) 40 lbs./ 4.5 inches (waist)

– Blog/Facebook Page (if you have one): www.amrsamom.blogspot.com

 

{Your Story}

Here’s some background:

I had never really had a weight problem. I’ve been a size 6 most of my adult life.  When I met my husband in May 2004 I was the smallest I had ever been (sz 4).  My husband & I married 6 months later in November & I gained 40 lbs. in our first 2 years of marriage.  I moved into a size 8 & carried it fairly well, but when the 8 started tightening I knew it was time to do something.  Just when my size 8 started loosening I got pregnant w/ our first baby & gained 70+ lbs. during the pregnancy.  After having him in January 2008 the weight literally fell off.  I was smaller than before I got pregnant, but still not wedding day size.  Eight months later I was pregnant with our 2nd child & gaining that 70+ lbs. once again.  After his birth, the weight started coming off… & then it started piling on.  For the first time in my life, I was on the heavy side.  Because I wanted another child I didn’t pursue weight loss, but in December 2009 I asked Jesus what He wanted from me for His birthday & felt that His answer was my physical body.  I set a goal date to lose weight & be in better shape.

My 2nd son would celebrate his 1st birthday on May 5, 2010 so I set that as my goal date.

At least I thought I was setting it for that reason.

Tonya, before and after

 

Here’s my low point:

At this point it’s important to remember that the Lord had prompted me to take care of my physical body, to get healthy.  I did not do it.  Lazy.  Disobedient.  On May 1, 2010 my best girl friend, my mama, suffered a massive stroke.  She was in 2 different hospitals over a 2 month period & we were told 5 different times that she would not live.  Care for her is ongoing, but praise God she has come a crazy long way!!  Her extremely intense care involved several months following the day of the stroke.  Her extremely intense caregivers were my daddy & me.

Our schedules were completely out of whack, our eating was certainly not controlled, & the lack of sleep all amounted to unhealthy living.  I’m so ashamed that I didn’t listen to the Lord so I would have the needed energy & physical strength to REALLY handle those days.  However, HE IS FAITHFUL & MERCIFUL & GRACIOUS & HE CARRIED ME!!!!    My goal was to be between 128-130 & maybe in sz 6 again by Valentine’s Day.  February 11, 2012 was weigh-in day for the week.  I was at 130 – PRAISE GOD!!  (And I’m a size 4 again – WHAT??!!)

How did you get started?

When I was able to return to a fairly normal schedule at home I started running (slow jogging for a super-short distance) 3-4 days a week.  I have never run & never wanted to run.  I enjoy exercise & I enjoy walking, but not running.  BUT this was a prompt from the Holy Spirit & I chose not to ignore it this time (He has taught me SO MUCH during my times of running).

I remember laughing when I heard Lysa Terkeurst (“Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl DVD) talk about running from one mailbox to the next her first time out, then running to the 2^nd mailbox the next time & so on.  I loved the spiritual application she made & was impressed with her, but I did NOT have an interest in running at all.  I knew I wouldn’t be trying that…until I did.  I went out one day & ran from one mailbox to the next.  If I heard a car coming down the road I’d stop running until they passed because I knew I looked ridiculous.  I still look ridiculous, but I also look healthier so I don’t care anymore – FREEDOM!!

Three months later I think I was at about 1.5 miles (don’t laugh) & became pregnant with my 3rd child.  I tried to exercise, but just couldn’t do it so I steady picked up those 70+ lbs. again.  Six weeks following baby’s birth in June 2011 I started exercising, running (only 1 day a week), & counting my calories.

Tonya and her family, before

 

What is your workout routine and eating plan?

I know what my daily caloric intake should be so I watch that in a way that works for me.  I exercise for 30 minutes a day/6 days a week.

 

{Help us!}

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

– Lindsay Brin (www.momsintofitness.com)

– Family

– Prayer

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

JUST DO SOMETHING.  Do it now.  Waiting doesn’t burn calories. MOVE.  MOVE.  MOVE.

 

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

Keep on keepin’ on.  You are not alone. We go through seasons & some days are harder than others.  Don’t focus on the numbers on the scale or the size of your jeans.  HOW DO YOU FEEL?  If you’re eating better & moving more YOU FEEL BETTER.  Don’t pursue an image of what you think you should look like – pursue health & fitness!  Fit doesn’t look or feel frail!!

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

It is not easy to keep 3 small children occupied at the same time for 30 minutes a day, but it can be done.  Sometimes I have to stop for their potty breaks or more juice or discipline issues, but I pause my DVD, take care of my children, then start up my workout again.  Some people would think I’m selfish for prioritizing daily exercise while my kids wait (I count it as a lesson for them in patience).  FOR ME, it would be selfish not to do it. Exercise makes me feel better & it keeps me strong for the task of handling 3 small children.  I have a large, heavy 2-year old whose love language is physical touch.  The boy loves to be held & if I didn’t exercise I could not hold him for any length of time.  My other son needs my time like he needs food & water.  He loves to play outdoor sports.  Exercise gives me the energy I need to be fully engaged when I play with him.  My baby girl doesn’t sleep well & nurses frequently through the night.  I am quite sleep-deprived so exercise gives me the boost I need to start my day. MOMMY EXERCISES EVERY DAY.  It’s part of their routine.  No biggie.

Tonya and her family, after!

 

Anything else you would like to share?

FIND A SUPPORT SYSTEM.  It might just be one person, but find someone who is really interested in your pursuit & keep them posted on your progress. I’m blessed to have a few cheerleaders! You need at least one of these people in your life to keep you accountable & encouraged!  If you don’t have anyone, let me know – I’LL BE YOUR CHEERLEADER!!

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What a story, Tonya! Thank you so much for opening up and sharing your heart and the specifics of how you shed your weight!

If you have a Shed story that you would like to share, please be sure to email me: clare@peak313.com. I’d love to have you!