I take after my dad’s side of the family. They all share many traits, most of which I have:
- The ‘apple’ body shape
- Tendency to furrow the eyebrows resulting in a perma-crease
- Body that is built for the farm and meant to lift heavy things
- The need to be in charge and running the show
- Round faces
So it only made sense for me to think that my round face was inherited from my dad. Turns out that I have my mom’s face shape; the roundness was a direct result of being fat. I even made it all the way to Obese Class One. I will never forget the shame I felt as the nurse called out loud enough for a whole waiting room filled with people to hear that I was in Obese Class One. After she made her announcement, I had to go back to the waiting room and sit embarrassed and ashamed in a hard plastic chair that was too small for me to see the doctor.
I knew that I didn’t want to be in Obese Class One, but I didn’t know what to do to change it. I left the appointment and purchased some chips and a chocolate bar to make me feel better. And I did feel better after I covered the pain with my favorite comfort foods, but the happy feeling didn’t last for long.
That year kick started a journey towards health and fitness that has lasted 9 years. I played on my college’s basketball team, trained for a 5 km race, ran a 10 km race, completed a triathlon, tried yoga, and many other physical activities.
In November of 2009, I decided to w0rk with a personal trainer and really train for something. By this point, I had dropped 6 dress sizes and lost 60 pounds, but I wanted to and knew I could do more. I decided to do something that was larger than life, a Figure Competition.
Some days it is hard for me to believe that I am competing in a Figure Bodybuilding Competition.
I am still not as lean as I want to be for the competition but after a focussed year of training, losing 37 mm off my fat caliper measurement, an estimated 30 more pounds of fat, and gaining a ton of muscle; I can’t be disappointed with myself.
The problem is that some days when I look in the mirror the fat girl shows up and looks back at me. All I know is that she IS NOT invited to the competition!
I have to be proud of myself and my skin around my mid section that just isn’t that tight. I may not have a 6-pack, but I have more than I ever thought I would. On October 16th I will wear my bedazzled bikini glued to my arse with pride. And that’s that!
You have done incredible!!! And it’s the person inside the body that is truly amazing. You are inspiring and I am so glad to say that we’re friends.
Thank you. I am sure glad that we are friends too. YOU are equally amazing.
Your transformation is incredible! Great job 🙂
Way to go DL! Seeing your progress is very inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
WOW! Amazing! You look awesome! You are such an inspiration to me! KNOCK EM DEAD GIRL!
Wow Donloree! You are so incredible! I love checking in to see how you are doing. All the best as your big competition day approaches!
I am so glad that you check in! You’re truly amazing as well – I can’t even imagine doing what you do!!
DL – You look great!! Thanks for sharing your heart with “the world”. It’s a big inspiration to many – including me! I’m making some big changes and this – along with a great sermon last night on discipline – is a wonderful way for me to “get over the starting line”! Love ya!
Thanks Brian! I can’t wait to hear about all the changes you make! So exciting!
Amazing with a capital A!
I know what you mean about skin elasticity too … Ive found after losing over 40 kilos that its never as tight as it was.
I lost loads of weight to compete the first time around .. then after two kidlets had to lose the weight again and my skin was no where near as tight as prior even though the weight loss was the same.
I do know from experience it gets better though .. so next year you will be ever more amazing .. whats more amazing than with a capital A I wonder 😉
I LOVE being Amazing with a capital A! Sounds like you get that title too!!
Donloree — I’ve known you since you were young and always knew you’d do something great in life. Wanted to let you know that you are being an inspiration to me. Go get’ em, girl!
Thank you Cindy! That means a lot coming from you!!
Your journey is so inspirational … you’re a true example of how setting a goal and working hard can lead to achieving your dreams.