A guest post from Colleen at The Chocolate Mile

Hi friends! My name is Colleen and I write over at TheChocolateMile.com. I have been on a weight loss journey for what feels like, essentially, forever. But that's okay, because I'm getting there. I'm also a runner. I started running in October of last year and have since ran my first half and still manage to get out of bed before the sun every morning to get my daily dose of exercise torture. But really, I love running, and I strangely, love losing weight. Wait, did she just say that? she loves losing weight? Yes. Well, of course every one would love losing weight, if it was a constant thing. I recently just spend over a month bouncing back and forth between the same 3 lbs. So it's not constant, let's get that straight right from the get go. It's a challenge, a challenge with only myself, and one I have control over. Not 100% control, because there's always water weight, and frankly that one week you do phenomenal with eating and exercise is in no doubt going to be the week you get your "visitor", and all Hell breaks loose. I'm not necessarily referring to just watching the numbers on the scale go down, or the compliments, because those are both awesome. I love that every day is a new day. I love that I know have control over my life. I love that I now have bones and muscles like every one else- I knew I had them before, but I wasn't quite sure where. I love that every day I get stronger. I no longer get winded walking up stairs. I have confidence and am not ashamed of who I am. [caption id="attachment_883" align="aligncenter" width="300"] weighing a little under 190[/caption] That last one is huge, when you're fat (and yes, I was fat), I never felt comfortable in my own skin. It was a constant struggle to get dressed and actually leave the house, being seen in public wasn't enjoyable. I had a constant panarnoia that someone was talking about "the fat girl" at all times. Why am I telling you all of this? Because losing weight is hard, and for a lot of people it will be a life long struggle, but that's okay. I want to tell you some challenges you're going to face, not to scare you, but just so you know they will be there.

1. You're going to start off great. You're going to see changes way before anyone else. Most people I saw on a daily basis didn't notice anything until about 35 lbs was gone. I noticed within the first 5 lbs and it was discouraging that no one else did.
2. Setting a routine is harder than you most likely think. But you need to do it, routines don't control your life, you use routines so you have control over your life. Map out your workout schedule and food schedule at the beginning of the week or month. It sounds silly, but it works. Winging it, leaves too much room for excuses.
3. If all your friends are big drinkers, you may have to ditch them for a while. Find friends who know you're fun even when alcohol isn't flooding your body. It's silly calories.
4. Weight comes off slowly, and that's how it should be. How long did it take you to gain it? It didn't happen over night and it's not going to disappear over night.
5. You're going to feel like you're getting no where, until your pants are all the sudden a little looser than they were.
6. Measure yourself. Along with the scale, use actual measurements to see progress. That way when the scales not moving you will know that your body is still changing.

[caption id="attachment_886" align="aligncenter" width="177"] Not the most attractive picture, but recent.[/caption] All of these challenges are worth it. I promise. I have been labeled obese for most of my life. I just got into my healthy weight range. My thing is that anyone can do this; anyone can lose weight, whether it's because you're training for one thing in particular or you're training for life. I'm doing both. I've trained (and am currently) for certain events, but I'm overall training for a healthy life. When you're feeling in a funk, reevaluate, ask yourself why you're doing what you're doing. Remind yourself where you were and where you are. Shake up your routine. If you're sick of running every day, go try a class. Pick up some weights, do something to re-energize yourself. Get involved in the online fitness/weight loss community. Support from others is such a powerful tool. Utilize it. You deserve everything you're working towards. Colleen is the warm hearted, fun having, sassy writer of TheChocolateMile. She goes by Colleen, Coll, or Hey Kid. She has a bad addiction to coffee and requires a piece of chocolate every morning. She doesn't believe in dieting, but instead in lifestyle changes. Connect with her anytime at: TheChocolateMile.com Twitter: @RunForDessert Pinterest