Vent - Reinvent 2014 Challenge

So, most of you know that I was in a challenge at my gym.  It was a 12 week body transformation challenge.  During this challenge I was a member of a team that was facilitated by my trainer, Catrina.  We, as a team, accumulated points based on how many times we went to the gym and what classes/sessions we were taking.  Team awards were given out during the challenge to the teams who had the most points.  Lucky for me I was part of a very motivated team.  We were lucky enough to win prizes like massages, Adirondack Extreme gift cards, Isagenix Protein shakes (from our gym) among other things.... It was a great experience. 

Over all I did not walk away with the grand prize, or the prize for my age division.  Two wonderful team mates both earned prizes and they LOOK AMAZING! 

What I did walk away from during this challenge was a change of mind.  I realized during this challenge how much I can change, but how much work it is going to take.  It's not a short term change.  To reach my goals I will have to remain consistent for my entire life.  Even once I reach a "goal weight" (which I do not have by the way), I will still have to continue the life style I am currently living.  Am I perfect?????  NOPE!  Do I still eat sugar?  Yep!!!  Do I still enjoy an adult beverage from time to time... yes.... BUT, I do all things in moderation (most of the time), and when I slip up and lose focus, I get right back on track. 

I have lost around 70 pounds since August of 2013... it's a SLOW process, but I am honestly loving the experience.  I have my moments where I think "this isn't fair..." but you know what????  It is fair!  I am a healthy able bodied person that is FORTUNATE to be able to do the things I am to take my life in the direction I want to go.  Would I rather sleep at 5am instead of go to the gym?  YEP!  And I do sometimes!  But, if I want to reach my goals, I realized early on that I have to work out in the mornings because I do find myself busy after work..... so I had to find a solution to that problem.  The solution:  Get up earlier. 

Any ways, I wasn't sure I was going to share my before and after pictures for the challenge, because quite frankly, it's a hard thing to share publicly.  I decided I would share it on my blog, because I figure those are the people who honestly want to know my actual progress.  If you are taking the time to read this:  Thank you for being a part of my journey.  I hope in some way my changes inspire something in you, whether it be weight related or not.  It's NEVER too late to change.  It's NEVER too late to try.  It's NEVER too late to reach your goals! 

I wish I had taken a picture like the ones below when I first started my "journey."  I would have never been that brave back then.  The pictures below are 12 weeks a part.  The latest picture being in June 2014.