Read Cover Finalist Almetria’s Incredible Weight Loss Story
She's lost nearly 200 pounds!
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- That was the number on the scale that stood in the way of me living a healthy and fulfilling life.
I struggled with being overweight my entire life and tried every diet known to man. In 2009, I developed Type 2 diabetes and had already been diagnosed with hypertension. Self-hatred and depression plagued me. How I could do this to myself?
In 2009, I had to see three different specialists—an endocrinologist, cardiologist and a pulmonary specialist, along with my primary care physician. I was in denial about my chronic illnesses. Being overweight, diabetic, hypertensive and depressed was a dangerous game to play, and I felt I was losing out on life. I started my weight loss and fitness journey in 2010 after being sick and tired of being sick and tired. It was my goal to become healthy, fit and medication-free by the time I turned 40 in December 2013. “Fit by Forty!” became my new mantra.
I exercised and walked daily, but often wondered if I could become a runner. One day, I decided to give it a try. I struggled and wanted to quit many times, but with each run I found a new appreciation of nature, life, as well as the freedom and love it gave me.
I have lost 177 pounds, been medication-free for more than three years, reversed my diabetes, no longer have hypertension, and went from a size 32 to a size 6-8. Best of all, I am mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically free.
After I hit my weight goal, I developed a new mantra of “50 by 50,” which is to complete 50 half marathons in all 50 states before I turn 50. So far, I have completed 11 5Ks, a 10K, 15K, 12 half marathons and am nine states in towards my 50 by 50 goal. I’m currently training for my first marathon (December 2016).