Blogger On The Run: In The Equation

Transforming your life requires a strong commitment to change old habits. This week’s Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run made a conscious decision to start her journey towards a better life over two years ago. Lori from In The Equation lost over 200 lbs and found her love of running along the way. This inspiring lady now climbs mountains and runs half marathons (for fun!) – and hopes to motivate you do to the same! Read on to find out how Lori managed to reclaim her body and life:

Women’s Running: How would you describe yourself? 

Lori: Two years ago, my life was out of whack. I was overweight and unhappy, working 18-hour days at my marketing firm and giving all of my time and energy to everyone else. When my personal life hit an all-time low and the scale an all-time high, I set out on the journey of a lifetime.

Over the next 18 months, I transformed my life and lost more than 200 pounds and nearly 50% body fat. Today I am a fit, active and happy girl. I climb mountains and compete in half marathons for fun – and, I inspire, motivate and coach others to change their equation and reignite their lives.

WR: How did you begin running?

L: Up until two years ago I led a sedentary life and, at my highest, weighed 381 lbs. My transformation journey began Nov. 28, 2010 at a live-in weight loss boot camp where I worked out for 7-8 hours everyday for two weeks. When I went home, I worked with a transformation coach and personal trainer to incorporate cardiovascular and strength training with an emphasis on building muscle and utilizing stored fat as an energy source.

My coach adjusted the routine weekly to work in conjunction with my nutritional plan. The plan evolved as I became leaner and stronger. While much of my training happened in the gym, I learned to love to hike and trail run the rugged Superior Hiking Trail above Lake Superior on Minnesota’s North Shore. I also climbed mountains and power walked the lake near my home in Saint Paul. The key for me was to incorporate exercise I had grown to love.

I lost 200+ pounds in 18 months and celebrated my accomplishment by tackling my first-ever competitive 10K race on the trails I trained on. My first half marathon was just over a month later – the Women’s Running Women’s Half Marathon in Bloomington, MN in August 2012.

WR: What keeps you running and training?

L: My desire to remain a fit, active and healthy girl for life! I absolutely love my new active lifestyle and the fact that I am able to inspire others to get off the couch or out of the office chair and change their lives. There is no going back to 381 lbs. I aim to be a role model for all of the obese people leading sedentary lives telling themselves they can’t do it. I am living proof – yes, you can!

WR: What type of run is your favorite?

L: I mostly trail run. For me, there is nothing as exhilarating as running up the rugged trails of the Superior Hiking Trail on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, or the mountainous trails of Acadia National Park. And mountain climbing and trail running combined – euphoria! In terms of competitive races, my favorite distances are the 10K and half marathon.

WR: What’s your favorite race memory?

L: Without question, the Women’s Half Marathon in Bloomington, MN this past August – my first-ever half marathon! I completed the race with my transformation coach who guided me through my 200+ pound weight loss journey. It was a defining moment…for both of us.

WR: How do you reward yourself for accomplishing your training/running goals?  

L: I reward myself by continually bringing my fitness to the next level. Really. This energizes and motivates me, and makes me happy. I am competitive with myself and consider myself in constant training for the next challenge.

WR: What do you hope your readers will get from reading your blog?

L:  I want people to find hope and inspiration in my success story – to be healthier, happier and to know that they too have within themselves the ability to overcome their fears and achieve their wildest dreams. While my transformation journey was in part about health and weight loss, it was also about learning to put myself first and taking care of my health and happiness. When you take care of yourself – when you are in the center of the equation of your own life – everything else is better. If I can do it, there is no question you can do it.

Want to read more? Head over to In The Equation!

Lori loves 10K and half marathon distance races – what’s your favorite distance?

GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We love our Women’s Running magazine Blogger On The Run so much that we want to inspire you to check her out! Simply leave a comment below telling us what you think about Lori’s story and you’ll be entered to win a one-year subscription to Women’s Running magazine.