I’ve lost 100 lbs!

Even as I write it, it feels surreal.

This journey has been 3 years, 1 month and 11 days.  But I know I’ll carry this through my lifetime.

Starting was the hardest part believe it or not.  The finish was easy.  So easy in fact, it almost feels like my goal hasn’t been reached yet.  But I think that’s key, I still have the motivation to keep going, which means I have the motivation to KEEP IT OFF!

There was a part of me, but a rather significant one that had very mixed emotions about seeing the number on the scale yesterday; 139.8.  It meant the end of an incredible goal and the start of an incredible accomplishment…so why wasn’t I thrilled?  Why was I sobbing when I told my husband?  Thinking a lot about it, I feel a very emotional attachment to the heavier Janine, still beautiful, but someone who went through a lot.  I’m afraid she’s going away. I’m afraid saying goodbye to her means I’m someone else…and I don’t want to be.  How do I not be different but still feel excited to be smaller by 100lbs because it’s a HUGE accomplishment.  I don’t even know how to feel fully happy.  It’s weird, I can’t explain it and I certainly can’t attach a reason to it.  So I’ll just say ‘it just is’ and right now how I feel is ‘enough’.

I’m not finished yet either, I feel another 10lbs is realistic, but I’ll keep the same creed I had when I started…..I’ll play this whole goal by how I feel…pound by pound, I’ll evaluate.  And I’ll know when I feel my best and my happiest.

Thank you again for being here with me through it.  I know I did the work, but you continuously pushed me to keep going and be my best self.  Now I’ll tell you the same.  If your goal is weight loss, PCT Hiking, quitting whatever vice you have, going back to school, buying a house, etc……just do it with you in mind.  Keep true to yourself.  That’s when those ‘little wins’ feel like monumental victories!

 

Update

It feels like forever since I last wrote.  Not intentional of course, just been out and about pretty much every weekend camping and getting used to solitude.

I bought a truck three weeks ago and since then it’s been pretty much damn near impossible to get me out of it….I’m usually travelling up some mountain road somewhere tracking down my next camping spot.  With this truck I can officially get into Pine Lake right now….a little sketchy at times, but totally doable.  The truck has 4 x 4 and studded tires, and if that wasn’t enough I also have chains!  No stopping me this summer!

I’m officially 14 months away from hiking.  it is really coming up fast.  I’m feeling pretty good about it.  Still lots to do this year including learning ice axe and crampon usage, learn how to self arrest should I be falling down some slick slope, complete my thru-hiking course and learn how to fly fish.  I also need to do a wilderness first aid course in amongst all the camping and dehydrating food.  By summer, I’ll need to have my menu’s somewhat built so Scott can send my food to me next April.  This also means I need to take an updated inventory and I’ll need to replenish what I’ve taken from my food for my camping trips this winter.  Now that I write about everything still to do I’m a little overwhelmed.

I’m 2 pounds away from my weight loss goal which I’ve been maintaining by running in the mornings now that I have a desk job.  It’s hard to stay physical when you’re chained to a wooden table 7 hours per day.  If my day really sucks, I’ll run again in the evenings.  I have my set routes that I love, but may have to start finding more challenging spots.  I’ve started parking my truck either at 7km on West Kalum FS road and walking back to the highway and back to the truck or vice versa.  Come Spring, I’ll do the same walk to Pine Lake from the Highway with my gear and camp out for a few days here and there!  I really am stoked at my progress and excited to see how the next several months pan out in regards to my goals.

As always your support and belief in my dream is amazing.  Thank you so much for being by my side through this entire planning process.  Having people on my side for this makes it feel less scary, like somehow you’ll be beside me on the PCT next april.  I’m glad you’re here -XO

-J