That means I cut my portions down, I counted my calories, ate "regular" foods, and I moved my body as best I could with what I had.
And what I had wasn't a lot.
I had a treadmill that I bought for Christmas in 2009 for $300.
That was Christmas money I got.
It wasn't a special, expensive machine, but it did what I needed it to do.
I had a new baby and I couldn't peel myself away from him for more than 30 minutes a day while I did my Couch to 5K.
Even then, most times he'd still be in eyesight of me while I ran.
Often times in his exersaucer, or sitting in his bouncy seat.
I could SEE him. While I struggled to keep up with the running intervals.
Sometimes I had to hop off in the middle of a "run" to pop his paci back in.
Sometimes he would cry and I'd stop.
But I DID WHAT I COULD WITH WHAT I HAD.
I didn't have the funds to pay for a gym membership.
And even if I did, I couldn't justify leaving my child to go to the gym.
I had a new baby and I had Mommy Guilt like nobody's business.
And I lost all 60+ lbs. by doing my own thing. Counting my calories, doing workout DVD's and running on my treadmill when I could.
Then I started running outside.
I had a growing toddler and realized I NEEDED time to myself every day.
For my own sanity.
I didn't want to lose my identity as a woman just because I was a mom.
So I ran.
Every day after I got off work and before I picked up Big T from daycare.
I felt guilty the first few times, but then I realized it ultimately made me a better mom to him and a better wife and just more pleasant to be around when I had that "me time", and the guilt disappearred.
Just like that a runner was born.
A mom runner.
A full time working mom and wife runner.
I MADE time for running because it made me a better person.
Then the day came that I got pregnant again.
And I kept running. Because I had a crazy toddler, needed that me time, and I wanted to stay healthy.
Oh, and it helped me sleep at night.
After I had my second son I continued to lose the weight the best way I knew how-
ON MY OWN.
I used no supplements, no special diets, no magic pills.
I still had no gym membership and I still ran.
It was easy for me.
And it was cheap.
And I lost the weight.
Again.
And then, in December of this year, my readers got together with The Hubs and they gifted me with a gym membership.
I got a membership to the place that Megan works out at.
An all womens gym. A place where I could solely focus on my workouts, and none of the other distractions big gyms had.
I'd see her posts of her at the gym, taking classes, and it made me crave change.
I missed spin class (something I hadn't done in YEARS) and I wanted to try new things.
All I was doing was running at that point, so while, YES, I was "thin", I wasn't very toned.
I needed a change.
And I got one when I joined the gym.
And maybe that makes me a little less relatable to some of you. And that's okay.
I hope you can find inspiration elsewhere if you can't find it here.
But this is my journey. And change is good sometimes.
This is one of those times.
Had my readers not gifted me with a membership (one the sweetest and most selfless things I've ever been a part of by the way) then I'm not sure I'd be going to the gym 5-6 days a week.
I'm not sure that Megan and I would have become such good friends.
And I'm thankful for her.
Because she pushes me. She motivates me. She makes me WANT to come to the gym.
It's something I enjoy. And that's a necessity in a healthy lifestyle- enjoying working out.
If you don't enjoy it, you won't do it.
So yes, things have changed around here.
But I am HAPPY.
I am HEALTHY.
And this is my journey.
I am still an advocate for healthy living.
I am still a runner. (a faster one thanks to spin class!)
I still believe hard work supersedes any crash diet, any magic pill, etc.
I do the best I can with what I have.
And that's all we can do.
************************************************
Also, the winner of the Stella & Dot giveaway is Candie L. I've emailed you Candie!
If you didn't win, head over to Stella & Dot and grab you some cute stuff!
58 comments:
You are inspiring to me! I agree mom time is needed so that you don't lose your identity as a woman. Thanks for reminding me that the crash diet is not the way to go- a lifestyle change is the way to go!
Just started my journey...love this. Great job
Thank you so much for this post! I needed it!
You and Megan are both inspirational in many ways. And it has nothing to do with where you workout or what you eat, it's your attitude. I'm a vegan who doesn't belong to a gym so I can't relate to your spin class or your meal choices, but every single day I am inspired by your posts and you attitude towards life and fitness. I don't comment enough and I wish I did more often, but I read every post and I appreciate everything that you're willing to share. Thank you!! <3
I hope this post isn't from readers/commenters that make you feel bad for the choices you are making. Girl, you are an inspiration! I have lost 10lbs since Jan. 1st and I owe that to you! I have a long way to go, but I check your blog everyday and everyday you provide that motivation I lack somethimes! Thank you for being real and for working hard and sharing the good times and bad with us! You are an amazing woman!
you are a wonderful person! Thank you for your posts and your instagram and your keeks..that is what made me start my journey and keep to it! I am thankful for you! :) keep doing what you do best...being yourself!!!! THANK YOU!
Amen sista!!! I agree with you on needing a change and doing this for yourself. My husband is not completely supportive of me losing weight and getting fit. He says I am fine the way I am. He doesn't want other people looking at me he says. It is frustrating but then I read you and Megan's blog and remember that I am doing this for self and that it will make me a better person and mother to my boys! Hubs is just going to have to deal with it. You are still an inspiration for me!!
Well put and regardless of how you move your behind, you and Megan are huge inspirations to me in a myriad of ways. I'm glad to have found each of your blogs.
God I love you!!!!!! I wanna be like you when I grow up! ;)
It makes me sad that people have decided to take it upon themselves to give you and Megan such a hard time. Very few of both of your readers actually know you in "real" life and it's sad to me that people can be so judgmental. You both seem like absolutely caring wives and mothers and it's clear that you know what is best for your own families.
As someone who stumbled upon your blog through Pinterest, and Megan's from here...I find you both inspiring. I'm not a mom (yet) .... but I always think to myself when reading your posts "If they can find time to go to the gym, what's holding me back?" And although I don't write religiously on my own blog, you've both given me a push to document my own changes as I become a better version of myself. Long story short, thank you to both of you.
-Petunia @ petunialearnslessons.blogspot.com
Things DO change! And it's a good thing! Life is an ever changing thing, just like life changed for every woman who has been inspired by you to work out, get off the couch or eat better. Their life changed through watching YOU!
You are an inspiration and I couldn't be more happy to watch you benefit from your readers with a gym membership and relationships with other women.
Thank you for the time you put into this blog, the sas and personality that keeps it alive, the raw realness, and the inspiration through your journey.
I'm glad things change, because if it didn't, life would be boring. Haters will hate, but there are a thousand other women who you inspire to those 10 haters.
You're amazing and inspiring.
LOVE ALL OF THIS! I just started running today ( you know this...lol) but I was working out inside. For a number of reasons I started inside, my biggest being my babies! But then after over a month of the SAME routine I was sick to death of it and I found myself saying "Immmm gonna take today off...and tomorrow...and the next day!" So I just told myself no. Get your gear and get outside and RUN! I have been wanting to run forever and I know when I workout I too feel better! I'm happier and I am a better Mom! I think its GREAT your a running mom with a GYM membership it makes me not look at you any differently than someone who loves themselves and their family enough to give yourself health!!! And your sharing it with others to give them that shot in the arm to do the same!! So. I love, love it all! Keep doing what your doing girl!!!
Thank you for this post. I was trying to talk myself out of running during my lunch break today but your post motivated me to not give up. Us working moms really struggle to find a balance and we often neglect ourselves in the process.
Like you, I'm a busy working mom and feel guilty about taking time away from my family to do what I need to do to lose weight. But you are right, it makes me better. Good for you.
I love that you lost the weight on your own - you're an inspiration!
Sheree
thehartungs.blogspot.ca
Girlllll you answer to no one! I appreciate this blog & its message but you should not have to justify yourself.at.all. If you want to go on a water & grapefruit diet, move to the moon, dress the babies in mumus, cool beans thats your preogative
Anyway just a reminder that true supporters of your blog don't care. You are not just "Mama Laughling" you are a person, Brandi, who clearly gets too much crap from random Internet peeps who think it is their right to discuss your personal choices!!!
I read that post on FB and I was sad for you. I was sad that something positive had found a negative vibe. I think what you do is AMAZING. I think that you are AMAZING! You are still my daily inspiration. I tell everyone I know about your blog and how awesome you are. You are easy to relate to whether it's exercise or just being a mom. I hope you don't let those negative comments make you feel bad or steal your thunder, cause lady you are bringing it! Hugs to you and don't let them get a good thing down. You are amazeballs, don't forget it!
I use you, Meg, and another blog called Can You Stay For Dinner as my inspiration. I have 25 LBS to lose and when I think no I don't want to go to the gym I think of you guys having kids and jobs. That's my motivation to go work out in the morning because I don't have time at night. I love your story because I am trying to become a Runner in the midst of trying to lose weight. THANK YOU!
I think you're amazing and I love that you're evolving and changing. You were my inspiration to start running and being healthy and I want to say Thank You!
I am so glad you commented on this! I saw the FB post on the ML Boot Camp page and I thought that was so catty. I mean, hell, I don't know you. You don't know me (although, I think we may ride the same four wheeler trails in Arkansas..Woot! Rednecks!) I have no right to dictate how you write your blog or how you choose to approach your health. People are seriously getting ridiculous. You (and Megan!) are such an inspiration,and I feel blessed to just have stumbled upon your blog for a real outlook on weight loss and life. Eff those bitches!
After time your body gets used to certain exercises and it's not as effective. I am so happy to see you enjoying the gym. Change is good!
Love it! Heading to the gym right NOW!! Thanks to you and Megan for truly making me look forward to getting sweaty! :)
I'm personally glad that you are changing things up a little bit because I love seeing the weight exercises that you are doing. It gives me ideas since all I know, when it comes to weights, is what I've learned from Jillian Michaels. ;) Go get it girl!
So glad that you posted this today. I saw the post on mlfc and am glad you hit on it here.
Things have changed some, but we all need change to help get through plateaus (scale and otherwise). It doesn't make you any less of a person. A cleanse is not a bad thing, and you talked about why you wanted to do it, and that's it's not for weight loss.
Thank you for all you have done for so many women!
Keep up the good work :) If I didn't have my "me" time, which is at the gym, I would go insane. One person made me feel bad about it, and I stopped going for a while. But once I put a focus back on my health, the QUALITY of the time I spent with my son became better, even as the quantity was going down a bit. You know what? He thinks it's great that mom's getting healthy, and I just know your kids do too. Be true to yourself.
Thank you for your inspiration! I need all I can get as I feel like I just don't have time for myself (one 17month old) and the guilt I feel for leaving her is EXTREMELY overwhelming!
My gym membership costs 27 bucks a month (24hr Fitness) I don't see how having a gym membership makes you less relatable, dumb. Most people blow 27 or 35 or 40 bucks on stupid crap. It's all about priorities!
You are the shit, for real. I can't tell you all the ways I'm inspired daily by you and SkinnyMeg! i.e., just yesterday, I started my very own little weight loss blog! Thank you times a million for all you do.
Change is good! If we don't change what we're doing, we stay the same. Some people have a hard time with that. But even with all the changes your making, your still inspiring. I love coming here and thinking "amen!" when I read one of your posts. Can't wait to see the new toned Mama!
I feel that you are MORE relatable because you are a regular mom that has taken the plunge to do new and different things for YOU. That makes it seem attainable and gives me that extra push to put myself out there and try something different! It also makes me realize that using what I have at home along with my own willpower can work! You are such an inspiration! RUN ON!
one of the most pictures that gets my inspired is the pictures of "I do it now because there will be a time when I can't"
It is so true and you have to enjoy the body you have! You just have to do it and not look back. Tomorrow is always a safe time to start. Like Nike said "Just do it"
Congrats and keep up the good work!
I just read your post and all the comments... I know, it's pathetic but they caught my eye. I haven't been reading your blog for long (I wish I started a long time ago!) but I couldn't imagine that you're making any "bad choices". You're working out like a boss, kicking ass as a mom, and I'm pretty sure you write blogs like you were born to do this. Keep going... keep inspiring... and keep your head up. I'm not a mom, or a wife... but I am a woman who faces some very ugly, opinionated people everyday after the 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 news. I ignore it, and sweat it off in the gym (or box, whatever term us crossfitters use) and I read posts like this to help. So... thank you.
I just recently stumbled on ur site and love reading your posts, I also made my health a priority after the birth of my second child 2 1/2 years ago everything changes when you realize your own worth..good for you!
What you said rings true for all aspects of life : Hard work always gets you where you need to be over any shortcut. Thanks for always being so honest! I am still working on the emotional aspect of portion control and exercise and I find myself sabotaging my own efforts quite often but coming here reminds me to put my big girl pants on and do it better the next day. Thank you <3
I love this. So many people (men too!) think that they have to have the next big thing or some special pill or supplement, but it is just plain old hard work. It is WAY more mental than everything because once you decide to do it that's all it takes. The rest is just details. Thanks for sharing your journey!
Busting my commenting cherry...
I've been reading your blog FOREVER and this is my first ever comment because I loved this post so much I finally took the time to figure out how to comment!
We can only ever do the best with what we have. I have loved reading your transition because the changes that you have made are SO relateable. We can't do the same things with infants as we can with toddlers, having two babies has different dynamics than one, and the way we approach food and exercise changes as we get farther on this journey. The fact that you embrace all of that is what makes you extra inspirational.
Don't change who you are! <3
I love this post! I am still in the weight loss part of my journey. I have lost 30 lbs still have about 20 to go. I still prefer to do cardio on my own outside over going to the gym. I do love me a spin class though! I know that muscle burns more calories but I can't bring myself to the gym. I feel awkward. I think I would be more apt to go if it was an all women gym. (My husband is military so as a dependent I get to use the base gym for free. I guess I shouldn't complain there, but those active duty guys are in shape and scare the crap out of me!) I have to admit I miss your posts about running. I am happy for you that you are in this comfortable, confident part of your journey that you could care less what the scale says! I can't wait until I'm there. I will always be a reader and fan of yours even if I don't relate as much. You are an awesome women and love you!
I don't follow you on Facebook so I don't know the scuttlebutt behind this post, but I will say this. You're still very relatable to me because you're now in the part of your journey where you've lost the weight and you're in the maintaining and toning phase. I know how to lose weight. I don't know how to do what you're doing. I still have 25 pounds before I'm to that point, but I appreciate that your focus has changed because it's an example for another way it can be done to do once you finally make it!
Hang in there.
This is super motivational for me. I have tried over my baby's first 14 months of life at different points to start getting back in shape but it just hasn't stuck. Be it mom guilt, being tired or whatever other reason but all of a sudden I feel that something has clicked. Even if it's just 30 minutes a day I can carve out, I am doing it. Thank you for your words!
Hey there Mama Laughlin! I'm sure you've answered this question before and I'm just overlooking it somewhere, but I wanted to ask how many calories you limited yourself to per day in the beginning stages of losing weight? I recently started the C25K after I read your awesome post about it and I'm also keeping my calories under 1400 a day. I know it's different for everyone but I was just curious about what you started with! Keep being a badass and thanks so much for all you do!!
I've been reading your blog for a few months now, but I never comment. I'm a lurker. Anyway, you're a huge inspiration to me. I'm a WAHM and your outlook on how working out makes you a better wife and mom has completely changed the way I view it myself. I need to be healthy because I have three boys (two sons and a husband) that are depending on me to be around for awhile. I decided awhile ago that no one can make me feel inferior without my consent. So, if people wanna judge, judge on big judgers, I'm over it. Thanks for sharing your journey. Oh! If every woman found herself a gym buddy, we'd be a MUCH skinnier group of people. It is HARD to go alone everyday!
http://mamatomason.blogspot.com/2013/02/think-thinbe-thin.html....Found the think thins finally!
Girl you are amazing. You are constantly putting yourself out there and it saddens me that other people would put you down because you made a change for you. I hope you remember that there are thousands of women that look up to you and that those that choose to be negative are the real losers. They're overlooking the whole picture. That you have lost weight not once but twice without a gym membership. That you continue to work towards your goals not their goals....YOUR goals. If they can't say something nice than they shouldn't say anything at all. Thank you for everything.
I recently started reading your's and Meg's blogs and find you BOTH a big inspiration to me! thanks for being one!
Another wonderful post (as usual)! I am so inspired by your healthy lifestyle and the way you balance your home, work, marriage, children and still make time to keep yourself healthy! I am due with my first child in June and your blog helps me to realize that I CAN take time to keep myself healthy, even after the baby is born! I've already sat down with my husband and my mom (who will be watching our baby) and explained to them the importance of me getting in my daily workout, so they know what to expect once I go back to work from maternity leave. Happy mom, happy family! Thanks for setting such a great, healthy example not only to your family and close friends, but to all of us in the blogosphere!
I read your blog every week and am always inspired! It is such a shame that people are critical of the concept that being a wife and/or a mother doesn't erase the need to do things for yourself and by yourself. That is not selfish, it is HUMAN. Keep on trucking lady!
I can't express to you the gratitude I have to see all of your posts on Instagram after, before or during workouts- you have made me pull my butt out of bed on sat mornings at 7 because I have seen either you or megan that morning or the day before working out. I don't have kids (yet) but I do know I want to be a healthy mom and teach my kids the value of a healthy lifestyle. You have done so much for me personally because I have tried the magic pills, the crash diets, etc and they simply do not work for me, I am down nearly 10 lbs ALL BY MYSELF and it feels soo much better than thinking that something else gets the credit. Thank you so much for doing what you do, I hope someday my blog will touch readers like yours has touched mine!
PS Thanks for all of your Recommendations on fashion,food, and work outs- I LOVE THEM!
Lindsay (Cowboyboots and an apron)
Thank you.
I have been toying with the idea of learning how to run. Recently I lost 30lbs....and I still have 90 lbs to go. Seriously.
But I've been stuck.
Scared.
Uninspired.
It's the activity side that scares the beejeebers out of me. 240 lbs and running? My unders are bound to start on fit from the friction of my thighs rubbing together!
So thank you. Thank you for reminding me that a big girl can do this, can be successful.
Thank you.
I love it! You speak from the heart, you speak the truth. You are such a role model for all of us who are going through trying to lose the weight and get in shape!
I effing LOVE you!
Being a mom of two that has an on again, off again relationship with healthy eating, running and weight loss, it is so encouraging to see others like you who are able to to do it! It keeps me going!
Have you tried gizoogle.net? Here's a translation of some of your stuff.
I do tha dopest I can wit what tha fuck I have.
When I first started ta lose weight I did it all by mah dirty ass.
That means I cut mah portions down, I counted mah calories, ate "regular" chickens, n' I moved mah body as dopest I could wit what tha fuck I had.
And what tha fuck I had wasn't a lot.
I had a treadmill dat I bought fo' Chrizzle up in 2009 fo' $300.
That was Chrizzle scrilla I got.
It wasn't a special, expensive machine yo, but it did what tha fuck I needed it ta do.
I had a freshly smoked up baby n' I couldn't peel mah dirty ass away from his ass fo' mo' than 30 minutes a thugged-out dizzle while I did mah Couch ta 5K.
Even then, most times he'd still be up in eyesight of mah crazy ass while I ran.
I didn't have tha fundz ta pay fo' a gym membership.
And even if I did, I couldn't justify leavin mah lil pimp ta go ta tha gym.
I had a freshly smoked up baby n' I had Mommy Guilt like no muthafuckaz bidnizz.
Love it, hope it doesn't offend!
Thanks for this. Sometimes it is disheartening to see you and Megan always at the gym, changing your bodies while I don't have the money to do this. It's a great reminder that we dont have to have a gym membership to achieve our goals. we do the best we can with what we have. Love you and Megan, thank you for being so down to earth.
What gym are you at? I live in the area and this place sounds great!
Awesome! Oh my gosh! What an awesome journey of hard work and dedication!
Puhleeze ignore the haters!! It's ridiculous someone is criticizing you or anyone else who is sharing their journey....it's mean.
Keep up your success and healthy life. Go girl!
I think it's awesome that you were able to do all this on your own! The doctor wanted me to lose 10% of my body weight to help me get pregnant and I did the same things you did: counted calories, worked out by running and with DVDs in the house and it slowly came off. I never took any supplements or went on any fancy diets and it took me a little longer than it could've but it did the job. I hope things continue to go well for you!
Thank you for being such an inspiration. Your story of how you started out reminds me of how I am starting out. Your blog encouraged me to get serious about making a change. Thank you!
I am also a mom of a 6 month old. I am also doing it on my own with workout DVD and walking. Down 2 inches in my waist and 3.6 pounds. My little guy sits in his swing and watches me (when he's not asleep) and it pushes me to work harder. I know he's young but I feel I am already showing him healthy habits. Thanks so much for your inspiration.
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