• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
May 22, 2013

Theodora’s Story: From Overweight to Marathoner

25 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Hello friends! As you know, I’m currently on vacation in Italy with Matt! We will have limited access to the internet (apologies for delayed responses to email and comments) and want to maximize time to hit the sights, so I thought it would be fun to set up a couple guest posts from friends while I’m away. Today’s guest post is from my friend Theodora. Theodora and I first met a few years ago when she emailed me about meeting up for a run, and we’ve been friends ever since, running races together, traveling to blog events together, and talking to each other on gchat practically every day, too.

IMG_2662

Theodora has quite an inspiring story – looking at her now you might think she’s always been active and fit, but that’s far from the case. In the past few years, she has lost 50 pounds and run not 1, not 2, but 3 full marathons. She’s been a big inspiration to me as I get ready to start training for my first full marathon, and I thought all of you would find her story inspiring, too. She’s a great example of what you can achieve if you put your mind to it! Take it away, Theodora!

—

Theodora’s Story: From Overweight to Marathoner

A little over four years ago, I decided I wanted to lose weight–but for real this time. My best friend was getting married in Aruba, and I’d had enough of being the fat chick on the beach, hiding herself under coverups and willing herself to just melt into the beach chairs.

201305110825.jpg

Before.

This wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way, but it was the first time I actually did something about it. I started working out with a trainer who taught me how to believe in myself, that I could do this. We worked out twice a week together, and the first few sessions were brutal. I was mortally embarrassed as I struggled through what I assumed were easy exercises for everyone else, but I told myself that this wouldn’t be forever, that if I kept pushing through, it’d be worth it.

He had me start to run intervals on the treadmill, and I pushed myself to run at speeds that I thought only pro athletes ran at, and at inclines that felt like I was running up the side of a mountain. I was convinced that I was working out harder than anyone else at that gym, and also that I was invincible. I was literally working my ass off, and I felt on top of the world as I watched the number on the scale and in my pants shrink.

201305110831.jpg

About 35 pounds down, for said wedding in Aruba.

I lost the first 35 pounds in 6 months and then it took about another 6 months to lose the last 15.

201305110834.jpg

Goal weight!

When I first started, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to lose 20 pounds, much less 50 pounds, but once my trainer taught me to believe in myself, I realized it was possible — and that led to running half-marathons and then full marathons. I learned that all those cheesy inspirational sayings were right, and that I could keep pushing myself, I’d achieve things I never thought possible.

I had run a few races before, but I hadn’t trained for them, and they were serious strugglefests. So I signed up for a 5K, and my goal was just to run the entire time. And I did.

201305110818.jpg

So then I ran a 10K. And then a 10-miler, and then a half. I ran my first half in 2:36, and then my second half in 2:13. Not only was I officially hooked on running, but I was hooked on getting faster, too.

That fall, I ran my next half in 2:09 and ran my first marathon in 4:59.

201305110840.jpg

I had never done speedwork before any of these races, but I think I got faster naturally as my body adjusted to the distances.

Since then, I have embraced the discomfort of tempos and 400s, and I’ve continued to get faster! My current marathon PR is 4:04, but I’m shooting for sub-4 the next time around–Wineglass in October. That would be more than an hour off my first marathon time!

201305110847.jpg

My current half PR is now 1:50, which is nearly 50 minutes faster than my first, and a time I never thought I’d be able to claim as a time that I ran a half marathon in. Pushing myself to lose weight and start running has taught me more about myself than I ever would have imagined, and it continues to show me what I can achieve if I get out of my comfort zone. And it’s fun, too!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

mt vernon trail running

Weekend Fitness + Oatmeal

Exploring the Mosaic District (+ a Giveaway!)

kabobs and rice

Grill It Up

Tuna and Veggie Pasta Salad

leave a comment

Cancel reply

25 comments
  • Jacquelyn @justjacq
    May 22, 2013 · 9:46AM:
    Thanks for this! Now I have another blog to follow :-)
    Reply
    • Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
      May 22, 2013 · 10:54PM:
      I was thinking the same exact thing!!
      Reply
  • Beth @ Mangoes and Miles
    May 22, 2013 · 9:51AM:
    This is so inspiring. Kudos to you for having the courage to make a change in your life, and even more than that, to push yourself beyond what you thought was possible! Your times are incredible! I hope one day I'll be able to say that I can have that much improvement. Congrats!
    Reply
  • Megan May 22, 2013 · 9:54AM:
    THanks for sharing another great motivational person! I have really been considering starting a blog myself, can anyone start a blog? I just thought if I could journal my thoughts and ideas it might keep me on track on my fitness journey!
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 28, 2013 · 10:06AM:
      Definitely - check out my "how to start a blog" page! http://www.fannetasticfood.com/how-to-start-a-blog/
      Reply
  • Katie
    May 22, 2013 · 10:01AM:
    Your story is so inspiring, I've read your blog a few times, but now need to officially add to my feedly!
    Reply
  • Laura
    May 22, 2013 · 10:34AM:
    Theodora is so amazing and inspiring; thanks for featuring her story!
    Reply
  • Beth @ Read Hard Run Harder
    May 22, 2013 · 10:38AM:
    Wow! Thanks for such an inspiring story....I am working on losing those last 15 and it seems like it is taking FOREVER!
    Reply
  • Jojo
    May 22, 2013 · 11:44AM:
    Thanks for sharing! It's great to read about successful weight loss and fitness journeys.
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    May 22, 2013 · 11:46AM:
    Thanks for sharing this story! Not only is it inspiring to others, it shows firsthand you really can do what you put your mind to - even those things people think are impossible. Keep reaching for all those goals and keep on running!
    Reply
  • Emily @ The Sunny Studio
    May 22, 2013 · 1:09PM:
    Thank you so much for this inspiring story! I am a firm believer in the power of one's will and dedication, and you are living proof of that. Cheers to you! I look forward to checking out your blog :)
    Reply
  • kristen @ livinlifeinlouie
    May 22, 2013 · 2:38PM:
    what an inspiration! I have 30lbs to go, and I should definitely save this post for the days when I just don't want to get moving, or all I want to eat is cake. The negative talk is a major part of it, and I think its time to let that go! Thank you for sharing!
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 28, 2013 · 10:05AM:
      You can do it!!
      Reply
  • Jillienne
    May 22, 2013 · 2:38PM:
    I love inspiring stories like this. Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
  • jillian May 22, 2013 · 3:54PM:
    i already read Theodora's blog, just want to say that i think she's AWESOME!!! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 28, 2013 · 10:04AM:
      I agree! :)
      Reply
  • Taylor May 22, 2013 · 5:00PM:
    I read Theodora's article in Cosmo a few months ago! And this post is good motivation for me at the moment..I'm a newbie runner & have my running group tonight!
    Reply
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
    May 22, 2013 · 7:32PM:
    Such a great story! I too lost a lot of weight, about 110 pounds and before I lost the weight I avoided exercise like the plague and never thought I'd be a runner. I'm now hoping to do my first half marathon later this year if I can.
    Reply
    • Anne
      May 28, 2013 · 10:04AM:
      Good for you - that's amazing!
      Reply
  • Regan @ Cabot Creamery
    May 23, 2013 · 6:54AM:
    What a wonderful story and an inspirational journey! Congrats to you, Theodora. And safe travels Anne :)
    Reply
  • Sara
    May 23, 2013 · 12:34PM:
    Wow! awesome job!! you are fast! :)
    Reply
  • Lauren @ The Highlands Life
    May 23, 2013 · 6:21PM:
    That really is awesome! I love how she did it the right way and not going after some quick fix with a pill or crazy medical gimmicks.
    Reply
  • Meghan @ After the Ivy League
    May 24, 2013 · 8:05AM:
    Theodora's story is so inspiring! Taking a full hour of your marathon time, and 50 minutes off your half time! Totally incredible
    Reply
  • Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's
    May 28, 2013 · 2:06PM:
    I love Theodora's blog, thanks for sharing this.
    Reply
  • Kristi
    June 8, 2013 · 5:54PM:
    I love finding new blogs to follow, especially when it's someone I feel like I can relate to.
    Reply
- next post
previous post -

about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine