I can’t believe that my journey as a Mamavation mom is now coming to an end. It seems like yesterday Tina and I were announced as the next Mamavation moms. I was in shock and felt so proud that the committee choose me to be on the of moms for this campaign. It was the kick in my behind that I needed!
This has been such an amazing experience! It truly has taught me so much about myself. I have learned that I can do this, and anything else that I put my mind to. I have pushed myself harder then I ever had and reached goals that I never thought I would reach. There are not words to describe the feeling you have knowing you kicked butt, took names and have more confidence then you ever had before. That is a feeling that a cupcake can’t give you! Who knew that I could truly blow my running times out of the water, who knew that I would loose 46 pounds in 3 months! Who knew that I would be literally shrinking before my family’s eyes.
Before this campaign I never would have even dreamed of posting pictures of me in my bathing suit before heading to the gym. In fact I probably wouldn’t even have gone to the pool because I would have been too self conscious to even go. When I started I was very self conscious of going running when others were in the wellness center at the gym, but now I don’t care. I am the best me that I can be right now, and as Pete says “what others think of you is none of your business!” I need to focus on what I am doing and the goals I am working on achieving. I needed to learn that everyone’s journey is their own, and you can’t compare them.
I will be brutally honest, there were times I wanted to give up. I was at times feeling very overwhelmed and frustrated, running on very little sleep and having a lot on my plate. I did it though, even when things got rough I still was able to make that number go down! My biggest lesson that I would hope everyone would take away from watching me these past 7 weeks is … Don’t give up! If I had given up I would have been facing a much bleaker future.
As some of you know during my first week as a Mamavation mom I was facing some really serious health issues. I have what is called pseudo tumor cerebri (aka .. My body thinks I have a tumor in my brain, but I don’t) and I have some severe swelling and extra fluid pushing on my brain as well. When I started this campaign my optic nerve was beginning to hemorrhage, meaning I could have lost my sight in my eye. During my first week as a Mamavation mom I had a spinal tap then ended up keeping me in bed for days. I still managed to get my workouts done and loose some pounds. I kept pushing myself and mid campaign I went in for a check up and they found that things were “miraculously” better. I had almost no swelling in my optic nerve and my headaches were getting almost non existent. Both my neurologist and eye specialist were in shock when they saw all of my test results. My neurologist had to pick up his jaw from the floor when I answered his next question “how much weight have you lost since this was discovered”. At the time I had lost almost 30 pounds & he believes that is a big reason in the decrease of the swelling and extra fluid. Please believe me when I say that loosing weight can truly be life changing!
I have lost 5 pounds this week, making it a total of 46 pounds for this campaign!
Measurements
Chest: Before ~ 43″ & After ~ 39″ = a loss of 8″ * Hip: Before ~ 49″ & After 41″ = a loss of 4″ * Right & Left Thigh: Before ~ 22.5 & After 22.5″ * Calves: Before ~ 14″ (right and left) & After ~ 14″ = a loss of 1″ in each calve * Arms: Before ~ 13.5 (right and left) & After ~ 12″ = a loss of 1.5″ in each arm.
Total Inches Lost: 23
Before & After
This picture still amazes me!
Do I look my best? No. I also don't care!! I am proud of the girl who has busted her butt for the last 7 weeks to have to buy a new suit because this one now is too big!
I promised when I applied and the night I was chosen, that I would do all that I could to make this 7 week journey a good one and to hopefully inspire others to start or continue on their own journey. I hope that I have made you proud and also may have in some way helped you!
For now this is the end of my journey as a Mamavation mom, but this is not the end. I will be participating in the Mamavation Graduate campaign along with my team mate Wendy (@weightsover) so be sure to look for the next posts coming from Wendy and I!
Thank you to each and everyone of you who has commented, tweeted, facebook’ed and cheered me on every monday night! Your support means so much!
Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors and leadership team. I could not have done it without you!
Earth Footwear (@EarthFootwear)
Leah @Bookieboo
Mark @MrBookieboo
Shelley @Momma_Oz & Shannon @ShannonMSander
Mentors: Hanan @LilacCityMomma & Wendy @WeightsOver
LOL.. You know you wanted to call Mark a bad name
You are absolutely amazing Rachel.. YOU did this and although Mamavation was a good kick in the butt it was YOU who kept getting yourself up and working out. It was YOU who pushed yourself harder than you ever thought possible.
This was all you, your strength and tenacity are inspiring and trust that you have and will continue to encourage women everywhere.
Awwww Tina! Thank you so much! Yes, I wanted to call him a bad name but since he is part of the reason I have lost a toddler I figured I would be nice
Thanks for being an amazing partner in crime these last 7 weeks! Love you! I say in 7 weeks, we have a google hangout with Shannon. 3 bottles of wine, 3 straws & us!
Congratulations! Your story is inspiring and look how healthy you are- go get ‘em girlfriend!
Thank you so much! Means a lot!
I am so happy I had the opportunity to watch your lifestyle change over the past 7 weeks. You have down by far the most amazing job losing weight, and most importantly becoming healthier. I know you will continue to do a great job and good luck on the graduate campaign!!
Girl I think you look FINE! Not like okay fine but foxy fine! As for last week, oh no, I can tell you…once a Mamavation Mom….always a Mamavation Mom. You’re one forever, and it’s always a comfort
(and a pain but it’s only a pain when you want brownies, really lol) You have been inspiring through this campaign and an example to all of us. Plus, nice swimsuit!
You know, I knew you were going to be in the grad campaign, and meant to put that in there, but yeah, sorry about not acknowledging it! It’s going to be amazing to see what 16 weeks will do on the Mamavation regimin!
But really, since we’re going to be competing, you should celebrate the end of this campaign with something filled with chocolate and grains. Maybe brownie covered pancakes? *grin*
Love it!
Once a Mamavation Mom, always a Mamavation Mom.
Well since I love you, I may think about eating something chocolate filled lol. Kidding. Honestly I am hoping to get thru this week with with a loss or in one piece!
You did so good and I think you are a great inspiration. Good luck
Thank you so much Monica! Means a lot to me!
You have done Amazing things and I know you will be doing Awesome things in the future! Way to go!! You look beautiful and confident!! Love what Pete has done for you
Thanks Megan! Love you!
I adore this, and you, and how much YOU have inspired ME .
We are going to KICK SOME ASS, girlie.
Thank you so much Wendy! Means a lot to me that I have helped you. Looking forward to the new and improved us in another 7 weeks! xoxo
Great job Rachel!!! You did awesome!!
Congrats and you are such a great inspiration. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
I have enjoyed reading and following your journey. You can defy and beat odds with determination and a fantastic support system. You rock it!
Wow, you’ve lost a ton of weight (no pun intended). Congratulations on your weight loss success and I hope you reach all of your goals. I know how easy it is to give up…been there done that…keep doing that…but keep getting up and pressing forward. God bless you