Gaylon lost 97 pounds

Today’s featured weight loss success story: Gaylon lost 97 pounds.  She joined Weight Watchers, walked for exercise, eventually joined Black Girls Run and hasn’t turned back.  Here is what she shared her journey and words of wisdom with us:

“Gaylon Alcaraz (40 something) Mother of Two and Grandma of One – Chicago, Illinois – One day I just woke up and said no more. I didn’t like the feeling of feeling out of control. Stepping on the scale and seeing close to 300 pounds felt like I was hitting rock bottom. Obesity runs on both sides of my family and I just didn’t want to have health issues as I grew older. So, I enrolled in Weight Watchers. I incorporated tons of fruits and veggies into my diet along with water. I tracked my food religiously. Then I began walking everywhere. When it got cold, I brought a treadmill and continued my journey in my basement. Then I began to walk fast and then jog. Finally I joined a group called Black Girls Run at the advice of my cousin and I haven’t turned back. Since February of this year, I have run 12 half marathons and I’m shooting for my 13th before the year is out. I have also added weight training and cardio at the gym to my routine. Now it is second nature to get up and workout or run.

When I started my weight loss journey I was 297 pounds. I am now at 200 pounds. I have 30 more pounds to go to get to my goal weight. I have been on my journey since July of 2011. The advice I have to others is to do it for you. Don’t do it for anyone else. When you are ready to receive, the lessons will appear…..the doors of opportunity will open. Only when you are ready you will do it. Set backs happen. This is not a race. This is a journey….your journey. Enjoy!”