Well...I graduated college with a degree and an extra 50 lbs! I never was an issue for me because everyone I surrounded myself with people who were in similar shape as myself. If people teased me, I didn't care. I had family members taunt me for having acne since I was in fourth grade so any form of harassment didn't faze me (moral of that story: I told myself at 10 years old "You're either going to accept that people will comment about it and move on or you're going to let it dictate your every move for life. Obviously I chose the first option). It seriously took one day for my mom to post a picture of me on Facebook that was FAR from flattering (check out my progress photos! I actually used it!). After I saw it I said "wow, Allie. This isn't you". I wasn't happy with my physique and I wasn't happy with the way I thought of myself. I needed to make a change.

The hardest part about getting started was getting over my mind. I had a problem of talking negatively to myself: "If only you were skinner", "that would look great on you if you were in shape", "I bet I would feel better if I were 40 lbs lighter". I had to tell myself everyday that "this is going to work. We are going to be consistent". Training my mind was the BIGGEST challenge, but it is what fuels my every action to this day!
This whole "positive self talk" started when decided I have nothing to prove to anyone else. Of course, easier said than done, I failed a few times, but eventually I developed a habit. I began running Rufio more and being active outside. I transitioned into a healthier mindset quickly; good thoughts + good food + good exercise = results.

I didn't let negativity get in the way. I had PLENTY of people say I'll never make it and it's too much work. People teased me for my new habits and gave me crap when I didn't drink. I applied what I taught my self as a 10-year-old in this situation: Who gives a crap but me?

Okay, here's the big cliche moment:

Since I began working out my entire life has transformed.

I am setting goals, personally and professionally. And I am knocking them down. I am able to do this because I've witnessed myself go through the pain and suffering with workouts. I have friends who once teased me (nicely) for not going out all the time now asking for advice. I love seeing people transform their lives. It is a whole new level of support when you have people from EVERY stage of a fit life cheering you on.