Michelle Elbertson lost 244 pounds!
Fitzness.com
Michele Elbertson, 27, Special Needs Preschool Teacher, New Jersey
What was your highest weight? My highest weight was in 2010; I weighed 427 pounds and wore a size 32 clothing.
How much have you lost? 244 pounds.
Present weight: 183 pounds and still losing!
How long did it take you to lose it? I began my weight loss journey on April 15, 2010; I just hit my 4 year anniversary!
What inspired your weight loss efforts? Back in 2010, I was teaching fourth grade. In the beginning of the school year, I overheard some of my students talking about their teachers. Some were describing their teachers as having long hair, blue eyes, likes to sing, etc. My students referred to me (not in a mean way) as “the fat teacher”. That was my “aha” moment!
Tell us about your exercise routine, accomplishments: In four years, I went from BARELY walking 200 feet without running out of breath, to being a runner! Approximately two years into my weight loss journey, I started running. In two years, I ran 36 half marathons, five full marathons, and one 50-mile ultra-marathon! I have also become extremely active in the gym within the past six months. I have begun lifting heavy weights, I do Zumba, and have just become certified to teach Bokwa fitness! These are ALL fitness activities that I would have never even thought of doing four years ago.
How did you become a runner? My first “goal” after losing my first 100 pounds was to run the Disney Family Fun Run 5k. It was the worst race ever for me; I barely crossed the finish line and hurt for days after! I swore I would never run again. The next day, I watched all of the half marathoners running by my hotel, and I became inspired. Even after swearing off running for good, only 24 hours post 5k, I claimed I would run a half marathon. It was all history after that; I trained hard, raced hard, and was HOOKED!
Tell us about your impressive race resume. I have completed 36 half marathons, five full marathons, and one 50-mile ultra marathon. I have improved my pace; and am a 2:17 half marathoner and a 5:00 marathoner.
Tell us about your eating habits. Prior to losing the weight, I was a binge eater. I had the Lap Band put in on April 15, 2010. The band helped me to limit my portion sizes and helped me to stop my “binges”. I now count my calories every day, and stay within my allotted amount in order to reach my final weight loss goal.
Favorite workout song: Anything upbeat! I enjoy listening to Zumba or Bokwa music during my workouts.
Favorite race: I LOVE any runDisney race. I do not do them for times, but for the positive experience. Since it was my first race experience, runDisney races have always held a special place in my heart.
Favorite healthy food: I love creating veggie/fruit/protein smoothies.
Favorite unhealthy food: Anything salty.
What keeps you on track? I look back on my “before” pictures and use that as my motivation to NEVER go back there again!
What has been the most fun part of your weight loss? I have met so many amazing people on my journey. I have met other athletes who have been supportive, and I have also had the ability to become a motivator for others who are on their own weight loss journey.
What inspires you when you feel like quitting? I always have a goal that I am reaching for. It can be a race, weight goal, PR time, etc. Keeping my eye on that goal helps to keep me stay on track when I feel like quitting.
Have any advice for others who want to lose weight and get fit? Remember that exercise and healthy eating go hand-in-hand. You can’t expect results if you’re working out but eating badly!
Michele Elbertson – Lost 244 pounds! Fitzness.com
Congratulations on all of your success, Michele. You’ve clearly put in the hard work to earn your incredibly healthy and fit new body. Keep doing what you’re doing! Fitz
