The Secret to Our Success: Real Women's Weight-Loss Stories

I Ramped Up My Routine

"I now look at hurdles as something to conquer, not as a reason to quit."
-- Michelle Brogdon, 42, Chesterfield, Michigan

Michelle's Success Story
Q. You ran your first half-marathon as part of the challenge. Why did you decide to do it?
A. I had run a 5K with my son, and it was a huge accomplishment for me, because I couldn't run down the block a year ago. Then someone at work brought up the idea about training for a half-marathon. The idea of pushing myself even harder seemed so far-fetched that I couldn't stop thinking about it.

Q. Did you find it difficult to get ready for the race? What are some of your training tips?
A. I'm a nurse who works 12-hour days, so the hardest part was balancing work, family, and running. But I followed a pretty basic training schedule, running both outside and on the treadmill. It became something social, too: A few of my colleagues also ran, and every week we talked about our routes and our struggles. My family was my personal cheering section throughout the process. I finished in two hours, 33 minutes!

Q. What else do you suggest to help make working out fun -- a favorite snack, music, post-workout ritual?
A. My favorite snack is honey-cinnamon almonds, I love listening to "I Believe" (Fantasia) when I run, and I always wash my face after sweaty exercise sessions with a great cleanser, such as Olay Hydrate & Cleanse Anti-Oxidant Lathering Face Wash ($6.99, drugstores).