Before & After: Brides' Incredible Shape-Up Stories

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We interviewed brides across the country who triumphed over medical conditions, lifelong battles with the scale and grueling 6 a.m. workouts — even documenting their most challenging moments on national television! — to get fit for their wedding day.

Jamie Adcock: "I had the opportunity to give myself a wedding 'do-over' and feel better about myself."

The turning point:
"Last September, I planned my second wedding and had the chance to start my life all over. I was inactive the first time I got married a decade ago. Nothing stuck with me because I didn't enjoy it...that is, until I saw my friend compete in Ironman Wisconsin in 2005 and was inspired to look up a couch to 5K program the very next day. Classes didn't fit into my busy schedule as a mom, but running became a natural fit into our routine. I could run at home on the treadmill while my kids played or I could run outside before they woke up in the morning (or after they were in bed)."

before photoafter weight loss photo
Left: "Before" photo: Courtesy of Jamie Adcock
Right: "After" photo: Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography

How I did it:
"Running has changed my life. It got me active and has led to so many other outlets, such as biking and hiking. It's helped me step out of my comfort zone and try ziplining and rock climbing. My family now invests in state park passes and we are very active together. When I run, I feel better about myself and it inspires me to eat better as well. I love to fuel my body with good foods — not just feed it. I even became a certified running coach so that I could share my passion with others (I've trained over 500 people so far). Follow my adventures on my blog, Running Diva Mom."

Enlist the support of your fiancé: 
"My now-husband wasn't a runner when I met him but he knew that if he wanted to see more of me, then he would have to take up the sport. He slowly introduced running into his fitness routine and eventually we began doing races and marathons together. We love catching up on our day over a long run. Now he's even faster than me!

Talk to each other about what your goals are. Research a few different programs or routines online and write out smaller steps to help you get there. Whether it be scheduling time to have 'active dates' together or working out separately while your partner tends to your family and commitments at home, it's important to support each other."

outdoor wedding
Photo Credit: Errin Hiltbrand Photography

Advice for other brides:
"I love telling my clients to 'run your race, run your pace.' It's YOUR journey. People are sometimes intimidated by the group atmosphere, and running in general, because they feel like they have to keep up with everyone else. It's my philosophy that you can reach goals in a way that works for you, whether that means walking more or running at a different time of day to fit it into your schedule. To succeed at something, you need to make it enjoyable and achievable."

Where I am now:
"I was remarried in September 2013 and we had a very running-inspired day. Our guest book included running race bibs with our wedding date and I even took some photos in my running shoes. Of course, I went for a stress-reducing morning run on the big day! Incorporating a healthy lifestyle is the only thing that has helped me maintain my weight over the past nine years. Running has made me more confident, provided me with leadership skills, served as a great social outlet for me and has strengthened the bond between my husband and myself. I now have more than 45 marathons under my belt."

running save the datebride wearing sneakers
Photo Credits: Errin Hiltbrand Photography


Competed on
The Biggest Loser


Overcame a
thyroid disorder

harry potter engagement photos
Gave up crash diets
for good

breakfast at tiffanys engagement photos
Joined the Paleo
nutrition movement


 


Saw results using
Weight Watchers


Gave herself a "wedding do-over"


Became addicted
to Crossfit

 

 

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Comments

45 marathons in 10 years? That would be 1 marathon every 11 or so weeks. Sounds like this lady might be lying. A marathon is 26.2 miles and no easy task. Maybe she means 5ks races or half marathon? 45 just doesn't seem correct.