Shannon Gee slims down to run long

On Jan. 7, Shannon Gee, 35, ran the annual Disney Marathon in six hours. But nine months earlier, she was in no shape to tackle the 26.2-mile run -- or even a run around the block.

Shannon was shocked when the scale read 175 pounds during a physical last May. She decided to hit the gym four days a week, no matter what.

Soon after, she saw a flyer for a half marathon (that's 14 miles) benefiting the local leukemia and lymphoma society. She decided to work off enough weight to run that race.

Yet despite her gym routine and determination, Shannon couldn't shake off the pounds. Then a local deejay announced he lost 30 pounds on the L A Weight Loss program.

Shannon hit the L A Weight Loss Center in Fort Meyers, Fla., and met with Marlene, who would become her personal counselor. Marlene helped Shannon find the foods that would speed her weight loss in time to run the half marathon.

As the pounds came off, Shannon upped the ante, and decided to shoot for a full marathon. After dropping 30 pounds on the L A Weight Loss Program, Shannon ran the 26.2 mile Disney Marathon.

Now there's no stopping her. Now she plans on running the Gasparilla marathon in February, and a triathlon (1-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride, and 6-mile run) in September!

Here's Shannon before, at 175 pounds:



And here she is hanging out with Minnie and Mickey, after completing the Disney Marathon in her new 145-pound bod:



FAST FACTS

Name: Shannon Gee

Hometown: Fort Myers, Fla.
Age: 35
Height: 5’10"

Starting weight: 175 pounds
Goal weight: 145 pounds
Current weight: 145 pounds
Program start date: May 2006

Favorite food: Fiber One cereal.

Biggest temptation: Restaurant bread baskets.

Biggest motivator: Training for Disney Marathon.

Biggest obstacle: Maintaining her weight during the holidays.

Old eating philosophy: Carbs, ice cream, and cookies.

New eating philosophy: Less processed food and more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Best thing about losing weight: Being comfortable in her own skin.

Best weight loss secret learned: You have nothing to lose other than the weight. Stick with the program. It works!