Staten Island woman sheds more than 100 pounds to run NYC Half Marathon

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. (WABC) -- A woman from Great Kills has lost more than 100 pounds by becoming a runnner.

And the Staten Island teacher, who has completely transformed her body, will show it off by competing in this weekend's United Airlines NYC Half Marathon.

"I can't believe it," Michelle Stiglitz said, as she looked at photos of her dramatic transformation. "I knew it was me, but I didn't see it then."

Her before-and-after pictures look like a different person. Now 135-pounds lighter, she's lost the equivalent of an entire body.

"When I see the pictures, I can't believe it," she said. "I held up an old pair of pants, and I put my new pair on top of it."

But it's more than new clothes. She's become a runner, who used to be trapped and waiting to take off. She started entering New York Road Runners races, including the New York City Half Marathon, one year ago.

"It started with seeing results," she said. "My goal was to lose the weight, but I met the most amazing people. And the finish line is the most amazing feeling."

After lapband surgery, she started to run to lose weight, saying it was tough at times to stick to her goals, and crediting family and friends for their help.

"If I can do it, any one can," she said.

Along with being an example of fitness to her students on Staten Island, Stiglitz is now a personal trainer.

"I'm addicted to it," she said. "Running is a part of my life forever."