The summer of 2011 I found me just turning 30, overweight, and dealing with life as a young widow. I’d lost my husband to cancer a year and a half before, and now after months of healing, I knew I wanted more out of life. I was tired of living each day feeling like I was surviving, but not thriving.
I started working out at Phases several times a week, making appointments to complete my strength training program and checking out the classes they offer. I adopted the “Eat Clean” lifestyle. I eat almost entirely following a Jillian Michaels’ motto – “If it didn’t grow from the ground or have a mother – don’t eat it.” I cut back on my portions and started eating clean, fresh foods. I use the MyFitnessPal app on my phone to track my calories and keep me on target.
Though I had been working out consistently for nine months, I found myself stuck at a plateau in June 2011. I couldn’t get past 40 pounds lost. Around this time, my gym started a team to train for the Men’s Health Urbanathlon in New York City. This was just the shakeup I needed in my routine. I began attending weekly training sessions and working on my running stamina. I was part of a 3-woman relay team.
When I started training for the Urbanathlon in June 2012, I couldn’t run a solid mile. But through hard work, persistence, and a lot of prayer, I completed my leg of the Urbanathlon with no trouble! This race revealed my “inner athlete,” and I realized that I could do anything I set my mind to.
With that attitude, the day after the Urbanathlon, I signed up for the Rock ‘N Roll USA Half Marathon in Washington, DC. I focused hard on the training, fueling myself with clean foods, and continuing to strength train. I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon in 2:36, without walking at all!
I've gone from FAT to FIT through hard work and dedication! I've run several half marathons, 10Ks, 5Ks, and other races. I love to lift, run, and cook healthy!
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