The Story of My Fitness Journey

Exactly six years ago, in March of 2018, I stepped on the scale at 230 pounds. A depressive state was passing, but one of the side effects was weight gain due to going to food for comfort. I felt terrible and was out of shape. My kids were seven and 14 then, and I couldn't keep up with them. It was time for a change.

I started, like most do, with a crash diet. I'd read a book that went viral in my circle called The Potato Diet. Yes, I literally only ate potatoes for a couple of weeks. Calling this diet unsustainable is an understatement.

I turned to Google and looked for an answer, "scientifically, what is the most successful diet." The answer surprised me: Weight Watchers came up over and over. So, I joined.

On March 16, 2018, I was down 10.3 pounds, most of it water weight, but I was so encouraged by an actual loss it kept me going. I felt a bit healthier, leading to moving more and walking around my beautiful little city. The friends I made, both on Weight Watchers' private social network and the real-life friends I made at the in-person meetings, kept me going and answered my questions.

By May, I had lost 20 pounds; by June, 30; by October, 40; and by December, I reached 50 pounds lost, weighing in at 175! Hitting my Weight Watchers goal of 170 pounds took a bit more time, but by April 2019, I had made it to Lifetime status.

This journey wasn't just about weight loss; it led me to discover a love for running, thanks to a Garmin watch that helped me meet my daily steps goal and introduced me to running plans.

Starting with 5k races, I gradually increased my distance, eventually running my first marathon, OKC's Memorial, in October 2021. In 2022, I tackled America's most challenging trail marathon in Leadville, Colorado, and participated in a 50-mile bike race, The Rule of 3, in Arkansas. My adventures have ranged from 5k runs to several marathons and a grand fondo on the bike.

This website is where I'll share a detailed account of my journey. There have been highs and lows, injuries, setbacks, triumphs, and literal blood, sweat, and tears. I've learned the value of perseverance, the resilience of the human body, the importance of a balanced lifestyle, and the power of a supportive community.

I hope you'll join me on this journey!