It all started in 2022. I was getting married in April of that year, and as the new year approached, I decided to set a New Year's resolution that would truly challenge me: to lose 50 pounds before my wedding day. This time, I was determined to succeed where I had failed in previous years. My weight gain had started rapidly after I hit 30, leaving me feeling lazy and unproductive. The wedding became my motivation to make a lasting change.
I began my journey by fasting and walking in the first month, and to my surprise, I lost 25 pounds within those initial weeks. Encouraged by my progress, I joined a gym two months in. By the time my wedding day arrived, I had met my goal and was 50 pounds lighter. But I didn't stop there. I continued going to the gym, incorporating more running and lifting into my routine. By August, I had lost 60 pounds but started feeling unmotivated. That's when my running journey truly began.
I entered a 5K in September and instantly fell in love with the running environment. At that event, I learned about an upcoming marathon in December and was inspired to run the full 26.2 miles. Many advised me to try the half marathon instead, thinking I was biting off more than I could chew. They didn’t understand what I had already accomplished or how driven I was. I had faith in myself and prayed about it. When December came, I did it. In that year alone, I lost over 70 pounds and became a marathon runner.
Since then, I've embarked on an incredible running journey, completing a total of four marathons to date. I credit my strict diet and strength training for my ability to endure long-distance running. Weight lifting has played a huge role in building the strength I need for these challenges.
Fitness has transformed my life tremendously. I no longer suffer from health issues like prediabetes or high blood pressure. I have so much energy now and feel stronger than ever. Along the way, I've met amazing people, been featured on podcasts, and connected with fitness gurus and runners from around the world. I've traveled to beautiful and inspiring places to run marathons, enriching my life in countless ways.
My relationships have improved, and my faith has grown stronger. No matter what obstacles I face, I now believe I can overcome anything thanks to the mindset and mentality I've built during this journey. I have big goals and dreams, just like a 10-year-old kid again. I aspire to become a trainer and open my own gym to help people with weight loss, running, lifting, and faith. I want to support not just the fit but also those who are unfit, encouraging everyone to believe in themselves no matter what fitness challenges they face.
Ultimately, I hope to start a foundation to sponsor runners and athletes. One of my personal goals is to become a Boston Marathon qualifier. Through my journey, I've learned that with determination, faith, and hard work, anything is possible. My transformation from a tired, unmotivated individual to a marathon runner and fitness enthusiast is a testament to the power of setting goals and never giving up.
