Starting a New Chapter in My Health Journey

2 years - 5 months - and 1 day ago I made a decision to, in the famous words of almost all Biggest Loser Contestants, “Put me first.” After years of claiming to take care of myself, I finally actually did something about me. I woke up at 4:45 am and suited up in the an old college t-shirt, and the only pair of sweatpants and sneakers I owned. I then drove my tired behind to a darkened park n’ ride to endure what I assumed was my last hour of life. On the cool Monday morning was the day I met Shawn Chevalier, and those I now call my “HOF Family.” However, as you all many know, it didn’t stop after just that one day, or week, or month, I kept going back for more torture, because I just loved it. I loved the people, the trainers, the laughter, the tears, and the feeling of doing something good for me.

There is no doubt in my mind that had it not been for that day, which almost didn’t happen, I would not be who I am today. The truth is, I signed up for my first Hardbody Outdoor Fitness experience through a Groupon, but just like my old self, I put off sign up until it had actually expired. Though of course, Shawn being the trainer I know and love today, would not let that be my excuse and allowed me to join class that day anyway.

Fast forward to today, and I look at my list of all that has happened since in disbelief:

• 11 – 5k Races
• 1 – 10k Race
• 1 – Duathlon Relay
• 136 Day Running Streak
• 30 lbs lost (this may not be much to some, but trust me it was a lot of work for me)
• 4 dress sizes down
• Too many pairs of sneakers to count
• Started my own blog
• Participated in a fitness calendar
• Guest blogged as recipe contributor for the HOF Blog

And honestly, the list could go on more of smaller goals. It’s really incredible how that one day has changed my life’s direction so much. I owe all these changes to Shawn and the HOF Family, which is why this decision was even hard for me to make. After months of consideration, I have decided to stop attending HOF. As I have had the change to dive in to my health issues and it has become apparent that while this is a great way for many to exercise and get fit, it is just not right for me. At least it is not right for me, right now.

However, I know that through all the knowledge I have learned from Shawn, Nicole, Suzy, and all of the other amazing HOF members, I am more than prepared to do this on my own. Through this experience I have gain the confidence I needed to keep moving forward, to wake up at the zero-dark-thirty and get it in, and to know what it means to finish strong.

Now is my time, to really take charge and crack the code on Alex, and how to work with what I have been given to me. I am going to find out what is really means to be a Genetic Mutant (dubbed by my Naturopath). This is definitely the beginning of a new chapter, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. However, I will never forget how important this last chapter has been in my life story. You will definitely be seeing many changes from me in the next months, and I can’t wait to share those with all of you. To all those how have been a part of the journey both in person and virtual, I am forever grateful.