Looking at these pictures it reminds me why I signed up, for twelve months, with Chris Gray.
Just the week prior to signing my contract, I had a routine Doctors visit, where I weighed in at 216 pounds.
The previous months were the darkest times I have ever experienced.
I had too much free time and nothing productive to keep myself from spiraling downwards
It was November 2014 the week of Thanksgiving when I first walked through the doors of Breakthrough.
I was uncomfortable, and I did not want to be there.
I could not finish most of the exercises, but I can still remember the burn the next day from those first few workouts.
The aches and pains from the gym, were nothing in comparison to the emotional pain I struggled with.
Twelve months have passed since I signed up for my first Total Transformation Challenge.
It was a last minute decision to participate, for no other reason than it would give me something to do with my free time.
I went all in and gave up alcohol, sugar, all fast food meals, like McDonalds.
I even dropped caffeine from my diet.
Who in their right mind quits coffee??
I can remember the pounding headaches during workouts, as my body adjusted to the withdrawal of its usual highs.
For the next 90 days I followed the program, and documented my progress with some embarrassing selfies, which for one brief moment were posted on FB.
I think Krista (one of the Boot Camp trainers) was the only one who got to see them.
I went to the meetings but I was not ready to share my ‘why’ with everyone.
A part of me wanted to share, but I still find it difficult to control my emotions when talking about it.
The conclusion of the challenge was somewhat of an anti-climax for me.
It was St. Paddy’s day, and I took an intentional leap off the wagon from the diet.
A couple of weeks later I had restored a few pounds and enjoyed a few pints with friends.
Inspired by others at my 6pm session at Breakthrough, I went right back into the workout schedule.
Without you all, there by my side, it would not have been possible, and nowhere near as much fun!!
Keep crushing the walnuts.
The next few months I continued with the gym and nutrition program, for the most part.
I took what I had learned and used what worked for me.
Making healthier choices with portion control really made a difference.
In August I was asked to share my story as Champion of the month.
I did not know whether to laugh or cry.
At the time, I believed I did not meet the definition of a champion.
I once believed Champions had won something, or they are on top of the world.
You see, the previous August my wife lost her battle with lung cancer.
I declined to share my story as I felt more like a survivor in this game of life we are all playing.
I felt had lost, and did not feel like a Champion.
I still don’t consider myself a champion in the true sense, I did not win a race.
For me it is not a race.
This is my journey.
I am ready to begin the rest of my life, and see it through.
A very dear friend (you know who you are) has since convinced me a champion is someone who sticks at something and sees it through.
I am going to make the most of my opportunities every day instead of wishing my life away.
I don’t want to be sad anymore.
So I write this story with the hope it inspires someone to do something with the rest of their life.
Don’t live with regret.
Take one small step at a time, but take it.
One small step consistently every day will make a huge difference.
Enjoy every day and love those around you.
A huge thank you to everyone for the words of encouragement and all of your support over the last year!
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