It all started for me on March 13, 2011 when I participated in the annual Shamrock Run in Portland, OR for the first time. I had no goal other than to complete the run. At the time, I weighed in around 290 pounds. I tried running at the beginning of the run, but only made it a block or two and I walked the rest of the run. I finished in an hour and twenty minutes. That was the start of a journey that I have been on since.
The purpose in participating in the run was trying to get my blood pressure in control. I frequently had high blood pressure and my doctor said if I couldn't get it under control that I would have to be put on medication. About a month after completing the run, my doctor put me on medication. I decided then that I needed to make a lifestyle change. I was far too young to be on medication of any kind.
I got myself a membership to 24 Hour Fitness and began working with a personal trainer and I have not looked back since. I have had my share of ups and downs and losing motivation, but I continue to stay at it. I know that I can and will achieve the body I want.