Jessica
Age: 32
Lost 55 pounds
Completed Program August 2007
I had been overweight my entire life. I felt clumsy, uncoordinated, and not athletic. Once in a while, I’d want to lose weight. So I’d join a gym, go two or three times, and quickly lose interest because I didn’t know how to exercise.
After my second child, I was close to 190 pounds (at 5’3”). For months after my baby was born, I dreaded the mirror. I’d wear my hair in a ponytail because I didn’t have to look in a mirror to do that and had very little clothing that fit because I didn’t want to buy anything in size 18. I didn’t recognize myself anymore through all the fat.
I’d tried dieting and exercising before, but never really together. I knew I needed the discipline that a structured program offered, along with the support of so many people looking after me. 20/20 Lifestyles taught me about how the body works in general, and the dietitians, doctors, and personal trainers taught me about how I work. The program was personalized for me. I got to eat the foods I like the most and choose the forms of exercise that are most fun. Within the “rules” of diet and exercise, there’s a ton of room for enjoying them, which I believe is the key to success.
I think the most challenging part was overcoming my reluctance to try new things. When I first started the program, I told my trainer I’d try any form of exercise except running. I was absolutely not going to run, ever. But then one day, as I was walking on the treadmill, I decided to try it. After two minutes I wanted to stop. My heart was pounding, but something made me keep going. When I was finished, I had reached 2.5 miles. From then on, every time I ran a little farther, I gained more confidence.
On August 26, 2007, I stepped to the edge of Lake Okanogan in Penticton, British Columbia with 2,700 other athletes. I never thought I’d make it this far, but surprisingly I felt like I belonged there. That day, I completed my first Ironman triathlon – a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. For me, completing the Ironman showed I know how to set a goal, execute a plan, and get it done. And that relates to everything in life – athletic, intellectual, and family.
On August 26, 2007, I stepped to the edge of Lake Okanogan in Penticton, British Columbia with 2,700 other athletes. I never thought I’d make it this far, but surprisingly I felt like I belonged there. That day, I completed my first Ironman triathlon – a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. For me, completing the Ironman showed I know how to set a goal, execute a plan, and get it done. And that relates to everything in life – athletic, intellectual, and family.
I feel amazing. Every year I feel younger, more agile, and stronger. Recently, I was invited to go mountain biking with a group of male coworkers. I’d never mountain biked before, but borrowed a bike and gamely went along. I was the slowest and most tentative rider out there, but the fact is I was out there. In my previous life, even if invited, I never would have gone.
20/20 Lifestyles showed me that every limitation I have is self-imposed and I have the tools to overcome them. When I started the 20/20 Lifestyles program, I didn’t think about changing a lifestyle. I just wanted to be thin. If I’d known how wonderful a healthy, active lifestyle would be, I’d have done it years ago.