By Jenny Roberge
At
first I did it for myself, but I later realized that it was bigger than me.
(Pardon the pun).
In
early 2006 I was 5’ tall and weighed 285 pounds.
I
think even as a child I was a bit heavy, but it gradually got out of control. I
would diet for a while, but then gain it back again. I realized that with the
lack of exercise, and poor eating habits I was on a path of self-destruction
both physically and emotionally. I decided enough is enough!
I started a
strict diet, and began exercising. As I started seeing results, I became even
more motivated. In 6 months, I had lost 100 pounds. Exercise was becoming
easier. I bought a bike, and was commuting to and from work on it. I was
exercising on a home treadmill, and the weight was still coming off. I remember
looking at myself in the mirror and thinking, “I can’t believe this is me”. I
was feeling happier, and even had more confidence in my career as an x-ray
technician. I joined the local YMCA and was meeting other healthy people who
were giving me even more inspiration.
I noticed a
couple of people who had a similar unique tattoo on their calf muscle. When I
asked what that represented they said it was the Mdot that meant they had done
an Ironman. At the time, I thought they were crazy.
By 2007 I was
down to 125 pounds, and I thought I could handle my first sprint triathlon. I
was immediately hooked. I then decided I was going to be one of the crazies who
attempted the long course.
In
2008, I completed my first IM triathlon in Wisconsin. Maybe my motivation was
out of control, but I had to keep going. I have since done 5 full Ironman’s. I
represented Team USA in long course world championships in Henderson NV. What a
thrill it was competing on the world stage! I have also done more other
triathlons than I can keep track of.
In the
off season, (just to stay in shape mind you) I run marathons. I have done about
a dozen so far (including Boston).
I
realised that a person doesn’t have to go to the extremes that I have to have
fun with the sport and get or stay healthy
When I
see overweight people, I sympathize with them and wish that they would
experience the heathier life style that I now have. I am sometimes asked about
my diet, or training plan and I am more than happy to help.
Fellow
runners and triathetes have inspired much of my transformation and being
affilated with that athletic peer group keeps me challenging myself to stay
healthy.
I
believe that the athletic community and I can inspire and influence people into
staying or becoming more fit and healthy.
I am
living proof that lives can be transformed through fitness I am proud to share
my story as an example in an effort to be an inspiration to others.
I want
to make a difference, and fitness is my platform.
Me as a couch potato
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