Life happens. Stress happens. Weight happens.

It all happened to me.

Over six years, I gained thirty-five pounds. I felt constantly exhausted and sick. I hated the mirror. I hated my clothes. Shopping for new ones was even worse.

I kept promising myself I’d change.
“I’ll start tomorrow,” I said….again and again.
But tomorrow always came and went, and nothing changed. Each missed start made me feel more hopeless. More stuck. A never ending spiral of stress and self-loathing.

The Turning Point

Then came March 17, 2017, the day everything began to shift.

I entered a giveaway on social media. The prize? A sample of a superfood shake that promised weight loss, reduced cravings, more energy, and better digestion. I pinned my hopes to it.

But I didn’t win.

I was furious. Not just about the prize, but because I had believed in it. That contest represented change, something I desperately needed. And when I lost, it felt like that dream slipped further out of reach.

A Spark of Hope

Then something unexpected happened.

The very next day, a friend an athletic coach reached out and offered me a free sample anyway.

Hell yes. I hadn’t really lost after all.

That small gesture rekindled my hope. It was like a spark had been lit inside me. This same friend invited me to join her 21-day fitness challenge. All I needed was the shake, a workout DVD, and commitment.

With a head full of doubts and excuses swirling, I said yes. I said yes to the challenge. I said yes to me.

Day One: The Hardest Step

The challenge began on April 4, 2017.
5:30 AM. Alarm blaring.
I rolled out of bed, groggy and full of second thoughts, but I hit play.

Halfway through that first workout, I thought I might die. Not in a cute, dramatic way, I mean really. I was that out of shape.

But I didn’t quit.

Every single morning, I showed up. And 21 days later, I had done it.

A New Chapter

It wasn’t just a challenge completed. It was a chapter closed and a new one opened.

Over the next two years, I lost thirty-five pounds. I started walking. Then running.

On July 14, 2018, I ran my first 5K in just under 29 minutes. I was proud, but hungry for more.

So I trained. Every day. Three miles. Six days a week.

One year later, July 13, 2019, I ran that same 5K in 21:42.
First place in my age group.
Ninth overall for women.
27th out of 295 runners.

Hot damn, I did it.
And it was only the beginning.

The Long Haul

Fast forward to April 2025, eight years  later. I’m still pressing play. Still showing up.

This journey hasn’t been easy. There were hard days, setbacks, and moments where quitting seemed easier.

But it’s been worth it. Every single second.

Full Circle

I recently stumbled across that old contest post. The words my friend wrote still echo in my mind:
“This stuff literally changed my life to a healthier, more fulfilling one. I believe whole heartedly it’ll do the same for you.”

She was right. I never imagined losing that contest would lead to finding myself.

Stronger Than Ever

Today, I stand stronger. More confident. Determined. Unstoppable.

Because one day, I woke up and said:
“I don’t want to feel like this anymore. Not now. Not ever again.”
So I changed.
Just like that