I’ve been overweight most of my life. Two years ago I weighed 310 pounds and I decided it was time to make a change in my life. I started by eating less. This did help but I was still eating poorly. I then started walking with a running club. I entered into a 5k walked the entire course and caught the bug. With a lot of encouragement from my teammates I keep walking at our club runs and even started walking after work. I would do these walks in a isolated area so no one could see me when I would run 50 yards and go back walking. Then I started eating better a dropped the 6 pack a day diet soda habit. I cut back on my beer intake which was hard. I love craft beer. Running 5ks became fun. I love the atmosphere. The family running friends that I have now are some of the best people I’ve ever met. I’m lucky to be surrounded, inspired and supported by them.
I put in a application for Team Beef Florida and was excepted. This meant I had to take the masters of beef advocacy course. Where I learned how lean beef could help with my weight loss. It is funny in a way I started walking and then running to lose weight and now I’m trying to lose weight so I can run faster and longer. Since joining team beef last year. I’ve ran 18 5ks, 5 10ks, 2 ten milers and 6 half marathons. Why do I want to represent Team Beef? Sometimes before a race I think to myself that I don’t have it in me today. I probably shouldn’t wear that red Team Beef Florida shirt today. Then I realize I’ve done the training, I’ve got the fuel for the finish in me and I know that my Teammates are pulling for me even if they aren’t there. I guess Team Beef doesn’t need me, I need Team Beef. Thank you for your support.
