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I didn’t need the “plus more” at that point, so I was on
this teeter totter of emotions. In a sick way, I loved that I had lost so
much weight even though it was done in the most unhealthy of ways.
Then
when I gained weight, my self esteem took a plunge. That’s when I decided
to train for my first full marathon in December 2004 – the Honolulu
marathon. I joined a training group and found that it was the best therapy
around. I met a great core of people and trained together for this big
event. I didn’t lose as much weight as I had hoped, but the sense of
accomplishment was amazing. I cried when I crossed the finish line – it was
very emotional. It was symbolic of crossing over to a new chapter in my
life – while you don’t get over the loss of someone you love, you make a
decision that it’s not going to define who you are. That’s at least what I
chose – my husband’s death was a defining moment in my life, but I wasn’t
going to let it define me. Shortly thereafter I began training for the San
Francisco marathon. Around that time, things were finally falling into
place. My practice was going well, I had been dating here and there (dating
in LA – always so much fun), and physically I was feeling pretty good. The
best thing that happened is that shortly after the SF marathon, I met my
current
husband Nathan. And as often happens when you start dating someone, you
drink and eat more and exercise less.
Slowly but surely, my workouts became fewer
and I put on some weight. And after a
couple of rough years, I decided to join Sonki
Fitness – basically on a bet from my brother-in-law that I wouldn’t last more than a session. Always up for a
challenge, I joined. And while getting up at 5:45am has never been my strong
suit, I did it and haven’t looked back
since. Since joining Sonki Fitness, I have gone down about two
sizes and lost about 12 pounds. I hope to lose
another ten but am focused more on feeling
well and improving my strength
and endurance. Also, I have taken about
two minutes off my mile time! Most importantly, I have been able to go off about half
of my migraine medication, and I feel great,
more positive and energetic.
What is your current exercise routine?
I attend Sonki
Fitness Boot Camp on Mon/Wed/Fri
and try to run on Tue/Thu.
Occasionally, I hit the gym with my husband. On weekends, I try to get in
a run or two, go on a hike,
take a nice long walk with my husband and our dog Roxy,
and/or anything that gets me outdoors.
My New Year’s resolution is to add a
Yoga class once or twice a week.
What is your motivation to stay in shape?
What keeps me motivated is the fact that I feel so much better,
have more energy and sleep better when I exercise regularly. And the
fact that people compliment me on how fit I am looking. Really, I just
want to be healthy – for myself and my husband Nathan. I want to be
around for a long time!
What is your greatest challenge to staying in shape?
I have struggled with my weight
pretty much my entire life. Even though I am active, I am never going to be
a “skinny girl.” I have curves, and I have learned to accept that.
I have also learned
to stay in shape for me - not for other people and not because society says I
should look a certain way. Look, I was blessed with J Lo’s butt but not
with Heidi Klum’s body!! And no matter how hard I work out, I am never
going to be a size 2. I have learned to just accept that.
What is your key to success?
Just keep going. Don’t let one
slip up turn into an avalanche. I have a mantra that has provided
inspiration since the death of my first husband. It’s a quote by Maya
Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me. I refuse to be reduced
by it.” Believing in myself and knowing that I can do things that I didn’t
think possible helps me put one foot in front of the other, no matter how
hard something is (and getting out of bed while it’s still dark, cold
and/or raining outside is HARD!). I also have a husband and family that
enjoy being active and outdoors. We try to incorporate fitness and health
into our daily lives which helps tremendously – it’s easier when both of you enjoy
hiking or biking, etc, because you can do those things together, which means not only working out but also spending
some quality time with someone you love.
How long have you been doing Sonki Fitness Boot Camp?
I have been doing Sonki Fitness
Boot Camp for
about a year and a half (since April 2006). I started based on a bet
with my
brother-in-law, who was also attending Sonki Fitness. My recollection
is something like this. Me: “I need a new fitness regime” Jeremy: “Sonki
Fitness
starts on Monday”. Me: “Oh, I don’t know, I did boot camp and all I
experienced was being stuck in a small room with a crazy trainer yelling at
me.” Jeremy: “it’s not like that. But it’s at 6:30 in the morning. Me:
“6:30?? Are you kidding?” But I signed up, showed up, and have been
fully committed since. The only break I
took from Sonki Fitness is when I broke both of my elbows while
ice skating (not fun) and my wedding/honeymoon in French Polynesia. The doctors told me I healed faster because
I was in better shape before the accident, so Sonki saved me from months of
painful rehab. I also participate in Sonki Fitness Xtreme Training (XT) whenever Sonki offers them.
I LOVE XT!!
What do you like about Sonki Fitness Boot Camp and how has it
affected your life?
As everyone else has said, the
camaraderie in class is amazing. There is always someone there to help you
if you aren’t feeling your best and to urge you to keep going. I've
even met some of my
best girlfriends in Sonki Fitness. Really, there’s nothing better
than starting your day with a great workout and many laughs. I owe a lot
to Sonki and the group - they have helped me get my health in control. I
feel better than I have in years. And I know it will only get better!
What advice would you give to others about fitness?
It might sound cliché, but you
just have to show up for yourself. Losing weight and getting healthy for yourself is far more
powerful than doing it for someone or something else. And don’t be so
hard on yourself when you miss a work out. Tell yourself it's ok, but just don’t make it a
habit. I find that on the days when I do sleep in, I feel guilty by 8am (oh, I should have gone to Sonki!). If I can
remember that feeling, I can usually find a way to get my butt to class!
Usually, contrary behavior (exercising when you don’t want to, eating healthy
when you would rather eat an entire chocolate cake) provides the best
result.
Any other comments?
Thank you to Sonki and the
group. My overall physical, mental and emotional health has improved so
much in the last year and half, and I know it’s because I FEEL better. I
owe a lot to Sonki and the group.
Dec 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Noemy Ponce)
Nov 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Will
Henderson)
Oct 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Tom Bruno,
Jr.)
Sep 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jocelyn Mayer)
Aug 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jennifer
Jenkins)
Jul 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jeremy
Delaplane)
Jun 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Susan Hurwitz-Arneson)
May 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Chris Nowers)
April 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Linda
Lee)
March 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Angie
Niemeyer)
February 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Holly
Boyer)
January 2007 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Joanne
Coghill)
December 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Justine
Sieck)
November 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Karen
Pfeifer)
October 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Barbara
Allen)
September 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jessica
Racioppo)
August 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Chris
Berryhill)
July 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jayne Runels)
June 2006 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Jeremy Osher)
May 2006 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Roy Sekoff)
April 2006 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Joan Hanson)
March 2006 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Gidion Phillips)
February 2006 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Allie Abodeely)
December 2005 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Trina Geiss)
November 2005 Sonki Fitness
All-Star (Bill Dolinsky)
October 2005 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Olin
Hyde)
September 2005 Sonki Fitness All-Star (Terry Moore,
Oscar Nominated Actress/Model) |
Sonki Fitness