"Start by doing what's necessary, then start doing what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
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Today, I am an average 24 year old girl. I'm a college graduate, I work at a hospital, and I love to spend time with my family and friends, run and travel. If you caught a glimpse of me walking down the street, you would notice that I'm an average height, average weight, fit and muscular. I'm probably also smiling. A few years ago, I had little joy in my life. Today, I have everything to smile about. I have emerged from the devastating depths of an eating disorder and substance abuse to go on and accomplish some pretty amazing things. Without fitness at the core of my recovery, I know I wouldn't be where I am today. Life Time Fitness has undoubtedly helped me to achieve my goals and overcome these issues. I am now not only engaging in a healthy lifestyle, but accomplishing feats that I never thought were possible.
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My journey with anorexia began at the age of 14. This journey began as a simple regime of calorie counting and exercising the summer before high school. My disordered thinking somehow led me to believe that losing weight (I was never overweight to begin with) would increase my chances of being accepted. My weight steadily began to dwindle and eventually reached a dangerous level. My battle with anorexia led to lengthy hospitalizations and encounters with countless therapists, nutritionists and eating disorder specialists. I finally acheieved a stable weight after years of struggling, but I still never quite felt comfortable in my own skin.
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I began running my freshman year of college. I was overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do, and used running as an outlet for my stress. I started off small: running a mile here and there. Gradually, I began to increase my mileage. I distinctly remember the first time I ran 2 miles. It took me 20 minutes, but I was completely amazed that I could run that far without stopping.
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I continued to run throughout my college career, and completed a few 10K races here along the way. However, it was also during that time that I began drinking far too much and prioritizing my social life over my health and my studies. My fitness went on hold for a number of years. I remember trying to run after nights of drinking; it never ended well.
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After I graduated college, I started working at a hospital doing research. I hadn't had a physical in years, but it was mandatory for all hospital employees. I remember the doctor walking into my clinic appointment and telling me that my blood pressure was high. It was that day that I decided I needed to make a serious change in my life. I stopped drinking and joined my local Life Time Fitness. I chose Life Time because the facilities were amazing and I knew it was somewhere I would enjoy going to everyday. Since that fateful day, I haven't looked back. Stepping onto that treadmill for the first time was admittedly a little frightening. It wasn't easy, but within weeks I found myself getting stronger and faster. Running was something I thoroughly enjoyed during college; however, I have rediscovered a new passion for running during my time in sobriety. I used to run while being completely hungover and nauseated. Now, I find running much more enjoyable.
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I registered for Life Time's indoor triathlon earlier this year. I decided I wanted to take my fitness to new levels and begin challenging myself more. I was astounded when I actually finished. After that, I registered for my first sprint triathlon which I completed this past summer. I remember being worried about the swimming, but after spending hours in Life Time's pool, I had prepared more than enough.
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Not only can I call myself a triathlete this today, but also a marathon runner. I've completed 3 half marathons and a full marathon this year. I cried after crossing the finish line of my marathon because it's truly amazing to me how far I've come. These are feats I know I would not be accomplishing had I not decided to discontinue my unhealthy behaviors and engage in a healthier manner of living. Life Time has truly helped me to revolutionize my life.
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I've also learned through this journey how to fuel my body with food, rather than use it in a maladaptive way. If someone would have told me 5 years ago that my body was capable of running 26 miles I probably would have laughed. I used to barely have enough energy to get out of bed each day. Today, I do not exercise obsessively. I run because I can, to make a statement that I am strong and capable and that we can all overcome anything we set our minds to. Running allows me to find inner strength, and to inspire others to reach their goals.
Source: http://lifetimefitness.mylt.com/community/mystory/blog/2012/11/27/recovery-through-fitness
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