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    Wheelchair to running coach. In 28 months. 100lbs lost.

    Posts: 97 Member
    edited February 5 in Success Stories
    I write this post on the eve of my first official day as a group exercise instructor at the YMCA. My new program starts tomorrow, a class for beginner runners called "Moving with Joy."

    Hi, my name is Joy and I'm a 33 year old, 5'8" mom of three girls, ages 3, 5, and 7. Just over two years ago I weighed 270 pounds and was in a wheelchair, temporarily paralyzed from the waist down due to a herniated disc caused by a combination of genetics, and being significantly overweight.

    IMG_5168.jpg


    It took me one year of daily exercise (walking, then running) and using MFP religiously, to lose 100+ pounds.

    photo-118.jpg


    In the past 28 months not only have I lost 100+lbs, but I've added years to my life and discovered a true passion for running. Since I began running 21 months ago, I've run over 2300 miles. I've run 2 half marathon races and I'm currently approaching my first full marathon, the Philadelphia marathon in 5.5 weeks. My longest training run so far was 18 miles.

    I am not fast. But my endurance is really coming along. My best half marathon race time was 2:19:02. If my teammates and I can finish the Philly full marathon in under 5 hours, I'll be a happy camper.

    So now I look something like this:
    photo-117.jpg

    And tomorrow at work I'll be wearing this:
    8CF5D6D4-0B13-481C-A38C-A864366B41FD-8577-000008AC15D00BA7_zps7a5cc27b.jpg

    My class is for people truly at the beginning of their fitness journey. It's a 9 week program with the goal of being able to run or walk a 5k at the end of the session. I'm going to show them that with true dedication you can make BIG changes in your life.

    I've also been volunteer coaching the boys' running club at the local elementary school, and wow, what a rewarding experience!

    Thanks for reading. :-)

    photo_zpsc46156d4.jpg

    Joyzy

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    Replies

    • Posts: 1,298 Member
      Wow ! Congratulations on what you've done! You look amazing!
    • Posts: 346 Member
      Holy. Cow.

      I would hug you and then start applauding if I ever met you. You are amazing and I'm BEYOND impressed and inspired.
    • Posts: 216 Member
      Incredible and inspirational, thank you for sharing your story :)
    • Posts: 107 Member
      Wow - just wow! Thank you for sharing - you are an inspiration!
    • Posts: 56
      Wow! What an inspiring story - thank you for sharing it! So lovely that you're in a roll where you can share your journey with others on their way. :)
    • Posts: 80 Member
      So impressed.....your a legend in my books....
    • Posts: 92 Member
      wow thank you so much for sharing this. You are an inspiration
    • Posts: 434 Member
      Truly one of the most inspirational stories I have read of MFP. Congratulations to you on your hard work and dedication!
    • Posts: 462 Member
      Truly amazing!
    • Posts: 9,611 Member
      Wow what an inspiration. Congrats!
    • Posts: 22
      Very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!!!! :flowerforyou:
    • Posts: 16,947 Member
      Damn girl! Fantastic!

      And look at what an example you are to your kids - they will grow up knowing just how much Mommy wanted to be able to run around with them!!!
    • Posts: 154 Member
      Wow! You have an amazing story and what a great example you are for your kids!
    • Posts: 397 Member
      That's awesome!
    • Posts: 3,436 Member
      Way to take control and better your life, very amazing! Congratulations and good luck in Philly!
    • Posts: 84 Member
      What a great story! You look amazing! I wish they offered that class at my local Y.
    • Posts: 34,971 Member
      Holy crap! This is amazing!!!!! WTG!!!!!!!

      Makes me want to work harder. NO EXCUSES! :D
    • Posts: 116 Member
      I am SO high fiving you!!!! You go!!!!
    • Posts: 55 Member
      This is absolutely incredible! What an AMAZING story! Thanks for sharing! :flowerforyou:
    • Posts: 13 Member
      Your story is inspiring.
    • Posts: 57 Member
      inspiring story. You look amazing!!!
    • Posts: 997 Member
      Wow! Wow! I can't even find the words. What an inspiration you are!!
    • Posts: 43 Member
      Absolutely inspiring - if you can do it! I can do it!

      Can you share a bit more on how you got started? And what you did to lose it all?
    • Posts: 5,577 Member
      Really incredible life change. Thanks for sharing your story.
    • Posts: 37 Member
      HOLY MOLY YOU ARE AWESOME xD
    • Posts: 5,413 Member
      Wow. You are a true inspiration. So happy for you - you look incredible!!
    • Posts: 48 Member
      Wow I want to be the OP when I grow up.
    • Posts: 1,573 Member
      I'm sure you hear this a lot, but you're SUCH an inspiration!! WOW!
    • Posts: 10,135 MFP Staff
      Wow! This is an amazing story and an inspiring journey. Thank you for sharing with us.
    • Posts: 1,842 Member
      holy moly - you are incredible!

      Great job! and good luck for your new class!
    This discussion has been closed.

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