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

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.




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




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:


And tomorrow at work I'll be wearing this:


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. :-)



Joyzy