I first met Jamie a little over a year ago in June of 2009. When I look back on where I was in my life at that point, I hardly recognize myself. I can’t believe it was just a little over a year ago that I was so depressed; I had zero energy and was taking Zyrtec twice a day to combat hives. I had been trying to lose 20 to 30 lbs for what seemed like forever, with no luck. I had lost weight in the past by eating less and exercising more but it simply wouldn’t work anymore. It was so frustrating! I had a friend who was going through the program and looked fantastic. When she said you gradually increase your calories in the first phase she had my attention. I had starved myself enough at that point I couldn’t wait to eat.

I remember that first meeting with Jamie very well. I was on the verge of tears almost the entire time because I was so distraught with where I was. I remember thinking “I have such a great life and great family. Why do I always feel so crappy?” I had some injuries that I felt were preventing me from doing many activities and I really didn’t know how to work around them. I knew I needed a big change because all of the little adjustments I was making were not helping. When I told her I really wasn’t looking to be skinny I wanted to be strong, her face lit up, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be.

The first five days were so eye-opening. I tracked what I ate, and believe me, once I knew I had to track my food, I ate WAY better than I had up until then. I was shocked to find out that 80% of my calories were coming from fat and my sodium was off the charts! Sugar was a much bigger problem for me than I realized and I had a major headache for about the first week as I kicked my sugar addiction.

It took a little getting used to the process of planning food for the day and eating so much but in no time it actually seemed easier and less stressful than my old way of eating. I learned so much so quickly and actually started seeing some relief from my hives. My energy levels kept getting higher and higher allowing me to start working with Jamie for strength training.

I had worked with personal trainers and taken lots of classes before Jamie but never before had anyone paid so much attention to the details of the exercises, especially proper alignment. At first, I was getting very frustrated thinking she was picking on me but I soon realized she really wanted me to get the most out of every exercise. There is absolutely no “just going through the motions” when you are working with Jamie! Even after working with Jamie for over a year I still get sore after my hour with her. The soreness tells me that we are working muscles in ways they are not used to working which I know is the key to true transformation.

My strength and endurance has skyrocketed over the last year. I have more energy than I’ve had in years. I am feeling fantastic. So good, in fact, that I ran my first ½ marathon in September and have another one planned for December. I have never been a runner and never felt I could run because of knee injuries from years ago. Jamie introduced me to Chi Running and a fabulous physical therapist and I can honestly say it has changed my life. Running brings me so much joy and it is an activity I never would have experienced if I would not have been working with Jamie.

I am more comfortable in my own skin than I have ever been. I started at 151 pounds and 25+% body fat. I am now at 129 and 17% body fat. More than that, I feel strong! I can’t wait to see what each day brings. New challenges are welcome.