- Alcohol
- Friends & Family
Today I can share that I am an alcoholic in recovery. When I quit drinking in 2010, I was 60 pounds overweight from the alcohol and eating like crap. I had my “come-to-Jesus” moment when I had my third DUI (it was my second in two months) and spent 14 days in jail. If that doesn’t turn you around, then there’s a serious problem.
I was on the verge of killing myself, and could have possibly killed someone with my drinking and driving (which I did a lot).
I was hurting myself and my family. I looked in the mirror after getting home and decided I needed to do something.
I couldn’t continue down that path of self-destruction.
I begin eating better and tracking calories. I immediately lost around 10-15 lbs in the first six months after I quit drinking. I then decided to add in some exercise.
I couldn’t drive because I lost my license for sixteen months. I downloaded the C25k (Couch to 5K) app onto my phone and started running in my neighborhood in Alabama. Eventually, I had to add on the next neighborhood across the street because I was going further. I registered to run my first 5k in May 2011 and ran it in 33 minutes. I was hooked! I loved the whole racing experience. My next race would be a 5k in September 2011 and ran in 28 minutes. We moved to Pensacola, FL and two months later I would run my first half marathon in 2:14:50. That year, 2011, was the year I became a runner!
In 2012, I ran my first 15k and 10k. I met Cherie, the owner of Running Wild, a local running store. She convinced me to apply for the Oiselle running team. I did and I was accepted. I continued to run many 5ks, 10ks, 15ks, and a few more half marathons. In 2013, I ran my first marathon.
After eating and exercising consistently for three years, I had lost all that extra weight and was in the best shape of my life. I knew at that point that I wanted to help others achieve the healthy living goals. I wanted to share my experience, strength, and hope through personal training and nutrition coaching. I became an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and specialized in training women. I later also got certified as a RRCA Run Coach, USATF Level One Coach, Kettlebell AMPD Instructor, TRX Instructor, Tabata Bootcamp Instructor and Precision Nutrition Level One Coach.
I did have consequences, but I did everything and more than was expected of me. I was really introduced to the 12 steps through an outpatient program I attended. Today I continue to attend meetings, use the tools I have been given, and use the wonderful group of women in my life for support.
Today, I am so grateful for my sober life, my relationship with my boys and with my husband. I can’t imagine life any other way.