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"This story begins at the end of February 2009. I weighed up to 160 pounds (yes, I was still holding on to some “baby weight”). I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders because I was experiencing some mental health issues in my family, and I was trying to be all for too many people. The problem was that I wasn’t healthy at all. I ached all over, I was tired all the time, and I had zero energy. I started feeling really sorry for myself. During somewhat of a light bulb moment my inner voice said, “Dana, you’re the only person in charge of and responsible for how you feel.” My eyes were finally open to my next big project – me!
I decided the first step would be to hire a trainer. I had been going to the gym for years seeing minimal results. I needed someone to kick my rear end! This is how I met Ali Smith. I knew of her, but I was always a little intimidated of Ms. Ironman. Over the course of the next 20ish weeks my transformation was phenomenal. Ali pushed me in ways I didn’t think possible and helped me get to know this amazing new lady inside my skin. I learned that healthy living isn’t just about the number that appears on the scale, but that it’s more about what you can achieve.
After the 3rd week I mentioned in passing that I liked the idea of being a runner. Boy, did I say that to the right person! Ali put me on a plan geared to get me from barely walking a mile to running my first 5K. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not Ms. Speedy or anything but finishing the Iron Girl 5K was almost as exciting as having a baby! There is something truly remarkable about going running where it’s just you and your thoughts for miles – oh yeah and all the sweat!
Somewhere along this little journey Ali helped me realize this has all been inside me waiting to get out. Ali had her job cut out for her in getting me polished up and shiny. But now I can say with full confidence that I am healthy and whole. Some of my old self-esteem issues are gone, and I feel blessed to say I am walking in the full glory God intended for my life.
So what’s next? I’m continuing my training and working out. Some aspects of my health just need to be maintained and that’s a day to day work in progress, but other aspects of my health are geared towards becoming more of an athlete. I’m currently training for a half marathon in September. My short term goal is to be competing in triathlons by next year so I’ll have to really figure out swimming and get a road bike. I feel so excited to have taken the first steps and I’m anxious to see where this all takes me. I have met some really great people and I’ve already made some awesome memories.
Thanks so much to Ali for helping get me on the right path!"
~Dana Simpson
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