WardAshton

Starting Weight: Over 315 Lbs (scale didn't go that high)

Current Weight: 203

I began the process of changing my life around 'Officially' on February 15th 2009. On that day I weighed in at 299. I'd gradually started making moves in a healthier direction over the prior few months to get my weight down by just getting more active, and not eating as poorly.

2009 was a great year to get healthy. I had a small goal of getting into better shape for a July vacation, with a longer term goal of losing 75 pounds by the end of the year. By the time the vacation rolled around, I'd already lost over 55 Lbs. I continued working after reaching that goal, and hit the 75 Lb mark later that Summer in mid August.

At that point I started thinking a lot about what I was doing, and why, and it became clear that I was not just getting in shape for some arbitrary deadline. I was trying to build a better life for myself, a lifestyle that I could stand to live, and one that would be healthier for me and give me an overall higher quality of life. It's not about losing a fixed amount of weight, and then being 'Done' it's about finding the things that make you healthier ENJOYABLE, and figuring a way to work good food and exercise into your daily life.

So, I set another goal, to lose another 25 pounds in 2010 and get under 200Lbs for the first time since High School (at age 38). A goal which I finally achieved in May of 2010 after becoming interested in Primal Nutrition and beginning to follow the basics. I reached 193 at my lowest at which point I decided I had lost enough fat, and that my skinny frame needed some work. I began working out at a functional fitness gym, and began lifting heavier than I've ever lifted. Calories increased to accommodate my new fitness commitment, and I also began dabbling in Crossfit workouts. I've since added about 10 Lbs back on, and increased my lean muscle mass. I'll continue through the winter, and will likely attempt a cutting phase in the early Spring.

A few new goals have been added. I started learning how to run in February and ran in two 5K races in April (29:00 and 28:20). Later that Summer I ran in the Spartan Race followed three weeks later by the Warrior Dash. Both races were landmarks in my life, and are easily the most awesome and fun things I've done in my life to date. I plan on running in the far more challenging Tough Mudder challenge in the Spring.

During the course of all of these changes, I found an amazing thing happening to me... not only was my body changing and becoming more healthy, but my mind, soul and spirit were as well... I found myself unwilling to settle for 'Just good enough' anymore, and began for the first time in my life going after the things that I wanted, no matter how difficult. Largest component of this was career, and by the Fall of 2010 I decided that a desk job was no longer for me, and I began exploring careers in Physical Fitness. I began studying for the Ace Personal Trainer certification, and through an amazing series of events, found myself with a part-time, sort of 'apprenticeship' job as a 'Trainer-in-Training' at a gym in my area. I'm being coached by a highly experienced Trainer while beginning to work with clients of my own, and helping the Senior Trainers with anything they need. I'm learning a lot, and am on the fast track to finish my certification by the end of the year. I'm hoping that 2011 will see me saying farewell to the Desk Jockey lifestyle forever.

I feel like my life has been blessed with a second chance to make a difference lately. I can't get back the lost years of my life, but I can help others with the lessons I've learned and give them the tools and experiences they need to find a better healthier life for themselves, and pass those gifts on to their families and children. I could not have done what I've done without the help, love and guidance of my family, friends (both IRL and on here) and Guardian Angels