As a sophomore in high school I weighed 240 pounds. Over the next four years I tried every fad diet there was, but nothing really seemed to work. I didn’t want to do the work it took to be healthy; I wanted that miracle pill.

I joined the military in 2005. A family friend helped me try and get in shape for basic training. I lost some weight and weighed around 200 pounds, but I still wasn’t happy with the way I looked. While in basic training, I was diagnosed with congenital heart defects, and discharged. I continued to struggle with my weight for the next few years.

When I was in the hospital for heart surgery, the doctor had a very direct talk with me about my weight and health. Because of the heart defect and excess weight, I was at very high risk for stroke or heart attack. Even though I was only 22 years old, I was at greater risk than a person more than twice my age.

After the surgery, I tried again to lose weight by dieting. After several months, I hadn’t lost any weight. One day after work I decided it was such a nice day that I should go for a run with my dog. I didn’t make it too far, only about a half-mile before I got winded. But I felt great afterward! I started running at least three times a week, until my beloved dog, Blitz, died. I tried to continue running but it was hard without her. I didn’t want to stop being active, though. I saw more results in those few short weeks than during months of just dieting.

A year ago, I moved in with my boyfriend. He is very fit and active and helped motivate me to be active, too. We go on bike rides and take his shih tzu on walks. I started walking to work, and cooking at home instead of ordering take-out all the time.

Today I weigh 164 pounds. I feel great about myself. I’m not to my goal yet, but I will get there. I’ll continue to cook dinner with healthy foods and drink four liters of water a day. I’ll stay active anyway I can (take the stairs instead of the elevator, park in the last row, take the dog for a walk, bike or walk to where I’m going if I can). A few weeks ago I adopted another dog, Tyson, a boxer mix. In the spring I’ll be back on the running trails with him.

Written by: Randi C.