Julia

“Go For It”

Here is her inspirational story, as interviewed by  Monica Mueller

Honestly, my health was not good.  

In my 30s, I was treated for the health conditions my mother had at this age, and my mother passed at a very early age.  She always worried that I would “end up like her.”  Additionally, my self-image was terrible.  

I needed to do something or my fate was to repeat the cycle.  I was unsure of what I needed to do.  So, it took me a while.  My “switch flipped” once I came back to training, and I realized I CAN do it…that switch is now in the permanent “on” position.

And the switch was a lifestyle.  I have become so much happier now.  Trying new things in life was always a priority for me, but I was always too scared to step out of my comfort zone.  Now, there’s pretty much no adventure I wouldn’t try because I’m so much more capable of doing so.  Any adventure, anytime.

At one point in my life, I absolutely despised activity and exercise.  Now, it drives me crazy to be indoors or sitting for too long.  I’d rather be out moving.  My feelings towards eating have certainly changed as well.  I used to be a “social,” a “boredom,” and“stress eater.”  Now, if I’m in a social environment, more than likely I am doing some sort of activity (which cures my boredom as well), and I try to work out when stressed as opposed to eating.  I have to fuel my body properly to keep me going.

My personal challenge was the fear of failure.  I had believed for so long I was unable to succeed.  Once I started training and adventuring, I was able to convince myself differently.   There are still times where I have to have that talk with myself to get back on track.  Remembering to take baby steps and celebrates all successes, no matter how big or small.

My most recent accomplishment was completing the Try Tri at SIUE.  I panicked in the pool and got into my own head because there were so many people watching what I’m sure was my crash and burn.  Made it through the swim, struggled with exhaustion and pain on the hilly, windy bike ride, and could only move my legs enough to fast walk on the run portion.  It was NOT pretty.  I wanted to quit about 2,378 times that day….but I kept going and kept pushing.  Ended up crossing the finish line when I thought hours before I was done before I started.   I still can’t believe that I made it.  That was quite possibly the most difficult event I’ve attempted.

My son is what motivates me the most to keep going.  To see him enjoy rock climbing or working out with me makes me want to keep going and do more.  My friends motivate me as well.  There is a lot of support within all of us that train and work together.  Providing motivation to others is an amazing feeling as well.  To hear someone say “you inspire me” is enough to keep going.  You never know who’s watching.

My next big goal is to improve my performance at Tough Mudder this year.  I participated for the first time last year, so this event will be an opportunity for me to perform better than last year.  There’s no timers or anything like that at Mudder, but it’s a personal thing….I will make it up Everest this year.

How has Reformed Living changed my life? Where do I begin?  Between the unending support and encouragement and the constant push to do better, I wouldn’t be successful without them.  They are a part of my life in everything I do, not just my one evening a week meeting.  Did I hit a speed bump?  Let’s figure out how to get over it and drive forward.  Do I want to participate in some event that I would never have considered?  They will help get me there.  I’ve become physically and mentally stronger because of Reformed Living.  Encouragement, support, and accountability.

If I could off anyone advice it would be “Go for it”.  Step out of your comfort zone.  It doesn’t have to be anything crazy or a huge goal to start, but take that step and start moving…and don’t look back.  One step at a time, one day at a time, and celebrate all of your successes.

A little about me:

I am a mom to an extremely busy nine-year-old.  I don’t have a lot of “down time” anymore, but I enjoy taking in my son’s baseball games and indoor rock climbing.  I listen to just about any type of music but turn into a teenage girl when I hear NKOTB.  I’ve been told that my smile is my best physical characteristic.  My smile is just much brighter now.