Back in 2003, when I weighed 130kg, I read Confessions Of A Reformed Dieter by The Biggest Loser host, AJ Rochester. It echoed my own emotional rollercoaster experience of trying to lose weight and inspired me to take charge of my life. Little did I know I’d meet the author herself one day.
I hadn’t always struggled. I was a keen rower as a teenager and was very fit, but once I stopped rowing the weight slowly piled on. After reading AJ’s book I made an effort to eat more healthily and lost 20kg. But, as a nurse who works with cancer patients, I knew I needed to do something more if I wanted a truly fit and healthy body. So I joined Fernwood.
I loved it from the word go. I loved the fact that everyone knew my name, and the environment was so friendly. I loved classes, and my personal training sessions, and I loved taking part in challenges like the 2007 Biggest Loser. It really spurred me on and I lost a lot of weight during the 12-week program.
I also felt myself getting fitter and fitter, to the point where I was confident enough to compete in the swimming section of the Triathlon Pink. It was the first competitive event I’d done since I stopped rowing. It was here I met AJ – I was actually swimming against her. She was so fit and healthy that she inspired me all over again. Coming sixth in my division was also a boost, and I decided to sign up for another challenge. I chose an Enticer Triathlon, which involves swimming 300m, cycling 10km and running 2km. I’d always been jealous of people who did triathlons, and here I was signing up for one.
I’ve been working really hard and have noticed big physical changes in my body, such as increased muscle and centimetres lost – more than 70cm from my total measurements so far. I’ve also rediscovered a bit of the old me, the one who was quite competitive and refused to fail. She overrides the part of me that says I can’t do it. I have Fernwood to thank for that.
Being a member has given me new skills and abilities, and confidence in myself – to the point where I’m determined to do a full triathlon within the next 12 months.