By: Tracy Cohens

If I had a dollar for each time I started my weight loss journey, I’d have enough money to pay for a year of Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and the South Beach Diet combined. Why did it take so many attempts and then why did it finally stick? In the past, I began each attempt with gusto. I cleared the pantry of all sweets, jacked up my exercise routine and drank copious amounts of water. That all sounds good, right? All would be well until I stepped on the scale and saw that I lost several pounds. And that’s where everything went wrong.

In March, I was talking to Loree Hickman and Nikki Hickman and they were telling me about The Purple Butterflies Running group and immediately I said that I am NOT a runner and there is no possible way that I can run. My journey began on March 19, 2013 when I began running.

Did I finally decide that I deserve to feel good all the time? Did my heart break a little more every time I avoided having pictures taken with my children? Was I more determined than ever to enjoy a long and healthy life with my husband, children and grandchildren? Something shifted, and I am grateful for that. I can tell you this time was different.

I must admit that when I first started it was really hard and I was ashamed that I couldn’t run very far. But, that soon went away when I started receiving all of the positive encouragement from the other ladies, (Especially from my coach Moe Drayton), she had to endure a lot of me from rolling my eyes and  fussing, You want me to run where?? To the WATERPOT) Really!!!. But she didn’t give up on me.  I am beyond words for the love and support given to me by all of the ladies from the Purple Butterflies and my family.

For those of you who are starting on a similar journey, I am cheering you on. The first few weeks are not a walk in the park, but I promise you that it will get easier. Do it for your health, do it for your energy levels. Do it for yourself.

The results:
I ran my first 5k on April 28, 2013 and so far, I have shed 13 pounds, my Cholesterol, BMI, BP, Body Fat and Glucose have been lowered. My energy is boundless.  I am stronger than I have ever been and I am looking forward to kicking some butt in the 10K in August.