Fitness Inspiration: How Sophia Transformed from “Worst Cook” to NYC Marathoner
Her Fitness Inspiration Beginning…
At 27 years old I was 270 lbs, eating fast foods almost daily and rarely left the couch. I wasn’t the wife, mother or woman that I knew I was meant to be. I was so lost in routine that I had actually began to lose interest in my life. You see, all my life I’ve been considered “overweight”. Even at my thinnest of 125 lbs (16 yrs old) people referred to me as fat or chubby. I hated the fact that no matter how hard I worked, it never showed. Eventually I found solace after meeting my now husband, Eric Gettys. Eric told me I was beautiful, and with just his consent of being “good enough” I found a slice of self love… and it felt good.
Her moment of truth…
As years past, I began to let go of myself. The tribulations of marriage took a toll on me and I began to give up. It wasn’t until 2 years ago, after being chosen to compete in NYC on the Food Network Series, Worst Cooks in America that everything changed. The experience of being in the pressure cooker of reality TV gave me the inner confidence and jolt of excitement that I would need to shake the symptoms of what I now know was post partum depression.
Her fitness transformation…
From Worst Cooks, I found a passion for food and a new relationship with it as well! I saw food as a fuel and an art, rather than my back-stabbing best friend. It was life changing and within months of returning from filming I was on fire! I was creating new recipes AND completely transforming my life. I am still a mother and a wife, but now I am also an AMAZING cook pursuing a career in culinary arts, nutrition, and a marathon runner! I completed the New York City Marathon November 7, 2010.
Her Fitness Inspiration Story Today…
I have learned a wealth of information about limits, courage and patience through the hours of what I consider “therapy” and you would know as running. I am stronger in every sense, and will forever be thankful for the opportunities and people in my life who have helped me get to this point. I have been guided by trainers, coaches and the apparel company Born Fit on this journey to self discovery.
With the lessons and blessings I have been afforded, I want to share my experience with others. I want to change America’s perspective of the plus size person, and letting that fellow “plus” know that just because you are blessed with kicking curves DOES NOT mean you can’t be both voluptuous and healthy! A healthy lifestyle is about making good choices and believing you can become the person you know that is inside. I want people to realize we are worth more than a number on a scale or label. Each of us can be anything or anyone we dream, as long as you just believe in yourself!
Thanks so much for sharing your fitness inspiration story Sophia!
I think what resonates most with me is her bravery. Sophia was obviously unhappy with herself- both inside and out- BUT still pushed forward. She rose to the challenge of reality TV and the NYC marathon when it would have been much easier to just stay “invisible.” The first step is always the hardest- but ALSO the most important.
My challenge to you…
Too many times we break our fitness goals because we get overwhelmed. The idea of heading to a crowded gym or running a 5K is just too much when we’re already exhausted from a rough day at work, stressed with a mile long “to do” list, or just feeling “blah” after tending to a sick kid all day. Instead of letting yourself be overwhelmed with the idea of excercising, change your mindset! Tell yourself, “I know I’m already exhausted, but I still need to try. I’ll run 15 minutes and see how I feel then. If I’m doing okay, I’ll keep going.”
This no-stress “just try” mentality can keep you on track for your fitness goals by reminding you to take excercising “one step at a time.” Once you start, your endorphins will kick in and keep you motivated to finish. Before you know it, you’ll be done with that fitness class, 5K, or weight routine.
Remember, being glamaFIT is about progress NOT perfection. Just keep taking those steps forward – no matter how small!
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao-tzu
glamaLOVE,
* Have you gone through a fitness transformation and want to share your story? We’re always looking for fabulous glamaFIT moms to help keep us inspired! Just email heather (@) glamaFIT.com with your story and pics- thanks!
Category: Fitness Inspiration
THANK YOU FOR SHARING MY STORY HEATHER!!! XOXO
Transformed For Life…
[...] tter how hard I worked, it never showed. Eventually I found solace after meeting [...]…