It's not everyday that your job inspires you to transform your life, but that’s exactly what happened to me.  When I was hired as 121 Public Relations Coordinator for the 2009 BMO Vancouver Marathon this winter, it became my catalyst for positive change.

I was overweight, I admit, after too many years of gourmet cooking and inactivity.  I knew I wanted to get back into shape, but I hadn’t acted on it.  I felt that if I was going to be promoting the marathon, I'd better get back on the path to fitness!

I joined my local community centre after my Christmas vacation in January, and signed up with a personal trainer.  That was the easy part.  With a fitness plan in hand, I set about getting into shape.  The first month was tough, I admit, but by committing to the gym 5-6 times a week, slowly progressing to an hour of cardio and weights each day, I've managed to lose 30 lbs in three months.  I've still got a ways to go, but this is a great start.  I've also tweaked my eating habits to reflect my new lifestyle ~ healthy, nutritious food choices have become my norm. 

Over the last three months, I've dropped three dress sizes, I have tons of energy and my friends and family's encouragement has been fantastic!  I'm not a runner and I won't be competing in this year's race, but I will continue my newly adopted lifestyle long after Sunday, May 3.  Who knows, maybe next year I'll be able to enter the 8 km!