In 2010 I could not run.
I was diagnosed with an early onset disease in the Rheumatoid Arthritis family called ankylosing spondylitis. I had significant swelling in my ankles and pain to the point that it was difficult to simply walk up a staircase, and pain was a everyday part of my life. I was put first on prednisone and then onto a long-term arthritis medication, and was told this is something I will be monitored on but will likely be on the rest of my life.
For two years this was my existence. No physical activity saw me gain 35 pounds. I was unhealthy and unhappy.
Fast-forward 2 years and I was able through diet change to get off the long-term medication, have all symptoms of the Rheumatoid Arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis gone, and I was able to run my first 5k and soon after my first sprint triathlon.
Since then I have continue to challenge myself physically with longer distances using a unique training plan that is time-efficient but effective, refined by diet further so that I'm down 35 pounds, and developed a healthy lifestyle of eating, drinking, and working out. I've now set 20 year bests in the 5K, 10k, and ran a number of 1/2 marathons. As well, I've completed multiple sprint triathlons, duathlons, an Olympic triathlon, and I've got my sites set on a 70.3.
By reading, studying (currently in National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer certification with Fitness & Nutrition specialization), and testing my methods on myself and with others, I have developed a clear path forward based on science, natural health, and research based alternative training methods that allowed me to take back my life and gain health as well as achieve peak performance for my age and body type.
Accomplishments since getting off the Meds:
My focus is on healthy "doable" routines that you can follow and accomplish in the midst of a full-time busy schedule. My signature plan to show you this is the "2 Runs a Week 1/2 Marathon Training Plan". Yes, I'm running multiple 1/2 marathons using an innovative training method that is tested and proven, uniquely put together by me!