Take for instance, after years of making poor dietary choices and no exercise, in March of 2012 at age 41, I was diagnosed with diabetes type 2, hypertension, high levels of LDL, a low HDL, and vitamin deficiency. I'm only 5' 6" and at the time I weighed at 220 lbs with a 42" waist.
My 1st visit to the endocrinologist in May 2012 I was immediately "ordered" to be put on metformin because my A1C level of 10.5 was unacceptable, he said. I slammed my foot on the doctor's brakes and said to him, I prefer to fix my problem the difficult and natural way rather than the easy way out. Give me 3 months and if my A1C level is not acceptable within said time, I will have no choice but to take the "drug".
After changing my eating habits and went from consuming the “typical American diet” to embracing the raw vegan lifestyle; started cycling and working out, I managed to reverse my diabetes within 6 months, lost 70 lbs in the process, took 12 inches off my waist, and all of the medical issues mentioned above were permanently suppressed. The most rewarding part, is that I have been able to also reverse my age/aging process.
I'm down to a waist 30, 175 lbs, (I've put on 25 lbs of pure lean muscle since then) and for the first time in my life I possess the ability to choose my own direction in life and where my paths may lead. I control the surrounding influences that inspire and motivate me. My will to succeed is a powerful force and with it, I can now accomplish anything I wish.
On March 29th 2014, exactly 2 years after being diagnosed, I finished my first 70.3 half Ironman Triathlon Oceanside, CA in which I manage to swim 1 1/4 mile, bike 56 miles and run 13.1 miles in 6hrs 45mins; (all 3 disciplines must be completed in 8 1/2 hours). I also trained hard and was ready to do my first full IronMan Triathlon Lake Tahoe, September 21st 2014. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to bad air quality because of a forest fire nearby. The cancellation devastated me but did not stop me from pursuing my ultimate goal of become the first 100 year old in the year 2071 who can still Swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run 26.2 miles, all in less than 17 hours.
Updates:
March 28th 2015 I finished my second Half Ironman, 1 1/4 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 mile run with a time of 7:02:41.
April 12th 2015 I did my first duathlon, 3 mile run, 19.5 mile bike, 3 mile run, finished 23rd overall and placed 8th in my age group.
April 18th 2015 I raced my first half marathon with a time of 1:46:48 placing 20th overall and 2nd in my age group.
May 16th 2015 I competed in the Xterra Renegade Off Road Triathlon, 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike, and 3 mile trail run.
Finished with a time of 2:55:46.
May 25th 2015 I raced my 2nd half Marathon with a disappointing time of 2:16:45 but I finished.
May 31st 2015 I finished my 2nd Xterra Renegade Off Road Triathlon, 1 mile swim, 15.5 mile mountain bike and 6 mile trail run. Finished with a time of 03:38:44
June 7th 2015 I did my first Olympic distance, 1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 6 mile run.
Finished with a time of 03:20:43
It is your turn now to take charge of your life and get started on all of your tasks at hand. Just bare in mind that nothing worthwhile is easy. In order to be successful you must realize that there will be difficulties to face along the way. Never lose your eagerness and drive towards what inspires you. Motivation exists within your heart and mind. Your ability to overcome unfavorable situations will provide you with time to demonstrate your true strength and determination for success. Always set your standards high, your greatest achievements lie within the infinite feats you achieve in your life. Never, EVER allow the possibility of failure to stop you from reaching YOUR objectives. When you have a strong belief in your actions and desire to succeed NOTHING can ever stop you.
As you start a new chapter in your life I'll leave you with a quote that has help me get through difficult times; hopefully it also makes some impact in your life as it did for me.
As you start a new chapter in your life I'll leave you with a quote that has help me get through difficult times; hopefully it also makes some impact in your life as it did for me.
