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| Jeanne (on left eating), New Years Eve 2010 |
This time last year I was floundering…big time! I was burned out: overwhelmed, overweight, under a tremendous amount of stress, and feeling totally depleted. After three years of a challenging Masters program followed suddenly and unexpectedly by three years of a nasty divorce which left me totally broke and completely on my own as a single mother with no job, I felt “washed up” on some strange shore as the divorce became final and I landed a wonderful but demanding full time job. I had been “coping” with years of stress by self-medicating with all the wrong food and drinking, staying up late “too tired to work out”, forgetting myself and throwing everything into caring for my children and the demands of life. I wanted things to change, and I realized the only way they could would be to change the course I was on – but how?
I saw a postcard for Power Fitness PDX which boldly affirmed, “YOU have the power, strength and courage to make your life the best yet. Without even realizing it, you possess incredible determination and dedication to be your most active self possible...you just need a little nudge, education, and support”. It’s like Erin was talking directly to me. I went on line and read about the women’s only boot camp and Erin’s philosophy. I remember my first conversation with Erin: it was remarkably easy to talk with her about my fears and reservations “would everyone be more advanced than me? – I’m really out of shape” She encouraged me by letting me know that although everyone might seem at different fitness levels that everyone had their challenges and that was the point – we would come together as a group to challenge ourselves – together. I made the commitment to do the fitness challenge – a three month intensive diet and exercise boot camp. I never imagined how it would change my life.
I tried and I cried. I sweat and I hurt and rode the waves: from the troughs of fearful doubt and self-loathing to the crests of accomplishment and self-affirmation. When my determination threatened to falter, Erin and the women of the group helped nudge me back with an understanding comment or self-revelation that reminded me I was not alone. The laughter and “way to go!”s we fed each other with sincerity through the grunts, groans and sweats, bonded us in camaraderie, mutual respect and appreciation as we each challenged ourselves and each other to “dig deep and play hard” and bring it!
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| Jeanne looking & FEELING great December 2011 |
One day, months later, as I lugged my workout bag with 2 twelve pound weights, 2 five pound weights and a full large water bottle, I realized that I had actually lost that much weight (and a little more: forty pounds and twenty inches)! I laughed in amazement that I wasn’t carrying that around anymore and how good it felt to feel energetic every day, throw out my size 18 clothes and shop for size 10 instead! And the fun part was sharing that with the group of friends who had seen me from the start of this journey and have them celebrate with laughter and joy too!
I can’t say enough about the incredible spirit and skill Erin brings to her work in guiding the group and each participant on our individual paths. She is knowledgeable and fit, yes, but something so much more. It’s not everyone whose passion burns so bright and true that it sparks the hearts of others even when they feel burned out or their light seems doused. Erin and Power Fitness PDX are amazing and I recommend the experience to anyone – no matter where you are in your journey to Challenge the Power of You.
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| Annie (Challenge Winner 2011), Coach Erin Kreitz Shirey, Jeanne - Holiday Party 12/2/11 |
