Breakdown Leads to a Breakthrough!

Katie & her mom making my recipe for
stuffed bell peppers...yummy!

We had quite a week this week!  We experienced sobbing, laughter, whining, cheers, blisters, shouts, high fives, and hugs.  And it all led to a 3.6-pound weight loss – so, Katie has officially lost 10 pounds!  After a very disappointing weigh-in last week, I knew our meetings this week would be a challenge for both Katie and for me.  However, I had a new resolve to offer some tough love.  Katie needed to understand that losing this weight is vital to her health and her future.  Katie’s Body Mass Index (BMI) is approximately 40.  This means she is on the cusp of morbid obesity, which puts her at a greater risk for heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.  Plus, her waist to hip ratio is very high (her waist is about the same circumference as her hips) which also puts her at high risk, especially for women.   

I had my mind set when I went for our meeting on Sunday that we would get in a hard workout – I was determined to push her to her limits.  So, we set out for a long walk/jog.  We started out just fine – while walking she even asked me if she could bring her friend to her fashion/beauty make-over next month.  I told her I thought it was a great idea.  But, after we ran a few intervals, Katie got very frustrated.  She started crying and saying "I can't" and "I'm done".  That really made me mad because I knew she could!  Plus, I do not accept the word “can’t” – it should not be allowed for use in anyone’s vocabulary!  Katie went from talking and being fine to sobbing in about 30 seconds.  However, I knew she was physically able!  At one point, I even got behind her and pushed her!  I almost shocked myself at how far I pushed her, but I think it was a breakthrough for both of us.  I knew that if I didn’t push her to her limits, I wasn’t truly helping her.  She needs to be pushed to prove to herself how strong she really is.  Each time she said she couldn't do it, she eventually started running and continued to run for over a minute at a time!  It was good for her to see what she can accomplish – she has been giving up on herself for far too long!  When we got back to the house, Katie was still wiping tears and I could see her mom was concerned, but I was very anxious to keep her focused and not pamper to her.  I had a point to prove with her, so we did some additional strength and conditioning moves.  As we started to cool down and stretch, I asked Katie if she was mad at me, she said no.  I asked her if she was mad at herself, she said no.  I asked if she was sad, she said no.  I asked if she was happy, and she said yes!  I asked why and she said that she was happy that she actually did it.  So, I made her promise me that she would push that hard from now on.  I received an email from her mom later that night thanking me and telling me that Katie had a really good night and seemed to be in a very good mood.  I was delighted to hear that!  She was likely very proud of herself – a hard workout can be incredibly self-rewarding! 

When I went back for our meeting yesterday, Katie informed me that she has been walking and jogging so much in the past few days that she now has blisters on both feet and ankles!  I told I was so proud of her – blisters are badges of glory!  And those badges paid off on the scale!  She dropped an additional 2.4 pounds in the last three days to get us to our ten-pound total!  Plus, she has lost over an inch from her waist!  It was obvious that she has lost inches during yesterday’s workout because she was tugging at her pants the entire time.  And, she even smiled and laughed during yesterday’s workout – she said she is starting to enjoy them!  She admitted that before this week, she had been exercising but had not been pushing herself.  I think Sunday’s breakdown opened her eyes to her full potential and has shown her what she is capable of.  Instead of simply trying, I expect her to just do.  It’s that simple, just do it, push hard, and DO NOT say or think “I can’t”.  Because I know she can, and I will make sure she does! 

I also found out yesterday that Katie has been sleeping better – her high blood pressure had previously caused her to get hot at night and have breathing problems.  Katie even told me that she wore pajama pants one night for the first time in a very long time – they usually made her too hot.  Katie was also excited because she is able to wear a belt for the first time!  She has worn a belt with her khakis and one pair of her jeans.  She was so excited…and I was beaming!  This kid is transforming physically, mentally, and emotionally! 

Katie didn’t quit this week, she rose after she fell, she got up and is winning this race.  Are you winning your race?  Maybe you’ve had a breakdown – if so, use it to breakthrough just as Katie has.  I hope Katie inspires you or someone you know to just do it, push hard, and DO NOT say or think “I can’t”.  Because I know you can, and I know you will! 

We’d love to hear your story or to have you encourage and support Katie by commenting below or emailing me at ddamron1@hotmail.com.