Stephanie's story - I would like to share with you about my meager accomplishments.

Kristen's story -  Prior to the birth of my daughter I had considered myself a pretty fit person.  I had been exercising an average of 4-5 times per week for about 4 years. Although I continued to exercise throughout my pregnancy I still gained about 60 pounds. It was really difficult for me to see my body change like that. Once my daughter was born I vowed to start exercising again. If only it was so easy! I really struggled with juggling everything. My daughter was not the best sleeper and I found that after being up with her throughout the night, working all day and trying to keep my house from looking like a disaster zone the last thing I wanted to do was exercise. I would sometimes make an effort, but I got discouraged when walking on the treadmill. A twenty minute walk was difficult when I used to run 3 miles easily.  I thought a lot about it and decided it might be best to start working with a trainer to help me get back into the groove of things.

People always ask me how I found out about Cheryl. One night I was headed into a local pizza shop to pick up my chicken finger sub and fries and I noticed a flier for a boot camp class. I wrote down the information and looked up the website when I got home. I really liked what I read about Cheryl’s services so I sent her an email to get some more information.  After reviewing the information I decided to go for it and start working with Cheryl. Little did I know, that decision would be one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was not making myself a priority in my life. I was so busy trying to be a mom, a wife, an employee, a friend, etc. It was time I put myself first. I wanted to feel the like old Kristen again. The first night I met Cheryl I told her I wanted to feel like an athlete again. Don’t get me wrong I wanted to fit into my old clothes as well, but for me it was more about feeling fit and strong.

I started working with Cheryl in January and I as the months went by I noticed myself changing both physically and mentally. As I lost weight and inches off of my body my confidence started to come back. Cheryl was like my personal cheerleader. She was always telling me what a great job I was doing and offering encouragement. I finally felt confident enough to try running a 5k. Cheryl created a training program for me and after weeks of training I ran my first race. When I ran by my husband and daughter who had a big “Go Mom” sign taped to her stroller I was bursting with pride.

Cheryl and I talked about setting goal times for myself for future races. I was shocked when Cheryl told me what she thought I could get my time down to. I never thought I would be able to run that fast, but Cheryl had faith in me and I wanted to prove to her that I could do it. That is the thing about Cheryl. She is such an awesome person and so supportive you want to do well for her. She puts so much time into preparing you for an event you want to make her proud. Anytime I doubted myself I would think of Cheryl.  Her enthusiasm is contagious.

I ran a bunch of 5ks over the summer and then it finally happened. I finished in the goal time that Cheryl had set for me. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it.  The best part was that Cheryl was actually at the race and got to see it happen. I don’t know who was more excited me or her!

Cheryl also helped me to prepare for my first duathlon. I was nervous about trying something new, but she assured me I would be prepared for race day.  She created an intense 8 week program for me.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  Both physically and mentally.  It was a huge commitment.  I felt a ton of guilt about coming home from work and then leaving right away to exercise. I tried to incorporate my daughter into as many workouts as I could. If it was a running workout I would try and take her in the jogging stroller.  She was my little training partner. I still laugh when I think about her yelling at me to “Go!” when I was slowly making my way up a hill. If it was a bike workout my husband would come with me and pull Emma in the trailer behind his bike. It was nice to be able to spend time with my family and get my workout in at the same time. I printed my training schedule and hung it on my refrigerator. Every time I would complete a workout I would check it off.  I would be lying if I said I completed every single workout. Sometimes life would get in the way. My husband would have to work late or I wasn’t feeling well. But I am OK with it. I know that I put in 100%. And it was all worth it. When I finished the race it was one of the most exhilarating moments of my life. I had worked so hard training for the event and then to be actually in the race was surreal.  When they called my name as the first place female in my age group I almost cried. All I could think about was how far I had come. Do I have the same body I had before I got pregnant? No, it doesn’t look the same, but I am actually in the best shape of my life. And I could not have done it without the support of Cheryl. I have never met someone so passionate about their job. She truly cares about her clients. She has proven to me that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.