Losing weight and getting into shape is very difficult to do on your own. With encouragement and help from other people, the incredibly difficult task can become much easier. They can help you get started by sharing knowledge, push you when you feel like quitting, congratulate you when you succeed, and, very importantly, hold you accountable.
I have many people who are there for me for support. From my family to friends to coworkers and acquaintances, many people have encouraged me and, whether or not I asked for it, held me accountable.
However, three people have been of monumental importance on this journey. These people I refer to as my "coaches".
When I started out, I knew nothing. I didn't know where to start or even what to do when it came to working out and nutrition. I could have read a book in the intimidating "Diet and Fitness" section of a bookstore or googled "exercise" but that seemed daunting. Without my three Coaches, I probably wouldn't have gotten started and I definitely wouldn't have made it this far.
Nutrition and Overall Fitness Coach Stephanie Norton: Stephanie boasts three 5k races, four half marathons, and a fifth half marathon and her first full marathon yet to go this year. By making a complete 180 in her lifestyle in both nutrition (she's vegetarian and gluten free now...weird I know) and exercise, Stephanie has done what I'm currently trying to do; lose a lot of weight. She has gotten me started with my training and is the first person I go to about nutrition. For more information on Stephanie, look back in my previous blog posts.
Strength Coach Zach Cole: I've never lifted. Not seriously anyway. I've done some weight training in PE in high school. Let's be honest though, no one really exerts themselves in PE. When I began working out and decided that I wanted to add weight training into the program, I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't know where to start, what exercises to do, what body parts to target, if I was using proper form, or really anything at all. Zach not only has been lifting for almost as long as we've been friends but with his weight lifting class and personal trainer class completion at DMACC, he knew what he was doing and was more than capable and willing to help me out. We began lifting three times a week when our schedules would allow it. He set up the routine in exercises, sets, and reps. It was mindless training on my end. Just do what Zach tells me to do. Zach will confirm that in addition to several text messages asking him questions, I picked his brain during our sessions. He gave me a lot of information not only with lifting but with post-workout nutrition and protein to maximize my efforts in the gym.
Running Coach Josh Boersma: The newest addition to Team Chickensalad. Josh Boersma is probably the most decorated of the coaches. In high school, Josh was one of the top runners in the state of Iowa. He was All-State in track and Elite All-State in cross country, multiple time Drake Relay participant, and holds the fourth best time in Ankeny High School history in the 3200 meter race. As I felt I progressing beyond "beginner" with running, Josh became an invaluable resource of knowledge and experience. I had always admired and been impressed by Josh and his accomplishments in running in high school. The guy was a complete animal. He took his training seriously and he competed to his full ability and it showed as he racked up accomplishment after accomplishment. I couldn't think of anyone better to contact with questions about the sport. Josh has time and time again helped me with nutrition, race day routine, training, and proper rest. This guy may know more about running than I do about baseball and that's saying something. He's also a self-acclaimed lawn care professional (Boersma Lawn Care 515-419-3200).
As you can see, I pretty much have the best coaching team since Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan. What these three people have done for me, I can't begin to pay back. I'm incredibly grateful for how much they've helped me and probably will continue to help.
Thanks, guys! I won't let you down! (cheesy way to end the post...I know...)
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