JAM FITNESS

I joined the YMCA, Callahan branch in March of 2007.  I started watching the TV show, the biggest loser.  That show made me join the YMCA.  I started by working out on the machines for about three quarters of the year, then I started walking on the upper track in November of 2007.  That show inspired me to get to the gym and then I got hooked on Jilian Michaels, national trainer from Los Angeles.  My dream would be to workout with her but I realized it would never happen because I was not large enough to get on the show and she was in California.  It is funny how things work out with the man upstairs.  I truly believe he led me to Mary.  God always has a plan, another way for you.  Just stay in faith and he will take care of you of above and beyond what you could ever think.  So to continue the story, while walking the track  2 to 3 times per week I kept walking by the large classroom window.  I always saw this blonde lady conducting classes with allot of women in the class.  More and more I kept looking in there and one evening this blonde lady came out of the room yelling at her people.  She went to get a drink, I mentioned to her initially that my wife was interested in joining her class.  She said have her talk to me.  So I told my wife Lisa and they talked a few times.  Eventually after more walks past the large glass window I spoke a little more to the blonde lady and then one night she said to me how about you coming to my class.  I told her I would think about it.  I delayed it for 2 months, mainly because, honestly, I would be the only male in the class with all those woman.  Then on January 7, 2008 my wife and I entered the classroom and this was the start of my training with Mary.  I would never train with Jilian but I was given someone that could push me like nobody else could ever do.  I have been given so much and then on top it, lately I have been training with Jason.  After the first night of training with Jason I got home and told my wife Lisa, are you kidding me.  I am so lucky it is unbelievable.  Jason pushes me to other levels, it is agreat mix with the two of them.  Whoever reads this and I hope it is allot of people, whatever you are doing keep doing what you are doing and if you want more God will put people in your path that can change your life.  Just stay in faith!!!

I have a ways to go yet but I have accomplished a few goals I gave to Mary at the beginning of the year.  I accomplished running a whole 5K run.  I have now run a 5K under 30 minutes and then some.  I wanted to get my weight down into the 240's, I previously weighed 295 pounds back in 2005 and as of this letter I weigh 243 pounds.  I have not completed a 10K which was one of my goals but I will be doing a Duathlon race this September which will be equivalent or more than a 10K race.  My future goals from this point are to complete the Duathlon race in September and in under 2 hours.  I have completed 22 5K races to date and have about 7 more 5K races to run this year yet.  Other goals, before the year is out I want to be in the 25 minute range in 5K's.  My first 5K race, just running period was 9-13-08 at Lake Andrea and I finished at 35.34 minutes.  I walked and ran half of the race.  I am now at 26.54 and still have allot of room left to keep getting lower.  I have won two medals this year finishing 1st place in a Clydesdale division RecPlec race.  This is a 3 race series.  I finished second in the second race.  The third race is in November and if I stay ahead of my closest competitor I will win the Clydesdale 3 race series championship.  My ultimate goal next year or the year after is to win a 5K race overall, but first I need to get to 22 minutes or less in a 5K race, that would be awesome.  Tough goals ahead but I never thought I would ever be working out like I have or let alone running now competitively. 

Anything is possible, just set your goals and mind to them.  The best thing about working out and running is that I have met so many wonderful people that have helped me so much.  I have found several friendships that I cherish.  A new friend of mine, Dave Schlagman that I met a few months ago at a 5K race in Milwaukee has helped me so much.  He runs 5K's in 20 minutes or less usually.  The people that have been put in my path is still unbelievable to me.  

Thanks to everyone who has helped me, especially Mary and Jason.  I look forward to being pushed and pushed in the future. -Paul Johnson 

Paul Johnson