I was active as a child and enjoyed sports in my 20’s and 30’s. In 1990, at age 34, while living in Santa Barbara, I won the bronze medal for my women’s individual routine in the Reebok National Aerobic Championship, Los Angeles Region. I was also into bodybuilding. In 1993, my husband and I moved back to Cleveland. I began working hideous hours and over time gained an enormous amount of weight.

Three years ago, now well north of 200 pounds, I decided enough was enough. I started to exercise again, dieted, and managed to lose about 40 pounds. I then began the yo-yo routine and was getting nowhere. Part of the problem was I just didn’t like the various gyms I had joined. Then, in March of 2010, I discovered Euphoria through a Facebook ad.

I joined on March 17th and was immediately smitten. Erin Carlone has been my trainer since Day One and she continues to push me beyond what I thought were my limits. I have now managed to lose almost 60 pounds and am stronger than I have been in years. I also discovered while taking Euphoria’s Cycle Strength classes that I love cycling. Also with Erin’s help, this past October, on a warm Sunday morning, I managed to run ten miles for the first time in my life.

In January of this year, I decided to take it to the next level and began training with Team Euphoria. Coach Kyle has been amazing and a huge motivator. This April, at age 55, I will compete in my first biathlon and plan to do more races during the summer.

I love the camaraderie and the fact that other team members up to 30+ years younger are so accepting and encouraging, proving again that age does not matter. I have more weight to lose, and I know I will reach my fitness goals by staying focused and working towards that “next race.” Who knows, perhaps an Ironman is in my not-too-distant future?