Busted to Fab!...

Did you ever roll out of bed and come to the realization that you’re a complete wreck? This was me a year ago, but not anymore.  In fact, this Sunday I’m running the 2014 More/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half Marathon in New York City’s Central Park.  It’s sure to be another fun and fierce experience!

But I’m digressing. What you really want to know is how I came back. Before I tell you how, let me tell you how I got to the bottom.

3 Strikes but Not Out

This is a story of inspiration and motivation for all those on a journey to overcoming obstacles and pursuing their dreams. Picture this, January 2013, overweight, out of a job, dealing with the sudden death of my sister, and a nagging feeling I was letting my natural talents waste away.  Life’s challenges had definitely taken a toll on me physically and mentally, largely because my view of success and self-worth was inextricably tied to corporate career advancement.  Which really wasn’t hard given my 20+ years with iconic Media/Entertainment and Sports brands and the awesome perks.  So, I was devastated when I was downsized in 2011, out in a new marketplace, and unable to land a permanent gig quickly with my credentials.  On top of that, a lack of faith stopped me from pursuing something I love, dance.  Specifically, moving people both physically and emotionally by teaching my unique spin on dance, camaraderie, and style.

It wasn’t looking good. That’s when sister-friends and sisterhood kicked in to help me move through what felt like insurmountable pain to discover what success and substance truly means.   Encouraged by friends to run the 2013 More/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half Marathon, join Weight Watchers and brand my fab dance talent, I set forward with my new health and wellness plan.  

Stop the Presses… Not

In my quest to prove I could succeed at something, I over did it.  A month before the Half, I injured my sacroiliac joint and psoas muscle such that I could barely walk.  That’s when my personal trainer and forever friend, Diana, stepped in to train me via phone because I refused to give up.  Her husband John’s Grit2Glory brand and the story behind it inspired me at that point… “Commit to NO RETREAT, leave NO RESERVES, and have NO REGRETS!”  A light bulb went off and I decided to live my life to the fullest in every moment.

Pulling it Together…Fierce

Walked the first few miles, but ran 10 out of the 13.1, finishing strong! The real story, however, is that along the way I took action dropping 25+ lbs with Maplewood Weight Watchers and hiring a creative agency to help brand my vision, ‘Choreogroove, it’s your move.’  A lifestyle brand that empowers your mind, body, and spirit, it’s about movement, dance and doing yourself good.  I’ve only just begun. Daily fears and doubts pop-up.  But, at 47, I continue to reinvent my life with success being about sharing the best in others, helping somebody else breathe easier, and leaving the world a bit better [Inspired by Emerson’s “Success”].

Still Rolling Strong and Having Fun

Now as I complete my training for the 2014 Half the script has totally flipped.  This year it’s all about executing my dreams. In fact, it inspired me to create a Choreogroove to TLC’s ‘Meant to Be’.  It’s a dance about sisterhood, overcoming life’s obstacles and accomplishing your goals whatever they may be.  I shared it with the world on youtube.com and Instagram in the hopes that More-Fitness racers would use it for inspiration too. I’ll be the one performing it at the finish… 

Find out more about the Half Marathon experience at: www.morefitnesshalf.com

Follow me on social media as I build my Choreogroove dream.  www.facebook.com/choreogroove and www.youtube.com/choreogroove  

P.S. I landed another corporate gig along the way.