Hard Work and Triumph by Amy

I was a very sick little girl when I was 10 years old; I had developed the autoimmune disease type one diabetes so my body had stopped producing insulin and I was cannibalizing myself in order to have enough energy to move through my day.

Ten years later I was doing great (I have taken insulin daily since March 1988 and currently use an insulin pump) and when I met my husband we ate out a lot-it was a lot of fun, and life seemed bright! I watched myself grow bigger and bigger, and all of a sudden I found myself standing in a department store with Queen sized underwear in my hand! I was 23 years old.

Off to Weight Watchers I went, knowing now was much better than later when it comes to weight loss. I took about a year and a half to reach my goal weight, and while it was a challenge to lose the 45 pounds, I was having a lot of fun watching myself shrink. I started running mid-way through my weight loss and kept at it, knowing that was a key I needed to keep off excess weight.

I ran so much and so unwisely that I developed a stress fracture in my leg-no more running! I went in search of low impact workouts right around the time Cathe introduced Low Max. What a wakeup call! I had been committed to the Firm and seriously thought Cathe was crazy during the warm-up. I stuck with it, and when she said “push through it” as I teetered on the corner of the step as my poor tired leg kicked to the front… I knew.

I was there. I had found her. I had what it would take to keep exercising however I could for however long I can.
Shortly after I worked my way back to full impact workouts and running, I started working as a bootcamp instructor. I’ve been a certified personal trainer for over six years now, and love to help people reach that same awakening I had in front of my TV.

LowMax is now my absolute favorite workout, yet I save it for times I need a workout that not only gets me exhausted but also simultaneously lifts my spirit.

24 years after that picture was taken, I don’t waste a minute. I need my body to allow me to accomplish whatever lies ahead-marathons, bar exams, marital or economic tough spots, maintaining the best blood glucose levels I can manage at all times. Thanks to the support of Cathe.com and Cathe herself, and thanks to my second chance in life with my diabetes management, I know can do it.
Thank you!

5 Responses

  • Amy, you are an absolute inspiration to all who know you!! Not to mention you are a doll. Even if we did forget you on our way to the RT dinner 😉

  • Amy, I’m so proud of you, even though I don’t know you. I too have had T1 for 36 yrs now and been on pump for 13 yrs. I have been doing Cathe since ’99. Way to go…keep it up….k8

  • What a great story, Amy! I’m going to show it to my 12-year old daughter, who also has T1 ….. being healthy and fit goes hand-in-hand with great diabetes management.

  • Thanks everyone!
    Katherine, I’ve been on a Minimed pump since 1995 and CGM for a few years too. Love them both (although I often hate my CGM it is still a valuable and useful tool for me). Happy we both have found Cathe along the way!! 😉
    Dayna, it is so true! I’d be honored to have you share my story with your daughter. (You can also see more at diabetesoutside dot com.)
    Catherine, ppbbllltt! 😛 Love you too!

  • WAY TO GO, AMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful inspiration you are! Keep up your health addiction to Cathe!! Big hugs!

X