Like a lot of people that write in, I have always struggled with my weight. Growing up, I danced and would do the occasional step class with my Mom or a friend, but I never exercised regularly.
After living in Oregon for 3 years, we moved to Florida. Along with the beautiful weather, came many trips to my favorite place, the beach. This, of course, meant wearing a bathing suit regularly. Oh, how I hated putting one on!
I decided it was time to lose some weight, again. Of course, I had no motivation. One day after standing in front of the bathroom mirror and complaining about how I looked, my daughter, who was 4 at the time, said to me “Mommy, stop complaining and do some exercise.” How can you ignore that? Nothing like a kick in the butt from your child! So,once again, I went back on a diet. This time I wanted to do things differently. I knew after many times of going through the cycle of losing and gaining weight, I would have to incorpor ate regular exercise. This was something I had never done.
Since we were living in Florida and now had beautiful weather, I started taking daily walks with my kids. It was a small step but a start. I also started doing my elliptical a few times a week. I got bored with this very quickly. I knew I needed a variety of exercises to keep me motivated. The only place I had every had this was at a gym. I did not want to spend the money to join a gym. One day while flipping through the TV channels, I discovered FitTV. I actually sat on the couch and watched a couple of the Cathe workouts. I decided to record one and give it a try. The first one I tried was the Cathe Boot Camp because it didn’t require a step. Wow, did I get a workout, but what fun! I couldn’t believe how much I enjoyed it!
I noticed that many of the Cathe workouts used a step. I always enjoyed doing the step classes so I went online and ordered a step. I had finally discovered workouts that I enjoyed. I loved t he routines, the challenges, the variety, the music, everything! I actually started looking forward to working out everyday. As I progressed with the more intense workouts, I started wondering if I could run. I know that may seem strange, but I always admired people that ran. Runners were always so passionate about their sport. I thought, If I can handle the Cathe workouts, I might be able to run.
Just a side note: I have NEVER been a runner. When I was in high school and we had to run laps of the parking lot for dance team, I would always be the last one back. I HATED it!
To my surprise, I made it 2 miles on my first run. From this point on, I continued to do my Cathe workouts, but I would alternate days running. On Thanksgiving day, I ran 7 miles and felt on top of the world! I decided to enter my first race, a 15k. In February I ran it, and had a blast! I had found a new passion! In April, I tackled my first 1/2 Marathon. I couldn’t believe it was actually me doing this! During my training for both races, I continued my Cathe workouts. I would do Drill Max and Imax 3 to build up stamina and Body Max 2 (the complete 97 minutes) to build up endurance. I also started incorporating some of the strength training videos. All of these workouts became my “cross-training” for running.
Without discovering the Cathe Workouts, I never would have developed a passion for working out and running. I am now training for my first Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, which I will run in memory and honor of my Grandmother. I am so excited! I honestly would never have reached this point had it not been for the Cathe Workouts. Thank you so much for being so motivating and creating such great workouts!
Jenn, that is an inspirational story for me to read this morning!! I am getting back into Cathe workouts & I needed that shot in the arm. I am also a runner but we need both (cardio & strength) to be really strong.
Since you said you were running it in memory & in honor of your grandmother, I wondered if you would be interested in a complimentary back bib (with your grandma’s picture and any text you would like on it). That way, you could tell everyone else behind you why you are running. Email me at sales@races2remember (my company) & I would be happy to help you. Thanks again for the inspiration. Molly
I am also a runner and I used to run on the threadmills in the winter and alternate with a gym aerobics class but then when I would try to run outside in the nice weather I always had to rebuild my stamina- it was odd. Just like you I found Cathe because I was stuck @ home on a snowy day and couldnt make the gym. I saw supersets on Fit TV and decided to try it with no weight. I did the whole thing and thought it is a nice workout to do @ home- no biggie. The next morning I woke up COMPLETELY sore. I couldnt believe it. I havent been sore in forever. I immediately canceled my gym membership and started doing Cathe on TV. I started buying her DVDs. When Spring came and it was time to run I was SO nervous that all the step, kick boxing, and weights wont make a difference. I WAS IN SHOCK! I went out that morning and ran 8 str8 miles. I went out and bought a heart rate monitor and realized that the during Cathe’s program my heart rate was as high if not higher as when I was running. I’ve never looked back since 2007.
Your little girl was correct….just exercise. I am very glad to see you running and enjoying it, and that you prepare yourself for running by doing Cathe workouts. Cross training is so effective. I used to run….only run. I no longer run because the impact bothers my hips, but I do Cathe workouts with no problems. Her workouts do keep me aerobically fit, because once in awhile, I will just go out and run (to see if I still can) and I can do it easily. Keep it up! Your story is a great example of what Cathe and her workouts can do.