Former Triathlete Gets Back into Shape

I met Jim this past January.  His wife was a boot camp regular last fall when I joined, but she was now staying at home with the kids each morning while he gave it a try.  The question in my mind every time I meet a new camper is, "Why now?"  For Jim, Groupon was not the answer.


Before Jim and his family moved to Atlanta, they lived in San Francisco where he was an avid triathlete finishing 10+ triathlons, including Alcatraz, along with various century bike rides.   He also finished 2 marathons - NYC in 2006 and Atlanta in 2007.  In 2008, he started working out less and working at his job more; however, this January, it was time for a change.


"I just became complacent and needed to change up my routine.  I was very skeptical of these sorts of things [boot camps] as I have always had the opportunity to train at a high level being a former Division 1 college athlete. I know all the workouts and what needs to be done.  I laughed it off thinking, 'I don't need a trainer to tell me what to do'. "  

Soon though, Jim realized that maybe he did need a little push. 

"As with everything, I owe this to my amazing wife, Joanie.  She kicked my butt to get back out there and I have really enjoyed it."

Jim and Joanie make eating well a part of every day life.  She makes "amazing" organic meals to support her husband's healthy habits.  

He tries to stick with the changes he has made including:

• Eating smaller portions
• Experimenting with the macrobiotic diet
• Limiting food after 7pm 
• Limiting alcohol
• Drinking a post-workout smoothie packed with kale, spinach, berries and coconut water. 

Watching their loved ones fight cancer and a having competitive sprit only motivates him more to choose to eat healthy and role out of bed for boot camp each day.

"At my office I keep a mantra that reads, "Every time you eat poorly, every time you sleep in, you make it that much easier for someone to beat you." 

Now, after three months of boot camp and eating well, Jim is seeing results.

"We ran a 10k in February and I noticed much easier breathing and stamina.   I have lost body fat and 28 pounds [in 3 months].  I am 6'5" and could carry the weight , but this makes me much leaner and happier.  I still play baseball in a men's league and feel much better with my core strength and speed." 

Aside from his competitive spirit, what motivates Jim to live a healthy lifestyle?

3 things:
1.  Staying healthy to support his wife.
2.  Being a role model for his children, Reed, Leah and CC. 
3.  His dad, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last June, and is beating the odds in his fight. 

"I keep a saying on my mirror that says, "One day I will wake up and not be able to do this. Today is not that day."