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#APOPFNF Profile: Carlee Myers

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11705511_10205035783474132_7889396891867321989_oName: Carlee Myers Age: 22

Subject: Weight Loss & Mental Health

Advice: Feeling down? Hit the Gym! Not only do you get to work off your frustrations, but you leave feeling like a rock star--because you really have accomplished something!

Carlee's Story: A little over one year ago my long time boyfriend and I decided it was finally time to break up. Although I knew it was for the best, I was devastated. I had been dating this man for seven years--he had been by my side all through high school and college for crying out loud. We were a force to be reckoned with; we were soulmates or at least that's what I had I thought.

1238332_10202067390866172_2407868721203420225_nIt was a beautiful night in May of 2014. I went out with some friends and visited an art collector's home. After a few drinks, we somehow got on the subject of relationships. We talked about happiness and love--about how two people who barely knew each other are often happier together than those who have been together for years. The conversation hit home--I was walking home pondering what my life would be like if I left my partner. Over the last two years of our seven year relationship, I had contemplated this too often. It was clear I was unhappy and he wasn't too happy either. I had decided that unless he did something to change my mind that evening I was going to start the conversation--we were going to have a heated debate about breaking up.

When I got home everything was just as I expected it to be--my unemployed ex hadn't bothered to do the dishes and the apartment was a wreck. He had all the time in the world to accomplish these simple tasks, yet when I got home he was laying in bed watching a movie. I walked into the room and didn't get so much as a "hey." In that moment, I threatened to break up with him. I told him that if he wasn't going to change then I was going to leave him. I told him that our lease was going to be up in a month and I was going to leave him if he didn't change. I was angry;  his response was cool, calm and collected. He agreed to my terms, but not the way I thought he would. His response: "Why wait? It's over." And just that quickly--we were through. The couple who had identified as "Marshmallow ad Lily-pad" from HIMYM ceased to exist.

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That very same day I dropped my cellphone down a storm drain. What are the odds? I was cut off from the world--cut off from my friends and family. I had no one to talk to unless I wanted to go to a nearby cafe to use their WiFi for Facebook messaging--I thought, "screw that!" I went on a walk. I reevaluated who I was. I thought about where I was in life and where I needed to go. In two weeks I would be graduating with my bachelors degree in Curatorial Studies and Fine Art; In two months I would be moving to Baltimore to earn my post-bac certificate at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Over the last year, I had gained over 20 pounds--the side effects of a stressful senior year and a failing relationship. I was in the worst shape of my life--my emotions and body were a wreck. Most fitness journeys have an "Oh Shit" moment and well this is mine--a stupid-ass break up.

8996cb691711fc2efb49d4e2b4a61410To my ex, that is if you're reading this, THANK YOU! If it weren't for you, I would not be where I am today. Not only did you support me all through high school and college, you were my biggest fan. Thank you for knowing when to agree with me and for having the guts to end "us" and encourage me to move on with my life. If you had not made the decision you made that beautiful May night, I would have never started this health & fitness blog; I would have never lost those 25 pounds, I would have never stayed in Philly; I would have never met some of my closest friends--Julia, Kim, you know who you are people. :P Simply put if you had never said "It's over" I would be someone totally different. To my ex if you are reading this...THANK YOU.

11233783_10204641360413802_2033702878895185568_nThis very break up is what prompted me to begin once again hitting the pavement. In the past, I ran cross country and track, so I was oh too familiar with the training that was necessary to achieve the new goals I had set for myself. Ultimately, I wanted lose 20 pounds, get my 3 mile time back down to the mid 20s and stop being so angry with myself and what life had thrown at me. I went on runs around the city (Philadelphia) and began tracking my calorie intake through MyFitnessPal.

After one too many runs, I finally realized the whole reason I was put in this situation was because I needed to be uncomfortable. I needed to feel this dull pain of loneliness and anger because I needed the proper motivation to become a healthy and successful artist and arts professional. To be successful, I was going to have to work for it, damn it!

11008550_10204639401444829_4292343067709397279_nBelieve me; I sure as hell worked for it. In the fall of 2014, I hit my goal weight of 135lb AND had successfully found a job as a development assistant at a local art & design college. The job wasn't much, but it was a start. I was fending for myself in the "real world" and I was proud--still am. Come winter, I was running 3 miles in 21 minutes and 46 seconds--a time that blew away my high school personal record of  25:59. Today, I'm in the best shape of my life--eating healthy, doing cardio, lifting weights, and of course continually working on making my mindset a more positive one. And although times still get tough every now and again, I try to remember not to worry. I managed to make it through my past and I've come out stronger. Nothing can break me.

Do you have an inspiring health or fitness story? Comment below or share on social media using the hashtag #APOPFNF (APOP Fitness Nerd Family) with a reason you should be featured in our next #APOPFNF profile! I will be adding a new profile every other Sunday so get your entries in now :)

#APOPFNF Profile: Michele McDonnell

11791877_10207622051775909_1532661210_nName: Michele McDonnell Age: 47

Subject: Weight Loss

Advice: Never let food become an obsession. I know it's comfortable and it makes many of us feel better, but in reality food doesn't change a thing. My challenge to you is to directly deal with the problems you have in life.

11830223_10207622048095817_282289182_nMichele's Story: "I was slightly overweight most of my teen years and young adult hood, but I never wore a size bigger than a 14. Then, nine years ago, I was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. I was 38 years old. I was married and had a 6 year old son. This is when everything got out of control. I gained weight like crazy and was wearing a size 20. Finally, treatment was complete and I entered remission. I lost some weight and returned to a size 14 again, but I still wasn't quite happy with the way I looked and felt. I went back to work and--you guessed it--began stress eating. I would eat large bags of peanut M&Ms with a side of a grande Starbucks coffee. I also regularly drank a lovely bottle of imported beer with dinner. I had no idea these things were some of the main reasons I was gaining weight and I continued these habits for four years! It was only when I got laid off that I realized I gone up a few sizes; I was wearing XL  woman's shirts and size 16-18s again...

11791877_10207622051775909_1532661210_nTwo years ago a friend gave me the final push I needed to begin a healthier lifestyle and after all these hurdles--fighting cancer, working a stressful job and getting laid off--I am proud to say I've lost 46 pounds! How you ask? I started walking --lots of walking-- and changed my eating habits bit by bit. I began eating smaller portions and integrating healthier foods into my daily routine. Now, I wear a size 8-10 and medium tops; I've never wore such small sizes in my life and it feels fantastic. I love the new me and wouldn't trade her for the world."

Do you have an inspiring health or fitness story? Comment below or share on social media using the hashtag #APOPFNF (APOP Fitness Nerd Family) with a reason you should be featured in our next #APOPFNF profile! I will be adding a new profile every other Sunday so get your entries in now :)

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