When I turned 40, I gazed at my 268-pound reflection in the hallway mirror. I desperately tried to recall the strong, physical, competitive woman I used to be, but the vision was hard to imagine. I was overcome with a sense of hopelessness and failure. Standing there facing reality and dreaming about the good old days of my youth, I wondered how I had let myself slide into such poor physical condition. I thought back to my 125-pound-cheerleader figure and recalled running a 6-minute mile at the state track meet in high school. I asked myself, “How can I ever get that back in my life?” Then I rediscovered TOPS through school, where I work as an adult education instructor.

Right now, I’m looking great and feeling great! I’m in good shape, and I’m getting closer to my former “cheerleader” body. My old memories of winning in track meets have once again become reality. Even though I’m not at my goal yet, I am a winner. I didn’t do it overnight because I did it sensibly. I didn’t do it without exercise because I wanted to be toned and fit. Currently, I’ve lost 110 pounds and 62.5 inches and will be at my goal by December 31, 2009.