My Wellness Journey

Brian Vento My Wellness Journey

In January of 2005, I looked into the mirror at a retail store and realized that if I did not get a grip on my lifestyle it would soon be too late. I was 200 pounds and extremely out of shape. I decided then and there that I was going to make a change. My entire life I have hated the idea of diets and New Year’s resolutions because diets end and resolutions are easily broken. I was going to make a life change and set achievable goals. The only way I was able to make over my lifestyle was to commit to running and change my food consumption habits. In the almost 4 years since I started running, I have lost and kept off over 55 pounds. In my running life I have completed 7 marathons (2:50:08 PR), qualified for the Boston Marathon, run over 10,000 miles, and been selected to the Brooks Inspire Daily Program. One of my greatest accomplishments is helping and watching Beth, my wife, complete her first marathon in the fall of 2007. With the support of my family I have been able to continue to achieve my goals and continue to set new goals for my self. My current goals include running a sub 2:50 marathon this spring in Traverse City and helping Beth with the training for her next marathon. The great thing about running is that everyone can do it. Running is one of the simplest forms of exercise. It requires no new skills or complicated equipment. I know that running not only betters my physical condition, but it transforms my emotional self. This positive emotion is something that I can transfer to my students and my family and friends. The goal for all runners should be to run within their comfort level no matter if they are a beginner or a veteran. The true key to success is committing to changing how you view life. Most importantly, stick with it. Running is not always convenient or comfortable, but it is something that I can truly attest has changed who I am.

The Staywell Committee is including the "Wellness Journey" of our members. If you are interested in submitting your own personal wellness quest, submit the following information to: info@ueastaywell.org. Posted “My Wellness Journeys” will receive a $25 Gift Certificate.

Details:
• Each month the website will feature a different UEA member's Wellness Journey.
• Purpose is to provide encouragement and inspiration to others
• 2-3 paragraphs
• Possible information to include:

~ Goal(s) you established for yourself.

~ How you accomplished your goals.

~ Challenges you faced.

~ Helpful tips for others.

~ Future wellness goals
• Provide any photo that you feel comfortable including with your write-up

* Please keep in mind...wellness is a continuous journey for all of us.