"My weight loss journey has been a challenge. I can't remember a day that I didn't think about my weight and how I wanted to be super skinny. Funny how what we perceive true beauty to be and it has nothing to do with weight! Learning that now.

 Almost a year ago, I participated in a 5k with some pretty cool coworkers. This was my first 5k. I had no real expectations except I thought, it can't be that tough. Well, I was wrong. For someone who hadn't done that much physical activity in years, it was a rude awakening. And the photos they took really hit me like a brick. I vowed that my next 5k would be better.  So, I started actually using my gym membership with group classes and I tried CrossFit. I think CrossFit was good in some aspects but I didn't really like it. 

My friend Todd (winner of the 21 Day Weight Loss Challenge in March 2015) was talking about this really good Groupon deal he found with CD Fit. I wasn't quite ready, actually scared, because he would come back totally drenched in sweat and completely worn out. The fun runs, the bear crawls and burpees, I was like no way I could do those things. He said the only way to progress is to push yourself. And he was right. So, I gave it a shot. I joined the 5:45am class in Mitchellville/Largo with Judson. And that's where the terms "don't bring those baby rattlers next time" and "easy work today people" became terms of endearments! Everyone encourages you and that really helps. I am getting stronger and I am losing the weight that I want.

The last weight loss challenge (March 2015) helped push up my weight loss. I eliminated soda and store bought juices, fried foods, fast food, white bread, pasta and cut back on the sugary stuff. I limited my carb intake to before noon and after that, it was pretty much meat and dark green vegetables. I dropped a little over 10 lbs in 21 days. I'm proud of myself because for the first time in a very long time, I'm putting me first!

 Thank you Clarence for having a program like CD Fit. Thank you Judson for making getting up at 4:30am worth it! Thank you Todd for giving me the push and encouragement I so desperately needed. And saving the best for last, thanks to my daughter Aja, for pushing me out of bed and making sure I didn't eat bad food.

My next 5k is this June. I'm looking forward to running across the finish line!"

Deirdre Baruti
545am Largo Class
Instructor:  Judson Tallendier