In the last few years I’d gained weight and wasn’t taking care of myself. I was eating out a lot. When I was younger, I was skinny. I’m 41 now, and I’d look in the mirror and then look at pictures of me in high school, and I knew I needed to change. There was also some loneliness — I’m single and after work, I just went home on my own. And I wasn’t exercising.
I started eating better. I lost 12 pounds on my own, but I wanted more support.
My co-worker, Tammy Fry, said, “you’ve got to do the Thrive Challenge!” She was losing weight and she was always so upbeat. I knew I needed to get out of my comfort zone, and I got started last year. I wanted to thrive and do something more with my life.
I started by getting outside and walking a thousand steps a day.
Then I added more steps every day. I’d go to Eagle Creek Park at 7 in the morning. It was nice seeing people walking their dogs, and kids riding their bikes. I like being out in nature, in the fresh air. Walking boosted my self-esteem because I was outdoors moving instead of being on the couch watching T.V. I kept walking more and more, and doing some running, and now I’m up to 10 miles a day.
I stopped drinking pop.
Instead I drink water or unsweetened iced tea. I cut out cheeseburgers, french fries, and pizza. I’m eating lots of salads and veggies. Sometimes for dinner, I feel like having breakfast, so I’ll cook eggs. Or I’ll have grilled chicken with green beans. For lunch, I’ll have turkey sandwiches with mustard, and I only buy whole wheat bread. I’m feeling wonderful, and I’ve lost eight pounds.
In January, I completed a virtual marathon on the treadmill.
It was Disney’s “Dopey Challenge” — I took part in four races in four days, totalling 48.6 miles. It was incredible, I felt so accomplished at the end, because I’d pushed myself to achieve something I never thought I could do.
I’m training with a Christian group.
On Thursday evenings we have speakers at our church. They talk about fitness and nutrition and how to prevent injuries. I’ve made good friends and I have a strong community. We train in pace groups, and it’s great for motivation and accountability.
I’ve taken part in several half marathons now, and I feel proud of myself.
I’m actually training my friends now and it feels good to know that I’m helping people. I’m walking with a fellow named John, who says I inspired him to do his first half marathon. His daughter, Andrea, joins us.
A couple called Nicky and Brent are in my group and we’ve become friends.
I actually found out that Brent’s mother, who’s now passed away, was my Sunday school teacher growing up. I feel like it was God’s plan for us to meet and motivate each other to do great things together.
I just took part in the Indianapolis OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
It was so exciting. I beat my personal best and finished in just under three hours. The weather was perfect. Growing up I was never a runner, and here I am today proving that anyone can do it no matter how old you are.
The daily check-ins on the Thrive app really encourage me.
One of them was a question about whether my job inspires me. And I thought about how much I enjoy working in our optical lab. Recently, we had to make glasses for a baby boy. I’m in quality assurance, so I make sure that there are no scratches on the lenses, and it gives me great satisfaction and pride knowing I’m helping a child to see, even though I’ll never meet him.
I’m spending time with my family.
We had an Easter egg hunt at my parents’ house for my nieces and nephews: Madison, who’s seven, 5-year-old Jake, and 4-year-old Jordan. They’re always excited to see me, and we had a great time. I’ll read to them — they love Paw Patrol books. I’m lucky with my family because we really love and care about each other.
My goals: I would love to get married and have a family.
I’d also like to go on vacation to Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore. I feel excited about life — I’m happier than I’ve ever been.
— Eric Church, Optical Lab #9065, Crawfordsville, IN; $5K Winner