“Don’t do it Chef…, you will never make it”

“Don’t do it Chef…, you will never make it”

Well that is all I needed to push me over the limit, that and winning a free entry into the Big Sur International Marathon which I call fate. I had three friends who believed in me. Despite all others they encouraged me, helped me shop for appropriate gear and changed my life by physically challenging me.  Daily I was told by others I couldn’t finish the race.. This my friends just pushed me further. 

I was overweight, unhealthy, my legs would swell when I sat on a plane, energy was low and I wasn’t able to keep up with my family/friends. I was uncomfortable in my skin and I knew this is not the path I wanted to take. The career of a chef requires standing all day and taste taste tasting. Simple energy boosts is what I relied on to get through the 12 to 15 hour days in the Kitchen. 

Training for the marathon at first was challenging. It meant changing my entire life style. Instead of staying up late creating menus I ran. Soon I realized running inspired me more than having a drink and looking through endless cookbooks. I left work and would run in the middle of the night as not to take away anytime from my family. 

Now my lifestyle is so incredibly different. I look at the pictures of who I was and I am thankful for the life I have now. I cannot imagine a week without some physical component challenging and inspiring me in all areas of my life. 

Thankful for those who said I couldn’t do it. You pushed me right to where I need to be: Inspired, inspiring others, pushing limits, and dreaming big. 

Thank you!!!