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As outgoing as I am, I keep a lot of things private. A story I sometimes share is one that marks a major turning point in my life and would mold my future to come, although I couldn’t see it at the time. That’s usually how it goes, right? We go through really difficult times or circumstances and we either get broken by them, or we rise above it and get stronger. 

On December 23, 2008 my life forever changed. This was the beginning of a very dark cloud that hung over my head up for a solid 10 years. I was leaving work at the time (I worked for my “family” [we can get into this another time] in an office located in a warehouse in an industrial area). About 20 mins before closing time, I ran out of the office early to make it to a pedi appointment. Luckily, it was freezing outside so I was wearing Ugg boots. I didn’t even stride 2 steps out the door when 💥 I was face to face with a monster of a random dog. It jumped on my chest and leaped straight to my face but only ripped by coat. Naturally, I jumped out of the way and looked at my car (about 50 feet away) and thought I could “run” away from this monster. I took 2 steps and this dog latched on to my right foot. I was absolutely in shock and do not do well in frightening situations. Sadly, I’m an abuse survivor so I suffered from PTSD as it was, so the feeling of your soul leaving your body in traumatic situations is real.

This dog was pressed onto my foot for about 6 minutes. Thankfully, I was fit at the time (not nearly to the level I’m currently at)… but I ran a steady 8 miles daily. I practiced power yoga regularly and danced for 18 of the nearly 21 years I’ve been around. I had pretty good core strength and was hopping through the parking lot, while this dog was latched onto me trying to sustain my balance while I was screaming for help. The dog dragged me towards another car which I was able to lean on. I screamed, cried, tried to flag down a passing cab, felt such intense and indescribable pain I can imagine. I recall after the cab didn’t stop when it heard blood-curdling screams for help that I may not make it. I felt weak and lightheaded and didn’t know how much longer this would go on.

Long, goury story shortened, I was rescued and rushed to the hospital for surgery. Performed while awake, I was asking the surgeon as he was repairing my severed tendon in my right foot when he’d think I’d be able to do yoga again… or run. He kinda laughed at my enthusiasm and didn’t promise me any set time, but eluded it’d be quite a long while.

I cried myself to sleep alone in my hospital bed that night. I came face to face with what could have been life or death and I knew that my overall mental and physical strength is what kept me alive. And now I’m stuck with an injury without the ability to do what I love most. I got into exercise initially to receive me of panic attacks, anxiety and bad depression.

So, it happened. I was in bed for nearly 3 months. Depressed and holding extra weight, I was determined to get back on track. March 3, 2009 I went for my first jog and nearly cried every stride I took. I had pain every step I took everyday (for about 7 years) but continued through running. A few months later, I was looking into spinning classes. Never in my life did I ever take a group fitness class, but I took my shot in the dark as indoor cycling was low impact and a serious sweat…

I walked in and met Donna, the instructor. She introduced herself and set my bike up for me. She warned me that the people in class are intense and “crazy” so just go at my own pace. I sat in the second row and then in walks women in their 40s and 50s looking HOT AS HELL rocking 6 packs and tans. I had to stay. I was dressed ridiculously with PINK loose sweatpants (joggers weren’t a ‘thing’ then) and a hoodie. I came to sweat. I left dead, defeated and excited for the next day back!

Donna became one of my closest friends, to me one of my angels sent to me. She encouraged me years later to take the test to become an instructor and begin doing this on the side, for fun. I hesitated for a bit and finally gave in when Donna went on to become a full time nurse and left the gym. No one else in my opinion delivered the passion, energy, creativity and skill this woman exuded, so she was my role model who faceted my stepping stones.

Years later, I am able to do everything I was once never thought I’d be able to go again and more. It was an extremely uncomfortable journey, more mentally than physically, but I strongly believe if I didn’t suffer through these experiences it would never have led me here to you. Thank you.

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I am passionate about motivating others to find balance of the body, mind and soul. I help women find their inner strength which will allow them to achieve any fitness goal.

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