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While summer was in full bloom, I received a call from good friend Michael Marazulli, who on this day was calling about someone in need of help. She was there with him, and he told me she was looking at my before picture from more than 20 years ago. We chatted, and she made it clear she was committed to getting in shape, losing weight and re-inventing herself.
Sunny and I hit it off from the beginning. I walked into Chickie’s & Pete’s Crab House to meet this warm, sweet and adorable women with a larger-than-life personality. I doubt I will ever call her "mom," like the staff she manages at the restaurant, but I quickly became one of her many fans. When we began to talk about short- and long-term goals, she shared that her dream is to finish the Breast Cancer 3-Day, which benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure, in October 2009. This was a realistic and attainable and we would have a year to work on it. She wanted to walk in honor of her son, John, who died many years ago. Sunny wears his picture around her neck every day, and I could tell how much she loves him.
Since the first encounter, Sunny and I have been meeting twice a week for training. In our first session, I kept an open mind as to what to expect and she surpassed my expectations as we walked two miles. It was the hottest day of the summer, but she did it.
We also began working on eating habits, and I found out late-night snacking was a problem because of stress. The plan was to change things slowly and the weight has come off.
I am proud to say, as of last week, Sunny has lost 26 pounds. Even better is her fitness level. She is power-walking those miles, running the steps at The Lakes and we just incorporated — dare I say it — boxing. Sunny boxes with me for 15 minutes after step-climbing. She’s not a kid and her progress truly inspires me. It proves how small changes with a firm commitment can bring about real success.
Debra Mazda is an exercise physiologist and the creator of ShapelyGirl Fitness, which released "Let’s Get Moving," a low-impact cardio workout available at www.debramazda.com. Contact her at debra@debramazda.com.
