As the holiday comes near and 2012 comes close to an end it’s tough to think of 2012 as anything other than an amazing year for myself. I have put myself out in the public eye to share my story in hopes to inspire others to make a change in their life for the better. It’s even difficult to not get emotional thinking about accomplishments that I have made throughout this year. I am truly blessed to have found that inner spark that exists in all of us to start a flame that has turned into a burning fire of desire to improve my health and fitness levels. Think about what you want to accomplish in 2013, map a plan to reach for those goals. Set yourself up with the right support groups to make the goals possible and plan on putting in the hard work to reap the rewards of your challenges.I now know that anything is possible!
 |
| 13.1 Done! |
Not long after I found FNS (Fitness Never Sleeps) I met a truly wise soul. She is mature beyond her years and inspires many of the athletes that work out there to go after their goals and work hard to improve. Her name is Meg and as I walked into FNS for a workout she threw out the challenge of a Half Marathon that was about 3-4 weeks away from that date. She was running it as part of a goal that she set in the beginning of the year, 12 races in 12 moths! Yes, she is part Rock Star! Me being the overzealous, ambitious and crazy person that I am, quickly said YES!
 |
| Meg, Jess and I before the half marathon. |
The next few days I was filled with regret and searching for an excuse to exit. I had never ran 13.1 miles in fact at that point I had not even hit the 10 mile mark on any of my runs. What the hell was I thinking? The other thing was that I had signed up for a Santa Run 5K that was the following day.… I am a man of my word so I slapped myself in the face and started training. Running and more running through the neighborhood around the high school track and on a trail near my home all the while continuing my workouts in the gym. The weekend quickly came and I found myself on the Friday night before more nervous than I expected. With little sleep due to nerves the morning came and I met with Meg and Jess another FNSer and we headed for the race location. It was cold – so cold it reminded me of my home state of Colorado during those lovely winter months. We gathered at the starting line and off we went, running and running and running- you get the point… I ran the whole thing never stopping to walk. I didn’t break any land speed records but my goal was to work with a pace that I could manage for the entire race. Both Meg and Jess never left my side for the entire 13.1 miles and they pushed me all the way to the finish line. I know that finishing was really the only the important thing but if you have been reading my blog for a while or know me personally, then you know I am very competitive and always seeking to improve. I set a personal goal of 2 hours and 45 mins from start to finish. I can say that with the help of Meg and Jess I crossed the finish line in 2:44 mins!
 |
| Will & I before the Santa5K! |
As I crossed the finish line there stood 2/3 of my inspiration, one of my two boys and my beautiful wife. I instantly gave them both big hugs and it was an emotional moment for sure, but I had to act tough because I can’t let anyone see me cry right? 😉 My legs were more tired than I ever imagined possible. I was most certainly in pain and thought to myself there is no way I am running that 5K the next day.The night came and went, I iced my knees and woke up in pain but on a mission. The 5K was later that evening so I rested throughout the day and hit the streets of San Jose to run my second race of the weekend! I wrapped up my 5K in 31 mins and was very happy with the results!
To Meg – SUPER BIG THANK YOU! – Thank you for always pushing me and being such a motivational person! Your ambition to help others shines through in everything you do! You are a special person and a very big part of the culture that makes FNS thrive!
It’s been 7 months since I started this journey. I know I say this each time months pass but I can’t believe how far I have come. In the spirit of the Holidays I want to make sure to say thank you to several people that have played a large role in my change.
My Wife – Meghan
 |
| Meghan & I |
Thank you for always believing in me, thank you for always supporting my crazy ideas and my overly ambitious goals. You never once have limited me in anything that I have tried to do. You have always been the supportive and caring wife that I need and love. You are a truly amazing and the past seven months have been tough on my body but wonderful for my soul! I feel like as each pound came off we became closer both physically, mentally and spiritually. You are my rock, my best friend and my biggest fan, I love you!
My Boys – Eli and Mason
 |
| Me & My Boys Tasting X Mas Cookies! |
I know you are both very young and will not understand what I am writing you here but I trust that one day you will read this and understand it. Thank you for always smiling and being the most amazing and loving children I could have ever imagined. You two are my reason for living, my reasons for wanting to change. I am truly sorry that I didn’t do this sooner but I make you this promise: Your daddy will be here to show you love, support and offer guidance for as long as I can. I will never again neglect my body and health, I will make sure to focus on and teach both of you the essentials to living a healthy and rewarding life. I never want you to experience the battle of obesity. You both amaze me every day and I know that one day we will be working hard together in the gym side by side, I love you both with all my heart!
My family:
Grama Bru – You never gave up on me, always showing concern and never letting me forget that I was not on the right path. Your concern was one of the major reasons I made the choice to change. I love you and can never thank you enough.
Papa Eli – My teacher in life – Thank you for teaching me that words mean nothing without action. Your guidance and teachings in life have continued to push me to be better not just from a health perspective but as a man of God for my family. I love you pops!
California Mom – Thank you for always providing support, love and understanding. You are a very special to me and I wanted you to know that! Thank you and I will make sure that we hug next time we see each other even in you do not want to, I love you!
My friends:
Jacob – Thank you for always being ready to take on my next crazy challenge. Your attitude towards healthy living has been an big influence on me and I can’t thank you enough. I love you brother!
Brian & Will – My boys that have walked the walk! – Thank you for always being there for the emotional support. Having you on my team has made an impact that you will never understand. I am not sure that I will ever be a skinny/fit guy in my heart & mind, but with the hard work we will all get to that point physically. Just having someone understand what life was/is like as a 400+ pound man is a big part of why you to mean so much to me! I love you both like brothers
Brian Nunez – I know we have not known each other that long but the IMPACT you have had on me is unbelievable. The determination and drive that you have sweating from your pores each time I enter the gym is unparalleled to anything I have ever experienced. It’s only been a little over a month since I found FNS an already I feel like I have been there forever. Thank you for not just being a Coach, you are an inspiration and mentor. 2013 will be the best year of my life because of what we will accomplish as a team!
FNS Coaches and Athletes – Wow! That’s all I can say. Each time I step foot in our gym/sanctuary I meet new people. People that inspire me to improve, people that amaze me with their work ethic and skills! The culture is like nothing else and I am empowered each and every day that go in. The Coaches, you all understand what I am trying to accomplish and you continue to push me to do more reps/ grab a heavier weight. I thank each and every one of you and look forward to 2013!
 |
| Holiday workout @ FNS! |
To everyone one else – From family and friends to readers of this blog – Thank you all! I have had so much support that it’s difficult to name everyone individually. I truly have so much to be thankful for and so many to thank. Without the support from every one of you this would be so much more difficult than it already is. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New year!
Until Next Time – Warrior, Training for Wildflower!
Mario
Congrats Mario!
Can’t wait to see what you are going to accomplish in 2013!
Brian