nancy stafford

nancy lost 58 pounds and ran a marathon.

Nancy Stafford’s story will sound familiar to many people at the start. She was working 12 to14 hours a day and not taking care of herself when a doctor told her she had to change something or she would develop serious health problems. She knew she had to lose weight, and she knew exercise would be a part of it - but “it took me two months to get up the courage to walk in the gym the first time.” But in April of 2005 she walked into a 24 Hour Fitness and got started with a trainer. She was amazed to see that she met her initial goal of losing 30 pounds within four months. So she set a goal to lose another 30 pounds. The results? “One year after starting the training program, my body and mind were transformed.” She lost 58 pounds, went from a size 16 to a 6, and lowered her cholesterol from 227 to 160. As if all that weren’t enough, in October of 2006, she ran the Long Beach Marathon in four hours and four minutes.

Story Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Anonymous's picture

Great job!! you look great.. keep it up!!

Posted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 09:55

Fran morphy (not verified)

Fran morphy's picture

You've done a great job! A trainer is the way to go.You should be very proud of yourself

Posted by Fran morphy (not verified) on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 07:08

Kristin (not verified)

Kristin's picture

Wow. You are my inspiration. I work for 24 Hour Fitness and yes, you would think with Fitness at our Fingertips we would all be in great shape. Well, we're not. We're regular people trying to juggle life, including our jobs. About four years ago I decided to make a change and I actually went into our gym, signed up for personal training and 6 months later had lost 56 lbs and dropped to a size 6. Here we are 4 years later, and I'm back to a size 16. Yesterday we were introduced to our new 12MillionLives campaign here at our corporate office and yesterday I made the decision to 'do this again' and for the last time. I joined a marathon walking/running group and will begin my six days at the gym again now. I opened up the site this morning and there you were. My role model. Hopefully in 6 months, I will be able to inspire someone, even just one person and 'pay it forward'. Thank you for sharing your story.

Posted by Kristin (not verified) on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 07:52

Nancy Stafford (not verified)

Nancy Stafford's picture

Thanks for all of the nice comments.

I am still amazed that I was able to do this and completely change my life. Plus, I am also pleasantly surprised to be inclueded with the athletes.

I don't have an athletic background, but I guess your athletic career can begin at any time in life. For me, it began at age 40.

I ran my first half marathon in March 2006 (which was a huge goal after losing all of the weight). Since then, I have run 7 half marathons and two full marathons.

Nancy

Posted by Nancy Stafford (not verified) on Thu, 05/08/2008 - 10:35

Brad (not verified)

Brad's picture

I have been a witness to Nancy's transformation and not only is it amazing, it's for real. She has continued her healthy ways and recently completed another marathon...keep up the good work, Nancy!

Posted by Brad (not verified) on Thu, 05/08/2008 - 11:32

I was a 10, had a baby who is now 7 months and I am a 16. i have been working sooooooo hard since he was 2 months to lose weight. I was 165 before pregnancy (I'm 5'8). 238 at 9 months pregnant. I am now at 200. I have been at this weight for like 2 months despite of 7 days a week cardio 3x a week weights and a great diet (for atleast 5 days of week). Im getting frustrated because despite the amount of weight I have lost so far..I am still a size 16. 7 months at a size 16.. ughghghghgh. I am not lying either when I say working my butt off everyday to loose it. So very hard.

Posted by bigolbutt on Thu, 10/01/2009 - 22:01