I owe everything to Jonathan
I have Jonathan Taggart to thank for everything. Jonathan is the reason I have a trainer. Jonathan is the reason I’m writing this blog.
Jonathan and I worked together in 1998 at Oregon State. I didn’t know him well because he worked in a different department of our student newspaper, but I considered him a friend and acquaintance.
Jonathan, left, encouraged me to do Just Lose It and introduced me to my trainer, Paisley, on the right.
So imagine how surprised I was more than a decade later to see this familiar face running on the treadmill when I joined the Lloyd Athletic Club. For the first six months of my membership I worked out in the evenings without any real conviction, and I would often see Jonathan running on the treadmills when I arrived.
In December he came up to me and said, “Are you going to do Just Lose It?”
I didn’t even know what he was talking about, but after a short explanation he planted the seed in my mind. I was looking for a catalyst to change my lifestyle anyway, and this was it. Jonathan made sure. Jonathan kept after me.
Jonathan was so insistent he even told me who to train with: Paisley Ann Meekin. Being self-conscious about my weight and appearance, I wasn’t too keen on training with a female, but Jonathan kept insisting. He didn’t even give me a choice. It had to be Paisley. Pitchman, Jonathan. Pitchman.
So I think I owe everything to Jonathan. Not only did he hook me up with a trainer I thoroughly enjoy, but his insistence that I do Just Lose It has helped me lose weight and begin turning my health around. I owe the 15 pounds I’ve lost to Jonathan.
So what did I say to Jonathan tonight following my interval training? What did I say to Jonathan after he sent me an inspiring e-mail, reminding me that we have less than two weeks left? What did I say to Jonathan when he said let’s “go out with a bang” and suggested “getting up super early (~5 a.m.) the last week lifting weights every day.”
What did I say to this old friend who asked me to join him every morning — this friend who has done so much for me?
“Hell no!”
And if I win the $1,000 cash prize, Jonathan, you ain’t getting a cent.
Food Journal (click to view):
Breakfast: Lunch meat slices, half an apple, raw cashews
Snack: Perfect Foods Bar
Lunch: Protein pack at Starbucks: Hard-boiled egg, apple, grapes, cheese, small bread thing
Snack: String cheese (threw away my yogurt after I noticed it had expired)
Dinner: Chinese-style pork and half an apple
I’ve been following your blog and have to tell you…you are such a great writer! This is a nice tribute to your friend, and to all of your hard work as well. (I’m an old friend of Paisley’s…aka P$$…aka P-Dizzle…aka honestPT)
ps exipiration dates on food are pretty much crap, made up by manufacturers to ensure premium flavor for their branding purposes. Yogurt is good for at least 2 weeks past the exipration, given that it’s been refrigerated properly. I work in food banking…go figure. 🙂
Thanks, Rachel. When you put yourself out there, a compliment like yours is the best kind. I will keep your wisdom in mind the next time I open a cup of yogurt and get scared. Any other nicknames for Paisley would be much appreciated, too.
I think that picture is from the Warrior Dash. I’m doing that on September 11th at 1:00pm, you should sign up Sally!
Warrior Dash? That’s interesting. I just assumed they had been in a porta-potty that got knocked over.