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Introduction Text My name is Tia and I live in Tampa, FL. Wherever you are in your journey, please don't give up! Revamp, restart, rejuvenate, but don't quit! Time and consistency are so key! I've had several ups and downs but never allowed myself to get back to where I started. I started my Healthy Lifestyle Journey in Dec. 2008 when I realized "I'm 40 and I'm fat!", and joined SP in Jan. 2009 and I haven't looked back since! I have met all my goals and continue to lead a healthy lifestyle! I achieved my goal size of going from Size 14 to 4 in September 2009 and have maintained so far give or take a few pounds here and there! My first goal was to run a 15k, since that was the last race I had run back in 1996 (when I was in my 20's and somewhat fit). Completed that 2-28-09! Never would have thought at that time that exactly a year later I would run a complete 26.2 mile Marathon. But on 2/28/2010, I did and even ran the entire way! I couldn't believe it, it was such an emotional moment for me, and especially to have done it with my husband. I've since run 9 more fulls and a total of 118 Half Marathons. This July, I'll run my 11th marathon with a goal to qualify for the 2019 Boston Marathon. I completed my first Figure Competition July 2010. I had NEVER worn a bikini in public before this and now I stepped on stage in front of 1,000 people in a teeny bikini. This was be my "Pinnacle Goal" in my weight loss journey, but not the end of my healthy lifestyle! I already have other goals I'm setting my sights on after the competition. While I have no desire to compete again, it was a great experience. I am now a Certified Running Coach and help others start from the 5k distance to Marathon. I've helped hundreds of people cross the finish line and enjoy it so much! I coach virtually, so my clients are all over the country! My Spark Video from start to my first Half-Marathon 11-2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJV2Vbh3bx0 Featured on Local Fox News on 8-11-2010: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=804652941&v=app_2392950137#!/video/video.php?v=1322007064422 Featured in 7/2011 First For Women magazine Featured in Dec 2011/Jan 2012 Ebony magazine People ask what's been the key to my weight loss. I'm no expert, but this is what's worked for me and what I've learned: 1) Deciding to never diet, but to have a healthy lifestyle, and part of that by tracking everything I eat and workout (good or bad). I still track diligently every day. 2) Not depriving myself, but making better choices (so there's nothing I "can't" have, there are just things I choose not to have, or not to have much of. 3) Preparation. You can make excuses or lead a healthy lifestyle but you can't do both. Gladware should become your best friend. Take a day or two and prepare your food. Grill a bunch of meat, chop veggies, portion it and put it in ready to take containers. That way, when you leave the house, you grab and go! 3) Always having a goal and telling everyone about it so I couldn't get out of it. I started with doing a 15k, and continue to set goals. 4) Measure each month. I didn't use the scale as my biggest indicator, I measured and did body fat testing. The scale goes up and down constantly sometimes which can be frustrating, but as long as I was doing the right things with my exercise and nutrition, the numbers eventually went down, but the inches lost always gave me encouragement! THINGS I'VE LEARNED ABOUT EATING RIGHT: 1) Always eat within an hour of waking to start the metabolism 2) Never go more than 4 hours without eating 3) Have protein with every meal 4) Stay away from processed foods - Eat CLEAN! 5) Watch my sodium intake to stay under 2,000mg a day 6) Drink lots and lots of water! 7) When going out to eat, look up the menu AHEAD of time and look up nutrition on items and pick what I want. This will eliminate cravings at the restaurant. Enjoy the journey!

In the beginning 2009 my goal was to just wear single digit sizes. I accomplished that and more by going from size 14 to size 4. I have now maintained my goal for over two years and my focus is to be an example to help others reach their goals.

Cardio 4-5 days a week, including 3-4 days of running. I'll cross train by doing a Spin Class or another cardio machine. Strength Train 3-4 days a week doing split body workouts. During the winter/spring I love to run. During the summer/early fall I love to focus on building muscle so I become a gym rat. Then come late fall, running season again! Eat Clean 90% of the time.

I'm 49 and live in Tampa, FL. Married to a wonderful man for over 27 yrs, no kids. I am a Spiritual Coach for anyone who is seeking truth from Yahweh's Word the Bible. I am always a student of His Word as well. My Coaching Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/TIATraininginActi on/ I work for myself helping others with finances. (www.primerica.com/tiapettygrue), and I love life!!!

My spiritual life is the most important to me. I worship the almighty God Yahweh and am thankful and blessed his son Yahshua died for our sins. I love reading the Bible while doing cardio!

Add a Link - Tia Praise Yahweh for each day! Co-Leader Spark Tampa Team Personal Running Bests: 5k: 24:53 (10/10) 10k: 53:00 (9/10) 15k: 1:26 (4/10) Half Marathon: 1:49 (2/12) Full Marathon: 4:02 (1/11) 1st Triathlon (6/12) Featured in 12/2011 Ebony Magazine. Online Nutrition Coach: Ruben (Sparkname FLEXCHEF) @ Fit To Be In Your Kitchen. Yummy food, eat to lose, learn for life!!!
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