An Inspirational Story...

Stephanie Delk
Boot Camper and Boot Camp Manager

My story: I moved to Austin in 2005 at the end of a very emotional trip across the country, upset and 100 lbs heavier. I tried every weight loss method out there to lose the excess weight: low carb, low calorie, low taste. I tried Slim Fast and craved sugar. I went to a local weight loss clinic with my parents, who lost a collective 140 lbs (Way to go Mom and Dad!). I did the South Beach Diet. I signed up for the gym, but it doesn't work if you don't go. Personal training was expensive, and a lot of trainers I met with (three) didn't seem prepared for anything except collecting a check.

I felt out of control. I was binge eating and feeling completely worthless and enormous. I was convinced I was going to suffer through life at 253 pounds.

Taking control: I saw an ad online advertising A New Day Hypnosis. I met with Laura Day, and she really helped me get focused on what I wanted. The hypnosis sessions helped curb my cravings and helped me realize that I needed to start a work out regime to accompany my newfound self-control.

I found a boot camp that was just starting downtown and signed up for a couple free lessons. The indoor location was small, cramped and hot. The classes were disappointing. A lot of yelling, no focus on form and it seemed that the majority of the people in class were looking for a quick fix to losing the weight. For most of the class the bodybuilder coaches herded us around the room in a circle, screaming at us to run faster.

I signed up for 10 classes because it was inexpensive, and I was desperate to get some kind of routine to stick. Before the first class there was a "family emergency" and the boot camp dissolved, my money in tow, never to be heard from again. I was devastated. I was just committing to a healthy lifestyle and here I was being derailed.

Getting back on track: I found an ad online from Stephanie McDonald offering all of the people that had been cheated a chance to try out Austin Adventure Boot Camp. I looked up the website and was pleased to find that the location was much closer to my house (an important fact when driving at 5 am).

My first class was challenging but Stephanie and the other women were very supportive. I was tired -- no, I was exhausted. (Keep in mind I had been leading a pretty sedentary lifestyle until about a week before my first Austin Adventure Boot Camp class, I was a champion couch surfer.) After that first class I was in all kinds of pain, but I felt empowered. I knew that if I kept going there was nothing that could stop me from losing the weight.

Success: The first time I "ran" the mile was miserable. I got shin splints. I got cramps. I couldn't breathe. I don't know what I was thinking -- I couldn't even run the mile when I was in elementary school doing the President's Challenge. I maybe ran about a tenth of a mile before I slowed to a jog. By the time I was three quarters of the way through, my legs were aching so badly I started to cry. I snuffled across the finish line, aching and crying and disappointed in myself for letting my weight get so out of control. Stephanie was there at the finish line, 16 minutes and 37 seconds later, assuring me that it would get better.

The women in class were supportive and made sure that I knew that the first mile time is just a starting point. It would improve. I would feel better. I just had to keep moving. At the end of my first camp, I had cut almost 5 minutes off my run time and I had lost 7 pounds. A month later after two more camps, I had lost 20 more pounds.

Near the end of March 2007, I start using one of the Austin Adventure Boot Camp meal plans. Getting into the habit of eating completely healthy and in the right portions was a bit difficult at first, but with a little planning I lost another 13 pounds in just three weeks. I went to a friend's wedding in April and for the first time in a very long time I was too small to shop at the Plus size store for the first time in over two years.

When I started camp in October of 2006, I was wearing a plus size 20/22. At my high school reunion in June, I wore a regular size 12.

What made me do it: I have been fat and I have been thin. I was happier and healthier thin. I was tired of ducking out of photos. Tired of looking at a closet full of clothes that I couldn't fit into. My friend's have kids that I was too tired to play with. My family medical history is riddled with diabetes and heart problems, which are related to the whole weight issue.

How I did it: Austin Adventure Boot Camp 5 days a week. Cutting out the crazy amount of sugar I was eating. Less candy more salad. Drinking less (but better).

The key to success: Austin Adventure Boot Camp is a big part of how I lost the weight and kept it off. I was finally held accountable for my work out. I was finally pushed to improve. I feel so strongly about the ability of Stephanie McDonald and the trainers at Austin Adventure Boot Camp that I decided to work here. I love being a part of this great supportive community.

The best part: Being able to put jeans on right out of the dryer without having to dance around the room to zip them. Watching the X drop out from in front of the L. Being able to hold plank for over 4 minutes. Running with my friends at camp.

Check out Stephanie's webpage: stephaniedelk.com