Bill Phillip's | Transformation

I Am

My life is changed by my dream. Many people look at the challenges they have in life and get scared with the unknown. I learned early to embrace the changes in my life as a sweet journey to my dream. You see I once weighed 450lbs. I had smoked for 33 years. I had other challenges also. In early 2005, I came to hard realization. I was setting myself up for an early demise. I couldn’t climb a staircase without being out of breath. I couldn’t even play with my granddaughter without being exhausted. My mother was 54 when she died of diabetic shock. I was 47 when I made my decision. On night I looked at myself in the mirror and saw what was to be if I kept on the same path I was on. I knew I had to make the decision to change. The next day I sought out help. I knew I needed to find my path in life. I threw my pack of cigarettes and lighter in the trash. I struggled everyday learning new things about getting healthy. It took me 21 days to finally get in the habit of a healthy lifestyle. I did not only change my eating, and exercise habits. But I also did not allow negative things to permeate my life. I read inspirational books. I listened to positive people. I wrote my mission statement and goals for life. I could read them often. What a way to start the day! I decided to overcome a childhood fear. When I was eight years old, I drowned in the ocean. I was so afraid of the water that I could not stick my face in it. After two years of lesson, I can swim miles. I love the water now. It was time to challenge myself further. In June of 2006, I was privileged to lead a team of my co-workers in the Lighten Up Wisconsin Challenge. We placed first out of 577 teams with a fantastic 18% total team weight loss. I’m very proud to have been a part of that team. The great thing about it is they are still living the lifestyle changes. I continued to lose weight myself. My first years weight loss was 148 lbs. I knew then I had to set my sights higher. I committed myself to becoming a triathlete. Not just any triathlete, I wanted to become an Ironman. In June of 2007, I was the team captain of another group of my co-workers in the Lighten Up Wisconsin Challenge. This time we did not place first. We placed second out of over 1500 teams. I’m so proud of their accomplishments. I see them everyday. And I see success in their faces. Ever since that day, I’ve committed my life to training for the Ironman. I wanted to do it in 2007. As it got closer I realized I wasn’t ready. You see I did not just want to start the Ironman. I wanted to finish. The Ironman is grueling day of punishment to your body and soul. You start out with a 2.4 mile swim. Then you get on your bike and ride for 112 miles. After all that is done, you run a 26.2 mile marathon. You have 17 hours to complete the course. Since the beginning of my journey, I’ve lost 170 lbs. I’ve run in numerous races. However my journey is not complete. This year is the most challenging yet. I will have many days of training. I will run several races this year to include a marathon. And I will do my Ironman triathlon in 2009. I will do each of these things with a smile on my face. The most important thing about living your dream is the journey. If my story has inspired you to change, get a dream. Move it from your head into your heart. That will give you the power to live your own Ironman dream. Jim Terrell

My Favorite Charity

Leukemia Lyphoma Society's TEAM IN TRAINING

To me, Transformation Means

It means to me so much. The inspiration that I've received through transformation has pushed me to new heights. I've learned that there are no limits on what I can do. My dream drives me. Transformation gave me the vehicle

My Goals

My Health and Fitness Goals 2008 Short Term Goals:0 to 6 months 1. Lose 3 to 5lbs of weight a week. 2. Increase my fitness by 40% monthly. 3. Be under 200lbs by September, 2008. Mid Term Goals: 6 to 12 months 1. Continue with goals of 3 to 5lbs loss per week and fitness increase of 40% monthly. 2. Cycle 100 miles a week. 3. Run 60 miles a week. 4. Participate in the North Face Endurance Run in October 2008 5. Participate with Team in Training at the Arizona Rock and Roll Marathon Jan 2009 Long Term Goals: 12 to 24 months 1. Continue with all the above goals. 2. Participate in the 2009 Wisconsin Ironman

My Intentions

My Wellness Vision My wellness vision for the next year is to create the healthy habits that lead to a lifestyle, which is an example to all. I want to be a role model for all that wish to change their lives through my own actions.

Who I'd Like to Inspire

I would like to live long enough to inspire my 3 little granddaughters to achieve the most out of life. I want them to do this by setting an example for others in their actions

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