AN INTERVIEW WITH RUNNER, KELLY TABOR, FOR THE MY JOURNEY STORY SERIES.
LAC: When did you decide to start making your health a priority (what or whom inspired this decision) and what were your goals?
Kelly: I decided to make my health a priority four short years ago after I was diagnosed with a rare disease. Being only 21 at the time, I realized that our bodies need to be taken care of in order to live a long, fulfilling life. My initial goals were simply to eat better and exercise, but I’ve developed new goals since then! Now I wish to be strong, healthy, and constantly challenging myself to something new.
LAC: How did you get started and what did you do to improve your health?
Kelly: Even though my goals started out very basic, I didn’t have the slightest idea of how to get started. Being a young college student, financially I wasn’t able to pay someone to help me. So, like I imagine most people would, I checked the internet. I quickly found that the sources on the internet frequently contradicted each other and I didn’t know which site had the trustworthy information. Finally, I decided to look for a part-time job in a gym to connect with people who would have the accurate information I was looking for. Thus began my career with LAC and journey towards a healthier lifestyle…
LAC: How did you stay motivated and what was the biggest challenge?
Kelly: The biggest challenge is by far keeping motivation! My coworkers and the members of LAC have consistently been my motivation. Despite being surrounded daily by these people who help to motivate me, it is still hard to STAY motivated at times. I cannot imagine how much more difficulty this may be to others who don’t have the luxury of finding motivation at their workplace. Whenever I feel defeated, I talk to a member to the staff about it. The times when I don’t feel like telling about my defeat, I’ll simply ask someone else how their progress is going. I’ve noticed that even though their goals may differ from mine, the struggle is still same! Hearing how they are getting through their bumps in the road (because you know they have had them, too!) inspires me to do the same for myself.
LAC: What positive changes did you see in your life and what did you learn throughout this process?
Kelly: I am overall a healthier person. I feel better, sleep better, have more energy, and am overall a more positive person. I’ve also become less concerned with how I look, and focus more on how I feel. Throughout this process the most important thing that I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help! Everyone has been a beginner t some point, and the professionals that work in the health and wellness industry chose their career specifically to be an aid to others!!
LAC: Final Thoughts? Is there anything else you would like share about your story?
Kelly: If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be to not be afraid to reach out to someone for motivation, help with form, nutrition, whatever! Never has any one told me I didn’t have what it takes, or that my goals were too lofty. I’m very thankful that LAC has nurtured such a welcoming and encouraging environment.
Kelly Tabor is the Assistant General Manager and Corporate Wellness Director at our Louisville Athletic Club in J-town. She has been with the company for four years.