CLARKSVILLE, Tenn – Almost three years ago, Clarksville hairstylist Patty Phillips decided to take on what many would consider an impossible challenge.
EXTRA Video: Patty Phillips talks about her weight loss journey
“I wanted to lose 200 pounds,” she said. So far, she has lost 110 pounds, going from a size 28 to size 18.
The self-described “yoyo dieter” says she was at the point where it was painful for her to carry out basic daily tasks. “I tipped the scales at 357 pounds,” she said.
She remembers the moment she committed to change. “It was December 28, 2013. I decided right then, I needed to put work and everything else aside and make me, my project. I didn’t even want to wait until New Year’s Eve.”
That change included not only what food she put into her body, but also the books, podcasts and videos she consumed. Even the people she follows on Facebook became part of Patty’s process to re-train her mind to take on the challenge.
Her determination is so strong that she has committed herself to participating in the upcoming Spartan Race, October 24 at Fort Campbell.
To help her prepare, Patty added to her workouts with mentor Tammy Mazone by training with Storm Sims, an active duty soldier who is also a certified Parkour Instructor and Spartan Coach.
While there were many factors that played into her decision to get fit, she gives most of the credit to God.
“It took a lot of prayer to make me willing to get up in the morning and go work out,” she said. That’s something she has continued to do every morning for nearly three years. “I go to bed really early because now I get up at 4 in the morning.”
The journey will not end, even when she reaches her goal weight because she considers it a lifestyle change, not a diet. The biggest part of the challenge will come at the Spartan event.
Racers and spectators can preregister online on the post’s website or at www.spartan.com, or sign up the day of the race at Fort Campbell beginning at 6 a.m.