Hi Shauna.

I was driving down the road the other day, looked to my left and there you were! You look fantastic and I give you every credit in the world for doing what you've done.

I myself am an overweight individual who has had a hard time lately with my weight. I moved from my home in Ontario to Alberta 1 year ago and since I didn't know anyone I became quite acquainted with my couch. I'm 40 pounds heavier now (over 200lbs) and feeling more alone than ever.

When I first saw TIO I was so happy I cried. Finally, we the overweight get a little piece of tv programming. It's amazing to know that my skinny friends watch it too!

I am sure you've heard 'good job' about a thousand times already but in your shoes I'd say 'keep it comin'. Thanks for giving me hope in my otherwise hopeless task of getting my weight off. Thanks to the show I've joined the Running Room and can run for 10 minutes now without needing an ambulance! Your courage has inspired me beyond my highest expectations.

Thanks for being you.

-Donna Kehoe

RESPONSE:

Hi Donna,

Wow, thanks for your letter! It's really great to get such positive feedback. I completely understand your frustration with weight gain... I've lived it for so long. Good for you for taking up running! The exercise will make such a huge difference in how you feel. I've been trying to mix things up a bit to keep myself interested. I alternate between running, Tae Bo, cycling, dancing and my rowing machine... I get bored quickly so it's one of my coping mechanisms! I still weigh more than I did in 10 years ago but I feel a hundred times healthier than I ever did then because I have become active. I'm sure your feeling the benefits already. Stay true to your goals... and if all else fails find a group of seven people to weigh yourself in front of every two weeks... it sure helps!!

Cheers,

Shauna