Ellen - A Hero from my perspective-backstage

Ellen said we've known each other since about 16 years of age. That sounds so much better than the quarter century that I have considered Ellen as one of my best friends. She also happens to be one of the smartest people I know. I can talk to her about anything and everything. She was the only person that could successfully make me drive 5km under the speed limit the entire way home from school which took forever. At least I had her company to calm the boredom. That was a quarter century ago.

 

 

 

 

Training for The Spartan/Warrior Dash

It wasn't just Ellen I was drawn to. Her little sister became my little sister I never had and her parents became my extended parents. I would enjoy helping them out when I could and watching her Dad swing and chip golf balls in the car port. Being that Ellen lived only a few minutes from my house I would take any opportunity to go over and hang with the "hot smart girl". This was long before kids and marriage so I was intrigued by the disciplined nature I experienced in Ellen. She was so mature, restrained and wise beyond her years. I was the exact opposite. Hyper, immature and without a care in the world. That was who I was when I met Ellen.

I know I've always had a love affair for fitness and wellness to a lesser degree. (Knowing the difference between those two is hard for many people.) Even at an early age I thought a great way to connect with people was through activity. My thinking was that if we could connect physically and intellectually at this level then we would be better for it many years to come...it so happens...I was right.

Ellen and I would go to the gym then probably put the calories right back on with our food runs! But we bonded and enjoyed activity which is extremely important as we personally developed and matured but also as we start to set examples for our children and families in the future. I went back and looked at the email from Ellen. It was hilarious. Remember I said Ellen is one of the smartest and very educated person's in my life but to hear the "justified reasons" she came up with and how long it took her to respond initially when she asked for some tips from me would give anyone hope. I think people always think their situation is so much worse or harder. This includes Ellen, myself and all of my wellness Hero's.

 

"Mi Familia"

Fast forward several years, add spouses (just one each) and children and I get an email from Ellen in 2008. Yes Ellen...that was 6 years ago!  Initially I almost laughed when Ellen wanted to lose some weight because she was always the tiniest little thing. But as a mom, she wanted to lose some of the mommy weight that had not disappeared yet. How hard or how disciplined she was is an entirely different story.

One thing that she figured out quickly is that motivation usually comes after the action and decision are made and repeated several times.


When I told Ellen what she needed to do to lose the last 10 pounds she immediately explained the limitations of kids, life etc.

"I was hoping for something a little less structured as my kids make it difficult for me"

This was August 13 2008. By Aug 15,2008 Ellen had decided she would properly go through ALL the information.

"fine, i'll read the attachments all the way through, but no guarantees yet :P"

The next day she started.

" Ok I did session 1 of week 1.  Stupidly in the HOT blazing sun. But did it!!!  As for the measurements and stuff I did write it down but am hesitant to send it off...  But will check in once a week with you to update you on my progress. Stocked up on veggies... I'm going to give this 6 weeks!! A little nervous and excited."

One week after starting her commitment this was Ellen's result.

"Hey Ray

Did my first weigh in. Lost 3 lbs!!! And average about 1" loss on all the various body measurements."

2 Weeks after the excuse laden start Ellen had lost fat steadily and was fitting into jeans she hadn't worn for years.

"I just slipped into a pair of pants that I haven't worn since before having kids!!!!!  I'm soooo excited."

 

 

Ellen's kid's and C3 Wellness youth ambassadors and models (watch the video below)

By early Sep 2008 she was continuing to let me know that she was addicted to running and exercising.

"I'm so excited Ray!  I'm so glad you pushed in this thing. Now I feel like I'm running on adrenaline :)"

Mid September saw Ellen share the measurements and numbers that she was unwilling to share initially. It is amazing how results builds confidence!

 

Justin finishing first out of all kids in Vancouver Spartan/Warrior Dash! Next Gen!

The rest as they say is history. Ellen's focus and dedication to her health and wellness actually inspired several people around her to take theirs more seriously. In fact where she lives she would get people driving by while she was running and giving shout outs to the girl they thought was a just past her teens! Even though Ellen is blessed with those forever young looking Asian genes from her mother, she is a bit older than my daughter!

 

Ellen training hard and enjoying the sweet finish

Since this time Ellen has continued to baffle people I know that swear she is too young and fit looking to be a mom with two kids. She is a classic example of a woman who has not let themselves go. I think what inspires me most is the energy, enthusiasm and zest  for life that Ellen so graciously exhibits. People love being around her and she makes even the most tense situations melt into positive engagement. Ellen has been more than a friend to me for years. She's been a butt kicker, a "bro", a support pillar, a confidant, a voice of reason and the push out the plane and onto the "high dive board of life." In the end I can say that if you haven't experienced an Ellen in your life you are missing out on the kind of best friend and Hero that truly makes life worth living. Thank you Ellen for being a Hero from my perspective. To see more about what makes Ellen tick check out her blog

http://ellensmellens.blogspot.com/2014/04/c3-wellness.html