In an inspiring journey, Lisa Turner, a single mother from Cleveland, Ohio, transformed her life to teach her daughter the invaluable lesson that anything is achievable. At 35 years old and weighing 395 pounds, Lisa faced a moment that many mothers dread: her daughter began grappling with self-esteem issues. Struggling to find the right words to uplift her child, Lisa recognized that actions would speak louder than words. Thus, she took her first steps—literally—into a healthier lifestyle.
“I realized that to help her appreciate her worth, I needed to first recognize my own,” Lisa shared in an interview. Facing the challenge head-on, she began her running journey. Initially, she could barely run for 20 seconds, but determined not to give up, she gradually increased her stamina. “It was tough, but the more I pushed myself, the easier it became,” she recounted. “You just have to commit to doing the hard stuff.”
Eventually, Lisa built her confidence to the point of signing up for a triathlon—yes, a triathlon! “I used to think my weight was a barrier to being worthy of love and respect,” she explained. “I wanted to set an example for my daughter, not just in words but in action.” Lisa didn’t stop there; she later completed a half-marathon, all while weighing 330 pounds and sporting a vibrant running skirt that showcased her fierce spirit.
“Doing the hard stuff” has now become a mantra for both Lisa and her daughter, who recently participated in a one-mile mud run. “Whenever we face something daunting, we remind each other that we tackle the hard stuff together,” Lisa said. It’s crucial for children to learn that facing challenges not only builds resilience but also offers immense personal rewards.
Lisa’s path was not without obstacles. From having her expensive racing bike stolen—she found a used bike for just $30—to enduring a back injury and even arm surgery, she has faced numerous challenges. Yet, when confronted with negativity, such as body shaming, Lisa stands tall. “When someone tries to belittle me, I remind myself that I’m a triathlete and a half-marathon finisher. Those accomplishments can’t be taken away,” she asserted.
Though Lisa has shed 132 pounds, she emphasizes that weight loss is not her primary motivation. “My goals have shifted; it’s not about the numbers on a scale. It’s all about the journey,” she explained. This mindset is something she consciously instills in her daughter. “We never discuss weight or calories. Instead, we focus on enjoying nutritious foods and living a fulfilling life. It’s vital for her to understand the value of her body, especially during these formative years.”
So, what’s on the horizon for Lisa? She has her sights set on even bigger challenges: “I want to complete an Ironman, climb a mountain, and run a full marathon, plus tackle a Ragnar race.” For those unfamiliar, the Ragnar race is a grueling 200-plus mile relay that teams of runners complete over two days and one night. Go, Lisa! We’ll catch up with you at the hotel pool on day three.
Lisa Turner serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all that the journey of self-acceptance and growth transcends mere numbers on a scale. As she puts it, “I love my life! I can’t imagine it any other way. I embrace my body’s capabilities and didn’t wait for a specific size to appreciate it. My presence as a non-traditional athlete shows others that they too can achieve their hard stuff.”
In summary, Lisa’s story is a powerful reminder that actions can teach our children valuable lessons about self-worth and resilience. By embodying perseverance and positivity, she’s equipping her daughter with the tools to navigate life’s challenges while embracing a healthy body image.
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