GOLO Guest Post: James

The flow of positive change GOLO introduced into my Lifestyle

By: James A. Rohloff

As this is, my first attempt to express in words the impact GOLO has had on my life, please bear with me if I venture off into tangents or side thoughts, I will attempt to stick to the point.

Flat out, 2010 was a very tough year for me. I had broken my right clavicle in the summer of 2009 playing sports and put on close to forty pounds. I lost my employment of 12 years with a company I started my career with and where I very much enjoyed working. I was in an unhealthy relationship that was pulling me down and not lifting me up. All these events set the context for my frame of mind as I approached the beginning of 2011, where something in me just snapped. I needed a change; I had had enough of these “current” circumstances.

I was frustrated with being exhausted going up steps, I was annoyed eating food that just made me more tired, I was disgusted by my wardrobe of clothes that were very unflattering on me. I was tired of the circumstances and the decisions I had made that got me to this dreadful place in my life. I was finally ready to do something about it, and accepted that I needed to take action, no one else would; it was up to me. So began the journey that continues to this very day.

As an early adopter of GOLO in 2011, I decided to set a goal that seemed so ridiculous and impossible to me at the time since I was barely able to run a quarter mile without gasping for air and shin splints; complete the Broad Street Run, a 10-mile race held in Philadelphia in early May. The stage was set, the goal in place, and I was ready to make it happen mentally. As I reflect back now, I see clearly that the hurdles I allowed to block me were of my own doing. My own thinking, my own brain was holding me back from reaching my goals or achieving greater accomplishments.

GOLO not only helped me change this “stinking” thinking, they helped me swing my vantage point and push to approach things with a new vision, a new way of looking at the same old problems I had faced with my diet, exercise and overall life engagement. At first, the commitment was incredibly challenging. The change in diet, or how I even approached food took time to adjust to; the exercise made my body hurt every day. I struggled with getting up out of bed and with my commute but with the encouragement of my peers and friends, I stayed the course.

Then things started to change. I began to have more energy than I had had in years. The recovery time from my exercise program started to shorten and my body started to be able to perform better. The length of my runs increased, I was able to do more and more. The weight I was able to lift increased, I felt stronger, healthier and happier as these changes lifted and elevated my outlook on life in general. My friends almost immediately noticed the changes in both my attitude and my body. As compliments and encouragement began to flow, it just continued to build on the good feelings and motivated me even more.

As it so happens, I was able to reach that “crazy” goal and ran my first Broad Street race in May 2011, then again in May 2012. I challenged myself with other physical activities in 2013, 2014, and 2015 before deciding to make this my staple race, as this race changed my life so positively. I ran again in 2016, 2017, 2018 and this past May 2019, making it six completed races in total. Each year I made improvements and this year was the most dramatic, reducing my overall time by over ten minutes.

If you can take anything away from this, remember that YOU CAN DO THIS! Set goals, push yourself, get back up if you stumble and fall. We are all in this together and here to support each other. We are a community.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and best wishes on your GOLO journey.

#mygolojourney

Visit GOLO.com to access all the weight loss tools GOLO has to offer!

1-800-730-GOLO(4656) support@golo.com

GOLO is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any illness or disease. This blog provides general information and discussion about health and wellness related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. GOLO encourages you to consult a doctor before making any health changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition. All opinions and articles linked to and from this page are those of the individuals concerned and do not necessarily represent those of GOLO, LLC or its employees. No responsibility can be accepted for any action you take or refrain from taking as a result of viewing this page. GOLO will not be liable for any errors, losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.