This week the Stronger U Member Spotlight is shining down on Christina Churchill, who is coached by Coach Josh Citron.
What’s your name? (First and last names, pretty please)
Christina Churchill
Tell us a little about you in 5 sentences or less. Where are you from? Are you a parent? What are your hobbies? Anything unique about your life that you want to share?
I am from Beacon, NY (north of NYC) I have one son. My hobbies include running/triathlon, playing cello and crocheting. I have the ability to find an appropriate song lyric for situations and try to insert them into my conversations to see if anyone notices. 🙂
What led you to join Stronger U?
I had signed up for my first half Ironman in August 2018 and realized early that I could not bull through the distance or fake my way through it. At the end of August 2017, I did my first Olympic distance and physically had gone into it hurt (back injury), not as prepared as I should have been and carrying around enough extra weight to make each mile run at the end of the race extremely painful. I was the last person to finish my race, but I FINISHED HAPPY, in pain and motivated to make a change.
What dieting experience have you had previous to Stronger U? Was there a reason you were or were not successful? Why did you stop?
My dieting experience range from Weight Watchers to fad diets. Some diets were too restrictive. Some diets were not restrictive enough. I was not successful because I would lose interest in it. The plan did not change when I changed. There was not enough support. I stopped when I felt it was not working and the scale did not budge anymore
It’s clear Stronger U worked for you. Why do you think Stronger U worked so well when other programs or diets may have not?
I feel the difference is the approach. There is a simple plan of attack; weekly macro goals based on my goals-weight loss and training for my race, one-on-one support, the community on social media that offers support, encouragement and to let you know you are not the only one who struggles or succeeds.
Can you give some insight on your eating habits BEFORE joining Stronger U?
I thought I was eating healthy. I never measured or weighed my food. When training, I over-fueled prior and ate whatever I wanted after. Until I started tracking, I had no idea how many calories, carbs, fats or protein I was eating.
Now that you’ve joined Stronger U, how have your eating habits changed?
I am more aware of what I am eating. I do not over portion. Working with Josh, he has helped me with fueling my endurance workouts properly so I can complete the workout and not be so hungry after that I make poor choices.
If you exercise or train for a sport, what does a typical week look like? Did Stronger U have any impact in your decision to start exercising or training for a sport?
Currently, I am in the remaining 4 weeks of my training for my half Ironman, my training is anywhere between 7-9 hours per week with my long, endurance training done on weekends. 3 runs, 3 bikes and 2 swims a week (run/bike brick workouts included)
How much weight did you lose with Stronger U?
18.5 lbs
How did your waist measurements change with Stronger U?
5 inches
What were 3 major non-scale victories you experienced with Stronger U?
1) Completing my first half marathon post-injury 2) I had to purchase smaller clothes 3) Getting compliments from my friends that I am “Looking Good”
Has your change in body weight or composition improved other areas of your life? If so, explain what areas and how.
Yes! Losing weight has changed how I view myself overall. When you have seen yourself as a “fat” person for most of your life, and finally not feeling or thinking that way on a daily basis feels amazing!
Are there any tips or advice you’d give to new members of Stronger U to help them succeed early on?
Planning is key. Plan for the plan to have to change occasionally. If you mess up, just get back to it. Try not to punish yourself. Talk to your coach; They can’t help you unless they know what is going on.
If someone is thinking about joining Stronger U, what would you tell them?
Join!
