By the time I was in 9th grade, I was over 200 lbs. I battled weight my entire life - I know what it's like to be the heavy kid everyone teases in the locker room. I was always picked last for most sports activities. I know how lonely and painful being overweight is. I tried most fad diets and exercise equipment over the course of 20 years, my weight always fluctuating but never falling below 200.
On my 30th birthday, I peaked at 250 lbs. My back always ached, my knees and ankles were always sore, and most exercise was extremely uncomfortable. I had never run further than a mile - and at that distance, I was sure I was going to die. From there the uphill battle began. For the next 5 years, I made small, sustainable changes to my diet and lifestyle. Now, at 37, and 80 lbs lighter, I have 4 half marathons, a 25k, two full marathons, and an Ironman 70.3 Boulder under my belt. I now have a true passion for fitness and healthy living, and I love sharing that passion with others! Which is why I pursued and obtained my Personal Trainer Certification last year through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and at the beginning of this year, I started Run Wild Fitness here in Anchorage. I want to help others take the first step, and help those already headed in the right direction to achieve levels of performance they never thought possible! Derek Ford
Owner/Trainer
