Meet The Amazing Chelsea

'On The Way' is an interview series on MirrorWatching.com where we highlight persons in the process of changing their lifestyle by pursuing fitness.

This week on “On The Way’ I am excited to introduce you to the amazing Chelsea Johnson. Chelsea is my Sole Sister from Black Girls Run Atlanta, Eastside Chapter.  “We Run The Eastside!”  While I’ve been missing in action Chelsea seems to have never missed a run.  We have dubbed her the Selfie Queen because she takes the most amazing selfie style shots of the group and she is the ultimate fitness Fashionista.  She is lively and encouraging and all the things one would need as a great fitness accountability partner.  However, Chelsea has a spirited dedication that is rarely seen in people anymore and that is why I’ve decided to highlight her on ‘One The Way’

MW:  Hey Chelsea! Welcome to On The Way.  I remember when I first met you.  I had seen you around BGR Eastside but we had never talked.  One Wednesday I heard you talking about climbing up Stone Mountain at 6:30am the next day.  I was impressed and thought it would be a great next challenge, but I was a little intimidated.  Upon leaving I backed my car up to you, called you by the wrong name and asked if I could join you on the climb.  Without missing a beat you welcomed the awkward stranger and the next morning you showed me the best way to get up the mountain.  Thank you for that kindness.

CJ: Hi OTW! So glad I have the opportunity to share my fitness journey with you all! I am a 1st grade teacher and I love all things fitness! I am a dancer, runner, musician, and self-proclaimed photographer! Lol, I am usually willing to try anything once, yoga, step, swimming, anything that will give me a good sweat, cause after all movement is life!

MW:  I spoke of your dedication in the introduction and I'm super curious as to what is driving you?  You strike me as a woman on a very specific mission.

CJ:  I have always been an active person and plan on staying that way. About 4 years ago, my sister got engaged and I had to look for a gown for the ceremony. I was standing in David's Bridal almost in tears because I had to purchase a size 22 dress :o(. At that moment I told myself that I COULD DO BETTER! In college, I marched in the band playing trumpet at BCC, so that really kept my weight under control. But once I left school, I blew up! At my highest weight I was 267lbs! Overweight by my standards. I reluctantly purchased the dress and sought help for my weight. I was not going to be the biggest thing in the wedding party, lol! At that point I got on a meal plan and started working out 3 days a week in the gym. Before the wedding I had lost 30lbs! I was amazed at how good I looked and felt. My asthma was better, my blood pressure went down and I was fitting clothes I hadn't worn in years. So after the wedding I stuck to my diet, because I was curious to see how fine I could get! LOL Today I am down about 55lbs and still going! My goal right now is to get under 200lbs. That may be a lot for some, but for me it is one of my next goals!

Life is too short... Be as healthy & 

as sexy as you can be!

MW: Biggest thing at the wedding, I can hear you saying that lol. We are all motivated by something. What has been your proudest moment along your fitness journey?

CJ:  My proudest moment thus far is discovering running! I have NEVER been able to run. Not high school, college, ever! But one of my co-workers invited me out to Stonecrest to walk last fall and I fell in love with it! Walking turned into running and running turned into racing! I have already completed my 1st half marathon (13.1 miles) and I have another coming up at the end of March!  Out of all my activities that I have tried and participated in running has trimmed and shaped me the most! I still have rolls, but they are getting smaller and smaller! Lol One day they won't be there AT ALL! Black Girls Run is such a wonderful sisterhood to be a part of. I have made so many friends and relationships just by running. The best parts of my week are spent running with my Sole Sisters.

MW:  Yes, running has been a nemesis for many of us, but you have definitely conquered it. What has been the singularly most challenging obstacle you faced in changing your lifestyle and how have you overcome it?

CJ:  I am an eater! I L O V E food, Lol! I love sweets and breads. This is where I make most of my mistakes. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out what to eat and what not to eat. I kept a food journal and monitored my weight. If my weight went up I would look back to see which foods sent me in the wrong direction! I am not perfect and even 55lbs later I still make mistakes. But my rule of thumb is loose 5lbs before you decide to have that cheat meal, Lol!

"If you want to change something you

have to change something!"tweet this

MW:  How would you encourage someone who may be contemplating changing their lifestyle but may be a little apprehensive?

CJ:  A lot of our health problems stem from our weight. If you want a better quality of life you have to be aggressive about it.  If you want to change something you have to change something! Make a promise to yourself and keep it. What do you want? How are you going to get it? Make a plan and STICK TO IT!  Make an appointment with yourself and keep it. You can do it! 

MW:  Any final words of encouragement?

CJ:  My last piece of advice to all my sisters out there is find something you enjoy doing and do it! Do it and be the best at it. Life is too short to not live your life to the fullest!  Be as healthy & sexy as you can be! Love every piece of yourself!!!

Love every piece of yourself!

Thank you so much Chelsea for chatting with us and sharing your inspiring story on OTW. Congratulations on your triumphs, especially improving your health. I wish you every continuing success with your upcoming goals.

If you enjoyed the interview, have any questions and / or would like to encourage Chelsea in her journey please comment below. We love hearing from you.

Here are some additional posts you may find interesting:

4 Secrets To Making Lasting Changes In Your Life

On The Way With Lori Ingram

Wait! Don't Give Up Yet!

This post is also being shared on Workout Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Jill Conyers Fitness Friday, Small Victories Sundays Link Up and Mommy Monday Blog Hop